The Silk Road Expedition: Five Stans Adventure

Welcome to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in around noon. After settling in, you will meet your guide to begin your exploration of Tashkent.

Discover the historical Old City, home to the revered Khast-Imam Complex, where you can see the famed Quran of Caliph Uthman.

Explore the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi. Don’t miss the bustling ChorSu Bazaar, and enjoy a ride on the Tashkent Metro. Here, you will visit the Applied Arts Museum, a treasure trove of traditional Uzbek crafts, before walking through the beautiful Navoi Theater. The day ends with a visit to Amir Timur Square, where you can reflect on the historical significance of the city’s founding. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Duration of sightseeing: 5-6 hours

After a hearty breakfast, you will head to the airport for your flight to Urgench, approximately 1093 kilometers away (1 hour and 40 minutes). Upon arrival in Urgench, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Khiva, just a short drive (30 km, 35 minutes). Once settled, you will embark on a guided walking tour of Khiva, focusing on the UNESCO-listed Itchan-Kala Fortress.

This ancient fortress is a living museum of Islamic architecture, with notable sites including the Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, and the striking Kalta-Minor Minaret. You will also visit the Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and the towering Islam-Khoja Minaret. Enjoy the afternoon free for relaxation or further exploration at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Duration of sightseeing: 5 hours

Following breakfast, transfer to the Dustlik-Dostuk Border for formalities. After clearing customs, meet your guide on the Kyrgyzstan side and head to the city of Osh, one of the oldest settlements in the region, steeped in Silk Road history. Begin your city tour with a visit to Suleiman-Too Mountain, the National Museum of History and Archaeology, and the vibrant Osh Bazaar, a marketplace that dates back to the Silk Road era. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Tour Duration: 2 hours

Start your day with a trip to the breathtaking Ala-Archa National Park, located 40 km from Bishkek. This alpine haven, with its fast-flowing river and snow-capped peaks, offers opportunities for hiking or simply enjoying the serene environment. After lunch, return to Bishkek for a city tour, where you’ll explore Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the Manas Statue, Philharmonic Hall, and the Victory Monument, excellent examples of Soviet-era architecture. Overnight in Bishkek.
Tour Duration: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, drive to Issyk-Kul Lake, a stunning alpine lake at 1,600 meters above sea level. Along the way, stop at the Burana Tower, a historical complex marking the site of the ancient Karakhanid town of Balasagun. Upon arrival at Issyk-Kul, settle into a hotel on the North Coast and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Overnight stay at the lake.

Begin the day with a transfer to Karakol, with a stop at an open-air museum of ancient petroglyphs dating back to the 5th century BC. Upon arrival in Karakol, embark on a sightseeing tour, including visits to the Russian Orthodox Church, the uniquely constructed Dungan Mosque (built without a single nail), and the M.V. Prejvalsky Museum. In the evening, dine with a Uigur family, offering a glimpse into the culture and traditions of Kyrgyzstan’s diverse ethnic groups. Overnight in Karakol.

After breakfast, travel to the scenic Jety-Oguz Gorge, known for its lush forests, wildflower meadows, and the striking red rock formations called “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart.” Enjoy a picnic amidst the natural beauty before continuing to Bokonbaevo Village. Here, experience local hospitality with dinner and an overnight stay in a family home.

Following breakfast, drive to Bishkek airport (300 km, 5 hours) and board an evening flight to Almaty. Upon arrival, meet your driver for transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Almaty.

Spend the day exploring Almaty, starting with visits to Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Cathedral, the Central State Museum, and Republic Square. After lunch, take a short drive to Chimbulak Ski Resort to ride the cable car and marvel at the Tian Shan Mountains. End the day with a visit to the Sunkar Falcon Farm, where you’ll enjoy an impressive hawk demonstration, showcasing Kazakhstan’s traditional hunting practices. Overnight in Almaty.

After breakfast, journey to the awe-inspiring Charyn Canyon, part of Charyn National Park. Known for its dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations like the Castle Valley, this natural wonder offers incredible views and a serene setting for a picnic. After exploring the canyon, return to Almaty for an overnight stay.
Tour Duration: 3–4 hours

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel in Almaty before checking out. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Dushanbe, the vibrant capital of Tajikistan. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of Dushanbe, starting with the Hoji Yakub Mosque, a serene and historic place of worship. Continue to the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, home to an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing the country’s rich history and culture. Visit the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments, which displays traditional instruments from across the region. Conclude the day with leisure time at the hotel.

Overnight in Dushanbe.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing your exploration of Dushanbe. Visit the Monument of Ismail Somoni, dedicated to the founder of the Samanid dynasty, and stroll through the beautifully landscaped Rudaki Park, named after Tajikistan’s renowned poet.

Later in the morning, set out for the Hissar Fortress, a striking historical complex located just outside the city. Explore its prominent landmarks, including the Kuhna Madrasah, a 16th-century educational institution.

In the afternoon, depart Dushanbe for Penjikent (270 km, 4–5 hours), traveling through the stunning Anzob Pass, which reaches an elevation of 3,300 meters above sea level. Take in panoramic views of the rugged mountains and lush valleys along the way. Upon arrival in Penjikent, check in to your hotel and unwind.

Overnight in Penjikent.

Duration of sightseeing: 3 hours

After breakfast, drive to the breathtaking Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5–2 hours), situated in the western Fann Mountains. Each lake features a unique color, ranging from calm turquoise to striking purple, offering a mesmerizing experience. At the final lake, Khoazorchashma, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this tranquil setting.

Return to Penjikent in the afternoon and visit the Rudaki Museum, named after the celebrated poet, followed by a walk through the local bazaar and a visit to a historic mosque. Explore the ancient archaeological site of Penjikent, once a thriving Sogdian city from the 5th century, later destroyed in the 8th century.

In the late afternoon, head to the Jartepa border crossing. After completing customs and passport procedures, meet your guide and driver on the Uzbekistan side. Transfer to your hotel in Samarkand for check-in.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Start the day with breakfast, followed by a guided tour of Samarkand. Visit the iconic Registan Square, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture surrounded by three majestic madrasahs. Continue to the remnants of the Bibi Khanum Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world, and browse the vibrant Siyob Bazaar for local produce and crafts.

Explore the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the greatest astronomical achievements of the Timurid era. Visit the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, a complex of intricately decorated mausoleums, and end the tour at the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Amir Timur.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Duration of sightseeing: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Samarkand with a visit to the Afrasiab Museum, which showcases artifacts from the ancient city of Afrasiab. Nearby, see the Tomb of Saint Daniel, a revered pilgrimage site.

Next, travel to the Konigil village, where you can witness the traditional craft of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark. The afternoon is free for leisure, giving you time to explore the city at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Duration of sightseeing: 3–4 hours

Following breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the train station for a morning high-speed train to Bukhara. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Bukhara’s historic Old City. Highlights include the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, and the ancient trade domes. Visit the iconic Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque, as well as the Miri-Arab Madrasah. Continue to the Ulugbek Madrasah and the Abdulazizkhan Madrasah, and conclude the day at the Ark Fortress and the nearby Bolo-Khauz Mosque, as well as the Ismail Samani Mausoleum and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Duration of sightseeing: 6–7 hours

Enjoy breakfast before visiting the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara. This unique site blends Oriental and Russian architectural styles. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, a revered Sufi complex, and the Chor-Bakr Necropolis, an ancient burial site.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring Bukhara’s charming streets or relaxing.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Duration of sightseeing: 3–4 hours

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for a long drive to Khiva, covering approximately 480 kilometers in 7–8 hours. This route follows a historic segment of the Great Silk Road, which connected Bukhara and Khiva through the vast Kyzylkum Desert. Along the way, take in the striking views of the desert landscape and the Amudarya River, which add to the journey’s allure. Arrive in Khiva in the late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax after the drive. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Note: Cafés and restaurants en route are basic with limited menu options. You may want to prepare a packed lunch the day before with assistance from your hotel or guide. Please note that some road sections might not be in the best condition.

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the wonders of Ichan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Khiva. Begin your exploration with a visit to the grand Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and the elegant Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah. Admire the turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret, followed by the centuries-old Juma Mosque, known for its 213 intricately carved wooden columns.

Continue your tour at Toshkhovli Palace, a masterpiece of Khivan architecture, and the sacred Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Conclude with a visit to the towering Islom Khodja Minaret, the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore more of Khiva’s charm on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Duration of sightseeing: 5 hours

After breakfast, enjoy free time in the morning to explore Khiva at your own pace or relax. At noon, check out from your hotel and head to the Shavat-Dashoguz border checkpoint (60 km, 1 hour). Once border formalities are completed, proceed to meet your Turkmenistan guide.

Continue your journey to the famous Darvaza Gas Crater, located in the heart of the Karakum Desert (270 km, 4 hours). On arrival, set up camp near the glowing “Door to Hell,” a natural gas crater that has been burning for decades. As the sun sets, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner by the fire. Spend the night in tents, under the vast desert sky, with all camping essentials provided.

Note: Accommodation options include individual tents with sleeping bags or a shared yurt with basic outdoor washing facilities.

Wake up to the tranquility of the desert and enjoy breakfast before departing for Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and prepare for an afternoon of sightseeing.

Begin your exploration with Old Nissa, an ancient Parthian settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Spiritual Mosque, one of Central Asia’s largest mosques, renowned for its grand scale and intricate design. Visit the National Museum of History to delve deeper into Turkmenistan’s rich heritage, followed by the Monument of Neutrality and the striking Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. End the day with a stroll through Independence Park, showcasing modern architecture and lush greenery. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Duration of sightseeing: 6 hours

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Mary (370 km, 40 minutes). On arrival, drive to the ancient city of Merv (40 km, 30 minutes), once a flourishing center of the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the historical park, which includes the majestic Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the mysterious Large and Small Gyz Gala, the ancient Erk Gala and Gyaur Gala fortresses, and the Keshk Fortress. Gain insight into the city’s significance as a hub of international trade and craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, return to Mary and take a flight back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for overnight accommodation.

Duration of sightseeing: 4–5 hours

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Ashgabat. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable exploration of the Five Stans.