The Stans of Central Asia

Day 1: Bishkek. Arrive in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, at any time today. There will be a welcome meeting in the evening where you can get to know your group and guide. 

Day 2: Bishkek to Chong-Kemin. We’ll leave Bishkek this morning and travel to Chong-Kemin Valley, stopping off at one of Krygyzstan’s oldest sights, Burana Tower. We’ll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner tonight, surrounded by stunning scenery, and sleep in a guest house. 

Day 3: Chong-Kemin to Song Kul. You may choose to embark on a morning hike in the mountains. Once we arrive at Song Kul Lake, soak up the breathtaking landscape as we explore 3,016 metres above sea level. Get a real experience of Kyrgyz culture as we spend the night in a traditional yurt. 

Day 4: Song Kul to Tamga. Spend the morning at the lake before heading off to Kochkor, where we will hear from local artisans about the significance of felt-making in Kyrgyz culture and have a go at the craft yourself. Meet the local community in Tamga village this evening. 

Day 5: Tamga to Karakol. Visit the important Ak-Orgo workshop, providing employment opportunities in Barksoon, and learn how traditional yurts are created. We’ll then travel to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan’s 4th largest city, and visit the Przhevalsky Museum. 

Day 6: Karakol. This morning, we’ll take a picture-perfect hike at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, spotting unique red rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy free time in the city of Karakol this afternoon. 

Day 7: Karakol to Saty Village. It’s time to tick off our second Stan of the trip! As we journey into Kazakhstan, we’ll ride in a 4x4 to Kaindy Lake. Trek through the sunken forest, a unique experience like no other! 

Day 8: Saty Village to Almaty. Explore the unbelievable Charyn Canyon before arriving in Almaty. Tour historic sights and check out local cafes and markets. 

Day 9: Almaty to Dushanbe. Catch a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of our next Stan, Tajikistan! (If you have picked the 9 day trip, your tour ends in Almaty) 

Day 10: Dushanbe to Gazza Village. There’s no better way to start the day than with a scenic drive through out-of-this-world valleys and mountains. Stay in a Community Guest house in Gazza Village, meeting the locals on a relaxing walk. 

Day 11: Gazza Village. Journey to one of the oldest villages of the Fann Mountains as you hike along the flowing Voru River. Enjoy some free time this afternoon, breathing in the fresh mountain air. 

Day 12: Gazza Village to Khujand. Stop off in Istaravshan to pay a visit to a local mosque and Mug Teppe, brimming with history. Arrive at Khujand and explore on a city tour. 

Day 13: Khujand to Tashkent. Grab a souvenir in Tajikistan’s largest market before we tick the next Stan off the list, Uzbekistan! Marvel at the unique city of Tashkent. 

Day 14. Tashkent. Explore the lively city of Tashket today, visiting historic museums and taking in city-wide views from Tashkent Tower. If you have picked the 14 day trip, your adventure of the Stans ends here in Tashkent. 

Day 15: Tashkent to Samarkand. Travel to a central location along the Silk Road, Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world filled with grandiose madrassas as we cross into Uzbekistan.

Day 16: Samarkand. Begin your day with a city tour of Samarkand, exploring the top sights such as the impressive Shaki Zinda complex and the majestic Bibi Khanum mosque. You will have some free time this afternoon. 

Day 17: Samarkand to Aydar Kǔl Camp. Venture into the desert as we embark on a journey to the Chashma Complex. We’ll then take a dip in tranquil Aidarkul Lake and stay in a local yurt camp for the night. 

Day 18: Aydar Kǔl Camp to Bukhara. Get to know the city of Bukhara on an enchanting orientation walk. 

Day 19: Bukhara. There is so much to explore in Bukhara, We will spend half the day on a guided walking tour, learning the wonderful history of the city. 

Day 20: Bukhara to Khiva. Soak up desert views as we drive to UNESCO-listed Khiva. We’ll arrive late afternoon, ready for a sunset orientation walk. 

Day 21: Khiva. Discover the maze of ancient alleys, learning about the ways of local life on a guided tour. 

Day 22: Khiva to Dashoguz. Cross over the Uzbek-Turkmen border, we are arriving in our fifth and final Stan, Turkmenistan! Explore Dashoguz and grab some fresh, local food at the Bai Bazaar. (For those of you who have chosen our 23 day trip, instead of travelling to Dashoguz, you will fly back to Tashkent. You will then spend your evening exploring the city and your tour will end on day 23 in Tashkent).

Day 23: Dashoguz to Darvaza. Discover a town lost in history, untouched since the 1700s, as we explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Kunya Urgench. We’ll enjoy lunch and a journey onto the Kara-Kum desert. Settle in under the starry night sky at a yurt camp. 

Day 24: Darvaza to Ashgabat. Wander Erbent’s breathtaking sand dunes before we arrive in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat!

Day 25: Ashgabat. Start the day by seeing the highlights of the city, including the Monument of Independence and the Arch of Neutrality. You may then opt to visit Ashgabat Hippodrome or explore Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. 

Day 26: Ashgabat. Say your goodbyes today, you’ve travelled 5 amazing countries and made new friends!