5 stans tour Central Asia 19 days

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart from Ashgabat and enjoy a scenic drive through the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.

Lunch will be provided en route or near the crater at a local spot or camp.

Upon arrival, explore the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell,” where natural gas has been burning continuously for decades, creating a captivating fiery spectacle especially stunning at sunset and after dark.

Spend time walking around the crater edge, taking photos and learning about the geology and history of this unique site from your guide.

Enjoy a traditional dinner at the yurt camp near the crater.

Overnight stay in comfortable yurts near the Darvaza Gas Crater, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the desert under the starry sky.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the camp/hotel.

Drive to Mary, a city rich in history and culture.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant upon arrival.

Explore Mary city:

• Visit the Mary Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, which features exhibits showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of the region.
• Take a stroll through the modern city center, visiting parks and local markets to experience the everyday life and atmosphere.
• See architectural landmarks and contemporary cultural sites around the city.

Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Mary.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel in Mary.

Visit the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road, rich with archaeological ruins including mausoleums, city walls, and ancient fortifications.

Explore key sites such as the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the Great Kyz Kala fortress, and the ancient citadel of Erk Kala.

Enjoy lunch in the area, sampling local Turkmen cuisine.

After the visit, travel to the Merv-Farap border crossing to enter Uzbekistan.

Continue the journey to Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most famous historic cities, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Dinner and overnight stay in Bukhara.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start your day with a comprehensive city tour of Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most ancient and well-preserved cities.

Visit the Lyabi Hauz Complex, a picturesque plaza with a historic pool surrounded by beautiful madrasas and teahouses.

Explore the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa, famous for its intricate tile work and stunning architecture.

Walk to the Kalon Minaret and Kalon Mosque, iconic landmarks of Bukhara. Take in the views and admire the magnificent Islamic architecture.

Visit the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, an active religious school known for its beautiful design and history.

Tour the Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel that served as the residence for the emirs of Bukhara.

Stroll through the Bolo Hauz Mosque, notable for its wooden columns and elegant facade.

Visit the charming Chor Minor, with its four unique minarets and rich history.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek cuisine.

After lunch, transfer to the train station for a comfortable train journey to Samarkand.

Arrive in Samarkand in the evening, transfer to the hotel, and check-in.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Samarkand dishes.

Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel in Samarkand.

Begin a full-day exploration of Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia and a jewel of the Silk Road.

Visit the iconic Registan Square, surrounded by three magnificent madrasahs adorned with intricate tilework and stunning Islamic architecture.

Explore the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the conqueror Timur (Tamerlane), featuring beautiful blue domes and ornate decorations.

Visit Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis known for its stunning mausoleums and vibrant tile mosaics.

Explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the Islamic world.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek dishes.

In the afternoon, visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, an important medieval astronomical center founded by Timur’s grandson.

End the day with free time to explore local bazaars or relax.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant featuring authentic Central Asian cuisine.

Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel in Samarkand.

Early morning departure from Samarkand at approximately 07:30.

Drive to the border and cross at the Jartepa checkpoint around 09:00, entering Tajikistan.

Upon arrival in Penjikent, take a short stop to stretch and transfer to a 4x4 vehicle if necessary for the journey ahead.

Embark on an excursion to the 7 Lakes (Haftkul), a stunning natural area famous for its series of alpine lakes nestled in the mountains.

Visit 3 to 5 of the lakes, enjoying gentle walks around the scenic spots and opportunities for photography.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by one of the lakes, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

In the afternoon, return to Penjikent, arriving in the evening around 17:00 to 18:00.

Take some time to relax or explore the local town.

Overnight stay in Penjikent.

Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel in Penjikent.

Depart early, around 08:00, for the drive to Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan.

Enjoy the scenic journey through the rugged and dramatic landscapes of the Anzob Pass, a mountain route known for its breathtaking views and engineering feats.

The drive will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, including stops for rest and photo opportunities.

Upon arrival in Dushanbe, check in to your hotel and free time

Dinner at the hotel

Overnight stay in Dushanbe.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel in Dushanbe.

Morning city tour of Dushanbe, including visits to the National Museum, Rudaki Square, Victory Park, and the Flagpole.

Lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Tajik cuisine.

Transfer to Dushanbe International Airport for your afternoon flight to Khujand (approximately 1 hour).

Upon arrival in Khujand, you will be met and transferred to the border crossing between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

After completing border formalities, continue your journey by road to Tashkent (approximately 3-4 hours).

Arrive in Tashkent in the evening, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner.

Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel in Tashkent.

Full-day city tour of Tashkent, including visits to the historic Old Town, Khast Imam Complex, the beautiful Amir Timur Square, Independence Square, and the bustling Chorsu Bazaar.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Uzbek cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan.

Dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning departure by train bus (approx. 5–6 hours).

Check-in at hotel in Fergana.

City tour including Central City Park, Fergana Regional Museum (history and culture), and visits to traditional craft workshops (ceramics, textiles).

Lunch at a local restaurant featuring national cuisine.

Evening stroll around the local market and streets.

Dinner and overnight in Fergana.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early transfer from Fergana to border.

Cross the border and transfer to Osh (~3–4 hours including border crossing).

City tour of Osh: Sacred Suleiman Mountain (walk and panoramic views), Osh Bazaar (one of Central Asia’s largest markets), Rabat Abdullo Mosque and historical sites.

Lunch with traditional dishes (plov, lagman).

Evening transfer to airport for flight to Bishkek.

Arrival and hotel check-in.

Dinner and overnight in Bishkek.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Bishkek to Moldo Ashu Pass with stunning mountain views.

Continue to Son Kul Lake, famous for alpine scenery and nomadic culture.

Lunch en route or picnic.

Overnight in traditional yurt camps near the lake.

Dinner at the camp.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the yurt camp.

Morning drive over Kalmak Ashu Pass and Kochkor

Experience the Kizil Tuu Yurt Show showcasing traditional nomadic lifestyle and lunch with local family

Witness the Bokonbaevo Eagle Hunting Show, a unique cultural spectacle.

Dinner and overnight in Kaji Say.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Explore Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon with its stunning rock formations.

Visit Barskoon Waterfall for nature walks and photos.

Lunch en route or picnic.

Continue to Jeti Oguz Valley, famous for its striking red rock formations.

Dinner and overnight at yurt camp in Jeti Oguz Valley

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the yurt camp

Trek or Transfer by UAZ Track to Altyn Arashan Canyon, known for hot springs and beautiful mountain scenery.

Lunch in Altyn Arashan yurt camp

Return to Karakol

Dinner and overnight in Karakol.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Cross the Kegen border post into Kazakhstan

Stop in the village of Saty.

Lunch in Saty

Visit the Kolsai Lakes, a series of stunning alpine lakes.

Dinner and overnight at guesthouse in Saty.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the guesthouse or hotel.

Morning visit to Kaindy Lake by UAZ track with its famous submerged forest.

Lunch at guesthouse in Saty

Explore Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.”

Drive to Almaty city.

Dinner and overnight in Almaty.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Breakfast at the hotel.

If you have time, City tour including Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar, and Kok-Tobe Hill.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Transfer to Almaty International Airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast, lunch included.