Expansive views across the steppe, Kyrgyzstan | Maria Torres

Turkmenistan's Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Door to Hell', at sunset | Richard I'Anson

Pilgrims with traveller at Shah-i-Zinda, avenue of mausoleums, Samarkand | Richard I'Anson

Ulugbek Medressa, Registan, Samarkand | Richard I'Anson

Observe intricate needlework in Bukhara | Richard I'Anson

Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans

Name: Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: FSS
Rating: 4.38 (40 reviews)

From minarets to mountains, venture through five captivating Central Asian republics.

Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan

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40 reviews

23 Days from

$5690 USD

Trip Code: FSS

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans - Single Supplement (hotels only)

$780 USD

Duration

23 Days

Activities

21 days adventure touring

Accommodation

19 nights hotel
3 nights basic guesthouse / yurt camp

Meals

4 Dinners
2 Lunches
22 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint

39kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(858kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Silk Road Five Stans Trip highlights

Discover the five former Soviet Republics of Central Asia
Uncover the history and culture of the fabled Silk Road cities, Samarkand and Bukhara
Discover the ancient walled city of Khiva, a World Heritage Site
Enjoy the natural beauty of Iskanderkul Lake in the Fann Mountains
Marvel at Darvaza - one of the world’s more unusual sites in the Karakum Desert
Journey through the central Tian Shan Mountains to the Chychkan Gorge
Take in the highlights of the cities of Ashgabat, Dushanbe, Osh, Bishkek and Almaty

Overview

Journey across the heart of Central Asia on this expertly guided exploration of the Five Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Step into the story of the Silk Road as you explore UNESCO-listed cities, glittering mosques, ancient fortresses and colourful markets. From the white marble grandeur of Ashgabat and the fire-lit Darvaza Crater, to the blue-tiled splendour of Samarkand and the artisan workshops of the Fergana Valley.

Travel overland with local guides in each country, uncovering hidden histories and dramatic natural beauty, including Tajikistan’s alpine lakes, Kyrgyzstan’s remote mountain villages and Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon. Along the way, stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and warm local guesthouses for a genuine taste of Central Asian hospitality.

For travellers with an interest in Silk Road heritage, diverse cultures, and off-the-beaten-path discovery, this immersive adventure offers a rare chance to explore five countries in one unforgettable journey.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. No activities are planned today as most international flights arrive into Ashgabat in the early hours of the morning, allowing time to rest and recover after your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure before the trip begins. Note: Hotel check-in time today is 2:00pm. If your flight arrives earlier, please speak with your World Expeditions Adventure Travel Consultant regarding arrangements for earlier room access. Accommodation: Sport Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

There will be a group briefing at the hotel at approximately 1:00pm before heading out on a city tour of Ashgabat. Holding the world record for the highest concentration of white marble buildings, the Turkmen capital is a striking and surreal city shaped by monumental architecture, grand boulevards and elaborate fountains. During the tour, you visit major landmarks including Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch and the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. You also explore the ancient fortress of Nisa, a former capital of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back more than 2,000 years. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine. Accommodation: Sport Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, visit several of Ashgabat’s key attractions including the National Museum, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque and the Russian Bazaar. You also have the opportunity to see the renowned Akhal-Teke horses, a breed long associated with Turkmenistan’s nomadic heritage and prized for their speed and endurance. Leaving the capital behind, travel north into the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, one of Central Asia’s most unusual sights. The drive includes both sealed roads and long sections of rough, potholed desert road before reaching the crater, known locally as the ‘Gates of Hell’, which has been burning continuously since a Soviet drilling accident in 1971. The sight of the glowing crater after sunset, set against the dark desert landscape, is a memorable highlight of the journey. Accommodation: Yurts near Darvaza

Meals: B,D

Today is a long travel day as you journey north through Turkmenistan towards the border town of Dashoguz and continue into Uzbekistan, the second ‘Stan’ on the journey. After farewelling your Turkmen crew, complete border formalities before meeting your Uzbek crew on the other side. Please note that border crossing procedures can sometimes take more than an hour depending on processing times. From the border, continue by road to the historic Silk Road city of Khiva. Accommodation: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar

Meals: B

The ancient walled city of Khiva is one of Central Asia’s most impressive Silk Road centres and offers a remarkable insight into the region’s rich trading history. Once an important stop for caravans crossing the desert, the city is filled with intricately decorated mosques, mausoleums, palaces and medressas enclosed within towering mud-brick walls. Today, spend time exploring the atmospheric laneways and historic monuments of the old city while learning about Khiva’s role as a major trading and cultural hub. The compact nature of the old town makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Accommodation: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Depending on the train schedule, travel to Bukhara either by train or private vehicle. Please note that train departure times are subject to change and final arrangements will be confirmed locally. On arrival, discover one of Central Asia’s most celebrated Silk Road cities, renowned for its remarkably preserved Islamic architecture and long history as a centre of trade, scholarship and culture. With more than 140 protected architectural monuments, Bukhara offers an atmospheric introduction to Uzbekistan’s historic heartland. Please note that lunch may be later than usual today, at approximately 4:00pm, so it is recommended to keep some snacks handy during the journey. Accommodation: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: B

The region surrounding Bukhara has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, while the city itself has stood for over two millennia as one of Central Asia’s great cultural and trading centres. The UNESCO-listed old city reflects centuries of Silk Road history, where merchants, scholars and travellers once passed between the Mediterranean and China. Over the centuries, Bukhara flourished as a centre of religion, learning and commerce, surviving invasions by Genghis Khan and Tamerlane before later becoming the final capital of the Emirate of Bukhara. Today, explore the city’s remarkable architectural legacy, beginning with the historic Lyabi Khauz complex, centred around one of Central Asia’s oldest reflection pools and framed by elegant medieval buildings including the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and Khanaka. Continue to the Poi Kalyan Complex, home to the 48m / 157ft Kalyan Minaret, the city’s defining landmark, and the vast Kalyan Mosque with its 288 domes. You also visit the Samanid Mausoleum, the Ark Citadel and Chor Minor, famed for its four distinctive minarets. Accommodation: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: B

This morning, continue exploring Bukhara with a visit to the Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the lavish summer residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, blending traditional local craftsmanship with Russian and European architectural influences. After lunch, depart east towards Samarkand, travelling along one of the great historic Silk Road routes once traversed by figures such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. En route, stop in Gijduvan to visit the home and workshop of a renowned family dynasty of ceramic masters, known for preserving traditional Uzbek pottery techniques. By evening, arrive in Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s most celebrated Silk Road cities. Accommodation: Ideal Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Possibly the most celebrated of the Silk Road cities, Samarkand is renowned for its magnificent blue-tiled architecture and rich Timurid history. At the heart of the city lies Registan Square, one of the world’s great public squares, framed by the madrassahs of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori, whose monumental facades and intricate mosaics influenced Islamic architecture far beyond Central Asia. During today’s exploration, visit key Timurid-era sites including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, final resting place of Tamerlane, Ulugh Beg’s Observatory, the vast Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis with its dazzling tiled mausoleums. As the capital of the Timurid Empire, Samarkand became one of the richest and most influential cities of its era under Tamerlane’s rule. Accommodation: Ideal Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today you cross into the third ‘Stan’ of the journey, Tajikistan. After farewelling your Uzbek crew at the border, complete immigration formalities before meeting your Tajik crew on the other side. From here, travel into the western Fann Mountains to visit the beautiful Seven Lakes, a chain of vividly coloured alpine lakes set within a rugged mountain landscape. Depending on the group’s fitness and available time, explore several of the lakes on foot, with colours ranging from deep turquoise to striking shades of purple. Enjoy lunch at a guesthouse near Lake Nophin before continuing to Penjikent, an ancient Sogdian city founded more than 1,500 years ago and later destroyed during the Arab conquests of the 8th century. Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza or 7 Lakes 3* Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Today, travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Fann Mountains to Iskanderkul Lake, a striking alpine lake situated at 2,200m / 7,218ft and named after Alexander the Great. Local legend claims the lake is the final resting place of his beloved horse, Bucephalus. Spend time exploring the area surrounding the glacial lake, widely regarded as one of Tajikistan’s most beautiful natural settings, including a walk to the country’s largest waterfall, often referred to as the ‘Tajikistan Niagara’, which plunges approximately 38m / 125ft into the gorge below. After lunch, continue by road to the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, arriving in the evening. Accommodation: Rumi Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Although Dushanbe’s origins date back more than 3,000 years, the city expanded significantly during the Soviet era when it became the capital of the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. This morning, explore the Tajik capital on a guided city tour visiting major landmarks including Independence Square, the Samany Monument dedicated to the founder of the Tajik state, and the broad tree-lined Rudaki Avenue. You also visit the Museum of National Antiquities and the ornate Kokhi Navruz tea house, known for its richly decorated interiors showcasing traditional Tajik craftsmanship. Later, travel to the nearby Hissor Fortress, an ancient stronghold that once guarded important trade routes through the region. Accommodation: Rumi Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today, journey north through Tajikistan’s agricultural and industrial heartland towards the historic city of Khujand. En route, stop in Istaravshan, a city believed to have been founded by the Persian king Cyrus in the 6th century BC, where you explore the old town, local bazaar, Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and madrassah. Continuing onwards, arrive in Khujand, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities and an important Silk Road trading centre that has witnessed the passage of armies led by Alexander the Great, Arab conquerors and Genghis Khan. This afternoon, explore some of the city’s remaining historic landmarks including the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum and mosque, the lively Payshanbe Bazaar and the Urumkhodjaev family estate, inspired by the grand palaces of imperial Russia. Accommodation: Parliament Palace Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today, cross back into Uzbekistan via the Andarkhan border crossing, farewelling your Tajik crew before rejoining your Uzbek team. From the border, continue into the fertile Fergana Valley, making several stops along the way to explore the region’s rich artistic and trading heritage. Your first stop is Kokand, once the capital of the powerful 19th century Kokand Khanate, where you visit the ornate Khudoyar-Khan Palace, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum. Continue to Rishtan, a town renowned throughout Central Asia for its ceramic traditions and generations of master potters. Here, visit a local ceramics workshop and watch a demonstration of the craft for which the town is famous. Later, stop in Margilan to visit a traditional silk factory and learn about the production techniques behind one of the Silk Road’s most important trading commodities. By evening, arrive in Fergana town for the night. Accommodation: Asia Fergana Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today, travel to the fourth of the five ‘Stans’ on the journey, Kyrgyzstan. This morning, transfer to the Uzbek–Kyrgyz border where you farewell your Uzbek crew before meeting your Kyrgyz team. From the border at Dustlik, continue to the ancient city of Osh, regarded as one of Central Asia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and long considered an important commercial centre of the fertile Fergana Valley. Legends link the city to both Solomon and Alexander the Great, reflecting its deep historical significance along the Silk Road. After checking in, explore Osh Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s largest and most vibrant markets, where rows of spices, fresh produce, metalwork and handicrafts provide an immersive glimpse into daily life in the region. Following lunch, visit Suleiman Mountain, an important Islamic pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the city. Here, explore the historical museum housed within a cave before walking to the summit, home to the small Babur Mosque built in honour of the founder of the Mughal dynasty. Accommodation: Sun Rise Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, depart Osh and drive towards Jalal Abad, stopping en route in the historic town of Uzgen to visit its ancient minaret and mausoleum complex, important remnants of the Karakhanid period. Continue onwards to the Arslanbob Valley, situated at approximately 1,600m / 5,249ft and known for its cooler mountain climate, fertile orchards and extensive walnut forests, believed to be among the largest natural walnut forests in the world. On arrival, there is time to relax before taking a short walk to a nearby waterfall and enjoying the peaceful mountain surroundings. For the next two nights, stay with a local family in a traditional guesthouse. Facilities are simple, but the experience offers an authentic opportunity to connect with the warm hospitality and daily life of the local community. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, begin the drive towards Sary-Chelek Lake, located within the protected landscapes of Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve and National Park. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Chatkal Range, the reserve is known for its forested valleys, mountain rivers, alpine lakes and rich biodiversity. Along the way, pass through remote rural communities and dramatic mountain scenery before reaching the striking alpine lake, whose turquoise waters are considered among the most beautiful in Kyrgyzstan. There will be time to explore the lakeshore area on foot and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting before continuing to a small village within the reserve. Tonight, stay with a local host family and enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

Meals: B,D

This morning, farewell your hosts and depart the Sary-Chelek region, travelling through mountain landscapes towards Chychkan Gorge. Renowned for its striking alpine scenery, the gorge supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including ibex, roe deer, argali sheep, wild boar and soaring eagles. Forested slopes of juniper and spruce line the valley, while the Chychkan River winds through the gorge before flowing into the Toktogul Reservoir. On arrival, there is time to explore the natural beauty of the area, which includes alpine lakes situated above 3,000m / 9,843ft and waterfalls cascading through the surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Oson Motel or similar

Meals: B

This morning, depart Chychkan Gorge and travel east to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Set at approximately 800m / 2,625ft at the foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range, part of the vast Tian Shan Mountains, the city is framed by dramatic snow-capped peaks rising above the surrounding plains. Known for its broad boulevards, Soviet-era architecture and tree-lined streets fed by an extensive network of irrigation canals, Bishkek offers a fascinating contrast between Central Asian traditions and Soviet urban planning. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Depending on available time, visits may include Ala-Too Square, the Manas Monument, the State History Museum, Victory Square, the Independence Monument and the Old Square with Parliament House. Accommodation: B-Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After an early breakfast, depart Bishkek and travel north across the fertile steppe towards Kazakhstan, the fifth and final ‘Stan’ of the journey. Border formalities at the Kyrgyz–Kazakh crossing can take around an hour, although your guide will assist throughout the process. Once across the border, continue to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Following hotel check-in, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city’s major landmarks. Depending on timing and museum opening hours, visits may include Republic Square and the Independence Monument, Abai Square, the Palace of the Republic, Presidential Park and the Historical Museum, home to an extensive collection of Kazakh artefacts. Later, ride the cable car to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views across the city and surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, travel east from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most striking natural landscapes and part of Charyn National Park. Carved by the Charyn River over millions of years, the canyon is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs and richly coloured sandstone walls. Spend time exploring the canyon on foot, including the scenic Castle Valley section, famous for its natural rock towers and unusual geological formations. The national park is also home to a rare grove of ancient ash trees, a remnant of prehistoric Central Asian forests. After exploring the canyon, return to Almaty in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol or similar Note: Days 21 and 22 may be swapped depending on museum closures.

Meals: B

Until 1997, Almaty served as the capital of Kazakhstan and today remains the country’s cultural and commercial centre. Surrounded by the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, the city blends wide boulevards, leafy parks and Russian imperial architecture with modern development. Today’s sightseeing tour may include Panfilov Park, home to the striking wooden Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden Orthodox churches, as well as the Great Patriotic War Memorial and the Museum of Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments. You may also visit the lively Green Bazaar and the Central State Museum, known for its extensive ethnographic and archaeological collections. Later, travel to the Medeo Gorge and take a cable car to the mountain resort of Shymbulak for views across the surrounding Tian Shan landscapes. Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol or similar Note: Days 21 and 22 may be swapped depending on museum closures.

Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, the trip concludes with a private transfer to the airport. If you would like to spend additional time exploring Kazakhstan, a range of extension options are available. Please speak with your World Expeditions Adventure Travel Consultant for further details.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What's included?

Included

Comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis
Simple local guesthouses & yurt camp on a multi-share basis (no single accommodation possible)
Expert bilingual guide (different in each country)
Local sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary
22 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners
Private air conditioned vehicles or train as listed in itinerary
Airport transfers in Ashgabat and Almaty
Emergency medical kit

Not included

International airfares
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals not indicated in the program
Any optional tours, and entrance fees and permits during free time (ie. photo & video shooting fees in museums vary and must be paid in cash locally)
Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry
Visas (Turkmenistan visa is USD$89 per person to be paid in USD Cash at Ashgabat Airport, subject to change)
Compulsory local payments - Turkmenistan migration taxes to be paid in USD Cash (US$140 per person at Ashgabat Airport, and US$4 per person per hotel night in Turkmenistan, subject to change)
Tips and gratuities for group leaders, local sightseeing guides & drivers
Excess luggage charges

About your guide

On this trip you will have national English-speaking escort guides (different in each country).

Adventure Highlighted Video - Silk Road Five Stans

Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure | The Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand | ITV