Five Stans Central Asia Tour

Begin with a scenic drive toward the Chimbulak mountain area, where the Tian Shan range frames the city with dramatic alpine views. After returning to Almaty, continue with key city highlights such as Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Museum of National Musical Instruments and the lively pedestrian area around Arbat Street.

Leave Almaty and travel by road toward Bishkek, passing open landscapes and crossing into Kyrgyzstan. After arrival, enjoy a short introduction to the Kyrgyz capital, including Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the Manas monument, the Philharmonic Hall and Victory Square. The day gives a first impression of Kyrgyzstan’s Soviet-era architecture and modern city life.

Travel outside Bishkek to visit Burana Tower, an important remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun. Continue to the Don Aryk area for a cultural visit that may include traditional hospitality, local lunch and an introduction to Kyrgyz nomadic heritage. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Explore Tashkent, a capital where old neighborhoods, broad Soviet-style avenues and modern public spaces exist side by side. Visit the Old City area, Khast-Imam surroundings, Chorsu Bazaar, selected metro stations, the Museum of Applied Arts and Amir Timur Square. The day introduces Uzbekistan’s urban culture before the route continues to the great Silk Road cities.

Transfer to the railway station and travel by train to Samarkand, one of the most celebrated cities of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, visit Gur Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar and Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis. If time allows, continue to Konigil village to learn about traditional Samarkand paper-making.

Drive to the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border and meet your Tajik team after completing formalities. Continue toward the Seven Lakes in the Fann Mountains, a chain of mountain lakes known for changing shades of blue, green and turquoise. Enjoy the scenery and lunch in the lake area before continuing to Penjikent for overnight.

Visit ancient Penjikent, once an important Sogdian settlement with archaeological remains of houses, a citadel and religious structures. Continue with a short look at the local bazaar, mosque and Rudaki Museum before returning across the border into Uzbekistan. From the Uzbek side, continue by road to Bukhara and check in at the hotel.

Spend the day walking through Bukhara’s atmospheric old city. The sightseeing route may include Lyabi-Hauz, Chor-Minor, Kalyan Minaret, Miri-Arab Madrasa, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub and the traditional trading domes. Free time may be available later in the day.

Enjoy a slower morning in Bukhara before driving to the Farap-Alat border crossing. After completing Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan border procedures, meet the Turkmen team and continue to Turkmenabat Airport for the flight to Ashgabat. On arrival, take an evening drive through the city to see its illuminated monuments and wide marble avenues.

Start with an introductory tour of Ashgabat and nearby historical sites, including Old Nisa, a UNESCO-listed Parthian fortress area, and selected city landmarks. In the afternoon, drive into the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza Gas Crater, visiting desert crater sites along the way when possible. Arrive before sunset and experience the burning crater after dark.

After a simple camp-style breakfast, drive north through the Karakum Desert toward the Dashoguz-Shavat border crossing. Complete exit and entry procedures, then meet the Uzbek driver and continue to Khiva. After arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy free time inside or near the old city walls.

Discover Khiva’s UNESCO-listed Ichan-Kala, a compact walled city filled with madrasahs, minarets, palaces and narrow lanes. Visit highlights such as Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum and Islam Khodja Minaret. Later, transfer to Urgench Airport for the flight to Tashkent and overnight in the capital.

Check out from the hotel and enjoy free time depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for departure. This concludes your Five Stans journey through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.