Silk Road Five-Stans Expedition

Bishkek Arrival

Arrive in Bishkek, where your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After some rest, enjoy a guided city tour. Visit Ala Too Square to see statues of Kurmanzhan Datka, Manas, and Lenin, and key government buildings. Walk through the Old Square to see the Parliament House and the Fine Art Gallery. End at Victory Square, a WWII memorial. This afternoon gives you a good introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s capital, combining culture, history, and the country’s Soviet legacy. Return to your hotel for dinner or time at leisure.

Chon-Kemin Valley

After breakfast, drive to Burana Tower near Tokmok, a UNESCO site. Learn about its history and enjoy optional horseback riding games. Next, enjoy lunch with a local family, experiencing warm Kyrgyz hospitality. Then continue to Chon-Kemin Valley, where green hills and mountain air welcome you. Check in at the Ashuu Guest House. Spend the afternoon exploring Kalmak Ashuu village, or choose optional activities such as horse riding, setting up a yurt, or swimming in the guest house pool. Your guide will help organise everything, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay in the countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chon-Kemin Valley

Karkyra Valley

Leave Chon-Kemin after breakfast and travel to Karkyra Valley. On the way, stop at the Cholpon Ata petroglyph site, an open-air museum famous for its stone carvings. See images of snow leopards and hunters on the largest stone in Central Asia. Arrive at your yurt glamping site and enjoy the peace of this remote, scenic location. In the evening, relax beside the river or unwind in the sauna. This is a day of quiet nature, fresh mountain air, and traditional nomadic hospitality, with simple comforts and time to recharge.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Saty Village

Today you’ll cross into Kazakhstan. After breakfast, your guide will assist with the Kegen border crossing. Then drive to Saty Village, located near the famous Kolsai Lakes. Upon arrival, head straight into the beautiful natural surroundings with your guide. Enjoy the fresh air, mountain views, and serene lake scenery. Whether you take a short hike or simply relax by the water, this area offers peaceful nature and photo opportunities. In the evening, return to your guest house for a warm meal and a quiet night in the village.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Almaty

After breakfast, drive to Almaty with a stop at Charyn Canyon along the way. Walk with your guide through the canyon’s striking formations and colourful rock faces, sometimes called Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon.” After your hike, continue to Almaty, the country’s largest city. Upon arrival, begin your city tour. Visit Republic Square, the Monument of Independence, 28 Panfilov’s Soldiers Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the lively Green Bazaar. This day combines dramatic landscapes and urban culture, offering both adventure and insight into Kazakhstan’s modern life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Dushanbe

Begin with a visit to the Central State Historical Museum in Almaty, showcasing artefacts from Kazakhstan’s ancient past to Soviet times. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dushanbe. On arrival in Tajikistan, meet your local guide and check into your hotel. In the evening, take a short walk through central Dushanbe. Stroll past city squares, parks, and well-lit boulevards, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere and elegant buildings. This is your gentle introduction to Tajikistan’s capital city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dushanbe

After breakfast, set out on a full-day tour of Dushanbe and Hissar. Visit the Museum of Antiquities, which houses remarkable artefacts, including a giant reclining Buddha. See the grand monument of Ismail Somoni, the father of the Tajik nation. Explore Mehrgon Bazaar, filled with colourful spices, fruits, and local crafts. Later, drive to Hissar to visit the 16th-century fortress and madrassahs, key sites in Tajik history. With its mix of cultural sights and historic locations, this day gives you a rich understanding of the country’s heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tashkent

Fly from Dushanbe to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Begin your tour at the historic Khastimam Complex, home to ancient manuscripts and sacred Islamic sites. Visit Kukeldash Madrasah and walk through the colourful Chorsu Bazaar, full of fresh produce and crafts. Later, explore the modern side of Tashkent with stops at Independence Square, the Museum of Applied Arts, Alisher Navoi Theatre, and Amir Temur Square. This day offers a balanced view of old and new Uzbekistan in a vibrant and modern city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tashkent

Samarkand

Take an early bullet train to Samarkand. Start your tour at the majestic Guri Emir Mausoleum, resting place of Tamerlane. Visit Registan Square, one of Central Asia’s most stunning architectural sites. Walk along Tashkentskaya Street to the Bibi Khanum Mosque, built in honour of Tamerlane’s wife. Explore the nearby Siab Bazaar, where you can sample dried fruits and local sweets. With its striking monuments and bustling markets, today gives you a vivid glimpse into the grandeur of Samarkand’s past and present.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Samarkand

Spend another day exploring Samarkand’s architectural wonders. Return to the Bibi Khanum Mosque to admire its massive dome and delicate carvings. Visit Shah-i Zinda, a series of beautifully tiled mausoleums leading up a sacred hill. Then head to Ulug Beg’s Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical centres in the Islamic world. Walk through quiet lanes and shaded courtyards as your guide shares stories about Samarkand’s cultural and scientific achievements. It’s a day to slow down and appreciate the detail and depth of this historic city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bukhara

After breakfast, drive to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Visit the ruins of Ak-Saray Palace and the Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, and see the Mausoleum of Jahangir, Tamerlane’s son. Browse the lively local bazaar and view the empty Mausoleum of Amir Timur. In the afternoon, continue to Bukhara, a key Silk Road city. Arrive in the evening and check into your hotel. This journey gives you a taste of rural landscapes and deeper layers of Uzbekistan’s imperial history.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bukhara

Bukhara

Start your day exploring Bukhara’s old town. Visit the towering Kalon Minaret and the tranquil Lyabi Hauz complex. Stop at the distinctive Chor Minor mosque, with its four blue domes. Walk through Bukhara’s bazaars, filled with carpets, ceramics, and jewellery. Visit the Ismail Somoni Mausoleum and tour the Ark Fortress, a massive citadel that once housed powerful emirs. Your guide will share legends and stories of Bukhara’s days as a major stop on the Silk Road.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khiva

Today’s journey takes you west through the desert towards Khiva. The drive is long but offers a look at the rural side of Uzbekistan. Arrive in Khiva in the late afternoon. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a relaxed evening. Walk around the walled old town or simply enjoy a quiet dinner. This day bridges your journey between two of the country’s most historic cities, offering a peaceful transition.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khiva

Join your guide for a walking tour of Khiva’s beautifully preserved old city. Explore narrow alleys and grand courtyards lined with minarets, madrassahs, and tiled mosques. Learn about the city’s role as a major Silk Road centre and hear tales of ancient caravans, khans, and traders. Visit the Kalta Minor minaret and the Kunya Ark citadel. The city’s charm lies in its living history, where time seems to stand still.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khiva

Ashgabat

Cross into Turkmenistan at the Shavat border. Your guide will help with formalities before continuing to Dashoguz. Visit the Juma Mosque, the local bazaar, and a private art gallery showcasing regional works. Later, fly to Ashgabat, where you’ll enjoy dinner before settling into your hotel. It’s a travel-heavy day but introduces you to Turkmen culture and hospitality as you begin the final leg of your Central Asian journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ashgabat

Explore Ashgabat, a city known for its marble buildings and surreal architecture. Visit Ancient Nissa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the grand Turkmenbashi Mosque Mausoleum. Tour the National Museum, Neutrality Arch, and Independence Park. Visit the Akhal-Teke horse stables and, if you wish, ride one of these prized horses. End the day with the Earthquake Memorial, Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque, and a wander through the lively Gulistan Bazaar.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Asshgabat Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight. Reflect on your unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia—from Kyrgyz valleys to Uzbek monuments and Turkmen marvels.

Meals Included: Breakfast