The Five Stans of the Silk Road

26 Days
From CAD 6,849
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(22 reviews)

Experience Overview

See all the 'stans (well, most of them) on this comprehensive 26-day tour through Central Asia. Learn about nomadic life in Song Köl, explore natural landscapes like Kaindy Lake's sunken forest, and witness the hustle and bustle of capital cities and their bazaars, cathedrals, and historical sites. Along the way, you'll sleep like the locals do in homestays and yurts to get even closer to this underexplored destination.

Highlights

  • Embark on the ultimate road trip across 5 countries in central Asia
  • Browse the stalls of markets and local shops
  • Stay overnight in traditional yurts and camps
  • Camp under the stars near the Darvaza crater and witness the Gates of Hell
  • Traverse mountains–forests and desert.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 1730

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Budget

TransportTransport: Private vehicles, plane, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Budget

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: AYBA

StartStarts: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

FinishFinishes: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

DurationDuration: 26 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Average

Includes

Activities

  • Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration, Barskoon Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Bishkek Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Song Köl Your Local Living Moment: Tamga Village Stay, Tamga Your Local Living Moment: Community Guesthouse, Ghazza Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Aydar Kŭl Camp
  • Bishkek City Tour
  • Burana Tower
  • Home-cooked traditional dinner
  • Overnight in a Yurt
  • Free time in Chong-Kemin
  • Song Kul Lake
  • Lunch with Local Family in Kochkor
  • Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon
  • Tamga Village Stay
  • Yurt Building Demonstration
  • Jety Oguz & the Seven Bulls
  • Karakol City Tour
  • Russian Orthodox Cathedral
  • Dungan mosque
  • Saty Village Stay
  • 4x4 ride to Kaindy Lake
  • Charyn Canyon
  • Almaty City Tour
  • Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park
  • WWII memorial
  • Free time in Almaty
  • Dushanbe City tour
  • Alexander the Great's lake
  • Hike to Iskander Darya waterfall
  • Fann Mountains
  • Voru Village Hike and Blacksmith
  • Free time in Ghazza Village
  • Istaravshan Mosque and Lenin Bust visit
  • Khujand City Tour
  • Museum of Sughd
  • Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin
  • Khujand market
  • Amir Timur Mausoleum Visit
  • Samarkand City Tour
  • Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square
  • Free time in Samarkand
  • Chashma Complex and Holy Spring Visit
  • Fortress of Alexander the Great Visit
  • Aidarkul Lake
  • Authentic Uzbekistan dinner
  • Evening Kazakh singing show
  • Overnight in a Yurt
  • Free time in Bukhara
  • Bukhara City Guided Tour
  • UNESCO-listed Khiva Ancient City Exploration
  • Free time in Khiva
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site Kunya Urgench
  • Guided tour of Dashoguz City
  • Gorogly Monument
  • Dashoguz Wedding hall
  • Kara-Kum desert
  • Fiery Darvaza gas crater, "Gates of Hell”
  • Mud Crater Visit
  • Sand Dunes of Karakum Desert
  • Ashgabat City Tour
  • Monument of Independence
  • National Museum of History and Ethnography
  • Arch of Neutrality
  • Gulistan market
  • Ancient Settlement of Nisa
  • Free time in Ashgabat
  • Tashkent Guided City Tour
  • Free time in Tashkent

Accommodation

  • Hotels (20 nts twin share), yurts (3 nts multishare up to 4 people per yurt), homestay (2 nt multishare).
  • 25 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicles, plane, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 6849 (CAD 263 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Bishkek

Arrive at any time.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan's artsy capital and cultural hub, situated at the base of the Tian Shan mountain range. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore!

2

Day 2: Bishkek/Chong-Kemin

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before travelling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Tonight, stay in a cozy guest house run by Karal Dobo Villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.

3

Day 3: Chong-Kemin/Song Kul

In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenic drive along the Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass to Song Kul Lake. Immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. Experience daily nomadic life and wander the breathtaking landscape. With an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it's possible to experience four seasons in one day! Indulge in delicious home-cooked cuisine for dinner, then get cozy in the yurt around the stove.

4

Day 4: Song Kul/Tamga

Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to enjoy lunch together with a local family. After lunch, head to the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon. Walk through the striking rock formations and take some beautiful photos. Afterward, head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol' Lake, where you'll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members.
Tamga village was once famous for its Soviet-era military sanatorium, where Soviet cosmonauts relaxed and recovered after space flights.

5

Day 5: Tamga/Karakol

This morning we head to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre, a G for Good supported organization, to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. Continue the drive to Jety Oguz, where we stop to visit the beautiful Seven Bulls rock formations, enjoy a picnic lunch with a stunning view and hike to the Jety Oguz viewpoint. Finish the drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol and enjoy a city tour upon arrival, visiting notable sites like the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.

6

Day 6: Karakol/Saty Village

Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a 4x4 vehicle for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals for a true Kazakh experience.

7

Day 7: Saty Village/Almaty

Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrival in Almaty, join your CEO for an orientation walk around your hotel.

8

Day 8: Almaty

Explore the amazing city of Almaty on a city tour, visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Enjoy a free afternoon to continue the adventure through Almaty. Opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.

9

Day 9: Almaty/Dushanbe

Today, we'll transfer to Almaty airport and board a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on the Varzob River. Upon arrival enjoy a tour of Dushanbe, visiting the main monuments, museum, and mosque.

10

Day 10: Dushanbe/Kuli Iskandarkul/ Ghazza Village

Enjoy a morning drive through the valleys and mountains to Kuli Iskandarkul. Pass along Alexander the Great's lake and go on a short hike to Iskander Darya waterfall. After lunch continue the drive to our overnight stay at a Community Guest house in Ghazza Village. Meet the local people and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains. Upon arrival to Ghazza village the group will set out on a walk followed by dinner at local family's home.

11

Day 11: Ghazza

After breakfast, embark on a hike alongside Voru River to visit Voru village (one of the oldest Villages of the Fann Mountains). Visit the local blacksmith's workshop. We'll learn about the different products they make, like knives and horseshoes. After the village exploration, head back to to Community guest house. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Opt to enjoy the roof top terrace at the guest house. Have dinner in a community guest house with the group in the evening.

12

Day 12: Ghazza/Khujand

Continue on to Khujand, stopping first in Istaravshan to explore a local mosque the largest bust of Lenin. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before continuing the drive to Khujand. Wander the city in the afternoon, visiting the Historical Museum of Sughd, resembling a castle, and the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin.

13

Day 13: Khujand/Tashkent

Visit the Khujand market (largest in Tajikistan) before continuing on to the border. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the capital city of Tashkent, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.
Some travellers will be joining the group here as they start their journey into Uzbekistan.

14

Day 14: Tashkent

Spend the day freely exploring this unique bustling city. Check out one of the many museums, wander the streets admiring the modern, Soviet-era architecture, venture up Tashkent Tower (which offers city views from its observation deck), or wander through the bazaar.

15

Day 15: Tashkent/Samarkand

Travel on to Samarkand, known for intricately beautiful mosques and mausoleums, situated on the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood before embarking on a city tour, visiting Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square. We'll also visit the famed Amir Timur Mausoleum, dedicated to the famous conqueror who once hoped to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan.

16

Day 16: Samarkand

With a free day in Samarkand, continue exploring the amazing sights, have a cuppa in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Opt to explore the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions.

17

Day 17: Samarkand/Aydar Kŭl Camp

Travel out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, Juma mosque, a bath-house, and the ancient Panjvakta mosque. All of this, hiding a holy spring believed to heal diseases. After exploring the complex, head to Aidarkul Lake and opt for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp. Enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.

18

Day 18: Aydar Kŭl Camp/Bukhara

Travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in the country, and get your bearings on an orientation walk. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked by a local family, visit a hammam (bathhouse), or just relax in the pleasant atmosphere of this Silk Road city.

19

Day 19: Bukhara

Explore Bukhara on a half-day guided walking tour around the beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets, or trading domes, that make up the Old City. A centre for pottery, cloth, and carpets, Bukhara is centered around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Wander the artisan shops and narrow twisting streets and alleyways, or sit at a café table and let the evening drift by. Opt to watch a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai, or indulge in a rejuvenating hammam bathhouse.

20

Day 20: Bukhara/Khiva

Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert on a full day's journey to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva, well worth the arduous drive. Get to know this peaceful, picturesque city on a late afternoon orientation walk, and pick your favourite spots to explore more in-depth tomorrow.

21

Day 21: Khiva

Before exploring this historic town on your own, enjoy a guided tour to learn about local life here. Wander through the narrow labyrinth mudbrick alleyways of old town, bargain with locals at the bazaar, admire the madrassas, mosques, and blue mosaic domes, climb up towering minarets, and venture into the dark dungeons Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Explore the inner walls of Ichon-Qala, and enjoy spectacular sunset views on the sand-coloured buildings.

22

Day 22: Khiva/Dashoguz

Say goodbye to Uzbekistan this morning as we drive to the Uzbek-Turkmen border and continue to Dashoguz, Turkmenistan. Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kunya Urgench to visit the ancient capital of the Khorezmian Empire.

23

Day 23: Dashoguz/Darvaza

Enjoy a morning tour of the city of Dashoguz. This evening, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner then we head out to witness the fiery Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell." Venture through the Kara-Kum desert and spend the night camping under the stars at a yurt camp.

24

Day 24: Darvaza/Ashgabat

After breakfast, begin the journey to the capital of Turkmenistan - Ashgabat. On the way, stop and admire its golden sand dunes that stretch out to the horizon. On arrival in Ashgabat, spend the evening at leisure. Opt to visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, also known as Gypjak Mosque, and capture the sun setting on the symmetrical minarets and golden domes.

25

Day 25: Ashgabat

Spend the day exploring bustling Ashgabat. Enjoy a tour of the city in the morning, visiting several city treasures such as the Monument of Independence and the National museum or Neutrality Arch. Afterward, we'll venture to the ancient ruins of Nisa to explore the ruins. Enjoy the afternoon free to continue exploring Ashgabat.

26

Day 26: Ashgabat

Depart at any time. Departure transfer is included.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.

In Business Since 1990

Reviews

 

Patricia T.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

My first trip was a good experience and several on the tour had done multiple G tours

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/30/2023

 

Tracy W.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

it's really self explanatory. If someone likes this style of travel, then G Adventures provides it.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/23/2023

 

Tina S.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

I had a great experience, everything went smoothly

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/23/2023

 

Bradley S.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

Had an absolute fantastic time. Great countries, excellent accommodation. I've been doing these trips for over 25 years and have also been a tour leader myself in Africa. Leila is one of the best leaders/guides/CEOS I have ever had. She was extremely knowledgeable and was able to control the group.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/29/2023

 

Jevon S.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

g does a nice job of small group travel including visits to the top sites of a location/area and moving at a good enough pace to see a lot of things on a shorter time frame than if done by an individual (ie removes the stress/energy required for lodging and logistics) that are sometimes draining/stressful particularly in less developed travel destinations.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/15/2023

 

Stephanie H.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

First time travelling with G Adventures and I absolutely loved it - I loved all the inclusions, the vibe of the tour and the companies ethics and values.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/20/2023

 

Juliana M.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

What a memorable trip with all the experts from G Adventures tour leaders, Anarbek (Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan), Shahbaz (Tajikistan), Ganisher (Uzbekistan) and Arslan (Turkmenistan). Thank you so much for making my Central Asia (5 stans) trip so special with amazing cultural, historical, geographical blends that make this trip so unique from others. Highly recommended trip. One suggestion is exploring Kazakhstan may need one extra day as we only spend 3 days in such a huge country. Julie

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/22/2023

 

Helen A.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

The trip caters for people of all ages and all interests. The guides had the expertise to understand and cater for the diverse reasons individuals travel. Developing knowledge of the complex history, geography agriculture and customs of this central Asian region would not have been possible without the planning and operational procedures that the trip entailed. Long driving days gave understandings into the distances and difficulties that the Silk Road travellers faced. Putting new found knowledge into context will further develop with personal research.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/06/2023

 

John B.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

G Adventures?s overall trip plan. The accommodations were excellent and transportation provided was spacious making our long drives a bit more comfortable. Our three CEO?s further enhanced our trip experiences.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/27/2023

 

Brenda B.,   -  Traveled, October 2003

Our trip was well run and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It appeals to all ages and we were delighted with our experience. The only reason I didn't score 10 was there were some minor issues during the lead up to our trip

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/30/2023

 

Mary Doreen B.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

Trip to Stans was unbelievable. Enjoyed every aspect of our journey including the challenging high altitude hiking. Food, accommodations and transportation were of excellent quality. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. My husband had his 80th birthday in Turkmenistan surrounded by new friends and a delicious birthday cake arranged by our CEO. We had three different guides and all three were excellent, giving us good information and keeping us safe with good instructions and optional plans. Thanks to Bek, Marifat and Arslan.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/23/2023

 

Noel B.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

This was our second G Adventures trip - both were very well organised and really enjoyable

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/08/2023

 

Gary I.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

it's a great way to meet and see the world

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/05/2023

 

John B.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

G Adventures?s overall trip plan. The accommodations were excellent and transportation provided was spacious making our long drives a bit more comfortable. Our three CEO?s further enhanced our trip experiences.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/03/2023

 

Philip A.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

Excellent tour of Central Asia which was previously completely unknown to us.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/27/2023

 

Mary M.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

Generally good guides and reasonable accommodations.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/25/2023

 

Josephine B.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

I have always found G Adv to offer a style of travel that suits me and to run true to itinerary.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/29/2023

 

Jevon S.,   -  Traveled, October 2023

g does a nice job of small group travel including visits to the top sites of a location/area and moving at a good enough pace to see a lot of things on a shorter time frame than if done by an individual (ie removes the stress/energy required for lodging and logistics) that are sometimes draining/stressful particularly in less developed travel destinations.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/15/2023

 

Perry P.,   -  Traveled, September 2023

Well designed tour, interesting well informed tour guide, good accommodations, professional drivers

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/15/2023

 

Maxine M.,   -  Traveled, September 2023

The trip was amazing - variety of countries and experiences, good hotels, outstanding guides

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/23/2023

 

Ellyce B.,   -  Traveled, September 2023

The itineraries are very diverse, your tour leaders are great, the accommodations are almost always clean and well located and you take the hassle out of traveling as a single. I have been happy with almost all of my G trips.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/05/2023

 

Tony T.,   -  Traveled, September 2023

The guides provided excellent knowledge, exceptional personalized care in our group setting, hotels, meal choices, cultural activities and hiking experiences were well-planned and safe.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/05/2023

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