From CAD 10,640
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(12 reviews)
Experience Overview
Vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile valleys and majestic mountains form the backdrop to the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia, which are commonly known as the five Stans. Among this changing and varied landscape are traditional villages, ancient towns and modern cities, which tell a tale of advancing Greek and Persian armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, traders selling wares along the Silk Road, philosophers, astronomers, Communist experiments and post-Soviet eccentrics. Journey past giant burning gas pits, intricately tiled mosques, alpine lakes bordered by yurt camps, grand monuments, rural villages and colourful markets on this epic trip through the heart of Central Asia.
About this trip: We have two versions of this trip, one starting in Turkmenistan and ending in Kazakhstan (Ashgabat to Almaty) and the other running in reverse, starting in Kazakhstan and ending in Turkmenistan (Almaty to Ashgabat). Apart from the direction of travel, the two itineraries are similar, the main difference is the route taken through Kyrgyzstan and the accommodation there. The Ashgabat to Almaty itinerary includes Son Kul lake and there are three nights staying in yurts in Kyrgyzstan. The Almaty to Ashgabat itinerary includes Chon-Kemin and Bishkek and stays in guesthouses and hotels rather than yurts. Both itineraries include a night in a yurt in Turkmenistan. This itinerary is valid for departures from 5 Sep, 2024 to 4 Sep, 2025. For other departure dates, please contact us.
Profile
— Accommodation from Ashgabat to Almaty (AXK1) - 18 Classic nights (16 hotels, 2 guesthouses), 4 Simple nights (yurt) — Accommodation from Almaty to Ashgabat (AXK2) - 21 Classic nights (18 hotels, 3 guesthouse), 1 Simple night (yurt) — Most travel is by minibus — Single supplement available (excludes nights in yurts)
At a Glance
— Accommodation from Ashgabat to Almaty (AXK1) - 18 Classic nights (16 hotels, 2 guesthouses), 4 Simple nights (yurt) — Accommodation from Almaty to Ashgabat (AXK2) - 21 Classic nights (18 hotels, 3 guesthouse), 1 Simple night (yurt) — Most travel is by minibus — Single supplement available (excludes nights in yurts)
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Over a relatively short period, we visit a vast array of sites, both cultural and natural, and cover five fascinating countries, which share a common history but are now developing individually. It covers a lot of distance in three weeks and there are several places where we only spend one night (especially during the section through Tajikistan and southern Kyrgyzstan).
While this is not an active trip, the pace and distance covered can be tiring. There are also some hikes, particularly in Kyrgyzstan. These are not challenging and can vary depending on the preferences and abilities of the group.
Drives: Most tend to be four to five hours’ long with the odd six-hour drive.
Comfort: Central Asia doesn’t always have great infrastructure and you shouldn’t expect the same comforts you would get at home.
Most nights are in hotels, though we also stay in yurt camps and guesthouses, which will be more basicHot water is normally available, but is not always reliableToilets might be squat toilets and showers may be outside the main building in the more basic accommodationSome nights you may have to share a room with more than one person; we make every effort to ensure men and women who are not travelling together don’t have to share a room, but this cannot be guaranteed. On these nights, single supplements do not apply. We stay in these places, however, as there are very limited options in some areas we visit
Smoking: Smoking in public is illegal in Turkmenistan (though smoking in private is fine, which means more people smoke indoors than outdoors) and you should not smoke outside the airport on arrival or in the street in Ashgabat. Also, you can only bring two packs of cigarettes into Turkmenistan.
Clothes: When visiting mosques and other religious buildings, women should wear long skirts and have their shoulders covered, we also advise bringing a scarf and covering your head on such occasions. Knee-length skirts/dresses, shorts and sleeveless tops are fine in other circumstances.
Itinerary changes: Given the bureaucracy in the region, particularly in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, we may be forced to change the route or activities due to government decisions beyond our control.
Leaders and border crossings: As we travel through several countries, we usually have three different local tour leaders over the course of our trip. Border crossings can be chaotic and require patience. In some cases, you need to walk through a neutral zone with your luggage. A tour leader will cross the borders with the group, except the Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan border.
Group Description
The group will generally be between five and 16 people. There will be a Western leader for the duration of the tour who will be supported by a different local leader in each country. Due to legal restrictions, each local leader will say farewell to you at the border and you will meet the next local leader on the other side.
Eating Drinking
Common dishes in the region include shish-kebabs and plov (rice usually with mutton, onions, carrots, spices, raisins and peas). The kebabs can be from different meats, including lamb and beef, while plov is a rice-based dish (variants elsewhere are known as pilaf or pilau rice).
Another main staple is bread, especially in Uzbekistan where it is freshly baked and sold everywhere; in Turkmenistan, churek is a flat, round bread baked in clay ovens. Other traditional dishes include chorba, a meat and vegetable soup; manty, steamed dumplings filled with lamb; qu’urma, a lamb dish; ichlekli, a meat and onion pie; and gutap, a pie filled with meat, potatoes, spinach and pumpkin. There are normally a couple of opportunities to try home-cooked meals. Tea is also plentiful, both black and green, and drunk with most meals and throughout the day.
Please note, vegetarian food choices are limited. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring such specialised dietary items from home.
Drinking water is included and where possible will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from – please bring a reusable bottle with you.
Transportation
The transport we use varies depending on group size and we change vehicle every country. We normally use local ‘tourist class’ minibuses/coaches. Larger groups may be split across two vehicles or in a larger bus in some countries.
Some of the drives are long but they are mostly on sealed roads with just a few sections on dirt roads, including the desert road to the burning pit at Darvaza, and heading to Son Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. We use SUV/4×4 vehicles for the journey to Darvaza as the last 6mi (10km) to the crater is off-road.
If you decide to do the Astana extension, you will travel by internal flight.
Joining Instructions
Ashgabat to Almaty - AXK1
Start hotel: Hotel Sport. 10-Yyl Abadanchylyk Street, 744000, Ashgabat.
Phone: (+993 12) 461956
Recommended arrival time: Between mid-afternoon on Day 1 to early morning on Day 2.
Airport: Ashgabat Airport (ASB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel for any flight landing on arrival day. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance; unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. It is Turkmen law for the inviting party (as per your LOI or Turkmen visa) to organise an arrival transfer from Ashgabat Airport for tourists. Therefore, if you are not joining the group transfer, you will still need to pre-book an arrival transfer through Exodus.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Almaty Airport (ALA) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer at additional cost.
Location start: Ashgabat
Location end: Almaty
Almaty to Ashgabat - AXK2
Start hotel: Uyut Hotel. Gogol St 127/1, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan.
Phone: +7 (727) 2795111
Recommended arrival time: before 10 am on Day 1
Airport: Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel for any flight landing on arrival day. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance; unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Ashgabat Airport (ASB) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer at additional cost.
Location start: Almaty
Location end: Ashgabat
All arrival and departure transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
Covering a large area, from the deserts of Turkmenistan to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, the climate varies a lot. Summer (July and August) can be very hot in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan but pleasant in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, while spring and autumn (May/June and September/October) can be cooler in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan but more pleasant in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
As we visit regions ranging from deserts to high mountains, you can expect temperatures exceeding 30C (86F) as well as close to freezing and need to be prepared for both. Winters are very cold and some areas are impassable (especially to Son Kul in Kyrgyzstan) for most of the year, which is why the season for this trip is relatively short, lasting only from June to mid-October. Later dates (ie September into October) can be particularly cold at Son Kul.
From early September onwards, we run this trip in reverse, starting in Almaty and ending in Ashgabat and take a different route through Kyrgyzstan avoiding the higher altitudes. On this route, you are likely to avoid the highest temperatures in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Spending Money
The amount of spending money required can vary depending on how much you spend on drinks and souvenirs; as an indication, we recommend you bring at least US$300 for meals not included and a further US$150 for souvenirs, drinks and other incidentals.
Photo fees are payable at nearly all Uzbekistan sites – they vary from 5,000 to 10,000 soum (US$0.45 to US$0.90). There are also photo fees in some Turkmenistan sites, these can be up to US$14 per photo, your tour leader can advise on when this may be the case.
As a rough guideline, you should allow approximately US$8-US$10 per meal with a drink, or US$15-US$20 per person per day.
Optional Activities
There are several optional activities, which your leader can help arrange. They are subject to schedules, weather and availability; your leader will let you know what is available and the local costs. Payment should be made locally in US dollars. Below is an indication of the optional activities and their approximate costs and duration but these may vary throughout the season or depending on the number of participants and are given in good faith as a guideline only.
— Yurt construction show at Son Kul Lake: US$70 per group (one to two hours). Watch, or take part in, a demonstration of setting up a yurt with Kyrgyz nomads and learn about these dwellings. — National horseback riding games on the shore of Son Kul Lake: US$150 per group. Chance to watch various kinds of traditional Kyrgyz horse-riding games. — Horse-riding at Son Kul Lake: US$12 per horse for approximately two hours. — Folklore musical show during dinner in Bishkek city: US$100 per group (20 minutes); US$150 per group (30 minutes). Professional musicians will demonstrate the traditional musical instruments and play Kyrgyz melodies.
SIM card availability:
— You have the option to purchase a SIM card for Kyrgyzstan/Uzbekistan either before your trip or upon arrival. — If you prefer purchasing a SIM card upon arrival in Kyrgyzstan/Uzbekistan, you'll find several options available, including at airports, convenience stores, and local network provider outlets
Tipping
Given the nature of this trip, visiting five countries, a tipping kitty is not practical; however, your leader will advise on whether it is possible to tip as a group. Tipping has become customary in these countries, especially for tourist activities, though this is, of course, completely at your own discretion.
As a guideline, we’d suggest planning on roughly US$5 a day for tipping. Of this, a reasonable amount would be US$2 to US$2.50 a day for each local leader and the rest split between other staff. Most of the tips would go to the local leaders and drivers but you may wish to leave a tip for hotel staff too – a tip equivalent to US$1 for a hotel porter would be a nice gesture but it is entirely up to you. Tipping of your Western leader would be appreciated but, again, is at your discretion – we suggest tipping as a group at the end of the holiday.
Highlights
— Follow the footsteps of ancient traders on a journey along the Silk Road — Witness the ‘Door to Hell’ at night, a giant burning gas pit in Turkmenistan — Experience the life of a nomadic shepherd with two nights in a yurt camp — Discover the great Islamic architecture and ruins of five different countries — Explore the villages and lakes of the Fann and Tien Shan mountains
Trip Details
Product Code: 4285
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: l flight.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AXK
Starts: Ashgabat, Kazakhstan
Finishes: Ashgabat, Kazakhstan
Duration: 23 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
— All accommodation — All breakfasts, one lunch, and five dinners — All transport and listed activities — Western tour leader throughout (plus a local guide in each country) — Arrival transfers for any flight, departure transfers for group flights onlyAccommodation
A selection of hotels, guest houses, and yurtsOn this adventure through The Silk Road, we spend 19 nights in hotels and guest houses, and 3 nights in traditional yurt camps (only 1 night on the reverse itinerary). The accommodations typically used can be found on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a selection used on this trip. Ashgabat: Sport Hotel Sport hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Ashgabat close to the city's major attractions. The hotel offers spacious and well appointed rooms, as well as a number of amenities, including wi-fi, a swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and a on site restaurant. Bukhara: Kavsar Boutique Hotel Taking over an old mansion, this small boutique hotel is one of the standout accommodations on this itinerary. It’s embellished with intricate design features and plenty of antiques, while an atmospheric central courtyard provides a wonderful place to gather as a group. Darvaza, Son Kul and Issyk Kul: Yurt Camps Yurts are traditional housing for nomadic communities across Central Asia and are generally quite cosy. On the itinerary starting in Ashgabat and ending in Almaty: we have four nights in yurts: one night in Darvaza near the Door to Hell crater, and two nights at Son Kul Lake and a night by Isyyk Kul lake. For the two nights in the yurt camp at Son Kul (days 17 and 18), you may have to share with four people to a yurt. Men and women who are not travelling together don’t usually have to share a yurt, but this cannot be guaranteed. The yurts at Son Kul have western-style toilets and a ‘shower yurt’ with proper showers and wash basins. There is hot water when the generator is running (usually morning and evening) but it is not wholly reliable. On the itinerary starting in Almaty and ending in Ashgabat: we only have one night in a yurt - at Darvaza in Turkmenistan. This itinerary runs later in the year when the weather can be too cold for yurt stays in Kyrgyzstan, so we stay in hotels or guesthouses instead and follow a different route. Almaty: Uyut Hotel In the centre of Kazakhstan’s largest city, this modern hotel is a 25-minute drive from Almaty International Airport. It has a heated indoor pool, sauna, laundry service, bar and restaurant serving Asian, European and Eastern cuisine. Worth knowing If you prefer to have your own room, a limited number of single supplements are available on a ‘first-come, first-serve’ basis on some nights of the tour – please request this at the time of booking. Please note, a single supplement is not available at the yurt camps.In Turkmenistan, hotels charge a daily tourist tax of around US$2 per person per day – this is included in the holiday price for the main tour, so you needn’t worry about it. However, if you book extra nights’ accommodation in Ashgabat before the tour, you will need to pay directly to the hotel yourself. If you book pre-tour accommodation in Turkmenistan (and will be staying in the country for more than three days plus your arrival day), you will be required by law to register your passport with the State Service of Turkmenistan – our local partner will assist with this.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 10640 (CAD 463 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. As per Turkmen law, we arrange arrival transfers for all customers. See the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more details. There are no arranged activities today, as many flights arrive very late at night or early tomorrow morning. Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
Following what for many people will have been a late night or early morning arrival, our exploration of Ashgabat begins around midday. Ashgabat holds the record for the most white-marble buildings in the world. In the post-Soviet era, successive Turkmen leaders built these impressive buildings as a show of the country’s strength and they make for a surreal sight. Ashgabat has been described as Pyongyang meets Las Vegas, and you can see why. We have a half-day city tour of Ashgabat including Ertogrul Ghazi mosque, Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, Constitution Monument, Alem Ferris Wheel, Magtymguly Monument, Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, and the Wedding Palace which looks over the city from atop a hill. Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)
After breakfast, we head to Nisa, an ancient Persian-era fortress, the former capital of the Persian Parthian Empire, which controlled much of the region from Iraq to Pakistan 2,000 years ago. The ruins here were declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2007. Afterwards, we visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan located about a 20 minute drive from the ruins of the Parthian Fortress of Nisa. Mid afternoon, we head north in a 4×4 convoy into the Karakum Desert, some 4hr 30min drive (161mi/260km) away, to a massive burning gas crater known as the Door to Hell in a remote part of the Darvaza region. In the 1970s, Soviet engineers looking for natural gas deposits came across this area. Attempting to assess the amount of gas present they set up a drill. The drill collapsed, exposing a big crater and seeping methane gas into the air. The engineers decided to set the gas alight in the belief that it would burn off within a few weeks. More than 45 years later, it is still burning. We enjoy a barbeque dinner near the crater and stay overnight in yurts very nearby. Seeing the burning crater by night is a unforgettable experience. Accommodation: Darwaza Yurt Camp
This morning after breakfast we transfer to Dashoguz,the capital city of northern Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz Province, and check into our hotel. The region around Dashoguz was part of the ancient Silk Road trade routes that connected East and West. In the afternoon, we visit Kunya-Urgench situated on the left bank of the Amu Daria River (approximately 1h30 drive from Dashoguz). Kunya-Urgench, also known as Old Urgench, was the capital of the Khorezm region, part of the Achaemenid Empire. The old town contains a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-m high minaret. The monuments testify to outstanding achievements in architecture and craftsmanship whose influence reached Iran and Afghanistan, and later the architecture of the Mogul Empire of 16th-century India. Accommodation: Hotel Dashoguz (or similar)
After breakfast, we drive to the Shavat border post and say goodbye to our Turkmen leader and cross into Uzbekistan where we meet our Uzbek leader and drive to Khiva, arriving early afternoon. We have some time to relax, then take a walking tour of the walled city - the Itchan Kala. Often described as an open-air living museum, the Itchan Kala is Khiva's perfectly restored old city and includes the coloured tiled base of the never completed Kalta Minar, (originally planned to be taller than any minaret in Bukhara), the Kunya-Ark 12th century fortress - the former residence of the Khiva khans, and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud (Khiva's patron saint) with its tiled courtyard. Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard. We also visit Islam Khoja minaret and madrasah, the Juma mosque - supported by 218 wooden carved columns, Tash Khauli palaces, and Allakuli Khan Madrassah. We also explore artisan workshops where we see technology behind the production of Khiva wool, silk carpets, embroidery, ceramics, and wood inlay. Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
After breakfast, we head off to the arid plains of Khorezm. These plains were once densely populated marshland, inhabited by Messagetae Scythians. These horseback archers were nomadic and fought to retain the land, even defeating Cyrus The Great, a Persian emperor in BC 529. We visit the 2000-year-old ruined city fortress of Toprak- Qala, dramatically located with the Sultan Vais Mountains acting as a backdrop. The settlement began in the first century BC under Kushan patronage and was later devastated by Turkish raids that led to the depopulation of the town in the sixth century. There are still three large round towers and an impressive portion of the citadel that still remain, but the parchments and paintings that were found there are now in St Petersburg's Hermitage Museum. We also visit Qizil-Qala, formerly an important oasis with an impressive amount of remaining buildings and finally Ayaz-Qala, an imposing hilltop fortress dating from the sixth-century. We later return to Khiva for the night. Accommodation: Malika Khorezm, Khiva (or similar)
Today we drive to Bukhara (480 km/7-8 hours), one of the most ancient cities of the East. We drive through the Kyzylkum desert and make some photo stops in the desert and on the banks of the Amu Darya (Oxus) River. After arriving in Bukhara we check in to our hotel and have the evening free to relax after our long journey. Accommodation: Sultan Hotel Bukhara/Hotel Kavsar (or similar)
The 2,000-year-old city of Bukhara has an old centre that evokes the many centuries of traders and travellers who’ve passed through here on their way between the Mediterranean and China. We spend the day exploring this fascinating city, including a visit to the historic Lyabi Khauz architectural complex, which has the oldest reflective pool in Central Asia. It is surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and Khanaka, which has a façade of intricate mosaics. We also visit Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum - a sarcophagus over an ancient sacred spring believed to have healing properties, the Mausoleum of the Samanids - the family tomb of the rulers of Bukhara, the oldest in Central Asia; Ark Citadel - the residence of Bukhara's rulers since the first century AD; the Poi Kalyan Complex, home to the 157ft (48m) high Kalyan Minaret, which has come to symbolise the city; the Kalyan Mosque with 288 domes covering galleries below, Nodir Divanbegi Madrasah, and Chor-Minor - a small mosque of an original form with four minarets. Accommodation: Sultan Hotel Bukhara/Hotel Kavsar (or similar)
This morning, we uncover more Bukharan history and culture as we explore the Sitorai-Mohl-Hosa Palace, the summer palace of the emirs. The palace rooms are richly decorated with magnificent paintings, stucco, wood carvings and ganch. After lunch, we have a four to five hours’ drive (186mi/300km) to the other great Silk Road city, Samarkand. We break up the journey with a short stop at Gijduvan, where we will visit the house of the famous dynasty of pottery masters – the Narzullaevs. Continue on to Samarkand. Accommodation: Malika Prime (or similar)
Possibly the most famous of the Silk Road cities, Samarkand has blue-tiled buildings that dazzle in the bright sun. Steeped in history, dating back 2,500 years and impacted by such figures as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, who made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century, it is home to one of the world’s great squares – Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by the madrassahs of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori. It is said the square and madrassah influenced other sites, including the great square in Isfahan, Iran, and the Taj Mahal in India. The city was the capital of the great Tamerlane and we spend the day visiting a number of Tamerlane-era sites, including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane, his sons and his grandson, Ulughbek. The Ulugbek Observatory built in 1420 by Tamerlane’s grandson who was not just a ruler but also a well-known astronomer. We move on to the oversized Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda – the ‘Living King’ necropolis – with its series of mausoleums dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Our final visit is to the exotic Siab Bazaar with its fresh and dried fruit and nuts and other local food produce, and a local paper factory. The exact order of visits may vary. Accommodation: Malika Prime (or similar)
Early this morning we drive to the Tajik border. We cross into Tajikistan, meet our local guide and head to the town of Penjikent (20 km, 20 min). Our first stop in Tajikistan is at Sarazm, one of Central Asia's ancient settlements, dating back 5,500 years and now a World Heritage site. In Penjikent we set out on a tour (3-4 hours) that will take us to the Museum of Rudaki (Rudaki is considered by many to be the father of Persian poetry and he was born in Penjikent) and ancient Penjikent - ruins of old Sogdian town founded in 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century. We also explore the remains of houses, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples and a bazaar in the excavated ruins. Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Today we make a trip into the heart of the Fann Mountains. We drive to Seven Lakes or Haf Kul in Tajik, a sometimes bumpy and narrow 80 kms away in the Shing Valley. The lakes vary in altitude from 1,600 to 2,400 metres and most were formed by landslides. The high mineral content in the water gives the lakes an unusual colour. We’ll have time to enjoy the mountains, with a walk to Hazorchashma Lakes and a picnic lunch in the village of Nofin before we drive back to Penjikent. Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Leaving the Fann Mountains behind, we head into the industrial and agricultural heartland around the city of Khujand (about four hours’ drive). En route, we visit the town of Istravashan founded by the Persian king Kier in the sixth century, and we'll visit the bazaar. While Khujand, today, is not the most attractive of cities it has a complex history. Believed to be one of the oldest in Central Asia, it was attacked by Alexander the Great, Arab invaders and Genghis Khan, as well as being an important stop along the Silk Road. There are still traces of the glory days and we take in a tour of the sites, including the Musuem of Archeology, Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mosque, the Payshanba bazaar and, if time Arbob Palace - the Urumkhodjaev family country estate, a copy of the Russian tsarist palace of Peterhof. Accommodation: Khudjand Delux Hotel (or similar)
We return to Uzbekistan via the border crossing at Andurkhan, where we say goodbye to our Tajik crew and re-join the Uzbeks. The total driving time to Ferghana town is about five hours from Khujand, but we make several stops along the way. The first of these is at Kokand, which was the capital of the 19th-century Kokand Khanate. We visit the Khudoyar-Khan Palace (1871) home to a museum, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum. From here, we continue to the small village of Rishtan, home to potter dynasties and ceramics masters. We visit a local ceramics studio and witness a demonstration of the craft before the opportunity to buy earthenware. Our final stop is at Margilan, where we visit a silk factory and learn about the material that gave its name to the greatest trade route in history. Eventually, we arrive in Fergana town where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Asia Fergana (or similar)
This morning, we transfer to the Kyrgyz border and say goodbye to our Uzbek leader. After border formalities at the Dustlik border crossing, we meet our Kyrgyz leader and head into nearby Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city. We visit the sacred Sulayman Mountain, a holy Muslim site (and burial place of the prophet Sulayman (Solomon); and the central point on the Silk Road. The walk to the top of Sulayman Mountain is paved with some steps and can be tiring in the heat but the views over the city and valley below, small museum and 15th-century church are worth the effort. On the way to Jalal-Abad we make a sightseeing stop at Uzgen. We taken an excursion to an old minaret and mausoleums nearby and visit a famous rice bazaar. Uzgen has a history of over 2000 years — it is claimed to be a site of numerous citadels built at various times since the 1st century BC. It was an important centre of trade routes between the Fergana Valley and Northern territories of Central Asia. Uzgen became a highly developed town in the Karakhanid’s epoch and developed into a large trading and handicrafts center. Accommodation: Guesthouse Goodnight (or similar)
We leave the city of Jalal-Abad and head for Arslanbob Nature Reserve (approximately 1.5 hour drive). The village of Arslanbob is in the mountains at around 5,250ft (1,600m) – though the top and bottom of the village vary considerably in altitude – and is surrounded by an ancient walnut forest believed to be the largest in the world. We go for a walk and picnic lunch in the surrounding countryside. The walk takes around four hours (including lunch and stops) and requires walking shoes/boots. The pace is leisurely but if anyone prefers not to join, you are free to opt out. Afterwards, we head back to our guesthouse (approximately 1.5 hour drive) in Jalal-Abad for the night. Accommodation: Guesthouse Goodnight (or similar)
Leaving the gorges behind, we head towards the high pastures surrounding Son Kul Lake (9,895ft/3,016m above sea level). The journey takes approximately seven hours, including some rough roads. A new road is under construction and is expected to shorten the journey from 2025, but this cannot be guaranteed. The jewel in the Kyrgyz crown for natural beauty, here nomadic shepherds tend their flocks. Today, yurt camps have multiplied around the lake, but the people who look after them still raise their sheep and cattle on the jailoo (high mountain pastures). We experience the nomad life with a stay in a yurt camp. There are now Western-style toilets and a ‘shower yurt’ with proper showers and wash basins. There is hot water when the generator is running (usually morning and evening) but it is not wholly reliable. Accommodation: Yurt Camp
We have the whole of today to take in the beauty of the landscape around Son Kul. There is the option to go on a 2hr-2hr 30min walk to the nearby hills – the slopes are quite steep, and this may not be for everyone, but at the top are a few petroglyphs to admire. After lunch, we visit one of the Kyrgyz shepherd families close to camp to learn about their lifestyle and perhaps taste kumis (a natural drink made from fermented mare’s milk) or similar. There is also the option to go horse-riding (optional extra). Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Our journey today takes first takes us to Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan's most important centre for felt handicrafts. We visit a local workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of national carpets. From Kochkor, we travel through the central Tien Shan mountains as we drive through picturesque canyons and gorges along the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest salt lake in the world, after the Caspian Sea (and fast becoming the largest as the Caspian Sea recedes), it measures 70km by 180km and is almost 700m at its deepest point. Its name translates as Hot Lake and was given as, even in the depths of winter and despite being just above 1,600m, it never freezes. The area around the lake is a mixture of forest and meadow with a backdrop of towering mountains and glaciers. We have an optional excursion (approximately US$100-120 per group) at Bokonbaev village to observe a traditional form of falconry found throughout Central Asia – hunting with eagles. Eagle hunting plays a key role in the nomadic lifestyle here and can also be seen during national competitions. Accommodation: Yurt camp
This morning we continue our journey to Karakol. We head first to Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We'll hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named after the Kyrgyz national hero). Next is Djety Oguz Gorge where the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rocks formations can be seen. From Djety Oguz, we continue to Karakol. There are about 2.5 hrs of driving in total today. The atmosphere of Karakol town will take you hundred years back and give you an impression of Tsarist Russia. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of Karakol, taking in old Russian-style houses, a Russian Orthodox church dating back to 1886, a wooden Dungan mosque (1899) made without the use of nails, and Karakol bazaar. This evening we enjoy a home cooked meal at a local Uygur or Dungan family home. Accommodation: Amir Hotel (or similar)
Today we cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border and, after border procedures (which typically take about an hour), travel along the picturesque Karkara valley, where mountain flowers attract many beekeepers. We head towards Charyn Canyon, where the dramatic erosion caused by the Charyn river has created an impressive landscape. We have approximately three hours at the Charyn Canyon, there is the choice of walking 1.5 km down into the canyon (and 1.5 km back up afterwards), or an easier option is to enjoy the canyon from a viewpoint. There is time for a picnic lunch in the canyon (you can buy your picnic from a supermarket earlier in the day). After visiting the canyon, we continue to Almaty. There are about six hours of driving today. Accommodation: Uyut Hotel (or similar)
Almaty is a beautiful city with its backdrop of the Tien Shan mountains and we have the whole day to explore it. With leafy streets and café culture, the former Kazakh capital has a distinctly European feel. We set off on a city tour after breakfast, we visit a number of sites, including Zhenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), made entirely of wood and without the use of nails, Panfilovs Park, home to the Piously-Voznesenskiy Orthodox Cathedral (1907), which was built without any nails, the Great Patriotic and Civil War monuments and eternal flame, and either the National History Museum or Museum of National Instruments. Accommodation: Uyut Hotel (or similar)
Our adventure comes to an end in Almaty this morning.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Helen Cassaday - Traveled, September 2023
From desert camels to mountain yak This was the longest duration trip I’ve ever taken, covering the most ground by road and with some (by my standards) fairly extreme variations of temperature, altitude and landscape. But it was mostly very unusual, often spectacular and totally worth the bumpy ride – take layers, medications and a better camera than I did. The people were also a particular highlight. Jabbar in Turkmenistan was an impossible act to follow, but the local leaders were all very good. The group was a great mix and we bonded over one or two minor glitches and some medicinal vodka. We met the friendliest local people in markets, at the border crossings, on the road. They were very often willing to share my three words of Russian, and to practice their English. It was also very nice to be asked to join them for their photos – probably some of these invitations were from other tourists, but was still great to feel like the exotic extra for a change. Most Inspirational Moment The night sky, particularly at Son Kul lake. Thoughts on Group Leader We were very fortunate to have Alina as our tour leader for the full duration. She’s an inspiration and second to none in terms of her people and organisational skills. Advice for Potential Travellers This is a challenging trip – certainly well out of my comfort zone - and most of the group fell ill at some point. So best to be prepared for some visceral reactions and take each day as it comes. Possibly I should have read ahead about the destinations, but travelling without expectations can be a lot more fun, just read the trip notes closely for the practicalities – money, visas etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Guy Westoby - Traveled, August 2023
Superb tour through the 'Five Stans of the Silk Road'! I can honestly say as a seasoned traveller the ‘Five Stans of the Silk Road’ tour was one of the best I’ve been on! In a well-planned and packed 3-week itinerary we got to compare & contrast the highlights of five countries in Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan) each with its own distinct culture, history and approach to life. Exodus provided local guides for each country to ensure we got beneath the surface to learn more about the people. We stayed in a variety of excellent accommodation from plush hotels to lakeside yurts and the food was usually locally sourced, freshly cooked and delicious. An endlessly fascinating and thoroughly recommended for anyone with a sense of adventure and desire to learn about & experience a little-known corner of the world! Most Inspirational Moment Too many to easily choose between (eg. the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, the Islamic architecture & decor in Uzbekistan, Iskanderkul lake in Tajikistan) but if I had to pick one it would be the time spent at Son Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan. Stunning scenery, remote location, fresh air and starry skies free of light pollution. Add to that a chance to walk in the wilderness, sleeping in comfortable yurts and excellent food and you have a perfect experience. Thoughts on Group Leader Jordan oversaw the whole trip professionally and was always approachable to help get things sorted out. Each country had its own local guide and all were very good, although those in Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan went above and beyond in providing the best service. Advice for Potential Travellers The travelling can be gruelling at times, with long days in the bus from time to time. But more than made up for by the destinations. The border crossings were occasionally frustrating as unnecessary bureaucracy kicks in - we had our passports checked by six different border staff on a couple of occasions! Watch out also for some of the locals pushing in the passport control queues, but if you develop a group strategy to shield you, you'll be fine!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Deborah Evans - Traveled, July 2019
Amazing, Extensive, Exhausting Trip If you want to see classic Silk Road architecture then go to Uzbekistan. If you want to see amazing mountain scenery then go to Kyrgyzstan. If you want to see both of the above plus three other countries in Central Asia, whilst experiencing a wide range of ‘best of’ activites plus a few off the beaten track sights, all crammed into three hectic weeks, then the Five Stans trip is the one for you. My expectations were high, but this trip surpassed them. Most Inspirational Moment I can't pick one, here are a selection of things that blew me away: Surreal Ashgabat. Beautiful Bukhara. Samarkand. Obviously. The night sky (and entire yurt experience) at Son Kul lake Thoughts on Group Leader Suzie Grant is a one woman whirlwind. She held our great group together, looked after us all, kept our spirits up and used her natural curiousity to help make it the best trip possible for us. It was a privilege to travel with her. Advice for Potential Travellers Bear in mind that the itinerary is very 'full on' and, although I consider myself to be relatively fit, I was quite tired by the end of the trip. That said, I am grateful for the opportunity to do so much in such a short period of time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2019
Susi Quinn - Traveled, July 2019
A long and varied road This amazing trip was like several holidays rolled into one. From the surreal weirdness of Ashghabat and Darvaza, through ancient archaeological sites to the stunning monuments in Bukhara and Samarkand, through the desert to the Afghan border then up into beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers and nomad camps, before descending back down to the modern post-Soviet cities… every day there was something new and wonderful to see. Most Inspirational Moment So many! Ashghabat set us up with three weeks' worth of jokes; we all fell instantly in love with Bukhara; the necropolis in Samarkand was an unexpected delight; the drive into the Fann Mountains was a welcome return to awesome scenery, and the whole of Kyrgyzstan was jaw-droppingly beautiful, especially the ever-changing colours of Son Kul lake and the brilliant stars on a clear night. Thoughts on Group Leader Our fantastic tour leader Ale(jandro) was a major reason for the success of the trip - always on hand to organise things or deal with any issues, endlessly cheerful and calm, and full of entertaining stories about his previous trips. The local guides sometimes varied in quality, but the best ones were truly stellar - Bek in Uzbekistan and Valentina in Kyrgyzstan in particular were excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers The Tajik visa is valid for about 45 days, so allow a few days' leeway at the start rather than trying to calculate your exact entry date (a few people got this wrong and had to get new visas over dodgy Turkmen internet). The Turkmen LOI can arrive very late, not the "month in advance" suggested in the trip notes, but nobody got rejected. Take plenty of rehydration salts even if you have bowels of steel - nearly everyone had some troubles, and the salts are also good if you're sweating buckets (which will definitely happen at 46 degrees!). Learn some Russian if you can, it's spoken almost everywhere, and will help you understand the bill at restaurants. The transfer window at Istanbul Airport on the way home is very tight - do whatever it takes to speed things up, whether going through the VIP security check or hitching a ride with a motorised wheelchair (have some $$ ready to tip the driver), as you may have over a mile to run to make it before boarding closes - we all made it, but only just.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2019
Sarah Eddington - Traveled, June 2019
Leave the West Behind If you want to leave the west behind until the last city on this incredible journey, then welcome to the former Soviet States that make up the silk road. This trip has everything, religion, wildlife, nomad living and amazing countryside and mountains. Forget McDonalds and Burger King, at times you won’t even get social media! Most Inspirational Moment staying in a Yurt high in the mountains, seeing the nomad people living their lives as they have done for 1000's of years Thoughts on Group Leader our group leader was good, and the local guides and drivers were exceptional Advice for Potential Travellers Do not expect western standards, the food is basic at times as are the toilet and shower facilities. There are no home comforts which is what makes this trip what it is. Do not go expecting to get Wifi and social media, it isn't going to happen at times
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2019
Mike Frampton - Traveled, May 2019
The Five Stans - A journey through history and the Central Asian Republice A great holiday with plenty of superb sites and stunning scenery. One reason for calling this the Silk Road was that silk was used to pay people. It started with the Chinese needing horses to fight the nomads from the north. By 53BC, Rome was spending half its silver production on silk and other products from the Silk Roads. Rome also had to introduce modesty legislation because of the number of people wearing only silk. Whilst Julius Caesar was invading Britain in 53BC, his friend Marcus Crassus was leading another Roman army to defeat by Persia, in an empire that stretched from modern day Iran to Afghanistan and north to Merv. 10,000 Roman captives were sold at the Merv slave market to the Chinese, to fight on their northern border against marauding nomadic tribes. The ruins of three cities can be seen at Merv, in southern modern day Turkmenistan. The first was built by Cyrus the Great when he created the first Persian Empire. Next to it is the remains of the city built by Alexander the Great and next to that the remains of the city built after the Arab invasion, which was destroyed by the armies of Genghis Khan 1221 AD, with up to a million people being massacred. Alexander is a hero in Turkmen, after he freed them from Persian rule. In Uzbekistan, Timor is the hero, as he rose from hired sword to ruler of a vast empire, stretching from the Chinese border to Egypt, destroying many armies on the way. He made Samarqand his capital and made it one of the greatest cities. In Tajikistan, it is Cyrus the Great who is remembered, partly because he was murdered there. In Osh, Kyrgyzstan, it is Babur, great great grandson of Timor and founder of the Indian Mughal dynasty who is remembered. Although it is Manus who is the local hero. Most Inspirational Moment Too many. Merv, Bukhara, Samarqand to name three cities. The snow capped mountains, throwing snowballs and sweltering in the heat all on the same day, magnificent lakes, watching flocks of goats and sheep being moved to the high pastures and seeing the yurts of the shepherds. One surprise was the large number of roses and other plants we saw in the first three countries visited. Thoughts on Group Leader Very good. Unusually we had both a western leader for the whole trip, as well as local guides for each of the countries visited. Advice for Potential Travellers You may only spend one day in Kazakhstan, but a day time flight home, clouds permitting, gives you the opportunity to see the steppes and the salt pans of this vast country from the air, either through the window (book seat early) or as an alternative to a movie, using the plane's downward looking camera (which is an option in the My Flight screen). On arrival at Ashgabat airport, you have to take your invitation letter to the Visa desk before going to through passport control. The visa fee is also variable, partly depending on the exchange rate. We also found the fee charged to individuals varied from a low of $99 each to a high of about $130 each. Beware of each fresh fruit and salad, it is usually washed in local tap water, which can cause problems. Our costs per person were around: Turkmenistan - 200 Turkmen Manat for food and photo fees (June 2019 rate 4.42TMT = £1) Uzbekistan - 800,000 Uzbek Som for food and photo fees (10,700UZS = £1). Spending in the markets, pottery, silk and carpet shops is extra. Tajikistan - 380 Tajiki Somoni for food (11.93TJS = £1) Kyrgyzstan - 2,000 Kyrgyzi Som for food plus 500KGS for optional Arslanbob jeep tour (88.24KGS = £1) Kazakhstan - 15,000 Kazakh Tenge for food and market visit (481.79KZT =£1) Istanbul/other airport stop overs - don't forget this. Visa fees and tips are extra. Istanbul
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2019
Christine Raines - Traveled, July 2018
Varied and Interesting Trip A busy and varied trip covering five countries, encompassing a wealth of culture and history, and some amazing scenery. Most Inspirational Moment Riding a horse above Lake Song Kul. Beautiful blue and gold ceiling in the Registan in Samarkand. Many encounters with friendly and welcoming local people, especially when we had homestays in the villages. Thoughts on Group Leader Suzie Grant is one of the best leaders I have come across. The trip would not have been half as good without her. Very well organized, very attentive to the wishes of all her clients, and a lovely personality. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for a busy schedule: you are moving on almost every day, and there are long hours of driving. Bring clothes for all climates: temperatures ranged from 40 Centigrade in Ashgabat to near freezing at night in the highlands. Learn some Russian if you can: it is the lingua franca in all the countries, restaurant menus are usually in Russian, and all our drivers were Russian. Be aware that there is often no internet.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2018
John Cross - Traveled, August 2018
The must see's of the Five Stans This is my 17th trip with Exodus and this has been one of the best so far, if not the best. There is so much to see, though there is quite a lot of travelling to enable this to happen. However the scenery, mostly deserts and mountains, are delightful. The accommodation ranged from the sublime (A Sheraton!) to the plain and simple, homestays, which gave us an even better chance to interact with local people. If you have the time to do this trip, do it, the scenery is stunning and the history of this region is the history of the civilised world. Brilliant! Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the Gur E Amir (Timur's tomb) during the day and then again by Moonlight. Thoughts on Group Leader Suzie Grant's organisational skills are simply outstanding. Her experience and endless patience ensured that we all had a fantastic, trouble free trip, without feeling rushed or manipulated in any way. Don't ever let her go, your company will be much the worse for it Advice for Potential Travellers Go on this trip and maybe read John Frankopan's 'The Silk Road' first?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2018
Ros and Peter Buck - Traveled, July 2018
An Incredible Trip An incredible journey across a region that has not always been easy to visit.The trip encompasses grand landscapes, huge distances and wonderful opportunities to learn much from the local guides. Bek in Uzbekistan and Aibek in Kyrgyzstan/ Kazakhstan particularly endeared themselves to the group, bringing knowledge, consideration and enthusiasm to the task. The trip endeavours to give wide and varied experiences and “gets off the worn track” with inclusions such as Termes, Uzbekistan near the Afghanistan border. Most Inspirational Moment Expect to be amazed ! ... From bizarre Ashgabet, historically dense Bukhara and Samarkand, roadside interactions with local herders in their Yurt camps to stunning high altitude lakes. Thoughts on Group Leader For a trip such as this, which encompasses moving almost every day, 5 currencies , many meal arrangements and visa challenges at borders, an extraordinary guide is paramount for success. Our guide Alejandro (Alex) was without doubt the reason for the smooth progression of the trip. His positive manner, perceptive nature, great humour and organisation skills endeared him to us all. Advice for Potential Travellers Beware: The trip is exhausting (particularly with temperatures averaging around 40 degrees celsius in August for much of the trip) even though much of the time is spent sitting in the vehicles. Pack light but include extra layers for high altitude. Be very sure your visa arrangements are correct.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2018
S M Turbett - Traveled, July 2018
Fantastic trips This is a really fascinating, busy, exhausting and quite unique trip across 5 countries in just over 3 weeks. Go with an open mind and you will enjoy the most amazing experiences, see incredible sights, meet really lovely people and learn so much. Most Inspirational Moment My favourite time was in the yurt camp at Son Kul lake. After a really hectic couple of weeks this was a brilliant place to relax and chill, walk and ride local horses. There are very few places in the world with no phone or internet access and no sound of roads, planes or trains - but this is one of them. I would have stayed another week here just to unwind and enjoy the spectacular surroundings if I could have. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, Alejandro, was quite exceptional - his patience, calmness, kindness and good humour kept us all together as a group for this long and quite intense trip. Advice for Potential Travellers This trip requires a really small wardrobe in order to manage a lot of one-night stopovers, with very cool lightweight, easily washable clothing for the incredibly hot places (Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and a down jacket, hat, gloves and thermals for the much cooler places (Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan). If you take the Astana extension - just make sure your free day is NOT a Monday, when everything (yes, literally everything!) is closed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2018
Lawrence Orgee - Traveled, May 2018
The 5 Stans A great trip covering a wide range of experiences – from Turkmenistan [Ashgabat with its somewhat bizarre architecture (the Wedding Palace being a particularly good, if that’s the right word, example) and the welcoming wedding parties at the Arch of Neutrality; the ancient ruins at Nisa and Merv; and the burning pit at Darvaza among particularly memorable sights – all in the presence of a great local guide Jabar]; through Uzbekistan [with spectacular sights and sites at Bukhara, Samarkand and Shahrisabz together with the ruins of one of Alexander the Great’s fortresses by the River Oxus all with the guide, Bek, who is probably the best guide on any tour I’ve been on]; Tajikistan [wonderful journey through the mountains to the gorgeous Iskanderkul Lake]; back into Uzbekistan [to learn about ceramics and the mechanics, and smell (boiling silkworm cocoons), of the silk industry; Kyrgyzstan [marvellous mountain scenery, great homestays, and lovely yurt camp (though be prepared for all weathers in one day – from bright sun to hail and lightning in a matter of minutes)]; and a brief stay in Kazakhstan [could have stayed longer and got to see more of Almaty, etc]. Suzie, the British guide who accompanied the trip throughout was wonderful and made everything easy for us – without her it would have been a lot more difficult. Food was ok to very good (the meal at the family house in Samarkand and the meals at the homestays being favourites), but was very limited for the vegetarians generally. Hotels were good to excellent and the transport was fine, though the air-conditioning on the minibuses in Kyrgyzstan didn’t cope with the high temperatures. Most Inspirational Moment Visiting Samarkand - seeing Registan Square and visiting Timur's mausoleum. This made the history, culture, etc of the region memorable, and together with the whole trip, ranging from visiting 4th century BC ruins to seeing present-day life (from modern cities to semi-nomadic herders living in yurts) vividly brought to life how much this area has contributed to world history yet how little we hear about it. Thoughts on Group Leader Suzie was wonderful - she made everything easy for us, organising things so we had no worries, speedily and efficiently dealing with any issues that arose, and fascinating us with her stories of her earlier travels through the region and telling us about how things had changed in the intervening years. Advice for Potential Travellers While this is advertised as an easy/moderate trip it is a very full trip with little time for relaxing - this is not at all a complaint as the trip covered so many different aspects of life, culture and history in the countries we visited, but is more tiring/physically demanding than it might appear from the trip notes. Also, it is worth noting that the toilets are often of the squatter variety and not always in pristine condition - indeed, far from it - so just be prepared and always have some spare toilet tissue, just in case. Also, for any vegetarians be prepared for a distinct lack of options/variety in what is available.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2018
Carol Penn - Traveled, May 2018
A remarkable trip This was a trip full of variety and dramatic scenery, from the surreal Ashgabat, the amazing Darvaza crater, the beautiful mosques and madrasahs of Samarkand and Bukhara to the truly majestic and ever changing scenery of the Kyrgyzstan mountains. Each of the 5 countries had its own unique character. There are some long journeys but they are full of continuing interest with lots of worthwhile stops on route. 99% of the accommodation was very comfortable, spacious and spotlessly clean. Most Inspirational Moment I found the experience of the continuing journey to new and unexpected sites and places the biggest wonder. There was no tourist commercialism at all. One guide in the walnut grove was highly surprised when I said I would buy 3 packets of walnuts!! Thoughts on Group Leader The experienced and knowledgable Suzie Grant guided us effortlessly throughout and 3 of the local guides were outstanding. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for ‘4 seasons in 1day’ at Son-Kul lake. Take some warm layers. The stoves in the yurts are not lit until 8.30pm and it is c o l d! That said, it is very comfortable glamping.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2018
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