Tour overview

This 23-day small-group journey crosses all five countries of Central Asia along the old Silk Road, from the white-marble capital of Turkmenistan to the mountain-ringed city of Almaty in Kazakhstan. Groups have between 4 and 16 travellers aged 16 and over, with an expert tour leader and local crews in each country. You travel by minibus, two trains and one internal flight, and stay 20 nights in hotels and guesthouses and two nights in a traditional yurt camp. All breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners are included, along with arrival and departure transfers. Visa paperwork for Turkmenistan is arranged with the help of a letter of invitation.

Turkmenistan opens with the gleaming monuments of Ashgabat, the vast World Heritage site of ancient Merv, the Parthian fortress of Nisa and a meeting with the prized Akhal-Teke horses, before a flight north to Dashoguz and the medieval minarets of Kunya Urgench. Crossing into Uzbekistan, you explore the walled inner city of Khiva and meet its craftsmen, then take trains to the 2,000-year-old trading city of Bukhara and to Samarkand, whose blue-tiled Registan dazzles in the sun.

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In Tajikistan you visit the World Heritage site of Sarazm and the ancient town of Penjikent, then drive into the Fann Mountains to the Seven Lakes, each a different shade of turquoise. The route continues via Istaravshan and Khujand back into Uzbekistan's fertile Ferghana Valley, with the potters of Rishtan and the silk workshops of Margilan.

Kyrgyzstan brings the great bazaar city of Osh, the walnut forests of Arslanbob and a long drive up to the high pastures of Son Kul, at more than 3,000 metres, for two nights in a yurt camp among nomadic herders. You visit felt workshops in Kochkor, watch an eagle-hunting demonstration on the shores of Issyk-Kul and see the waterfalls of Barskoon Gorge and the town of Karakol. The final border crossing leads past the Charyn Canyon to Almaty, with a full day to explore.

The physical rating is medium, with long drives on rough roads, several border crossings and basic shared facilities at the yurt camp. This trip suits seasoned travellers who want to see the whole of Central Asia in one journey.

Trip highlights

  • Ashgabat, ancient Merv and the Akhal-Teke horses (Days 2–4)
  • Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand (Days 6–10)
  • The Seven Lakes of the Fann Mountains, Tajikistan (Day 12)
  • Two nights in a yurt camp at Son Kul Lake (Days 17–18)
  • An eagle-hunting demonstration by Issyk-Kul (Day 19)
  • Charyn Canyon and Almaty (Days 21–22)

Your route

32 stops from Ashgabat to Almaty

23-day route: Ashgabat – Merv – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Penjikent – Osh – Son Kul – Karakol – Almaty
  1. Ashgabat Days 1–2
  2. Ancient Merv Day 3
  3. Mary Day 3
  4. Ashgabat Day 4
  5. Nisa Day 4
  6. Dashoguz Day 4
  7. Kunya Urgench Day 5
  8. Khiva Days 5–6
  9. Ayaz-Qala Day 7
  10. Urgench Day 7
  11. Bukhara Days 7–8
  12. Samarkand Days 9–10
  13. Sarazm Day 11
  14. Penjikent Days 11–12
  15. Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) Day 12
  16. Istaravshan Day 13
  17. Khujand Day 13
  18. Kokand Day 14
  19. Rishtan Day 14
  20. Margilan Day 14
  21. Fergana Day 14
  22. Osh Day 15
  23. Uzgen Day 15
  24. Jalal-Abad Days 15–16
  25. Arslanbob Day 16
  26. Son Kul Lake Days 17–18
  27. Kochkor Day 19
  28. Bokonbaev Day 19
  29. Djety Oguz Gorge Day 20
  30. Karakol Day 20
  31. Charyn Canyon Day 21
  32. Almaty Days 21–23

Why choose this tour

All five Stans in one trip, with borders, permits and logistics handled by an expert leader. Silk Road cities, high mountains and nomadic culture in a single journey.

Best suited to

  • Seasoned travellers seeking somewhere truly different
  • History lovers fascinated by the Silk Road
  • Travellers who want to tick off all five Stans
  • Photographers drawn to mountains and tiled architecture
Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Day-by-day itinerary

23 days from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to Almaty, Kazakhstan

  1. Day 1 · Ashgabat Arrive in Ashgabat

    Arrive in Turkmenistan's capital, with a transfer to the hotel arranged for everyone.

    Hotel
    Hotel Sport or similar
  2. Day 2 · Ashgabat Ashgabat

    A welcome briefing, then explore the white-marble monuments of Ashgabat, with a welcome dinner.

    Hotel
    Hotel Sport or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  3. Day 3 · Mary, Merv Ancient Merv

    Drive to Mary and explore the vast World Heritage site of Merv, once one of the great cities of the Silk Road.

    Hotel
    Margush Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Ashgabat, Nisa, Dashoguz Nisa, Akhal-Teke horses and a flight north

    Return to Ashgabat for the Magtymguly Monument and the Parthian fortress of Nisa, meet Akhal-Teke horses and fly to Dashoguz.

    Hotel
    Hotel Dashoguz or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Kunya Urgench, Khiva Kunya Urgench to Khiva

    Visit the medieval minarets and mausoleums of Kunya Urgench, then cross into Uzbekistan.

    Hotel
    Malika Khorezm or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  6. Day 6 · Itchan Kala Khiva

    Explore Khiva's walled inner city, including the Kalta Minar and the Kunya-Ark, and meet master craftsmen.

    Hotel
    Malika Khorezm or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  7. Day 7 · Khorezm, Bukhara Train to Bukhara

    Drive across the Khorezm plains, then take the train to Bukhara.

    Hotel
    Sultan Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  8. Day 8 · Bukhara Bukhara

    A full day in the 2,000-year-old city of Bukhara, with its minarets, madrasas and trading domes.

    Hotel
    Sultan Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  9. Day 9 · Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, Samarkand Train to Samarkand

    Visit the summer palace of the emirs of Bukhara, then take the train to Samarkand.

    Hotel
    Malika Prime or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  10. Day 10 · Registan, Samarkand Samarkand

    Explore the blue-tiled Registan and the monuments of the most famous Silk Road city.

    Hotel
    Malika Prime or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  11. Day 11 · Sarazm, Penjikent Into Tajikistan

    Cross into Tajikistan to visit the World Heritage site of Sarazm and the ancient town of Penjikent.

    Hotel
    Panjakent Plaza Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  12. Day 12 · Fann Mountains, Seven Lakes The Seven Lakes

    Drive into the Fann Mountains to the Seven Lakes, each a different shade of blue and green.

    Hotel
    Panjakent Plaza Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  13. Day 13 · Istaravshan, Khujand Istaravshan to Khujand

    Visit the ancient town of Istaravshan on the way to Khujand.

    Hotel
    Khudjand Delux Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  14. Day 14 · Rishtan, Margilan, Ferghana Ferghana Valley

    Return to Uzbekistan for the potters of Rishtan and the silk workshops of Margilan.

    Hotel
    Hotel Asia Fergana or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  15. Day 15 · Osh, Uzgen, Jalal-Abad Osh and Uzgen

    Cross into Kyrgyzstan to visit the bazaar city of Osh and the minaret and mausoleums of Uzgen.

    Hotel
    Guesthouse Goodnight or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  16. Day 16 · Arslanbob Nature Reserve Arslanbob

    Explore the mountain village of Arslanbob and its ancient walnut forests.

    Hotel
    Guesthouse Goodnight or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  17. Day 17 · Son Kul Lake Up to Son Kul

    A long drive up to the high pastures around Son Kul Lake, at more than 3,000 metres, for a night in a yurt camp.

    Hotel
    Yurt camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  18. Day 18 · Son Kul Lake Son Kul Lake

    A day among the nomadic herders of Son Kul, with an optional walk into the hills.

    Hotel
    Yurt camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  19. Day 19 · Kochkor, Issyk-Kul Lake Kochkor and Issyk-Kul

    Visit a felt workshop in Kochkor, then watch an eagle-hunting demonstration on the shores of Issyk-Kul.

    Hotel
    Nomad Camp Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  20. Day 20 · Barskoon Gorge, Karakol Barskoon Gorge to Karakol

    Hike to a waterfall in Barskoon Gorge, then continue to Karakol for a sightseeing tour.

    Hotel
    Amir Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  21. Day 21 · Charyn Canyon, Almaty Charyn Canyon to Almaty

    Cross into Kazakhstan and visit the Charyn Canyon and Black Canyon on the way to Almaty.

    Hotel
    Uyut Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  22. Day 22 · Almaty, Panfilov Park Almaty

    A full day in Almaty, with Panfilov Park and the city's cafés beneath the Tien Shan mountains.

    Hotel
    Uyut Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  23. Day 23 · Almaty Trip ends in Almaty

    The trip ends after breakfast, with a departure transfer.

    Meals
    Breakfast
A white marble building in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Where you stay

  • Ashgabat (2 nights) Hotel Sport or similar
  • Mary (1 night) Margush Hotel or similar
  • Dashoguz (1 night) Hotel Dashoguz or similar
  • Khiva (2 nights) Malika Khorezm or similar
  • Bukhara (2 nights) Sultan Hotel or similar
  • Samarkand (2 nights) Malika Prime or similar
  • Penjikent (2 nights) Panjakent Plaza Hotel or similar
  • Khujand (1 night) Khudjand Delux Hotel or similar
  • Ferghana (1 night) Hotel Asia Fergana or similar
  • Jalal-Abad (2 nights) Guesthouse Goodnight or similar
  • Son Kul (2 nights) Yurt camp
  • Issyk-Kul (1 night) Nomad Camp Hotel or similar
  • Karakol (1 night) Amir Hotel or similar
  • Almaty (2 nights) Uyut Hotel or similar

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 20 nights in hotels and guesthouses and 2 nights in a yurt camp
  • Meals 22 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
  • Transport minibus throughout, two trains and a flight from Ashgabat to Dashoguz
  • Guided visits Ashgabat, Merv, Nisa, Kunya Urgench, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Sarazm, Penjikent, the Seven Lakes, Osh, Arslanbob, Son Kul, Issyk-Kul, Karakol and Almaty
  • Akhal-Teke horse visit and an eagle-hunting demonstration
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Tour leader throughout, with local crews in each country

Not included

  • International flights to Ashgabat and from Almaty
  • Visas and letters of invitation where required
  • Meals not listed
  • Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
A lake among rugged peaks in the Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want short drives — some days involve up to nine hours on the road
  • You want hotels every night — two nights are in a yurt camp
  • You want most meals included — breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners
  • You want a relaxed trip — there are several border crossings

Good to know

FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Kazakhstan · UK FCDO travel advice for Kyrgyzstan · UK FCDO travel advice for Tajikistan · UK FCDO travel advice for Turkmenistan · UK FCDO travel advice for Uzbekistan
The Kalon Minaret and Mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £6,149 per person, twin share, tour only. 8 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Do I need visas?

Turkmenistan requires a visa with a letter of invitation, arranged well ahead of travel. Visa rules for the other four countries vary by nationality, so check before you book.

What is the yurt camp like?

Traditional felt yurts at Son Kul, with shared Western-style toilets and intermittent hot water. It is basic, but the setting is spectacular.

How long are the drives?

Some days are long, up to nine hours on the way to Son Kul, with rough stretches of road and border crossings that can take one to two hours.

How fit do I need to be?

The physical rating is medium. Walks are optional and short, but the altitude at Son Kul, at over 3,000 metres, can be tiring.

Do we change leaders?

Your tour leader travels with you, joined by local crews and guides as you cross into each country.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 16, and travellers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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