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Silk Road: The Five Stans of Central Asia
Group Tour
Overview
The five ‘stans of Central Asia - Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – must rank amongst some of the world’s least visited and least well-known destinations, making this trip a true journey of discovery.
Offering an incredible diversity of both scenery and culture - from the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to the epic scenery of the Tien Shan ‘Mountains of Heaven’ - we’ll cross vast deserts and mighty rivers ...
The five ‘stans of Central Asia - Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – must rank amongst some of the world’s least visited and least well-known destinations, making this trip a true journey of discovery.
Offering an incredible diversity of both scenery and culture - from the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to the epic scenery of the Tien Shan ‘Mountains of Heaven’ - we’ll cross vast deserts and mighty rivers and experience local hospitality in homestays in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. For much of the time we’ll be following ancient trade routes and discovering the remains of a bygone age but we will also experience the Central Asia of today from the bizarre white-marble city of Ashgabat to the cosmopolitan cities of Tashkent and Almaty.
This is the perfect trip for anyone who has ever looked at a map and wondered exactly what the area described by Colin Thubron as being The Lost Heart Of Asia was really like. Come and discover it for yourself.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses, train and domestic flights.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this particular trip we will be in a combination of some comfortable hotels (particularly in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan) to some simpler hotels and guesthouses in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
We will also spend several nights in very modest and simple homestays and family guesthouses where it may be necessary to share more than 2 to a room, have shared bathroom facilities and where there are squat toilets. Please note, that if you do opt to pay for a single supplement it will cover you for all nights of the tour except at the homestays and guesthouses.
Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Day 1 Tour starts in Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Today, after checking-in to our hotel in Almaty, the cultural capital of Kazakhstan (the first of our five ‘stans), we’ll have a gentle introduction to Almaty before heading out for dinner in the capital.
Day 2 Almaty
Day 2 Almaty
After a morning visit to Republic Square to see the Independent Monument and the State History Museum we’ll drive up to Medeo gorge, taking the cable cars up to Chimbulak for some great views passing over the highest ice-skating rink in the world. Later we’ll return to the city to see the Holy Ascension Cathedral, which is made entirely of wood. We’ll also head out to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views over the city.
Day 3 Almaty - Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Day 3 Almaty - Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Today we enter our second ‘stan, Kyrgyzstan. Depending on border formalities we should arrive in Bishkek, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals, in time for a visit to the main square, Parliament building and Lenin statue.
*Approx driving time 4hrs
Day 4 Bishkek
Day 4 Bishkek
Today we’ll head to Ala-Archa, a grand, rugged but very accessible gorge situated about an hour's drive from Bishkek. In the Kyrgyz language, Ala-Archa means bright juniper and it grows in abundance here over the mountain slopes. Now converted into a national park, it also offers some good walking possibilities and is a favourite place with the citizens of Bishkek, who like to relax and enjoy picnics here.
Day 5 Bishkek - Chyckan Gorge (2,400m)
Day 5 Bishkek - Chyckan Gorge (2,400m)
Leaving the capital today, it is not long before we get into the mountain scenery for which Kyrgyzstan is so rightly famed. Our route will take us over two mountain passes - the dramatic Tuu Ashuu (3586m) and the Ala Bel (3184m) which in Kyrgyz means “colourful pass”. As we travel through the Suusamyr Valley we will make several stops for some short acclimatisation walks and hopefully see some of the semi-nomadic herders who can be found here during the season, as well as many horses. We may have the opportunity to stop to see them milking mares or try some ‘kumys’, a popular drink for the nomads. Upon arrival at Chychkan Gorge there should be time to explore some of the surrounding area.
*Approx driving time 5-6hrs
Day 6 Chychkan Gorge - Sary Chelek (1,300m)
Day 6 Chychkan Gorge - Sary Chelek (1,300m)
With an early departure from Chychkan, we aim to arrive by mid-afternoon at Sary Chelek, which was included in the list of UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves in 1978. This is one of Kyrgyzstan’s least visited area by international tourists but popular with locals for its striking beauty. Centred around a spectacular lake, which sits at an altitude of 1873m, Sary Chelek is almost alpine in appearance and provides some of the finest scenery in Central Asia. We base ourselves here for two nights.
*Approx driving time 6hrs
Day 7 Sary Chelek (1,300m)
Day 7 Sary Chelek (1,300m)
Today we plan to head out with a picnic lunch and take a walk in Sary Chelek National Park where there are several lakes. Being home to over 1000 species of plant, 160 species of bird and 34 different types of mammal we can never be sure of exactly what we might see, but the views all around are spectacular.
Day 8 Sary Chelek - Arslanbob (1,600m)
Day 8 Sary Chelek - Arslanbob (1,600m)
Leaving Sary Chelek this morning we head south towards Arslanbob village. Considered to be one of the country’s most attractive villages, it not only sits in the middle of a vast walnut forest that covers the entire valley in which it is located but it is also interestingly predominantly inhabited by ethnic Uzbeks. On arrival we will visit the local bazaar and settle in to our community-based homestay, where we stay for the next two nights.
*Approx driving time 4hrs
Day 9 Arslanbob (1,600m)
Day 9 Arslanbob (1,600m)
Today we will have the whole day to explore the surrounds of Arslanbob, see its famous walnut trees covering the valley, waterfalls and grand views. The walnut forest is believed to pre-date the 11th century and may even date back to the times of Alexander the Great. In fact legend has it that Alexander brought back large quantities of the nuts from Central Asia, but had to give them up once he reached Greece as payment to the boatmen who transported his troops. While this may just be the stuff of legend, what is certainly true is that Central Asian walnuts regularly formed part of the goods that were transported along the Silk Road, branches of which ran close to Arslanbob. Those preferring a less active day can take shorter walks as there are different options.
Day 10 Arslanbob - Osh
Day 10 Arslanbob - Osh
Driving by way of the 12th century Uzgen minaret, our night stop will be the ancient Silk Road town of Osh. Reputed to be 3000 years old, Osh is a place steeped in history and dominated by Solomon’s Throne which looms over the town.
*Approx driving time 4hrs
Day 11 Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
Day 11 Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
After breakfast we say goodbye to our Kyrgyz team and cross the border into Uzbekistan (our third ‘stan), where we drive through the Fergana Valley. This incredibly fertile region was the breadbasket of the Central Asian USSR and is still one of the wealthiest parts of the whole region. Our first stop today will be in the town of Margilon, centre of the still thriving silk trade in the area. Here we hope to see the entire silk-weaving process from cocoon to end product and there will be the opportunity to purchase silk items. We will also visit nearby Rishton, renowned for its blue and green ceramics. We continue to Kokand to spend the night.
*Approx. driving time 5-6 hrs
Day 12 Kokand - Khodjent (Tajikistan)
Day 12 Kokand - Khodjent (Tajikistan)
Most traffic these days now leaves the Fergana Valley via a new route to Tashkent. However, we plan to stick as close as possible to the original Silk Road route by following the famous Syr Darya River into Tajikistan. We will arrive to the Silk Road town of Khodjent in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Khodjent which once played host to Alexander the Great’s armies, Genghis Khan's forces and later Russian troops.
Day 13 Khodjent - Fan Mountains (2,400m)
Day 13 Khodjent - Fan Mountains (2,400m)
After a look around Khodjent we will continue on one of the most spectacular days of the trip as we drive over the Shakristan Pass (3378m) to arrive in the Fan Mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty lying to the south of the Zarafshan River.
*Approx. driving time 5-6hrs
Day 14 Fan Mountains (2,400m)
Day 14 Fan Mountains (2,400m)
Today we explore the dramatic alpine landscapes of this lesser-visited corner of Central Asia. Setting out from our guesthouse, we follow the gorge deeper into the heart of the Fan Mountains, where we enjoy a picnic lunch amongst towering rock walls and rugged terrain that create a striking natural backdrop.
*Approx driving time 4-5hrs
Day 15 Fan Mountains - Dushanbe
Day 15 Fan Mountains - Dushanbe
Heading south, we plan to arrive in Tajikistan’s relaxed capital by mid-afternoon. The rest of the day we will explore this modern city and stroll along Rudaki and enjoy a few home comforts.
*Approx driving time 4-5hrs
Day 16 Dushanbe - Termez (Uzbekistan)
Day 16 Dushanbe - Termez (Uzbekistan)
Leaving Dushanbe this morning we cross back into Uzbekistan and drive on to Termez, a city whose ancient heart dates back to the 4th Century BC. Built on the banks of the Amu-Darya River, the old city was located at the intersection of many Great Silk Road routes and has a long, rich history. There should be time this afternoon to visit the impressive Fayaz Tepa Buddhist Complex.
*Approx driving time 5-6hrs
Day 17 Termez - Samarkand
Day 17 Termez - Samarkand
This morning we’ll visit some of the city’s other notable sites including the Archaeological Museum and the Sultan Saodat Complex, before heading north to most famous of all of Silk Road cities, Samarkand.
*Approx driving time 6hrs
Day 18 Samarkand
Day 18 Samarkand
We’ll enjoy a full day wandering through this incredible city, taking in such sights as the Bibi Khanym mosque, Tamerlane’s tomb and, of course, a full guided visit to the magnificent Registan.
Day 19 Samarkand - Tashkent
Day 19 Samarkand - Tashkent
Today there will be more time to explore some of Samarkand’s greatest sites including Ulug-Beg’s extraordinary observatory, built in 1437 whereby he calculated the length of a year to within 1 minute of what we now know it to be. The rest of the day will be free for personal exploration before we take our late afternoon train to Tashkent.
Day 20 Tashkent - Khiva
Day 20 Tashkent - Khiva
We’ll have much of the day to explore Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital which sat at the heart of the old Central Asian trading routes, gaining prominence under the Mongols and the Shabanids, before finally being absorbed by the expansionist policies of the Russian empire during the 19th century. Flattened by a devastating earthquake in the mid 1960s, the city was reinvented by the Kremlin to represent the very epitome of the socialist ideal. Tashkent is a colourful mixture of history and culture which we shall have a taste of today. Later we’ll take an evening flight to Urgench, and from there drive to Khiva’s UNESCO-protected old town.
Day 21 Khiva
Day 21 Khiva
There’ll be ample time to soak up the atmosphere of Khiva today. We’ll visit some of the most colourful and sumptuous sites, including the Kukhna Arc and the Mohammed Khan Madrassa. In addition, there’ll be the opportunity to explore the Jama Majid mosque with its amazing wooden pillars and the Alloquli Khan Madrassa, bazaar and caravanserai. The afternoon can be enjoyed at leisure.
Day 22 Khiva - Bukhara
Day 22 Khiva - Bukhara
Today we follow the southerly course of the Amu Darya (Oxus River) crossing the red sands of the Kyzylkum Desert to the legendary city of Bukhara, which can trace its ancestry back 2500 years. Bukhara is important for its urban planning and architecture, which began with the Persian Sheibanid dynasty and remains the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia.
*Approx driving time 5-6hrs
Day 23 Bukhara
Day 23 Bukhara
This morning we visit the famous Arc – or town citadel – in front of which the British officers Connelly and Stoddard lost their heads in what was one of the most infamous events of the Great Game. We’ll also visit the Kolan Minaret – or Tower of Death, from which Amir Nasirulla Khan threw his enemies – as well as the rest of the beautiful old town. The rest of the day is free to explore Bukhara at your leisure, with opportunities to wander through the bazaar and maybe do a little souvenir shopping.
Day 24 Bukhara
Day 24 Bukhara
With a second full-day in Bukhara, we’ll spend the morning visiting the Sitorai Mokhi Hosa, the impressive summer residence of last Emir of Bukhara. Once more the afternoon has been left free for personal exploration of this endlessly fascinating place, which remains for many, the most evocative of all the Silk Road towns.
Day 25 Bukhara - Mary (Turkmenistan)
Day 25 Bukhara - Mary (Turkmenistan)
An early start today to drive to the Uzbek border and enter Turkmenistan, the fifth and last of our five ‘stans. After customs formalities followed by the thrill of crossing the great Oxus (Amu Darya) River again, we will have lunch in Turkmenabat before continuing on to Mary, our base for the next two nights. Arriving in Mary late afternoon will give us time to relax and prepare ourselves for tomorrow’s adventure, and our first familiarisation with the life and culture of the Land of Turkmen.
*Approx driving time 6hrs
Day 26 Mary
Day 26 Mary
After an early breakfast we drive northeast from Mary to ancient Margush and the archaeological site of Gonur Depe (40km off-road). Fertile silt brought by waters of the Murgab River delta and a moderate climate created favourable conditions for Bronze Age settlements known as the Margiana Oasis deep in the desert. This is an amazing site said to be the fifth great civilisation of ancient times where, it is believed, the Zoroastrian culture was born. We’ll return to Mary in the afternoon and visit the local history museum, presenting a wide array of archaeological finds (dating back to the 3rd millennium BC through to the late 19th century) from both Ancient Merv and the Bronze Age sites of Margush.
Day 27 Mary - Ashgabat
Day 27 Mary - Ashgabat
This morning we’ll drive out to Ancient Merv to see remaining traces of the glorious “Maru Shahu Jahan” – “Queen of Cities”. Due to its size and historical importance, Merv is one of the most significant sites in Turkmenistan, indeed in all of Central Asia. It consists of a series of towns each succeeded by another throughout the course of history. We’ll see the remains of several sites including the Erk Kala (6th C BC) with its citadel and the Mausoleum of Muhammed Ibn Zeid (12th C AD). From here we head to the capital, Ashgabat.
Day 28 Ashgabat
Day 28 Ashgabat
With a full day to explore the city and its surrounds, we will travel out to Nissa, the 3rd Century BC capital of the Parthians, and visit the famous site of Geo Tepe where the Turkmens made their last stand against the Russians. We’ll also visit a nearby stud farm to see some of the beautiful pure-bred Akhel Teke, or ‘heavenly’ horses’, the Chinese desire for which gave birth to the original impetus for the Silk Road. Later we’ll visit the largest mosque in Central Asia and the mausoleum of the first Turkmen President “Turkmenbashy”. Tonight we enjoy a final farewell dinner together.
Day 29 Tour ends in Ashgabat
Day 29 Tour ends in Ashgabat
The tour ends this morning. Those on the suggested group flights will transfer to the airport in time for their early morning departure.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Orient Star Hotel (Khiva Madrasah), Khiva
Contained inside the 19th century Mukhamed Aminkhan Madrassah, the Orient Star enjoys a faultless location within the walls of Ichan Qala, the medieval citadel in the heart of Khiva. Only a short walk from the city's mosques, madrassas, palaces and hammams, the building used to be the biggest operational madrassah of the city and held up to 250 students. The traditional building now features 60 simply decorated but comfortable and clean en suite rooms. Once cells of the students who studied here, each room is a historical and architectural adventure. The restaurant and bar, situated in another madrasah next to the hotel, offers Uzbek meals and local wine.
Silk Road Kokand Hotel, Kokand
Only five minutes from Khudoyar Khan Palace, the Silk Road Hotel is a lovely four-star option in Kokand. The thirty-five luxurious rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and tea making facilities. Some rooms have views of the quaint landscaped garden and a terrace bar. The property’s interiors have simple elegance with plush furnishings, regal patterns and brightly lit rooms. The restaurant serves a variety of European dishes and continental breakfast. There is also an ATM for guests to use.
Kazzhol Hotel Almaty, Almaty
The hotel Kazzhol is a three-star property located in the centre of Almaty. A very welcoming hotel for international travellers, you will enjoy good service with an authentic Kazakh ambience. All bedrooms are en suite with clean modern bathrooms and offer TV and telephone. The hotel has a restaurant, laundry service and sauna for guests' convenience.
B Hotel, Bishkek
B Hotel offers modern amenities and spacious guest rooms within a ten-minute walk from the central Ala-Too Square. Contemporary décor in the rooms is light and airy making use of large windows, while some also come with a private balcony providing a great spot for a morning coffee. The Buono restaurant is known for its Italian menu and European imports, particularly recommended is the pizza. A selling point of the hotel is undoubtedly its central location from which the surrounding atmosphere can be taken in at the restaurant’s street side seating or via the bikes available for hire.
Oson Motel, Chychkan Gorge
The two-star Oson Motel is located in a beautiful setting by the Chychkan River, half-way between Bishkek and Arslanbob village. The hotel comprises two separate cottages, a restaurant and a bar. All rooms are simply decorated but clean and feature en suite facilities. As well as yurt stays, the hotel can also arrange horseback riding, hikes and fishing.
Arslanbob Homestay, Arslanbob Village
Support local families by staying at their family-run guesthouses and homestays in Arslanbob. Most are set amongst lush vegetation and fruit orchards, offering the perfect environment to relax after a full day exploring the walnut forests. All have private rooms, often with shared bathroom facilities, and delicious home-cooked meals, providing a great opportunity to sample traditional Kyrgyz dishes around a communal table. Rooms and washing facilities will be simple but there are lovely communal areas with beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks and poplar trees surrounding the valley.
Rayan Hotel, Osh
Nestled in the heart of Osh, Rayan Hotel offers a serene retreat with modern comforts. Its spacious rooms are designed for relaxation. Guests can enjoy amenities including a mini library, 24/7 reception and complimentary bike rentals. The on-site restaurant serves delicious local and international dishes in a cozy atmosphere and you can enjoy a comprehensive buffet for breakfast.
Shumon Hotel, Dushanbe
Shumon Hotel comes with all your standard hotel conveniences, including Wi-Fi, a bar and a restaurant serving national, European and Georgian dishes. Rooms are cosy with carpeted floors; simple, classic furniture; a comfortable dose of colour and elegant touches of local textiles. This great three-star option with a fantastic location opposite Rudaki Park and the National Museum of Tajikistan.
Jahongir Premium Hotel, Samarkand
Jahongir Premium is a charming boutique hotel in Samarkand, located on Chirokchi Street just a short walk from the iconic Registan Square. The property blends traditional Uzbek architectural style with modern comfort, featuring a peaceful, leafy inner courtyard surrounded by handcrafted columns. Guest rooms are spacious, thoughtfully furnished and characterful, with both garden- and courtyard-view rooms available. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast with local and international options, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a 24-hour reception.
Wyndham Tashkent, Tashkent
The Wyndham Tashkent is located within walking distance of Amir Temur Square, the lively entertainment hub of the city. Rooms are decorated in light coloured décor and come with a seating area, modern bathrooms and standard amenities. Leisure facilities include a health centre, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a sauna, a massage room and a gym. For dining options, guests can choose from the Turkuaz Restaurant, Opera Café & Bar and the Garden Bar which is open during the summer months.
Sasha & Son, Bukhara
Sasha & Sons was a 16th-century Jewish merchant’s house that has been renovated and converted into a beautiful, boutique hotel. Located in the heart of city, and within walking distance from ancient Labi-Hauz complex, the family-run hotel is decorated with art pieces and wall paintings handmade by well known Uzbek craftsmen and painters, reminiscent of 18th-century Bukhara. Guests can walk through the peaceful, inner courtyard and up the ornate stairs to the guestrooms. With 20 rooms in total, each offers an individual interior design brimming with local character and comes with standard amenities including air-conditioning and a mini bar. Meals and refreshments can be enjoyed in the dining room or served in the property’s central courtyard.
Mary Hotel, Mary
Mary Hotel is a large, three-star hotel located in the heart of Mary, ideally situated opposite the town's bazaar. The hotel is made up of 175 spacious, ensuite rooms decorated in opulent colours of beige, cream and gold. Each room is fitted with air conditioning and comes with standard amenities. The six-floor building has a restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and a sauna for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Additionally, the hotel has a hairdresser and chemist located on site. The pool is only open during the height of the peak season and services become limited towards the end. Although services and facilities at the Mary hotel are not what they once were, it remains the best option in the city.
Divan Hotel, Ashgabat
The modern, high-end hotel built in 1996 was renovated over the pandemic and is one of the few hotels located within the city centre, near the Independence Monument and government buildings. The hotel has 128 rooms, all with air-conditioning, colour TV and private bathrooms. There is also an on-site restaurant, lobby bar, business centre and other leisure and fitness facilities including a health club with sauna, swimming pool and tennis courts. Other restaurants and cafes can be found within a 20-minute walk for more variety.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travel, Discover, Help
For every passenger that our local agent in Kyrgyzstan hosts, $1 per day is donated to their charitable project during your stay.
Travel, Discover, Help enables children from orphanages to learn more about Kyrgyzstan, by offering excursions to the countryside and events throughout the year.
Additionally, they provide 40,498 days of work for locals annually and support ecological campaigns - transporting waste from glaciers and mountain gorges across this beautiful country.
Homestays
In Tajikistan, we will stay in the homes of hospitable locals. This is a great way to meet and interact with the local people, understand their limited infrastructure, and be introduced to their culture and way of life. With the homestays we use, the money goes straight into these remote communities and so benefits the people directly.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| TK 352 | Istanbul (IST) 00:45 | Ashgabat Airport (ASB) 08:20 |
| TK 1986 | London Heathrow (LHR) 16:40 | Istanbul (IST) 22:30 |
| TK 325 | Almaty Airport (ALA) 08:15 | Istanbul (IST) 10:25 |
| TK 1985 | Istanbul (IST) 13:10 | London Heathrow (LHR) 15:05 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require visas for Turkmenistan and Tajikistan but NOT for Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: Mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers on entry to Turkmenistan.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
For a tour which lasts almost a month in duration, covers five countries, crosses deserts & mountains and experiences changes in altitudes from 500m to 3500m it can be quite hard to give a brief summary of the anticipated climate. However as this trip has been scheduled to avoid the extremes of summer and winter, you should typically expect daytime temperatures to range from 15C – 40C and night-time temperatures from 5C to 15C depending on the location.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
This is an adventurous tour that offers an incredible variety of experiences and scenery as we travel through five very distinct countries. However with the exception perhaps though of Uzbekistan, this should not be considered as an in-depth tour of any of the individual countries, as it offers more of an ‘overview’ of the region.
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, especially as all walks are optional. Bear in mind, though, that the sheer length of the tour and distance covered means that it can be tiring and there are some long drives involved.
Please note that in certain places you will be staying in homestays and family guesthouses so you should be prepared for very basic facilities for part of the trip (see 'Accommodation' and 'Travelling Solo and Single Supplements'). We think that what you will be witnessing will easily make up for any discomfort!
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except in the homestays and family guesthouses, where you may be required to share more than 2 to a room and use shared bathroom facilities.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 6982 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.