Classic 'Stans of Central Asia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the borders of Western China, the ‘Stans’ of Central Asia encompass a vast expanse of land, cultures and history. Lying at the crossroads of an intricate web of trading routes, the region has witnessed the movement of goods, people and ideas between Europe and Asia for centuries.
This incredible odyssey takes you from Turkmenistan and across the Asian steppes to the mountain lakes of Kyrgyzstan, passing through the homelands of the Uzbeks,...
Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the borders of Western China, the ‘Stans’ of Central Asia encompass a vast expanse of land, cultures and history. Lying at the crossroads of an intricate web of trading routes, the region has witnessed the movement of goods, people and ideas between Europe and Asia for centuries.
This incredible odyssey takes you from Turkmenistan and across the Asian steppes to the mountain lakes of Kyrgyzstan, passing through the homelands of the Uzbeks, the Tajiks and the Kazakhs along the way. Following part of the old Silk Road, the journey begins with the ancient ruins of Merv in secretive Turkmenistan and the almost legendary cities of Bukhara and Samarkand in historical Uzbekistan, as you cross the Kyzylkum Desert towards the border with Afghanistan at Termez. Crossing into mountainous Tajikistan, you’ll gaze upon some of the world’s highest peaks and stay in local homestays for the opportunity to hike around mountain lakes, such as Iskandar Kol, in the Tien Shan Mountain Ranges.
Popping back over through the fertile Ferghana Valley to Tashkent, a flight then brings you to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s old capital, providing a great base from which to explore the biggest of the ‘Stans’. A final land crossing completes the three-and-a-half-week journey in Kyrgyzstan for the chance to experience nomadic Kyrgyz culture via a yurt stay, before heading to the finish line at your comfy hotel in Bishkek.
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Ashgabat (Turkmenistan): Old and New City Tour
Arrive in Ashgabat early this morning for a warm welcome by your Turkmen guide and a direct transfer to your hotel for some rest. Later in the afternoon, you’ll meet with your guide once again to explore the capital visiting the National Museum, statue of Lenin and the beautiful Ottoman-style mosque of Ertoghrul Gazie. A little outside the extravagant new city is the ancient city of Old Nisa, the 3rd century BC capital of the Parthians and a UNESCO World Heritage site from which many of the fine Hellenistic objects in the National Museum originate.
Day 2 Ashgabat - Anau - Mary: Through the Karakum Desert
Today drive to Mary, the nearest town to the immensely important historical site of Merv. On the way, you will stop to visit the archaeological excavations at Anau, a Bronze Age settlement which includes the remnants of the city wall and a ditch where the ancient remains of children’s skeletons, camels and painted ceramics were found. Continue overland passing through small villages to Mary, located in a large oasis basin of the Karakum Desert in southeast Turkmenistan.
Day 3 Mary: UNESCO Ruins of Merv
Located at the crossroads of various trade routes and civilisations, Merv came under Persian, Greek, Sassanian and Moslem rule and from the 11th century was the capital of the Seljuk Turks. In the 13th century Merv was destroyed by the Mongols leaving only the ruins of these numerous civilisations. You’ll be guided through different areas of the site such as the History Museum, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Kys Kala, an unusual windowless castle nicknamed "The House of Maidens Tears."
Day 4 Mary - Bukhara (Uzbekistan): Cross the Kyzylkum Desert
Exiting the heavily guarded territory of Turkmenistan, you’ll be driven to complete your first border crossing into Uzbekistan today and through the Kyzylkum Desert on to the ancient Silk Road city of Bukhara. Enjoy the freedom for some independent exploration this afternoon.
Day 5 Bukhara: Ancient Silk Road City Tour
Surrounded by the vast expanses of the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, Bukhara still retains the atmosphere of an ancient Silk Road city which you’ll discover today touring its centuries-old buildings with your guide. Highlights include the Ark Citadel and the Zindan prison, the 10th-century Ismael Samani Mausoleum, and the magnificent Kalyan minaret from which the town's criminals used to be thrown. A visit to the 11th-century trading domes, now home to handicraft sellers, is a great way to combine a historical tour with some shopping. This evening a local Bukharan family will open their doors for dinner, providing the opportunity to see how the national dish, plov, is made and, of course, how it tastes.
Day 6 Bukhara – Samarkand: Award-winning Pottery & High-speed Train
Sat on the outskirts of the ancient city is the summer palace of the last emir of Bukhara. Browse its opulently decorated rooms before continuing down the Golden Road away from the city to meet the potters of Gijduvan, stopping to admire the grand minaret of Vabkent along the way. Visiting a celebrated local pottery workshop, the family’s 5th generation of potters will talk you through their refined craft and why the earth in Gijduvan is renowned across the country. After lunch you’ll catch Uzbekistan’s high-speed rail to the legendary Silk Road city of Samarkand.
Day 7 Samarkand: Grand Islamic Architecture
With a history dating back 2,700 years, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state created by Tamerlane and later ruled by his grandson Ulugbek in the 14th-15th centuries. After breakfast, you’ll be whisked around the fabled city’s star attractions including the iconic Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by glittering blue tiled madrassahs; the towering Bibi Khanum Mosque, proudly built in honour of Tamerlane's wife; and Tamerlane’s own regal tomb. Continue unravelling the country’s history after lunch at the particularly captivating Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a family-owned silk carpet factory and the impressive 15th-century Ulugbek observatory.
Day 8 Samarkand: Downtime in a Heritage City
After a week of touring, take advantage of some downtime in splendid Samarkand today perhaps enjoying its teahouses, dining options and shopping opportunities - it's a great place to pick up some precious silk souvenirs, with many establishments offering international shipping options. For those that prefer to keep busy, your personal guide will still be on hand during your free day to advise on the plethora of other historic sites and cultural elements still waiting to be explored.
Day 9 Samarkand – Termez: Buddhist & Islamic History
Driving down to the southern city of Termez, close to the border with Afghanistan, today allows time for a late afternoon orientation walk around the little-visited city’s Islamic and Buddhist architectural highlights including the Sultan Saodat Ensemble, the Fayaz Tepe Buddhist Monastery, the Mausoleum of Hakim Termezi and Zurmala Tower.
Day 10 Termez - Dushanbe (Tajikistan): Border Crossing
Prepare for the start of a four-night detour across Tajikistan’s most impressive historic cities and famed mountain scenery this morning as you arrive to its capital city of Dushanbe. After the chance to get to know your Tajik team during the transfer, you can take things easy this afternoon following the four-to-five-hour overland journey and border crossing.
Day 11 Dushanbe: Culture & History City Tour
In order to learn how the country’s culture has been shaped, you’ll first delve into the country’s history with your guide as you visit some of the city’s most important sites including the Museum of Archaeology, which now holds the largest Buddha in Central Asia; the blue-domed mosque and madrassa complex of Mawlana Yakubi Charki, still a popular pilgrimage site; and Hisor Fort, a 19th-century Bukharan stronghold. Although the fort itself was destroyed by the Red Army in 1924, it still contains two madrassahs, one of which now contains an ethnographic museum.
Day 12 Dushanbe - Anzob Pass - Lake Iskandar Kol: Mountain Homestay
93% of Tajikistan is covered in mountains, hosting some of Central Asia's most beautiful countryside and the world's highest peaks, the landscapes here are totally unspoilt. Leaving Dushanbe, you’ll drive over the Anzob Pass (3,372m) before arriving at Iskandar Kol (Alexander's Lake). Enjoy a walk by the spectacular lake and up to a waterfall this afternoon before arriving at your mountain homestay in time for a homecooked dinner.
Day 13 Lake Iskandar Kol - Istarafshan - Khojand: Historic City & Artisan Trade
Heading north over high-altitude passes and through stunning gorges today firstly brings you to Istarafshan where you can have a look around the old city, a maze of small alleys winding through neighbourhoods of shady, mud-walled Central Asian homesteads. Famous for its wood cutting and handicrafts, there’ll also be the chance to pop into to a small workshop and speak with one of the artisans about their trade. Later, continue on to Khojand, the country’s second biggest city.
Day 14 Khojand - Ferghana (Uzbekistan): Historic City & the Fertile Valley
See the remains of Khojand's citadel built in the early Middle Ages and used until the early 20th century. As well as the largest Buddha statue in the region, Tajikistan also hosts the largest statue of Lenin in Central Asia found right here in Khojand. Waving goodbye to your guide and driver - and their unquestionably beautiful country - the journey then turns east this afternoon and over the border back into Uzbekistan to the town of Ferghana.
Day 15 Fergana: Margilan & Andijan Village Visits
Before exploring the villages in the Ferghana Valley, take some time this morning to walk around and peruse the city’s Russian-era architecture. Later, you’ll head to the nearby town of Margilan where its beautiful Khonakhah Mosque - exquisitely carved and painted in delicate shades of blue, yellow, pink and green - is most certainly worth a look. There will also be time for a wander through the bazaar and the silk factory before the last stop on today’s tour of the valley in Andijan. Found deeper in the remoter areas of the valley, this is the birthplace of Babur who founded the Moghul dynasty in India.
Day 16 Fergana - Kokand – Tashkent: Capitals Past and Present
The drive today passes through the ancient capital of Kokand, ruled by the notorious Kokand Khanate in the 18th and 19th centuries, and a significant Silk Road city. The Khudoyar Khan’s Palace has seven courtyards and 113 rooms and, at present, houses the Museum of History. After some lunch, continue the journey over the Kamchik Pass to Uzbekistan’s current capital, Tashkent.
Day 17 Tashkent: Architecture, Museums, Bazaars & the Metro
Spend the day in Tashkent touring the madrassahs and mosques of the old city and hopping on and off the eye-catching modern metro. A visit to the Museum of Applied Arts provides a round-up of the various crafts and cultural traditions explored during your time in historical Uzbekistan, and you’ll have a final chance to pick up some souvenirs at Chorsu Bazaar. You may wish to take a break from hearty plov and make use of Tashkent’s international dining options for dinner tonight.
Day 18 Tashkent – Almaty (Kazakhstan): Monuments & Cathedrals
Waving goodbye to your Uzbek guide at the airport early this morning, you’ll then board a short flight to Kazakhstan’s former capital and cultural centre, Almaty. After being welcomed at the airport on arrival, you’ll head straight out on a tour of the city with your Kazakh guide. Notable sites include Republic Square, the former Presidential Palace and the Independence Monument; Panfilov Park; Zenkov Russian Cathedral, built entirely of wood in 1904 without the use of any nails; and the teal St Nicholas's Cathedral. Check into your hotel later this afternoon.
Day 19 Almaty: Ile-Alatau National Park
After delving into the history, culture and politics of Kazakshstan – the largest and wealthiest of the ‘Stans – yesterday, today you can get a taste of its spectacular natural heritage on a full day excursion to the Ile-Alatau National Park, on the outer edges of the Northern Tien Shan mountains. Enjoy walking beside the park’s pristine rivers and through Turgen Canyon to a waterfall; hiking through the region, there is no shortage of breathtaking photo opportunities. Enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the mountain scenery before making your way back to the city.
Day 20 Almaty – Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan): Once a Border Between Capitals
This morning you’ll be transferred to the border for the final crossing of the journey. Completing the last of the five ‘Stans of Central Asia sees you arriving into Bishkek, the fourth and final capital of the trip. As well as a similar geography and culture, neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan also share similarities in their histories, which you’ll learn more about during a city tour this afternoon visiting Ala Too square, with its grand statue of Manas and Chingiz Aitmatov, and the colourful Osh Bazaar.
Day 21 Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park – Son Kul Lake: Kyrgyz Mountains & Lakes
Enjoy the fresh mountain air within Ala Archa National Park’s quintessential alpine landscapes this morning, about an hour from the capital. With different routes available, possible sights include canyons, waterfalls or icy rivers winding between verdant mountains. After a morning’s hike, you’ll begin the journey down south to Son Kul lake for a taste of nomadic Kyrgyz culture. This evening will be spent in a lakeside yurt camp surrounded by a typical Kyrgyz mountain lake scene.
Day 22 Son Kul: the Nomadic Life
Stepping out from your cosy yurt, today you'll be able to explore both one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous lakes and its rich nomadic traditions. Set off on foot with your guide into the peaceful landscapes around the lake. The surrounding meadows are dotted with other nomadic yurts and you will learn about traditional life in the Kyrgyz summer pastures. During your stay you are bound to be offered kumyz, the Kyrgyz national drink made from fermented mares' milk, and there is the option to rent horses from the local nomads to cover more ground.
Day 23 Son Kul - Kochkor – Burana Tower – Bishkek: Felt Workshop & Petroglyphs
A traditional nomadic breakfast sets you on your way for the drive back to Bishkek city. En route you’ll make a stop at Kochkor village to visit a women’s cooperative workshop that makes traditional felt carpets. A final stop at Burana Tower and its petroglyphs, said to date from between 500 B.C. and 100 A.D., marks the approach to the capital, where you’ll check into your hotel and unwind this afternoon as you prepare for the final night of your trip.
Day 24 Depart Bishkek
Depending on your flight time, you may have an extra morning at leisure for some last-minute shopping or relaxation, before being transferred to the international airport in time for your onward flight where you’ll reach the finish line of this epic adventure through the five ‘Stans of Central Asia.
*If of interest, please speak to our consultants about alternative routes such as a completely land-based journey bypassing Tashkent for the remoter regions of Kyrgyzstan.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Divan Hotel, Ashgabat
The decadent Divan Hotel, built in 1996, was renovated over the pandemic and is one of the few hotels located within near the Independence Monument and government buildings in the city centre. It has 128 rooms, all with air-conditioning, colour TV and ensuite bathrooms. There is also a restaurant on site, a lobby bar, a business centre and other leisure and fitness facilities including a health club with sauna, swimming pool and tennis courts. Other restaurants and cafes can also be found within a 20-minute walk.
Son Kul Lake Yurt Camp, Son Kul Lake
This authentic yurt camp provides the ultimate adventure experience, sleeping in traditional nomadic tents beside the beautiful Son Kul. Surrounded by roaming herds of cattle, horses and goats, the snow-capped peaks and an impressive alpine lake, the camp has an inspiring backdrop to the puffing yurt chimneys and nomadic life. The camp itself is comprised of ten cosy yurts with original décor and traditional Kyrgyz Felt carpets – each of which sleeps up to five people. With simple wooden beds, clean bed linen, blankets, pillows and a stove lit each night before dinner, your stay will be both warm and comfortable. Nearby there are two larger yurts used for dining where you can sample hearty local cooking and even fresh fish caught from the lake. After a full day’s activities, riding, walking and exploring the surrounding area, a session in the camp’s homemade, rustic sauna is a relaxing experience.
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.
Meridian Hotel Termez, Termez
Built in 2005, the Meridian Hotel is located about one kilometer from the centre of the ancient city of Termez and the central bazaar. This four-star hotel features fifty modern and comfortable rooms, fully equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar and telephone. There are two restaurants serving international and local cuisine and a rooftop bar. Recreational options include a modern fitness centre, sauna, indoor pool and massage service.
Komil Hotel, Bukhara
Ideally located in the heart of old Bukhara and only a few minutes' walk to the lively cafes of Lyabi-House square, this charming 19th century residence was skillfully renovated and converted into a boutique hotel in early 2008. The 28 rooms are built around a central courtyard and are decorated in a traditional style with wood carving and hand painted walls, they are equipped with modern ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning and satellite TV. Breakfast is served in the intricately decorated, original dining room and other meals are available upon request.
Malika Prime Hotel, Samarkand
The Malika Prime Hotel enjoys one of the best locations in Samarkand, just by the Gur Emir Mausoleum and within walking distance of Registan Square. Built in traditional style, this charming hotel is an ideal place to stay in Samarkand. The marble entrance and stairs lead up to a huge terrace which serves as a summer restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a drink and magnificent views of the blue domes of Samarkand. There is also an air-conditioned restaurant downstairs. The 22 ensuite rooms are on the smaller side but spotlessly clean, with wooden floors and air-conditioning.
Asia Ferghana Hotel, Ferghana
Ideally located downtown, just ten minutes from the airport and close to the city's administrative buildings, this three-star property houses fifty-seven air-conditioned rooms and suites that come complete with standard amenities and plenty of space. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, an indoor wellness complex and a sauna. There is a restaurant and bar serving local and European dishes and during the summer months the outdoor Sayyora restaurant is set up.
Shahboz Homestay, Iskandar Kol
Relish the chance to stay in a warm and welcoming Tajik family home up in the mountain village of Saratog within the striking Fan Mountains. There are five cosy, ensuite rooms for guests with fully raised beds to sleep in. Wonderful homemade meals are cooked by the family on traditional stoves in the traditional kitchen made of exposed brick and stone.
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.
Khujand Deluxe, Khojand
The three-star Khujand Deluxe Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay in Tajik style. Throughout the hotel, guests will be treated to extravagant wallpaper, traditional furniture and intricate detailing, while the 26 rooms are fashioned with elaborate rugs, embellished headboards and decor mixing mahogany and deep rich tones of wines and olive greens. The hotel features a restaurant, standard amenities and is located a short taxi ride to the city centre.
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.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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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 |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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OTHER ITINERARIES IN KAZAKHSTAN
Check out our group tours in Kazakhstan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Kazakhstan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
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