Complete '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, this 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 mountains of Kazakhstan, passing through the homelands of the Uzbeks, the ...
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, this 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 mountains of Kazakhstan, passing through the homelands of the Uzbeks, the Tajiks and the Kyrgyz along the way. You’ll follow part of the old Silk Road, taking in the ancient ruins of Merv and the almost legendary cities of Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent as you cross the Kyzylkum Desert towards Termez.
Journeying through Central Asia’s exquisite landscapes, you’ll gaze upon some of the world’s highest peaks, spend time amongst the fertile Ferghana Valley and Tien Shan Mountains, walk around Son Kul and Iskandar Kol lakes and drive through the Karakum Desert before ending your adventure in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s most important city.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE ASHGABAT (TURKMENISTAN): CITY TOUR
Day 1 ARRIVE ASHGABAT (TURKMENISTAN): CITY TOUR
Arrive in Ashgabat early this morning and transfer to your hotel for check in and rest. This morning, discover the Turkmen capital with your guide. You will be able to visit the National Museum, statue of Lenin, Independence Park, Arch of Neutrality and the beautiful Ottoman-style mosque of Ertoghrul Gazie. Later, visit the ancient city of Old Nisa, the 3rd Century BC capital of the Parthians and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many of the fine Hellenistic objects in the National Museum originate from this site. Return to Ashgabat after the tour.
Day 2 ASHGABAT - ANAU - MARY
Day 2 ASHGABAT - ANAU - MARY
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 Kara Kum desert in southeast Turkmenistan.
Day 3 MARY: MERV EXCURSION
Day 3 MARY: MERV EXCURSION
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. On your guided tour, see the History Museum, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Kys Kala, an unusual windowless castle nicknamed "The House of Maidens Tears."
Day 4 MARY - BUKHARA (UZBEKISTAN)
Day 4 MARY - BUKHARA (UZBEKISTAN)
You head for your first border crossing today as you drive through the desert into Uzbekistan and continue straight onto the ancient Silk Road city of Bukhara. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5 BUKHARA: CITY TOUR
Day 5 BUKHARA: CITY TOUR
Surrounded by the vast expanses of the Kyzyl-Kum desert, Bukhara still retains the atmosphere of an ancient Silk Road city. With your guide, visit the Ark Citadel, the Zindan prison, the 10th century Ismael Samani Mausoleum and the magnificent Kalyan Minaret, from the top of which the town's criminals used to be thrown. You may also stop for a bit of a shop at the 11th trading domes which are now home to handicraft sellers.
Day 6 BUKHARA - SAMARKAND
Day 6 BUKHARA - SAMARKAND
After a morning at leisure, you will be picked up and taken to visit the Kagan White Palace, borne during the expansion of the Russian Empire at the beginning of the 19th century, before boarding your one-and-a-half-hour train to Samarkand. The rest of the evening will be free to get a first introductory look at this historic city.
Day 7 SAMARKAND: CITY TOUR
Day 7 SAMARKAND: CITY TOUR
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. Enjoy a full day tour of Samarkand including the star-attraction that is Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by breathtaking blue tiled madrassahs; the nearby Bibi Khanum Mosque, built in honour of Tamerlaine's wife; and Tamerlaine’s tomb. After lunch, continue to explore the city’s history with a tour of the Shah-i-Zinada necropolis and then driving to Ulugbek's observatory to conclude the day’s sightseeing.
Day 8 SAMARKAND: LEISURE DAY
Day 8 SAMARKAND: LEISURE DAY
Today is left free for your own exploration of the city. There are still plenty of places to visit and things to do. For those that prefer to keep busy, further experiences, such as a silk paper making workshop, can be arranged in advance.
Day 9 SAMARKAND - TERMEZ
Day 9 SAMARKAND - TERMEZ
Today you will drive to the southern city of Termez, sitting close to the border with Afghanistan. A late afternoon orientation will take you 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)
Day 10 TERMEZ - DUSHANBE (TAJIKISTAN)
Continue the adventure into Tajikistan this morning. After crossing the border, you will then drive to the capital city of Dushanbe where you have the rest of the day at leisure following the four to five-hour land journey today.
Day 11 DUSHANBE: CITY TOUR
Day 11 DUSHANBE: CITY TOUR
During your tour of Dushanbe this morning, visit the Museum of Archaeology which holds the largest Buddha now in Central Asia and the blue-domed mosque and madrassa complex of Mawlana Yakubi Charki, still a popular pilgrimage site. Tour Hisor Fort in the afternoon, a 19th century Bukharan stronghold. Although the fort itself was destroyed by the Red Army in 1924, the site contains two madrassahs, one of which is now an ethnographic museum.
Day 12 DUSHANBE - ANZOB PASS - LAKE ISKANDAR KOL
Day 12 DUSHANBE - ANZOB PASS - LAKE ISKANDAR KOL
Some of Central Asia's most beautiful countryside and the world's highest peaks can be found in Tajikistan and the landscapes are totally unspoilt. Leaving Dushanbe, cross the Anzob Pass (3,372m) before arriving at Lake Iskandar Kol (Alexander's Lake). Enjoy a walk by the lake to the spectacular waterfall before arriving at your guesthouse.
Day 13 LAKE ISKANDAR KOL - ISTARAFSHAN - KHOJAND
Day 13 LAKE ISKANDAR KOL - ISTARAFSHAN - KHOJAND
Driving north over high passes and through gorges today you will reach Istarafshan, where you can have a look around the old city, famous for its wood cutting and handicrafts and home to some impressive mosques. Then, continue on to Khojand, Tajikistan's second city.
Day 14 KHOJAND - FERGHANA (UZBEKISTAN)
Day 14 KHOJAND - FERGHANA (UZBEKISTAN)
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 Central Asia, Tajikistan also hosts the largest statue of Lenin in Central Asia found right here in Khojand. Saying goodbye to this fascinating country, the journey then begins east into the Uzbek town of Ferghana.
Day 15 FERGANA: MARGILAN AND ANDIJAN EXCURSION
Day 15 FERGANA: MARGILAN AND ANDIJAN EXCURSION
Before exploring the villages around Ferghana Valley, take some time this morning to walk around the city’s Russian colonial architecture. From here, the nearby town of Margilan and its beautiful Khonakhah Mosque are most certainly worth a look, exquisitely carved and painted in delicate shades of blue, yellow, pink and green. There will also be time for a wander through the bazaar and the silk factory. Lastly, head further out into the remote valley scenery to reach Andijan, the birthplace of Babur who founded the Moghul dynasty in India, before returning to Ferghana for the evening.
Day 16 FERGANA - KOKAND - TASHKENT
Day 16 FERGANA - KOKAND - TASHKENT
On to the capital of Tashkent this morning to conclude our time in historical Uzbekistan. The drive takes us via Kokand which was the capital of the notorious Kokand Khanate in the 18th and 19th centuries and a significant Silk Road city. The palace has seven courtyards and 113 rooms and, at present, houses the Museum of History.
Day 17 TASHKENT: CITY TOUR
Day 17 TASHKENT: CITY TOUR
Spend the day in Tashkent visiting the Chorsu Bazaar, the old city and the museum of applied arts. Navigating the capital’s streets using the eye-catching metro system is the best way to admire the madrassahs, mausoleums and mosques which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Day 18 TASHKENT - BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN)
Day 18 TASHKENT - BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN)
Board an early morning flight to Bishkek and after some time to settle into your new hotel, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the capital city later on. Focal points of the tour include Ala Too (formerly Lenin Square) with its grand statue of Manas and Chingiz Aitmatov; the Frunze Museum which was opened in 1925 in honour of Mikhail Frunze, the commander of the Red Army during the Russian Civil War; and the colourful Osh Bazaar.
Day 19 BISHKEK - BURANA TOWER - SON KUL
Day 19 BISHKEK - BURANA TOWER - SON KUL
Leaving Bishkek drive south to Son Kul via the Burana Tower and the petroglyphs said to date from between 500 BC to 100 AD. This evening will be spent in a yurt camp by the lake surrounded by the fresh mountain scenery and air.
Day 20 SON KUL EXCURSION
Day 20 SON KUL EXCURSION
From your cosy yurt you'll be able to explore the striking nature around the lake via horseback or on foot. The 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.
Day 21 SON KUL - ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK - BISHKEK
Day 21 SON KUL - ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK - BISHKEK
In the morning drive from Son Kul to Ala Archa Canyon, part of the Ala Archa National Park about an hour south of the capital. This provides the opportunity to hike up into the mountains for amazing views over the park. Afterwards return to Bishkek.
Day 22 BISHKEK - ALMATY (KAZAKHSTAN)
Day 22 BISHKEK - ALMATY (KAZAKHSTAN)
The last leg of the trip sees you leaving Kyrgyzstan for its neighbour Kazakhstan as you head to Almaty, the country’s most important city. As well as having a similar geography and culture, the neighbouring countries also share similarities in their history which you can learn more about during an afternoon city tour. Important sites that will be visited are Republic Square and the former Presidential Palace and 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.
Day 23 ALMATY: BIG ALMATY LAKE EXCURSION
Day 23 ALMATY: BIG ALMATY LAKE EXCURSION
Go out with a bang on this full day excursion into the spectacular Tien Shan mountains around Almaty. Hiking through the region, there is no shortage of breathtaking photo opportunities, but the show-stopper may just be Big Almaty Lake, which can only be described as a shining mirror surrounded on all sides by magnificent peaks whose colours change with the seasons from pale green to turquoise blue.
Day 24 DEPART ALMATY
Day 24 DEPART ALMATY
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 the adventure comes to a close.
SUGGESTED 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.
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
This homestay is in a traditional Tajik house in which the family live. There are four comfortable and clean rooms in which to sleep. Sleep on traditional mats on the floor or Western-style beds. There is a shared toilet and also a shower outside. Meals are provided by the family, who welcome you warmly into their home set within the beautiful mountain village of Saratog.
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.
Vatan Hotel, Dushanbe
Located on Rudaki Avenue in the centre of Dushanbe, the five-star Serena Hotel is one of the best hotels in Dushanbe, combining traditionally Tajik decor with modern comfort. It lies within walking distance of a lot of Dushanbe's main attractions and is close to numerous shops and cafes. The 85 rooms are well furnished and have modern amenities; guests also have access to the gym, pool and a well-equipped spa. Although there are restaurants nearby, Serena guests are well taken care of with a choice of dining options including a roof top restaurant, buffet restaurant, 2 lounge bars, a patisserie and a tea shop.
Firuz Hotel, Khojand
The three-star Firuz Hotel in Khujand is a great option for your stay in the city. The four-storey building encompasses twenty rooms and two apartments. As you enter the hotel you will see an interesting garden feature leading you onto the hotel lobby. Although the interiors are simple, they are authentically Tajik and you will feel as if you are being welcomed into someone's home. The hotel has a restaurant and bar which can provide barbeques in the hotel gardens. All the amenities you will require are included such as air-conditioning, satellite television, a desk and a kettle.
Navruz Hotel, Tashkent
The three-star Navruz Hotel, located within a 20-minute drive of the city's main sites, opened in 2018. Great value for money, this property offers quality service and clean, 38 spacious rooms with all the necessary amenities. Every room is air-conditioned with a seating area, private bathroom and mod cons such as a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi and a kettle. Rooms are light and airy with pretty, cosy decor and come with orthopaedic mattresses and walk-in showers, apart from some suites. This is a simple yet comfortable base from which to explore the capital. In addition to breakfast at the property, there are a number of restaurants around the area for dinner and lunch. During the summer months guests can also make use of the rooftop terrace.
Rabat Boutique Hotel, Samarkand
The Rabat Boutique Hotel has a historic yet homely atmosphere with traditional Uzbek décor and welcoming hosts. The hotel is set around an inner courtyard of a building originally built in 1906, hidden away in the heart of the old town. The air-conditioned, ensuite guest rooms open up onto the shared balcony overlooking the small garden. A continental breakfast in the morning is served in the morning in the historic dining room, adorned with beautiful Uzbek tiling. Wi-Fi is available in the guest rooms, but it is temperamental.
Navat Hotel, Bishkek
The Navat Hotel opened in April 2019 and provides a colourful ambience, reflective of Tajik style whilst providing modern comfort, an excellent central location and much more character than the Hyatt found opposite. The hotel is spread over three floors and houses just 14 rooms including one single room and one triple room. The warm, English-speaking staff complement the cosy environment created by warm wood, traditional felt interior and textiles. Rooms feel more modern, but with plenty of local charm and flavour, and come equipped with air-conditioning and standard three-star amenities. Bathrooms are contemporary and higher category rooms are very spacious. Tucked away amongst tall trees and vegetation, guests of the boutique-style property can enjoy all the benefits of its great location in the heart of the city, without feeling like they are. As well as having many dining options nearby, the hotel is also linked to a restaurant. This is the perfect option for those wanting a local experience in a modern boutique hotel, with a good location to boot.
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 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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