Best of Central Asia: 18 Days Across the 5 Stans

What’s included

Itinerary

1. 01
   Day 1Arrival in Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN

   Arrive at Almaty International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and time to relax, begin discovering Kazakhstan’s former capital and largest city, beautifully situated beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a gentle orientation walk through the city center and a welcome dinner featuring traditional Kazakh dishes. Overnight in Almaty.

2. 02
   Day 2Almaty City Tour & Shymbulak, KAZAKHSTAN

   Discover Panfilov Park, the colorful Ascension Cathedral, and the lively Green Bazaar, where stalls offer traditional breads, dried fruits, spices, and local delicacies. Continue to Republic Square before heading into the mountains to visit Medeu and Shymbulak, with opportunities to enjoy panoramic views and a cable car ride when operating. Return to Almaty for a free evening. Overnight in Almaty.

3. 03
   Day 3Charyn Canyon & Kolsai lakes, KAZAKHSTAN

   Depart Almaty and travel east toward Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most impressive natural landmarks. Explore the Valley of Castles, where erosion has shaped dramatic red sandstone towers and narrow passages. Enjoy a walk through the canyon and take photographs of the spectacular landscape before continuing toward the Kolsai Lakes region. Overnight in Saty village or a nearby guesthouse.

4. 04
   Day 4Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Kegen–Karkara Border, KAZAKHSTAN / KYRGYZSTAN

   Discover the beautiful Kolsai Lakes, surrounded by forests and mountain peaks, before continuing to Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged spruce trunks rising from turquoise water. Depending on road conditions, access may require a local 4×4 vehicle. Later, travel toward Kegen and cross into Kyrgyzstan via the Kegen–Karkara border, subject to seasonal opening and entry requirements. Continue to Karakol for the night.

5. 05
   Day 5Karakol and Jeti-Oguz Gorge, KYRGYZSTAN

   Explore Karakol, visiting its distinctive Dungan Mosque and historic wooden Orthodox church, subject to opening hours. Continue to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red sandstone formations known as the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart. Enjoy a walk through the valley and admire the mountain scenery before returning to Karakol or staying in a nearby guesthouse. Overnight in the Karakol area.

6. 06
   Day 6Southern Issyk-Kul and Local Culture, KYRGYZSTAN

   Travel along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, enjoying views across the lake toward the surrounding mountains. Visit Skazka, or Fairy Tale Canyon, where colorful rock formations create a remarkable natural landscape. Continue to a nearby village to learn about Kyrgyz traditions and, where available, meet a local eagle hunter or craftspeople. Enjoy a traditional meal and a relaxed evening beside the lake. Overnight on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.

7. 07
   Day 7Journey to Song-Kul Lake, KYRGYZSTAN

   Travel inland toward Song-Kul, a high-altitude lake surrounded by broad mountain pastures where nomadic families traditionally bring their livestock during the summer. The scenic drive passes mountain valleys, open plateaus, and remote settlements. Upon arrival, experience the peaceful atmosphere of the alpine landscape and learn about the construction and cultural significance of Kyrgyz yurts. Enjoy a traditional dinner and an evening beneath the stars. Overnight in a Song Kul yurt camp.

   Possiblle to arrange night in Kochkor, subject to seasonal access. 

8. 08
   Day 8Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan’s Capital, KYRGYZSTAN

   Descend from the mountain pastures and travel toward Bishkek. Explore Ala-Too Square, the city’s principal public spaces, and the leafy boulevards that characterize the capital. Visit Osh Bazaar to discover local produce, dried fruits, spices, traditional breads, and handicrafts. Enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz lunch before preparing for the onward journey to Uzbekistan. Overnight in Bishkek.

9. 09
   Day 9Bishkek to Samarkand, KYRGYZSTAN / UZBEKISTAN

   Transfer to the airport for the onward flight to Uzbekistan, using the most practical available connection. Upon arrival in Samarkand, check into your hotel and begin exploring the city’s extraordinary Silk Road heritage. Visit Registan Square, framed by three monumental madrasahs decorated with elaborate mosaics and glazed tiles. Enjoy an evening walk through the historic center. Overnight in Samarkand.

10. 10
    Day 10Samarkand’s Architectural Treasures, UZBEKISTAN

    Explore Shah-i-Zinda, a remarkable avenue of mausoleums decorated with turquoise and cobalt-blue tiles. Continue to Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and the monumental Bibi-Khanym Mosque, then visit Siab Bazaar to discover local breads, spices, and regional specialties. Depending on opening hours, include the Ulugh Beg Observatory, associated with Samarkand’s historical achievements in astronomy. Overnight in Samarkand.

11. 11
    Day 11Bukhara, the Ancient Oasis City, UZBEKISTAN

    Travel to Bukhara by the most practical available train or private vehicle. Discover the historic old town, including the Kalyan Minaret, the Ark Fortress, and traditional trading domes that once sheltered Silk Road merchants. Walk around Lyabi-Hauz and explore artisan workshops offering ceramics, embroidery, and metalwork. Enjoy an evening stroll through the old streets. Overnight in Bukhara.

12. 12
    Day 12Bukhara to Tajikistan via Panjakent, TAJIKISTAN

    Begin the journey toward Tajikistan, coordinating the transfer and border crossing with the confirmed route and current entry requirements. Depending on road connections, travel via the Samarkand area to the Jartepa–Sarazm crossing and continue to Panjakent. Visit the archaeological remains of ancient Sarazm or Panjakent, subject to available time, to discover the history of Sogdiana and its influential Silk Road merchants. Overnight in Panjakent or the agreed transit destination.

13. 13
    Day 13Iskanderkul Lake and the Fann Mountains, TAJIKISTAN

    Travel into the Fann Mountains toward Iskanderkul, a spectacular alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks and steep valleys. Enjoy scenic stops along the mountain road, time beside the lake, and a short walk to a nearby waterfall if weather and access permit. Experience Tajikistan’s remarkable natural landscapes before continuing toward Dushanbe or the confirmed onward transit point. Overnight according to the final transport arrangements.

14. 14
    Day 14Return to Uzbekistan and Travel Toward Khiva, TAJIKISTAN / UZBEKISTAN

    Continue toward Uzbekistan using the most practical available road or flight connection, with the itinerary arranged around the confirmed border and transport schedule. If time permits, visit selected landmarks or enjoy a local meal en route. Continue toward Khiva, the historic oasis city whose mud-brick walls and decorated madrasahs preserve the atmosphere of the ancient Silk Road. Overnight in Khiva or the confirmed transit destination.

15. 15
    Day 15Khiva and Entry into Turkmenistan, UZBEKISTAN / TURKMENISTAN

    If arriving in time, explore Khiva’s Itchan Kala, including its historic gates, traditional courtyards, and striking Kalta Minor Minaret. Then travel toward the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan border and complete the required formalities. After entering Turkmenistan, continue to Kunya-Urgench, an important medieval Silk Road center known for its mausoleums and historic minarets. Overnight in Dashoguz or the agreed transit location.

16. 16
    Day 16The Karakum Desert and Darvaza Gas Crater, TURKMENISTAN

    Journey through the vast Karakum Desert, where remote settlements and expansive desert landscapes reveal a different side of Central Asia. Continue by suitable vehicle toward the Darvaza gas crater, famous for its glowing flames after dark. Enjoy time at the viewpoint and photograph the dramatic scene as evening falls. Overnight at a desert camp if available and suitable, or continue to the agreed accommodation based on road conditions.

17. 17
    Day 17Ashgabat and Ancient Nisa, TURKMENISTAN

    Travel to Ashgabat and discover the capital’s distinctive white-marble architecture, monumental squares, fountains, and public gardens. Visit selected city landmarks and, where time permits, the archaeological site of Old Nisa, associated with the Parthian Empire. Learn about Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, traditional carpet weaving, and nomadic history. Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring local cuisine. Overnight in Ashgabat.

18. 18
    Day 18Departure from Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN

    After breakfast, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your onward flight. Depending on departure time, enjoy a final look at the capital or browse for locally made souvenirs. Your expedition concludes after an immersive journey through Kazakhstan’s dramatic canyons, Kyrgyzstan’s mountain landscapes and nomadic traditions, Uzbekistan’s historic cities, Tajikistan’s alpine scenery, and Turkmenistan’s desert heritage.

Tour highlights

• Kyrgyzstan: Explore Bishkek, Ala-Archa National Park, Issyk-Kul Lake, dramatic red-rock canyons, and traditional yurt culture.
• Kazakhstan: Discover Almaty, the mountain landscapes of the Ili-Alatau range, and the spectacular scenery of Charyn Canyon.
• Tajikistan: Visit Dushanbe, Iskanderkul Lake, and the historic region of Penjikent, with its connections to the ancient Sogdian civilization.
• Uzbekistan: Admire the Registan in Samarkand, the historic monuments of Bukhara, the walled city of Khiva, and the vibrant capital Tashkent.
• Turkmenistan: Experience the white-marble capital Ashgabat, the archaeological wonders of Ancient Merv, and the unforgettable Darvaza Gas Crater.

About the tour