Central Asia in Two Weeks – Discover the 5 Stans in 14 days

What’s included

Itinerary

1. 01
   Day 1Arrival in Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN

   Arrive in Almaty and meet your driver for a transfer to the hotel. Enjoy free time to relax or take an introductory walk through the city, with its mountain backdrop, leafy avenues, and lively cafés. In the evening, meet your guide for a welcome dinner and introduction to the expedition. Overnight in Almaty.

2. 02
   Day 2Almaty and Charyn Canyon, KAZAKHSTAN

   Begin with a short city tour, including Panfilov Park and the colorful Ascension Cathedral, before heading east toward Charyn Canyon. Explore the spectacular Valley of Castles, where red sandstone formations rise above the canyon floor. Enjoy scenic viewpoints and time for photographs, and stay in the Kolsai region. Overnight in Saty village.

3. 03
   Day 3Almaty to Karakol via Kegen–Karkara, KYRGYZSTAN

   Travel through southeastern Kazakhstan toward Kegen and cross into Kyrgyzstan via the Kegen–Karkara border, subject to seasonal operation and entry requirements. Continue through the beautiful mountain landscapes of the Karkara Valley to Karakol, a historic town near Issyk-Kul Lake. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed evening and a taste of Kyrgyz cuisine. Overnight in Karakol.

4. 04
   Day 4ssyk-Kul Lake and Kyrgyz Traditions, KYRGYZSTAN

   Explore Karakol’s distinctive Dungan Mosque and wooden Orthodox church before continuing to the red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz Gorge. Follow the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul, stopping for photographs and to discover local village life. Where available, meet local craftspeople or experience a demonstration of traditional eagle hunting. Overnight near Issyk-Kul.

5. 05
   Day 5Bishkek and the Heritage of the Silk Road, KYRGYZSTAN

   Travel toward Bishkek, stopping at Burana Tower, a surviving minaret of the medieval city of Balasagun. Continue to the capital to explore Ala-Too Square, city parks, and Osh Bazaar, where local vendors sell spices, dried fruit, bread, and handicrafts. Enjoy an introduction to Kyrgyz history and nomadic culture before preparing for the onward journey. Overnight in Bishkek.

6. 06
   Day 6Flight to Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

   Transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent. After arrival, discover the historic Khast Imam complex and the lively Chorsu Bazaar, where the scents of spices and freshly baked bread fill the market halls. Continue to Independence Square and explore the city’s famous metro stations, known for their artistic decorations. Overnight in Tashkent.

7. 07
   Day 7Samarkand: The Jewel of the Silk Road, UZBEKISTAN

   Travel to Samarkand by high-speed train where schedules permit. Explore the magnificent Registan Square, the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and the richly decorated Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. Visit Siab Bazaar to discover traditional breads, dried fruits, and regional specialties. Learn how Samarkand became one of the most influential cultural and trading centers of the Silk Road. Overnight in Samarkand.

8. 08
   Day 8Seven Lakes and Penjikent, TAJIKISTAN

   Travel toward the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border and continue into the Fann Mountains region. Discover the Seven Lakes, a spectacular chain of mountain lakes whose colors range from deep blue to turquoise and emerald, with the route depending on road and weather conditions. Visit Penjikent, an ancient Sogdian settlement associated with the merchants who connected Central Asia to the wider world. Overnight in the Panjakent area or return toward Samarkand, according to the confirmed border and transport plan. Overnight in Samarkand.

9. 09
   Day 9Bukhara: Ancient Oasis and Living Heritage, UZBEKISTAN

   Continue to Bukhara, one of the region’s most atmospheric Silk Road cities. Explore the Ark Fortress, the Kalyan Minaret, and Lyabi-Hauz, a historic ensemble surrounded by traditional buildings and tea houses. Browse the covered trading domes and discover local crafts, including embroidery, ceramics, and metalwork. Enjoy an evening stroll through the old town. Overnight in Bukhara.

10. 10
    Day 10Enter Turkmenistan and Explore Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN

    Travel toward the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan border and complete the required immigration formalities. Continue to Ashgabat, a capital famous for its white-marble architecture, monumental public squares, fountains, and broad boulevards. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an introductory city tour and learn about Turkmenistan’s modern history and nomadic traditions. Overnight in Ashgabat or the confirmed transit destination.

11. 11
    Day 11Darvaza Gas Crater and the Karakum Desert, TURKMENISTAN

    Travel into the vast Karakum Desert, where remote settlements and sandy plains reveal the scale of Turkmenistan’s interior. Continue by suitable vehicle to the Darvaza gas crater, famous for its flames glowing against the night sky. Enjoy sunset in the desert and time for photography before spending the night at a camp, subject to availability and operating conditions. Overnight in the Darvaza area.

12. 12
    Day 12Ancient Kunya-Urgench and Khiva, UZBEKISTAN

    Continue north through the desert toward Kunya-Urgench, a historic Silk Road center known for its monumental mausoleums and minarets. After sightseeing, proceed to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border and continue to Khiva, subject to border clearance and transport arrangements. If arrival time allows, take an evening walk around the atmospheric walls of Itchan Kala. Overnight in Khiva or the confirmed transit destination.

13. 13
    Day 12Ancient Kunya-Urgench and Khiva, UZBEKISTAN

    Continue north through the desert toward Kunya-Urgench, a historic Silk Road center known for its monumental mausoleums and minarets. After sightseeing, proceed to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border and continue to Khiva, subject to border clearance and transport arrangements. If arrival time allows, take an evening walk around the atmospheric walls of Itchan Kala. Overnight in Khiva or the confirmed transit destination.

14. 14
    Day 13Khiva and Flight to Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

    Explore Itchan Kala, Khiva’s walled inner city, with its historic gates, madrasahs, mosques, and decorated courtyards. Admire the distinctive Kalta Minor Minaret and the elegant Tash Khauli Palace, reflecting the wealth of the former khanate. Later, transfer to Urgench Airport for the flight to Tashkent, depending on the available schedule. Overnight in Tashkent.

15. 15
    Day 14Departure from Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

    Enjoy breakfast and some free time, depending on your flight schedule, before transferring to Tashkent International Airport. Your two-week journey concludes with memories of five remarkable countries, from Kazakhstan’s dramatic landscapes and Kyrgyzstan’s mountain culture to Uzbekistan’s Silk Road architecture, Tajikistan’s alpine lakes, 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