Tour Five Golden Stans | Visit Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Accommodation

25 hotel / guesthouse (twin share) 1 tent 2 train Optional single supplement available for hotel stays on this journey – prices available on request

Meals

28 breakfasts 2 lunches 3 dinners

Transport

All transfers including to and from the airport

Others

Comprehensive schedule of sightseeing with certified Local Guides You’ll have a generous sprinkling of free time to relax or explore on your own

Guide

An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included

Flights

Flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Astana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Astana

Our journey begins in Astana - a living monument to modernity in Kazakhstan. This evening you join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed on your joining instructions.
Day 2 Day 2: Astana And To Almaty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Astana And To Almaty

We explore the sights before boarding the train south to Almaty, perhaps still the country’s most important city and full of architectural wonders set against a backdrop of magnificent peaks.
Day 3 Day 3: Almaty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Almaty

This morning we arrive in Almaty. Thanks to an abundance of natural resources, Almaty is a sophisticated patchwork of leafy avenues, European cafes, refined restaurants and glitzy shopping malls.
Day 4 Day 4: To Karakol Via Charyn Canyon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: To Karakol Via Charyn Canyon

Our departure takes us to Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder said to rival the Grand Canyon. Then it’s on to Kyrgyzstan. In a land of celestial mountains and rolling pastures, yurt-dwelling nomadic spirits roam free. Explore the awe-inspiring scenery and learn about Kyrgyz culture. Across the border we arrive in Karakol.
Day 5 Day 5: Karakol
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Karakol

Today we visit a Chinese mosque, which was constructed in 1907, in the style of a Chinese temple for the local Dungans, yet was built in the Kyrgyz traditional wood feathering style instead of metal nail construction. We will also visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, which was completed in 1895. In the afternoon we travel to the Valley of the Flowers and DJety-Oguz where we can enjoy a light hike through the magnificent canyon of red sandstone.
Day 6 Day 6: Lake Issyk Kul And To Chon Kemin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Lake Issyk Kul And To Chon Kemin

After breakfast we drive to Chon Kemin valley, a unique natural reserve where glaciers are bordered with coniferous forests and steppe. We see the contrast of green meadows in the valley permanent snow covering the ranges of Kungei-Ala-Too and Zailiyskiy-Ala-Too which tower above us. Tonight we’ll experience Kyrgyz hospitality in a guesthouse in the quaint village Ashu.
Day 7 Day 7: To Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: To Bishkek

After a walk in the foothills, we continue on to Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek. Along the way we stop to wander around the Burana Tower, before spending the evening enjoying Bishkek’s many parks and intriguing soviet buildings.
Day 8 Day 8: Bishkek - Ala Archa National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Bishkek - Ala Archa National Park

We experience a Kyrgyz alpine adventure in Ala Archa National Park. Take a rewarding trek to rushing rivers, waterfalls and glaciers. The park is high altitude and much cooler than Bishkek – to enjoy it fully, bring proper footwear and clothing.
Day 9 Day 9: Toktogul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Toktogul

Our final highlights in Kyrgyzstan are Toktogul Lake reached via mountain passes at 3000m. You will drive over the Too-Ashu Pass and through Suusamyr valley to see the sparkling waters.
Day 10 Day 10: To Osh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: To Osh

In Osh we visit the bazaar, still the largest market in Central Asia. You walk along the colorful rows of Golden market, watch black smiths working and smell aromas of spices, fruits and vegetables of Food market. Sulaiman Mount, towering above the city remains one of the main shrines of the Islamic world and we follow the way of all pilgrims up to the top of the hill to see the little mosque of Babur, The Great Moghul Dynasty founder and to take in a bird’s eye view of the city.
Day 11 Day 11: Kyzyl Bel Border To Khujand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Kyzyl Bel Border To Khujand

Our third “Stan” awaits as we cross into Tajikistan and drive to Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back about 2,500 years. It is situated on the Syr Darya at the mouth of the Fergana Valley and was a major city along the ancient Silk Road.
Day 12 Day 12: Khujand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Khujand

The city will delight, not only with the intricate woodcarvings of the region but also with the vast array of ancient monuments; the fortress, palace and mosque as well as Panjshanbe bazaar, considered as one of the oldest markets of the region.
Day 13 Day 13: Khujand To Dushanbe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Khujand To Dushanbe

Leaving the northern capital of Tajikistan we travel to Dushanbe via Istaravshan. Located in the northern foothills of the Turkistan mountain range, Istaravshan is one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan and offers an opportunity to interact with local Tajiks and see local craftsmen at work.
Day 14 Day 14: Dushanbe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Dushanbe

Dazzling Dunshanbe awaits where we explore the national history, including a visit to see ancient fortress of Hissor, one of the most precious historical sites of Tajikistan.
Day 15 Day 15: Iskanderkul Lake And Penjikent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Iskanderkul Lake And Penjikent

Continuing to Penjikent, an ancient city from the 5th century BC, via the beautiful Iskanderkul lake. According to the legend, the Lake was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. They say that Alexander the Great’s path to Central Asia from India laid through this lake.
Day 16 Day 16: To Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: To Samarkand

After a morning city tour of Penjikent and Excursion to the Seven Lakes, we depart Tajikistan bound for Golden Uzbekistan.
Day 17 Day 17: Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Samarkand

Samarkand, often considered the jewel in the crown of Central Asia awaits. Registan Square is truly unrivalled in its magnificence, a far cry from the “sandy place” from which its name derives. Stand in wonderment at the glittering mosques and madrassahs, and awe inspiring monuments of Amir Timur’s time.
Day 18 Day 18: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Bukhara

Today we journey via Shakhrisabz, birthplace of Timur and still symbolic of the power he commanded over the region. Visit Ak Saroy Palace – the greatest palace, built by Tamerlane, similar in structure to Samarkand’s Bibi Khanum Mosque, but unparalled in size and decoration. The inscription survived only in part, yet the ruined entrance towers stand in monumental testimony to an age of power writ large on tiled canvas.
Day 19 Day 19: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Bukhara

Bukhara, an incredible city, home to hundreds of monuments, from the soaring Poi Kalon Minaret ensemble, to the Ark Fortress, architectural wonder of the Samanid Mausoleum and Chor Minor located close by the tranquil resting spot of Lyabi-hauz. Take some tea under the mulberry trees to reflect on all that you have seen so far. Don’t miss out on a visit to the bazaar to choose your silk carpet to provide a lasting memory of this journey.
Day 20 Day 20: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Bukhara

Today we venture out of town to visit the Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former emir of Bukhara where you can see unique mixture of traditional Russian style of architecture harmoniously mixed with local oriental traditions.
Day 21 Day 21: Welcome To Turkmenistan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Welcome To Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan, our final country, awaits as we cross the border to Mary our gateway to the ancient city of Merv.
Day 22 Day 22: To Ashgabat Via Merv
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: To Ashgabat Via Merv

One of the major archaeological sites of Central Asia, Merv played an important part in the development of the Silk Road for more than 2 000 years. Then it’s on to the capital city of Ashgabat.
Day 23 Day 23: Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Ashgabat

Ashgabat is a shimmering metropolis, its marble and gold mimicking the opulence of Dubai. Visit grandiose monuments then head to the old quarter where the city comes to life. This secretive fantasy land has its quirks, but you’ll find warm hospitality among its multicultural people.
Day 24 Day 24: To Darvaza Crater
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: To Darvaza Crater

A highlight of the journey awaits with a visit to the Darvaza flaming crater which, at daylight, seems a hole in the ground but by night transforms into the doors of hell, a fire temple, or any other mysteriously spectacular place. We spend the night under canvas enjoying delicious nomadic food in the light of the flickering flames.
Day 25 Day 25: To Khiva Via Shavat Border
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: To Khiva Via Shavat Border

Today we awake refreshed from our night under the stars and our journey continues. This morning we’ll get the chance to explore Kunya-Urgench, once the glorious capital of the Khorezmshah Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 26 Day 26: Khiva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Khiva

Today we find ourselves back in Uzbekistan in the living museum of Khiva. Made for walking, you will discover all the major sights of the Ichan Kala, the citadel, where we will see the truncated Kalta Minor minaret, the Kunya Arkand many more. We climb the city walls to look out across the town and the desert beyond. You can imagine the layers of history around. Who else has walked these walls?
Day 27 Day 27: Overnight Train To Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: Overnight Train To Tashkent

In the afternoon we board our overnight train to our final destination, Tashkent, who cleverly juggles its cultural and historical past, the Soviet era’s impact and modern day lifestyles.
Day 28 Day 28: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Tashkent

Tashkent is one of the oldest and largest cities in Central Asia, the Uzbek capital since 1930, and very much a showpiece of Soviet and post-soviet architecture. Although much of the Old City was lost to an earthquake, Tashkent still retains some of its ancient treasures. Visit the Madrasah Kukeldash - an Islamic School that sits beside the 15th century Jume Mosque, the Museum of Applied Arts where the colourful building is an attraction in itself, see the statue of the 14th century national hero, Amir Temur (Tamerlane) on horseback in Armir Temur Square, Get amongst the hyper-activity of the Chorsu Baazar found in the unique complex of trade halls crowned with magnificent blue domes. This is one of the oldest and largest Bazaar’s in central Asia. Gather around one of the steaming street kitchens and sample some Plov, the king of Uzbek cuisine.
Day 29 Day 29: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 29: Tashkent

Our journey ends in Tashkent and we reflect on this monumental journey through countries, broken by borders but united in history and peoples.
Day 30 Journey Summary
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Journey Summary

Day 1 Astana - journey begins Day 2 Astana and depart to Almaty Evening departure Day 3 Arrive Almaty Morning arrival Day 4 To Karakol via Charyn Canyon (Kyrgyzstan border crossing) Day 5 Karakol - day trip to Djiety Oguz Day 6 To Chon Kemin via Cholpon Ata Day 7 To Bishkek Day 8 Bishkek - day trip to Ala Archa Day 9 To Toktogul Lake Day 10 To Osh Day 11 To Khujand (Tajikistan border crossing) Day 12 Khujand Day 13 To Dushanbe via Istaravshan Day 14 Dushanbe Day 15 To Penjikent via Iskanderkul Lake Day 16 To Samarkand (Uzbekistan border crossing) Day 17 Samarkand Day 18 To Bukhara via Shakrisabz Day 19 Bukhara Day 20 Bukhara Day 21 To Mary (Turkmenistan border crossing) Day 22 To Ashgabat via Merv Day 23 Ashgabat Day 24 To Darvaza Crater Day 25 To Khiva (Uzbekistan boder crossing) Day 26 Khiva Day 27 Khiva and depart to Tashkent Afternoon departure Day 28 Arrive Tashkent Early morning arrival Day 29 Tashkent - journey concludes

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29 days tour

Five Golden Stans

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Five Golden Stans

Day 1: Astana

Day 2: Astana And To Almaty

Day 3: Almaty

Day 4: To Karakol Via Charyn Canyon

Day 5: Karakol

Day 6: Lake Issyk Kul And To Chon Kemin

Day 7: To Bishkek

Day 8: Bishkek - Ala Archa National Park

Day 9: Toktogul

Day 10: To Osh

Day 11: Kyzyl Bel Border To Khujand

Day 12: Khujand

Day 13: Khujand To Dushanbe

Day 14: Dushanbe

Day 15: Iskanderkul Lake And Penjikent

Day 16: To Samarkand

Day 17: Samarkand

Day 18: Bukhara

Day 19: Bukhara

Day 20: Bukhara

Day 21: Welcome To Turkmenistan

Day 22: To Ashgabat Via Merv

Day 23: Ashgabat

Day 24: To Darvaza Crater

Day 25: To Khiva Via Shavat Border

Day 26: Khiva

Day 27: Overnight Train To Tashkent

Day 28: Tashkent

Day 29: Tashkent

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