Five Countries of Central Asia in 19 Days
This journey through five Central Asian nations unites breathtaking mountain vistas, ancient Great Silk Road cities, vibrant oriental bazaars, archaeological treasures, and the rich traditions of the region's diverse peoples. Your voyage begins in Almaty, continuing through the Medeo and Shymbulak mountain resorts, the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, the Burana Tower, Lake Issyk-Kul, and the Tien Shan gorges. In Uzbekistan, guests will explore Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, before venturing into Tajikistan to witness ancient Penjikent and the picturesque Seven Lakes cascade. The Turkmenistan portion of the expedition features the antiquity of Merv, the white-marble splendor of Ashgabat, Parthian Nisa, and an overnight stay by the burning Darvaza crater. The route concludes with a stroll through historic Khiva, a flight from Urgench, and a return to Tashkent.
Trip Highlights
- Almaty, Medeo, and the Shymbulak mountain resort
- Lake Issyk-Kul and the majestic gorges of Kyrgyzstan
- The ancient Burana Tower
- The historic heart and modern avenues of Tashkent
- Registan Square and the turquoise domes of Samarkand
- Ancient Penjikent and the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan
- The historic center of Bukhara and a traditional folklore show
- Ancient Merv and monuments of the Great Silk Road
- White-marble Ashgabat and the Parthian fortress of Nisa
- A magical night under the stars by the Darvaza gas crater
- The fortress city of Itchan-Kala in Khiva
- Traversing five ancient nations in one seamless voyage
Day-by-Day Itinerary
What's Included
- Arrival and departure transfers as per the program
- Land transfers and travel along the route
- Hotel accommodation as per the program
- One night at the camp near the Darvaza crater
- Professional local guides along the route
- Air-conditioned transport appropriate for group size
- Breakfast at hotels and specific meals indicated in the program
- Tashkent — Samarkand train ticket
- Bishkek — Tashkent flight ticket
- Domestic flight Mary — Ashgabat
- Domestic flight Urgench — Tashkent
- Entrance fees for all program sites
- Bird of prey demonstration in Kazakhstan
- Folklore program in Bukhara
- LOI and visa support for Turkmenistan
- Drinking water during excursion days
Not Included
- International airfare to Almaty and from Tashkent
- Consular and visa fees
- Migration and medical fees upon entry to Turkmenistan
- Medical and travel insurance
- Single supplement
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Meals not specified in the program
- Porterage services
- Photo and video fees at specific sites
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Services not mentioned in the program
Accommodation
18 nights: boutique and premium hotels along the route in Almaty, Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Tashkent, Samarkand, Penjikent, Bukhara, Mary, Ashgabat, and Khiva, as well as one night in a yurt/tent camp by the Darvaza crater. Hotel categories and specific availability are confirmed upon booking.
Transport
Comfortable private vehicle, minivan, or small coach depending on group size and road conditions. The itinerary includes the Tashkent—Samarkand high-speed train and domestic flights: Bishkek—Tashkent, Mary—Ashgabat, and Urgench—Tashkent. Vehicles and guides may change at international land borders.
Good to Know
The itinerary involves domestic flights, rail travel, several land border crossings, and extended scenic drives. We recommend comfortable closed footwear, a headpiece, sun protection, a small daypack, and warm layers for mountain regions and the night at Darvaza. Flight and train schedules, as well as the sequence of excursions, may be adjusted without altering the core program.