5-Stans

Welcome to Turkmenistan, an ancient land of great spirituality, tradition and natural beauty. Its diverse history has left a lasting impression on the country with language from the Oghuz tribes, religion from the Arabs and Persians, and education from the Soviets. We begin in Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat, which became independent from Russia in the early 1990's. This unusual city is an eclectic mix of Soviet style architecture, extensive white marble and open green spaces. It is like no other city and is a stark contrast to the rest of the country.

We arrive in Ashgabat in the early hours of the morning. Enjoy some time to rest and rejuvenate before embarking on an afternoon tour. We first stop at Independence Park and witness its towering monument, reminiscent of a white marble Eiffel Tower. Next, we'll visit the grand Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque, a prominent religious structure that holds cultural and historical significance in the region. We then make our way to the National Carpet Museum, home to a collection of meticulously crafted Turkmen carpets and exquisite carpet artifacts.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a group welcome dinner, where we will be captivated by a folk performance, highlighting the region's unique culture. We don't want you to miss out on your afternoon tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you are back at the hotel and ready to depart at 2pm.

We head out of the city centre this morning to explore the ancient settlement of Nisa. The Parthian Fortress of Nisa was once home to one of the most influential empires of the ancient world and now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Be in awe as you roam the ruins and see the powerful history of the Parthian Fortress.

We'll make our way back to Ashgabat where we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We then return to our hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Optional Excursion: Darvaza Flaming Crater – Travel by 4WD jeeps to witness the Darvaza Flaming Crater at night. This unique geological phenomenon is a massive crater with a perpetually burning natural gas flame, creating a mesmerising and eerie spectacle that has earned it the ‘Door to Hell' moniker. Enjoy a picnic dinner whilst admiring this captivating natural wonder. Please note this tour will conclude at your hotel around midnight. 10 hours – from US $150pp (minimum 3 people)

A late start this morning, we venture out of Ashgabat and drive through its rich agricultural heartland where our first stop is the Arkadash Stud Farm. Here we'll have the chance to see the Akhal-Teke horses. Nicknamed the ‘Golden Horses' due to their lustrous coats, they are a testament to the Turkmen breed's reputation for speed, endurance, and intelligence, tracing their lineage back an astonishing 3,000 years in history.

We return to the city for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our exploration of Ashgabat, including the Russian Bazaar. On our return to the hotel in the late afternoon, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, we bid farewell to Turkmenistan as we make our way to the neighbouring country of Uzbekistan. At the heart of the Stans, Uzbekistan is the most visited and is famed for its rich historical past. The nation's history has been significantly shaped by the diverse cultures that traversed its lands, as well as by conquerors such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and the Russian Empire.

Early this morning we'll fly to Daşhoguz before crossing the border and travelling to Khiva. The city is renowned for its remarkably preserved old town that transports you back to the 10th century and the glory days of the Silk Road. Modern day Khiva is a friendly town filled with monotone and mud-walled buildings that harken back to its historical roots.

Khiva is a fantastic city to discover by foot, and today we'll do just that. Our walking tour will lead us through the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Ichan Kala, where time seems to have stood still. Here, we'll encounter architectural marvels that have remained remarkably unchanged for over 2,000 years. Along this journey, we'll admire the truncated Kalta Minor Minaret, a resplendent, turquoise-tiled structure erected in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, as well as Kunya Ark, Madrassah Rakhimkhon, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud, and Islam Khodja Minaret.

Our sightseeing continues after lunch, where we will visit the beautifully carved wooden pillars at the Friday (Juma) Mosque and see the amazing, decorated ceiling of the Tosh-Hovli Palace. The palace, which means ‘Stone House' is filled with incredible blue tiles, carved wooden pillars and an extraordinary ghanch (ornately carved alabaster).

Over 2,000 years old, the Holy City of Bukhara is one of the best examples of preserved Islamic cities within Central Asia. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Silk Road,' is filled with mosques, madrassahs (Islamic schools), flat-roofed houses and covered bazaars.

Gear up for a long travel day today as we bid adieu to Khiva and make our way by road to the ancient city of Bukhara. There will be plenty of stops along the way for us to stretch out and break for lunch. Once we arrive at Bukhara, the rest of the day is free for us to enjoy at our own pace.

Today, we'll be met by some of the city's monuments and mosques as we spend the day exploring Bukhara. We will visit the historic Lyabi-Khauz ensemble, Magoki Attori Mosque and the stunning Madrassah Aziz Khan. Our journey will also visit the Ark Fortress – with foundations dating back to the 4th to 3rd century BC, it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since then – as well as the Bolo Hauz Mosque and the Mausoleums of Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub.

Later, we'll visit the Hunarmand UNDP Assisted Workshop to see local artisans carving, miniature painting, block printing, gold embroidery, metal chasing and suzani embroidery.

A half-day tour will introduce us to many more wonders of this Holy City. Venturing into the surrounding areas of Bukhara, we'll visit Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the former summer residence of Bukhara's last Emir. Originally conceived by Akhad-Khan in the late 19th century, it was Muzaffar-Khan who completed the main palace and dedicated it to his beloved wife, Sitora-Bonu. Following her passing, the palace earned the name Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, meaning ‘star-like and moon-like palace.' Its architectural charm draws parallels to Russia's magnificent Peterhof Palace in St Petersburg.

Our journey proceeds to the Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Memorial Complex, a revered site dedicated to the Islamic saint of the same name. This significant Muslim shrine draws pilgrims from across the globe who come to offer prayers, make wishes, and seek blessings and healing.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to soak up the atmosphere in Bukhara. It's a great city to walk around and explore.

The second largest and probably the most famous city in Uzbekistan, Samarkand dates back about 2,750 years and was once known as the ‘Rome of the East'. Today, the city comprises both its ancient medieval core and a modern district established following the Russian conquest in the 19th century.

En route to Samarkand, we'll stop in the small town of Gijduvan, renowned as a craft and trade centre for centuries. This town is particularly famous for its exquisite ceramics, distinguished by intricate geometric, animal, and botanical motifs, stemming from ancient polychromatic glazed ceramic traditions. In Gijduvan, we'll delve into the fascinating artistry of ceramic production, gaining insights into the intricate process while immersing ourselves in the rhythms of local life.

Special Experience: Immerse yourself in Uzbek cuisine with a masterclass on bread baking and shashlik preparation. Here, we'll observe the traditional methods of crafting bread and shashliks before relishing them as part of our authentic Uzbek lunch.

After arriving in Samarkand and checking into our hotel, we'll enjoy the evening at leisure.

We'll begin our day of sightseeing with a visit to the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece and the final resting place of Tamerlane (Timur), one of history's most formidable conquerors. We then move onto the impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed Registan Square, one of Central Asia's most iconic sights. This breathtaking ensemble of architectural marvels embodies the city's rich history and cultural significance. Here, we'll admire the medieval architecture and its three madrassahs: Ulug-Bek, Tilya-Kori, and Sher-Dor, which date back to the 15th and 17th centuries.

Our journey proceeds to Bibi-Khanym, a mosque of profound significance in Samarkand. Completed in 1404, it once stood as Central Asia's largest mosque, capable of hosting 10,000 devout worshippers.

After lunch we will visit a local winery where we will indulge in a wine tasting before returning to Samarkand for an evening at leisure.

Today we will travel to Konigil village to visit a paper-making workshop. Founded by the Muktarov brothers, the paper mill has revived this ancient tradition based on Samarkand technologies. See how mulberry bark is cleaned, boiled and mashed before being flattened, dried and painted. We'll also engage hands-on in the intricate steps of crafting paper by hand.

Next, we'll pay a quick visit to the fascinating Ulugh Beg Observatory Museum. The original observatory was built in the 15th century by Ulugbek, a famous mathematician and astronomer, who also happens to be the grandson of the Great Amir Temur. Designed to observe the stars above, many Islamic astronomers worked and studied here until its destruction, where it remained hidden for centuries.

We'll also visit the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a complex of medieval mausoleums dating back as far as the 11th and 12th centuries, and the Silk Road Bazaar, where we will have free time to wander around. It's a great opportunity to see all the local produce, as well as sweets and souvenirs.

Special Experience: Indulge in an authentic culinary experience at a local Rahman master's house. Witness the art of '‘Plov'' preparation and delight in the creations for lunch. On our return to Samarkand, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace.

We bid farewell to Uzbekistan this morning as we make our way to Tajikistan. We begin in Panjakent (or Penjikent), an ancient city with a rich history dating back over 2,500 years. Known for its archaeological significance along the Silk Road, Panjakent today serves as a cultural and economic centre in the region, offering a blend of historical exploration and vibrant local culture.

Arriving in Panjakent we'll take a city tour, visiting Rudaki Museum, dedicated to celebrating the life and poetry of Abu Abdullah Rudaki, a prominent figure in Persian literature and poetry.

After lunch we will explore some of the Seven Lakes, a chain of beautiful alpine lakes located in the west of the Fann Mountains. Renowned for their stunning natural beauty, each with its unique colour and landscape. The mountain roads will be rough, but the beautiful views of the lakes along the way are worth it. We'll be sure to make stops for photo opportunities.

We'll venture to Dushanbe today, the capital of Tajikistan, nestled alongside the turquoise waters of the Varzob River. This immaculate city boasts European and Soviet-inspired aesthetics, adorned with tree-lined boulevards, numerous parks, and public squares. It also proudly serves as the epicentre for Tajikistan's finance, politics, administration and culture.

A stunning scenic drive today as we travel through the Varzob Gorge to Dushanbe. Along the way we'll see rugged mountain landscapes, wild rivers and pass through a number of small communities.

Upon arrival in Dushanbe, we'll enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today, we embark on a journey into the rich history and vibrant culture of the Tajik people, with a full day tour of Dushanbe. Some of the highlights on our city tour include the gilded monument of Ismoili Somoni, considered a national hero in Tajikistan, situated within Friendship Square. Erected in 1999, this monument stands as a powerful symbol of national pride, commemorating the Samanid Empire. The National Museum of Antiquities, we will see one of its most treasured artefacts, the Reclining Buddha. We'll stroll through the popular Rudaki Park, and marvel at the exquisite traditional architecture showcased at Kokhi Navruz Palace.

Also on today's agenda is a visit to the neighbouring town of Hisor, where we will have the privilege of exploring an ancient fortress steeped in millennia of history. An open-air museum, this formidable stronghold, which has witnessed countless epochs, bears the marks of numerous renovations and meticulous restorations over the ages.

We make our way to Khujand today. This city was conquered by Alexander the Great who rebuilt, fortified, and renamed it to Alexandria Eschate. It was later taken over by the Arabs in the 8th century. Modern day Khujand is an important industrial, scientific and cultural centre in northern Tajikistan.

Our journey to Khujand spans a considerable distance, winding through stunning mountain passes. We stop for lunch in Istaravshan, a city located in the foothills of the Turkistan Range. While here, we'll pay a visit to the local Bazaar, where we observe skilled blacksmiths crafting items such as knives and horse-shoes, using age-old techniques passed down through hundreds of years.

We'll arrive to Khujand where the evening is at leisure.

Known for its museums and unique mix of modern, medieval and Soviet-era architecture, the cosmopolitan city of Tashkent is our destination today. One of the oldest stops on the Silk Road, dating back to the 2nd century, Tashkent now stands proudly as the dynamic capital of Uzbekistan.

Before we depart for Tashkent, we'll take a city tour of Khujand this morning, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. We'll stroll through Kamoli Khujandi Square, visit the bustling bazaar - one of the largest bazaars in all of Tajikistan, see Timur Malik Fortress, Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, and learn about the history of Khujand at the Historical Sughd Museum. Our last stop is Arbob Cultural Palace, built as a replica of the Tsar's Winter Palace at Peterhof, it was once the headquarters of a Soviet collective farm built in the 1950's.

Following lunch, we'll proceed to the Oybek border, marking our entry into Uzbekistan, and then head to Tashkent, where we will spend the next two nights.

We'll get acquainted with Uzbekistan's capital during a day of sightseeing, starting in the Old Town. Here, we'll see the Barak-Khan Madrasah and Tillya Seikh Mosque, which holds a copy of the Koran dating back to the 7th century. Next, we will visit the bustling Chorsu Bazaar. A shopper's delight, the bazaar is filled with a glorious mix of spices, grains, fresh produce and souvenirs. Here, we'll also have the opportunity to witness a demonstration of how the popular freshly baked Tajik round breads are made.

This afternoon our sightseeing continues as we visit Amir Temur Square and the famous Tashkent Metro. This spectacular metro resembles an underground gallery, where all 29 stations are a work of art. Opened in 1977, there is a Soviet feel to the metro's architecture and artwork.

Enjoy the late afternoon at leisure, to further explore at your own pace.

It's on to our fourth Stan today, as we travel into Kyrgyzstan, a nation known for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Our destination is the capital, Bishkek, a vibrant city that serves as a cultural hub, complete with a burgeoning culinary and arts scene.

Enjoy the morning at leisure before we transfer to the airport this afternoon for our flight to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.

This afternoon, we'll make our way to Naryn, a town graced by vast natural beauty. Nestled amidst towering mountains, it is cradled by the gentle flow of the Naryn River. Off the beaten tourist track, you can experience the Kyrgyz modest way of life in this small town, which adds to the unique charm of this destination.

Bishkek is home to a variety of sights and monuments that tell the city's story. Today we'll explore these during a tour before we continue our journey to Naryn. We begin our sightseeing with a visit to Manas Monument in Philharmonic Square, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. Next, we'll take a walking tour, beginning at the iconic Ala Too Square followed by the grand governmental edifices that line our path. Our tour culminates at the historic Old Square, where we'll behold the imposing Parliament House and one of the few remaining Lenin Monuments in Central Asia.

Making our way to Naryn, we will see the Burana Complex, before making a stop for lunch.

Special Experience: Savour a home cooked meal of local dishes in the backyard of a welcoming family's home in a small, rural village. After enjoying all the wonderful local dishes, we continue on our travels stopping at the Orto Tokoy water reservoir before arriving at our hotel in Naryn.

Take in the spectacular scenery as we travel through the picturesque At-Bashi valley, making our way to the ruins of Koshoy Korgon fortress. It is believed to have once served as a formidable citadel during the 12th century under the Karakhanid rule, and it was built upon a location with a history of habitation dating back to at least the 8th century.

Next, we'll reach Kara-Koyun gorge where ancient Tash Rabat is located. The well-preserved caravanserai built of local stone dates back to the 15th century during the time of the Karakhanid Khanate. The site offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of the Silk Road and the role played by such caravanserais in facilitating trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia. While here, we will have the chance to walk in the scenic gorge before enjoying an authentic lunch experience and savour the flavours of the region.

We'll arrive back to our hotel in the late afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Lake Issyk-Kul is a stunning, high-altitude alpine lake nestled in the Tian Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Tian Shan' due to its breathtaking beauty, the lake is one of the largest and deepest mountain lakes in the world. It is known for its clear, deep blue waters and the surrounding picturesque landscapes, which include snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and charming lakeside villages.

We'll travel along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake which is a fantastic opportunity to see the entirety of the lake from another angle. We'll make a stop at Kyzyl Tuu Village to participate in activities that connect us with the local culture.

Special Experience: Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Kyzyl Tuu Village by engaging in a yurt building workshop, gaining insights into the nomadic way of life.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

The fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, Karakol is our destination today. Nestled between Issyk Kul Lake and the Tian Shan mountains, the city is filled with traditional Russian architecture, a nod to its Russian founding in 1869.

After breakfast we will begin our journey to Karakol. On our travels we'll attend an eagle hunting demonstration and learn more about this incredible species from a ‘Berkutchi' – a Golden Eagle Hunter.

Our next stop is Djety Oguz, also spelled as Jety-Oguz, a picturesque valley and rock formation. This natural wonder is renowned for its stunning red sandstone cliffs, which have unique shapes and vibrant colours. The name ‘Djety Oguz' translates to ‘Seven Bulls' in Kyrgyz, and it is named after the seven distinctive rock formations that resemble a row of charging bulls.

Upon arrival in Karakol, we'll take a city tour, including a visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an old wooden Orthodox Church and see the Dungan Mosque. This exotic-looking, blue building resembles a mosque, but was built for Karakol's community of Dungans (Chinese Muslims).

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Bid farewell to Kyrgyzstan as we welcome you to Kazakhstan, our final Stan, and its grandest urban hub, Almaty. Here, against the stunning backdrop of the snow draped Zailiysky Alatau mountains, the city seamlessly blends the heights of contemporary skyscrapers with the timeless elegance of 19th century Russian architecture. Almaty's streets are adorned with lush green parks, world-class museums, bustling shopping centres, and a plethora of attractions, solidifying its status as one of Central Asia's premier metropolises.

We have an early start this morning, travelling to the remote border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

We'll cross the border into Kazakhstan and make our way to the magnificent Charyn Canyon and its valley of the Castles. Here, you can choose to hike down towards the valley floor and climb back up again or observe the canyon rim from above.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Enjoy an easy morning as we have a late start to explore Almaty. Our first stop is the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, located in the central-eastern part of the city. The park is dedicated to the 28 soldiers of an Almaty infantry unit who died while fighting against the Germans during the Great Patriotic War.

Next, we'll visit the Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral. Built entirely out of wood in the early 1900s, the cathedral was used as a museum and concert hall during the Soviet era and was returned to a Russian Orthodox Church in 1995. It's colourful exterior and intricate design is certainly impressive!

We take a cable car ride to the top of Kok-Tobe Hill where we'll enjoy incredible views over the city before returning to Almaty, where we'll visit a local chocolate shop.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon before we come together for a group farewell dinner.

This morning we'll discover Medeu, the highest mountainous ice-skating sports complex in the world. Built in 1949, the ice-skating rink consists of over 10,500 square metres, and fell into disrepair after the fall of the Soviet Union but has been revived in the past decade. We'll also stop at Medeu Dam for amazing panoramic views. The dam was designed to protect the city from devastating mudflows resulting from Medeu Valley.

Returning to Almaty we'll visit the Central State Historical Museum, which houses the most significant collection of Kazakh historical, archaeological and political artefacts. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, marking our last group meal together.

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Almaty at your own pace.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning, marking the end of our spectacular Central Asia adventure through the 5-Stans. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!