Transport

Private Vehicle , Flight , Metro , High Speed Train

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Meals

23 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners

Others

Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque Ashgabat - Anau ruins Ashgabat - Independence Monument Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater Konye-Urgench - City tour Khiva - Juma Mosque Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace Khiva - Kunya Ark Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome Bukhara - Ark Fortress Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque Samarkand - Registan Square Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar Tashkent - City tour Tashkent - Metro tour Khujand - Jami Mosque Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake Dushanbe – Hissor Fort Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan Dushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni Museum Dushanbe - Navruz palace Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments Almaty - Panfilov Park Charyn Canyon - National Park Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking Karakol - Dungan Mosque Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch Issyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked meal Issyk-Kul Lake - Carpet workshop Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop Shamsy Valley - Burana tower Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch Bishkek - City walking tour

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. HOMESTAYS: Please note that at our homestays you might be required to share a room with people of other genders, or with your leader. Because we stay at real people’s homes, beds might be pull-out couches or mattresses on the floor, or even a yurt in their backyard. Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses, yurts and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only or no bathroom facilities. Hotel (17 nights), Guest House (1 night), Tourist Yurt Camp (3 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Ashgabat

Welcome to Turkmenistan! Your adventure begins in the country’s capital of Ashgabat. This fascinating city is currently being transformed into a lavish, marble-lined oasis. You’ll find perfect parklands and manicured streets – a vast contrast to the rest of the ancient country we’re about to explore. We kick things off at 6 pm this evening with a welcome meeting where you’ll meet your fellow adventurers and group leader before going over a few details of your epic trip. Then, you’ll head out for dinner as a group, tucking into your first taste of Turkmenistan cuisine.
Day 2 Day 2: Ashgabat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Ashgabat

Wake with excitement for your first day exploring this intriguing desert city. Your locally based leader will take you to the main sites to see. You’ll spend hours touring the city – and trust us, you’ll need every minute to soak up everything this place has to offer. You’ll marvel at the four-pointed minarets atop the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen heroes (and controversial politicians) line the paths that lead to a golden dome and a (surprise!) massive minaret. From this lavish ode to Turkmen identity, continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name has a provocative history. Then travel outside of the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque, the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov, before heading further out of town to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After an action-packed day full of sightseeing, the evening will be at leisure for you to explore (or simply relax) as you wish.
Day 3 Day 3: Darvaza Crater
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Darvaza Crater

Wake up without an alarm today – you’ve got a leisurely morning to explore Ashgabat at your will. In the afternoon, we’ll make tracks for Darvaza Gas Crater – an astounding 70 metre wide hole in the Karakum Desert that is permanently aflame (yes, you read that right). Soviet oil prospectors started drilling in this area in 1971, with the expectation of finding oil, when suddenly the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see today, they were wrong – the crater has been burning ever since. You’ll be treated to sunset over the crater, also known as the ’Door to Hell’, from your nearby camp. Then, dig into a Turkmenistan-style barbecue dinner with your newfound travel companions before retiring to your tent for a night camping under the desert stars.
Day 4 Day 4: Border Crossing/Khiva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Border Crossing/Khiva

After breakfast at your desert camp oasis, we’ll hit the road enroute to Khiva – with a few sightseeing stops along the way, of course. Our first stop will be in Kunya Urgench, once a main hub of the Islamic world, it suffered destruction at the hands of Genghis Khan and the Timurid dynasty and fell into decay until the 20th century. Sporting plenty of monuments and interesting sites from the 11th to 16th centuries, you’ll explore a mosque, mausoleum and 60 metre Gutlug Timur Minaret in this interesting city. After a little time to explore, we’ll continue to the Turkmen/Uzbek border of Khodjeyli (Xo’jayli) and on to Khiva. On arrival in Khiva, you’ll have free time to get acquainted with the city before exploring in depth with your leader tomorrow.
Day 5 Day 5: Khiva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Khiva

Today is for sightseeing – and trust us, you’re going to see a lot. So, strap on your best pair of walking shoes, have the camera fully charged and hit the streets with your local leader to guide the way. You can expect to see the magical blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Then, explore the Kuhna Ark, the ’citadel within a citadel’ which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century. You’ll visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum, a complex constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter – the mint-coloured dome that tops the main mausoleum is stunning. You’ll marvel at the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque and see how the roof is propped up by 212 wooden columns designed to let in sunlight. Next, take a peek at Uzbek luxury – explore Tosh-Hovli Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors. We told you there’s plenty to see here and this is a big morning of sightseeing, so the afternoon is at your leisure.
Day 6 Day 6: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Bukhara

Today’s requirements – a good book, fully charged phone or pair of trusty headphones, ideally all three! We have a big travel day ahead of us. You’ll arrive in Bukhara in Uzbekistan in the late afternoon, and the long drive will be forgotten as you’re swept up in the beautiful mosaics and incredible ancient monuments of this destination. Founded no later than the 1st century BC, across its many years, the city has been ruled by countless empires and dynasties which are reflected in the colourful culture here. Wander through the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza and the trading dome tonight and see the ancient sites lit up in the evening.
Day 7 Day 7: Bukhara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Bukhara

Head out for a half day tour of Bukhara. First up, visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa – once the summer palace of the last Bukharan emirs. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings crafted by local artisans. Continue to Ark Fortress - the symbol of Bukhara and then one of Central Asia’s oldest and most exquisite structures, the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the superb decorative brickwork of which has survived 1000 years of rugged history and the geometric architecture is recognised the world over. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this ancient Silk Road town. Maybe visit Bolo Haus Mosque, Chor Minor, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, or Ulukbek Madrassah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa.
Day 8 Day 8: Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Samarkand

Enjoy a free morning in Bukhara and then you’ll jump aboard train bound for Samarkand in the afternoon – located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. On arrival, visit the Gur-Amir mausoleum where the great Uzbek conqueror, Tamerlane, is buried. Enjoy a free evening and maybe follow your leader to the Registan Square to see it illuminated at night.
Day 9 Day 9: Samarkand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Samarkand

It’s time to explore Samarkand with your group leader. First up is Shak-i-Zinda, a necropolis that features a series of gleaming, blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th-19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty onwards. You’ll be drawn to capture photos at every turn, just remember to be respectful as pilgrims still visit this complex. Then, you’ll visit the enormous Bibi Khanum Mosque and explore the ancient bazaar right behind it and maybe sample Khalva (local sweets made of sunflower seeds or peanuts) and get a glass, or two, of squeezed pomegranate juice (depending on the season). Last but not least, the world-renouned Registan, which features three of the most famous madrassahs in Uzbekistan - standing as true pinnacles of Islamic architecture.The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure - maybe inspect the remains of the remarkable medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg, an astronomer and grandson of nomadic conqueror and Timurid emperor Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Today, only half of the below-ground semicircle track can be seen, but there is a small museum close by that gives some context. Or perhaps visit the Afrosiab Museum of Samarkand, the main attraction of which is a tenth-century mural. In the evening, you are in for a treat! You’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration and enjoy this delicious Uzbek feast!
Day 10 Day 10: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Tashkent

Today, enjoy a free morning before you say goodbye to the magnificent Samarkand and jump back on the train around middday and head straight to Tashkent. Enjoy a free evening in this capital city, an interesting mixture of the reminiscence of Soviet time and its Uzbek traditions.
Day 11 Day 11: Tashkent
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Tashkent

Follow your leader on a city walking tour - explore Amir Timur square at the city center, then hop on the metro for a tour in the station to see its extravagant decoration and then lose yourself in the exciting Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments, and the extensive vegetable and spice markets. Enjoy a free afternoon and maybe go and visit the Khast Imom complex, a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century, or simply relax and enjoy some well deserved downtime.
Day 12 Day 12: Border Crossing/Khujand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Border Crossing/Khujand

After breakfast this morning, we’ll hit the road to the Oibek border to cross into Tajikistan before arriving in Khojand. This city is known as Alexandria Eskhata (Alexandria the furthest) and believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great in 6th century BC. You’ll get a chance to explore Khojand in the afternoon, wander around the bazaar and Jami Mosque. If you have any free time, you might like to visit Arbor palace – an example of soviet architecture of the 1950’s.
Day 13 Day 13: Iskanderkul Lake/Sary Tag Village
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Iskanderkul Lake/Sary Tag Village

This morning, you’ll take the epic drive across Shahriston pass (with an elevation of 3378m) to Iskanderkul Lake. Strap in, this is sure to be an exciting ride but don’t worry, your experienced driver is a pro when it comes to the twists and turns of this high-altitude highway. You’ll be delighted to arrive at Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great, this place is a weekend destination for many locals from Dushanbe. You’ll get a chance to marvel at the local “Niagara” and Zmeinnoe Lake before continuing to Sary Tag – a mountain village on the other end of the lake in the heart of Fann mountains. This evening, you’ll have a little time to explore the village and truly discover the local way of life.
Day 14 Day 14: Dushanbe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Dushanbe

This morning, we’ll hit the exciting mountain roads once more and drive over the Anzob Pass (with an elevation of 3373m) to Dushanbe – the capital of Tajikistan. After lunch, we’ll pay a visit to Hissor Fort, the former capital of Eastern Bukhara province. Explore this ancient fortress, located atop a hill overlooking the town of Hisor, and check out its impressive stone walls, commanding gateway and perfectly manicured gardens. Then, the afternoon is free for you to explore Dushanbe however you please, you might choose to explore one of the many parks or museums in the city.
Day 15 Day 15: Dushanbe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Dushanbe

Today is made for a day of sightseeing in Dushanbe with your locally based guide by your side. Take a public bus to see Navruz Palace, initially planned as a new tea house but now it has grown to conference hall decorated in Tajik Barocco style. Walk back a bit and pass by president office known as friendship house to Rudaki square, with Ismail Somoni monument overlooking city hall and friendship palace. And, anyone with a soft spot for archaeology will enjoy the Museum of National Antiquities, which opened in 2001. You can check out exhibits here from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilizations (Greek/ Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu and Zoroastrian). The centerpiece is the 14m reclining Buddha in Nirvana – since the tragic destruction of the Bamiyan statues in Afghanistan, this is the largest surviving Buddha statue in Central Asia.
Day 16 Day 16: Border Crossing/Almaty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Border Crossing/Almaty

After breakfast today, we’ll catch a flight to Almaty – the largest city in Kazakhstan. It’s known as a skier’s paradise, with snow-capped mountains framing the entire city. With beautiful parks, ritzy restaurants, excellent museums and plenty of shops and markets to choose from, this city stands in stark contrast to the countryside surrounding it, where locals live much more simply. Depending on the time of your flight today, you may have an opportunity to explore the city at your will this afternoon, otherwise grab an early night and get prepared for a jam-packed day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Day 17 Day 17: Almaty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Almaty

Strap on your walking shoes – we have a full day of sightseeing in Almaty ahead of us today. Kazakhstan is one of the world’s top five oil-producing nations and you’ll sure notice the development and wealth that comes from it as you wander the glittering streets today. You’ll visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in historic Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against Nazi tanks in WWII. Then, check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. Enjoy the rest of the day as your free time.
Day 18 Day 18: Kolsay Lakes National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Kolsay Lakes National Park

This morning, we’ll drive to Saty Village with a stop along the way at the spectacular Charyn Canyon. The richly coloured orange canyon etched into the surrounding landscape is no less impressive than the Grand Canyon in the US (though much smaller). Enjoy some time here to marvel at this natural wonder and grab some photos before we continue to Saty Village.
Day 19 Day 19: Kolsay Lakes National Park/ Border Crossing/ Karakol
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Kolsay Lakes National Park/ Border Crossing/ Karakol

We’ll explore the surrounding area of Saty Village today with a hike to Kolsai Lakes – also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for their azure water framed by lush, green mountains. Trust us, the hike through the forest will be well and truly worth it once you arrive at these lakes. You may also get a chance to visit the lesser-known Kaindy Lake, a stunning turquoise lake with a striking ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. Amazingly, the lake was created by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide causing a dam in the forest. As time went on, the dam filled with water and the trees were covered, leaving just their trunks standing dramatically in the centre. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and then continue the journey to Kyrgyzstan. Cross border and carry on to Karakol. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a little sightseeing in Karakol, once a small Russian military post, then a bustling soviet state, this town is bursting with history just waiting to be explored. You’ll visit the Dungan Mosque, built in 1910 this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail – instead, the structure was built using special cutting and groove techniques. You’ll also get a chance to explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market.
Day 20 Day 20: Issyk-Kul Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Issyk-Kul Lake

Today is for scenic hikes, waterfalls and panoramic views! After breakfast, we’ll drive along the south shore of Lake Issykul. As one of the largest lakes in the world, the lake is 178km long and 60km wide – it’s a fantastic sight to see! On route, we’ll stop to see the picturesque Jety Oguz, also known as Seven Bull Valley, where your leader will take you on a forest hike to a waterfall with panoramic views. From here, you’ll continue to Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon where you’ll marvel at the rich orange landscapes that blanket the area – it’s dry and arid but there’s something incredibly beautiful about this place. This evening, you’re in for a real treat – you’ll get the chance to stay in a yurt camp. A truly special experience, yurts have a long history in this area – used for generations by nomadic tribes as the structures are easy to transport and assemble. Enjoy your night under the stars!
Day 21 Day 21: Issyk-Kul Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Issyk-Kul Lake

With relaxed plans for today, we’ll wander the beautiful alpine area and visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Then you’ll visit a local family, learn how they make felt and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Then, tonight, relax in your yurt camp and maybe toast to a skyfull of stars with a vodka.
Day 22 Day 22: Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Bishkek

This morning, you’ll kiss your alpine camp goodbye and hit the road for Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, your final destination for this epic journey. Stop at Burana Tower, a minaret that is the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then continue to Don Aryk and meet a local Kyrgyz family and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon, take it easy and familarise your surroundings with your tour leader. You’ll enjoy some free time afterwards.
Day 23 Day 23: Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Bishkek

You’ll step back in time with a city tour showcasing the country’s fascinating history. You’ll visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, which was known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of this square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. Then, we’ll explore Dubovy (Oak) Park, where you’ll find lush, century-old oaks. Later in the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your leisure. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little noisy and crowded but it provides the perfect peek into local life. You’ll find all kinds of things on sale here from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets. In the evening, perhaps get together with your travel mates and enjoy an optional final dinner together to celebrate a great journey through The Five Stans.
Day 24 Day 24: Bishkek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Bishkek

With no further activities planned, your Five Stans adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon.

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24 days tour

Central Asia: Five Stans Express

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Central Asia: Five Stans Express

Day 1: Ashgabat

Day 2: Ashgabat

Day 3: Darvaza Crater

Day 4: Border Crossing/Khiva

Day 5: Khiva

Day 6: Bukhara

Day 7: Bukhara

Day 8: Samarkand

Day 9: Samarkand

Day 10: Tashkent

Day 11: Tashkent

Day 12: Border Crossing/Khujand

Day 13: Iskanderkul Lake/Sary Tag Village

Day 14: Dushanbe

Day 15: Dushanbe

Day 16: Border Crossing/Almaty

Day 17: Almaty

Day 18: Kolsay Lakes National Park

Day 19: Kolsay Lakes National Park/ Border Crossing/ Karakol

Day 20: Issyk-Kul Lake

Day 21: Issyk-Kul Lake

Day 22: Bishkek

Day 23: Bishkek

Day 24: Bishkek

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