Silk Road Adventure: The Five Stans

Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK to Almaty

  Your Silk Road Adventure begins today as you fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city. Nestled in the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains, Almaty has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries, offering a mix of modernity and tradition. Get ready to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture that will unfold in the coming days.

• Day 2 • Arrive in Almaty

  Arrive in Almaty and meet your guide and driver, then check-in to your hotel where you’ll have time to relax. This afternoon, we’ll explore the city’s historical and cultural highlights, starting with Independence Square and the Golden Warrior monument. We’ll take a stroll through Panfilov Park and the surrounding area - visit the Kazakh National Musical Instruments Museum, housed in a charming 1908 wooden building, see the famous Zenkov Cathedral - a beautiful wooden Orthodox church before continuing on to Green Bazaar. Here local life is in full swing and you’ll find almost anything you could want - from fresh fruit and dairy products to fragrant spices and silk products. We’ll conclude the tour with a stroll along lively Arbat Avenue (Zhibek Zholy Street). Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and meet your fellow travellers.

• Day 3 • Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Karakol in Kyrgyzstan

  Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to Charyn Canyon. This is a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and deep ravines carved over 12-million-years. You’ll continue to the Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan land border where you will meet your Kyrgyz guide. You’ll journey on to the town of Karakol, located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul. Karakol's unique architectural heritage reflects its position at the crossroads of Russian, Chinese, and Central Asian influences - a perfect example of the cultural blending that characterized Silk Road settlements. Dinner is included tonight.

• Day 4 • Karakol and Jeti Oguz Gorge

  After breakfast, head to the Jeti Oguz Gorge, a place where the rugged landscapes of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains meet picturesque alpine pastures. Here, you will witness the stunning “Seven Bulls” rock formation, a collection of striking red sandstone peaks that dominate the horizon. You’ll travel in private mini buses to the Kok-Jaiyk Valley passing lush green pastures backed by snow-capped peaks. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, a practice passed down through generations, showcasing Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic heritage. Afterward, return to Karakol for a short city tour. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an entirely wooden church, and the colourful Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese artisans in the early 20th century. The mosque's vibrant colours and intricate carvings are a testament to the diverse cultural influences in Karakol. Later, visit a local Dungan family for an authentic dinner experience. Learn how to prepare traditional Lagman, a dish made with noodles and meat sauce, and enjoy a conversation with your hosts about Dungan traditions and culture.

• Day 5 • Karakol - Cholpon Ata - Chon Kemin

  Today, travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to the picturesque town of Cholpon-Ata. Here, you’ll visit the Rukh-Ordo cultural complex, home to an impressive open-air museum featuring over 2,000 ancient petroglyphs that offer a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. On the rocks, you can see carvings that depict hunting, daily life, and religious rituals. Continue your journey to Chon Kemin, a tranquil valley surrounded by mountains. Upon arrival, check into a family-run guesthouse and perhaps take a stroll through the village, where life moves at a slower pace. Before dinner, take part in a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to make Borsok, a traditional Kyrgyz fried bread that’s a staple of family celebrations. Enjoy dinner on the terrace, with panoramic views of village and surrounding mountains. In the evening, gather around a campfire, where stories of the region’s past and present are shared under the vast Central Asian sky.

• Day 6 • Chon Kemin - at leisure

  Enjoy a well-deserved free day in the idyllic surroundings of Chon Kemin. Take this time to relax or, if you prefer to explore of the area, join a morning hiking tour to the Kalmak Ashuu Gorge. This hidden gem offers stunning views of the valley as you make your way through lush greenery toward the pass, which remains open only in summer. The hike will be fairly relaxed, providing an opportunity to absorb the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes. Return to the guesthouse for lunch, then spend the afternoon at your own pace. The evening offers the chance to reflect on the journey so far over dinner.

• Day 7 • Chon Kemin - Bishkek - Tashkent

  It’s a long but rewarding day of experiences today as we embark on a scenic drive to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s vibrant capital. En route, stop at the Burana Historical Complex, an 11th-century UNESCO-listed site where the remnants of the Karakhanid State can still be seen. Explore the tower and nearby ancient Turkic stone sculptures, which offer a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. Afterward, continue to Bishkek where we’ll enjoy a brief sightseeing tour. Visit Ala-Too Square, the central hub of the city, and witness the changing of the guards at the National Flagpole. Stroll along Erkindik Boulevard and visit the Peace and Friendship Monument. Following this, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan and your third country of the trip so far. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel where dinner will be served this evening.

• Day 8 • Tashkent

  You will have a tour of Tashkent today starting with the historical heart of the city - first we will visit the Khast Imam Complex. From here, continue to the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in a grand 19th-century palace once owned by a Tsarist diplomat. After this, we’ll take a panoramic tour of the city, visiting Theatre Square, Amir Temur Square, and Independence Square. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the city further or relax at your hotel.

• Day 9 • Tashkent to Khujand, Tajikistan

  This morning we will transfer to the Uzbekistan/Tajikistan border. After crossing the border, you will be warmly welcomed by your Tajik guide and embark on a drive to Khujand, a city rich in history and culture. Located on the banks of the Syr Darya River, Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Visit the Historical Museum of Sughd, explore Kamoli Khujandi Square, the vibrant heart of the city, and experience the local atmosphere before heading to the bustling Panjshanbe Bazaar. This traditional market is a feast for the senses, where spices, textiles, and fresh produce fill the air with fragrance. Our final stop is the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, a revered figure in Tajik history. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

• Day 10 • Khujand to Dushanbe

  Today we head to the capital of Tajikistan – Dushanbe. Along the way, we will visit the ancient city of Istaravshan. Known as Cyropolis, Istaravshan was once a key trading hub along the Silk Road. We will have time to explore, taking in sights such as the stunning Istaravshan Fortress, Mug Teppa, Kok Gumbaz – a marvellous domed mosque and Madrasa dating from the 15th century, as well as the magnificent Hazrat-i Shah Mosque, which boasts exquisitely carved and painted ceilings. There is time to navigate the narrow streets of the old part of town before we continue our journey through the Shahristan Tunnel, one of Central Asia’s most impressive feats of engineering. As you approach Dushanbe, enjoy panoramic views of the Pamir Mountains, often referred to as the “Roof of the World.”

• Day 11 • Dushanbe

  Spend the day discovering the little known Capital City Dushanbe. Begin with the National Museum of Antiquities, where you’ll find a fascinating collection of artifacts from Tajikistan’s long history. Continue to Kokhi Navruz, built during the independence years, the palace represents the country’s rich architectural heritage and serves as a symbol of national pride. Our next stop is Mehrgon Market a lively bazaar that offers you an opportunity to buy local souvenirs and try the incredibly delicious dry fruits from the area. Then, head to the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments to explore the diverse soundscape of Tajik culture. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore more of the city. We will have an evening stroll around the attractions of the main square of Dushanbe – Ismoili Somoni Monument, Rudaki Park, and the world’s second tallest Flagpole. Settle down for dinner afterwards.

• Day12 • Dushanbe - Samarkand

  After breakfast we head towards the Tajikistan/Uzbekistan border. On the way we’ll stop at the border town of Penjikent for lunch. Penjikent is home to the UNESCO-listed Sarazm ruins - 4th millennium BC ruins that have been defined as an illustration of early proto-urbanisation in the region. Afterward, continue to Samarkand, one of the most famous cities on the Silk Road. Known for its stunning Islamic architecture, Samarkand is a place where history comes alive.

• Day 13 • Samarkand

  Explore Samarkand’s architectural marvels today, starting with the magnificent Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary conqueror Tamerlane and his descendants. We will then visit Registan Square - meaning “sandy place” . This square became the official centre of Samarkand during and after Tamerlane the Great’s time. The Square is surrounded by the Ulugbek’s madrassah, the Sher-Dor madrassah, and Tilla-Kori madrassah. These iconic buildings epitomize the grandeur of Samarkand’s historical significance. Continue to the Necropolis Shakhi-Zinda, a sprawling complex of mausoleums before some free time for lunch. Samarkand has been famous in the region for its wine for a long time. This afternoon we will enjoy a wine tasting at the renowned Khovrenko Winery. Sample some of the original wines from the 1920s and 1930s still kept in the winery's cellars and learn more about the rich history of wine-making in the region.

• Day 14 • Samarkand to Bukhara

  Today, you will travel to Bukhara, another remarkable Silk Road city. Ride the high-speed Afrosiyob train, which offers a comfortable and fast journey through the heart of Uzbekistan. On arrival, we will visit a number of sights and bazaars in the ancient city centre. During the tour of the city, we will stop at a local Tea House to traditional tea and coffee, enriched with various spices. Sit down with your fellow travellers for dinner this evening.

• Day 15 • Bukhara

  We will continue exploring the fascinating city of Bukhara. A special lunch has been arranged for you with a local family where you will learn how to make the Uzbek national dish of Plov - A delicious dish that is fried, boiled and steamed. This afternoon has been left free for you to make your own discoveries.

• Day 16 • Bukhara to Khiva

  Embark on a relaxing drive through the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva, another historic Silk Road city. The journey takes you through vast, empty landscapes, providing an opportunity to reflect on your adventure to date.

• Day 17 • Khiva

  This morning, you’ll take a walking tour of 'Ichan Kala', an open air museum enclosed by a large fortress wall with four gates and under UNESCO protection. There are more than sixty architectural monuments such as palaces, mosques, madrassahs, minarets and mausoleums inside the inner town. Spend the afternoon at leisure before dinner this evening.

• Day 18 • Khiva to Darvaza, Turkmenistan

  A completely unique day is in store today - and one of the last true 'adventures'. Our day begins early as we transfer to the Uzbekistan/Turkmenistan border followed by a short lunch break at Tashauz. We’ll then continue to one of the most unique places in the world – Darvaza. Known to the locals as “The Door to Hell”, watch the incredible sight of the gas crater fires burning as your guide tells you about the history behind this fascinating place. Enjoy a beautiful sunset in the desert, followed by a local barbeque dinner. We will spend the night in a Yurt Camp.

• Day 19 • Darvaza to Ashgabat

  After breakfast, transfer to Ashgabat by road. On the way, stop to see sights of the desert such as water and mud oases. On arrival in Ashgabat this afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour of this unique city known for its striking white marble architecture. You will see the huge Earthquake monument and Ertogrylgazy mosque. Spend time at Gulistan bazaar, also known as Russian bazaar, and buy souvenirs from a country which not many tourists get to visit.

• Day 20 • Ashgabat

  Today visit the ancient ruins of Old Nissa, the capital of the Parthian Empire, which existed more than 2000 years ago. We’ll visit a local horse stable in Geok Tepe and have the opportunity to meet with a Tukmen Akhal-teke horse breeder. You’ll see the unique Turkmen Akhal-teke horses - one of the oldest and rarest breeds of wild horse in the world and a part of Turkmenistan's national emblem. On the way back to Ashgabat, we visit Turkmenbashi spiritual mosque and once back in the city we will visit the National Museum of History, which contains massive exhibits of archaeological and ethnographical finds throughout the country. A further panoramic tour includes the Park of Independence, Arch of Neutrality, Rukhnama statue and the Palace Square. Sit down for a farewell dinner with your companions and relive an epic adventure through these different countries, as you 'Five Stans' tour comes to an end.

• Day 21 • Ashgabat to UK

  After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK. As we are travelling west, we’ll arrive later the same day.