The Silk Road - Legends of the Five Stans

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Turkmenistan

  Today you will start your Five Stans adventure with a flight to Ashgabat in Turkmenistan.

• Day 2 • Arrive in Ashgabat

  Arrive in Ashgabat and meet your guide and driver, then check-in to your hotel where you’ll have time to relax. This afternoon we'll visit a local horse stable in Geok Tepe and have the opportunity to meet with a Turkman Akhal-teke Horse, which is one of the oldest and rarest breeds of wild horse in the world and a part of Turkmenistan's national emblem. A talk with the owner of the stable will be included. On the way back to Ashgabat we'll visit Turkmenbashi Spiritual Mosque. A panoramic tour of the Park of Independence, Rukhnama Statue, Arch of Neutrality and Palace Square is also included. Tonight, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

• Day 3 • Ashgabat - Darvaza

  This morning includes a tour of the National Museum of History which contains large exhibits of archaeological and ethnographical finds from across the country. There's also a chance to visit the Gulistan bazaar, also known as the Russian bazaar, where you can see local souvenirs and fruits. We'll then transfer to Darvaza gas crater which is one of the most unique locations in the world. Known to locals as 'The Door to Hell' we'll watch the incredible sight of the gas crater burning whilst your guide explains the history behind this incredible place. After watching the sunset a local barbeque dinner is on offer. Afterwards we'll move to our special accommodation for the evening where we will spend a night in a Yurt Camp.

• Day 4 • Darvaza - Khiva

  This morning we'll transfer to the Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan border. There will be a stop for a lunch break in Tashauz and then we'll cross the border. Once in Uzbekistan, we'll travel to Khiva to begin exploring this new country.

• Day 5 • Khiva

  This morning we'll enjoy a walking tour of Ichan Kala, an open air museum under UNESCO protection which is enclosed by a large fortress wall with four gates. There are over sixty architectural monuments such as palaces, mosques, madrassahs and mausoleums to explore and you'll have some free time before dinner this evening.

• Day 6 • Khiva - Bukhara

  Today we'll embark on a relaxing drive through the Kyzylkum Desert to Bukhara, another historic Silk Road city. The journey takes us through vast, empty landscapes, providing an opportunity to reflect on our adventure so far, and await our future experiences.

• Day 7 • Bukhara

  A sightseeing tour of Bukhara is on our itinerary for this morning. A visit to a local tea house allows us to taste tea and coffee flavoured with varied spices. A special lunch has then been prepared for us with a local family where we'll be shown how to cook the Uzbek national dish of Plov - a delicious dish which is fried, boiled and steamed during the cooking process. After lunch there will be some free time to explore Bukhara.

• Day 8 • Bukhara - Samarkand

  We will continue our tour in Bukhara to see the Fortress Ark, Bolo-Khauz mosque and Chashma-Ayub shrine before then transferring to the train station to take a high-speed train to our next destination of Samarkand, one of the most famous cities on the Silk Road, known for its stunning Islamic architecture and colourful history.

• Day 9 • Samarkand

  Today's adventure will begin with visiting the magnificent Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary conqueror Tamerlane and his descendants. Afterwards we'll visit the iconic Registan Square which became the official centre of Samarkand during and after Tamerlane the Great's time. The square is surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Ulugbek's madrassah, Sher-Dor madrassah and Tilla-Kori madrassah which display the grandeur of Samarkand's historical significance. There's some free time for leisure in the late afternoon, however not before a wine tasting to sample some of the original Samarkand Wines at Khovrenko Winery. You'll be able to sample some of the wines from the 1920s and 1930s which have been kept in the winery's cellars and learn more about the rich history of wine-making in the region.

• Day 10 • Samarkand - Dushanbe

  After breakfast we'll head towards the Uzbekistan/Tajikistan border. Once on the Tajik side we'll stop by the first World heritage site in Tajikistan dating back to 4th millennium BC - the Sarazm ruins. Listed on UNESCO it has been defined as an illustration of early proto-urbanisation in the region. We'll then drive to the capital Dushanbe to begin our exploration.

• Day 11 • Dushanbe

  A day of exploration awaits in Dushanbe. We begin our day at the National Museum of Antiquates to learn about the long history of Tajikistan. Our next stop is Kokhi Navruz. Built during the independence years, the palace represents the rich architectural heritage of the country and serves as a symbol of national pride. After this visit we'll make our way to the Mehrgon Market, a lively bazaar which provides you with the opportunity to buy local souvenirs and try delicious dried fruits from the surrounding areas. There will be some leisure time before dinner for you to relax or explore some more the city at your own pace. In the evening, why not our walk around the main square of Dushanbe to see the local attractions including the Ismoili Somoni Monument and Rudaki Park.

• Day 12 • Dushanbe - Khujand

  Today we head to Khujand, a city rich in history and culture. Located on the Syr Darya River it is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. On the way, we'll stop in Istaravshan, one of the oldest commercial and crafts towns, and a key trading hub along the Silk Road. We'll take in sights such as the stunning Istaravshan Fortress Mug Teppa, Kok Gumbaz - a marvellous domed mosque and Madrasa dating back to the 15th century, as well as the exquisitely carved and painted Hazrat-i-Shah Mosque. There's time for us to stroll along the old part of the town through the narrow streets before we then continue our journey on to Khujand through the Shahristan tunnel. Upon arrival we'll visit the Sughd Historical Museum and walk through Kamoli Khujandi Square.

• Day 13 • Khujand - Tashkent

  This morning we'll visit the Panjshanbe Bazaar where we'll experience a feast for the senses - spices, textiles and fresh produce fill the air with fragrance. We'll then visit the Mausoleum of the 12th century ruler Sheikh Muslihiddin, a revered figure in Tajik History. Afterwards we'll transfer to the Tajikistan/Uzbekistan border where we'll then drive to Tashkent. Once arriving at the hotel and taking time to settle in there will be a tour of the city. Starting in the historical heart of the city we'll visit Khast Imam Complex, home to the 7th-Centruy Quran of Caliph Uthman, believed to be one of the oldest Qurans in existence. After this we will take a panoramic city tour including the Theatre Square, Amir Temur Square and Independence Square.

• Day 14 • Tashkent - Bishkek

  After a morning at leisure for you to explore Tashkent at your own pace we'll then transfer to the airport for our flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival we'll be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to our hotel for dinner.

• Day 15 • Bishkek - Chon Kemin

  We'll start our exploration with a half-day tour of Bishkek this morning. We'll visit Ala-Too main square, where we'll witness the changing of the guards at the National Flagpole as well as the monument of Peace and Friendship. We'll also mingle with the locals with a walk along the Erkindik boulevard. After lunch we'll transfer to Chon-Kemin, a tranquil valley surrounded by mountains. On the way we'll stop in Tokmok to visit the Burana Historical Complex, built in the 11th century in the medieval town of Balasgun. Along the outside of the complex you'll find ancient Turkic stone sculptures. Upon arrival in Chon Kemin, we'll check into a family-run guesthouse and you can take a gentle stroll through the village where life moves at a slower pace. Before dinner we'll participate in a hands-on cooking class, where you'll learn to make Borsok, a traditional Kyrgyz fried bread which is a staple of family celebrations. After dinner on the terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains we'll enjoy a traditional Manaschy performance around the campfire.

• Day 16 • Chon Kemin

  We'll enjoy a well-deserved day of leisure in the idyllic surroundings of Chon Kemin today. Take time to relax amongst the nature, or if you prefer to explore the area further, join a morning hiking tour to the Kalmak Ashuu Gorge. This hidden gem offers stunning views of the valley as we make our 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. We'll return to the guesthouse for lunch, followed by an afternoon at your own pace. Dinner this evening offers the chance to reflect on the journey so far.

• Day 17 • Chon Kemin - Karakol

  Leaving Chon Kemin we travel to Karakol. Firstly we'll drive along the Karakol gorge on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. We'll then arrive at Cholpon-Ata and visit the Rukh-Ordo cultural complex and open-air Museum of Petrogyphs. The museum contains more than 2000 stone inscriptions dating from 800 BC to 1200 AD depicting hunting, daily life and religious rituals. Afterwards we'll continue our journey to Karakol. Founded in the late 19th Century its unique architectural heritage reflects its history with buildings constructed in traditional Chinese style from wood and without metal nails, and others from the Russian colonial period. Upon arrival we'll 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 our hosts about Dungan traditions and culture.

• Day 18 • Karakol

  This morning we'll depart to Jeti Oguz Gorge, a place where the rugged landscapes of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains meet picturesque alpine pastures. Here, we'll witness the stunning “Seven Bulls” rock formation, a collection of striking red sandstone peaks that dominate the horizon. We'll then travel to Kok-Jayik Valley, passing lush green pastures backed by snow-capped peaks. Here, we’ll enjoy a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, a practice passed down through generations, showcasing Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic heritage. Afterwards we'll return to Karakol for a short city tour, including 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. Following our tour, there's time for you to explore at your own pace in the afternoon.

• Day 19 • Karakol - Almaty

  Our day starts with a journey to the Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan border. After crossing we'll continue to the Charyn Canyon and upon arrival there will be a walking excursion around part of the area. The dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and deep ravines impresses with its heavenly landscape. The Canyon has been formed with rocks aged more than 12 million years and reaches heights of 150-300 metres leaving you in awe of the natural surroundings. We'll then continue onto Almaty and upon arrival have dinner and then time to rest for the evening.

• Day 20 • Almaty

  There's a leisurely start to today with time for rest in the morning, and then in the afternoon we'll explore the city's historical and cultural highlights. We'll start at Independence Square and the Golden Warrior Monument. We'll then take a walking tour through Panfilov Park and its surrounding area. An excursion to the Kazakh national musical instruments museum, housed in a charming wooden 1908 building is included. Our next stop will then be a visit to the 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) area which is full of energy and well known for offering a mixture of shopping, dining and entertainment, making it one of the top places to visit in Almaty. We'll sit down for a farewell dinner this evening and relive this epic adventure through these different countries, as our 'Five Stans' tour comes to an end.

• Day 21 • Almaty - UK

  After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK, arriving later the same day.