22-day The Five Stans Silk Road Group Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Bishkek
1 stop
1
Bishkek
Day 1. Bishkek Arrive at any time. Standard check-in at hotel after 14:00. Free time on your own. Welcome meet with the guide and group at 14:00. Briefing about the itinerary & travel plan. City tour in Bishkek. Welcome Dinner in the traditional restaurant where you can taste the national Kyrgyz cuisine. Note: it is highly recommended to book an extra night at the hotel, as most flights to Bishkek arrive late at night or early in the morning
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Bishkek – Burana – Iskra village – Cholpon Ata
2 stops
2
Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon
Breakfast in the hotel. Our journey begins with a visit of the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in the north part of Kyrgyzstan. The tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of the castle and three mausoleums – that’s all what last out of the ancient Balasagyn town that was founded by Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century. Lunch in the Iskra village with Dungan family, the ethnicity of Chinese Muslims who had to flee China. You taste their national cuisine.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
3
Cholpon Ata
Then departure to Issyk Kul, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the deepest in the world. We drive you to the hotel located on the lake shore. First location at Issyk-Kul lake is visit the petroglyph museum. The 42 hectares of the museum are dotted with stones, tombs, balbals and various petroglyphs dated from the 2nd millennium BC until the 4th century AD. Free time. You can rest on the beach and swim in the lake. Dinner in the restaurant.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Cholpon Ata – Grigoriev and Semienov gorges – Karakol
2 stops
4
Grigoryevka
Breakfast at hotel. Next location is Grigoriev and Semienov gorges. Picnic or lunch in the café on the road. Grigoriev and Semienov gorges are considered as one of the most famous attractions of the Issyk Kol region. You can go for a walk, enjoy the wild nature around you and spend a nice time in this beautiful place.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Karakol
After departure to Karakol, the administrative center of the Issyk-Kol region. Visits in Karakol: - Russian Orthodox cathedral - Dungan mosque You have dinner in the local restaurant and you have a rest in the hotel.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
. Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Barskoon – Tamga
2 stops
6
After breakfast, we set off from Karakol toward the breathtaking Jeti Oguz Gorge, where nature greets us with the striking red cliffs of the famous “Broken Heart.” Standing at the entrance to the gorge, this dramatic rock formation sets a romantic and mysterious tone for our visit. We’ll enjoy a leisurely hour-long walk, surrounded by fresh mountain air and sweeping views.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
7
Barskoon Gorge
Our journey continues to the scenic Barskoon Gorge, a place celebrated for its cascading waterfalls. Among them, the enchanting “Tears of the Snow Leopard” captures both beauty and legend. Midway through the gorge, we’ll come across a unique monument dedicated to Yuri A. Gagarin, the world’s first cosmonaut, standing proudly amid the rugged landscape.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Tamga – Skazka – Bokonbaevo – Kochkor
3 stops
8
Canyon Skazka
After breakfast, we head towards Kochkor village and pass by the south shore of the lake. On the road we visit the Skazka canyons which translate as the “Fairy Tale”. Here you can find objects of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal can appear in front of you.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Bokonbayevo
Next, we meet an eagle hunter with his bird. You can appreciate the alertness and speed of the bird during the hunting. It is one of the oldest traditions of Kyrgyz nomads. Lunch in the guesthouse or café.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Kyzyl-Tuu
Our next stop is Kyzyl Tuu village where the local family reveals the secrets of yurt production. This family is engaged in this unique art from generation to generation. Continue to Kochkor. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Kochkor – Son Kul lake/Tash Rabat
2 stops
11
Song Kol Lake
Departures Summer (May – September): After breakfast, we journey along winding mountain roads, climbing higher into the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s wild beauty until we reach the Kalmak Ashu Pass (3,447 m). From this lofty vantage point, Son Kul Lake shimmers in the distance, appearing like a small turquoise jewel set in the vast highland plains. As we descend toward the lake, its true grandeur unfolds — an expansive, dazzling mirror of sky surrounded by rolling green pastures. Upon arrival at our yurt camp, we are welcomed with the warmth and hospitality of the nomads, discovering their centuries-old traditions, way of life, and deep connection to the land. In the evening, we share a hearty dinner before spending the night in authentic yurts under a sky thick with stars.
12 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Departures Spring & Fall: (March, April, October, November): The goal is to reach the caravanserai Tash Rabat, so we overcome a mountain pass called Dolon Pass at 3030 meters above sea level. Tash Rabat is a historical monument founded by monks in the 10th century. During the Silk Road, Tash Rabat lost its religious significance, and the monastery provided a stay for caravans and travelers. Lunch in the restaurant in Naryn and dinner in the yurt camp in Tash Rabat.
12 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Son Kul lake/Tash Rabat – Chon-Kemin
1 stop
13
Chon-Kemin National Park
Departures: May – September: From Son-Kul to Chon-Kemin Departures: March, April, October, November From Tash-Rabat to Chon Kemin —————————————————————- Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of surrounding nature. Departure towards Chon-Kemin. On the way visit Kochkor to discover the significance of felt-making in Kyrgyz culture and meet local artisans. Take part in a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a miniature version of the traditional ala-kiyiz carpet. Take in the breathtaking views as you wander through the village, then enjoy a freshly prepared traditional dinner.
12 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Chon-Kemin - Almaty
1 stop
14
Almaty
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Kyrgyz – Kazakh border. Border Crossing (Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan) Ready for a one more stamp in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list. Add one more country into your collection The goal of the day to reach Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour to explore highlights including Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov Park, and the impressive WWII memorial.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Almaty
2 stops
15
Medeo
City tour in Almaty. Medeo gorge where the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters is located. Medeo is often a favorite place for the residents of Almaty on weekends.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
16
Park Kok Tobe
After we go to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city. It is famous for its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the Kok Tobe hill, we take a cable car ride which starts near Hotel Kazakhstan and goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and the magnificent fruit-growing gardens. Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you would see the famous 372 meters high TV Tower which is visible from far and offers great views of the mountains and the city plus a few attractions at the top.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 10
Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
1 stop
17
Charyn Canyon
The Charyn Canyon is located in the national park. It is considered the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States. The erosion of the Charyn River has created dramatic and impressive landscapes. When you arrive, you will admire the magnificent panorama and walk down to the bottom of the gorge to hike about 2 km in the labyrinth of the Valley of the Castles.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 11
Almaty – Dushanbe
1 stop
18
Dushanbe
Flight to Dushanbe | Tajikistan Border Crossing (Kazakhstan – Tajikistan) Ready for a one more stamp in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list. Add one more country into your collection Today we will spend the day exploring Dushanbe. Dushanbe (means Monday) is a relatively new city that was formed in 1925 on the site of a small village Dushanbe, place of the large bazaar on Mondays. During the Soviet period, the city was called Stalinabad (1929-1961) Political, Cultural, Educational and Financial Center of the Republic of Tajikistan. Visits: City center. Ismoil Somoni Monument, Dusti square, New Parliament, Rudaki Park. National museum of Tajikistan Flagpole (165m). Hissar fortress (30km out from Dushanbe) Hissar museum in old medrese (16c) New central mosque. New central market “Mohrgon”
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Dushanbe – Khujand
2 stops
19
Khujand
Leave Dushanbe in the morning and departure to the northern Khujand city along Varzob gorge and across Anzob and Shakkhristan passes. Photo stops in the beautiful mountain area.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
20
Istaravshan
80km before Khujand we will visit ancient city Istaravshan: Old Town. Kok Gumbaz medrese Mug teppa fortress (reconstructed fortress, museum and excavation). Mug teppa hill (with panorama view of Istaravshan). local central Bazar. Blacksmith workshops of local craftsmen making daggers and knives. Continue trip to the Khujand. Evening arrival.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Khujand
1 stop
21
Khujand
Today we will spend the day in the Khujand city and area, Khujand is second largest city in Tajikistan and not official (North capital). In different ages Khujand has different names.It was Alexandria Eskhata in times of Alexander the great, During Soviet period it was Leninobad ( city of Lenin) and after 1991 new government return old name of the city. Visits: City center Sirdaria river Mnuments of the Kings of Khujand Museum of Antiquity name of Timurmalik. Khujand Fortress. Panjshanbe bazar - Biggest centralmarket. Mosque and mausoleum of Sheikh Moslekhiddin. Palace of Culture "Arbob" (10km from Khujand ). Kairakkum water reserve (25 km from Khujand.)
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Khujand – Tashkent
1 stop
22
Tashkent
In the morning transfer to the Uzbekistan border. Border Crossing (Tajikistan – Uzbekistan) Ready for a one more stamp in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list. Add one more country into your collection After crossing the border into Uzbekistan – we head to Tashkent, a lively capital where modern glass towers meet Soviet-era architecture and intricate mosaic mausoleums. Free time. In the evening, enjoy a brief orientation walk before an optional dinner
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 15
Tashkent – Samarkand
1 stop
23
Samarkand
Breakfast at the hotel. Starting the sightseeing at the capital city. Khast Imam Complex Spiritual heart of Tashkent (16-20centuary) Barak Khan madrasah has oldest extant copies of the Quran Chorsu bazaar one of the busiest bazaars in Tashkent Take a ride at metro soviet and modern designed underground Amir Temur Square / Independence square Applied Art Museum of Tashkent Transfer to train station at 18:30 and take train to Samarkand at 19:40 Arrive to Samarkand at 21:55 and transfer to hotel. *Train schedule are subject to change
12 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 16
Samarkand
1 stop
24
Samarkand
Breakfast at the hotel. Starting the sightseeing from heart of old city. Guri Amir Mausoleum of Timurid Dynasty (most iconic place for locals) was built by order of Amir Temur in 1403- 1405 Registan square has three madrasahs Ulugbek madrasah (1420) At that time biggest in Asia Sherdor madrasah (1636) First madrasah built by locals Tilla-Kori madrasah (1646) Lunch time break Bibi Khanum Mosque was the biggest at that time (1399) Siab Bazaar oldest keep operating bazaar in Samarkand Shahi Zinda Complex
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 17
Samarkand – Mitan – Bukhara
2 stops
25
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Bukhara via Mitan village Arriving at the village of Mitan, which is the winner of the World Responsible Tourism Travel Award ‘To Do’ аt the ITB Berlin 2015. In the village, you will be a guest in one of the Uzbek local family.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
26
Gijduvan ceramics of The Narzullaevs
Lunch at the local house, with traditional Uzbek welcome meals: “bichaks”- triangular baked pastries with meat or pumpkin; “plov”- cooked with rice, fresh mutton or beef, yellow or red carrot, onions and vegetable oil (you can take part in the preparation). Authentic meetings and various exchanges between the visitors and local residents are the best ways of cross-cultural understanding; as well, participation to various kinds of activities leads to familiarization with lifestyle of local people. Visit Gijduvan Museum of Ceramics- Gijduvan ceramics school has its deep roots. The skills have been passed from father to son from generation to generation. Today Gizhduvan is home for the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family which glorified Gijduvan school ceramics all over the world.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 18
Bukhara
1 stop
27
Bukhara
Breakfast at the hotel. Places to visit: Ismail Samani mausoleum is one of the oldest buildings (10th century) Chashma Ayub mausoleum also known as a Museum of water Bolo-Hauz mosque is built in 1712 looks elegant and splendid Ark Fortress where king khans use to live Poi-Kalyan complex (madrasah, mosque, minaret) Ulug Beg Madrasah one of the first madrasa built in 1417 Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah is a medieval madrasah built in 1651 Tim Abdullah Khan it is an old trading Dome Magok-I Attari Mosque the oldest building in Bukhara (12th century) Lyabi-Hauz locals favorite place to come and spent time Overnight at the hotel.
12 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 19
Bukhara – Turkmenabad – Ashgabat
2 stops
28
Transfer to the Turkmenistan Border. Meeting your guide. Border Crossing (Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan) Ready for a one more stamp in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list. Add one more country into your collection Walking in Turkmenabad.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
29
Ashgabat
Transfer to Turkmenabad Airport (60km, 1h) for the evening flight to Ashgabat.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 20
Ashgabat – Darvaza
1 stop
30
In the afternoon, you will drive to the Darvaza burning Gas Crater (276 km, 4 hr), a top international tourist destination. The area is rich in natural gas, and the crater has been burning for over 50 years, making it shine like a pearl in the middle of the Karakum desert. You will also see water and mud craters. The trip provides an opportunity to experience the fresh air of the desert and the nomadic life. Barbecue for dinner while enjoying the light of the Gas Crater in the night sky. Overnight at the yurt camp.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 21
Darvaza – Ashgabat
2 stops
31
Ashgabat
After breakfast, drive back to Ashgabat (4 hr). On the way back to Ashgabat, drive to visit “Altyn Asyr” Oriental Bazar (opens on Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) – Jygyldyk, located 20km to the north of Ashgabat. It is one of the world’s largest open bazaars, filled with colorful rugs, jewelry, carpets, silk, and national Turkmen costumes and animals in other parts. Alternatively, you can visit Gulistan Bazaar, the oldest covered market in Ashgabat, and a must-visit for any traveler. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. Stalls also sell spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor is home to a variety of shops selling clothing and souvenirs.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
32
Then, drive to visit the Horse Stable to see a national pride of the Turkmen people - Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Famous Emperors like Alexander the Great and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. According to superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Later, drive to visit Nissa fortress – the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings. UNESCO declared the fortress a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nissa is described as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC – 211 BC), and is reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian Kings, although it has either been established that the fortress at Nissa was a royal residence or a mausoleum. The ruins of the ancient settlement of Nissa are located 18 km from Ashgabat at Bagyr village. Overnight in Ashgabat.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 22
Ashgabat
1 stop
33
Ashgabat
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at the 12:00. Departure at any time. End of the service.
4 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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