Five Stans
Discover Cities of the Silk Road
April 4 - April 23, 2027
Tour is escorted by Undiscovered Frontiers
Tour Manager & Local Guides
Tour Introduction & Journey Map
Embark on a 20-day Central Asia Silk Road tour through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. This expert-guided journey explores ancient trade routes and cultural treasures. Discover Ashgabat, Darwaza gas crater, Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, Kone Urgench, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Penjikent, Dushanbe, Khujand, Tashkent, Issyk-Kul Lake, Bishkek, and Almaty. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic mosques, mausoleums, minarets, fortresses, and Silk Road caravanserais. Explore vibrant bazaars, ancient petroglyphs, and mountain landscapes. Experience nomadic culture, eagle hunting, Akhal Teke horses, folklore shows, boat trips on Issyk-Kul, and local cuisine. Enjoy deluxe accommodations, cultural performances, and a rare opportunity to trace the history of Central Asia along the legendary Silk Road.
Tour Itinerary
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You will arrive in Ashgabat early in the morning. Upon arrival, transfer to Divan 5* hotel or similar for check-in, rest, and refreshment following your journey. We'll depart late in the morning for Tolkuchka's legendary Sunday Bazaar (which opens on Sat & Sun). Bringing buyers and sellers from throughout the country together to purchase and sell camels, animals, carpets, amulets, and jewelry. Return to the hotel for a few hours of rest before heading out for a welcome dinner in the city.
Note: The hotel is available for morning check-in on day 1.
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We depart in the morning for the fortress of Old Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the first capital of Parthians. On way, pay a visit to Turkmenistan's largest mosque, the Spirituality Mosque, and the first President's family mausoleum. Additionally, we will visit the Park of Independence, which features an Independence monument, Neutrality Square, which is famous for its Arch of Neutrality topped by a rotating gold-plated statue of the first President, and the National Memorial Complex, which features a WWII memorial and 1948 an Earthquake Memorial. We'll end our day by visiting the National Museum of History and Ethnography (327,000 exhibits) to view ancient relics from historical and archeological sites.
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ransfer to the airport for your flight to Mary in the morning. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken on a tour of Margush (northeast of Mary - 40 kilometers off-road), where the first agricultural settlements developed as early as 3 millennia BC in the Murgab River delta. Historians previously knew of the four earliest hubs of world civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China, and based on the extraordinary results of the Margiana mission, it is very likely to believe that there existed the fifth center. We'll have a picnic lunch at the archeological site and then travel back to check into a Mary 4* Hotel or similar. Free evening at leisure.
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After breakfast, head 25 kilometers east of Mary to Bayram-Ali, a modern and humble neighborhood of the famous Ancient Merv(UNESCO World Heritage Site). Merv played a major role in the development of the Silk Road for over 2,000 years. Apart from the ruins of Merv's cities, we will visit the forts of Big and Little Kyz-Kalas, which are excellent examples of feudalism; and the magnificent XII-century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd, which exhibit exquisite Seljuk period architectural décor. Afterwards we will return to Mary and pay a visit to the local history museum. Take afternoon flight to Ashgabat. Transfer to Divan 5* hotel or similar for check-in and overnight.
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After breakfast, we will begin our journey to a stud farm nearby Geok Depe town. It is a former stronghold of the Tekke tribe and the place of the greatest battle with Russian Czar in Central Asia. After arriving at the farm, you will be guided through the stud farm and given an introduction to Akhal Teke horses. After enjoying our time with this magnificent horse breed we will start our way towards the Fire Crater. A short stop in Yerbent to stretch our legs, take some photos, or grab a quick snack. Upon arrival to Darwaza in the late afternoon, we will unpack our 4x4 vehicles and take a walk around the fire crater. Our drivers will occupy themselves with gathering wood, setting up the tents and sleeping bags, and preparing delicious nomadic dinner. Take some time to relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the flaming crater as the sun sets. Overnight in tents or yurt.
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Wake up and have breakfast at your campsite. While drivers are getting ready for departure you can enjoy your final photo session moments near the fire ctrate. Begin your drive from Darvaza to Kone Urgench Historical Site. Enjoy the scenic desert landscapes along the way. Arrive at Kone Urgench and spend a couple of hours exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the mausoleums, minarets, and other architectural wonders that date back to the 11th to 16th centuries. Don't miss landmarks like the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, the Kutlug Timur Minaret, and the Turabek Khanum Mausoleum. Enjoy your lunch in Kone Urgench town. Start you way to Dashoguz and cross the Shavat border into Khiva, where you will meet your local guide from Uzbekistan and transferred to Islam Khodha 3* hotel or a similar hotel for check-in and overnight.
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Our day will begin in Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site characterized as one of the best-preserved cities along the Silk Road and the most homogeneous agglomeration of architecture in the Islamic world. Ichan Kala is a forest of tall minarets and domed roofs surrounded by residences and public structures that reflect the rich traditions of popular oriental architecture. Visit the madrassas of Amin Khan and Rakhim Khan; Kunya Ark, a large defensive fortress that comprises residential sections, a mosque, the khan's palace, the dwelling of his harem, the mint, the arsenal, the stables, and the jail. Proceed to the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, Shir Gazi Khan Madrasa, Islam Khodja Madrasa, Minaret, and Tash Khauli. Overnight at hotel.
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After breakfast, following the example of the Silk Road caravans, you will have an overland drive to Bukhara via the Kyzyl Kum (Red Sand) Desert (460 km). We will make an authentic stop for lunch at a chayhana (local tea house). Continue on your way and enjoy the scenic drive of the desert. Transfer to the Omar Khayyam hotel or similar for an overnight stay.
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After breakfast, you'll be exploring Bukhara, nicknamed the "Pearl of the East" by UNESCO. Bukhara is an old city with approximately 2500 years of history. Visit the Ark Citadel, which has been home to the Bukhara rulers for over a millennium; the Mausoleum of the Samanid Dynasty, who ruled Iran; the Kalon Complex, which contains the city's oldest minaret; the Ulugbek Madrassa; the Abdul Aziz Khan Madrassa; Lyabi Khauz, the Jewish Quarter, and the synagogue, are all worth exploring. Walk through the ancient town, to watch a folklore show and enjoy dinner. Then return to your hotel.
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After breakfast, start your journey to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Visit Tamerlane's Ak-Saraymansion, Djehangir's Mausoleum, the Khazrat Imam Mosque, Sheik Shamsuddin Kulal's Mausoleum, the Gumbazi Saidon Mausoleum, the Kok Gumbaz Mosque, and the Chorsu trade dome. Drive to Samarkand and check into the Malika Prime Boutique 3* hotel or a similar for check-in, free time to explore the area, supper, and overnight.
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Samarkand has long been named the "Jewel City of the Silk Road," for its magnificent gardens and richness. Tamerlane called Samarkand the "capital of the world". Visit Gur Emir, Amir Timur's 15th-century family mausoleum, and Registan Square, the location of a 14th-century bazaar. Three madrasas are worth visiting: Ulugbek, a massive madrasa that was erected as Central Asia's biggest university, as well as Sherdor Madrasa and Tillya-Kari Madrasa. Continue to the Ulugbek Observatory and the Afrosiyab Archaeological Museum, which exhibits 7th-century murals. Overnight stay at the hotel.
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In the early morning, drive to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border crossing at Jartepa. Cross the border, meet your Tajikistan local guide and driver, and proceed to Penjikent via the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sarazm. Rudaki was born in Penjikent and is largely considered the father of Persian poetry. You'll see the Rudaki Museum and the old Penjikent remains, which date back to the fifth century. Continue your travel to Dushanbe's capital, where you will check in to Taj Palace 3* or a similar hotel.
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Following breakfast, begin your guided city tour by visiting Tajikistan's National Museum of Antiquities (closed Mondays), which has exhibits on history, natural history, and art (Buddha in Nirvana is one of the valuable exhibits of the museum). Continue to Hissar Fortress (to see Madrasah Kukhna, and then return to Dushanbe to visit the Gurminj Musical Instruments Museum, the Ismail Somoni Statue, and Rudaki Park. Return to Dushanbe and overnight at your hotel.
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Begin your day by driving to Khujand via the Anzob tunnel. On the way, stop for lunch at the Chaikhana (tearoom). Upon arrival in Khujand visit the Museum of Archeology and Fortification, the Shaikh Muslihiddin Mosque, Panjshanbe Market, Tajikistan's largest bazaar, and Arbob Palace. Continue your travel to Oybek and enter Uzbekistan across the border. Arrive in Tashkent and have dinner at a local restaurant. Make your way to the Mercure 4* hotel or a similar one for check-in and an overnight stay.
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Begin your day by exploring Uzbekistan's contemporary metropolis and capital, the city dubbed the "City of Friendship and Peace" along the Silk Road. You will tour the medieval city complex of Khazrat Imam, which contains the mosque, the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, the Tillya Sheikh Mosque, the Barak Khan Madrassa, and the Museum of Islamic Books. Explore the Chorsu Bazaar. Continue to the State History Museum, which houses archaeological finds from prehistoric to present times in Central Asia. Before returning to the hotel overnight, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
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Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver and travel to Ala Archa national park , which attracts people with its stunning mountain landscape and hiking routes. Return to Bishkek following some free time or a hike for a city tour that includes Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, and the Statue of Manas. Take a look at the Philharmonic Hall and the Victory Monument, which are both outstanding example of Soviet architecture. Check-in and overnight at a Hyatt 5* or similar hotel.
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Following breakfast, drive to Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the country's natural beauties. On the way, stop to visit the ruins of Balasagun's caravan town, which was once a bustling center of commerce and trade in the 11th and 12th-c. AD. The city was founded by the Sogdians between the second and third centuries AD. Chui Valley's Buddhist monasteries and rock carvings attest to the town's importance. Today, all that remains of this illustrious past is an 11th-century tower. A modest museum dedicated to Turkic tombstones is located in the courtyard. Continue to Issik Kul Lake. Transfer to Raduga hotel or similar upon arrival for check-in, dinner, and overnight.
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After breakfast, take a boat trip on Issyk Kul Lake, called the "Hot Lake" because of its perpetual warmth despite its altitude. Explore an open-air petroglyph museum filled with Bronze Age artifacts. Return to Bishkek and make your way to the airport to catch your flight to Almaty. Upon arrival, transfer to the Rixos Almaty or a similar hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight.
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Begin your day with a tour to Almaty, named the "Father of Apples" because of the region's wonderful, mouth-watering apples. The town is situated in the Tien Shan Mountain range, which contributes to the town's delicate climate. Explore Panfilov Park, which is home to the Cathedral of the Holy Ascension, the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, the State Museum of History, the Grand Mosque, and Republic Square. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group and overnight at the hotel.
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Very early morning, transfer to the airport for the international flight returning back home. End of the service.
Photo Gallery
Land Tour Price Only (International airfare, taxes & fuel surcharges are not included)
Group Size: Minimum 7, Maximum 14 Participants
Tour Price: $7,150 Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
Single Room Supplement: $950 Per Person (Solo travelers may request a shared room. If no roommate is available, the single supplement fee will apply)
Booking Details: This tour is priced and operated based on a group arrangement, requiring a minimum of 7 participants and a maximum capacity of 14 travelers. To confirm your booking, submit a signed Tour Booking Form along with a $1000 per person deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure. The Initial Deposit Guarantee allows cancellations up to 91 days before departure. Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions for details on refunds and cancellation policies. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help!
Why is Travel Insurance Important: In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact on your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on the available plans contact Travelex Insurance at 1-800-228-9792 and reference our location number 22-0359.
Tour Includes:
One-on-one virtual tour briefing before the trip.
Final documents tour packet will be mailed.
Group arrival/departure transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants.
Nineteen (19) nights of accommodation at 3*,4* & 5* hotels as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
4x4 vehicles as per itinerary (Seating 3 persons per Jeep and a driver)
Services of UF Tour Manager and local English-speaking guides throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites in the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Portage at the hotels.
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, and waiters.
Letter of invitation for Turkmenistan visa.
Domestic flight: ASB – MARY - ASB
Tour Does Not Include:
International airfare.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Consular visa fees for Turkmenistan & Tajikistan visas. (Approx. $185.00 at the time of printing).
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, mineral waters, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, items from hotels mini bars, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Baggage handling at airports in the USA and overseas.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
TAS-FRU, FRU-ALA internal economy class airfare as per itinerary.
Any item not mentioned as included.
Tour Fitness Level:
Moderate: Suitable for travelers of all ages in good health, with a moderate level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. The tour will include some long walking days and periods of standing while exploring various sites. Some attractions may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating steep staircases. Expect a few elevation changes, a well-paced but busy schedule, and several long overland drives. If you have any questions or would like more details about the trip, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
Lodging Level:
Comfortable (3/4-stars): Stay in cozy lodges and hotels with comfortable rooms and en-suite bathrooms. While the services may be more straightforward, you’ll still enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, with essential amenities and on-site facilities that provide a comfortable, hassle-free experience, all meeting international standards.
Visa & Passport:
U.S. passport holders require a Turkmenistan visa. Tajikistan visas are obtained online. Further details related to the visa application process will be provided sixty (60) days before the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for the visas.
What to Expect on This Journey:
This Five Stans Silk Road tour offers an enriching exploration of Central Asia’s ancient trade routes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant bazaars, nomadic traditions, and diverse landscapes. Expect scenic overland drives, domestic flights, and daily guided tours that bring you face-to-face with legendary cities like Ashgabat, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Dushanbe, Almaty, and Bishkek. You’ll visit historic mosques, mausoleums, fortresses, and caravanserais while experiencing authentic cultural encounters and local cuisine.
Moderate walking is required at archaeological sites, ancient cities, and desert landscapes, including uneven terrain at places like Darwaza gas crater, Ancient Merv, and Kone Urgench. While most days follow a balanced pace, some early starts and long drives across mountain passes, desert plains, and fertile valleys will be part of the adventure, with regular stops for comfort and photography.
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and well-planned logistics ensure a rewarding journey across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Participants are expected to be in good physical and mental health and to embrace the spirit of flexibility and discovery. Undiscovered Frontiers is dedicated to delivering a seamless travel experience while adapting as needed to local conditions, border procedures, or unforeseen circumstances, including rare Force Majeure events.
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