Five Stans

May 22

Discover Cities of the Silk Road

October 5 - October 24, 2025

Tour is escorted by Undiscovered Frontiers
Tour Manager & Local Guides

Tour Introduction:

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990, countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have emerged and become attractive destinations for the western world. These five ex-Soviet republics of Central Asia are commonly referred to as the 'Five Stans.' They are located in one of the most diverse regions in the world and are a melting pot of people, culture, history, and legacies that helped shape their civilization. This region is made up of a breathtaking landscape that includes snow-capped mountains, harsh deserts, green valleys, and steppe. The intricate network of historic trade routes referred to as the Silk Road, served as corridor for the exchange of economic, philosophical, cultural, and religious ideas by linking the East and the Mediterranean. Join us on this fascinating journey of discovery and adventure to explore fabled cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Merv, and Kone Urgench and experience the warm hospitality of locals, rich history, and unique culture.

Tour Itinerary:

You will arrive in Ashgabat early in the morning. Upon arrival, transfer to Yildiz 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.
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.
Transfer 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 Hotel. Free evening at leisure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Then return to your hotel.
After breakfast, start your journey to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Visit Tamerlane's Ak-Saray mansion, 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 hotel or a similar for check-in, free time to explore the area, supper, and overnight.
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. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.
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 or a similar hotel.
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 the hotel for the remainder of the night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Very early morning, transfer to the airport for the flight returning to the US. End of the service.

Land Tour Price Only: (International Airfare, Taxes & Fuel surcharges are not included)

6-7 Travelers:

USD 8,350 Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

8-9 Travelers:

USD 7,925 USD Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

10 Travelers:

USD 7,590 USD Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

Single Room Supplement:

USD 1,050 Per Person (For all nights of the tour if you wish to stay in a single room).

Internal Flights:

USD 370 Per Person (For TAS - FRU, FRU – ALA flights).

Note: Group tour rates are quoted on a transparent and competitive pricing basis for brackets of 6-7, 8-9 and 10 travelers. A minimum of 6 participants is required to run the tour, and the tour will have a maximum capacity of 10 participants. Tour booking is subject to the booking terms and conditions outlined in the reservation form. Please read the terms and conditions carefully, and feel free to contact us with any questions.

Tour Fitness Level

Moderate: Fits all age groups with good health, some fitness level, and a sense of adventure. There will be some long walking days and a bit of standing while touring. Access to some of the sites and attractions will require walking on uneven terrain or steep staircases. Few elevations, a pleasant but busy schedule, and several long overland drives during the tour. Feel free to discuss the details of the trip with us.

Lodging Level

Comfortable (3/4-stars): Lodges and hotels that provide a decent size room & an ensuite bathroom. A range of enhanced services, some of the onsite amenities, and a level of service that is acceptable by international standards.

Luxurious (4/5-stars): Typical International-style hotels that offer a personalized service, premium location, spacious rooms with ensuite luxurious bathrooms, a good array of room services, and on-site amenities that you would expect from a hotel.

Visa & Passport

U.S. passport holders require a Turkish visa. Further details related to the visa application process will be sent out sixty (60) days prior to 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 & should include an empty page to stamp the visas.

Tour Includes:

One-on-one virtual tour briefing before the trip.
Final documents tour packet will be mailed.
TAS-FRU, FRU-ALA domestic economy airfare per itinerary.
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 for October 7,9,10 (Seating 3 pax per Jeep)
Services of UF Tour Manager and local English-speaking guides throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per 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, chambermaids, and waiters.
Letter of invitation for Turkmenistan visa.

Tour Does Not Include:

International air USA-Ashgabat – Almaty-USA.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Consular visa fees for Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan & 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, &, 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.
Departure/Arrival transfers in the USA from the home city to the airport.
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.

Useful Details to Know & Tour Map:

This trip will require long driving distances overland. The roads are paved and in a good condition. For the comfort of the travelers, air-conditioned transportation will be provided throughout the trip. There will be several overland border crossings between countries while dealing with bureaucratic procedures and managing your luggage at the borders. During the sightseeing days, travelers must be able to walk a minimum of two to three miles to keep up with fellow travelers. Walking to and from sites could be on uneven surfaces or unpaved paths. Please note that elevators are not available at tour sites. We will have a few drives on poor-quality roads, but we will be making several restroom stops, stretching our legs, and enjoying the scenic views on the way. Please make sure to have a comfy outfit and shoes for the sightseeing days. By signing up for this tour, participants agree that they have read and understood all the terms and conditions and that they are in good physical and mental health and have an open mind, a sense of adventure, and the ability to be tolerant and patient for the entire period of the tour. To ensure that the itinerary runs efficiently and for the comfort and/or safety of travelers, Undiscovered Frontiers reserves the right to modify the order of the sightseeing activities at any time before departure or after the tour begins, or cancel the tour if the planned itinerary is not possible to operate in the event of Force Majeure.