Grand Five Stans Tour – 25-Day Central Asia Tour

Arrival in Tashkent. Airport transfer to the hotel and check-in.

The sightseeing program begins with the Courage Monument, commemorating the 1966 earthquake, followed by the historic Old City. Visit the Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi and the Khast-Imam Complex. Continue past the exterior of the Islamic Civilization Center and along Zarkaynar Street.

Further sightseeing includes Chorsu Bazaar and a local pottery gallery. A ride on the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro continues the program toward the modern city center.

Free time for lunch on Taras Shevchenko Street, followed by the State Museum of Applied Arts. The exterior of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre and Amir Timur Square complete the day's sightseeing.

Free evening in Tashkent.

A relaxed second day in Tashkent provides additional time for cultural exploration.

The program may include further visits to the Old City, local neighborhoods, parks, museums and traditional markets. Chorsu Bazaar and the surrounding historic area offer opportunities to experience everyday life and local commerce.

Afternoon and evening free for independent exploration, shopping or leisure.

Morning transfer to Tashkent railway station and departure by train to Kokand.

Upon arrival, sightseeing begins with Khudoyar Khan Palace and Jami Mosque, followed by the museum dedicated to Hamza Hakimzade Niyazi.

The journey continues to Rishtan, approximately 40 km from Kokand. Rishtan is renowned for its traditional ceramics. A visit to the home and workshop of master potter Rustam Usmanov provides an opportunity to observe traditional pottery production and view a collection of distinctive blue-green glazed ceramics.

Continuation to Fergana, approximately 50 km from Rishtan.

The evening features dinner with a local family, including traditional dishes such as pilaf and kazan kabob, tandoor bread, fresh fruits and sweets. The experience introduces local family traditions, cuisine and daily life.

Transfer to the hotel after dinner.

Morning transfer from Fergana to the Dustlik–Dostuk border crossing between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Completion of customs and passport formalities on both sides of the border. After the border crossing, continuation with the Kyrgyz guide and driver to Osh.

Sightseeing in Osh includes Suleiman-Too, the National Museum of History and Archaeology and Osh Bazaar, a historic market associated with the Silk Road.

Late afternoon transfer to Osh Airport for the flight to Bishkek.

Arrival in Bishkek and transfer to the hotel.

Morning departure for Ala-Archa National Park, approximately 40 km from Bishkek.

The park features the Ala-Archa River, alpine valleys, forested slopes and dramatic Tian Shan mountain peaks. Time for walking, photography or an optional hike.

Return to Bishkek for sightseeing at Oak Park, Ala-Too Square and the Statue of Manas. The Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument provide examples of the city's Soviet-era architecture.

Evening free in Bishkek.

Departure from Bishkek toward Issyk-Kul Lake.

A stop at Burana Tower introduces the history of ancient Balasagun, once an important Karakhanid city and Silk Road center.

Continuation to Issyk-Kul, surrounded by the Tian Shan Mountains and known for its spectacular scenery.

Arrival at the northern shore and hotel check-in. Free time for relaxation and enjoyment of the lake surroundings.

Morning departure toward Karakol along the shores of Issyk-Kul.

A visit to an open-air petroglyph museum features ancient rock carvings dating from the 5th century BC to the 8th century AD.

Arrival in Karakol and sightseeing at the Russian Orthodox Church, Dungan Mosque and M. V. Przhevalsky Museum.

Dinner with a local Uyghur family introduces traditional Uyghur cuisine and cultural traditions.

Transfer to the hotel after dinner.

Departure for Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for the red rock formations known as the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart.

The surrounding landscape features coniferous forests, alpine meadows and mountain scenery. Time for walking and photography, followed by a picnic.

Continuation to Bokonbaevo Village near the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.

Dinner and accommodation at a local homestay, providing an introduction to traditional rural life in Kyrgyzstan.

Morning departure from Bokonbaevo for Bishkek, approximately 300 km and around five hours by road.

Continuation to Bishkek Airport for the evening flight to Almaty.

Arrival in Almaty, meeting with the local driver and transfer to the hotel.

Morning sightseeing in Almaty begins with Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral and the Museum of National Musical Instruments.

Continuation to Chimbulak Mountain Resort. A cable-car ride provides panoramic views of the Tian Shan Mountains.

The final major stop is Kok-Tobe, a popular hilltop park offering panoramic views over Almaty. The cable car connects the hilltop with the city.

Return to the hotel and free evening.

Early departure from Almaty for Charyn Canyon, approximately 220 km away.

Exploration of Charyn National Park and the dramatic Castle Valley, known for its towering multicolored rock formations.

Picnic and time for walking and photography.

Return to Almaty in the late afternoon.

Transfer to Almaty Airport for the flight to Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan.

Arrival, airport transfer and hotel check-in.

Afternoon sightseeing includes Hoji Yakub Mosque, the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan and the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments.

Free evening in Dushanbe.

Morning sightseeing in Dushanbe continues with the Ismail Somoni Monument and Rudaki Park.

Continuation to Hissar Fortress, a historic complex outside Dushanbe. The visit includes the fortress and Kuhna Madrasah.

Return to Dushanbe in the afternoon.

Free time for shopping, independent sightseeing or relaxation.

Departure from Dushanbe for Penjikent.

The route passes through spectacular mountain landscapes and the Anzob Pass, reaching approximately 3,300 meters above sea level.

Arrival in Penjikent and hotel check-in.

The evening is free for rest and independent activities.

Accommodation in Penjikent is simpler than in the major cities due to the more remote location.

Morning journey into the Fann Mountains toward the Seven Lakes.

The lakes are known for their changing colors, ranging from turquoise to deeper shades.

Continuation toward the upper lake of Khoazorchashma, followed by a picnic surrounded by mountain scenery.

Return to Penjikent for visits to the Rudaki Museum, local bazaar and mosque.

The archaeological site of Ancient Penjikent provides an insight into the history of the Sogdian civilization.

Later, continuation to the Jartepa border crossing. Completion of Tajikistan–Uzbekistan border formalities and continuation to Samarkand.

Arrival in Samarkand and hotel check-in.

Full-day sightseeing in Samarkand.

The program includes the spectacular Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar and Ulugbek Observatory.

Further visits include the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Amir Timur.

Evening free in Samarkand.

Morning transfer to Samarkand railway station and train journey to Bukhara.

Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Walking sightseeing through the historic Old City includes Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah and the traditional trading domes.

Further sightseeing includes Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek Madrasah, Abdulazizkhan Madrasah, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum.

Morning visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, combining Oriental and Russian architectural elements.

Continuation to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and the House Museum of Fayzulla Khodjaev.

Afternoon free for independent exploration of Bukhara's historic streets, traditional handicraft shops, bazaars and teahouses.

Morning departure from Bukhara for Khiva.

The approximately 480 km journey follows the historic Silk Road route through the Kyzylkum Desert.

Stops along the way provide opportunities to appreciate the desert landscape.

Arrival in Khiva in the late afternoon and hotel check-in.

Evening free for relaxation or an introductory walk through the historic area.

A packed lunch is recommended because roadside cafés along the route are basic and offer limited menus.

Full-day exploration of Ichan-Kala, the UNESCO-listed walled city of Khiva.

The sightseeing program includes Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Toshkhovli Palace and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum.

The Islom Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Uzbekistan, is also included, subject to access and opening conditions.

Afternoon free for independent exploration, photography and shopping for traditional handicrafts.

Morning departure from Khiva for the Shavat–Dashoguz border crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Completion of passport and customs formalities on both sides.

After entering Turkmenistan, continuation by 4x4 vehicles toward the Karakum Desert and Darvaza Gas Crater.

The approximately four-hour desert journey includes unpaved and rugged tracks.

Arrival at the desert camp and accommodation in a yurt. Dinner is prepared over an open fire near the famous burning gas crater.

The desert camp has basic shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities.

Morning departure from Darvaza toward Ashgabat.

Arrival in the Turkmen capital and hotel check-in.

Afternoon sightseeing includes Old Nissa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by the Spiritual Mosque, National Museum of History, Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and Independence Park.

Free evening in Ashgabat.

A relaxed day dedicated to further exploration of Ashgabat.

Additional sightseeing may include the city's monumental architecture, parks, cultural landmarks and major avenues, subject to local opening hours and operating conditions.

Free time provides opportunities for photography, shopping and independent exploration.

Morning transfer to Ashgabat Airport for the flight to Mary.

Arrival in Mary and transfer to the ancient city of Merv, approximately 40 km away.

Exploration of the archaeological park includes Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala and Keshk Fortress.

Merv was one of the major cities of the ancient Silk Road and an important center of trade, crafts and culture.

After sightseeing, return to Mary Airport for the flight to Ashgabat.

Transfer to the hotel for the final night.

Breakfast at the hotel and free time according to the international flight schedule.

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for departure.