22 Nights – Five Stans Turkistan Tour
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Tashkent 1 night – Fergana 1 night – Bishkek 2 nights – Issyk-Kul 1 night – Karakol 1 night – Bokonbaevo 1 night – Almaty 3 nights – Dushanbe 1 night – Penjikent 1 night – Samarkand 3 nights – Bukhara 2 nights – Khiva 2 nights – Darvaza 1 night – Ashgabat 2 nights
Itinerary:
Day 1: Tashkent – arrival
Arrive in Tashkent. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check in at noon. The Five Stans tour starts with sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Turkistan (Central Asia) with a guide.
Begin at the Courage Monument, which commemorates the 1966 earthquake and honours the resilience of the people of Tashkent, before continuing to the historic Old City. Visit the Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, walk past the Khast-Imam Complex, view the exterior of the Islamic Civilization Center, and stroll along the newly developed Zarkaynar Street. Next, explore Chorsu Bazaar and a local pottery gallery, then ride the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro to the modern city centre. Enjoy free time for lunch on Taras Shevchenko Street, known for its lively dining scene, then continue to the State Museum of Applied Arts and admire the elegant facade of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, concluding the tour at Amir Timur Square.
Overnight in Tashkent.
After the tour or later in the evening you can visit the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent on your own (optional).
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Day 2: Tashkent – Kokand – Rishtan – Fergana
Early morning transfer to Tashkent railway station. Departure of the train to Kokand at 08:05 (alternative private transport is also available). Arrival in Kokand at 12:16, meeting with the guide and driver to start the active part of the tour in the Fergana Valley. You will visit the main historical and cultural sights of Kokand: the palace of Khudoyar Khan and the Jami Mosque. You will also visit the museum of Hamza, a famous poet and playwright, whose full name is Hamza Hakimzade Niyazi. Next, you will take a short drive to the town of Rishtan (40 km, 1 hour), famous for its magnificent ceramics. You will visit the home and workshop of Rustam Usmanov, a master potter whose works have been exhibited at international exhibitions. You will observe the process of pottery making and admire a beautiful collection of traditional Rishtan ceramics with intricate patterns and blue-green glaze. In the evening, transfer to Fergana (50 km, 1 hour). Upon arrival in Fergana, you will have dinner with a local family, where you will try homemade traditional Uzbek dishes, learn about the culture and way of life of the Uzbek people, and learn about family traditions. During dinner, you will be able to taste dishes such as pilaf, kazan kabob, as well as try authentic tandoor flatbread, local fruits, and sweets. After dinner, transfer to the hotel. Check-in. Overnight in Fergana.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Day 3: Fergana – border point – Osh – Bishkek
After breakfast transfer to Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan border point Dustlik-Dostuk. Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. In Kyrgyzstan meet your local guide and driver and continue to Osh. Have a short city tour in Osh. As legends say, Osh was founded by King Solomon ages ago and had an important position on trading routes of the Great Silk Road. Visit Suleiman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), National Museum of History and Archaeology, and Osh bazaar – this market is located at the same place as in the times of Great Silk Road. Late in the afternoon transfer to the local airport for flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Bishkek.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Day 4: Bishkek – Ala-Archa – Bishkek
After breakfast transfer to the Ala-Archa National Park (40 km, 50 min) which attracts visitors with its beautiful mountain scenery and hiking trails. Fast flowing Ala-Archa River runs through the alpine gorge surrounded by snowy peaks with steep forested slopes. Enjoy free time or a hike in the park. In the afternoon return to Bishkek for city tour. Visit Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas. See Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight in Bishkek.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Day 5: Bishkek – Issyk-Kul
After breakfast transfer to Issyk-Kul Lake (260 km, 4 h). On the way stop to see Burana Tower. This is a historical complex that marks the original site of Balasagun, a Karakhanid town. Continue driving to Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world (1600 m above sea level). Arrival at the lake, accommodation in a hotel at the North Coast of Issyk-Kul. Overnight in Issyk-Kul.
Day 6: Issyk-Kul – Karakol
After breakfast transfer to Karakol. On the way, a visit to an open-air museum of petroglyphs (V BC – VIII AD). Sightseeing tour on arrival at Karakol: visit to Russian Orthodox Church, the Dungan mosque which is built without using a single metal nail, and the museum of M.V. Prejvalsky.
Dinner at Uigur family. Kyrgyzstan is multiethnic country and today you will have a chance to taste Uigur food and get acquainted with their culture and traditions. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 7: Karakol – Jety-Oguz gorge – Bokonbaevo
Breakfast. Transfer to Jety-Oguz gorge (40 km), the picturesque gorge famous not only for its coniferous forest, flower clearings and interesting gorges for hiking, but also for red and sandy formations which are called «Seven Bulls» and «Broken Heart». Picnic. Transfer to Bokonbaevo Village. Dinner and overnight at a home stay. Overnight in Bokonbaevo.
Day 8: Bokonbaevo – Bishkek – Almaty
Breakfast. In the morning, transfer to Bishkek airport (300 km, 5 h). Check in for evening flight to Almaty (55 min). On arrival, you will be met by your Almaty driver and transferred to the hotel for overnight. Overnight in Almaty.
Day 9: Almaty
After breakfast your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to start the sightseeing tour in Almaty: visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral and Museum of National Musical Instruments (closed on Mondays). In the afternoon a short drive (25 km) will take you to Chimbulak. Here, visit the ski resort and ride the cable car to enjoy the amazing views of the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Today’s last stop is Kok-Tobe, a park located at an altitude of 1,100 meters on the green hill, this place is very popular among locals and tourists. Take a ride on comfortable cable car and within 10 minutes, you are admiring the magnificent panoramic view of the city. Once we come down from the hill, we are going back to the hotel. Overnight in Almaty.
Day 10: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
After breakfast leave Almaty and drive to Charyn Canyon (220 km, 3-4 h). This 154 m-long canyon is in eastern Kazakhstan, part of the Charyn National Park. In addition to unforgettable views of the enormous canyon with its multi-coloured tower formations, the National Park offers the opportunity to see an old ash-tree grove, the Castle Valley. The canyon’s beauty makes you forget the long drive from Almaty, and you will remember this highlight of Kazakh nature for a long time. After arriving at the canyon, take some time for a picnic and a rest. After that, walk along the canyon and enjoy the views. Late in the afternoon return to Almaty, Overnight in Almaty.
Day 11: Almaty – Dushanbe
Breakfast. Check out from the hotel, flight to Dushanbe. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing Dushanbe: Mosque of Hoji Yakub, National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, Gurminj Musical Instruments Museum. Overnight in Dushanbe.
Day 12: Dushanbe – Penjikent
After breakfast continue sightseeing Dushanbe: Ismail Somoni Monument, and Rudaki Park, trip to visit Hissar Fortress where you will see Madrasah Kuhna. In the afternoon depart Dushanbe and drive to Penjikent (270 km, 4-5 h). The mountain road goes via picturesque Anzob pass (3300 m above sea level). Arrive in Penjikent, check in to the hotel. Overnight in Penjikent.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
Note: As we travel to the more remote and authentic region of the Fann Mountains, the tourist infrastructure is simpler. We will be staying in the best available local hotel, Soviet-era building. Please expect more basic amenities compared to the larger cities—it’s all part of the adventure!
Day 13: Penjikent – Seven Lakes – Samarkand
After breakfast transfer to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2 h). The Seven Lakes are located in the west of Fann Mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma you will enjoy a picnic. After lunch drive to Penjikent, a major Sogdian city in the 5th century destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Sightseeing in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar and mosque. Visit ancient Penjikent archaeological site located nearby.
Late in the afternoon return to the Jartepa border crossing. Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. On Uzbekistan side meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 14: Samarkand
After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start a city tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur Emir Mausoleum – the mausoleum of Amir Timur. Overnight in Samarkand.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Day 15: Samarkand
After breakfast continue sightseeing tour: visit Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to learn how Samarkand paper from mulberry is made in a traditional way. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Samarkand.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Day 16: Samarkand – Bukhara
After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to the train station. Take the morning train to Bukhara. Arrive in Bukhara, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight in Bukhara.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Day 17: Bukhara
After breakfast start the second day in this holy city with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and the House Museum of Fayzulla Khodjaev. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Bukhara.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Day 18: Bukhara – Khiva
After brekafast depart Bukhara and drive to Khiva (480 km, 7-8 h*). The Great Silk Road once routed through Bukhara and Khiva ran through the Kyzylkum Desert, today you will pass the same route**. Stop along the way to enjoy the views of the surrounding desert. Arrive in Khiva late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest. Overnight in Khiva.
Day 19: Khiva
Breakfast. Today you will visit Ichan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour features visits to Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Toshkhovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum and Islom Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Uzbekistan. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Khiva.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
Day 20: Khiva – Darvaza
Breakfast. At 09:00 check out from the hotel and drive to Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h). Upon arrival border formalities. After the customs and passport control at both checkpoints, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Meet your Turkmenistan guide and drive to Darvaza Gas Crater located in the middle of Karakum Desert (270 km, 4 h). Set up the camp. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight at tents in Darvaza.
Note: We’ll travel in 4×4 vehicles across the rugged Karakum Desert. The route is unpaved, so expect a bumpy and thrilling ride—it’s the only way to get to this incredible, remote location.
At the camp, we’ll enjoy an authentic stay in yurts with basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities, putting us right in the heart of the desert landscape.
Day 21: Darvaza – Ashgabat
After breakfast depart the camp site and drive to Ashgabat. Arrive in Ashgabat check in to the hotel. Sightseeing Ashgabat in the afternoon. During the city tour you will explore an archaeological site of Old Nissa (included in UNESCO World Heritage list) and Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Turkestan (Central Asia). You will visit the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and newly built Independence Park. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6 hours
Day 22: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Mary – Ashgabat
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take a morning flight to Mary (370 km, 40 min). Upon arrival drive to Merv (40 km, 30 min), an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road. Discover historical park that includes Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress, and others. Return to Mary Airport to get the flight back to Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Day 23: Ashgabat – departure
Transfer to the airport. End of the 5 Stans Tour.
You can contact the specified phone numbers, in case you have questions or requests.
Tel: +994-12-3100482 Mob / WP: +994-55-8824921 Social networks Addresses: 
