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Travel what was once a part of the greatest trade route in the world, a collection of countries with outstanding history, sprawling landscapes, and timeless beauty.
* For 2022 and until further notice, this tour replaces our long-standing CA3 tour of the Five Stans, which also featured Turkmenistan, which will likely be closed to visitors through 2022 and possibly beyond. When/if Turkmenistan reopens we will revert to our original '5 Stans (CA3) itinerary.
What was once a part of the greatest trade route in the world, Central Asia and 'The Stans' (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan) is a collection of countries with outstanding history, sprawling landscapes, and timeless beauty.
It is a place to get lost in cities that date back more than 2,000 years, with bazaars and markets in a constant state of buzz. A place to feel like a nomad in the sparsely populated grassy steppes with yurts for homes. Despite being independent republics, it is a region best visited all together to understand how history and tradition can change a culture.
Starting in Uzbekistan, our tour takes us into the heart of Central Asia. Cities such as Tashkent are a blend of Soviet architecture with bland buildings leading to grand metro stations, before spilling out onto the old city fit with medieval madrassas, markets and mausoleums, while the superb museums showcase a rich history maintained after the devastating earthquakes and revolutions of the early 20th century.
Indeed, early on into our tour one realizes it is also the "five M's" that will be visited: Madrassas or Islamic schools, markets, mausoleums, museums, and mosques. A city that seems to have stood still despite the passing of time, which encompasses all five 'M's would be Khiva, with its blue domed and tiled features found throughout the walled city. Nowhere feels closer to the Silk Road than here, with ruins and perfectly preserved elements found throughout this oasis city.
As the tour continues, Bukhara and Samarkand are often thought of as highlights as well. The enigmatic Registan Square in Samarkand with its three madrassas standing solemnly are often compared favourably with the Wonders of the World. Meanwhile the bathhouses and royal palaces of Bukhara make this feel like a living museum still in the age of the Silk Road.
By the time our tour arrives in Tajikistan, we will once again prove how diverse this region is. Over the snow-capped and dramatic mountains, we arrive in the gardened capital of Dushanbe for a brief visit before moving onto the grassy steppes and mountains of Kazakhstan. Unlike the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, Almaty in Kazakhstan is relatively new after being built in the 19th century, and many of the features that came to the city during the Soviet Union are still embraced. From the Orthodox churches to the Soviet memorials, Kazakhstan moves at a much quicker pace than the other nations on our tour.
The high mountain ranges continue, all the way into the landlocked Kyrgyz Republic. Another former Soviet country, this in an area with strong historical ties to the Silk Road and a long legacy lasting from the Mongol Empire.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
The above prices are subject to an additional $90 for taxes/fees levied on flights that occur as part of the tour. The internal airfares ARE included (any exceptions are listed in red below), but we list the taxes separately on your invoice as they are beyond our control and can change at any time.
Optional Single Supplement: $830 USD (number of singles limited).
Day 1 Arrival in Tashkent
Today we arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan (hotel check-in from 2 pm).
Overnight in Tashkent.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Tashkent: City Tour
Today we tour Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, the third largest of the former Soviet Republics. Uzbekistan is prospering under independence and this shows in the modern capitol building at the centre of town.
We visit the Old City, which has mosques and madrassas (Islamic schools) housing craft workshops and dating from the 14th century. Chorsu Bazaar, a huge open market beside Kukeldash, draws crowds of people from the countryside, many in traditional dress. We also include Kafelsashi Mausoleum, Barak Khana Medressah, Tila Shaikh Mosque and archives.
Later we have an orientation drive by Independence Square and Amir Timur’s Square. We will also make a stop for a visit of the Applied Arts Museum.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Tashkent - Fly to Nukus - Ayaz Kala - Toprak Kala - Khiva
This morning we fly to Nukus (approx 2 hours), the capital of the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, considered to be autonomous due to their ethnic and cultural similarities with neighbouring Kazakhstan. The Soviets once included Karakalpakstan within the boundaries of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic but transferred it to the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936 as part of Stalin's divide-and-rule strategy in Central Asia.
Upon landing we visit the Mizdakkhan Necropolis, an ancient cemetery located next to the remains of the Gyaur-Kala fortress and one of the oldest and most visited pilgrimage sites of Karakalpakstan. The fortress received its name during the Arab conquest and means “a fortress of disbelievers”, as scientists found that the inhabitants of the fortress used to be Zoroastrians before the Arab conquest.
Our destination within Karakalpakstan is the region known for the Ellik-Qala, or Fifty Fortresses. These ruins date as far back as 2,000+ years ago and they represent the varied settlements of the famed Khorezm empire. We will visit two of the well-known Qalas (fortresses) on our journey. We begin with Toprak Qala (4th-5th century A.D.), now left as a series of mud walls and excavated rooms that entails a short hike up to the top of the complex for great views of the surrounding area. Nearby is Ayaz Qala, commanding a great view over the arid plains surrounding this promontory.
We continue our road journey to Khiva, once the most remote of the Silk Road's oasis cities. Upon arrival in the late afternoon we check into our hotel.
Overnight in Khiva.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Khiva: City Tour
Legend has it that Khiva was founded when Shem, son of Noah, discovered a well here. The town certainly existed by the 8th century, as a minor fort and trading post on a Silk Road branch to the Caspian Sea and the Volga. In the early 16th century, Khiva was made capital of the Timurid Empire, becoming a busy slave market and pivot of the khanate for the next three centuries. Khiva is an ancient walled city and looks much like it did in centuries past; it is one of the few sites in Central Asia where one can easily imagine life during the time of the emirates.
We will spend the morning wandering its maze of ruins and great mosques. Our tour includes Ichan Kala (walled city), Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark (inner citadel), and Madrassa Rakhimkhon. Later we walk to see Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud, Islam Khodja Minaret and Museum, the medieval Friday Mosque, and Tashauli Palace and Harem.
Your afternoon is free to further explore the walled city.
Overnight in Khiva.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Khiva - Kyzyl-kum Desert - Bukhara
Today we will settle in for a long drive (approximately 480km – 8 hours of drive time) to Bukhara with a few breaks along our way as we make our way through the Kyzyl-kum Desert. The terrain is mostly semi-arid with sparse vegetation and a chance to see the occasional sand dune. While relaxing on the drive, keep an eye out for possible wildlife spotting – wolves, jackals and foxes call the desert their home, as does the enigmatic Asiatic wild dog (threatened species). If you are a bird enthusiast, you can keep your peepers out for Eurasian collared and laughing doves, Wedgewood-blue European rollers, various bee-eaters and, if you are really lucky, the famed Pander’s ground jay. A bird the size of a thrush, its body is a pale gray colour and the wings are black and white. It is found only here and in some remote parts of Kazakhstan. They may be spotted on a telegraph pole or on a saxual bush. Alert your Tour Leader if you do as these jays are a rare sighting!
Bukhara is the former capital of the once powerful Emirate of Bukhara. The region around Bukhara has been inhabited for at least five millennia and the city itself has existed for half the that time. Located on Silk Road, the city has long been a centre of trade, scholarship, culture and religion. The historic centre of Bukhara has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival in Bukhara in later afternoon, we will check into the hotel and then we will have some time to relax and enjoy a walk by the Lyabi Hauz complex in the old town before we make our way to dinner. You may have an option to try a specialty dish of this city known as “Emir’s Ears” at your restaurant tonight. This is similar to a deep-fried tortellini and is so-called because it resembles the shape of (you guessed it) an ear.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Bukhara: City Tour
We spend today exploring the old quarter of Bukhara on foot.
The highlights of today tour include Lyabi-hauz, a 17th century plaza built around a pool; three domed bazaars; the 12th century Kalan Minaret, once the tallest building in Asia; and the Mausoleum of Ismail Somoni, the town's oldest structure (completed around AD 905) and surely one of the most elegant in Central Asia.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Bukhara - Train to Samarkand
This morning we depart Bukhara and travel via Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara. The first structures in this picturesque area were built in the mid-19th century during the rule of Emir Nasrullakhan. In the 1880s, his successor Muzaffarkhan built a palace for his beloved wife Sitora-bonu. The most skillful Bukhara craftsmen were sent to Russia to learn the best practices of country residence construction. Soon after that they constructed a sumptuous set of rooms, including throne room, which had a peculiar mixture of European and Asian architectural styles.
We return to old town in Bukhara (our bus leaves for Samarkand with our luggage) and take the afternoon bullet train from Kagan train station (40 minutes' drive from Bukhara) to Samarkand (2 hours 15 minutes). Upon arrival in Samarkand we will be met by our tour bus and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Samarkand: City Tour
Samarkand, sometimes called the 'Rome of the Orient', was already flourishing when Rome and Babylon were founded. During the course of our full day tour we visit the Bibi Khanum Mosque, Mausoleum of Tamerlane, Observatory of Ulugbek, and the site where Uleg Bek, grandson of Tamerlane, made some of the greatest achievements of the pre-telescope era of astronomy in the 15th century. We also visit the regal mausoleums of Shah-i Zinda, site of Central Asia's most sacred Islamic shrine, and the museum on the site of the ancient Afrosiab archaeological site. The ancient core of Samarkand is located on the Afrasiab hill, named after the legendary Turanian king. The settlement arose in the 8th-early 7th centuries BC and occupied more than 200 hectares; river bluffs on the north and east and deep ravines in the south and west protected it. During the Achaemenids period, the city was encircled with a massive wall having an internal corridor and towers. Scholars identify Afrasiab with ancient Sogdian capital Marakanda, destroyed in the 4th century BC by Alexander the Great.
The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the Registan ("Sandy Place" in the Tajik language) . This impressive square has been compared favourably to the Wonders of the World. Here three Madrassahs stand solemnly: the Ulug Bek Madrassah (built 1417-1420) to the west, the Tilya-Kori Madrassah (built 1646-1660), and the Sher-Dor Madrassah (built 1619-1636). Our sightseeing will take us through a careful exploration of the Madrassahs, now filled with various arts and crafts demonstrations, old photos of the monuments taken before the reconstruction by the Soviets and many varied handicrafts for sale.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Samarkand, Uzbekistan - Penjikent, Tajikistan
We depart Samarkand by coach and transfer to the Uzbek-Tajik Jarteppa border connecting Samarkand with Penjikent,* Tajikistan's third largest city. After undergoing border formalities, we say goodbye to Uzbekistan and meet our small vehicles on the Tajik side to take us to the city, a scenic journey that takes in some of the foothills of the Fann Mountains. Upon arrival in Penjikent, we will visit the Ancient Panjikent Town ruins – a walled inter-city, Sarazm Settlement, Rudaki Museum of History and Regional Study, Olim Dodkho Mosque and Medressah.
* This is the longest distance (approx 700m) that you will be expected to transport your luggage between border points, though it is a flat surface and we will have plenty of time to stop and rest along the way. Presently there are usually no vans available.
Overnight in Penjikent.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Penjikent - Iskanderkul - Dushanbe
After breakfast we drive to Dushanbe via Iskanderkul Lake where we will have some free time to enjoy photos and some easy walking by the lake. Afterwards we continue our panoramic drive through the dramatic mountains of Tajikistan towards Dushanbe, briefly reaching a peak of 2500m / 8,200 ft before descending to Dushanbe (706m).
With a rural hinterland of grassy pastures and snow-capped mountains visible from downtown, Dushanbe is a delightful city built around parks, lakes and fountains. With the frenetic building project of the past decade mostly complete, there is a palpable air of satisfaction about the city centre. Its grand plane tree boulevard, Rudaki, threads past pastel-hued remnants of the Soviet era and just as proudly past the modern icons of statehood.
Overnight in Dushanbe.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Dushanbe: City Tour
Today we include a tour of the Museum of Antiquities in Dushanbe. The huge reclining Buddha, the burial place of the Sarazm princess, Tajikistan antiques and ancient wall paintings from Penjikent can all be found here. Dushanbe means "Monday" in Tajik, and the name reflects the fact that the city grew on the site of a village that originally was a popular Monday marketplace. Our tour will also include a visit to the privately funded Navruz Palace, a magnificent cultural centre recently completed by skilled local artisans. We will also tour the city's beautiful Botanical Gardens, and we will take a walk through the Bag-i-Rudaki (Rudaki Gardens), featuring the towering statue to Tajik hero, Ismail Somoni.
Overnight in Dushanbe.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Dushanbe - Khujand
Today we retrace part of our journey as we drive back up north to Khujand, the second largest city in Tajikistan. We will enjoy the spectacular drive back through the mountains (now with a new perspective!) and past the turn off to Penjikent, this time continuing north up to the Shahriston Pass.
En route we will visit the historical site of Istravshan, one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan, having existed for more than 2500 years. This small town has one of the best-preserved old towns in Tajikistan, punctuated with some lovely traditional architecture. The settlement was conquered by Alexander the Great; we visit Mug Teppe, the site of an ancient fort that Alexander stormed. The gate was reconstructed in 2002 and not much of the original site is visible, but the views of the city and the surrounding mountains are fantastic.
We continue to Khujand, the second-largest city of Tajikistan, situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley.
Overnight in Khujand.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Khujand, Tajikistan - Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Today we tour Khujand, one of Tajikistan's oldest towns, founded by Alexander the Great more than 2,300 years ago. Secure behind the Fan Mountains, Khujand has managed to escape the ravages of Tajikistan's civil war, and has always been safe for travel. It remains the wealthiest part of the country, producing two-thirds of the country's industrial output.
Khujand's Panchshanbe Bazaar is a typical Central Asian market full of sights, sounds and smells. We will visit the Bazaar’s grand hall and the nearby Friday Mosque (courtyard of mosque). Our touring also includes the Historical Museum of Sughd Region, filled with a nicely curated collection of maps and objects that highlight the historical periods of the Khujand and greater Central Asian region.
After a break for lunch, we drive to the border crossing between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan (approximately one hour), complete border formalities, and drive through to Tashkent (approximately a 2-hour drive from the border).
Overnight in Tashkent.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14 Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Today we fly to Almaty.
Depending on our flight time, we may accomplish some Almaty sightseeing shortly after arrival. We will aim to visit Zhenkov's Cathedral, built in 1904, and an extraordinary example of a Russian Orthodox church built in wood. We will also take the opportunity to visit Panfilov Park in which the Cathedral is located, enjoying the family atmosphere. We will also have a chance to visit the recently reopened Museum of Musical Instruments, also located in the park.
Overnight in Almaty.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15 Almaty: City Tour
Today we have a full-day tour of Almaty.
Compared to other cities in Central Asia, Almaty is quite young. It was founded in 1854 by Russians in the valley of Almaty and was just a fort at first. Its name was Zailisky, then it was named Verny. In 1921 it became Alma-Ata ("Father of Apples") and in 1929 it became the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1993 the name was changed to Almaty.
We begin our day with a drive (approximately one hour) to "Big Almaty Lake", up in the nearby mountains to the south of Almaty (weather- and road conditions-permitting, which can be rather temperamental here).* The Kazakh name for the lake is "Zhasylkol" which translates as "Blue Lake" due to the mineral content of the water that provides a vibrant blue hue to the surface of the lake. The mountain scenery is dramatic at this altitude of 2500 metres (8,200 feet), with the peaks of Sovetov, Ozernaya, and Bolshoy Almatinskiy visible from this beautiful vantage point.
After taking this picturesque location and enjoying the fresh air, we will drive back to Almaty in time for some lunch, after which we'll visit the Central State Museum with its excellent displays of Scythian art and some rock drawings depicting the ancient Nestorian pilgrim movement on the Great Silk Routes. A hall dedicated to the nomadic tribes of Kazakhstan is the highlight of the ethnic section of the museum.
* In the event of poor weather or road closures, we will make alternative sightseeing arrangements if we cannot reach Big Almaty Lake. This will include a visit to the high-altitude speed-skating complex of Medeo and the Medeo Dam. We will also visit Kok-Tobe, a large promontory featuring stunning views over the city and the nearby Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range.
Overnight in Almaty.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16 Almaty & Charyn Canyon Excursion
After breakfast, we depart Almaty for Charyn Canyon, lying to the east of the city. Located approximately 200 kilometres (approx. 3-4 hour drive) from Almaty, Charyn Canyon has been compared to as the baby sibling of the Grand Canyon. This may be putting too much pressure on expectations, but Charyn Canyon has many merits to stand on its own. The canyon has been formed by the fast-flowing Charyn River and has carved out around 80km length of steep-sided cliffs over the eons. The depth of the canyon reaches as much as 300 metres. Our particular destination within Charyn Canyon is the Valley of the Castles, approximately 3km long and up to 100 metres deep. An easy path runs along its base and the red sandstone walls of the ravine make for dramatic photo opportunities.
After our exploration of Charyn Canyon we will drive back to Almaty for dinner after a full day out.
Overnight in Almaty.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17 Almaty, Kazakhstan - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Today we travel by road across the border* to Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic and embark on a city tour on arrival.
Originally, Bishkek was called Pishpek. In 1926 Pishpek became the capital of the Kyrghiz Autonomous Republic. In 1936, as the capital of the Kyrghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, Pishpek was renamed Frunze in honour of a major political organizer of the Civil War who was born in Pishpek to a Moldavian family. Today Bishkek is a modern city with vast squares, crowded bazaars, impressive administrative centers, and educational institutions.
Our tour includes Oak Park, Central Square, Statue of Manas, and Victory Square. We will also visit the National Historical Museum. At the northern end of Bishkek's central square, this enormous example of socialist realist architecture was once the Lenin Museum, entirely devoted to the man himself. After independence, two of its three floors were cleared to make way for exhibits that reflected Kyrgyzstan's new status as an independent state. Luckily for visitors one floor has been preserved, along with a huge centrepiece statue of Lenin leading the revolutionary masses.
* This is an easy crossing with a short distance across a bridge.
Overnight in Bishkek.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 18 Bishkek - Karakol
Today we travel by road to Karakol via the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul (400 km / 7 hours). Issyk-Kul (1607 meters/5,272 ft) is the tenth largest lake in the world by volume and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. Although it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it never freezes; hence its name, which means "warm lake" in the Kyrgyz language. This south shore less-travelled route features gorgeous landscapes, canyons and lagoons.
The atmosphere of Karakol is reminiscent of Tsarist Russia, with traditional Russian houses and one of the few remaining large Slavic communities in Central Asia. A Russian military outpost founded on July 1, 1869, Karakol grew in the 19th century after explorers came to map the peaks and valleys separating Kyrgyzstan from China. In the 1880s Karakol's population surged with an influx of Dungans, Chinese Muslims fleeing warfare in China.
Overnight in Karakol.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 19 Karakol - Lake Issyk-Kul
This morning we have a sightseeing tour in Karakol, including the wooden Dungan Mosque, built entirely without metal nails by Chinese artisans for the local Dungans between 1907 and 1910, and the similarly appealing wooden Russian Orthodox church -- Holy Trinity Cathedral -- completed in 1895. Used as an officer's club during Soviet times, it is now restored and in use as a church again. The Regional Museum has exhibits on the Issyk Kul Lake petroglyphs, Scythian bronze artifacts, and a short history of the geology and mineral exploitation in the region.
Departing Karakol, we drive to the northern shore the lake and overnight near Cholpon-Ata, a resort popular with wealthy Kazakhs and Russians. We will have the opportunity to view the Petroglyphs located in the “open-air museum” located on the hillside above the town. Most of these etchings are from the time of the Saka-Usun peoples who lived in the area before the arrival of the Kyrgyz. These carvings are between 1900 and 2800 years old. Many of the carvings depict animals such as wolves and deer, and include the hunters that pursued them. We will also visit a small regional museum that feature many artifacts from the region and ethnological displays.
Later In the afternoon we'll enjoy a cruise on Lake Issyk-Kul.
Overnight near Cholpon-Ata (Lake Issyk-Kul).
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 20 Lake Issyk-Kul - Bishkek
We depart for our drive back to Bishkek along the same road that we took to get to the lake. On the way back to Bishkek, we will stop and visit the Burana Tower, located at the mouth of the Shamsy Valley. An eleventh century monument, restored by the Soviets in the 1950's, you may choose to climb the minaret to get a view over the old city walls of Balasagun, a fortification built by the Sogdians.
Nearby Burana Tower, we will have an opportunity to witness a demonstration of some of the nomadic games carried out on horseback. Young men from the village will perform examples of "horse wrestling" (where two riders compete with one another to try and wrestle each other off of the horse); snatching up bags from the ground while the horses gallop at top speed; and a game of "Kok-Boru" or horse polo. However, in this version, instead of a ball they take a headless, limbless goat and use that as the object to score into the opposing team's goal. The effort to wrestle and carry this off demands great strength and skill as the two teams face off against one another. The winners get to keep the goat which will be used for the evening meal in their village. This evening back in Bishkek we'll enjoy our farewell dinner (likely not goat).
Overnight in Bishkek.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 21 Departure
Departure from Bishkek.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (at local restaurants and some hotels) are included daily.
All transport (including internal flights), accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
Full-time Tour Leader and local guides at several locations.
Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides.
Airport transfers for land & air customers. Early arrivals/late departures will also be provided airport transfers if your book both your air and extra nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Optional trip cancellation insurance.
Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on what to pack, weather, not included meals, and visas/entry requirements.
You will need to be reasonably computer/email proficient in order to complete the visa process, which relies entirely on electronic communication. Due to ever-changing conditions and requirements related to the pandemic, we will not be able to provide detailed information on this until approximately 60 days prior to trip start date.
Seasonality and Weather
In both April and October, average low temperature is 10C (57 F); average high is 20C (68 F). That said, it is not uncommon for some locations to be rather warm-hot, more so in the early fall than spring. Some locations, such as Karakol and mountain passes can be considerably cooler. The region is semi-arid overall, but showers can still occur in spring and fall, though likely short-lived.
These are the best times to visit this extreme climate region, where summers are unbearably hot and winters bitterly cold. Our spring date will feature snowy mountain scenery through mountain passes and a greener landscape. The fall is a bit warmer and features harvest time and locally-grown produce.
Our 2023 spring tour overlaps with Ramadan, but this does not present any problems/limitations to our program.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Road Transport: Our buses in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan are big buses with plenty of room. In Tajikistan we use (usually) use a couple of vans on the first day seeing in Penjikent and area, then 4WD vehicles on the mountain drive from Penjikent to Dushanbe, where we generally we use multiple mini-vans for local sightseeing.
Domestic flights via scheduled local carriers.
Our difficulty rating of "2" on this trip relates to the overall ambitious nature of the itinerary, long travel days, early starts, and the possibility of heat which can cause fatigue. We have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces. Porters are available at hotels but you must be able to manage with your baggage from time to time, especially at airports.
Border crossings also present a challenge as the facilities are not built for comfort, and there is often a considerable distance (ie 500-700 metres) across "no man's land" between posts over which travellers must walk (we leave one bus behind and meet our next one ahead). These distances occur over rough road (sturdy wheeled luggage is a MUST) and in the open (perhaps hot sun). There is no one to assist with baggage so you must be prepared and independent.
Travellers with very specific dietary requirements, or those with pre-existing medical conditions should be aware that we visit some remote locales where services, varied cuisines/foods, and the possibility of advanced medical attention, are limited.
Pharmaceuticals:
Please note that most Central Asian countries are very strict about the importation of certain medications, especially opioids, pychotropics, medicinal marijuana, certain types of mood stabilizers or anything that can be considered a "narcotic". The official concern here is not your use of the drugs for therapeutic reasons, but rather the possibility of importation for the purpose of trafficking. As such, you must be prepared to fully declare any such items upon entry and carry only the amount consistent with your prescription and length of stay. For more information on this matter, please visit:
https://uz.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/prescription-medicines/
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Most accommodation is of a 3-4 star standard, though accommodation may be simpler in remote locations. All are heated/air-conditioned as conditions warrant, and all feature private bath.
Most passengers are pleasantly surprised at the overall comfort and level of service, though in the part of the world, one must be prepared for some "rough edges."
Please click on the "Map & Hotels" tab for more information.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local drivers, & local guides at various locations.
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader.
Regions visited: Central Asia
Countries visited: Uzbekistan; Tajikistan; Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
We encourage you to get trip cancellation and interruption insurance to protect against unforeseen events.