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Journey through Central Asia

28 days Fully Inclusive Go Beyond Group Tour

Journey through Central Asia

Travel from Bishkek to Ashgabat on this 28 day 'Five Stan' cultural experience. This in depth tour will see you visiting the Silk Road gems of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the quirky Turkmenistan, colourful markets, fascinating villages and Swiss Alps type scenery. Retrace the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great on this unforgettable Central Asian journey.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 25 , Lunches: 24 , Dinners: 25
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 4
    A good level of fitness is required as you can expect to be walking, or taking part in a physical activity like cycling, for longer periods of time on several days throughout the tour, and may be required to tackle some more challenging terrain.
    Learn More
    Extended walking. Physical activities on challenging terrain.
Go Beyond Group Tour
28 DAYS
From $18,880PP
Bishkek (2N) - Chon-Kemin (1N) - Bokonbayevo (1N) - Karakol (2N) - Almaty (2N) - Dushanbe (2N) - Khujand (1N) - Tashkent (2N) - Samarkand (2N) - Bukhara (3N) - Khiva (2N) - Ashgabat (2N+2N) - Mary (1N)
3 Reviews
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Tour Highlights

Our Journey through Central Asia tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Bishkek (2N) - Chon-Kemin (1N) - Bokonbayevo (1N) - Karakol (2N) - Almaty (2N) - Dushanbe (2N) - Khujand (1N) - Tashkent (2N) - Samarkand (2N) - Bukhara (3N) - Khiva (2N) - Ashgabat (2N+2N) - Mary (1N)
  • Days 1-2
    Fly Overnight To Kyrgyzstan
    Dinner
    DAYS 1-2: Fly Overnight To Kyrgyzstan

    Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the morning is free to relax before a visit to the Manas Monument, Ala Too Square, before finishing at the Old Square and Parliament house.

    Dinner
  • Day 3
    Ala Archa National Park
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 3: Ala Archa National Park

    Drive to Ala Archa National Park for a leisurely hike through the picturesque scenery before returning to Bishkek for an afternoon at leisure.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Chong Kemin National Park
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 4: Chong Kemin National Park

    Travel to Chong Kemin National Park, where you will have the chance to walk through the foothills as well as experience local village life.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Eagle Hunting
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 5: Eagle Hunting

    Journey to Kochkor, a local centre of felt handicrafts, before stopping at the village of Bokonbayevo to watch an eagle hunting demonstration, a millennia-old Kyrgyz tradition. Spend the night with local shepherds in their camp, sleeping in a traditional yurt, for a true taste of the life of the Kyrgyz nomads.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Barskoon Gorge
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 6: Barskoon Gorge

    Today travel to Karakol, on the way stopping at Barskoon Gorge to see the 'Tears of the Leopard' waterfall. Stop at Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon before continuing on to Karakol.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Karakol
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 7: Karakol

    Visit the Przhevalsky Museum and see the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. In the afternoon, travel to the Valley of the Flowers and Jety-Orguz where you can enjoy a light hike through the magnificent canyon of red sandstone.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Sunday Market
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 8: Sunday Market

    Rise early for the bustling Karakol Sunday Animal Market. In the afternoon, drive through breathtaking scenery to visit magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles, before crossing the border into Kazahkstan, finishing the day in the countries largest city of Almaty.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Almaty
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 9: Almaty

    Enjoy an orientation walk visiting Republic Square, Abai Opera Theatre, the Central Mosque, the Green Market and Zenkov Cathedral. Spend the afternoon exploring the panoramas of Big Almaty Lake.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Fly To Dushanbe
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 10: Fly To Dushanbe

    You have the day at leisure before flying late this afternoon to Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Dushanbe
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 11: Dushanbe

    Take a full day tour of the capital, walking through the botanical gardens, the Ismoili Somoni monument and Kohi Navruz, a cultural palace and showcase of traditional Tajik architecture. After lunch visit the historical Fortress of Hissor.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Iskanderkul Lake
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 12: Iskanderkul Lake

    Today you will travel to mountain lake of Iskanderkul, before continuing on to Khujand.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Khujand
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 13: Khujand

    Stroll through the vibrant Panchshanbe Bazaar, admire the 10th century citadel and relax at Pushkin Square. Cross the border into Uzbekistan, arriving in the city of Tashkent.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Tashkent
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 14: Tashkent

    Take a step back in time in the old town and explore the Tila Shaikh mosque, home to rare copies of the Koran. Stop at Chorsu Bazaar and admire the opulently decorated Tashkent Metro. Visit the ceramic workshop of Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov, and explore the history of ceramics.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Arrive In Samarkand
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 15: Arrive In Samarkand

    Arrive in legendary Samarkand. Wander into the heart of the city for a first glimpse at some of the city's most significant sights in the spectacular Registan Square.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 16
    Samarkand
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 16: Samarkand

    This morning, see Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of conqueror Tamerlane. Later, wander through a local market, visit Shah-I-Zinda and Bibi-Khanum Friday Mosque. visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, founded in the 15th century and considered one of the finest observatories in the Islamic world.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 17
    Shakhrisabz
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 17: Shakhrisabz

    Visit Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, and visit the Ak-Sarai Palace, the Dorus Tilayat Cemetery and Kok-Gumbas Mosque. Journey on to Bukhara.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 18
    Bukhara
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 18: Bukhara

    Explore one of the most famous spots on the Silk Road. Visit sites including Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque and the Ark of Bukhara.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 19
    Bukhara
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 19: Bukhara

    Head out of Bukhara to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former Emir of Bukhara. Visit Bahauddin Naqshband Mausoleum, a famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 20
    Journey To Khiva
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 20: Journey To Khiva

    Journey across the Kyzyl Kum Desert, to the fabulous Silk Road city of Khiva, unrivalled by its 10th century city walls. You will stop at Amudarya river bank before continuing to Khiva.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 21
    Walled City Of Khiva
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 21: Walled City Of Khiva

    Explore ancient Khiva, discovering the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage inner-walled city of Itchan Kala including the mighty Kuhna Ark and the turquoise-tiled Islom-Khodja.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 22
    Explore Konye-Urgench
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 22: Explore Konye-Urgench

    Cross into Turkmenistan and drive to Konye-Urgench, capital of the Khorezm Empire in the 12th - 13th centuries. Explore its magnificent mausoleums, the Kutlug Timur minaret and the fabled Mamun's Academy of Sciences. Fly to Ashgabat this evening, the nation's capital.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 23
    Explore Ashgabat
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 23: Explore Ashgabat

    This morning is free to relax before a visit to a local stud farm to learn about beautiful Akhal Tekes horses. Visit the Kipchak complex, the largest mosque in Turkmenistan then learn about the country's unique history at the National Museum of History and Ethnography.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 24
    Ancient City Of Merv
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 24: Ancient City Of Merv

    Rise early and fly to the city of Mary to tour the UNESCO-listed oasis-city of Merv, a major archaeological site of Central Asia.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 25
    Darvaza Gas Crater
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 25: Darvaza Gas Crater

    Fly back to Ashgabat to explore both ancient and modern sides of the city visiting Independence Square and the Turkmenistan Independence Monument to see the Ertoghrul Ghazi mosque. Drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater to walk around the crater as dusk approaches. Enjoy a nomad-inspired dinner under the stars, with a spectacular view of the crater and its glowing flames. Return to Ashgabat.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 26
    Ashgabat
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 26: Ashgabat

    Learn about the Turkmenistan's important cotton and gas industries before a visit to the Old Nisa Fortress, the former residence of the Parthian Empire. After lunch continue to the colourful Russian Bazaar and the National Carpet Museum.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 27-28
    Fly Ashgabat To Australia
    Breakfast
    DAYS 27-28: Fly Ashgabat To Australia

    Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day.

    Breakfast
Journey through Central Asia map

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When to go

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • -8
    1
    -4
  • 34
  • Ashgabat
  • 0
    9
    4
  • 20
  • Bishkek
  • -7
    3
    -2
  • 26
  • Dushanbe
  • -2
    8
    3
  • 66
  • Karakol
  • -19
    -7
    -13
  • 9
  • Khiva
  • -7
    2
    -2
  • 9
  • Khujand
  • -3
    4
    0
  • 15
  • Mary
  • -2
    9
    4
  • 24
  • Samarkand
  • -2
    7
    3
  • 41
  • Tashkent
  • -2
    7
    3
  • 58
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • -7
    2
    -2
  • 43
  • Ashgabat
  • 1
    11
    6
  • 24
  • Bishkek
  • -5
    5
    0
  • 35
  • Dushanbe
  • 0
    10
    5
  • 75
  • Karakol
  • -17
    -6
    -12
  • 10
  • Khiva
  • -6
    5
    0
  • 8
  • Khujand
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 15
  • Mary
  • 0
    11
    6
  • 19
  • Samarkand
  • 0
    9
    4
  • 46
  • Tashkent
  • 0
    9
    5
  • 57
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • -1
    9
    4
  • 75
  • Ashgabat
  • 6
    16
    11
  • 41
  • Bishkek
  • 0
    11
    6
  • 55
  • Dushanbe
  • 4
    15
    10
  • 108
  • Karakol
  • -9
    2
    -4
  • 19
  • Khiva
  • 1
    13
    7
  • 18
  • Khujand
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 25
  • Mary
  • 5
    17
    11
  • 28
  • Samarkand
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 69
  • Tashkent
  • 5
    15
    10
  • 65
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • 6
    17
    12
  • 107
  • Ashgabat
  • 12
    24
    18
  • 32
  • Bishkek
  • 6
    18
    12
  • 67
  • Dushanbe
  • 9
    22
    16
  • 105
  • Karakol
  • -1
    11
    5
  • 35
  • Khiva
  • 9
    22
    16
  • 18
  • Khujand
  • 11
    22
    16
  • 27
  • Mary
  • 12
    25
    18
  • 25
  • Samarkand
  • 9
    21
    15
  • 60
  • Tashkent
  • 10
    22
    16
  • 60
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • 11
    22
    17
  • 106
  • Ashgabat
  • 17
    30
    23
  • 21
  • Bishkek
  • 11
    24
    17
  • 61
  • Dushanbe
  • 13
    27
    20
  • 66
  • Karakol
  • 4
    16
    10
  • 51
  • Khiva
  • 15
    30
    22
  • 11
  • Khujand
  • 16
    29
    22
  • 20
  • Mary
  • 16
    32
    24
  • 11
  • Samarkand
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 36
  • Tashkent
  • 14
    28
    21
  • 41
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • 16
    28
    22
  • 57
  • Ashgabat
  • 22
    36
    29
  • 6
  • Bishkek
  • 16
    29
    22
  • 34
  • Dushanbe
  • 16
    33
    25
  • 6
  • Karakol
  • 7
    20
    14
  • 56
  • Khiva
  • 19
    35
    27
  • 3
  • Khujand
  • 20
    34
    27
  • 9
  • Mary
  • 20
    37
    28
  • 0
  • Samarkand
  • 17
    32
    25
  • 6
  • Tashkent
  • 18
    33
    26
  • 11
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • 18
    30
    24
  • 47
  • Ashgabat
  • 24
    38
    31
  • 3
  • Bishkek
  • 18
    32
    25
  • 21
  • Dushanbe
  • 18
    36
    27
  • 3
  • Karakol
  • 9
    23
    16
  • 60
  • Khiva
  • 22
    37
    30
  • 3
  • Khujand
  • 21
    36
    28
  • 4
  • Mary
  • 23
    39
    31
  • 0
  • Samarkand
  • 19
    34
    26
  • 4
  • Tashkent
  • 20
    36
    28
  • 4
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • 17
    29
    23
  • 30
  • Ashgabat
  • 22
    37
    29
  • 2
  • Bishkek
  • 16
    31
    24
  • 13
  • Dushanbe
  • 16
    34
    25
  • 0
  • Karakol
  • 8
    22
    15
  • 53
  • Khiva
  • 19
    34
    26
  • 1
  • Khujand
  • 19
    32
    26
  • 1
  • Mary
  • 20
    36
    28
  • 0
  • Samarkand
  • 17
    33
    25
  • 1
  • Tashkent
  • 18
    35
    26
  • 2
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • 12
    24
    18
  • 27
  • Ashgabat
  • 16
    32
    24
  • 3
  • Bishkek
  • 11
    26
    18
  • 19
  • Dushanbe
  • 11
    31
    21
  • 3
  • Karakol
  • 4
    18
    11
  • 37
  • Khiva
  • 13
    29
    21
  • 1
  • Khujand
  • 14
    29
    21
  • 3
  • Mary
  • 14
    32
    23
  • 1
  • Samarkand
  • 13
    28
    20
  • 4
  • Tashkent
  • 13
    29
    21
  • 6
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • 5
    16
    10
  • 60
  • Ashgabat
  • 10
    24
    17
  • 10
  • Bishkek
  • 5
    18
    11
  • 45
  • Dushanbe
  • 7
    24
    15
  • 31
  • Karakol
  • -2
    10
    4
  • 25
  • Khiva
  • 5
    20
    12
  • 5
  • Khujand
  • 8
    21
    14
  • 15
  • Mary
  • 8
    24
    16
  • 5
  • Samarkand
  • 7
    22
    14
  • 17
  • Tashkent
  • 8
    22
    15
  • 29
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • -1
    8
    3
  • 56
  • Ashgabat
  • 5
    17
    11
  • 19
  • Bishkek
  • 0
    11
    5
  • 42
  • Dushanbe
  • 4
    17
    10
  • 45
  • Karakol
  • -10
    1
    -4
  • 16
  • Khiva
  • 1
    12
    6
  • 9
  • Khujand
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 16
  • Mary
  • 4
    17
    10
  • 12
  • Samarkand
  • 3
    15
    9
  • 34
  • Tashkent
  • 4
    15
    10
  • 41
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Almaty
  • -6
    2
    -2
  • 42
  • Ashgabat
  • 1
    10
    6
  • 20
  • Bishkek
  • -5
    5
    0
  • 35
  • Dushanbe
  • 1
    11
    6
  • 60
  • Karakol
  • -16
    -5
    -10
  • 11
  • Khiva
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 13
  • Khujand
  • 0
    6
    3
  • 17
  • Mary
  • 0
    11
    6
  • 20
  • Samarkand
  • 0
    9
    4
  • 47
  • Tashkent
  • 0
    9
    4
  • 54

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

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Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
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    Depart AUStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2022. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately US$125pp (AU$180pp) is paid locally in Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan.
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
    • All Meals (refer to itinerary)
    • Domestic transportation
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • 3 – 4 star accommodation, plus yurts
    • Visa fees for Australian passport holders

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
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