Central Asia: Five Stans Express

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enquire now 24 Days From NZD $9,080 pp twinshare
 Small group
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Explore The Five Stans on an incredible Central Asian adventure of history, nature and culture

Start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – yep, that’s a total of five Stans! See the best of the Silk Road and deep dive into the fascinating history, captivating landscapes and beautiful culture that is intertwined throughout this region. You’ll stay in traditional yurts on the bank of Lake Issykul, explore Registan square in Samarkand and discover Darvaza Crater, a 70-metre wide hole in the Karakum Desert that is permanently aflame (yes, you read that right). And that’s just a few of the highlights of this trip! There’s so much to see, do and learn in this region, you’ll constantly find yourself surprised and delighted on this 24-day adventure through Central Asia.

Why you’ll love this trip

  • This trip explores the essential highlights of Central Asia and uncovers culture, nature and history while meeting some of the most hospitable people in the world
  • With breathtaking scenery at every turn, you’ll discover the incredible Darvaza Crater, Altyn-emel National park, Kolsai Lakes and Issykul Lake
  • Take a step back in time as you explore the Silk Road history and visit Khiva ancient town, Registan in Samarkand, Bukhrara, and Khujand
  • Get to know the locals as you visit a carpet-making workshop, meet a local eagle trainer (or Berkutchi), rub shoulders with the locals in the bustling bazaars and test your taste buds in a dinner of home-cooked plov (Uzbekistan’s national dish)
  • Enjoy authentic experiences like sleeping in traditional yurts on the banks of Lake Issykul, staying in local villages and making yourself at home in a boutique hotel that used to be an old Jewish house in Bukhara

Itinerary

Day 1: Ashgabat

Day 2: Ashgabat

Day 3: Darvaza Crater

Day 4: Border crossing/Khiva

Day 5: Khiva

Day 6: Bukhara

Day 7: Bukhara

Day 8: Samarkand

Day 9: Samarkand

Day 10: Tashkent

Day 11: Border crossing/Khujand

Day 12: Iskanderkul lake/Sary Tag Village

Day 13: Dushanbe

Day 14: Dushanbe

Day 15: Border crossing/Almaty

Day 16: Almaty

Day 17: Altyn-Emel National Park

Day 18: Kolsay Lakes National Park

Day 19: Kolsay Lakes National Park

Day 20: Border crossing/Karakol

Day 21: Issyk-Kul Lake

Day 22: Issyk-Kul Lake

Day 23: Bishkek

Day 24: Bishkek

INT – KFSS

Images Courtesy of Intrepid Group 

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