5 Stan Tour in Central Asia 17 days. trip that includes the most popular sights of  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Excursions in historical cities are spiced with nature sightseeing of Charyn Canyon, Kayindy lake, Issyk - Kul lake and Darwaza crater.

Savor the diverse recollections of strolling through the streets to the magnificent Silk Road complexes of sky-blue and azure sparkling mosaics of historic mosques and madrassahs, while indulging in the mild aromas of fruits, spices, and freshly baked bread at oriental bazaars.

Day 1: Arrival in ALMATY

Arrive in Almaty. The driver will pick up all travelers from the International airport in Almaty and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: ALMATY

Breakfast in the hotel.  09:00 Meet the guide at the hotel lobby. Full day excursion program in Almaty.

You will visit

• Panfilov Park;
• Zenkov Cathedral;
• Central State Museum;
• Republic Square ;
• Chimbulak:

free time.Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: ALMATY - BISHKEK

Breakfast in the hotel. 08:00 Transfer to Bishkek (250 km, 4 h) via a newly built highway. You will cross Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border. Arrive in Bishkek.  Transfer to the hotel. Half day excursion program in Bishkek.

You will visit

• Oak Park;
• Ala-Too Square;
• Statue of Manas;
• National Museum of Fine Arts;
• Philharmonic Hall ;
• Victory Monument:

Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: BISHKEK – GRIGOREVKA GORGE – CHOLPON ATA – ISSYK-KUL

Breakfast in the hotel. 09:00 Transfer to to Issyk-Kul Lake (250 km, 4 h). Arrive at Grigorevka gorge. You will take an easy hike in the gorge. You will visit  Cholpon-Ata and Ethnographical Museum. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: ISSYK-KUL – BISHKEK

Breakfast in the hotel. 09:00 Transfer to Bishkek by visiting Burana Tower, the remnants of the ancient city of Balasagun (11-13th centuries). Arrive in Bishkek, free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: BISHKEK – OSH – FERGANA

          Breakfast at the hotel. 06:00 Transfer to the Airport. 8:00 flight Bishkek – Osh. 8:40 Arrival in Osh. Osh was an important trading destination on the Great Silk Road.

You will Visit

• Suleiman-Too;
• National Museum of History ;
• Archaeology;
•  Osh bazaar:

Transfer to Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan border point Dostuk. Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides. In Uzbekistan meet your driver and continue to Fergana. Transfer to the hotel. free time. Overnight at the hotel

Day 7: FERGANA – MARGILAN – RISTAN –KOKAND –TASHKENT

          Breakfast at the hotel. 9:00 Meet the guide at the lobby.

You will visit

• Said Akhmad;
• Khoja Madrasah;
• Yodgorlik Silk Factory:

Ristan to the house of a well-known ceramic master Rustam Usmanov. Transfer to Kokand where you will visit the Khudoyar – Khan Palace. 17:00 Transfer to Kokand railway station. 17:38 Train Kokand – Tashkent. 21:38 Arrival in Tashkent.  Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Resting time

Day 8: TASHKENT

          Breakfast at the hotel. 9:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Full day excursion program in Tashkent.

You will visit

• Independence square - the central square of Tashkent; it hosts celebrations and military parades in the days of special events and public holidays.;
• Amir Timur Square - green space with plenty of flowers and fountains;
• Amir Temur Museum - has more than 3 thousand exhibits. Here you can see jewelry, clothing, musical instruments, tools and other items of the middle ages.;
• Khast Imam Square - an architectural monument dating from the 16th to 20th centuries;
• Kukeldash Madrasah - one of the largest madrasahs to remain intact in 16th century in the Central Asia;
• Chorsu bazaar - the traditional bazaar located in the center of the old town of Tashkent;
• Earthquake Memorial - dedicated to rectification of the consequences of Tashkent earthquake in 1966;
• Minor mosque - a sparkling new Mosque set in the northeastern part of the capital;
• Museum of Applied art - contains over 4,000 exhibits on decorative art in Uzbekistan;
• Tashkent's Metro - The architectural and artistic decoration of each station completely unique :

18:25 Transfer to Tashkent airport. 20:25 flight Tashkent-Urganch. 21:55 Arrival in Urganch. The driver will meet you in Urganch airport. Transfer to Khiva. 23:00 Arrival in Khiva. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Resting time

Day 9: TASHKENT – URGANCH – KHIVA

          Breakfast at the hotel.  Full day excursion program in Khiva.

You will visit

• Itchan Kala - a historic fortress located in the city of Khiva;
• Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah - prominent historical and architectural landmark;
• Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah - historical educational institution;
• Kalta-Minor - also known as the "Short Minaret" is a famous architectural landmark;
• Kunya-Ark - offers great views of the surrounding area from its higher points;
• Juma Mosque - part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itchan Kala;
• Tash-Khovli Palace - one of the most exquisite architectural gems in Khiva;
• Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum -  part of a larger complex that includes a mosque and a courtyard;
• Minaret of Islam-Khoja - represents the rich cultural heritage of the region:

Transfer to the hotel. Resting time. Overnight at the hotel. Resting time

Day 10: KHIVA-SHABAT-KOHNE URGENCH-DARVAZA

Transfer to the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border point, Shabat-Dashoguz Following border formalities at both checkpoints your Turkmen driver will meet you. Transfer to the Koneurgench, you will visit Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra, Mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg- Hanym, Minaret Kutlug-Timur, and Mausoleum Arslan II. Transfer to the Darvaza crater. BBQ dinner and overnight stay in Yurt camp. Resting time

Day 11: DARVAZA-ASHGABAT

Camp-style breakfast.  9:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Transfer to Ashgabat.

You will visit

• Ahalteke horse stables;
• Anau mosque ruins by the way to Ashgabat;

13:00 Arrival in Ashgabat.

You will visit

• Ertogrul Gazy Mosque;
• Independence Park;
• Neutrality Arch;
• National Museum;
• Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum;
• Ancient Nissa:

Transfer to the hotel. Resting time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: ASHGABAT – MARY – MERV – BUKHARA

Breakfast at the hotel. 05:00 Transfer to Ashgabat airport. 06:30 flight Ashgabat-Mary. 7:10 Arrival in Mary. The driver and guide will meet you in Mary airport. Transfer to Merv. 8.30 Arrival in Merv.

Discover

• Historical park with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum;
• Large and Small Gyz Gala;
• Erk Gala;
•  Gyaur Gala;
• Keshk Fortress:

and others. In the afternoon depart to Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point. Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Meet your driver and continue to Bukhara. Arrival in Bukhara, check in to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: BUKHARA

Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Full day excursion program in Bukhara. You will visit

• Lyab-i-Hauz ensemble - centered around a large pond (hauz) and is surrounded by beautifully restored buildings;
• Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah - part of the rich architectural heritage of the region;
• Moschea Bolo-khauz - remarkable blend of beauty, history, and spirituality, making it a must-visit when in Bukhara!;
• Ark of Bukhara - one of the city's most iconic historical landmarks;
• Maghak-i 'Attari Mosque -  renowned for its unique architectural features;
• Trading Domes - date back to the medieval period and served as vital commercial hubs;
• Chasma Ayub Mausoleum - renowned for its unique design and cultural importance;

Transfer to the hotel. Leisure/ free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: BUKHARA – SAMARKAND

Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide at the lobby. Full day excursion program in Bukhara. You will visit

• Great Minaret of the Kalon - stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the medieval Islamic world;
• Poi Kalyan Mosque - a prime example of the Islamic architectural style of Central Asia;
• Mir-i-Arab Madrasa - characterized by its impressive entrance portal (iwan), large courtyard, and beautifully decorated prayer hall;
• Chor-Minor - a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. ;
• Ulugbek Madrasah - built during the Timurid Renaissance:

15:00 transfer to Bukhara railway station. 15:46 Train Bukhara-Samarkand. 17:29 Arrival in Samarkand. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: SAMARKAND – PENJIKENT – SEVEN LAKES – SAMARKAND

Breakfast in the hotel. 8:00 Transfer border Jartepa. Border crossing usually takes 30 min- 1 hr. Meet the guide and driver at Tajikistan part of the border. Transfer to Penjikent. You will visit Rudaki Museum, ancient Penjikent ruins and Seven Lakes. Famous 7 lakes of Tajikistan are commonly known under general name Marguzor Lakes and belong to Fann Mountains system. Color of their waters may vary from deep blue to indie due the sun position. Each of the lakes has its own name: Nezhigon, Soya, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor, Hazorchashma. Afternoon return to border crossing Jartepa to Uzbekistan and meet the driver at Uzbekistan side of the border. Transfer back to Samarkand hotel.

Day 16: SAMARKAND – TASHKENT

Breakfast at the hotel. 9:00 Meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby.Continue sightseeing: You visit 

• Gur Emir Mausoleum - stunning example of Timurid architecture and a window into the rich history of Central Asia. ;
• Registan square - the heart of the city and has been a key center of culture, education, and politics for centuries.;
• BibiKhanym Mosque - stands as a testament to the splendor of the Timurid dynasty and the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road.;
• Siyob Bazaar - Samarkand's most popular traditional shopping venue and provides a truly authentic experience;
• The Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble - includes mausoleums and other ritual buildings of 11th – 15th and 19th centuries;
• Afrasiyab Museum - a museum located at the historical site of Afrasiyab, one of the largest archaeological sites in the world;
• Ulugh Beg Observatory - an observatory in modern day Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which was built in the 1420s by the Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg:

18:00 Transfer to Samarkand railway station. 18:32 Train Samarkand-Tashkent. 20:44 Arrival to Tashkent railway station. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17: TASHKENT- DEPARTURE

          Breakfast at the hotel. ___ Transfer to the International Airport Tashkent. Depart from Tashkent.

Thank you for travelling with 5 Stan Tour in Central Asia 17 days.!

Details of the Tours

Tour price includes

• Accommodation*;
• English(another languages upon guest request)-speaking guide***;
• All transfers and full transportation services in an air-conditioned vehicles;
• Domestic flight( Toshkent - Urganch) on economy class;
• High speed Train tickets (Bukhara-Samarkand-Tashkent.) on economy class**;
• 1x lunch in Besh Qozon which is the biggest Plov place;
• Light show with an impressive sound Registan square.(if available);
• Folklore Show in the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah.(if available);
• 24 hour service oftour manager;
• Visa support for Turkmenistan tourist visa.

Tour price excludes:

• International air fares;
• Lunches and dinners;
• Insurance;
• Any services not included in the above itinerary.
• Kazakhstan e/visa, Kyrgyzstan e/visa, E-visa to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan e-visa (if required); Turkmenistan tourist visa.

5-Stan Tour in Central Asia: 18 days.