Five countries of Central Asia in 21 days
A grand tour of Central Asia is a journey through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Over 21 days, the route connects white marble Ashgabat, ancient Merv, the fiery Darvaza, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Panjakent, Khujand, Osh, Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Karakol, the Charyn Canyon and Almaty.
This is a program for those who want to deeply explore the heritage of the Great Silk Road, ancient cities, mountain landscapes, deserts, bazaars, yurt camps, and the culture of five countries in one well-thought-out route.
A grand journey along the Great Silk Road
Central Asia was for centuries the heart of the caravan routes between East and West. Merchants, scholars, artisans, pilgrims and travelers passed through these lands. Great cities arose here, crafts developed, and fortresses, madrasahs, mausoleums and bazaars were built.
This tour reveals the region through five different cultural worlds: desert Turkmenistan, the architectural heritage of Uzbekistan, the mountain valleys of Tajikistan, the nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan, and the natural contrasts of Kazakhstan.
- 5 countries of Central Asia in one itinerary
- UNESCO sites, ancient cities and natural wonders
- Darvaza, Samarkand, Issyk-Kul, Charyn and Almaty
- Small groups of 2 to 12 people
- Meals, guides, tickets and logistics along the route
The price is per person. The final cost depends on the dates, group size, accommodation category, availability of flights, trains and the individual conditions of the program.
Route: from Ashgabat to Almaty
The tour passes through the most important historical cities and natural locations of the region. It is a grand route for travellers who want to see Central Asia not in fragments, but as a single cultural space of the Great Silk Road.
Top experiences of the tour
Over three weeks of travel you will see the main symbols of the region: from the fire of Darvaza and ancient Samarkand to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, the Charyn Canyon and the panoramas of Almaty.
Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, Nisa, Merv, Darvaza, Kunya-Urgench, a yurt camp, Akhal-Teke horses and the Karakum Desert.
Uzbekistan
Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent and Kokand are the main cities of the Great Silk Road with madrasahs, mosques and bazaars.
Tajikistan
Panjakent, the Zarafshan Valley, Khujand, ancient Sogdian monuments, bazaars and northern mountain routes.
Kyrgyzstan
Osh, Sulayman-Too, Bishkek, Burana Tower, Issyk-Kul, eagle hunting, Jety-Oguz and Karakol.
Kazakhstan
Kaindy Lake, the Kolsai Lakes, the Charyn Canyon, Almaty, Medeu, Shymbulak and the panoramas of the Trans-Ili Alatau.
Comfortable logistics
Domestic flights, train, border crossings, transport, guides, accommodation, meals and tourist registration according to the program.
Who this tour is suitable for
This route is suitable for travelers who want to see the main countries of Central Asia in one trip and gain a complete understanding of the region. The program is rich but logically structured: from deserts and ancient oases to mountains, lakes, canyons, and modern cities.
- For lovers of the history of the Great Silk Road
- For travelers who want to see 5 countries in one program
- For guests who value organized logistics
- For small groups, families and individual travellers
- For those who want to combine culture, nature, cities, and mountains
Day-by-day itinerary
Below is a shortened version of the programme. The full route can be adapted to the dates, flights, composition of the group and individual preferences.
Arrival in Ashgabat
Airport meeting, early check-in, a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, panoramic views, Independence Park and a gala dinner.
Ashgabat — Nisa — Geokdepe
The History Museum, the UNESCO ruins of Old Nisa, Geokdepe, Akhal-Teke horses and historical sites at the foot of the Kopetdag.
Ashgabat — Mary — Ancient Merv
A morning flight to Mary and an excursion to Ancient Merv — one of the most important cities of the Great Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mary — Ashgabat — Bokurdak — Darvaza
Flight to Ashgabat, 4×4 off-road vehicles, the village of Bokurdak, an introduction to desert life and an evening at the Darvaza gas crater.
Darvaza — Kunya-Urgench — Dashoguz
A trip to the monuments of Kunya-Urgench: mausoleums, the Kutlug-Timur minaret, shrines and the architectural heritage of Khorezm.
Uzbekistan: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand
Crossing into Uzbekistan, Khiva, the road through the Kyzylkum, Bukhara, Registan, Gur-Emir, Shahi-Zinda, bazaars and Timurid architecture.
Tajikistan: Panjakent and Khujand
Crossing into Tajikistan, ancient Panjakent, the Zarafshan Valley, Khujand, the mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, the Payshanba bazaar and return to Tashkent.
Kyrgyzstan: Osh, Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Karakol
Train to Kokand, crossing into Kyrgyzstan, Osh, Sulayman-Too, flight to Bishkek, the Burana Tower, Issyk-Kul, Jety-Oguz and Karakol.
Kazakhstan: Kaindy, Kolsai, Charyn and Almaty
Crossing into Kazakhstan, Lake Kaindy, the Kolsai Lakes, the Charyn Canyon, Almaty, Medeu, Shymbulak and a transfer to the airport.
Nature of Central Asia: from desert to Tien Shan
On this tour, the natural landscapes change almost every day. The Karakum Desert and the fiery Darvaza give way to the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, the mountain valleys of Tajikistan, Lake Issyk-Kul and the red rocks of Jety-Oguz, while in Kazakhstan the route reaches Lake Kaindy, Kolsai, the Charyn Canyon and the mountains of Almaty.
- The Karakum desert and Darvaza
- Zarafshan and Fergana valleys
- Issyk-Kul and Jety-Oguz
- Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes
- Charyn Canyon, Medeu and Shymbulak
What is included in the price
The tour is designed as a comprehensive journey with well-planned logistics, accommodation, meals, transport and guided support.
Important terms on accommodation and logistics
The route passes through five countries and includes several borders, domestic flights, a train, mountain roads and natural locations. Therefore the program requires precise planning and pre-confirmed logistics.
Group size
- Minimum 2 people
- Maximum 12 people
- A small group format
- Individual quote on request
Tour season
- The best season is spring and autumn
- Comfortable weather for cities and nature
- Better suited for the desert and mountain routes
- Dates are agreed in advance
FAQ — questions about the tour across five countries of Central Asia
We briefly answer the frequent questions about the grand route Ashgabat — Almaty.
We will calculate a tour across five countries of Central Asia for your dates
Write your travel dates, number of guests, citizenship of the participants and the desired level of accommodation. We will prepare a program, terms and a final calculation.
