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Journey through Central Asia

28 days Fully Inclusive Go Beyond Group Tour

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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.
OFFER
Go Beyond Group Tour
28 DAYS
From $19,980PP
Bishkek Chon-Kemin Bokonbayevo Karakol Almaty Dushanbe Khujand Tashkent Samarkand Bukhara Khiva Ashgabat Mary
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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 to Kyrgyzstan
    Dinner
    DAYS 1-2: Fly to Kyrgyzstan

    Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the morning is yours to relax. Later enjoy a welcome lunch before embarking on a city tour.

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

    Travel to Ala Archa National Park for a leisurely hike through its picturesque scenery of rugged peaks and dramatic gorges. Return to Bishkek for a city tour, where you will visit Manas Monument before enjoying a walking tour around Ala Too Square to watch the changing of the Guard of Honor ceremony. You will also visit the Independence Monument, Old Square and more.

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

    This morning, depart for the peaceful village of Chon-Kemin, enjoying breathtaking views of the 12th Century Burana Tower along the way. Chon Kemin is a quiet valley with small villages surrounded by magnificent mountains and a fir forest. Take in daily village life as you wander along the foothills and enjoy the views.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Chon-Kemin - Bokonbayevo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 5: Chon-Kemin - Bokonbayevo

    Today we drive to Kochkor village , the centre of Kyrgyz national felt handicrafts. Here you will be able to see how the traditional Kygyz wool carpets, called ‘shyrdak’, are made. Continue further to Bokonbayevo Village, passing the Southern shore of Issyk Kul Lak, the second largest mountain lake in the world, along the way.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Golden Eagle Hunting - Karakol
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 6: Golden Eagle Hunting - Karakol

    Visit Skazka Canyon, before going on to meet with a “Berkutchi”, a Golden Eagle hunter and watch a hunting demonstration, gaining insight into this millennia-old Kyrgyz tradition. Continue on to Barskoon Gorge to see the waterfall named ‘Tears of Leopard’. The gorge is considered one of the most beautiful in the Issyk Kul area. Continue to Karakol.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Jety-Orguz Gorge
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 7: Jety-Orguz Gorge

    Visit the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, which was completed in 1895 and tour a Chinese mosque. 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. Go on to enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local Dungan family, learning the fascinating story of why this Muslim Chinese group immigrated to the region 140 years ago.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Karakol - Almaty
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 8: Karakol - Almaty

    Rise early and travel to the outskirts of town for the unforgettable Karakol Sunday Animal Market. Drive through breath-taking scenery to, visit magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles, named due to the pillars and rock formations forming imposing structures. Travel on to Almaty where you will overnight.

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

    This morning, discover the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, dedicated to the Panfilov heroes of an Alma-Ata Infantry as well as the Ascension Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church made entirely of wood. In the afternoon, explore the Ili Alatau mountains and Medeu, an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink, located at the height of 1,690 metres. Go on to visit Shymbulak, a mountain resort located 2,260 metres above sea level. Continue to Kok Tobe, before taking a ride on a cable car for magnificent panoramic views of the city. You will return to your hotel afterwards, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Almaty - Dushanbe
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 10: Almaty - Dushanbe

    This morning in Almaty is yours to enjoy at your leisure. This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan arriving in the early afternoon

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

    Today vist the famous Museum of National Antiquities. Walk through the botanical gardens, Rudaki Park and stop at the Ismoili Somoni monument. After lunch visit the historical Fortress of Hissor, the Medrassah Kuhna and the Museum of Tajik Way of life

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

    Visit the breathtaking Lake Iskander Kul on the way to Khujand.

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

    Enjoy a tour of Khujand, visiting Pushkin Square, Timur Malik's Fortress and the atmospheric Panjshanbe Bazaar. Travel to Tashkent this afternoon.

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

    See the highlights of Tashkent today, including Barak Khan and Kukeidash Madrassahs, Chorsu Bazaar and the opulently-decorated stations of Tashkent's metro system.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Tashkent - Samarkand
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 15: Tashkent - Samarkand

    Drive to Samarkand, where after checking into your hotel you will visit the iconic Registan Square, the heartbeat of Samarkand. Admire the three beautiful madrassahs on the square's perimeter.

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

    Enjoy a full day's tour of Samarkand, starting with Gur Emir, the mausoleum to Tamerlane. Next, continue to Bibi Khanum Mosque before visiting Ulugbek's observatory and the ancient settlement of Afrosiab.

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

    Head out of Samarkand to the town of Shakhrisabz where you will explore the remains of Ak-Sarai Palace, Dorus Tilavat Cemetery and KokGumbas Mosque. Continue your journey this afternoon as you make your way 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 Nadir Devanbegi Madrassah, 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. Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Enjoy some downtime this afternoon.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 20
    Bukhara - Khiva
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 20: Bukhara - Khiva

    Travel across the famous Kyzyl Kum Desert today. Watch in awe as the scenery changes from saksaul trees to the Amudarya riverbank.

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

    Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Khiva's most famous sights, finishing at the Friday Mosque and the 19th century Tash Hauli Palace.

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

    Transfer overland to Kunya-Urgench, the once-glorious capital of the Khorezmshah Empire and a now UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, transfer to Dashoguz for your evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

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

    Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Ashgabat in your own time. Afterwards, head to Arkadash stud farm and learn about the “winged” Akhal Tekkes horses. En route back to Ashgabat stop at the Kipchak Complex where the largest mosque in Turkmenistan and the family mausoleum of the country’s first president is located.

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

    Rise early for your flight to Mary. From the airport you will transfer overland to the ancient city of Merv; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Central Asia. Return to Mary affter to visit the local History Museum.

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

    Visit the Old Nisa Fortress; the former residence of the Parthian Empire. After lunch you will continue the fun at the colourful Russian Bazaar. Later, continue to the National Carpet Museum that exhibits an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various carpet objects.

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

    Fly to New Zealand, 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

2024
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Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart NZStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as at 101 July 2024, subject to change.
    • 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.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately US$160pp is paid locally in Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan.
    • Turkmenistan Visa paid locally on Arrival
    • Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
    • Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request
    • Land only (Bishkek - Ashgabat) from $17,180 per person, twin share
    • Single supplement from $2,580
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • Meals as per the itinerary
    • International flights and current taxes
    • Domestic transportation
    • 3 – 4 star accommodation, guest house & yurts
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
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    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

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