Compare The Five Stans of the Silk Road by Exodus Travels vs Central Asia Journey by World Expeditions

Day 1 Start Ashgabat

The adventure begins in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. As per Turkmen law, we arrange arrival transfers for all customers. See the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more details. There are no arranged activities today, as many flights arrive very late in the evening or early tomorrow morning. Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)

Day 2 Ashgabat to Darvaza Crater − the 'Door to Hell'

Ashgabat holds the record for the most white-marble buildings in the world. In the post-Soviet era, successive Turkmen leaders built these impressive buildings as a show of the country’s strength and they make for a surreal experience. Ashgabat has been described as Pyongyang meets Las Vegas, and you can see why. Around midday, following an initial briefing, we have an introductory tour of Ashgabat including a one hour visit to the National Museum. Mid afternoon, we head north in a 4x4 convoy into the Karakum Desert, some 4hr 30min drive (161mi/260km) away, to a massive burning gas crater known as the Door to Hell in a remote part of the Darvaza region. In the 1970s, Soviet engineers looking for natural gas deposits came across this area. Attempting to assess the amount of gas present they set up a drill. The drill collapsed, exposing a big crater and seeping methane gas into the air. The engineers decided to set the gas alight in the belief that it would burn off within a few weeks. More than 45 years later, it is still burning. We have dinner near the crater and stay overnight in yurts very nearby. Seeing the burning crater by night is a unforgettable experience. Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 3 Nisa and Ashgabat

After breakfast, we head back to Ashgabat and then to Nisa, an ancient Persian-era fortress, the former capital of the Persian Parthian Empire, which controlled much of the region from Iraq to Pakistan 2,000 years ago. The ruins here were declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2007. Back in Ashgabat, we visit the Russian Bazaar, Ertogrul Ghazi mosque, Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch and Turkmenbashi mosque-mausoleum. Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar)

Day 4 To Mary

Leaving the Turkmen capital behind, we start our journey east along one of the old Silk Road routes. Our destination today is Mary, about five hours away (plus stops). A short distance outside Ashgabat, we make our first stop at the 15th-century Anau Mosque, on the edge of a Bronze Age site. From here, we continue to the remains of the Silk Road-era town of Abiverd. The settlement, which was abandoned for about three centuries, was once a vibrant and important centre. The 12th-century city is about two hours (81mi/130km) from Ashgabat and makes for an interesting stop and an ideal opportunity to stretch our legs. As we continue, look out for camels and small, dusty desert towns. Eventually reaching Mary, we have a late afternoon/early evening city tour taking in the Central Bazaar, Juma Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church. Accommodation: Hotel Mary (or similar)

Day 5 Merv and to Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Possibly the largest city in the world in its heyday, Merv was destroyed by Genghis Khan’s armies in 1221. It is estimated 700,000 people lost their lives and the city never recovered. Today, this Unesco-badged attraction is the most important historical site in Turkmenistan and we take time to visit before continuing to the border about 5hr 30min (152mi/245km) away, where we say goodbye to our Turkmen leader. We hope to arrive at the border around 4pm; the crossing into Uzbekistan can take about 1hr 30min. We meet our Uzbek leader on the other side and drive for approximately two hours (62mi/100km) to Bukhara, one of the great Silk Road cities. Accommodation: Hotel Kavsar (or similar)

Day 6 Bukhara

The 2,000-year-old city of Bukhara has an old centre that evokes the many centuries of traders and travellers who’ve passed through here on their way between the Mediterranean and China. We spend the day exploring this fascinating city, including a visit to the historic Lyabi Khauz architectural complex, which has the oldest reflective pool in Central Asia. It is surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and Khanaka, which has a façade of intricate mosaics. We also visit the Poi Kalyan Complex, home to the 157ft (48m) high Kalyan Minaret, which has come to symbolise the city; the Kalyan Mosque with 288 domes covering galleries below; Samanids Mausoleum; Ark Citadel; and Chor-Minor. Accommodation: Hotel Kavsar (or similar)

Day 7 Bukhara to Samarkand

This morning, we uncover more Bukhara history and culture as we explore the Sitorai-Mohl-Hosa Palace, the summer palace of the Bukhara emirs. After lunch, we have a four to five hours’ drive (186mi/300km) to the other great Silk Road city, Samarkand. We break up the journey with a short stop at Rabat-i-Malik (a caravanserai ruin) and lunch in Navoi. Accommodation: Kavsar Dilshoda/Malika Prime (or similar)

Day 8 Full day sightseeing in Samarkand

Possibly the most famous of the Silk Road cities, Samarkand has blue-tiled buildings that dazzle in the bright sun. It is also home to one of the world’s great squares – Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by the madrassahs of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori. It is said the square and madrassah influenced other sites, including the great square in Isfahan, Iran, and the Taj Mahal in India. The city was the capital of the great Tamerlane and we spend the day visiting a number of Tamerlane-era sites, including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Ulugh Beg’s observatory, the huge cathedral-mosque Bibi Khanum, and the impressive Necropolis. Accommodation: Hotel Dilshoda / Malika Prime (or similar)

Day 9 Shakhrisabz and Boysun.

We start early for the long day ahead, combining driving with sightseeing. The day starts with a three-hour transfer to the town of Shakhrisabz. The city of Timurin (from the reign of Tamerlane) has several historic monuments, including the ruins of the Ak Saray Palace, the Doruttilyavat Ensemble, the Kok Gumbaz Mosque and others mostly dating to the 14th and 15th centuries. Sadly, the historic centre is on the Unesco list of World Heritage in Danger. After exploring the Shakhrisabz sites, we continue south heading towards Boysun arriving in the late afternoon or evening. Accommodation: Baysun Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Boysun and Sangardak Waterfall

The district of Boysun holds Unesco World Heritage status for its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is an isolated area with traditions and customs that date back centuries. We'll visit the local bazaar and artisan centre where we can see weavers of the Janda fabric which is made in this area. We'll see embroidery and skull cap making. We can also take a short walk in Kyzyl Canyon and visit Omonkhon spring, known for its healing properties. We drive 6 mi (100km) onwards to Denau, then a further 30mi (50km) Sangardak waterfall, Uzbekistan's tallest. The falls are 150 metres in length and it is possible to walk in the area. We return to Denau for the night. Accommodation: Gulistan Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Cross into Tajikistan; on to Dushanbe.

It’s another early start to head to Tajikistan, country number three. Upon arrival at the Saryosiyo border, we bid farewell to our Uzbek leader and upon crossing are greeted by our Tajik leader. The drive from Denau to Dushanbe is 68mi (110km) on a good road and we stop for lunch en route. The origins of Dushanbe probably stretch back 3,000 years, though the city grew under Soviet rule as the capital for the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, a part of the Uzbek USSR. Upon arrival in the Tajik capital, we have a city tour taking in Independence Square, the Samany Monument (dedicated to the founder of the Tajik Government), Rudaki Ave, and a historical museum. Accommodation: The Rumi Hotel & Residences (or similar)

Day 12 Into the Fann Mountains and Iskanderkul Lake.

The Fann Mountains are one of two great ranges in Tajikistan (along with the Pamirs) and have peaks towering up to 18,008ft (5,489m). Our destination is Iskanderkul Lake (named after Alexander the Great and is thought to be the final resting place of the conqueror’s beloved horse, Bucephalus) situated at 7,218ft (2,200m). We travel through a beautiful valley; the drive takes about four to five hours (78mi/125km); please note, the road conditions deteriorate on the last 16mi (25km). This afternoon, we explore the area around the lake, including visiting the biggest waterfall in Tajikistan, a 131ft (40m) cascade affectionately called Tajikistan Niagara. The glacial lake itself is often claimed to be the jewel of the Fann Mountains and one of the most beautiful in the former Soviet Union. Tonight, we stay in cottages with fantastic views overlooking Iskanderkul Lake. There are shared bathrooms and toilets (some indoor and some outdoor). Accommodation: Cottage

Day 13 Istravashan and Khujand

Istravashan and Khujand Leaving the Fann Mountains behind, we head into the industrial and agricultural heartland around the city of Khujand (about four hours’ drive). En route, we visit the town of Istravashan founded by the Persian king Kier in the sixth century, where we visit the old city, home to a bazaar and the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and madrassah. While Khujand, today, is not the most attractive of cities it has a complex history. Believed to be one of the oldest in Central Asia, it was attacked by Alexander the Great, Arab invaders and Genghis Khan, as well as being an important stop along the Silk Road. There are still traces of the glory days and we take in a tour of the sites, including the Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mausoleum, the Payshhambe bazaar and, if time Urumkhodjaev family country estate, a copy of the Russian tsarist palace of Peterhof. Accommodation: Khudjand Delux Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan

We return to Uzbekistan via the border crossing at Andurkhan, where we say goodbye to our Tajik crew and re-join the Uzbeks. The total driving time to Ferghana town is about five hours from Khujand, but we make several stops along the way. The first of these is at Kokand, which was the capital of the 19th-century Kokand Khanate. We visit the Khudoyar-Khan Palace (1871) home to a museum, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum. From here, we continue to the small village of Rishtan, home to potter dynasties and ceramics masters. We visit a local ceramics studio and witness a demonstration of the craft before the opportunity to buy earthenware. Our final stop is at Marghilan, where we visit a silk factory and learn about the material that gave its name to the greatest trade route in history. Eventually, we arrive in Ferghana town where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Club 777 (or similar)

Day 15 To Osh and Arslan Bob in Kyrgyzstan

A short drive gets us to our next border crossing and country number four. After meeting our Kyrgyz leader, we head into nearby Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second city, and begin our exploration. We visit the sacred Sulayman Mountain, a holy Muslim site (and burial place of the prophet Sulayman (Solomon); and the central point on the Silk Road. The walk to the top of Sulayman Mountain is paved with some steps and can be tiring in the heat but the views over the city and valley below, small museum and 15th-century church are worth the effort. This afternoon, we leave the city and head for Arslanbob Nature Reserve (about 3hr 30min to four hours’ away including stops), arriving in the evening. The village of Arslanbob is in the mountains at around 5,250ft (1,600m) – though the top and bottom of the village vary considerably in altitude – and is surrounded by an ancient walnut forest believed to be the largest in the world. We spend the next two nights in a basic homestay with outside drop toilets and outside showers (normally with hot water). Accommodation: Homestay

Day 16 Full day in Arslanbob

After a few busy days, today is for relaxing in Arslanbob. Around mid-morning, we go for a walk and picnic lunch in the surrounding countryside. The walk takes around four hours (including lunch and stops) and requires walking shoes/boots. The pace is leisurely but if anyone prefers not to join, you are free to opt out. Accommodation: Homestay

Day 17 Chychkn Gorge

Our journey today takes us through the central Tien Shan mountains as we drive through picturesque canyons and gorges and around Toktogul Reservoir. The drive takes approximately eight to nine hours (217mi/350km) including lunch and rest/photo stops. Eventually, we reach Chychkan Gorge, home to fir and juniper trees. We spend the night in a simple guesthouse with en suite rooms on the banks of a rushing river. Accommodation: Oson Guest House

Day 18 Kyzyl Oi Village

This morning, there's a chance for another walk to a nearby gorge before continuing our crossing of central Kyrgyzstan. In the late morning, we drive to the village of Kyzyl Oi (4hr 30min to five hours including lunch and rest/photo stops). Kyzyl Oi translates to Red Bowl, named for the red cliffs surrounding the village, and the red-brown mountains here are particularly attractive in the late afternoon and early morning sun. The village dates from before the Great October Soviet Socialist Revolution and has kept a distinctive Central Asian character. While the valley opens out, the village is in a narrow gorge on the banks of the powerful Kekermeren River. Upon arrival, there is free time to explore the village and surrounding area or interact with the families in whose homestays we will spend the night. We will usually be spread across a few houses, but we all have dinner together in one of the houses. Accommodation: Homestay

Day 19 - 20 To Son Kul Lake

Leaving the gorges behind, we head towards the high pastures surrounding Son Kul Lake (9,895ft/3,016m above sea level). The journey takes approximately four hours, including some rough roads, and we arrive in time for lunch. A land of nomadic shepherds, this is the jewel in the Kyrygz crown for natural beauty. Today, yurt camps have multiplied around the lake, but the people who look after them still tend their flocks, while men on horseback care for cattle on the jailoo (high mountain pastures). Activities change depending on the time of year, but we have the whole of the next day to take in the beauty of the landscape. There is the option to go on a 2hr-2hr 30min walk to the nearby hills – the slopes are quite steep, and this may not be for everyone, but at the top are a few petroglyphs to admire. After lunch, we may visit one of the Kyrgyz shepherd families close to camp to learn about their lifestyle and perhaps taste kumis (a natural drink made from fermented mare’s milk) or similar. There may be the option to go horse-riding (extra cost). We experience the nomad life with a stay in a yurt camp. There are now Western-style toilets and a 'shower yurt' with proper showers and wash basins. There is hot water when the generator is running (usually morning and evening) but it is not wholly reliable. Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 21 Bishkek

Leaving the high mountains that characterise Kyrgyzstan behind, we head to the capital city, Bishkek (about seven hours’ drive), stopping for lunch en route. The former Soviet city is undergoing a transformation with cafes and trendy bars opening. Upon arrival, we have a short tour of the sites around the main square, Alatoo Square. We visit the Museum of History and have time for souvenir shopping or relaxing (if the Museum of History is closed for renovation or any other reason, we may substitute it for the Fine Arts Museum). Accommodation: B Hotel (or similar)

Day 22 Almaty, Kazakhstan

Four to five hours from the Kyrgyz capital city (depending on border crossing times) is Almaty, the former Kazakh capital and the biggest city in the fifth country on our trip. We spend the morning driving to what is considered the most European city in Central Asia and set off on a city tour after lunch. We take in Panfilovs Park, home to the Piously-Voznesenskiy Orthodox Cathedral (1907), which was built without any nails; a memorial to victims of the Second World War and the Republic Square. Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol Almaty (or similar)

Day 23 End Almaty

Our adventure comes to an end in Almaty after breakfast. If you’re continuing to the Astana extension, you will be taken to the airport in time for the internal flight to the Kazakh capital. Alternatively, begin your return journey home.

Day 1 Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan

On arrival in Tashkent, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Tashkent is a modern city of three million people and is the arts centre of the region. Museums and the opera house are perhaps its best known attractions. It has a relaxed pace and charming street side cafes. Trams amble beside green parks and the wide tree-lined roads give a sense of space. We will have an important tour briefing later today, so please check with reception for the time and location. Note: Hotel check-in time today is 14:00. Should your flight arrive earlier, please discuss arrangements for earlier room access with your Adventure Travel Consultant. Overnight: Gabrielle Hotel or similar

meals : Array

Day 2 In Tashkent, train to Samarkand

Tashkent is a modern city of three million people and is the arts centre of the region. Museums and the opera house are perhaps its best known attractions. It has a relaxed pace and charming street side cafes. Trams amble beside green parks and the wide tree-lined roads give a sense of space. In the morning we’ll visit the Tashkent underground, where each station displays a specific architectural and artistic decoration. In the evening we take the train which follows the ancient Silk Road past old caravanserai to the ancient city of Samarkand. Over the centuries this road has been travelled by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane as they travelled the route to extend their knowledge and influence. Nowadays, this desert journey takes just over 2½ hours in the comfort of the air conditioned high speed train. Overnight: Hotel City Samarkand or similar

meals : B,L

Day 3 In Samarkand

Samarkand is a wondrous city showcasing the legacies of the great ruler Tamerlane. Also referred to as Tamerlane; the most influential military leader of the middle ages. He set about making it the richest city on earth by pillaging and destroying all other cities and removing their wealth and skills to Samarkand. Covering the tomb where he lies in the city today is a large single slab of green jade, said to be the largest such stone in the world and symbolic of the extravagance of the ruler and the city he built as his capital. A visit to the tomb reveals an impressive piece of work, but his legacy, the Registan, the market place of ancient Samarkand, is his greatest achievement. It is enclosed by spectacular medressas (Islamic centres of learning) on three sides. These huge buildings with domes and minarets covered in a mosaic of azure tiles were built from the 1400s. The Registan is deserving of its title as one of the wonders of the ancient world. We will also visit the huge mosque, bazaar and observatory during our exploration in and around Samarkand. Overnight: Hotel City Samarkand or similar

meals : B,L

Day 5 Train to Bukhara

Our Silk Road journey continues as we travel between Samarkand and Bukhara via rail, passing through the desert along the ancient trade route. This journey of almost 300km would have once taken days for silk road traders and conquering armies to navigate, but now it takes a mere 1½ hours in the comfort of the air conditioned high speed train. We'll arrive into Bukhara around midday. Following hotel check-in and lunch, the remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax or venture out for your first exploration of this prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route. Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

meals : B,L

Day 6 In Bukhara

Bukhara boasts 2500 years of vibrant history. Capital of the Samanid state in the 9th and 10th Century’s, Bukhara became the centre of an intellectual, religious and commercial renaissance of Central Asia until the city succumbed in 1220 to Genghis Khan and then to Tamerlane in 1370, after which Samarkand became the regions most important city. Bukhara had a second lease of life in the 16th century when it became the capital of what we now know as Bukhara Khanate during which time it had more than 300 mosques, 100 medrasses with over 10,000 students. In 1868 it became the protectorate of the Tsar and later became incorporated into the Russian and then Soviet Empires. Over two days we’ll immerse ourselves in the tapestry of this city with its rich history, taking in sights such as The Ark, the former royal city and fortress that was the focus of the city for 2000 years, the Summer Palace of the last emir, mausoleums and mosques and of course the exotic bazaars and markets that make Bukhara famous amongst shoppers. It is in these enclaves where bold and intricate carpets, gold and an assortment of jewelry, tapestries, musical instruments, carved boxes, hats from provinces all over Central Asia provide endless interest. Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

meals : B,L

Day 8 Travel to Mary, Turkmenistan

The road journey from Bukhara to Mary takes around 8-9 hours, depending on the border crossing times. We will have to cross the actual border on foot and is without vehicle support so please ensure you are able to carry or wheel your luggage along the way. Once border formalities are complete, we will pass through the industrial city of Turkmenabat and continue on to Mary by private vehicle. Overnight: Hotel Mary or similar

meals : B,L

Day 9 Visit Ancient Merv, fly to Ashgabat

We commence the day with a short distance drive out of Mary to Merv, an ancient Silk Road staging post. Its origins date back more than 8000 years; the city was at its height during the 11th and 12th centuries when it was considered to be the second most important city in the Islamic world (after Baghdad), being the capital of the Seljuk Turks. Under their domination of the region stretching from Afghanistan to Egypt, the Seljuk’s created a city full of treasures and palaces, irrigation channels and fertile gardens. The Mongols all but destroyed the city under the rule of Genghis Khan in the 13th century and it lay dormant for a century. Whilst parts of the city were resettled over the next few centuries it was not until the 18th century that the dam and some of the former riches were restored. Again, this did not last long, as the Emir of Bukhara opened the dam and his army reduced the city to rubble in 1795. The remains of the city are spread over an area of 100 square kilometres, and the site contains five walled cities from different periods. We spend a few hours exploring the remains of these cities before returning to Mary for our evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital. Overnight: Sport Hotel or similar

meals : B,L

Day 10 In Ashgabat

Today we visit the main city sights of Ashgabat including the Palace of Turkmenbashi, the National Museum which houses a rich collection of ancient artifacts from Turkmenistan, and the Archaeological site of Nissa including the remains of Old and New Nissa. The city was an important centre of the Parthian State, which existed from the 3rd century BC up to the 3rd century AD. As the archaeological research shows, the township of New Nissa was the centre of the Parthian City. It was inhabited up to the 16th - 17th centuries. Old Nissa was a royal residence of the Parthian kings with the palace and temple, the depositories and the treasury. During the archaeological excavations about 2700 texts inscribed with black paint on the clay vessels fragments were discovered. The written language used in Nissa was of the Aramaic origin, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. We also take in the sights of the Presidential Palace, Lenin Square, Ertogrul Ghazy, and Turkmenbashynyn Ruhy Metjidi which is largest mosque in Central Asia. Overnight: Sport Hotel or similar

meals : B,L

Day 11 Flight to Dashoguz, drive to Khiva

Today we transfer to the airport for the short flight to Dashoguz (Tashauz). We'll be met at the airport and accompanied by an English speaking driver who will brief you and assist with border formalities. Once across the border you will be met by your Uzbek guide for the 1hr transfer to Khiva. Upon arrival into Khiva, we'll check-in to our hotel before venturing out for our first explorations of this historical town. Overnight: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 12 In Khiva

The ancient walled city of Khiva is a stunning monument to the rich history of the region. Slave caravans, wild tribesmen and a harsh and unrelenting desert are all part of its tumultuous history. We spend the day exploring the mazes of mosques, tombs, alley ways, palaces and medressas. The following day will be at your leisure in this fascinating town. Overnight: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 13 Flight to Tashkent

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Tashkent. You will be transferred to your hotel to check-in. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the sites of Tashkent we were unable to see previously. There will also be some time for some souvenir shopping should you wish to pick up a few items. Overnight: Gabrielle Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 14 Trip concludes in Tashkent

Today is departure day, there may be some free time before your provided transfer to the airport for your onward connection. If your onward travel is later in the day, remember that check out time is 12:00 noon. You can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

meals : B