24 Day Five Stans with Mary Extension
Departs: 13 April 2026 | 24 Days | 5 Countries | Hosted Journey
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Join Debbie Rains on an extraordinary small-group journey through the heart of Central Asia — a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the marble monuments of Turkmenistan to the ancient Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan, the mountain lakes of Tajikistan, and the nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, this is a journey that stirs the senses and inspires the soul.
Travel in comfort with a hand-picked group of like-minded adventurers as Debbie guides you through vibrant bazaars, UNESCO-listed fortresses, vast deserts, and high-altitude valleys. With local experts in each country, carefully chosen accommodation, and authentic cultural experiences, you’ll uncover the legendary “Five Stans” in a way few travellers ever do.
It’s more than a holiday — it’s a chance to share stories, connect with locals, and experience the timeless spirit of the Silk Road together.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the Silk Road’s legendary cities — Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand — each alive with mosques, minarets and ancient marketplaces.
- Witness the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater (“Gates to Hell”) and spend a night under the desert stars in a traditional yurt.
- Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Merv and Kunya-Urgench, gateways to Central Asia’s rich past.
- Journey through Tajikistan’s Seven Lakes and along dramatic mountain passes to Iskanderkul Lake.
- Immerse yourself in culture with a plov cooking class in Bukhara and felt-making workshop in Kyrgyzstan.
- Experience nomadic traditions at Issyk-Kul Lake, the Falconry of Bokonbayevo, and colourful mountain gorges.
- Marvel at natural wonders including Djety-Oguz, Fairytale Canyon, and Charyn Canyon.
PRICE
From $10,848* per person, twin share
+$500 tipping for guides and drivers
Day 1 – Ashgabat → Mary
Arrive very early into Ashgabat and settle in before beginning the journey east to Mary. En route, pause at the atmospheric Anau Ruins Mosque; on arrival, get your first taste of Turkmen life at Mary’s bazaar, the grand Gurbanguly Haji Mosque and the serene Russian Orthodox Church.
Hotel: Mary Hotel (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 2 – Mary → Merv → Ashgabat
Step back in time at ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site of mausoleums, fortresses and citadels including the magnificent Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum and Erk Gala. Fly back to Ashgabat in the evening and unwind.
Hotel: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 – Ashgabat
Discover the capital’s dramatic landmarks: the National Museum, Independence Park, the Ruhnama Monument and Neutrality Arch, before continuing to the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa (UNESCO) and the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. Evening at leisure.
Hotel: Sport Hotel Ashgabat (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 4 – Ashgabat → Darvaza
Browse a lively Sunday bazaar, visit famed Akhal-Teke horses at local stables and admire the elegant Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque. Continue by 4WD to the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater — the legendary ‘Gates of Hell’ — for sunset and a simple BBQ dinner under the stars.
Hotel: Darvaza Traditional Yurt Camp (or similar; shared yurts/tents) • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 5 – Darvaza → Kunya-Urgench → Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Drive north to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Kunya-Urgench, where medieval monuments and a soaring minaret hint at Silk Road glories. Cross into Uzbekistan (border formalities apply) and continue to storied Khiva.
Hotel: Khiva Residence Hotel (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 6 – Khiva
Wander the open-air museum of Ichan Kala: Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, Kunya-Ark Fortress and Islam Hajj Madrasah, then admire the richly decorated Tash-Khauli Palace and atmospheric Juma Mosque. Cap the day with a traditional dinner and folklore show.
Hotel: Khiva Residence Hotel (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 7 – Khiva → Bukhara
Cross the Kyzyl-Kum Desert along the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia’s great rivers, to reach the elegant oasis of Bukhara. Evening at leisure.
Hotel: Rangrez Hotel Bukhara (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 8 – Bukhara
Explore Bukhara’s masterpieces: the Ismail Samani and Chashma Ayub Mausoleums, the wooden-pillared Bolo Khauz Mosque, the mighty Ark Citadel and the Po-i-Kalyan complex, plus Lyab-i Hauz and the domed bazaars. This evening, learn to cook authentic plov with a local chef.
Hotel: Rangrez Hotel Bukhara (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 9 – Bukhara → Samarkand
Visit the last emir’s summer palace, Sitorai Mohi Hosa, and the Bahoutdin complex before boarding a comfortable train to fabled Samarkand. Arrive in time to see Registan Square glow in the late-day light.
Hotel: Silk Road Empire Hotel Samarkand (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 10 – Samarkand
Take in Samarkand’s icons: the mosaic-clad ensembles of Registan Square, the Gūr-i Amīr (Timur’s mausoleum), the vast Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the exquisite Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. In the evening, enjoy a hands-on manti (dumpling) masterclass and dinner.
Hotel: Silk Road Empire Hotel Samarkand (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 11 – Samarkand → Seven Lakes → Panjakent (Tajikistan)
Cross the border into Tajikistan to visit the prehistoric ruins of Sarazm (UNESCO), then continue to the Marguzor ‘Seven Lakes’. Enjoy a gentle guided hike between the sixth and seventh lakes before a late-afternoon return to Panjakent.
Hotel: Penjakent Plaza Hotel (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 12 – Panjakent → Iskanderkul → Dushanbe
A scenic drive via the Anzob Pass and Istiqlol Tunnel brings you to turquoise Iskanderkul — one of Tajikistan’s loveliest alpine lakes — for a lakeside walk. Continue to the capital, Dushanbe, and settle in.
Hotel: Rumi Hotel Dushanbe (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 13 – Dushanbe
Start at the Tajikistan United Museum, home to the famed ‘Buddha in Nirvana’, then wander the peaceful Botanical Garden and lively Green (Oriental) Bazaar. Later, explore the ancient Hissar Fortress and the 17th-century Madrasah Kukhna.
Hotel: Rumi Hotel Dushanbe (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 14 – Dushanbe → Khujand
Travel north through photogenic mountain passes — Anzob and Shakhristan — to Khujand in the Fergana Valley. Visit the Historical-Ethnographic Museum, Timur-Malik (Khujand) Fortress, the Sheikh Muslihiddin complex and vibrant Payshanba Bazaar.
Hotel: Khujand Deluxe Hotel (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 15 – Khujand → Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Cross into Uzbekistan and, after checking in, stroll Tashkent’s grand public spaces, including Independence Square and Amir Temur Square and statue. Evening at leisure.
Hotel: Stay Inn Hotel Tashkent (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 16 – Tashkent → Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Explore Tashkent’s Old City: the Khasti Imam religious complex (with historic Qur’an and relics), the Dzhuma-mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali and the vaulted Chorsu Bazaar beneath its striking blue dome. Fly onward to leafy Bishkek and settle in.
Hotel: My Hotel Bishkek (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 17 – Bishkek
Breathe the mountain air in Ala-Archa Gorge, a favourite local escape for short hikes and big views. Back in the city, take in Ala-Too Square with its monuments to Manas and Soviet-era history, then enjoy a relaxed evening.
Hotel: My Hotel Bishkek (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 18 – Bishkek → Burana Tower → Kochkor → Naryn
Travel through the Chuy Valley to the archaeological park of Balasagyn and the 11th-century Burana Tower. In Kochkor, meet local artisans and try your hand at a felt-making masterclass before continuing to alpine Naryn.
Hotel: Grand Khan Tengri – Naryn (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 19 – Naryn → Tash Rabat → Naryn
A rewarding day trip to Tash Rabat, a 15th-century stone caravanserai on the ancient Silk Road, nestled in a high mountain valley. Return to Naryn for a quiet evening.
Hotel: Grand Khan Tengri – Naryn (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 20 – Naryn → Bokonbaevo → Tamga (Issyk Kul)
Skirt the southern shore of Issyk Kul, Central Asia’s ‘pearl’, stopping in Bokonbaevo for a traditional falconry demonstration and at Fairytale Canyon for its sculpted red-clay formations. Overnight in a seasonal yurt camp (shared) or a cosy guesthouse; dinner included.
Hotel: Almaluu Yurt Camp (or similar/guesthouse) • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 21 – Tamga → Djety-Oguz Gorge → Karakol
Walk amid spruce-clad slopes and the famed ‘Seven Bulls’ rock formations of Djety-Oguz. In Karakol, visit the intricate wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the striking Dungan Mosque built without nails, and the Przhevalsky Museum.
Hotel: Green Yard Hotel Karakol (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 22 – Karakol → Charyn Canyon → Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Cross the border into Kazakhstan and stop at Charyn Canyon National Park, where wind-carved cliffs line a winding river. Continue to Almaty and settle into your central hotel.
Hotel: Grand Sapphire Hotel Almaty (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 23 – Almaty
Discover Almaty’s urban-alpine blend: browse the Green Bazaar, wander Panfilov Park to see Zenkov Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory, ride the cableway from Kok-Tobe Hill, then head up to Medeo and Shymbulak for sweeping mountain views.
Hotel: Grand Sapphire Hotel Almaty (or similar) • Meals: Breakfast.
Day 24 – Almaty → Home
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
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