9, 14, 23 or 26 days
The Stans of Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Trip Highlights
- Explore the ancient Silk Road cities, including Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
- Experience traditional culture, staying with local families and in traditional yurts
- Hike through the picturesque Fann Mountains in Tajikistan
- Discover natural wonders such as Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest and Charyn Canyon
- Visit the "Gateway to Hell" in the Darvaza Crater in Turkmenistan
- Freedom and flexibility: Budget friendly trip with plenty of free time so you can shape your experience with optional activities to suit your budget and travel style
Trip Overview
Venture off the well-beaten path and explore the 'Stans in Central Asia and tick 5 new countries off your bucket list. These under-explored destinations offer a glimpse at nomadic life, ancient Silk Road sites and fiery craters on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Experience snow-capped peaks, sunken forests, vast deserts, bustling modern cities and more as you travel through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Perfect for the intrepid traveller who is looking to take the route less travelled - this is definitely not your usual travelling experience!
Trip Gallery



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All tours:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 24 hours emergency assistance
- Overnight in a yurt (Song Kul)
- Tamga village stay (Tamga)
- Tour leader
- Half-day Bishkek city tour
- Bishkek Burana Tower visit
- Przhevalsky Museum visit
- Felt-making workshop visit
- Yurt building demonstration
- Saty village stay
- Kaindy Lake and sunken forest exploration
- Almaty City tour
- Charyn Canyon Visit
14 day tour - all of the above, plus:
- Kuli Iskandarkul community homestay
- Dushanbe City tour
- Kŭli Iskandarkŭl waterfall hike
- Mug Teppe visit
- Khujand city tour
- Khujand market visit
- City tour Tashkent
- Hikes and picnic lunch
- Internal flight
23 day tour - all of the above, plus:
- Samarkand city tour
- Bukhara walking tour
- Chashma Complex and Holy Spring Visit in Nurata
- Fortress of Alexander the Great visit in Nurata
- Khiva Ancient City tour
26 day tour - all of the above, plus:
- Darvaza gas crater ("Door to Hell") visit
- Erbent visit
- Ashgabat city tour
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Some meals, snacks and drinks
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities
25 nights of accommodation are included in this tour. You will spend 19 nights in standard hotels/ guesthouses, 3 nights in traditional yurts, 2 nights in local homestays and 1 night in a tented camp. The rooms will be twin or multi-share with someone of the same sex. Below is a list of accomodation you may stay on during your trip. Please note all accomodation is subject to change.
- Grand Hotel Bishkek
- Kemin Guesthouse
- Yurts Song Kul
- Anyutaika Guesthouse
- Caravan Hotel Karakol
- Saty Village Guesthouse
- Hotel KAZZHOL Almaty
- Atlas Hotel
- Homestay Ghazza Village
- Sugdiyon Hotel
- Alpha Plaza Hotel and SPA
- Zarina Hotel
- Yurt Camp Stay Aidarkul
- Hotel As-Salam
- Hotel Grand Vizir
- Hotel Dashoguz
- Darwaza Camping
Meals
This tour includes 25 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 9 dinners. You will have to buy the remainder of the meals yourself, which is a great opportunity for you to taste delicious local food and explore the places we visit.
Select an option to view the relevant itinerary:
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, at any time today. There will be a welcome meeting in the evening where you can get to know your group and guide.
Day 2: Bishkek to Chong-Kemin
We'll leave Bishkek this morning and travel to Chong-Kemin Valley, stopping off at one of Krygyzstan's oldest sights, Burana Tower. We'll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner tonight, surrounded by stunning scenery, and sleep in a guest house.
Day 3: Chong-Kemin to Song Kul
You may choose to embark on a morning hike in the mountains. Once we arrive at Song Kul Lake, soak up the breathtaking landscape as we explore 3,016 metres above sea level. Get a real experience of Kyrgyz culture as we spend the night in a traditional yurt.
Day 4: Song Kul to Tamga
Spend the morning at the lake before heading off to Kochkor, where we will hear from local artisans about the significance of felt-making in Kyrgyz culture and have a go at the craft yourself. Meet the local community in Tamga village this evening.
Day 5: Tamga to Karakol
Visit the important Ak-Orgo workshop, providing employment opportunities in Barksoon, and learn how traditional yurts are created. We'll then travel to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city, and visit the Przhevalsky Museum.
Day 6: Karakol
This morning, we'll take a picture-perfect hike at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, spotting unique red rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy free time in the city of Karakol this afternoon.
Day 7: Karakol to Saty Village
It's time to tick off our second Stan of the trip! As we journey into Kazakhstan, we'll ride in a 4x4 to Kaindy Lake. Trek through the sunken forest, a unique experience like no other!
Day 8: Saty Village to Almaty
Explore the unbelievable Charyn Canyon before arriving in Almaty. Tour historic sights and check out local cafes and markets.
Day 9: Trip end
Your tour ends today in Almaty. If you are looking for a longer trip - check out our 14, 23, or 26 day options.
Trip Style
Everyone's dream trip looks a little different, and this group tour is your chance to explore Asia on a budget. Whilst we take care of the accommodation, transport, guide and must-do activities, this trip is designed with maximum flexibility in mind to give you control over the itinerary. You'll have plenty of free time and freedom to shape your own adventures with a wide variety of optional activities available to book during your trip, so you can choose experiences around your preferences and budget.
Whether you're after an action-packed itinerary or want to explore at a relaxed pace, this trip is your chance to do so. This style of trips are some of the most budget-friendly options we offer, making them accessible to a wide range of different travellers.
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, at any time today. There will be a welcome meeting in the evening where you can get to know your group and guide.
Day 2: Bishkek to Chong-Kemin
We'll leave Bishkek this morning and travel to Chong-Kemin Valley, stopping off at one of Krygyzstan's oldest sights, Burana Tower. We'll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner tonight, surrounded by stunning scenery, and sleep in a guest house.
Day 3: Chong-Kemin to Song Kul
You may choose to embark on a morning hike in the mountains. Once we arrive at Song Kul Lake, soak up the breathtaking landscape as we explore 3,016 metres above sea level. Get a real experience of Kyrgyz culture as we spend the night in a traditional yurt.
Day 4: Song Kul to Tamga
Spend the morning at the lake before heading off to Kochkor, where we will hear from local artisans about the significance of felt-making in Kyrgyz culture and have a go at the craft yourself. Meet the local community in Tamga village this evening.
Day 5: Tamga to Karakol
Visit the important Ak-Orgo workshop, providing employment opportunities in Barksoon, and learn how traditional yurts are created. We'll then travel to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city, and visit the Przhevalsky Museum.
Day 6: Karakol
This morning, we'll take a picture-perfect hike at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, spotting unique red rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy free time in the city of Karakol this afternoon.
Day 7: Karakol to Saty Village
It's time to tick off our second Stan of the trip! As we journey into Kazakhstan, we'll ride in a 4x4 to Kaindy Lake. Trek through the sunken forest, a unique experience like no other!
Day 8: Saty Village to Almaty
Explore the unbelievable Charyn Canyon before arriving in Almaty. Tour historic sights and check out local cafes and markets.
Day 9: Almaty to Dushanbe
Catch a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of our next Stan, Tajikistan!
Day 10: Dushanbe to Gazza Village
There's no better way to start the day than with a scenic drive through out-of-this-world valleys and mountains. Stay in a Community Guest house in Gazza Village, meeting the locals on a relaxing walk.
Day 11: Gazza Village
Journey to one of the oldest villages of the Fann Mountains as you hike along the flowing Voru River. Enjoy some free time this afternoon, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Day 12: Gazza Village to Khujand
Stop off in Istaravshan to pay a visit to a local mosque and Mug Teppe, brimming with history. Arrive at Khujand and explore on a city tour.
Day 13: Khujand to Tashkent
Grab a souvenir in Tajikistan's largest market before we tick the next Stan off the list, Uzbekistan! Marvel at the unique city of Tashkent.
Day 14. Trip end
Your trip ends today in Tashkent. If you are looking for a longer trip - check out our 23 & 26 day options.
Trip Style
Everyone's dream trip looks a little different, and this group tour is your chance to explore Asia on a budget. Whilst we take care of the accommodation, transport, guide and must-do activities, this trip is designed with maximum flexibility in mind to give you control over the itinerary. You'll have plenty of free time and freedom to shape your own adventures with a wide variety of optional activities available to book during your trip, so you can choose experiences around your preferences and budget.
Whether you're after an action-packed itinerary or want to explore at a relaxed pace, this trip is your chance to do so. This style of trips are some of the most budget-friendly options we offer, making them accessible to a wide range of different travellers.
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, at any time today. There will be a welcome meeting in the evening where you can get to know your group and guide.
Day 2: Bishkek to Chong-Kemin
We'll leave Bishkek this morning and travel to Chong-Kemin Valley, stopping off at one of Krygyzstan's oldest sights, Burana Tower. We'll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner tonight, surrounded by stunning scenery, and sleep in a guest house.
Day 3: Chong-Kemin to Song Kul
You may choose to embark on a morning hike in the mountains. Once we arrive at Song Kul Lake, soak up the breathtaking landscape as we explore 3,016 metres above sea level. Get a real experience of Kyrgyz culture as we spend the night in a traditional yurt.
Day 4: Song Kul to Tamga
Spend the morning at the lake before heading off to Kochkor, where we will hear from local artisans about the significance of felt-making in Kyrgyz culture and have a go at the craft yourself. Meet the local community in Tamga village this evening.
Day 5: Tamga to Karakol
Visit the important Ak-Orgo workshop, providing employment opportunities in Barksoon, and learn how traditional yurts are created. We'll then travel to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city, and visit the Przhevalsky Museum.
Day 6: Karakol
This morning, we'll take a picture-perfect hike at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, spotting unique red rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy free time in the city of Karakol this afternoon.
Day 7: Karakol to Saty Village
It's time to tick off our second Stan of the trip! As we journey into Kazakhstan, we'll ride in a 4x4 to Kaindy Lake. Trek through the sunken forest, a unique experience like no other!
Day 8: Saty Village to Almaty
Explore the unbelievable Charyn Canyon before arriving in Almaty. Tour historic sights and check out local cafes and markets.
Day 9: Almaty to Dushanbe
Catch a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of our next Stan, Tajikistan!
Day 10: Dushanbe to Gazza Village
There's no better way to start the day than with a scenic drive through out-of-this-world valleys and mountains. Stay in a Community Guest house in Gazza Village, meeting the locals on a relaxing walk.
Day 11: Gazza Village
Journey to one of the oldest villages of the Fann Mountains as you hike along the flowing Voru River. Enjoy some free time this afternoon, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Day 12: Gazza Village to Khujand
Stop off in Istaravshan to pay a visit to a local mosque and Mug Teppe, brimming with history. Arrive at Khujand and explore on a city tour.
Day 13: Khujand to Tashkent
Grab a souvenir in Tajikistan's largest market before we tick the next Stan off the list, Uzbekistan! Marvel at the unique city of Tashkent.
Day 14. Tashkent
Explore the lively city of Tashkent today, visiting historic museums and taking in city-wide views from Tashkent Tower.
Day 15: Tashkent to Samarkand
Travel to a central location along the Silk Road, Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world filled with grandiose madrassas as we cross into Uzbekistan.
Day 16: Samarkand
Begin your day with a city tour of Samarkand, exploring the top sights such as the impressive Shaki Zinda complex and the majestic Bibi Khanum mosque. You will have some free time this afternoon.
Day 17: Samarkand to Aydar Kǔl Camp
Venture into the desert as we embark on a journey to the Chashma Complex. We'll then take a dip in tranquil Aidarkul Lake and stay in a local yurt camp for the night.
Day 18: Aydar Kǔl Camp to Bukhara
Get to know the city of Bukhara on an enchanting orientation walk.
Day 19: Bukhara
There is so much to explore in Bukhara, We will spend half the day on a guided walking tour, learning the wonderful history of the city.
Day 20: Bukhara to Khiva
Soak up desert views as we drive to UNESCO-listed Khiva. We'll arrive late afternoon, ready for a sunset orientation walk.
Day 21: Khiva
Discover the maze of ancient alleys, learning about the ways of local life on a guided tour.
Day 22: Khiva to Dashoguz
Today, you'll fly back to Tashkent and spend your evening exploring all that the city has to offer.
Day 23: Trip end
Your tour ends today in Tashkent. If you are looking for a longer trip - check out our 26 day option.
Trip Style
Everyone's dream trip looks a little different, and this group tour is your chance to explore Asia on a budget. Whilst we take care of the accommodation, transport, guide and must-do activities, this trip is designed with maximum flexibility in mind to give you control over the itinerary. You'll have plenty of free time and freedom to shape your own adventures with a wide variety of optional activities available to book during your trip, so you can choose experiences around your preferences and budget.
Whether you're after an action-packed itinerary or want to explore at a relaxed pace, this trip is your chance to do so. This style of trips are some of the most budget-friendly options we offer, making them accessible to a wide range of different travellers.
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, at any time today. There will be a welcome meeting in the evening where you can get to know your group and guide.
Day 2: Bishkek to Chong-Kemin
We'll leave Bishkek this morning and travel to Chong-Kemin Valley, stopping off at one of Krygyzstan's oldest sights, Burana Tower. We'll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner tonight, surrounded by stunning scenery, and sleep in a guest house.
Day 3: Chong-Kemin to Song Kul
You may choose to embark on a morning hike in the mountains. Once we arrive at Song Kul Lake, soak up the breathtaking landscape as we explore 3,016 metres above sea level. Get a real experience of Kyrgyz culture as we spend the night in a traditional yurt.
Day 4: Song Kul to Tamga
Spend the morning at the lake before heading off to Kochkor, where we will hear from local artisans about the significance of felt-making in Kyrgyz culture and have a go at the craft yourself. Meet the local community in Tamga village this evening.
Day 5: Tamga to Karakol
Visit the important Ak-Orgo workshop, providing employment opportunities in Barksoon, and learn how traditional yurts are created. We'll then travel to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city, and visit the Przhevalsky Museum.
Day 6: Karakol
This morning, we'll take a picture-perfect hike at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, spotting unique red rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy free time in the city of Karakol this afternoon.
Day 7: Karakol to Saty Village
It's time to tick off our second Stan of the trip! As we journey into Kazakhstan, we'll ride in a 4x4 to Kaindy Lake. Trek through the sunken forest, a unique experience like no other!
Day 8: Saty Village to Almaty
Explore the unbelievable Charyn Canyon before arriving in Almaty. Tour historic sights and check out local cafes and markets.
Day 9: Almaty to Dushanbe
Catch a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of our next Stan, Tajikistan!
Day 10: Dushanbe to Gazza Village
There's no better way to start the day than with a scenic drive through out-of-this-world valleys and mountains. Stay in a Community Guest house in Gazza Village, meeting the locals on a relaxing walk.
Day 11: Gazza Village
Journey to one of the oldest villages of the Fann Mountains as you hike along the flowing Voru River. Enjoy some free time this afternoon, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Day 12: Gazza Village to Khujand
Stop off in Istaravshan to pay a visit to a local mosque and Mug Teppe, brimming with history. Arrive at Khujand and explore on a city tour.
Day 13: Khujand to Tashkent
Grab a souvenir in Tajikistan's largest market before we tick the next Stan off the list, Uzbekistan! Marvel at the unique city of Tashkent.
Day 14. Tashkent
Explore the lively city of Tashkent today, visiting historic museums and taking in city-wide views from Tashkent Tower.
Day 15: Tashkent to Samarkand
Travel to a central location along the Silk Road, Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world filled with grandiose madrassas as we cross into Uzbekistan.
Day 16: Samarkand
Begin your day with a city tour of Samarkand, exploring the top sights such as the impressive Shaki Zinda complex and the majestic Bibi Khanum mosque. You will have some free time this afternoon.
Day 17: Samarkand to Aydar Kǔl Camp
Venture into the desert as we embark on a journey to the Chashma Complex. We'll then take a dip in tranquil Aidarkul Lake and stay in a local yurt camp for the night.
Day 18: Aydar Kǔl Camp to Bukhara
Get to know the city of Bukhara on an enchanting orientation walk.
Day 19: Bukhara
There is so much to explore in Bukhara, We will spend half the day on a guided walking tour, learning the wonderful history of the city.
Day 20: Bukhara to Khiva
Soak up desert views as we drive to UNESCO-listed Khiva. We'll arrive late afternoon, ready for a sunset orientation walk.
Day 21: Khiva
Discover the maze of ancient alleys, learning about the ways of local life on a guided tour.
Day 22: Khiva to Dashoguz
Cross over the Uzbek-Turkmen border, we are arriving in our fifth and final Stan, Turkmenistan! Explore Dashoguz and grab some fresh, local food at the Bai Bazaar.
Day 23: Dashoguz to Darvaza
Discover a town lost in history, untouched since the 1700s, as we explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Kunya Urgench. We'll enjoy lunch and a journey onto the Kara-Kum desert. Settle in under the starry night sky at a yurt camp.
Day 24: Darvaza to Ashgabat
Wander Erbent's breathtaking sand dunes before we arrive in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat!
Day 25: Ashgabat
Start the day by seeing the highlights of the city, including the Monument of Independence and the Arch of Neutrality. You may then opt to visit Ashgabat Hippodrome or explore Ertugrul Gazi Mosque.
Day 26: Trip end
Say your goodbyes today, you've travelled 5 amazing countries and made new friends!
Trip Style
Everyone's dream trip looks a little different, and this group tour is your chance to explore Asia on a budget. Whilst we take care of the accommodation, transport, guide and must-do activities, this trip is designed with maximum flexibility in mind to give you control over the itinerary. You'll have plenty of free time and freedom to shape your own adventures with a wide variety of optional activities available to book during your trip, so you can choose experiences around your preferences and budget.
Whether you're after an action-packed itinerary or want to explore at a relaxed pace, this trip is your chance to do so. This style of trips are some of the most budget-friendly options we offer, making them accessible to a wide range of different travellers.
Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Options Payment plans available
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
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Arrival Information:
You can arrive on Day 1 of your itinerary at any time. The easiest way to get to the starting hotel from Bishkek International Airport (Manas International Airport) is by taxi. You can arrange an official taxi service at the information desk on the ground floor of the airport.
A welcome note will be left in reception with information regarding your welcome meeting. This meeting is usually between 5pm and 7pm and is a great change for you to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers and find out information about the trip. If you arrive after the meeting, a note will be left regarding arrangements for the morning.
There are 4 different trip options. All trip options start at the same location.
The 9 day option ends in Almaty, Kazakhstan
The 14 day option ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
The 23 day option ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
The 26 day option ends in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Age & Eligibility:
You must be at least 18 years old to book on this tour with Gap 360. This fantastic trip is an open-aged experience that caters for a mix of younger and older travellers. This means that you may travel with people who are outside your own age group. Such a mix of ages creates a great group dynamic and enhances the travel experience, as you get to know a range of people with different stories to tell!
Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >