Days 5–10 · Uzbekistan
Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand
Ichan-Kala, Poi-Kalyan, the trading domes, Registan and Shah-i-Zinda form the journey’s principal architectural chapter.
Five Stans Tour: 23 Days from Ashgabat to Astana
Updated:
23 days / 22 nights 5 countries: Ashgabat → Astana Date after service checks
One coordinated route links Darvaza, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, the Fann Mountains, Issyk-Kul, Charyn, Almaty and Astana, with borders, one train and three flights along the route coordinated by CAJ.UZ.
The price is US$5,600 per person in DBL/TWIN for one booking of at least two travellers, or US$6,200 per person with a single room in that booking. The rate is valid through 31 December 2026 after date and service checks; solo travel and 2027 are quoted separately. Flights to Ashgabat before the tour and from Astana after it are excluded.
Your tour in 30 seconds
- Format: 23 days / 22 nights across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
- Start and finish: meet at Ashgabat International Airport; final transfer to Astana airport.
- Highlights: Darvaza after dark, Silk Road cities, Iskanderkul, Issyk-Kul, Charyn, Almaty and Astana.
- Accommodation: 20 city-hotel nights, one night at Zumrad and one in a Darvaza yurt camp.
- Transport: road vehicles, Samarkand–Tashkent train and Tashkent–Dushanbe, Osh–Bishkek and Almaty–Astana flights.
- Included: 22 nights, stated meals and visits, English-speaking local guides, standard entrances and 1.5 litres of water daily.
- Important: flights to Ashgabat and home from Astana, visas, official fees and insurance are excluded; the pace is active with four land borders.
- Price: US$5,600 pp DBL/TWIN or US$6,200 pp SGL for one booking of at least two; solo travel and 2027 on request.
The defining experiences of the Five Stans route
Days 12–13 · Tajikistan
Fann Mountains and Iskanderkul
The lake at about 2,195 m, its waterfall and the mountain road shift the journey from capitals and desert into alpine scenery.
Days 17–19 · Kyrgyzstan
Ala-Archa, Issyk-Kul and Altyn-Arashan
A national park, Skazka Canyon and a mountain gorge create the most active nature days.
Days 20–22 · Kazakhstan
Charyn, Almaty and Astana
The finale combines the canyon, Medeu’s mountain setting, Kazakhstan’s southern cultural centre and its modern capital.
Turkmenistan · Day 3
Darvaza after dark
An evening by the flaming crater and a night in a yurt camp bring you into Turkmenistan’s desert landscape. On day three, the Karakum drive leads to Darvaza after dark and dinner.
The route through a local operator’s eyes
One chain of five local teams
Post-border meetings, vehicles, guides, tickets and accommodation must be confirmed as one sequence rather than unrelated services.
Borders require personal participation
Travellers complete passport and customs formalities themselves and keep documents and luggage with them; queues and entry decisions are outside the operator’s control.
Mountain days need conditions
Iskanderkul, Altyn-Arashan, Karkyra and Charyn depend on weather, roads, season and official decisions; a safe substitution matters more than preserving the order on paper.
Ashgabat-to-Astana route through five countries
The journey from Ashgabat to Astana crosses five countries. The map shows overnight stops, road sections, the train and flights; the stages are outlined below.
5 countriesTurkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
23 days22 nights and four border stages
Ashgabat → Astanainternational-airport start and finish
The diagram shows route sequence and is not drawn to geographic scale.
Turkmenistan
Days 1–4Ashgabat → Darvaza → Dashoguz
1
Capital sights, Old Nisa, the Karakum and a crater overnight, followed by Dashoguz / Shavat.
Uzbekistan
Days 4–11Khiva → Bukhara → Samarkand → Tashkent
2
Three key Silk Road cities, craft stops and the Afrosiyob train.
Tajikistan
Days 11–14Dushanbe → Iskanderkul → Istaravshan → Khujand
3
The capital, Fann Mountains and northern Tajikistan to Patar / Andarkhon.
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
Days 14–20Kokand → Fergana → Osh → Bishkek → Karakol
4
Fergana Valley, Dustlik / Dostuk, Ala-Archa, Issyk-Kul and Altyn-Arashan.
Kazakhstan
Days 20–23Karkyra → Charyn → Almaty → Astana
5
Mountain border, canyon, Almaty, Medeu, a flight and the finish in Astana.
Karkyra is a mountain checkpoint with changeable operating arrangements. Access, hours, road conditions and transport are checked for every date. If the crossing cannot be used safely, CAJ.UZ must confirm alternative logistics in writing before payment.
Detailed timed itinerary for all 23 days
This is the detailed working schedule: sightseeing and road stages have planned time windows, while train, flight and border days are anchored to the issued ticket and actual processing time. Final hours are stated in the voucher and may shift with schedules, queues, roads, weather, opening hours and group pace. When lunch is not listed under Meals, a break is allowed en route but lunch is at your own expense.
Itinerary at a glance
| Day | Main focus | Overnight | Main transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Ashgabat | Ashgabat | arrival transfer |
| Day 2 | Old Nisa and Ashgabat city tour | Ashgabat | vehicle + walking |
| Day 3 | Karakum Desert and Darvaza Gas Crater | Darvaza yurt camp | vehicle |
| Day 4 | Dashoguz / Shavat border and Khiva | Khiva | vehicle + border + transfer |
| Day 5 | Khiva and Ichan-Kala walking tour | Khiva | walking |
| Day 6 | Kyzylkum Desert road to Bukhara | Bukhara | vehicle |
| Day 7 | Old Bukhara and pilaf master class | Bukhara | vehicle + walking |
| Day 8 | Vabkent, Gijduvan and Samarkand | Samarkand | vehicle + walking |
| Day 9 | Samarkand monuments | Samarkand | walking |
| Day 10 | Afrosiyob train to Tashkent and capital tour | Tashkent | train + city transport |
| Day 11 | Flight to Dushanbe and city tour | Dushanbe | flight |
| Day 12 | Fann Mountains and Iskanderkul Lake | Zumrad Tourist Base / “Zumrad” at Iskanderkul | vehicle |
| Day 13 | Istaravshan and Khujand via Shahristan | Khujand | vehicle |
| Day 14 | Khujand, Patar / Andarkhon border and Kokand | Kokand | vehicle + border + transfer |
| Day 15 | Kokand, Rishtan, Kum-Tepe and Fergana | Fergana | vehicle + walking |
| Day 16 | Margilan, Dustlik / Dostuk, Osh and flight to Bishkek | Bishkek | vehicle + border + flight |
| Day 17 | Ala-Archa National Park and Bishkek | Bishkek | vehicle + walking |
| Day 18 | Burana Tower, Skazka Canyon and Karakol | Karakol | vehicle + walking |
| Day 19 | Altyn-Arashan from Karakol | Karakol | special transport |
| Day 20 | Karkyra border, Charyn Canyon and Almaty | Almaty | vehicle + border formalities |
| Day 21 | Almaty, Medeu and flight to Astana | Astana | vehicle + flight |
| Day 22 | Astana city tour | Astana | vehicle + walking |
| Day 23 | Departure from Astana | Tour ends | airport transfer |
Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat
Route and logistics: Ashgabat International Airport → hotel · approx. 15–25 km · private transfer
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| At the international flight arrival time | Arrival — Arrival at Ashgabat International Airport and completion of passport and baggage formalities. | usually 45–90 min |
| Immediately after passport and baggage formalities | Airport -> hotel — Meet the local team and transfer to the hotel. | approx. 25–45 min |
| After hotel check-in | Rest — Time to settle in before the guided programme starts the next morning. | flexible; depends on arrival time |
Day character: A calm arrival day before the main cross-country route begins.
Day 2 — Old Nisa and Ashgabat city tour
Route and logistics: Ashgabat and surroundings · approx. 60–100 km · vehicle + walking
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Old Nisa — Drive outside Ashgabat to the UNESCO-listed Parthian royal fortress and archaeological site. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 10:45–11:30 | Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque — Visit the large mosque at Gypjak before returning to the city centre. | approx. 45 min |
| 12:00–15:00 | Central Ashgabat — Visit Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the Carpet Museum, with a lunch break at your own expense along the route. | approx. 3 hr |
| 15:15–18:00 | Southern and central monuments — See Wedding Palace and the Constitution, Neutrality and Independence monuments in an order suited to traffic and access. | approx. 2 hr 45 min |
| 19:00–20:30 | Turkmen dinner — Dinner with Turkmen dishes followed by the return to the hotel. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
Day character: A full city day with monumental architecture, history and the first cultural layer of Turkmenistan.
Day 3 — Karakum Desert and Darvaza Gas Crater
Route and logistics: Ashgabat → Darvaza · approx. 260–300 km · jeeps / 4WD vehicles
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–11:00 | National Museum — Visit the National Historical and Ethnographic Museum. | approx. 2 hr |
| 11:15–16:30 | Ashgabat -> Karakum Desert — Drive across the Karakum Desert toward Darvaza. | approx. 4–5.5 hr |
| 16:30–18:00 | Yurt camp — Arrive and settle into the desert camp. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 19:00–21:30 | Darvaza Gas Crater — Evening visit to the crater, dinner by the fire and overnight near Darvaza. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
Day character: One of the emotional peaks of the route: desert, fire, dinner and an overnight near the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Day 4 — Dashoguz / Shavat border and Khiva
Route and logistics: Darvaza → Dashoguz / Shavat → Khiva · approx. 330–400 km total · 4WD + border + vehicle
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–13:30 | Darvaza -> Dashoguz — Drive from the desert toward the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border. | approx. 5–5.5 hr |
| ≈ 13:30–16:00 | Dashoguz / Shavat border — Pass passport control and customs personally while staying with your luggage. | allow approximately 1–3 hr; queue dependent |
| 16:00–17:30 | Shavat → Khiva — Meet the Uzbek driver after the border and continue approximately 60–70 km to Khiva. | approx. 1–1.5 hr |
| 18:00–20:30 | Khiva — Hotel check-in near Ichan-Kala and dinner with Khorezm dishes. | approx. 2–2.5 hr |
Day character: The first overland border day: keep documents and luggage organized.
Day 5 — Khiva and Ichan-Kala walking tour
Route and logistics: Khiva / Ichan-Kala · mostly walking
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | West Gate / Kalta-Minor area — Start the old-city route around Kalta-Minor and Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 10:30–12:00 | Kunya-Ark and Juma Mosque — Continue to Kunya-Ark, the old fortress area, and Juma Mosque with its wooden columns. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 12:00–13:30 | Pahlavan Mahmud and Islam Khodja — Visit Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum and the Islam Khodja complex. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 15:00–17:30 | Tash-Hovli and city walls — Finish the main route with Tash-Hovli Palace and the old walls of Ichan-Kala. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| 19:00–21:00 | Folklore dinner — Dinner and a folklore show at Toza Bog in Khiva. | approx. 2 hr |
Day character: A compact high-value architectural day inside one of the best preserved old cities of Central Asia.
Day 6 — Kyzylkum Desert road to Bukhara
Route and logistics: Khiva → Bukhara · approx. 430–480 km · vehicle
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–08:30 | Departure from Khiva — Leave Khiva after breakfast. | approx. 30 min |
| 08:30–15:30 | Kyzylkum Desert — Long road transfer through the Kyzylkum Desert with practical stops. | approx. 6–7 hr |
| During the 08:30–15:30 road transfer | Amu Darya area — Desert and river-area views on the road. | short stops are included in the road time |
| 16:00–20:00 | Bukhara — Arrival, hotel check-in and dinner near the old city. | approx. 3–4 hr |
Day character: A long road day linking Khorezm with Bukhara.
Day 7 — Old Bukhara and pilaf master class
Route and logistics: Bukhara · approx. 20–40 km local movement · walking + vehicle
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–11:00 | Samanid / Chashma-Ayub / Bolo-Hauz area — Begin with the Samanid Mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub and Bolo-Hauz Mosque. | approx. 2 hr |
| 11:15–13:00 | Ark Fortress and Poi-Kalyan — Continue to Ark Fortress and the Poi-Kalyan ensemble. | approx. 1 hr 45 min |
| 14:30–17:00 | Trading domes and Lyabi-Hauz — Walk through the trading domes toward Lyabi-Hauz. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| 17:30–20:30 | Puppet workshop and local dinner — Visit the workshop area and enjoy dinner in a Bukharan house with a pilaf master class. | approx. 3 hr |
Day character: An atmospheric old-city day with architecture, trade domes and local food culture.
Day 8 — Vabkent, Gijduvan and Samarkand
Route and logistics: Bukhara → Vabkent → Gijduvan → Samarkand · approx. 270–320 km · vehicle
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30–10:00 | Vabkent Minaret — Stop at the historic minaret. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 10:15–12:00 | Gijduvan ceramics — Pottery workshop and local craft experience. | approx. 1 hr 45 min |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch in Gijduvan — Lunch with shashlik. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 13:30–20:00 | Drive to Samarkand — Continue to Samarkand for hotel check-in and dinner. | approx. 5–6.5 hr |
Day character: A road day strengthened by crafts, food and the approach to Samarkand.
Day 9 — Samarkand monuments
Route and logistics: Samarkand · approx. 30–50 km local movement · vehicle + walking
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Registan Square — Visit Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari madrasahs. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 10:45–11:45 | Gur-Emir — Continue to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum. | approx. 1 hr |
| 12:00–14:00 | Bibi-Khanym and Siab Bazaar — Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the nearby bazaar. | approx. 2 hr |
| 14:30–18:00 | Shah-i-Zinda / Afrasiab / Ulugbek Observatory — Complete the main Samarkand route with Shah-i-Zinda, Afrasiab Museum and Ulugbek Observatory. | approx. 3 hr 30 min |
| 19:00–20:30 | Samarkand pilaf — Dinner and Samarkand pilaf master class. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
Day character: One of the strongest visual days of the tour.
Day 10 — Afrosiyob train to Tashkent and capital tour
Route and logistics: Samarkand → Tashkent · approx. 300 km / usually 2–2.5 hours by Afrosiyob train + city touring
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| As shown on the issued rail ticket | Afrosiyob train — High-speed train from Samarkand to Tashkent. | approx. 2–2.5 hr |
| 45–60 minutes after the train arrives | Khast-Imam — Start the Tashkent sightseeing with Khast-Imam complex. | approx. 1.5–2 hr |
| Over the next 60–90 minutes | Chorsu and old city — Continue to Chorsu Bazaar and the old-city area. | approx. 1–1.5 hr |
| After the break, approximately 14:30–17:30 | Tashkent metro and centre — Visit Alisher Navoi and Kosmonavtlar metro stations, Amir Timur Square and Sayilgoh Street. | approx. 2.5–3 hr |
| 19:00–20:30 | Dinner — Dinner in Tashkent. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
Day character: An efficient rail-and-capital day with a practical city route.
Day 11 — Flight to Dushanbe and city tour
Route and logistics: Tashkent → Dushanbe · approx. 300–350 km by air · flight + vehicle
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 3–3.5 hours before departure | Breakfast and airport transfer — Breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to Tashkent International Airport with time for check-in and departure formalities. | transfer plus check-in and controls |
| As shown on the issued air ticket | Tashkent → Dushanbe flight — International economy-class flight according to the issued air ticket. | as stated on the ticket |
| Immediately after landing | Arrival in Dushanbe — Passport control, baggage collection, meeting with the Tajikistan team and transfer to the hotel. | usually 60–120 min including formalities and transfer |
| If the arrival time permits: approximately 14:00–18:00 | Dushanbe city tour — If the arrival time permits: Navruz Palace, the Ethnographic Museum, Ismoil Somoni Monument, Rudaki Park and Independence Park. A late flight may shorten or reorder this city block. | approx. 2–4 hr |
| 19:00–20:30 | Dinner at Rohat — Dinner with Tajik dishes followed by the return to the hotel. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
Day character: The route changes from Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities to the Tajikistan section.
Day 12 — Fann Mountains and Iskanderkul Lake
Route and logistics: Dushanbe → Anzob area → Iskanderkul · approx. 130–160 km · lake at approx. 2,195 m · vehicle + walking
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–12:30 | Dushanbe -> Anzob area — Drive into the mountain route toward Iskanderkul. | approx. 4 hr 30 min |
| 12:30–14:00 | Iskanderkul Lake — Visit the lake at about 2,195 m above sea level. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 14:15–16:30 | Waterfall and short walks — Walk in the lake area and visit the waterfall. | approx. 2 hr 15 min |
| 17:00–19:30 | Zumrad tourist base — Dinner and overnight at Zumrad Tourist Base / “Zumrad”. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
Day character: Comfort is simpler than in city hotels, but the mountain setting gives this day its value.
Day 13 — Istaravshan and Khujand via Shahristan
Route and logistics: Iskanderkul → Istaravshan → Khujand · approx. 250–300 km · vehicle
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–12:00 | Mountain road — Travel north through the Shahristan route. | approx. 4 hr |
| 12:00–15:00 | Istaravshan — Visit Mug-Teppe, Kuk-Gumbaz Mosque and the crafts bazaar. | approx. 3 hr |
| 15:00–18:00 | Drive to Khujand — Continue toward Khujand. | approx. 3 hr |
| 18:00–20:00 | Khujand — Hotel check-in and dinner with Tajik pilaf. | approx. 2 hr |
Day character: A northern Tajikistan day combining mountain roads, crafts and historic towns.
Day 14 — Khujand, Patar / Andarkhon border and Kokand
Route and logistics: Khujand → Patar / Andarkhon → Kokand · approx. 80 km to border + 50 km to Kokand
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–11:30 | Khujand — After breakfast, visit the Sogdiana Historical Museum, Muslihiddin Mausoleum and Panjshanbe Market in one practical city circuit. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| 11:30–13:00 | Khujand → Patar — Drive approximately 80 km to the Tajik side of the border; documents and luggage must be ready before arrival. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| ≈ 13:00–15:00 | Patar / Andarkhon — Complete passport and customs formalities personally, then walk approximately 260 m through the neutral zone with your luggage. | allow approximately 1–3 hr; queue dependent |
| 15:00–16:30 | Andarkhon → Kokand — Meet the Uzbek driver and continue approximately 50 km to Kokand. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 17:00–20:00 | Kokand — Hotel check-in and dinner in a traditional teahouse, featuring devzira-rice pilaf. | approx. 3 hr |
Day character: Shorter by distance, but important logistically because of the border.
Day 15 — Kokand, Rishtan, Kum-Tepe and Fergana
Route and logistics: Kokand → Rishtan → Kum-Tepe → Fergana · approx. 100–150 km · vehicle + walking
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–11:30 | Kokand — Visit Khudoyar Khan Palace, Modari Khan Mausoleum and Norbutabiy Mosque. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| 11:30–14:00 | Rishtan ceramics — Ceramics workshop in Rishtan. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| 14:00–16:30 | Kum-Tepe Bazaar — Visit the textile and clothing bazaar. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| 17:00–19:30 | Fergana — Hotel check-in and dinner. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
Day character: Crafts, markets and the living culture of the Fergana Valley.
Day 16 — Margilan, Dustlik / Dostuk, Osh and flight to Bishkek
Route and logistics: Margilan → Osh → Bishkek · approx. 160–190 km + flight
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–08:15 | Fergana → Margilan — Breakfast, hotel check-out and the short drive to Margilan. | approx. 45 min |
| 08:30–10:00 | Yodgorlik silk factory — See the hand-production stages of silk and traditional Uzbek textiles. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 10:00–12:00 | Quva and drive to the border — Visit the Buddhist temple area in Quva, then continue toward Dustlik. | approx. 2 hr |
| ≈ 12:00–14:00 | Dustlik / Dostuk — Complete border controls personally and walk approximately 290 m through the neutral zone with your luggage; meet the Kyrgyz team after crossing. | allow approximately 1–3 hr; queue dependent |
| If the flight time permits: approximately 14:30–16:30 | Osh and Sulaiman-Too — If the flight time permits, visit Sulaiman-Too and view Osh from above; an early departure may shorten this block. | approx. 2 hr |
| 2.5–3 hours before departure | Osh Airport — Transfer, domestic-flight check-in and security procedures. | transfer plus check-in and controls |
| As shown on the air ticket and after landing | Osh → Bishkek — Economy-class flight, baggage collection, hotel transfer and dinner subject to the actual arrival time. | ticketed flight time plus hotel transfer |
Day character: One of the busiest operational days: silk, border, Osh and a domestic flight.
Day 17 — Ala-Archa National Park and Bishkek
Route and logistics: Bishkek → Ala-Archa → Bishkek · approx. 80 km round trip + city tour
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–12:30 | Ala-Archa — Visit the national park about 40 km from Bishkek. | approx. 3 hr 30 min |
| 14:30–16:00 | Ala-Too Square and centre — Tour the central square area and the historical core of Bishkek. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 16:00–17:30 | Oak Park and Victory Square — Continue through the green city centre and memorial area. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 19:00–20:30 | Kyrgyz dinner — Dinner with Kyrgyz dishes. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
Day character: A balanced day of mountain scenery and the Kyrgyz capital.
Day 18 — Burana Tower, Skazka Canyon and Karakol
Route and logistics: Bishkek → Karakol · approx. 400–450 km · vehicle
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–10:30 | Burana Tower — Visit the 11th-century tower and Balasagun heritage area. | approx. 3 hr |
| 10:30–14:30 | Southern shore of Issyk-Kul — Drive along the lake route toward Karakol. | approx. 4 hr |
| 14:30–16:30 | Skazka Canyon — Walk among the coloured canyon formations. | approx. 1–2 hr |
| 16:30–20:30 | Karakol — Continue to Karakol. If arrival is before closing, visit Dungan Mosque and the historical museum; after a late arrival, use exterior stops only, then check in and have dinner. | approx. 4 hr |
Day character: A long but scenic road day to Karakol.
Day 19 — Altyn-Arashan from Karakol
Route and logistics: Karakol → Altyn-Arashan → Karakol · mountain road · special transport + walking
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–08:30 | Prepare for the mountain day — Breakfast, suitable clothing, drinking water and boarding the special mountain vehicle. | approx. 30 min |
| 08:30–11:00 | Karakol → Altyn-Arashan — Travel on a rough mountain road; actual driving time depends on road condition, weather and vehicle. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| 11:00–14:00 | Hot springs — Time in the thermal-spring area; lunch is at your own expense unless the voucher confirms otherwise. | approx. 3 hr |
| 14:00–15:30 | Gorge walks — Short walks and photo stops are selected according to weather, group ability and safe trail conditions. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 15:30–18:30 | Altyn-Arashan → Karakol — Return by the same mountain route with technical stops when required. | approx. 3 hr |
| 19:00–20:30 | Karakol — Dinner and a second night at the same hotel, with no new check-in. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
Day character: An active nature day in one of Kyrgyzstan’s strongest mountain settings.
Day 20 — Karkyra border, Charyn Canyon and Almaty
Route and logistics: Karakol → Karkyra → Charyn → Almaty · approx. 370–450 km · vehicle + border
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00–09:30 | Karakol → Karkyra — Early departure for the mountain checkpoint. The road and crossing are checked in advance against season, weather and official operating status. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| ≈ 09:30–11:30 | Karkyra / Kegen — Exit and entry formalities; processing time depends on queues and border-authority decisions. | allow approximately 1–3 hr; queue dependent |
| 11:30–14:30 | Kegen → Charyn — Drive toward Charyn Canyon with a comfort stop and time for lunch at your own expense en route. | approx. 3 hr |
| 14:30–16:30 | Charyn Canyon — Walk through the accessible canyon section and stop for photographs; the route depends on weather and trail condition. | approx. 2 hr |
| 16:30–21:00 | Charyn → Almaty — Continue to Almaty for hotel check-in and dinner. If Karkyra is closed, CAJ.UZ confirms an alternative route in writing in advance. | approx. 4 hr 30 min |
Day character: Kazakhstan starts with a mountain border and the canyon landscape.
Day 21 — Almaty, Medeu and flight to Astana
Route and logistics: Almaty → Medeu → airport → Astana · city + approx. 970 km by air
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30–11:30 | Historic Almaty — Panfilov Park, Ascension Cathedral, Green Bazaar and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments. | approx. 3 hr |
| 11:45–13:15 | Modern Almaty — Republic Square and the city’s museum area, subject to the day of the week and actual opening hours. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 14:00–16:30 | Medeu — Drive into the mountain zone above Almaty for Medeu and panoramic viewpoints; a cable car is used only when operating and confirmed as included. | approx. 2 hr 30 min |
| 16:30–18:00 | Early dinner and luggage — Return to the city, early dinner and collection of luggage before leaving for the airport. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| 3–3.5 hours before departure | Almaty Airport — Transfer, flight check-in and security procedures with the required time allowance. | transfer plus check-in and controls |
| As shown on the air ticket and after landing | Almaty → Astana — Economy-class flight according to the issued ticket, baggage collection and transfer to the Astana hotel. | ticketed flight time plus hotel transfer |
Day character: City, mountains and the flight to Kazakhstan’s capital.
Day 22 — Astana city tour
Route and logistics: Astana · local city movement · vehicle + walking
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–11:00 | Left Bank and modern centre — Baiterek, the Millennium Axis and the capital’s principal contemporary spaces. | approx. 2 hr |
| 11:15–13:00 | Khan Shatyr and Atameken — Visit Khan Shatyr and the Atameken complex, subject to actual operating hours. | approx. 1 hr 45 min |
| 14:00–17:30 | Museums and religious sites — First President’s Museum, National Museum, a major mosque and the Orthodox cathedral; order depends on opening hours and access. | approx. 3 hr 30 min |
| 17:30–18:30 | Old Astana — Short introduction to the older city and stops around its surviving historic districts. | approx. 1 hr |
| 19:00–20:30 | Farewell dinner — Final dinner together followed by the return to the hotel. | approx. 1 hr 30 min |
Day character: The final sightseeing day shows the modern face of Central Asia.
Day 23 — Departure from Astana
Route and logistics: Hotel → Astana airport · approx. 15–25 km · transfer
| Time | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Usually 07:00–10:00, subject to hotel hours | Breakfast — Breakfast at the hotel. | within the hotel breakfast window |
| By the hotel check-out time, usually no later than 12:00 | Check-out — Check out with luggage. | approx. 30 min |
| 3–3.5 hours before the international flight | Airport transfer — Transfer to Astana International Airport for your flight home. | 25–45 min on the road plus check-in |
Day character: A calm departure day and the end of the route.
Is this five-country route right for you?
- you want all five countries in one trip without joining the local logistics yourself;
- Darvaza, the Silk Road cities, Fann Mountains, Issyk-Kul, Charyn, Almaty and Astana all matter to you;
- you are comfortable with full days, early starts, flights and frequent hotel changes;
- you accept two simpler overnights in nature settings.
- you need a slow holiday with several consecutive free days;
- you do not want to cross land borders personally with your luggage;
- long vehicle days, steps and uneven surfaces are difficult for you;
- you require the same urban-hotel comfort every night.
- each traveller’s citizenship, passport type and preferred date;
- bed preference and any single-room requirement;
- mobility, altitude, medical or dietary constraints;
- international flights, hotel upgrades and required guide language.
Tour price, room basis and date selection
US$5,600 per person
Two travellers sharing one room; the booking minimum is two people.
US$6,200 per person
A private room within a booking from two. This is the full price, not a supplement or a solo-tour rate.
Price on request
The calculation changes because vehicle, guide, border, ticket and accommodation costs are no longer shared.
How the published price works
The published 2026 rate is valid through 31 December 2026 only after the selected date and all key services are checked. It does not mean the Karkyra mountain crossing operates every day or year-round. Travel in 2027 requires a fresh quotation before payment.
Start your orderImportant: Do not buy non-refundable international flights specifically for this route until CAJ.UZ has confirmed the tour, visa logistics, internal tickets and border stages in writing.
What is included and paid separately
- 22 nights: 20 in planned city hotels, one at Zumrad and one in a Darvaza yurt camp;
- breakfasts, one lunch and dinners on the days stated in the confirmed programme;
- a comparable replacement property if unavailable, confirmed in writing.
- air-conditioned ground transport for the published route;
- economy-class Samarkand–Tashkent train;
- economy flights Tashkent–Dushanbe, Osh–Bishkek and Almaty–Astana;
- programme airport, station and border transfers.
- English-speaking local guides; another language only when confirmed;
- standard entrance fees and city photo/video fees in the programme;
- Khiva folklore show, 1.5 litres of water per person daily and visa support when required by citizenship.
Not included
- international flight into Ashgabat and out of Astana;
- visas, consular and other official fees; visa support is not a visa;
- early check-in, late checkout, personal costs, tips and travel insurance;
- baggage above the issued-ticket allowance, extra services and anything not confirmed in writing.
Planned accommodation along the route
These are the planned properties, shown with two visually selected images each. The exact hotel and room type are secured only in the written confirmation; a comparable substitute may be used if unavailable.
Important: The Darvaza yurt camp and Zumrad base at Iskanderkul are simpler than city hotels and must not be presented as equivalent urban-hotel comfort.
Turkmenistan · Ashgabat · 2 nights
Archabil Hotel Ashgabat
Planned property. This hotel is used for the Ashgabat section of the itinerary before the drive to Darvaza. It gives travelers a comfortable city base after arrival and before the desert overnight.
Turkmenistan · Darvaza · 1 night
Ovadan Darvaza Yurt Camp
Planned property. The yurt camp keeps the group close to the crater for the evening visit, dinner by the fire and the desert night. Comfort is simpler than in city hotels, but the location is the value of this night.
Uzbekistan · Khiva · 2 nights
New Star Boutique Hotel Khiva
Planned property. This stay supports the Khiva sightseeing block and keeps the group close to the main monuments, evening walks and Khorezm cuisine experience.
Uzbekistan · Bukhara · 2 nights
Labi Rud Boutique Hotel Bukhara
Planned property. The Bukhara stay is placed around the historic city fabric: Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyan, trading domes and Lyabi-Hauz. The hotel supports easy access to the walking programme.
Uzbekistan · Samarkand · 2 nights
Sangzor Boutique Hotel Samarkand
Planned property. The Samarkand block is one of the strongest architectural parts of the journey. This hotel is used for the two-night stay before the train to Tashkent.
Uzbekistan · Tashkent · 1 night
Mirzo Boutique Hotel Tashkent
Planned property. The Tashkent stay connects the Uzbek rail section with the Tajikistan flight. It is placed for the Khast-Imam, Chorsu, metro and central city programme.
Tajikistan · Dushanbe · 1 night
Sharq Hotel Dushanbe
Planned property. The Dushanbe stay follows the flight from Tashkent and prepares the group for the Fann Mountains, Iskanderkul and northern Tajikistan.
Tajikistan · Iskanderkul · 1 night
Zumrad Tourist Base / “Zumrad” at Iskanderkul
Planned property. Zumrad is used for the Iskanderkul overnight. This is a nature-base stay, not a city hotel: its value is the lake, mountain setting and direct route flow through Tajikistan.
Tajikistan · Khujand · 1 night
Parliament Palace Hotel Khujand
Planned property. The Khujand block comes after the mountain road and Istaravshan. It gives the group a comfortable stop before the Patar / Andarkhon border day.
Uzbekistan · Kokand · 1 night
Silk Road Hotel Kokand
Planned property. This stay supports the Kokand, Rishtan and Fergana Valley programme, including palace history, ceramics and local markets.
Uzbekistan · Fergana · 1 night
Voyage Hotel Fergana
Planned property. The Fergana stay gives the group a base for the silk factory, Fergana Valley crafts and the next overland border into Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan · Bishkek · 2 nights
Plaza Hotel Bishkek
Planned property. The Bishkek stay connects the Fergana/Osh travel day with the Kyrgyzstan nature block: Ala-Archa, Burana Tower, Issyk-Kul and Karakol.
Kyrgyzstan · Karakol · 2 nights
Green Yard Hotel Karakol
Planned property. The Karakol stay is the base for one of the most scenic parts of the journey, including the southern shore of Issyk-Kul and the mountain road to Altyn-Arashan.
Kazakhstan · Almaty · 1 night
Renion Park Hotel Almaty
Planned property. The Almaty stay is used after the long Kyrgyzstan–Kazakhstan crossing day and before the city, Medeu and flight-to-Astana programme.
Kazakhstan · Astana · 2 nights
Radisson Hotel Astana
Planned property. The Astana stay supports the last sightseeing day of the route, with modern architecture, museums and the final dinner before departure.
Train, flights, vehicles and borders
Economy Afrosiyob Samarkand–Tashkent and the Tashkent–Dushanbe, Osh–Bishkek and Almaty–Astana flights are included. Carrier, flight, seat, terminal and baggage allowance are controlled by the issued ticket.
Air-conditioned vehicles of suitable capacity are used; the Karakum and Altyn-Arashan require special transport. Vehicle type depends on group size and road conditions.
Vehicles and guides normally change by side of the border. The meeting point, contact and fallback number should be shown in the voucher for every crossing.
Four border stages
| Day | Crossing | Traveller’s role | CAJ.UZ confirms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Dashoguz / Shavat | Complete formalities personally and stay with luggage. | Status, daylight window, meetings and transport on both sides. |
| 14 | Patar / Andarkhon | Walk about 260 m through the neutral zone with luggage. | Drop-off/pick-up points and permitted crossing format. |
| 16 | Dustlik / Dostuk | Walk about 290 m through the neutral zone with luggage. | Queues, Kyrgyz-team meeting and buffer before the Osh flight. |
| 20 | Karkyra / Kegen | Complete the mountain-border formalities personally. | Season, hours, road, permits and fallback route. |
Comfort, activity and preparation
- long vehicle days and frequent changes of accommodation;
- cobblestones, steps, markets, canyons and uneven paths;
- about 2,195 m at Iskanderkul and mountain sections in Kyrgyzstan.
- a small bag that is easy to carry through neutral zones;
- stable closed shoes, sun protection and layered clothing;
- personal medication, insurance and offline passport, visa, ticket and contact copies.
- Darvaza is a desert yurt camp, not a city hotel;
- Zumrad is a tourist base beside the lake;
- Altyn-Arashan and Karkyra depend on mountain roads and special transport.
Passports, visas and entry
Rules vary by citizenship, passport type, entry mode and date. Check every entry before payment and again before departure: the itinerary includes re-entry into Uzbekistan.
Start the visa check early. CAJ.UZ can arrange the visa support included in the package, but consular and border authorities decide independently; official fees are separate.
Names must match passports exactly. Readable scans may be required for visa support, flights, train and hotels; send them only through an agreed channel.
Payment and cancellation
Visa / Mastercard through CAJ.UZ pages, bank transfer against an invoice or official details, and cash only when agreed in writing.
A submitted form or payment creates an order, not a finally confirmed tour. Key services are secured in writing after checks.
For cancellation 24+ hours before departure, CAJ.UZ charges no cancellation fee of its own, but non-refundable tickets, special fares and committed supplier costs may reduce the refund. The published policy controls.
Why book directly with CAJ.UZ
Central Asia Journeys coordinates the route from Uzbekistan; tourism licence T-0292-14 and state registration 000346-07.
One manager connects five countries, local teams, borders, hotels, train and flights and records the final arrangement in writing.
Citizenship, date and room basis can be discussed by phone or WhatsApp before booking; operating contacts are supplied in the voucher.
Learn more: About CAJ.UZ, traveller reviews and contact details.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the tour, and can I travel alone?
For bookings from two travellers, the price is US$5,600 per person DBL/TWIN and US$6,200 per person with a single room. This is not a fixed solo-tour price; one traveller needs a separate quotation.
Can I choose any date, and does the price apply in 2027?
You can request a date, but it is confirmed only after service, visa and border checks. The published rate is valid through 31 December 2026; 2027 requires a fresh quotation. Do not assume the Karkyra route is available year-round without checking.
Which visas are needed for the five countries?
Requirements depend on citizenship, passport, date and entry mode. Turkmenistan should be checked especially early. Visa support may be included, but visa and official fees are separate and approval or entry cannot be guaranteed.
How do land borders work, and who carries the luggage?
Travellers complete passport and customs formalities personally with their own luggage. Patar / Andarkhon and Dustlik / Dostuk include walking sections of about 260 m and 290 m; the actual procedure is reconfirmed before travel.
How comfortable are Darvaza and Iskanderkul?
They are intentionally simpler nature overnights: a yurt camp near Darvaza and Zumrad tourist base at Iskanderkul. They are not equivalent to city hotels; exact facilities and rooming are stated in the confirmation.
What if a flight, border or weather changes the programme?
CAJ.UZ may adjust timing, order and suitable transport while preserving key experiences where safe and possible. Any material replacement, including a Karkyra alternative, must be confirmed in writing.
Useful planning resources and related tours
Order setup and written confirmation
What happens next
The process has four steps:
- Choose a date, traveller count and room basis on the order page.
- Enter contact and passport details, then select an available payment method.
- Submitting the form or payment creates an order and sends it to CAJ.UZ for checks.
- A manager checks visas, borders, hotels, train and flights, then sends written confirmation or agrees a change with you.
Important: Until step four, the order is not final tour confirmation.
Phone / WhatsApp: +998 90 922 30 73
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Price for 1 pax
At the hotels listed below / Valid from 2 people
Double/twin room
$5,600
Single room
$6,200
Book now.
Prices valid until: 31.12.2026