Central Asia: Five Stans Express
Central Asia: Five Stans Express
24 Days Starting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and ending in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Visiting: Ashgabat, Darvaza Crater, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Khujand, Iskanderkul Lake, Dushanbe, Almaty, Kolsay Lakes National Park, Karakol, Issyk-Kul Lake, Bishkek
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KFSS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
To see all five Stans in Central Asia, this epic trip will start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. See the best of the Silk Road and deep dive into the fascinating history, captivating landscapes and beautiful culture that’s intertwined throughout this region. You'll stay in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, explore Registan Square in Samarkand and watch the eternal flame of Darvaza Crater – a 70-m-wide hole in the Karakum Desert known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. From wide open plains full of wild horses to homestays and dinners with locals, there’s so much to see, do and learn in this region – so why not spend 24 days uncovering all you can, with a local leader by your side?
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ashgabat
Location: Ashgabat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Hos Geldiniz! Welcome to Turkmenistan. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital, Ashgabat. Here, you’ll find manicured parklands, marble lined streets and huge, modern monuments – a vast contrast to the rest of the ancient country. You’ll have a welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the area near your hotel. After you meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers, you’ll head out for dinner and your first taste of Turkmenistan cuisine. Included Activities:-Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Day 2: Ashgabat
Location: Ashgabat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head out for a city tour of Ashgabat with your leader today – see the four-pointed minarets of the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen heroes (and controversial politicians) line the paths that lead to a golden dome and a massive minaret. Continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name, has a provocative history. Travel outside the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque – the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov – before heading to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After an action-packed day full of sightseeing, tonight is free to explore (or simply relax) as you wish. Included Activities:-Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque-Ashgabat - Anau ruins-Ashgabat - Independence Monument-Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan-Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
Day 3: Darvaza Crater
Location: Darvaza Crater
Accommodation: Tourist Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Tourist Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Ashgabat at your own pace. This afternoon, make tracks for the Darvaza Gas Crater – this 70 m wide hole in the Karakum Desert is permanently aflame and is also known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. Soviet oil prospectors started drilling here in 1971, when suddenly the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see, the crater has been burning ever since. From your nearby camp, you’ll watch the sunset with your group as you dig into a Turkmenistan-style dinner before retiring to your tent for a night under the desert stars. Included Activities:-Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater
Day 4: Border Crossing/Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s an early morning this morning as you hit the road for a long day of travel. First, in Kunya Urgench – once a main hub of the Islamic world, this place suffered destruction at the hands of Genghis Khan and the Timurid dynasty and fell into decay until the 20th century. See the mosque, mausoleum and 60 m high Gutlug Timur Minaret before continuing to the Turkmen/Uzbek border of Khodjeyli (Xo’jayli) to Khiva. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Included Activities:-Konye-Urgench - City tour
Day 5: Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is for sightseeing in Khiva. With your local leader, you’ll see the blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Explore the Kuhna Ark – the 'citadel within a citadel,' which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century. Visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum – constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter – and the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, which is the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque and see how the roof is propped up by 212 wooden columns designed to let in sunlight. Next, see the Tosh-Hovli Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors, then enjoy a free afternoon to continue at your own pace. Included Activities:-Khiva - Juma Mosque-Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa-Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace-Khiva - Kunya Ark-Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
Day 6: Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make sure your headphones are charged, as you have a big travel day ahead. You’ll arrive in Bukhara in Uzbekistan in the late afternoon, and the long drive will be forgotten as you’re swept up in the mosaics and ancient monuments of the city. Founded no later than the 1st century BC, across its many years, the city has been ruled by countless empires and dynasties, now reflected in the colourful culture. When you arrive, wander through the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza and the trading dome and see the ancient sites lit up as night falls. Included Activities:-Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza-Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome
Day 7: Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head out for a half day tour of Bukhara. First, you’ll visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa – once the summer palace of the last Bukharan emirs. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings crafted by local artisans. Continue to Ark Fortress – the symbol of Bukhara – then, see one of Central Asia's oldest and most exquisite structures – the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum. You then have a free afternoon to explore the ancient Silk Road town. Maybe visit Bolo Haus Mosque, Chor Minor, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, or Ulukbek Madrassah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa. Included Activities:-Bukhara - Ark Fortress-Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum-Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa PalaceOptional Activities:-Bukhara - Chor Minor-Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque - Free-Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque-Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa - Free
Day 8: Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soak up a free morning in Bukhara, then jump aboard a train bound for Samarkand in the afternoon – located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. When you arrive, visit the Gur-Amir mausoleum where the great Uzbek conqueror, Tamerlane, is buried. You then have a free evening – maybe follow your leader to the Registan Square to see it illuminated at night. Included Activities:-Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Day 9: Samarkand
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, head to Shak-i-Zinda – a necropolis featuring a series of blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th to the 19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty. Then, visit the enormous Bibi Khanum Mosque and explore the ancient bazaar right behind it, maybe sampling some Khalva (local sweets made of sunflower seeds or peanuts) and get a glass of squeezed pomegranate juice (depending on the season). After, see the world-renouned Registan, which features three of the most famous madrassahs in Uzbekistan. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe inspect the remains of the medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg – an astronomer and grandson of nomadic conqueror and Timurid emperor Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Tonight, you’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration, which you’ll then tuck into for dinner. Included Activities:-Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda-Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque-Samarkand - Registan Square-Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
Day 10: Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have a free morning before you say goodbye to Samarkand and jump back on the train around midday to Tashkent. When you arrive, you have a free evening to explore this capital city at leisure. Alternatively, you might like to soak up the down time and get your rest for tomorrow.
Day 11: Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow your leader on a city walking tour of Tashkent today. Explore Amir Timur square at the city centre, then hop on the metro to the Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments and the extensive vegetable and spice markets. Enjoy a free afternoon to maybe visit the Khast Imom complex – a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century. Included Activities:-Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar-Tashkent - City tour-Tashkent - Metro tourOptional Activities:-Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan
Day 12: Border Crossing/Khujand
Location: Khujand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, hit the road to the Oibek border to cross into Tajikistan before arriving in Khujand. This city is known as Alexandria Eskhata (Alexandria the furthest) and is believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great in the 6th century BC. When you arrive, wander around the bazaar and Jami Mosque, then maybe hit up the history museum. Included Activities:-Khujand - Jami MosqueOptional Activities:-Khujand - History Museum - Free
Day 13: Iskanderkul Lake/Sary Tag Village
Location: Iskanderkul Lake
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Make the epic drive across Shahriston Pass (with an elevation of 3378 m) to Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great – this scenic spot is a popular weekend destination for many locals from Dushanbe. When you arrive, admire the local ‘Niagara’ and Zmeinnoe Lake before continuing to Sary Tag – a mountain village on the other end of the lake, in the heart of Fann mountains. This evening, you’ll have a little time to explore the village and discover the local way of life. Included Activities:-Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake
Day 14: Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, hit the mountain roads once more and drive over the Anzob Pass (with an elevation of 3373 m) to Dushanbe – the capital of Tajikistan. After lunch, visit Hissor Fort – the former capital of Eastern Bukhara province. Explore this ancient fortress, located on a hill overlooking the town of Hisor, and check out its impressive stone walls, commanding gateway and perfectly manicured gardens. Then, the afternoon is free for you to explore Dushanbe at your own pace. Maybe explore one of the many parks or museums in the city. Included Activities:-Dushanbe – Hissor Fort
Day 15: Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a public bus to Navruz Palace – initially planned as a new teahouse, the palace has now grown into a conference hall decorated in Tajik Barocco styles. Head to Rudaki Square and see the Ismail Somoni Monument overlooking the city hall. Anyone with a soft spot for archaeology will enjoy the Museum of National Antiquities, which opened in 2001. Here, you can check out exhibits from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilisations (Greek/Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu and Zoroastrian). The centrepiece is the 14 m reclining Buddha in Nirvana – since the tragic destruction of the Bamiyan statues in Afghanistan, this is the largest surviving Buddha statue in Central Asia. Included Activities:-Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan-Dushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni Museum-Dushanbe - Navruz palace
Day 16: Border Crossing/Almaty
Location: Almaty
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast today, catch a flight to Almaty – the largest city in Kazakhstan and known as a skier's paradise, with snow-capped mountains framing the entire city. With beautiful parks, restaurants, museums and plenty of shops and markets to choose from, this city stands in stark contrast to the countryside surrounding it. Depending on the time of your flight today, you may have an opportunity to explore the city this afternoon. Otherwise, grab an early night and get prepared for a jam-packed day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Day 17: Almaty
Location: Almaty
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Strap in for a full day of sightseeing in Almaty today. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top five oil-producing nations and you’ll notice the development and wealth that comes from it as you wander the streets. You’ll visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in Panfilov Park – dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against Nazi tanks in WWII. Then, check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure – just ask your local leader for recommendations. Included Activities:-Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral-Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments-Almaty - Panfilov ParkOptional Activities:-Almaty - Central State Museum - Free
Day 18: Kolsay Lakes National Park
Location: Kolsay Lakes National Park
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we’ll drive to Saty Village with a stop along the way at the spectacular Charyn Canyon. The richly coloured orange canyon etched into the surrounding landscape is no less impressive than the Grand Canyon in the US (though much smaller). Enjoy some time here to marvel at this natural wonder and grab some photos before we continue to Saty Village.
Included Activities:
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Day 19: Kolsay Lakes National Park/ Border Crossing/ Karakol
Location: Karakol
Accommodation: Guest House
Accommodation Name: Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the surrounding area of Saty Village today with a hike to Kolsai Lakes – also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for the azure water framed by green mountains. You may also visit the lesser-known Kaindy Lake – a turquoise lake with a striking ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. Amazingly, the lake was created by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide creating a dam in the forest. Have lunch during your hike, then continue the journey to Kyrgyzstan. When you arrive in Karakol, head out to explore with your leader – once a small Russian military post, then a bustling soviet state, this town is bursting with history. Visit the Dungan Mosque – built in 1910, this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail! Instead, the structure was built using special cutting and groove techniques. Then, explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market. Included Activities:-Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking-Karakol - Dungan Mosque-Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Day 20: Issyk-Kul Lake
Location: Issyk-Kul Lake
Accommodation: Tourist Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Tourist Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is for scenic hikes and panoramic views! After breakfast, drive along the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. As one of the largest lakes in the world, the lake is 178 km long and 60 km wide! On the way, stop to see Jety Oguz – also known as Seven Bull Valley. From here, you’ll continue to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where you can soak in the rich orange landscapes that blanket the area. Tonight, you'll get the chance to stay in a yurt camp. A truly special experience, yurts have a long history in this area, used for generations by nomadic tribes. Settle in and enjoy a night under the stars! Included Activities:-Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch
Day 21: Issyk-Kul Lake
Location: Issyk-Kul Lake
Accommodation: Tourist Yurt Camp
Accommodation Name: Tourist Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wander the beautiful alpine area of Issyk-Kul and visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Then, you’ll visit a local family, learn how they make felt and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Tonight, relax in your yurt camp and maybe toast to a sky full of stars with a small vodka. Included Activities:-Issyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked meal-Issyk-Kul Lake - Carpet workshop-Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
Day 22: Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, kiss your alpine camp goodbye and hit the road for Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan and your final destination. Stop at Burana Tower – a minaret and the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then, continue to Don Aryk and meet a local Kyrgyz family for a home-cooked lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon, take an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy a free evening. Included Activities:-Shamsy Valley - Burana tower-Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
Day 23: Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head out a city tour this morning, showcasing the country's fascinating history. Visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of this square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. Then, head to Dubovy (Oak) Park, where you'll find century-old oaks. Later, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your leisure. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little noisy and crowded here, but it provides the perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets. In the evening, perhaps get together with your fellow travellers for a final dinner together to celebrate a great journey through the Five Stans. Included Activities:-Bishkek - City walking tour
Day 24: Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Meals Included: Breakfast
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon. If you need help with transfers or extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (17 nights), Guest House (1 night), Tourist Yurt Camp (3 nights), Home Stay (2 nights) -
Meals
23 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners -
Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer
A complimentary arrival transfer is provided in Ashgabat.
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Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
Visit the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in Ashgabat.
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Ashgabat - Anau ruins
Explore the Anau ruins in Ashgabat.
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Ashgabat - Independence Monument
See the Independence Monument in Ashgabat.
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Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan
Visit the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque and Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.
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Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
Explore the Neutrality Arch in Ashgabat.
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Darvaza - 'Door to Hell' Crater
Visit the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Door to Hell'.
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Konye-Urgench - City tour
Enjoy a city tour of Konye-Urgench.
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Khiva - Juma Mosque
Visit the Juma Mosque in Khiva.
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Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
Explore the Islom Hoja Minaret and Medressa in Khiva.
What's Not Included
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Visa Requirements
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Independent Travel in Turkmenistan
Independent travel is not allowed in Turkmenistan without a guide.
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Single Supplement
A single supplement is not included and is subject to availability.
Transport
- Private Vehicle , Flight , Metro , High Speed Train
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- HOMESTAYS:
- Please note that at our homestays you might be required to share a room with people of other genders, or with your leader. Because we stay at real people's homes, beds might be pull-out couches or mattresses on the floor, or even a yurt in their backyard. Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses, yurts and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only or no bathroom facilities.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (camping), Day 13 (homestay), Day 18 (homestay) and Days 20 and 21 (yurt camp), where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. Please provide your full name exactly as per your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments or failure to provide the required details within 60 days of departure.
- 3. This is a multi-country trip. Please read the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information carefully. You should travel on one passport for the duration, as entering and exiting countries on different passports will cause issues at immigration.
- 4. We require key documents from you no later than 60 days before the trip to supply your Letter of Invitation to Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan for some nationalities.
- 5. Independent travel isn’t allowed in Turkmenistan. If you have pre-trip accommodation booked with us, you can explore nearby your hotel, but please don’t take any photos. Please see Day 1 of the Itinerary for more details.
- 6. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 15 days prior to travel.?If multiple customers on the same trip arrive on the same flight, this may be a shared transfer.
- 7. While travelling in Turkmenistan, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. If you need to stay connected, consider arranging a VPN before leaving home.
Mode of Transport
This tour includes a variety of transportation modes such as private vehicles, flights, metro, and high-speed trains, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey through the diverse landscapes of Central Asia.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour is primarily on a twin/multishare basis, with occasional alternative arrangements due to availability. Expect a mix of local guesthouses, yurts, and homestays with shared facilities, and some accommodations may have limited amenities.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Central Asia is a destination for the adventurous and the open-minded. Alongside its rich culture and history, comes poor infrastructure, lengthy processes and basic facilities. Patience and flexibility will ensure you enjoy this region to its fullest.
This trip involves long travel days on rough and winding roads. You’ll be travelling by private vehicle, and in one day you could be driving anywhere between three and ten hours. Please review the Itinerary for more details.
Temperatures vary greatly throughout this trip, from below zero to over 40 ºC depending on the location. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan to wear layers.
Tourism is strictly controlled in Turkmenistan. If you’re accustomed to more freedom to explore and take photos as a tourist, you will find the experience differs here. Locals are fiercely proud of their nation and its leaders.
You’ll stay in a range of accommodations on this trip, including multishare arrangements in yurts, homestays and guesthouses. Facilities are shared and basic, but the experiences are unforgettable. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Oct 09, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Monday - Wednesday
Oct 12, 2026 - Nov 04, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions