Journey through Central Asia: Four Stans
Journey through Central Asia: Four Stans
Journey through Central Asia: Four Stans
19 Days Starting in Tashkent and ending in Almaty
Visiting: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, The Silk Road, Tien Shan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AXKB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Physical rating:
Leisurely / Moderate
Age range:
16 to 99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile valleys and majestic mountains form the backdrop to these four former Soviet republics of Central Asia . Amongst this changing and varied landscape are traditional villages, ancient towns and modern cities which tell a tale of advancing Greek and Persian armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, traders selling their wares along the Silk Road, philosophers, astronomers, Communist experiments and post-Soviet eccentrics. Journey past intricately tiled mosques, alpine lakes bordered by yurt camps, grand monuments, rural villages and colourful markets on this epic trip through the heart of Central Asia.This is a special trip for 2022 only. For 2023, please see our Five Stans of the Silk Road trip.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Sightseeing Of Uzbekistan’S Capital.
Meals Included: breakfast
In the afternoon we will start our sightseeing of Uzbekistan’s capital.
This will include visiting Independence Square flanked by public buildings
and water fountains and also the Old City with its mausoleums and bazaar.
Tashkent was largely destroyed by earthquakes in the 1960's and was rebuilt
in true Soviet style with pleasant leafy boulevards and lots of fountains to
keep the heat down in summer. There are some very interesting museums as well
as mosques.Gabrielle Hotel or similar
Day 2 - 3 : Spend Two Full Days Exploring Bukhara.
Meals Included: breakfast
We take a morning train (either 7.30 am or 8.30 am) from Tashkent to Bukhara.
The journey takes just under four hours in a modern train.We spend two full
days exploring Bukhara. The best preserved medieval city in Central Asia,
this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back over 2,000 years. Our city tour
takes us to the Lyabi Khauz complex, built in the 16th and 17th centuries,
this is the site of the oldest pool of its kind in Central Asia. The pool is
surrounded by madrasahs and a khanaka (lodging house for travelling Sufis)
including the largest madrasah in Bukhara, the 15th century Kukeldash
Madrasah.We continue on to the Poi-Kalyan religious complex with its 48m
Kalyan minaret dating back to the 12th century and the symbol of Bukhara; the
large Kalyan Mosque (15th century) with its galleries topped by 288 domes;
and the only active madrasah in the city, Bukhara Miri-Arab (16th century).
Next is the Samanid Mausoleum, the oldest piece of Islamic architecture in
Central Asia and burial site of the 10th Century Emir, Ismail Samani. Finally
we visit the Ark, a 5th century citadel and the oldest building in
Bukhara.Kavsar Hotel or similar
Day 4 - 5 : Spend Two Days Exploring Samarkand.
Meals Included: breakfast
Following the morning in Bukhara, we catch the afternoon fast train to
Samarkand arriving in the evening. We spend the rest of today and all of
tomorrow exploring Samarkand.Samarkand is steeped in history, dating back
2,500 years and impacted by such figures as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan
and Tamerlane, who made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century. Its
central position on the Silk Road meant that it was an important stop on the
route from Istanbul to Peking (now Beijing). At its heart is the grand
Registan Square flanked by the three grand madrasahs of Ulughbeg (15th
century), Sherdor (17th century) and Tilya Qori (17th century).We visit the
grand square as well as the Gur Emir Mausoleum, burial place of Tamerlane,
his sons and his grandson, Ulughbek. The Ulugbek Observatory built in 1420 by
Tamerlane’s grandson who was not just a ruler but also a well-known
astronomer. We move on to the oversized Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda
– the ‘Living King’ necropolis – with its series of mausoleums dating
back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Our final visit is to the exotic Siab
Bazaar with its fresh and dried fruit and nuts and other local food produce.
The exact order of visits may vary.Dilshoda Hotel or similar
Day 6 : Visit Sarazm Followed By Sightseeing In Penjikent.
Meals Included: breakfast
Early morning transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (50 km, 1
hour). Visit customs and passport control on both sides, cross the border,
meet Tajik local guide and driver and drive to Sarazm.Sarazm is an ancient
settlement with 5500 years of history. In 2010 the Sarazm became a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Following a visit, we continue by road to
Penjikent.Sightseeing in Penjikent: Museum of Rudaki – As Penjikent is a
birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki, considered by many to be the father of
Persian Poetry. Ancient Penjikent - ruins of old Sogdian town founded in 5th
century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a
citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible
in the excavated ruins. Overnight at the hotel.Panjakent Plaza Hotel or
similar
Day 7 : Explore Fann Mountains At Seven Lakes
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today we make a trip into the heart of the Fann Mountains. We drive to Seven
Lakes or Haf Kul in Tajik, a sometimes bumpy and narrow 80 kms away in the
Shing Valley. The lakes vary in altitude from 1,600 to 2,400 metres and most
were formed by landslides. The high mineral content in the water gives the
lakes an unusual colour. We’ll have time to enjoy the mountains and a
picnic lunch at a lake before returning to Penjikent for the night.Panjakent
Plaza Hotel or similar
Day 8 : Full Day Sightseeing In Penjikent, Istaravshan And Khujand
Meals Included: breakfast
In the morning, we depart Penjikent and drive to Khujand (300 km, 4-5 hours).
En route we pass the town of Istaravshan founded by the Persian king Kier in
the 6th century.Whilst Khujand, today, is not the most attractive of cities
it has a complex history. Believed to be one of the oldest in Central Asia it
was, over the centuries, attacked by successive armies of Alexander the
Great, Arab invaders and the marauding hordes of Genghis Khan as well as
being an important stop along the Silk Road. There are still traces of the
city’s glory days and we take in a tour of the sites. We visit the
Historical Museum of Sughd (Museum of Archaeology and Fortification), Shaikh
Muslihiddin Mosque, and the Payshanba Bazaar, the biggest bazaar in
Tajikistan. Time permitting, we’ll also visit Arbob Palace, the former
headquarters of a Soviet collective farm, modelled on the winter gardens of
Peterhof, St Petersburg.Hotel Parliament or similar
Day 9 : Visit Kokand, Rishtan, Marghilan And Ferghana.
Meals Included: breakfast
We return to Uzbekistan via the border crossing at Andurkhan where we say
goodbye to our Tajik crew and re-join the Uzbeks.The total driving time to
Ferghana town is about 5hrs from Khujand but we make a number of stops along
the way. The first of these is at Kokand which was the capital of the 19th
century Kokand Khanate. We visit the Khudoyar-Khan Palace (1871) home to a
museum, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum.From here we
continue on to the small village of Rishtan which is famous for potter
dynasties and ceramics masters. We visit a local ceramics studio and witness
a demonstration of the craft before having the opportunity to buy some of the
iconic earthenware.Our final stop is at Marghilan where we visit a local silk
factory and learn about the material which has given its name to the greatest
trade route in history.Eventually we arrive in Ferghana town where we spend
the night.Hotel Golden Uzbegim or similar
Day 10 : To Osh And Arslan Bob In Kyrgyzstan.
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
A short drive gets us to our next border crossing and country number 4. After
meeting our Kyrgyz leader we head into nearby Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second city
and begin our exploration. The order in which we visit places is flexible but
we'll visit Osh Bazaar (Central Asia’s largest market), as well as the
sacred Sulayman Mountain, a holy Muslim site (and burial place of the prophet
Sulayman (Solomon)) and the central point on the Silk Road. The walk to the
top of Sulayman Mountain is paved with some steps and can be tiring in the
heat but the views over the city and valley below, small museum and 15th
century church are worth the effort.Later, this afternoon, we leave the city
behind and head for Arslanbob Nature Reserve (about 3.5-4hrs away including
stops), arriving in the evening. The village of Arslanbob is located in the
mountains at around 1,600m (though the top and bottom of the village vary
considerably in altitude) and is surrounded by an ancient walnut forest
believed to be the largest in the world.We spend the next two nights in a
basic homestay with outside drop-toilets and outside showers (normally with
hot water).Homestay
Day 11 : Full Day In Arslan Bob.
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After quite a few days of moving on every day and covering a lot of ground,
today is for relaxing in the picturesque village of Arslan Bob surorunded by
walnut forests. We take it easy and at around mid-morning we will go for a
walk and picnic lunch in the surrounding countryside. The walk takes around 4
hours (including lunch and stops) and requires walking shoes/boots. The pace
is leisurely but if anyone prefers not to walk, you are free to opt
out.Homestay
Day 12 : Chychkn Gorge
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Our journey today takes us through the central Tien Shan Mountains as we
drive through picturesque canyons and gorges and around Toktogul Reservoir.
The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours to cover the 350km (including lunch
and rest/photo stops). Eventually we reach Chychkan Gorge with its fir and
juniper trees. Here we spend the night in a simple guest house with en suite
rooms on the banks of a rushing river.Oson Guest House
Day 13 : Kyzyl Oi Village
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
This morning there's a chance to go for another short walk to a nearby gorge
before continuing our crossing of Central Kyrgyzstan. In the late morning, we
set off on the drive to the village of Kyzyl Oi (4.5/5 hours including lunch
and rest/photo stops), which translates as ‘Red Bowl’ and is so named
because of the red cliffs surrounding the village like a bowl and who’s
clay is used to construct its buildings. The mountains here are hues of red
and brown and particularly attractive in the late afternoon and early morning
sun. The village itself dates from before the Great October Soviet Socialist
Revolution and has kept its distinctive Central Asia character. Whilst the
valley opens out, the village itself is located in a narrow gorge on the
banks of the powerful Kekermeren River.Upon arrival there is some free time
to explore the village and surrounding area or interact with the families in
whose homestays we will spend the night. We will usually be spread across a
few houses but we will all have dinner together in one of the houses.Homestay
Day 14 - 15 : Son Kul Lake
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Leaving the gorges behind we head towards the high pastures surrounding Son
Kul Lake (approx. 4 hours drive, including some rough roads), arriving in
time for lunch. Considered by many to be the Jewel in the Kyrygz crown for
natural beauty, this is a land of nomadic shepherds tending their flocks.
Whilst today yurt camps have multiplied around the lake, the people who look
after these camps still often tend their flocks and cattle dot the jailoo
(high mountain pastures) cared for by men on horseback. The lake’s name
means ‘the last lake’ and sat at 3,016m it’s easy to see how it got its
name.We have the whole of the next day to take in the beauty of the
landscape. There is the option to go on a 2-2.5 hour walk to the nearby hills
- the hills are quite steep and this may not be for everyone but those who
make it to the top will find a few petroglyphs. After lunch, we visit one of
the Kyrgyz shepherd families close to camp to learn about their lifestyle and
perhaps taste some kumis (a natural drink made from fermented mare’s milk)
or similar. There is also the option to go horseriding (optional extra)We
experience a bit of the nomad life as we stay in a yurt camp. There are now
western style toilets and a 'shower yurt' with proper showers and wash
basins. There is hot water when the generator is runing (usually morning and
evening) but it is not wholly reliable.Yurt Camp
Day 16 : Bishkek.
Meals Included: breakfast
Leaving the high mountains which characterise Kyrgyzstan behind we make our
way to the Republic’s capital city, Bishkek (about 7hrs drive), stopping
for lunch en route. The former Soviet city is undergoing a transformation
with cafes and trendy bars opening. Upon arrival, we have a short tour for a
couple of hours of some of the city’s main sites around the main square,
Alatoo Square. We visit the Museum of History and have some time for souvenir
shopping or relaxing. (please note that if the Museum of History is closed
for renovation or any other reason, we may substitute it for the Fine Arts
Museum).B Hotel or similar
Day 17 : Bishkek And Almaty1
Meals Included: breakfast
A mere 4-5 hours from the Kyrgyz capital city (depending on border crossing
times) is Almaty, the former Kazakh capital city and the biggest city in the
final country on our trip. Along the way, we’ll visit the Tamgaly
Petroglyphs. Almaty is considered Central Asia’s most European city.In the
late afternoon, we’ll visit Kok Tube hill and take a cable car ride for
some panoramic views of the city.Hotel Kazzhol Almaty or similar
Day 18 : Visit Almaty.
Meals Included: breakfast
Almaty may have lost its status as capital of Kazakhstan, but it remains the
country’s educational, tourist and business capital and the main transport
hub. It sits at the foot of the emerald Tien Shan Mountains.After breakfast
we begin our sightseeing in Almaty. We’ll visit Panfilov’s Park and the
Orthodox Cathedral, Great Patriotic War Memorial and Museum of Kazakh Folk
Musical Instruments and the Central State Museum.We continue our tour at
Zelonniy Bazar (Green Bazaar), passing by the Independence Monument in
Republic Square.Hotel Kazzhol Almaty or similar
Day 19 : End Almaty.
Meals Included: breakfast
The trip ends this morning at the hotel in Almaty.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Food
All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 7 dinners includedCommon dishes in the region include shish-kebabs and plov (rice usually with mutton, onions, carrots, spices, raisins, peas) which you’ll probably see plenty of. The kebabs can be from different meats including lamb and beef whilst plov is a rice-based dish (variants elsewhere are known as pilaf or pilau rice). Another main staple is bread, especially in Uzbekistan where it is freshly baked and sold everywhere. Other traditional dishes include chorba, a meat and vegetable soup; manty, steamed dumplings filled with lamb; qu'urma, a lamb dish; ichlekli, a meat and onion pie, and gutap, a pie filled with meat, potatoes, spinach and pumpkin. There are normally a couple of opportunities to try home-cooked meals. Tea is also plentiful, both black and green and is drunk with most meals as well as throughout the day. Please note that vegetarian food choices may be rather limited. If you are strictly vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring such specialised dietary items from home.Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from - please bring a reusable bottle with you.
Accommodation
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Exodus has been trading since 1974
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Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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