The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

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21 Days From

$2512

$2433

The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

21 Days Starting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and ending in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Visiting: Bishkek, Chon-Kemin, Issyk Kul, Karakol, Almaty, Dushanbe, Panjakent, Seven Lakes, Khujand, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Darvaza Gas Crater - "Door to Hell", Ashgabat, Gokdepe

Tour operator:

Penguin Travel

Tour code:

5STANS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

16-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2512 $2433 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$79

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan as you delve into the vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile valleys and majestic mountains that form the backdrop to the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

Highlights

  • Chon-Kemin Valley - picturesque high-mountain natural complex in Kyrgyzstan

Places You'll See

Darvaza

Bishkek

Turkmenistan

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Bishkek

Location: Bishkek

Accommodation: Hotel

After leaving your bags at the hotel (check-in starts after 14:00), our guide will take us on a city tour in the charming capital of Kyrgyzstan, the greenest city in Central Asia. Our sightseeing program in Bishkek includes stops at the Oak Park, Central Square Ala – Too, The Philharmonic Hall and the Victory Square. -/-/-

Day 2 : Bishkek - Burana - Chon Kemin Valley

Location: Chon-Kemin

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early start from Bishkek heading East and after 80 km we arrive at our first stop - Burana Tower - one of the remains of the ancient city of Balasagun.We continue driving further into the mountains to a guesthouse in the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley, where we will have lunch upon arrival. In the afternoon you can have a walk in the village, observe the life of the local people, or optionally go for a short horse riding tour into the surrounding hills (to be arranged and paid upon arrival - around 15-20 USD p.p). Dinner and overnight in the homestay. B/L/D

Day 3 : Chon Kemin - Issyk Kul Lake

Location: Issyk Kul

Accommodation: Yurt

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we drive to Issyk Kul - the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan”. It is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, after Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1600m, it is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded completely by the Tien Shan Mountains. Our yurt camp will be nearby the lake (up to 4 people in a yurt, shared bathroom facilities). In the afternoon, it is possible to witness a traditional eagle hunting show. B/-/D

Day 4 : Issyk Kul Lkae - Jety Oguz - Karakol

Location: Karakol

Accommodation: Guest House

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We continue to the East along the southern shore of Issyk Kul towards the town of Karakol. On the way to Karakol, we drive into the side valley of Jety Oguz, famous for its two red rock formations called “Seven Bulls” and “The Broken Heart”. We will also stop by the famous Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon) - .full with fantasy-like shapes carved into the red sandstone from centuries of wind and water. In Karakol, we will have a short sightseeing tour, including the Dungan Mosque, built in 1904 with no metal nails, the wooden Russian Orthodox Church which has been standing since 1869 and other sites. Overnight in a guest house in Karakol (shared accommodation, shared bathroom facilities). B/-/D

Day 5 : Karakol (Kyrgyzstan) - Charyn Canyon (Kazakhstan) - Almaty

Location: Almaty

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast


Today we cross the mountains into Kazakhstan and drive to Almaty, former capital and biggest city of Kazakhstan. The road is long and partly not in a very good condition, however on the half of the way, we will stop to see one of the most famous natural sights of Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon. The canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon, although it is much smaller in size with a total length of 80-90 kilometers. Arrival of Almaty late in the afternoon. B/-/-

Day 6 : Almaty

Location: Almaty

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty is the largest city of Central Asia’s richest country, Kazakhstan. Until 1997 it was the country’s capital and today it still remains the country’s business and educational center. Roads are wide and tree-lined and there are good views of the Zailisky Ala-Too mountains that form a backdrop to the city. The name Almaty means “the place with apples” and it is believed that this is where apples originated from. We will visit Panfilov Park to see the most famous sight of Almaty, Zenkov Cathedral. It was built in 1904 without a single metal nail and is one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. In the same Park is the impressive Soviet Glory Memorial. Adjacent to the park is the Museum of Musical Instruments, which you can later visit in in your free time (not included in the tour). In the afternoon, we drive half an hour up to Medeo ice skating rink and optionally take a cable car to enjoy a nice view at the top of Shymbulak skiing area (entry fee and cable car ticket not included in the price). B/-/-

Day 7 : Almaty (Kazakhstan) - Dushanbe (Tajikistan)

Location: Dushanbe

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast transfer to Almaty Airport to catch Air Astana flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Originally, Dushanbe was a small village around a market that took place every Monday - even the “Dushanbe” translated from Persian means Monday. It was during the Soviet Union that it became the industrial center of Tajikistan. We will meet our Tajik guide, transfer to the hotel for check-in and then we will do a short sightseeing tour, including the Ismail Samani Statue and the Rudaki park, dedicated to the great Persian poet Rudaki, who lived during Samanid time in the 9th century. B/-/-

Day 8 : Dushanbe - Iskander Kul - Penjikent

Location: Panjakent

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today after an early breakfast we drive to Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great. Triangular in shape, it is considered one of the most exquisite lakes in all of the former Soviet Union nations, nestled in the Fann Mountains on 2,200m altitude. On the delightful route we will get to enjoy the rugged mountains scenery. We then take a short hike to a nearby waterfall, also called the Niagara Falls of the Fan Mountains.
We then continue driving for another four hours to reach the town of Penjikent. B/-/-

Day 9 : Seven Lakes Day Trip (Optional)

Location: Seven Lakes

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we take a bumpy ride into the Fan mountains, to explore the area of the “Seven Lakes”. The mountain valley is not far from Penjikent, but due to the terrible road condition this trip takes a full day. From the sixth lake there there is a short and easy hike of about two hours (both ways) to the seventh and highest lake Hazorchashma. Back to Penjikent for overnight. B/-/-

Day 10 : Penjikent - Istarafshan - Khujand

Location: Khujand

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Penjikent we drive up North to Istarafshan first and then to Khujand. The road to Istaravshan is very scenic, crossing Shahriston Pass. Istarafshan was founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC and recently celebrated its 2500th anniversary. The Timurids of the 14th century called the city Ura-Tube. Today, Istarafshan is well known in Tajikistan for its blacksmiths, hand-crafting knives of high quality. We will visit the workshops of the blacksmiths near the entrance of the market. From Istarafshan it is another one and a half hours drive to Khujand - the second largest city of Tajikistan. B/-/-

Day 11 : Khujand

Location: Khujand

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khujand is situated in the Fergana Valley on the Syr Darya river. It is another ancient city with history dating back to Cyrus the Great of Persia and Alexander the Great. Today it is the second largest city in Tajikistan with Tajikistan’s biggest market – Panjshanbe Bazaar. The city tour of Khujand includes the bazaar and the adjacent Maslihaddin Mosque, the historical Museum of Khujand, and Arbob palace. B/-/-

Day 12 : Khujand (Tajikistan) - Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

Location: Tashkent

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive to Oybek border point between Khujand (Tajikistan) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Here we meet our Uzbek driver and take a bus for a 2 hour drive to reach Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan and largest city in Central Asia. The city tour includes a visit to the Old City area of Tashkent. Here we will find the Khast Imаm Complex which contains ancient holy Quran of Caliph Osman. Experience the bustling crowds of traders at Chor-Su Bazaar before taking a ride on the city’s famous Soviet-era metro system which like Moscow’s features some of the most ornately decorated stations in the world. Exit at Amir Temur Square Station to view the statue of the great conqueror and next to it, the grand Independence Square. We complete the city tour of Tashkent with a visit to the Applied Arts Museum. B/-/-

Day 13 : Tashkent - Samarkand

Location: Samarkand

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After early breakfast we have a transfer to the railway station to take high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. The trip takes about two hours. Upon arriving in Samarkand, we begin our exploration of this fascinating city and former capital of Timurid Empire. We start the city tour with a visit of Siyob Bazaar and the impressive Bibi Khanum Mosque right next to it. Then you get to see Samarkand’s and Uzbekistan’s most famous landmark, the spectacular Registan Square. The focal point of ancient Samarkand is framed by three beautiful madrassas – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya Kori. We finish the sightseeing today with a visit of Gur-Emir mausoleum, where Timur is buried. B/-/-

Day 14 : Samarkand - Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

On our second day we start the tour just outside the city - in the village Koni Ghil to explore the traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. When we come back to the city, we will visit Ulugbek’s observatory - once the biggest research center of Central Asia. Ulugbek was decades ahead of the West with its observations of the solar system and the earth and we will learn more about his story in this prestigious setting. Our next stop is Shah-i-Zinda, the necropolis where family members of Timur are buried. In the afternoon we will visit Afrasiyab Museum. Evening high-speed train to Bukhara and after 1,5 hours we arrive Bukhara for overnight. B/-/-

Day 15 : Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Even the very name Bukhara conjures up images of the exotic Orient. For centuries, it was an important trading post and academic center. The Old Town has been well preserved and is crammed full of minarets, mosques, and madrassas. Its once notorious canals and pools, the source of many epidemics, have now been drained but the most famous, Lyabi-Hauz, is still there, an oasis shaded by mulberry trees in the heart of the city. Among the highlights of the walking tour in the Old Town of Bukhara are Kalon Complex, Ark Fortress, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Chiobs Mausoleum with the spring, local market, Museum of the Samanids аnd the Synagogue. B/-/-

Day 16 : Bukhara - Khiva

Location: Khiva

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A long day driving through the Kyzylkum desert - the 15th largest desert in the world. At the end of this arduous drive, the reward will be Khiva, where we will arrive in the evening. B/-/-

Day 17 : Khiva

Location: Khiva

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we will have a walking tour of the city. Khiva is bursting with historical sites – and today we will get a chance to see the walled inner-city section of Khiva called Ichan Kala. This old section of town preserves more than fifty historic monuments and hundreds of old houses dating back hundreds of years. The entire citadel is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we walk through the enormous city gates, we will be confronted by the glistening Islamic beacon, the Kalta-minor Minaret. Delve deep into the town on a guided tour that embraces all of the city sites, and includes an ascent of the Islam Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Khiva. B/-/-

Day 18 : Khiva (Uzbekistan) - Darvaza Gas Crater

Location: Darvaza Gas Crater - "Door to Hell"

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We head to the Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h.). We need to be at the border at 9:00 AM when it opens and go through formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (minibus available for a small fee). With our invitation letter we will be able to get our Turkmenistan visa against (visa fee depends on nationality, it varies from 80 until 140 USD and is paid in cash upon arrival, banknotes should be in a good condition, not wrinkled or torn, to be accepted). On the Turkmenistan side of the border, we meet our Turkmen guide and driver. Drive to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakum desert (270 km, 4-5 h.). Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in tents or yurts (shared accommodation up to 4 people, shared bathroom facilities) B/-/D

Day 19 : Darvaza - Ashgabat

Location: Ashgabat

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we are heading to Ashgabat. After check-in at the hotel and some rest we go for a short sightseeing tour (3-4 hrs) in Ashgabat – the capital of Turkmenistan which has experienced a boom of “Marble Architecture” for the past 25 years. The tour includes a visit of the National Museum of History, the Arch of Neutrality, and the newly built Independence Park. End the tour at Terrace restaurant with dinner and a nice view of the Independence Park and buildings around (not included in the price). B/-/-

Day 20 : Ashgabat - Goekdepe - Ashgabat

Location: Gokdepe

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we have another busy day. After breakfast, we will drive to the beautiful Old Nisa fortress (UNESCO World Heritage site) – the earliest of Parthian Empire capitals, which is located in an atmospheric area on an irregular pentagon hill, at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains. 14 hectares in size, the fort accommodates two semi-excavated complexes of Parthian period (III c. BC – III c. AD) - structures, designated as royal residence and temple complex. From Nisa fortress, we will continue to the Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. Then drive back to Ashgabat, stopping en-route at National Memorial Complex “Halk Hakydasy” with WWII and the 1948 earthquake victims memorials. Before returning to Ashgabat we visit a farm, where the famous Turkmen Akhal Teke horses are bred. B/-/-

Day 21 : Departure From Ashgabat

Location: Ashgabat

Accommodation: Hotel

Transfer to Ashgabat international airport and departure.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    accommodation: 16 nights in standard 2** and 3*** hotels - rooms with private facilities 1 night in a homestay in Chon Kemin Valley (shared accommodation/up to 6 people in a room) 1 night in a guesthouse in Karakol (shared bathroom facilities) 1 night in a yurt in Issyk Kul (shared accommodation/up to 4 people in a yurt) 1 night in a yurt camp in Darvaza

  • Fully Guided

    local English-speaking guides tour leader from Penguin Travel (at min 10 people)

  • Transport

    All ground transport in local tourist buses according to the group size and train tickets Tashkent - Samarkand - Bukhara

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    airport transfers on day 1 and 21 (there is an additional charge for transfers on different dates pre- or post-tour,it's not possible to arrange transfers to/from other places than airport-scheduled hotel-airport)

  • Meals

    meals according to the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D -dinner);

  • Complimentary invitation letter for Turkmenistan visa on arrival

    complimentary invitation letter for Turkmenistan visa on arrival

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

    Travel insurance

  • International Travel

    International flight tickets

  • Entrance Fees

    entrance fees (app 70-90 EUR)

  • Meal and Drinks

    meal and drinks not mentioned

  • Visa Fees

    visa fees if applicable

  • Tips for guides and drivers

    tips for guides and drivers

  • Personal expenses

    Personal Expenses

  • Flight ticket Almaty-Dushanbe

    flight ticket Almaty-Dushanbe (ca.

    130-150 EUR/to be confirmed upon request)

  • Tour to Seven Lakes

    One-day tour to Seven Lakes: 70 EUR

Mode of Transport

All ground transport is in a local tourist buses according to the group size and the train tickets Tashkent - Samarkand - Bukhara

Accommodation

16 nights in standard 2** and 3*** hotels - rooms with private facilities
1 night in a homestay in Chon Kemin Valley (shared accommodation/up to 6 people in a room)
1 night in a guesthouse in Karakol (shared bathroom facilities)
1 night in a yurt in Issyk Kul (shared accommodation/up to 4 people in a yurt)
1 night in a yurt camp in Darvaza

Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, we offer pre or post tour accommodation. Contact us for prices and more information.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Most nationalities need visas to enter some or all of the countries on this trip. Since, we have travelers from all over the world on this trip, we recommend you to check with the respective embassy in your country if a visa is required for your nationality or contact us for more details. We can provide the documents needed for visa application (hotel names, tour confirmation, etc.).

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All local guides and company tour leaders speak English.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International and domestic flights are not included in the price.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    You will receive a trip voucher with the final hotel list between 10- 15 days before departure.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    In most of the places, there is free time for exploring on your own. Check the itinerary for more information.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    Vaccinations are not required.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Entrance fees are not included. They are paid on the spot in cash.

  • Visa information for Turkmenistan

    Most nationalities need a visa for Turkmenistan, for which we apply on your behalf (complimentary). The visa is then received and paid on arrival at the border in cash in USD (80- 140 USD depending on nationality). To start the application process we will need a copy of your passport and a digital picture of yourself. You also need to fill out a short questionnaire, which we will send to you once your reservation is confirmed

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    This tour doesn not include hiking or trekking, so a higher fitness level is not required.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    There is no limitation on the amount of luggage that you can carry. However, we advise you to travel light. Keep in mind that the driver and tour leader are not responsible for loading and unloading your luggage from/to the bus. Also have in mind that some hotels do not have elevators and are a few minutes walking distance from drop off point.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, children older than 16 years are welcome on this tour.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    During the trip you will be accompanied by a tour leader representing Penguin Travel, who is responsible for the logistics of the tour – updating you on the daily itinerary, arranging your passport checks at the border-crossings, handling the check-ins at each hotel, communicating with the driver and arranging the local guides as scheduled in the program.

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    The group is international and you can meet travellers from all over the world.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Visas are not included in the price.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    A supplement for solo traveller is applicable. See the "Single Price" field.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16 people

Reviews of this operator

Santana Musial  

Excellent company

12-Jun-2023

Excellent company. They hire really professional guides and the timeline of all the trips is done really well. We really enjoyed our experience and can highly recommend it. My husband and I did the 5-stans tour.

Hannah  

Penguin are fantastic!

12-Mar-2023

Penguin are a fantastic tour company - I have travelled with them twice now and have thoroughly enjoyed both trips. They are well run, excellent value, and go above and beyond to try to meet customers' needs and requirements. Would definitely recommend travelling with Penguin :)

Mauricio Alpizar  

Penguin Travel in 2023

19-Oct-2023

In 2023, I have joined extremely interesting trips organized by Penguin Travel. The destinations (Iraq, Pakistan, Angola and Chad) are so heterogeneous that any attempt to compare them would be nonsense. What I can confirm is that Penguin managed each one of these trips in a very efficient and customer-oriented way. Dimo and his team are committed to delivering unforgettable experiences. Besides, they regularly enhance their itineraries to adapt to changing conditions and to optimize the tour scope. All my groups were small, which contributed to a very friendly environment throughout the trips. I look forward to joining other Penguin tours in the near future.

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Saturday - Friday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$2512 $2433

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$79

Saturday - Friday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$2512 $2433

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$79

Saturday - Friday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$2512 $2433

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$79

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.

    Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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