Best Four Stans Tour 24 Days
About this tour
“The Silk Road” is a term that conjures up fairytale-like images of long camel caravans travelling through bare deserts, of brave adventurers and merchants bargaining in exotic oriental markets. This network of routes, which stretched about 11 000 km (7 000 miles) and connected the East and the West, is a milestone in the development of the modern world and the connections between those regions and has a long history from a phenomenon with a great economic and cultural impact that it was back in the day to one of the most sought-after travel experiences that it is today. This epic trip takes you to four countries that were once the heart of the Silk Road – Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where you will get to see intricately tiled ancient mosques, alpine lakes bordered by yurt camps, grand monuments, rural villages and colorful markets.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Arrive in Tashkent. You will be met by Nazars driver and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at noon. Meet your guide to start sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia. Visit Old City part of Tashkent with Khast-Imam Complex where the world famous holy book Quran of Caliph Uthman has been preserved. Explore Chorsu Bazaar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to the city center to visit Applied Arts Museum and walk through Navoi Theater to Amir Timur Square where you will end Tashkent city tour. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Day 2: Tashkent, Uzbekistan to KIVA, Urganch, Uzbekistan
Early breakfast. Transfer to the local airport for flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h 40 min). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min). Later proceed for guided walking sightseeing tour. Spend a day in Itchan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta-Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Minaret of Islam-Khoja. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours
Day 3: KIVA, Urganch, Uzbekistan to Bukhara, Uzbekistan
After breakfast depart Khiva and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 h.*). Today we will have an overland transfer from Khiva to Bukhara through Kyzylkum desert**. Caravans on the Great Silk Road carrying porcelain and spices used the same route for hundreds of years. Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel. *As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip (your hotel or guide can help you arrange this the day before). **Some parts of the road are not in the best condition.
Day 4: Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Breakfast. Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Bukhara, Uzbekistan to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
After breakfast continue sightseeing tour with a guide. Drive out of the city to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir. Head to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi. In the afternoon depart to Samarkand (280 km, 4 h). Stop on the way at Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik dating back to the 11th century. Arrive in Samarkand late in the afternoon, check in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
Day 6: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start city tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the mausoleum of Amir Timur. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Day 7: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel till noon. Continue sightseeing: visit Afrosiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to explore a traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy free time with the car and driver at your disposal after sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel. Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Day 8: Samarkand, Uzbekistan to Panjakent, Tajikistan
After breakfast transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (50 km, 1 h). After you pass customs and passport control on both sides, Tajik guide and driver will meet you and drive to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2h). The Seven Lakes are located in the west of Fann mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. Lunch at the guest house at the Lake #4. In the afternoon, drive back to Penjikent and visit Rudaki Museum and a local bazaar. Continue to ancient Penjikent archaeological site which takes you back to the times when Penjikent was a major Sogdian city before it was destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Overnight at the hotel in Penjikent.
Day 9: Panjakent, Tajikistan to Iskanderkul, Tajikistan
After breakfast depart Penjikent and drive to Dushanbe (270 km, 4-5 h). The mountain road goes via picturesque Anzob pass (3300 m above sea level). On the way visit Iskanderkul Lake. According to the legend, the Iskanderkul Lake was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great's path to India passed by this lake. Lunch at traditional homestay "Dilovar". Free time to explore the surroundings of the lake: five springs, Zmeinoe Lake, 38m high “Fan Niagara“ waterfall. Overnight in Iskander kul
Day 10: Iskanderkul, Tajikistan to Khujand, Tajikistan
Transfer to Khujand via Istaravshan town. Located in the northern foothills of the Turkistan mountain range, 78 km southwest from Khujand, Istaravshan is one of the most ancient cities of Tajikistan (more than 2500 years). Ancient name Cyropolis founded by Cyrus the Great in 544 BC as a boarding fort of the Achaemenid Empire. During the Soviet era, the city was known as Ura - Tyube. Overview sightseeing in Istaravshan visiting: - Mazori Sharif mausoleum, - Kog Gumbaz madrasa (16th century) - Kuhi Mug, the ruins of the ancient fortress. Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Khujand, Tajikistan to Kokand, Uzbekistan
After breakfast drive to Uzbekistan border You have a long day, as the road from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan will pass through the Fergana Valley (the Uzbek territory will not be affected). In the morning you will go along the huge Cairakkum reservoir to the Border Issue of Isfara. There you will meet with your driver from Kyrgyzstan and continue your way to the Batken region. On the road to the right of you, you will see the Turkestan Range, which is not so much known among tourists, but nevertheless, step by step the best climbers of the world conquer there hidden vertical rocks. Overnight at the Hotel in Kokand Fergana Vally
Day 12: Kokand, Uzbekistan to Osh, Kyrgyzstan
In the morning after breakfast we will drive to Osh you will pass through some mountain and agricultural cities, such as Haydarhan, where one of the largest reserves of mercury, as well as a nookat, which was well known for its tobacco industry. After lunch we will arrive in the city of Osh, where to stay in the Hotel and then have a dinner in the city center. Overnight at the Hotel
Day 13: Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Start excursion around Osh. Today you will visit Suleiman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), museum, Osh bazaar that hasn't changed its location since the times of Great Silk Road. You will also visit the main square and Russian Orthodox cathedral. Transfer back to your hotel or guest house. End of the tour.
Day 14: Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Arslanbob, Kyrgyzstan
Driving distance/time: 185km / 4 hours, Transfer to Arslanbob village famous for its largest wall-nut forest in Central Asia. Accommodation in a cozy guesthouse. After lunch, we walk around the village to see the local culture. People claim that their ancestors go back to Alexander Great who once visited this village and brought some wall-nuts to his land later became Greece Nuts. Hike up the waterfall and further the panorama hill to see the scenic view of the village. Home-cooked dinner. Overnight at Homestay
Day 15: Arslanbob, Kyrgyzstan to Kazarman, Kyrgyzstan
Driving distance/time: 240 km, 5 hours, Transfer to Kazarman village. Nice drive on an unpaved road over Kaldama Pass standing at 3000 meters. Bushes along the road in mountain slopes delight your senses. Amazing mountain ranges open up on top of the pass. Descend the pass. Arrival in Kazarman village and accommodation in CBT guesthouse. After lunch, walk around the village and enjoy the view of this remote village located on the riverbank of the country’s largest river Naryn. Overnight Guest house
Day 16: Kazarman, Kyrgyzstan to Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Driving distance/time: 220 km, 6 hours, Transfer to Songkol Lake. Enjoy driving along the overflowing river Naryn, the largest river in Kyrgyzstan. Pass by yurts of shepherds while driving over passes. After a few hours, we drive up Moldo Ashuu Pass standing at 3220 meters through a gorgeous road with evergreen trees decorating the mountains. A magnificent view of alpine lake Song Kol opens up on the pass with craggy mountains surrounding the lake. Enjoy driving on the southern shore of the lake with scattered yurts of nomads all the way to your yurt. Overnight and dinner in a yurt. Overnight in Yurt camp
Day 17: Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan to Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Driving distance/time: 225 km / 5 hours, Breakfast. Take a 2-3 hour walk or horse riding around this alpine lake to get the best view of the area and see shepherds busy with morning activities. Lunch in a yurt. After lunch, we drive to Kochkor city over Kalmak Ashuu Pass. You can spot some grazing yaks around the pass. A short stop in Kohckor to visit souvenir shops to see locally handmade rugs and carpets. Then we drive to our camp on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Arrival at Bel Tam yurt camp and be accommodated. Walk up to the shore of the lake and enjoy swimming in this clear lake. Dinner in a yurt camp.
Day 18: Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan to Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan
Driving distance/time: 150 km / 4 hours, Early morning after breakfast, we will drive to a nearby hillside where you will see the Eagle hunting masterclass with a local hunter. Then we continue driving to Kok Jaiyk summer camp at Jeti Oguz valley. On the way, we take a side trip to visit Fairy Tale Canyon – fantastic rocks with different shapes of amazing colors. Take photos by walking around. Then we drive to one of the best waterfalls in Kyrgyzstan called Barskon, there are three waterfalls that you can admire. Take an easy hike around these waterfalls with lush evergreen trees. Arrival in Kok Jaiyk valley and accommodation in a Yurt camp.
Day 19: Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Driving distance/time: 405 km / 7 hours, Drive to Bishkek city. On the way, visit the open-air petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata and the architectural complex of Burana Tower which dates back to the 10-11th century, an important site on the Great Silk Road. Arrival in Bishkek. Overnight at The Hotel.
Day 20: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
At first, we will visit the street market Osh bazaar, experience the local colors and smells. Then we will walk to the Philharmonic Hall. Visit central Ala-Too Square, watch the impressive “Change of the honor guard” ceremony. Discover the traditional Kirghiz epos of “Manas”. He is the national hero who united all the Kyrgyz Tribes and his epic contains over half a million rhymed line. See the monument of the Kyrgyz fighters for freedom and democracy in OAK Park At your request, we will continue to lunch at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant that will host you in accordance with the renowned Kyrgyz tradition of hospitality Sights we will visit: Victory square, Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Philharmonic, Osh Bazaar, Manas Statue, Change of the honor guard ceremony, Panfilov Park
Day 21: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Today we cross Kyrgyz Kazah border wia Kordai Check point, After crossing Border drive tonAlmaty, former capital and biggest city of Kazakhstan.
Day 22: Almaty, Kazakhstan to Charyn Canyon National Park, Tamerlik, Kazakhstan
Depart early this morning for Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon Stop At: Charyn Canyon, Charyn National Park, Charyn River Kazakhstan Charyn canyon has been described as the Grand canyon’s little brother and is considered to be the floor of the ancient ocean Tethys. The erosion made by the river Charyn below and the elements created a dramatic and impressive landscape. The Charyn canyon itself is approximately 150 km and in some places up to 300 m deep.
Day 23: Charyn Canyon National Park, Tamerlik, Kazakhstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan
During our day tour, you will observe the striking diversity of landscapes: from green agricultural fields of nearby villages sown with fruits and vegetables suddenly being swapped for the endless ascetic steppes stretching to the edge of the horizon with a rare bunch of sheep leading by a lonely herder. On the way, we will have a stop at the little rustic Uighur village with the lively and colorful market and smell of grilled meat and tandyr samsa (meat-filled savory pastry baked at the special tandyr oven)! Be ready for the new gastronomical experiences! Let’s follow the words of legendary Anthony Bourdain: “Your body is not a temple – it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” Today you will not only try new food but also be awestruck by a bewitching landscape of mysterious Bartogay lake and impressive Charyn Canyon. We will have gentle descent at the Valley of Castles and have a picnic at the shore of the Charyn river that carved the canyon 12 million years ago, and then ascend up back to the surface with a short scramble up at the end. So please make sure to wear comfortable shoes with a good outsole. We will also visit Charyn Canyon’s most secluded part – Moon Canyon with Pliocene clays (5 million years – can you imagine it?! So sick!). No crowds (nobody at all actually), just you and this endless compelling evidence of millions of years of deposition that make you think how much tiny little thing as humans we are! After finishing in Canyon drive to Almaty Overnight at the Hotel
Day 24: Almaty, Kazakhstan
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. On display are many traditional instruments from the region. In the afternoon, we drive half an hour up to Medeo ice skating rink and take a cable car to enjoy a nice view at the top of Shymbulak skiing area.
What's included
All including
International flight tickets Visa
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Tashkent, Uzbekistan