22 day Across the Stans: A Cultural Journey

Day 1 - DEPART HOME/ GUANGZHOU

This evening, we board our flight with China Southern Airlines bound for Guangzhou.

Included meals - As per flight

Day 2 - GUANGZHOU

Your flight in Guangzhou arrives early in the morning at around 5am. Instead of a long stopover to wait for a connecting flight, we will arrange for a local Guangzhou guide to pick you up allow you some time to shop and dine before we fly off to Tashkent tomorrow.

Accommodation - Voco Guangzhou or similar

Included meals - As per flight / Lunch / Own Dinner

Day 3 - GUANGZHOU / TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN)

After breakfast, enjoy a bit of time for shopping before we head back to the airport for our flight bound for Tashkent. Welcome to Uzbekistan. Your local guide will be on hand for a meet and greet and assist with dinner and check in at a local restaurant.

Accommodation - Hotel Hyatt Regency or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 - TASHKENT

After breakfast explore the leafy streets of Uzbekistan’s capital and its Old City, providing us with a fascinating picture of Islamic architecture throughout the history of one of Central Asia’s most culturally rich countries. First, see Khast-Imom Complex, site of the famous nearly 1,500-year-old Quran of the 3rd Caliph, Othman. Then, explore the beautiful Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, the Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Afterward, take in a whole different picture at Soviet-style Chor-Su Bazaar and Mustaqilik Square.

Accommodation - Hotel Hyatt Regency or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 - TASHKENT / SAMARKAND (TRAIN)

This morning, we take a fast train for to Samarkand.

*Your luggage will be transported separately for comfort.

Upon arrival we shall explore the historic town of Samarkand*, a highlight of any journey on the Silk Road. A crossroad at the heart of Central Asia since 7th century B.C., when it was known as ancient Afrasiab, Samarkand offers a rich history reflected in its magical monuments and winding streets. We start our discovery with Gur-Emir Mausoleum (Tamerlane’s Tomb), Registan Square, known as one of the noblest public squares in the world. Later, we visit Bibi Khanum’s Mosque and Siyob Bazaar, a fascinating market sitting under the shadow of the mosque.

Accommodation - Hotel Kohinur Plaza Samarkand or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 - SAMARKAND

In the morning we shall experience Shahi Zinda royal necropolis, first constructed more than 1,000 years ago, with mosques and mausoleums continually added from the 11th to 19th centuries. The result is a fascinating cross-reference of diverse and historic architecture.

Later visit the Afrosiab Museum, where intricate wall murals provide us with a vivid picture of what houses used to look like. Experience Ulugbek’s Observatory, built by Tamerlane’s grandson, a king who is one of the most renowned astronomers in history. Built in the 1400s, it was later destroyed, with its ruins only being rediscovered 100 years ago.
We also visit Konigil Village and Meros traditional paper mill, where paper is made from mulberry bark.

Accommodation - Hotel Kohinur Plaza Samarkand or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 - SAMARKAND / PENJAKENT (TAJIKISTAN)

After breakfast, we transfer to the Uzbekistan and Tajikistan border Jartepa, to cross through immigration procedures.

Welcome to Tajikistan!

Begin with a visit to Sarazm, a UNESCO-listed proto-urban settlement dating back over 5,000 years. It is one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia and showcases early urban planning, metallurgy, and trade connections.
Continue to the ruins of ancient Panjakent, often referred to as the “Pompeii of Central Asia.” Dating back to the 5th–8th centuries, this once-thriving Sogdian city reveals the remains of houses, temples, and a citadel. Excavations have uncovered remarkably preserved wall paintings depicting scenes of mythology, daily life, and Zoroastrian rituals.
Continue to the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to Abu Abdallah Rudaki, considered the father of Persian literature. The museum houses artifacts from the ancient city, including murals, ceramics, and everyday objects, offering deeper insight into Sogdian civilization.
Visit the lively local bazaar, where you can experience authentic daily life. Stalls overflow with fresh fruits, spices, bread, and traditional sweets. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling Tajik specialties such as plov, shashlik, or manty.

Accommodation - Hotel Rudaki Plaza Penjakent or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 - PENJIKENT / 7 LAKES / SAMARKAND (UZBEKISTAN)

This morning, we take a tour to Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) which are located in the Fan Mountains, about 60–70 km from Penjikent. The drive takes approximately 1.5–2 hours each way, following a winding mountain road along a river gorge.
Each lake sits at a different altitude, and every one has its own color and character—from deep blue and violet to bright turquoise and green. Along the way, you will pass traditional villages where locals still follow a simple mountain lifestyle. Later this afternoon, we cross the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border to cross back into Uzbekistan.

Accommodation - Hotel Kohinur Plaza Samarkand or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 - SAMARKAND / GIJDUVAN / BUKHARA

In the morning, we make our way to Bukhara - a major city in central Uzbekistan, renowned as one of the most important trading hubs along the ancient Silk Road. En route, visit the Rabat-i Malik Caravanserai and pay visit to a pottery workshop in Gijduvan, where you will observe the full process of traditional Gijduvan ceramics. Proceed to Bukhara and upon arrival we check in to our hotel and if time permits, a bit of time to rest up before evening dinner. Tonikkght, enjoy an optional folk show at the Madrassah Gowkushan.

Accommodation -Hotel Shahriston Bukhara or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - BUKHARA

Dive into the Historic Centre of Bukhara today, which offers winding streets and ancient structures reminiscent of Arabian Nights. On our full-day sightseeing tour, we will see the highlights and hidden gems of this one-of-a-kind city. As we walk through the old town, we visit Poi Kalon minaret and mosque, as well as Aziz Khan and Ulugbek madrassahs. Later we make our way to Tim Abdullah and Tilpak Frushan covered markets, Mohgaki Attari mosque, Lyabikhauz (the city pond), madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi and Chor minor. In the afternoon after lunch, we continue to explore some of the city’s most outstanding monuments, including Arg Fortress, Zindan (the prison), Balakhauz mosque, Ismail Samanid mausoleum and Job’s Spring where legend has it that Prophet Job. This evening, take part in an unforgettable dinner feast. We will also walk through the narrow lanes of the old Jewish quarter with a visit to the house of miniature master Davlat Toshev, a Sufi painter known for his excellent miniatures who has exhibited his work in many parts of Europe.

Accommodation -Hotel Shahriston Bukhara or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11 - BUKHARA / MARY (TURKMENISTAN)

Early this morning, we transfer approximately 1.5–2 hours to the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan border (Farap/Alat). We will then proceed with border crossing formalities on both sides. After crossing, meet your Turkmen guide and driver and proceed to Mary (approx. 3.5–4 hours).

*Please note, today will involve a fair of driving in the bus *

Upon arrival, we shall have a lunch at a local restaurant and afterwards, visit the ancient site of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road.

Accommodation - Hotel Mary or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 - MARY / ASHGABAT

Today, we will take a domestic flight to Ashgabat - the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan. Once here, we visit the famous Tolkuchka Bazaar, the largest and most traditional markets in Central Asia where practically anything can be bought here from toys to camels. It is also referred to as the Sunday Bazaar. This is followed by an exploration of a UNESCO site of the epic Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, one the most important cities of the vast Parthian Empire. At its peak, the Parthian Empire was a rival of Rome, and stretched from Turkey to Afghanistan. At the unique Carpet Museum, we admire a stunning collection of tribal carpets ranging from medieval to modern times. Next stop is the National Museum of Turkmenistan, home to archaeological treasures from across the country. We will also admire some of Ashgabat’s most impressive modern monuments and statues that flung in the city.

Accommodation - Sport Hotel Ashgabat or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 - ASHGABAT / DARVAZA

After breakfast, we travel inland through the Kara Kum desert with its moving sands and sparse vegetation of saksaul, acacia and kandym bushes. We eventually arrive into the village of Bokurdak, located about 100 km from Ashgabat. Drive to Darvaza crater - this crater is located in the heart of Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert and is often referred to as the 'Door to Hell'. For overnight, we will stay in an overnight Yurt Camp nearby Darvaza area.

Special notes on today -
* The group will be staying one night nearby the Darvaza crater. Accommodation will be in traditional "Yurts" which will have abasic bed with shared restrooms and no shower facilities.

*Barbecue dinner or meal box will be provided for this day.*

Accommodation - Yurt Camp Near Darvaza or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14 - DARVAZA / DASHOGUZ / KHIVA (UZBEKISTAN)

Breakfast at the yurt camp and we drive to the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point at Dashoguz for border formalities.
A short drive passing river scenery and villages gets us to the legendry oasis of Khiva. We enjoy a 2-night stay in this historic town, famous home of the majestic Ichan-Kala the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Asia.

Accommodation - Hotel Kamil Palace Khiva or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15 - KHIVA / URGENCH / TASHKENT (FLIGHT)

An exciting day ahead as we start with a walking tour of Khiva as we go back in time at Ichan-Kala, the largest remaining preserved walled city in Central Asia. The fabled inner town of old Khiva is home to more than 50 monuments and 250 traditional dwellings. Our exploration starts with visits to Kalta Minor, a stunning half-built minaret that has become a symbol of the city, and Kunya Arg, an imposing fortress dating to the 17th century. From here, we have a grand view of the city’s monuments and Rakhimkhon madrassah. We continue to explore some of Khiva’s most fascinating sites, including the Hunarmand workshops, the mausoleum of Pakhalavan Makhmud with its unique tilework, the imposing Islam Khodja minaret, Khiva Museum, Friday Mosque with its collection of 212 wooden columns, and Tashauli, the harem quarters of the last Khan of Khiva. Following our tour, we have some free time to explore this legendary city. We also experience the newly renovated, Nurullah Bey’s Palace, which was the residence of the last Khan of Khiva from 1910 to 1920. Today, we will have an early dinner and then transfer to Urgench International Airport for domestic flight to Tashkent.

* Please note, today will be a long day with a late finish (almost 12AM) when we arrive to Tashkent *

Accommodation - Hotel Hyatt Regency or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16 - TASHKENT / BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN)

After breakfast, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, where a cordial welcome awaits us. Bishkek was originally called Pishpek and was later renamed Frunze in honour of a major political organizer of the Civil War born in Pishpek. It finally became Bishkek in 1991.

At this fourth Stan, we will stay here for the next two nights.

Accommodation - Novotel Hotel Bishkek or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17 - BISHKEK / ALA ARCHA / BISHKEK

Discover the best of Bishkek, a modern city with vast squares, crowded bazaars and impressive administrative centers. Our tour includes Oak Park, Central Square, Statue of Manas, and Victory Square. We will also visit the National Historical Museum. This enormous example of socialist realist architecture was once devoted to Vladimir Lenin. After the breakup of the USSR, two of its three floors were replaced with exhibits that reflected Kyrgyzstan's new status as an independent state. Luckily for visitors, one floor of the original museum has been preserved, along with a huge centerpiece statue of Lenin leading the revolutionary masses.

On our return to Bishkek, we visit Ala Archa Canyon – 40 min drive one way, one of the most scenic regions of the Kyrgyz Mountains. A traditional dinner awaits us back in the city.

Accommodation - Novotel Hotel Bishkek or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18 - BISHKEK / ISSYKUL

Today, we drive from Bishkek to Cholpon Ata which is a long drive, around 3.5 hours away.

This scenic drive takes us along the shores of beautiful Lake Issyk-Kul (1607m), the tenth largest lake in the world by volume. Although it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake never freezes, which made it a popular recreational destination during Soviet times.
Enjoy a short excursion to Balasagun, a Silk Road city founded in the 10th century by the Karakhanids, whose empire spanned from China to the Aral Sea. The most impressive of the city remnants found here is the Tower of Burana, a 25-meter (82 foot) brick tower against a scenic mountain backdrop. We will also explore the ruins of a cathedral, mosque and madrassah, as well as a unique collection of Turkic tombstones dating from the 6th to 10th century and a small archaeological museum.
At the lakeside town of Cholpon-Ata, we will see unique petroglyphs dating back 1,900 to 2,800 years. These carvings are from the time of the Saka-Usun people, who pre-dated the arrival of the Kyrgyz. We will also visit a small museum featuring many artifacts from the region.

Accommodation - Baytur SPA resort or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 19 - ISSYKUL / ALMATY (KAZAKHSTAN)

Learn about local traditions in the Issykul region during a morning visit with nomads in their traditional yurts. We then continue on our journey to the last country of the 5 Stans, Kazakhstan. Our scenic route takes us to an elevation of 1,756 meters before we arrive at the check post for immigration formalities. After we cross the border, we’ll make our way to Almaty, which was the capital of Kazakhstan until 1997. En route to Almaty, we will discover the main symbol of Kazakhstan, the tomb of the Golden Man, where more than 4,000 gold ornaments dating back to 4th century BC were found. Upon arrival into Almaty, the remainder of the day is free time.

Accommodation -Novotel Almaty or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 20 - ALMATY

A unique day ahead as we explore the colonial and Soviet splendor of Almaty. The city’s Russian name, Alma-Ata, means “father of apples”, as this region is thought to be the ancestral home of this famous fruit. Almaty was the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, and then of the new republic until 1997, when it was moved to Astana. Our tour starts with a visit to charming Panfilov Park before heading to the Zenkov’s Holy Ascension Cathedral, completed in 1907 and remaining the second tallest wooden church in the world. Next stop is the Central Mosque, built in 1999 as the largest mosque in Kazakhstan. At the Central State Museum, we see highlights such as excellent displays of Scythian art and a hall dedicated to the nomadic tribes of the region.

Our dinner tonight includes typical Kazakh favourites as we celebrate our journey through the 5 STANS on this tour.

Accommodation -Novotel Almaty or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 21 - ALMATY / GUANGZHOU

After a fascinating cultural adventure on the Silk Road tour, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight bound for Guangzhou. After a few hours of transit we reboard our flight with China Southern Airlines bound for home.

Included Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

DAY 22 - ARRIVE HOME

Your flight arrives home this morning and from everyone here at Friendly Travel, we sincerely thank you for choosing to visit the STANS with us!

Included Meals - As per flight