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Journey through Central Asia
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CJCREV_AU
Overview
Destination:
Kyrgyzstan,
Turkmenistan,
Duration:28 days
Type:Group tour (max 18)
Travel Period
September 2026 - September 2028
Travel from Bishkek to Ashgabat on this 28 day 'Five Stan' cultural experience. This in depth tour will see you visiting the Silk Road gems of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the quirky Turkmenistan, colourful markets, fascinating villages and Swiss Alps type scenery. Retrace the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great on this unforgettable Central Asian journey.
Tour highlights:
- Darvaza Gas Crater, Watch the fiery glow from the Darvaza Gas Crater as the sun goes down
- Samarkand, Witness the incredible architecture on one of the most illustrious cities on the S
- Barskoon Gorge, Discover the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan's Barskoon Gorge
- Iskanderkul Lake, See the blue Iskanderkul lake and rocky mountains in Tajikistan
Tour experiences:
- Meet the Akhal Tekes, Visit a stud farm to learn about the Akhal Tekes, a native horse breed with a distinctive metallic sheen. These majestic animals have played an essential role in Turkmenistan's history and are the emblem of the country.
- Lose yourself in vibrant bazaars, Wander through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan's bustling bazaars, where stalls are brimming with handwoven carpets, intricate ceramics, spices, and local delicacies.
- Witness Kyrgyz eagle hunting, One of Central Asia's most iconic experiences, witness the skill and majesty of golden eagle hunting – an age-old Kyrgyz tradition – in the spectacular setting of Kyrgyzstan’s highlands.
Places visited:
- Bishkek (2N)
- Chon
- Kemin (1N)
- Bokonbayevo (1N)
- Karakol (2N)
- Almaty (2N)
- Dushanbe (2N)
- Khujand (1N)
- Tashkent (2N)
- Samarkand (2N)
- Bukhara (3N)
- Khiva (2N)
- Ashgabat (2N+2N)
- Mary (1N)
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$160pp (AU$246pp) is paid locally in Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 – 4 star accommodation, guest house & yurt camp
- Visa assistance for Australian passport holders
Itinerary
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Collapse all
Collapse allDAYS 1-2: Fly To Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. Depending on your time of arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
DAY 3: Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park
This morning, visit Ala Archa National Park where you will take a leisurely hike through this alpine area, offering spectacular views of glaciers, waterfalls and high summits. Go on to enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bishkek and visit Manas Monument, Old Square and Parliament House plus much more.
DAY 4: Chong Kemin National Park
Venture to the scenic Chon Kemin valley, where gentle foothills invite exploration and authentic village encounters bring the warmth of local Kyrgyz culture to life.
DAY 5: Kochkor & Tamga Village
Journey to Kochkor Village, a local centre of felt handicrafts, before making your way to the village of Tamga, where you will spend the night with local shepherds in their camp. Sleep in a traditional yurt, for a true taste of the life of the Kyrgyz nomads.
DAY 6: Golden Eagle Hunting - Karakol
Today you will meet with a berkutchi, a golden eagle hunter, to watch an eagle hunting demonstration, a millennia-old Kyrgyz tradition. Afterwards, travel to Karakol, stopping at Barskoon Gorge on the way to see the ‘Tears of the Leopard’ waterfall.
DAY 7: Jety-Orguz Gorge
Visit the Przhevalsky Museum and see the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. In the afternoon, travel to the Valley of the Flowers and Jeti-Orguz where you can walk through the magnificent canyon of red sandstone, all before joining a local Dungan or Uygur family for dinner.
DAY 8: Charyn Canyon & Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Rise early for Karakol’s bustling Sunday market. In the afternoon, drive through breathtaking scenery to visit magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles, before crossing the border into Kazakhstan, finishing the day in the country’s largest city, Almaty.
DAY 9: Explore Almaty
This morning, discover the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, dedicated to the Panfilov heroes of an Alma-Ata Infantry as well as the Ascension Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church made entirely of wood. In the afternoon, explore the Ili Alatau mountains and Medeu, an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink, located at the height of 1,690 metres. Go on to visit Shymbulak, a mountain resort located 2,260 metres above sea level. Continue to Kok Tobe, before taking a ride on a cable car for magnificent panoramic views of the city.
DAY 10: Almaty to Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
This morning in Almaty is yours to enjoy at your leisure. This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan arriving in the early afternoon
DAY 11: Discover Dushanbe
Take a full day tour of the capital, visiting the Museum of National Antiquities, the botanical gardens, Rudaki Park and stop at the Ismoili Somoni monument. After lunch visit the historical Fortress of Hissor, the Medrassah Kuhna and the Museum of Tajik Way of life.
DAY 12: Lake Iskanderkul
Travel into the mountains to the shores of Iskanderkul to soak up the spectacular scenery. Continue to Khujand.
DAY 13: Khujand to Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Stroll through the vibrant Panjshanbe Bazaar, admire the 10th-century citadel and relax at Pushkin Square. Cross the border into Uzbekistan, arriving in the city of Tashkent.
DAY 14: Tashkent
Take a step back in time in the old town and explore the Barak Khan Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah and the Tila Shaikh Mosque, home to rare copies of the Koran. Stop at Chorsu Bazaar and enjoy free time to wander, before visiting the ceramic workshop of Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov, and explore the history of ceramics. Lastly, ride the iconic Tashkent Metro and admire the opulently decorated stations.
DAY 15: Registan Square
Drive to Samarkand. Wander into the heart of the city for a first glimpse of some of the magnificent sights in the spectacular Registan Square.
DAY 16: See Samarkand
This morning, see Gur Emir, the mausoleum of conqueror Tamerlane. Then, wander through a bustling local market and pause to visit Shah-I-Zinda and Bibi-Khanum Friday Mosque. Visit the Ulugh Beg, an observatory founded in the 15th century and considered one of the finest in the Islamic world.
DAY 17: Shakhrisabz
Drive to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, and visit the Ak-Sarai Palace, the Dorus Tilayat Cemetery and Kok-Gumbas Mosque. Journey on to the holy city of Bukhara.
DAY 18: Historic Bukhara
Spend the day exploring one of the most famous and spectacular Silk Road cities, with visits to Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque and the Ark of Bukhara.
DAY 19: More Bukhara
Head out of Bukhara to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former Emir of Bukhara. Visit Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
DAY 20: Journey To Khiva
Journey across the Kyzyl Kum Desert to Khiva, a magical Silk Road city still hidden behind its 10th-century walls. En route you’ll make a stop on the picturesque banks of the Amudarya River.
DAY 21: Itchan Kala
Explore ancient Khiva, discovering the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage inner-walled city of Itchan Kala including the mighty Kuhna Ark and the turquoise-tiled Islam-Khodja.
In the afternoon see the Friday Mosque and Tash Hauli Palace
DAY 22: Explore Kunya-Urgench
Cross into Turkmenistan and drive to Kunya-Urgench, capital of the Khorezmshah Empire in the 12th-13th centuries. Explore its magnificent mausoleums, the Kutlug Timur minaret and the fabled Mamun’s Academy of Sciences. Fly to Ashgabat this evening, the nation’s capital.
DAY 23:Ashgabat & the Akhal Tekes horses
This morning is free to relax before a visit to a local stud farm to learn about beautiful Akhal Tekes horses. Visit the Kipchak complex, the largest mosque in Turkmenistan, then learn about the country’s unique history at the National Museum of History and Ethnography.
DAY 24: Ancient City Of Merv
Rise early for your flight to Mary. From the airport you will transfer overland to the ancient city of Merv; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Central Asia. Return to Mary after to visit the local History Museum.
DAY 25: Darvaza FlamingCrater
Fly back to Ashgabat to explore both ancient and modern sides of the city visiting Independence Square and the Turkmenistan Independence Monument to see the Ertoghrul Ghazi Mosque. Drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater to walk around the crater as dusk approaches. Enjoy a nomad-inspired dinner under the stars, with a spectacular view of the crater and its glowing flames. Return to Ashgabat.
DAY 26: More Ashgabat
Visit the Old Nisa Fortress; the former residence of the Parthian Empire. After lunch you will continue the fun at the colourful Russian Bazaar. Later, continue to the National Carpet Museum that exhibits an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various carpet objects.
DAYS 27-28: Fly Ashgabat To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day.
Day 26: Ashgabat
Learn about the Turkmenistan’s important cotton and gas industries before Visit the Old Nisa Fortress; the former residence of the Parthian Empire. After lunch you will continue the fun at the colourful Russian Bazaar. Later, continue to the National Carpet Museum that exhibits an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various carpet objects.
Day 27: Flight from Ashgabat to Dubai
Early in the morning transfer to the Ashgabat airport for your flight to Dubai and onto Australia.
On arrival in Dubai you will connect to your flight to Australia returning home on the same or the following day.
Day 28: Land in Australia
Land in Australia where the tour finishes.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.
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27 nights
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