The Five Stans of Central Asia: All-Inclusive with Airfare
- franceschau
- Sep 24
- 9 min read
Country: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
Embark on The Five Stans of Central Asia tour, an all-inclusive small group journey with airfare that takes you through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Follow the ancient Silk Road, exploring vibrant bazaars, UNESCO World Heritage sites, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and centuries-old traditions. This guided Central Asia tour blends cultural immersion, history, and adventure—complete with curated accommodations, private transportation, and expert local guides for a seamless travel experience.
Turkmenistan
A land of vast deserts and Silk Road heritage. See the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater (“Door to Hell”) and the marble-clad capital Ashgabat with its grand monuments. Rich in Persian, Turkic, and nomadic traditions, it remains one of the world’s most enigmatic countries.
Uzbekistan
Step into Silk Road splendor: Samarkand’s Registan, Bukhara’s Ark Fortress, and Khiva’s UNESCO old town. Savor bustling bazaars, the aroma of fresh bread, and authentic plov, the nation’s beloved dish.
Tajikistan
Over 90% mountains, including the Pamirs (“Roof of the World”). Blending Persian roots, Silk Road heritage, and Soviet history, Tajikistan offers dramatic landscapes, warm hospitality, and ancient traditions.
Kyrgyzstan
Adventure in pristine nature: Tien Shan peaks, Issyk-Kul Lake, and horseback rides through alpine valleys. Stay in yurts, taste kumis, and connect with nomadic culture and traditions.
Kazakhstan
Where modern cities meet wild beauty. Explore futuristic Nur-Sultan, lively Almaty, and Charyn Canyon (“Grand Canyon of Central Asia”). Discover vast steppes and Tamgaly’s ancient petroglyphs (UNESCO).
TOUR ROUTE: LAX – Ashgabat – Darwaza Gas Crater – Bukhara – Samarkand – Penjikent – Samarkand – Tashkent – Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul Lake – Karakol – Charyn Canyon – Almaty – LAX
TRAVEL DATE: 3/18/2026 – 4/5/2026
PACKAGE PRICE: $5,980
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Day 1 – 3 (Thu, 3.19 – Sat, 3.21): LAX – Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Day 3 (Sat, 3.21): Ashgabat – Sightseeing (B.L.D)
Day 4 (Sun, 3.22): Ashgabat, Darwaza gas crater by road (320 km) (B.L.D)
Day 5 (Mon, 3.23): Darwaza-Ashgabat by road, 320km (B.L.D)
Day 6 (Tue, 3.24): Ashgabat – Mary by morning flight
Mary – Merv Ancient City – "Farap" land border – Bukhara by road, 385 km, Uzbekistan (B.L.D)
Day 7 (Wed, 3.25): Bukhara (B.L.D)
Day 8 (Thu, 3.26): Bukhara – Samarkand by road, 280 km (B.L)
Day 9 (Fri, 3.27): Samarkand (B.L)
Day 10 (Sat, 3.28): Samarkand, day trip to Tajikistan by road, 120 km (B.L.D)
Day 11 (Sun, 3.29): Samarkand – Tashkent by evening train (B.L)
Day 12 (Mon, 3.30): Tashkent – Bishkek by afternoon flight, Kyrgyzstan (B.D)
Day 13 (Tue, 3.31): Bishkek (B.L.D)
Day 14 (Wed, 4.1): Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul Lake by road (280 km) (B.L)
Day 15 (Thu, 4.2): Issyk-Kul – Djeti-Oguz Gorge – Karakol by road (150 km) (B.L.D)
Day 16 (Fri, 4.3): Karakol – "Kegen" land border – Charyn Canyon – Almaty by road, Kazakhstan (380km) (B.L.D)
Day 17 (Sat, 4.4): Almaty – Sightseeing (B.L.D)
Day 18 (Sun, 4.5): Almaty – Free day (B)
Day 19 (Mon, 4.6): Almaty – LAX (B)
PRICE INCLUDES:
• International & domestic flights
• Local flight from Ashgabat to Mary (economy class)
• Local flight from Tashkent to Bishkek (economy class)
• Train tickets
• Railway transfer from Samarkand to Tashkent on a high-speed train (economy class)
• 4* Hotels & comfort traditional yurt
• Daily breakfast (B), 14 lunches (L), & 11 dinners (D)
• All transportations by private vehicles
• Professional English speaking tour guides
• Entrance fee, shuttle bus & any other fees of the scenic spots as required
• Visit of El-Merosi Theatre in Samarkand
• Activities & excursions as listed in the itinerary
PRICE EXCLUDES:
• Health & travel insurance
• Turkmenistan: Visa Inviation + Visa on arrival $120/person + PCR test at airport upon arrival $42/person
• Uzbekistan: $35/person (e-visa)
• Tipping: $10 person/day for driver(s) and guide(s). To be collected prior to the trip
• Personal expenses/meals/sightseeing that are not listed in itinerary
MAKING RESERVATION:
• Call Catherine at Tarzana Tour and Travel at 626-380-7948
• Email a copy of your passport to catherine@tarzanatour.com
• By putting your deposit, you have read and agreed to the following:
- Reservation Deadline & Cancellation Policy ($500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable)
- Disclaimer / Release of Liability Agreement
IMPORTANT NOTE:
• In the current global climate, we strongly recommend all guests purchase flight and travel insurance to cover all contingencies and nonrefundable deposits and expenses.
• Airfares are constantly fluctuating now more than ever, making prices subject to change without prior notice.
• A reservation without a deposit does not secure your spot on the trip.
ITINEARY DETAILS:
Day 1 – 3 (Thu, 3.19 – Sat, 3.21): LAX – Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Day 3 (Sat, 3.21): Ashgabat – Sightseeing (B.L.D)
2:55 AM – Arrival in Ashgabat (Flight TK 322). Meet at the airport for a group transfer to the hotel, check in, and rest. After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin exploring Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Today’s highlights include the Sunday Bazaar, National Museum, Independence Park, Rukhnama Monument, Neutrality Arch, the iconic Ferris Wheel, and the Magtymguly Monument. End the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Sport Hotel, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Day 4 (Sun, 3.22): Ashgabat, Darwaza gas crater by road, 320 km – 3.5-4.5hrs (B.L.D)
After breakfast, visit Nissa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. In the afternoon, drive into the Karakum Desert toward Darwaza, stopping to see fascinating mud and water craters along the way. Arrive before sunset (~18:00) to enjoy a BBQ dinner and witness the famous burning gas crater by day and night.
Overnight: shared twin yurts with community bathroom, Ashgabat.
Day 5 (Mon, 3.23): Darwaza – Ashgabat by road, 320km – 3.5-4.5hrs (B.L.D)
After breakfast at camp, drive back to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, continue sightseeing with visits to the Ahalteke horse stables, the striking Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque, and the Lenin and Pushkin monuments.
Overnight: Sport Hotel, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Day 6 (Tue, 3.24): Ashgabat – Mary by morning flight
Mary – Merv Ancient City – "Farap" land border – Bukhara by road, 385 km – 5-6hrs (B.L.D)
After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to the airport for your flight to Mary. Upon arrival, visit the ancient city of Merv, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its historic wonders. Later, continue to the land border with Uzbekistan for border formalities, then meet your Uzbek guide and driver for the onward transfer to Bukhara.
Overnight: Paradise Plaza, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Day 7 (Wed, 3.25): Bukhara (B.L.D)
After breakfast, begin a guided sightseeing tour of Bukhara, visiting the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo Khauz Mosque, Ark Citadel, and the Po-i-Kalyan Complex (including the Kalyan Minaret and surrounding monuments). Continue to the Ulugbek Madrasah and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah.
After lunch, explore the Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble, Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, and the city’s domed shopping arcades.
Overnight: Paradise Plaza, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Day 8 (Thu, 3.26): Bukhara – Samarkand by road, 280 km – 4hrs (B.L)
Today we continue exploring Bukhara with visits to two important sites just outside the city: Sitorai-Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, and the Bahautdin Naqshbandi complex.
After lunch, we drive to Samarkand. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the magnificent Registan Square, followed by the stunning light show.
Overnight: Marokand Spa Hotel, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Day 9 (Fri, 3.27): Samarkand (B.L)
Start the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Samarkand, beginning at the iconic Registan Square, home to the Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Qori Madrasahs. Continue to the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, and view the Rukhabad Mausoleum from the outside.
After lunch, visit the majestic Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the sacred Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and the fascinating Ulugbek Observatory. Conclude the day with a cultural performance at the El Merosi Theatre of Traditional Costume.
Overnight: Marokand Spa Hotel, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Day 10 (Sat, 3.28): Samarkand, day trip to Tajikistan by road, 120 km – 1.5-2hrs (B.L.D)
After an early breakfast, we embark on a day trip to Tajikistan, once part of ancient Sogdiana. In the morning, transfer to the land border, complete formalities, and meet your Tajik guide and driver before beginning the sightseeing tour of Penjikent. Highlights include the Sarazm ruins (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements, dating back 5,500 years), the Rudaki Museum, and the bustling local bazaar.
Continue to the spectacular Seven Lakes region, part of the Fann Mountain system. Each of these alpine lakes reflects different hues depending on the sun’s position—ranging from deep blue to shimmering indigo ripples. Though often too cold for swimming, even in summer, their beauty is captivating. Today, we will visit six of the lakes and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local guesthouse located near the fourth lake.
In the afternoon, drive back to the Uzbek border. After border formalities, return to Samarkand and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Marokand Spa Hotel, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Day 11 (Sun, 3.29): Samarkand – Tashkent by evening train, 2hrs (B.L)
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lively Siab Bazaar. Then, our sightseeing continues with visits to the Afrosiab Museum and settlement, Saint Daniel’s Tomb, and the Ulugbek Observatory. Later, we’ll transfer to the train station for our journey to Tashkent.
Overnight: Marokand Spa Hotel, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Day 12 (Mon, 3.30): Tashkent – Bishkek by afternoon flight, Kyrgyzstan (B.D)
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing tour, visiting the elegant Minor White Mosque, Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, and the unique Tashkent Metro.
After lunch, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at the hotel and stay overnight.
Overnight: Ambassador Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Day 13 (Tue, 4.31): Bishkek (B.L.D)
Meet your local guide and set out for Ala-Archa National Park to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and an easy hike. Afterward, return to Bishkek for a city tour, visiting key landmarks such as Ala-Too Square, the flagstaff with the changing of the guard, the statue of Lenin, the Freedom Monument, and the Monument to Manas the Great.
Overnight: Ambassador Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Day 14 (Wed, 4.1): Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul Lake by road, 280 km – 4-5 hrs (B.L)
Meet your guide and driver, then set out for Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Along the way, stop to explore the ruins of the ancient city of Balasagyn and the historic Burana Tower. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest.
Overnight: Caprice Hotel, Issyk-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Day 15 (Thu, 4.2): Issyk-Kul – Djeti-Oguz Gorge – Karakol by road,150 km – 3-4hrs (B.L.D)
Drive to Karakol along the eastern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. En route, visit the Petroglyph Museum in Cholpon-Ata and the museum of N.M. Prjevalsky, the famous Russian explorer of Central Asia.
Upon arrival in Karakol, enjoy a city tour. Visit the Dungan Mosque (19th century), a remarkable Chinese-style structure built entirely without nails, and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, a beautiful wooden church dating back to the late 19th century. Stroll through the central bazaar to experience the daily life of the city.
Later, transfer to the Djeti-Oguz Gorge on the northern slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too Ridge. Admire the striking red rock formations known as the “Broken Heart” and the “Seven Bulls.” The dark green forests draped across the red sandstone cliffs create an unforgettable contrast of colors.
Overnight: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Day 16 (Fri, 4.3): Karakol – "Kegen" land border – Charyn Canyon – Almaty by road, 380km – 5-6hrs (B.L.D)
Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before departing Karakol at 08:00. Drive to the land border with Kazakhstan, complete border formalities, and continue your journey to Almaty.
En route, visit the spectacular Charyn Canyon, located in Charyn National Park, about 215 km east of Almaty (approximately a 3-hour drive via the A351 and A352). Often described as the Grand Canyon’s little brother, the canyon stretches for about 150 km and reaches depths of up to 300 meters. A highlight is the Valley of Castles, a 2 km stretch where striking pillars and rock formations resemble grand, man-made fortresses.
Arrive in Almaty by evening and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Kazzhol Park Hotel, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 17 (Sat, 4.4): Almaty – Sightseeing (B.L.D)
In the morning, enjoy a full-day (10-hour) sightseeing tour of Almaty. Begin with visits to the Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Continue to Kok-Tobe Hill, home to the tallest TV tower in the world, and take a short ride down by the famous Almaty cableway, offering sweeping views of the city.
After lunch, transfer to Medeo, the world’s highest ice rink, and continue to Shymbulak Mountain Resort. Ride the cable car up to 3,200 meters to take in the breathtaking alpine landscapes before returning to the city.
Overnight: Kazzhol Park Hotel, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 18 (Sun, 4.5): Almaty – Free Day (B)
Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace in Almaty, a city where modern culture blends beautifully with mountain scenery. Stroll through the lively Arbat pedestrian street, discover local flavors and souvenirs at the Green Bazaar, or simply relax in one of the city’s many parks and cafés. For those seeking adventure, you may choose an optional excursion to the Big Almaty Lake or take another ride up to Shymbulak for more time in the mountains. This day is yours to explore, unwind, and experience Almaty in your own way.
Overnight: Kazzhol Park Hotel, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 19 (Mon, 4.6): Almaty – LAX (B)
6:00 - Transfer to the International airport of Almaty.
9:00 - Departure from Kazakhstan by TK353.
Country City Nights Hotels
Turkmenistan Ashgabat 2 Sport Hotel or similar
Turkmenistan Darwaza 1 Yurt community camp
Uzbekistan Bukhara 2 Paradise Plaza or similar
Uzbekistan Samarkand 3 Marokand Spa Hotel or similar
Uzbekistan Tashkent 1 Huvaydo Hotel or similar
Kyrgyzstan Bishkek 2 Ambassador Hotel or similar
Kyrgyzstan Issyk-Kul Lake 1 Caprice Hotel or similar
Kyrgyzstan Karakol 1 Green Yard Hotel or similar
Kazakhstan Almaty 3 Kazzhol park Hotel or similar
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