Central Asia: Five Stans Express





Take a Central Asian adventure full of history, natural landscapes and fascinating culture
To see all five Stans in Central Asia, this epic trip will start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. See the best of the Silk Road and deep dive into the fascinating history, captivating landscapes and beautiful culture that’s intertwined throughout this region. You'll stay in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, explore Registan Square in Samarkand and watch the eternal flame of Darvaza Crater – a 70-m-wide hole in the Karakum Desert known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. From wide open plains full of wild horses to homestays and dinners with locals, there’s so much to see, do and learn in this region – so why not spend 24 days uncovering all you can, with a local leader by your side?
5.0
73 reviewsStart: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
End: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Duration
- 24 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore all the essential highlights of Central Asia, uncovering fascinating culture, natural landscapes and diverse history alongside unforgettable local interaction.
- See the incredible Darvaza Crater (the Gates of Hell – an eternally burning flame), Kolsai Lakes and Issyk-Kul Lake, soaking up the natural landmarks far off the common tourist trail.
- Take a step back in time as you explore the history of the Silk Road, with visits to Khiva’s ancient town, Registan, in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khujand.
- Get to know the locals with a carpet-making workshop, through the streets of the bustling bazaars and with a homecooked dinner of plov (Uzbekistan's national dish) during an immersive homestay.
- Camp in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, stay in local villages and make yourself at home in a boutique hotel that used to be an old Jewish house in Bukhara.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Hos Geldiniz! Welcome to Turkmenistan. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital, Ashgabat. Here, you’ll find manicured parklands, marble lined streets and huge, modern monuments – a vast contrast to the rest of the ancient country. You’ll have a welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the area near your hotel. After you meet your local leader and small group of fellow travellers, you’ll head out for dinner and your first taste of Turkmenistan cuisine.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Tourism in Turkmenistan is controlled. You can explore nearby your hotel, visiting shopping centres or restaurants, but we recommend that further exploration is with your local leader.
Please don’t take photos when not with your local leader. Photos of the streets, people in uniforms and many buildings are prohibited.
Head out for a city tour of Ashgabat with your leader today – see the four-pointed minarets of the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen heroes (and controversial politicians) line the paths that lead to a golden dome and a massive minaret. Continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name, has a provocative history. Travel outside the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque – the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov – before heading to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After an action-packed day full of sightseeing, tonight is free to explore (or simply relax) as you wish.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Ashgabat - Anau ruins
- Ashgabat - Independence Monument
- Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan
- Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Ashgabat at your own pace. This afternoon, make tracks for the Darvaza Gas Crater – this 70 m wide hole in the Karakum Desert is permanently aflame and is also known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. Soviet oil prospectors started drilling here in 1971, when suddenly the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see, the crater has been burning ever since. From your nearby camp, you’ll watch the sunset with your group as you dig into a Turkmenistan-style dinner before retiring to your tent for a night under the desert stars.
- Tourist Yurt Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Once you leave the main roads and head into the desert, the drive will be very rough and bumpy. Be prepared for this to be a tiring journey. Depending on the group size, the group may be split into multiple vehicles for the drive.
Tonight, you’ll stay at the tourist yurt camp. The yurts sleep four people, with toilets separate from the yurts. Water shortages are common, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to shower.
It’s an early morning this morning as you hit the road for a long day of travel. First, in Kunya Urgench – once a main hub of the Islamic world, this place suffered destruction at the hands of Genghis Khan and the Timurid dynasty and fell into decay until the 20th century. See the mosque, mausoleum and 60 m high Gutlug Timur Minaret before continuing to the Turkmen/Uzbek border of Khodjeyli (Xo’jayli) to Khiva. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Konye-Urgench - City tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Your leader may change today at the border. The border crossing is a lengthy process, more old-fashioned than we commonly see these days, and takes up to two hours. We need to arrive at the border with enough time for this process before it closes, late in the afternoon.
If we’re pressed for time, we may need to skip the city tour in Konye Urgench. Ensure you have some snacks on hand, as lunch may be later in the day.
Today is for sightseeing in Khiva. With your local leader, you’ll see the blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Explore the Kuhna Ark – the 'citadel within a citadel,' which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century. Visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum – constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter – and the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, which is the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque and see how the roof is propped up by 212 wooden columns designed to let in sunlight. Next, see the Tosh-Hovli Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors, then enjoy a free afternoon to continue at your own pace.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Khiva - Juma Mosque
- Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
- Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
- Khiva - Kunya Ark
- Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
Make sure your headphones are charged, as you have a big travel day ahead. You’ll arrive in Bukhara in Uzbekistan in the late afternoon, and the long drive will be forgotten as you’re swept up in the mosaics and ancient monuments of the city. Founded no later than the 1st century BC, across its many years, the city has been ruled by countless empires and dynasties, now reflected in the colourful culture. When you arrive, wander through the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza and the trading dome and see the ancient sites lit up as night falls.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza
- Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Head out for a half day tour of Bukhara. First, you’ll visit the Sitorai Mohi Khosa – once the summer palace of the last Bukharan emirs. Designed by Russian architects, it has interiors decorated with traditional filigree plaster, mirrored surfaces and delicate floral wall paintings crafted by local artisans. Continue to Ark Fortress – the symbol of Bukhara – then, see one of Central Asia's oldest and most exquisite structures – the tenth-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum. You then have a free afternoon to explore the ancient Silk Road town. Maybe visit Bolo Haus Mosque, Chor Minor, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, or Ulukbek Madrassah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bukhara - Ark Fortress
- Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
- Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
- Bukhara - Chor Minor - UZS4000
- Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque - Free
- Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque - UZS6000
- Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa - Free
Soak up a free morning in Bukhara, then jump aboard a train bound for Samarkand in the afternoon – located at the very centre of the ancient Silk Road. When you arrive, visit the Gur-Amir mausoleum where the great Uzbek conqueror, Tamerlane, is buried. You then have a free evening – maybe follow your leader to the Registan Square to see it illuminated at night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
This morning, head to Shak-i-Zinda – a necropolis featuring a series of blue-tiled mausoleums. This sacred site has monuments from the 14th to the 19th century, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty. Then, visit the enormous Bibi Khanum Mosque and explore the ancient bazaar right behind it, maybe sampling some Khalva (local sweets made of sunflower seeds or peanuts) and get a glass of squeezed pomegranate juice (depending on the season). After, see the world-renouned Registan, which features three of the most famous madrassahs in Uzbekistan. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe inspect the remains of the medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg – an astronomer and grandson of nomadic conqueror and Timurid emperor Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Tonight, you’ll visit a local family to learn the secrets of plov cuisine during a cooking demonstration, which you’ll then tuck into for dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
- Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Samarkand - Registan Square
- Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
You have a free morning before you say goodbye to Samarkand and jump back on the train around midday to Tashkent. When you arrive, you have a free evening to explore this capital city at leisure. Alternatively, you might like to soak up the down time and get your rest for tomorrow.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Follow your leader on a city walking tour of Tashkent today. Explore Amir Timur square at the city centre, then hop on the metro to the Chorsu Bazaar, browsing traditional wooden cradles, handmade musical instruments and the extensive vegetable and spice markets. Enjoy a free afternoon to maybe visit the Khast Imom complex – a restored series of religious buildings (including a mosque) and a library containing an ancient Qur’an, parts of which have been dated to the ninth century.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
- Tashkent - City tour
- Tashkent - Metro tour
- Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan - UZS50000
After breakfast this morning, hit the road to the Oibek border to cross into Tajikistan before arriving in Khujand. This city is known as Alexandria Eskhata (Alexandria the furthest) and is believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great in the 6th century BC. When you arrive, wander around the bazaar and Jami Mosque, then maybe hit up the history museum.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Khujand - Jami Mosque
- Khujand - History Museum - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
The Oibek border crossing entails some walking between check points, make sure you have comfortable shoes and reasonably sized bags today.
Make the epic drive across Shahriston Pass (with an elevation of 3378 m) to Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great – this scenic spot is a popular weekend destination for many locals from Dushanbe. When you arrive, admire the local ‘Niagara’ and Zmeinnoe Lake before continuing to Sary Tag – a mountain village on the other end of the lake, in the heart of Fann mountains. This evening, you’ll have a little time to explore the village and discover the local way of life.
- Homestay (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your accommodation tonight is a homestay in the village. The group may be split between different houses depending on the group composition. While the rooms are multi-share and the facilities will be basic, your host’s hospitality will certainly be unforgettable.
This morning, hit the mountain roads once more and drive over the Anzob Pass (with an elevation of 3373 m) to Dushanbe – the capital of Tajikistan. After lunch, visit Hissor Fort – the former capital of Eastern Bukhara province. Explore this ancient fortress, located on a hill overlooking the town of Hisor, and check out its impressive stone walls, commanding gateway and perfectly manicured gardens. Then, the afternoon is free for you to explore Dushanbe at your own pace. Maybe explore one of the many parks or museums in the city.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dushanbe – Hissor Fort
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Take a public bus to Navruz Palace – initially planned as a new teahouse, the palace has now grown into a conference hall decorated in Tajik Barocco styles. Head to Rudaki Square and see the Ismail Somoni Monument overlooking the city hall. Anyone with a soft spot for archaeology will enjoy the Museum of National Antiquities, which opened in 2001. Here, you can check out exhibits from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilisations (Greek/Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu and Zoroastrian). The centrepiece is the 14 m reclining Buddha in Nirvana – since the tragic destruction of the Bamiyan statues in Afghanistan, this is the largest surviving Buddha statue in Central Asia.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan
- Dushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni Mausoleum
- Dushanbe - Navruz palace
After breakfast today, catch a flight to Almaty – the largest city in Kazakhstan and known as a skier's paradise, with snow-capped mountains framing the entire city. With beautiful parks, restaurants, museums and plenty of shops and markets to choose from, this city stands in stark contrast to the countryside surrounding it. Depending on the time of your flight today, you may have an opportunity to explore the city this afternoon. Otherwise, grab an early night and get prepared for a jam-packed day of sightseeing tomorrow.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Strap in for a full day of sightseeing in Almaty today. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top five oil-producing nations and you’ll notice the development and wealth that comes from it as you wander the streets. You’ll visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in Panfilov Park – dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against Nazi tanks in WWII. Then, check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure – just ask your local leader for recommendations.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
- Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
- Almaty - Panfilov Park
- Almaty - Central State Museum - Free
This morning, we’ll drive to Saty Village with a stop along the way at the spectacular Charyn Canyon. The richly coloured orange canyon etched into the surrounding landscape is no less impressive than the Grand Canyon in the US (though much smaller). Enjoy some time here to marvel at this natural wonder and grab some photos before we continue to Saty Village.
- Homestay (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Charyn Canyon - National Park
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your accommodation tonight is a homestay in the village. The group may be split between different houses depending on the group composition. While the rooms are multishare and the facilities will be basic, but your host’s hospitality will certainly be unforgettable.
Explore the surrounding area of Saty Village today with a hike to Kolsai Lakes – also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for the azure water framed by green mountains. You may also visit the lesser-known Kaindy Lake – a turquoise lake with a striking ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. Amazingly, the lake was created by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide creating a dam in the forest. Have lunch during your hike, then continue the journey to Kyrgyzstan. When you arrive in Karakol, head out to explore with your leader – once a small Russian military post, then a bustling soviet state, this town is bursting with history. Visit the Dungan Mosque – built in 1910, this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail! Instead, the structure was built using special cutting and groove techniques. Then, explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market.
- Guest House (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking
- Karakol - Dungan Mosque
- Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, but this may stretch to 6 hours if the border crossing is slow due to crowds during summer.
Today is for scenic hikes and panoramic views! After breakfast, drive along the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. As one of the largest lakes in the world, the lake is 178 km long and 60 km wide! On the way, stop to see Jety Oguz – also known as Seven Bull Valley. From here, you’ll continue to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where you can soak in the rich orange landscapes that blanket the area. Tonight, you'll get the chance to stay in a yurt camp. A truly special experience, yurts have a long history in this area, used for generations by nomadic tribes. Settle in and enjoy a night under the stars!
- Tourist Yurt Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Sleeping arrangements tonight are on a multishare basis with mattresses on the floor and potential mixed gender sharing depending on the group composition. There will be up to 4 people sharing one yurt. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there's a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. Toilet and shower facilities are located separately from the yurts and are shared. The conditions here are basic, but the view and the unique experience of staying in a yurt is certainly rewarding.
Wander the beautiful alpine area of Issyk-Kul and visit a few local families who’ll teach you more about their traditional yurts. With a special workshop, you’ll learn the basics of how these nomadic dwellings have been manufactured and how they play an important role in the community here. Then, you’ll visit a local family, learn how they make felt and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Tonight, relax in your yurt camp and maybe toast to a sky full of stars with a small vodka.
- Tourist Yurt Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked meal
- Issyk-kul Lake - Kyrgyz carpet making demonstration
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
This morning, kiss your alpine camp goodbye and hit the road for Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan and your final destination. Stop at Burana Tower – a minaret and the most visible remnant of the ancient city Balasagun. Then, continue to Don Aryk and meet a local Kyrgyz family for a home-cooked lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon, take an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy a free evening.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
- Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Head out a city tour this morning, showcasing the country's fascinating history. Visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of this square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. Then, head to Dubovy (Oak) Park, where you'll find century-old oaks. Later, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek at your leisure. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little noisy and crowded here, but it provides the perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets. In the evening, perhaps get together with your fellow travellers for a final dinner together to celebrate a great journey through the Five Stans.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bishkek - City walking tour
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon. If you need help with transfers or extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
23 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Private Vehicle, Flight, Metro, High Speed Train
Hotel (17 nights), Guest House (1 night), Tourist Yurt Camp (3 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)
- Ashgabat – Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Ashgabat - Anau ruins
- Ashgabat - Independence Monument
- Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan
- Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
- Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater
- Konye-Urgench - City tour
- Khiva - Juma Mosque
- Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
- Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
- Khiva - Kunya Ark
- Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
- Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza
- Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome
- Bukhara - Ark Fortress
- Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
- Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace
- Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
- Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
- Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Samarkand - Registan Square
- Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
- Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
- Tashkent - City tour
- Tashkent - Metro tour
- Khujand - Jami Mosque
- Sary Tag - Iskanderkul Lake
- Dushanbe – Hissor Fort
- Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan
- Dushanbe - Rudaki Square and Somoni Mausoleum
- Dushanbe - Navruz palace
- Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
- Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
- Almaty - Panfilov Park
- Charyn Canyon - National Park
- Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking
- Karakol - Dungan Mosque
- Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Fairy Tale Canyon picnic lunch
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Home-cooked meal
- Issyk-kul Lake - Kyrgyz carpet making demonstration
- Issyk-Kul Lake - Yurt workshop
- Shamsy Valley - Burana tower
- Don Aryk - Kyrgyz family visit and home-cooked lunch
- Bishkek - City walking tour
- Bukhara - Chor Minor - UZS4000
- Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque - Free
- Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque - UZS6000
- Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa - Free
- Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan - UZS50000
- Khujand - History Museum - Free
- Almaty - Central State Museum - Free
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- Central Asia is a destination for the adventurous and the open-minded. Alongside its rich culture and history, comes poor infrastructure, lengthy processes and basic facilities. Patience and flexibility will ensure you enjoy this region to its fullest.
- This trip involves long travel days on rough and winding roads. You’ll be travelling by private vehicle, and in one day you could be driving anywhere between three and ten hours. Please review the Itinerary for more details.
- Temperatures vary greatly throughout this trip, from below zero to over 40 ºC depending on the location. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan to wear layers.
- Tourism is strictly controlled in Turkmenistan. If you’re accustomed to more freedom to explore and take photos as a tourist, you will find the experience differs here. Locals are fiercely proud of their nation and its leaders.
- You’ll stay in a range of accommodations on this trip, including multishare arrangements in yurts, homestays and guesthouses. Facilities are shared and basic, but the experiences are unforgettable.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the Itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin share basis, unless otherwise stated in the Itinerary. There may be times when facilities are shared, rather than ensuite, which will also be mentioned in the Itinerary if applicable.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination before checking in.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
HOMESTAYS:
Please note that at our homestays you might be required to share a room with people of other genders, or with your leader. Because we stay at real people's homes, beds might be pull-out couches or mattresses on the floor, or even a yurt in their backyard. Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses, yurts and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only or no bathroom facilities.
Sport hotel
10 yil Abdanchylyk str Olympic complex Ashgabat Turkmenistan
Ashgabat
TURKMENISTAN
Instructions
A complimentary arrival transfer is included for this trip. Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure. Please note that this transfer could be a group one if customers arrive on the same flight.
For your confirmed airport arrival transfer, your driver will wait for you in the arrival hall where you've cleared custom with your luggage, holding an Intrepid sign. Should you have any issue finding your driver, please contact our Turkmenistan operator at +99364165706 , +99371640337.
If you decide to make your own way to the hotel, you may take the official taxi outside the main building. It should cost you around 10USD to get to your hotel but please prepare small USD notes as they will not return change to you. It's best that you agree to the price first as some drivers may not use a meter. There are other 'unofficial' taxis outside of the airport too, which look like regular cars without the taxi signs. These may charge you up to 25 USD for the ride. We recommend avoid such taxis.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (camping), Day 13 (homestay), Day 18 (homestay) and Days 20 and 21 (yurt camp), where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments or failure to provide the required details within 60 days of departure.
3. This is a multi-country trip. Please read the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information carefully. You should travel on one passport for the duration, as entering and exiting countries on different passports will cause issues at immigration.
4. We require key documents from you no later than 60 days before the trip to supply your Letter of Invitation to Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan for some nationalities.
5. Independent travel isn’t allowed in Turkmenistan. If you have pre-trip accommodation booked with us, you can explore nearby your hotel, but please don’t take any photos. Please see Day 1 of the Itinerary for more details.
6. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 15 days prior to travel. If multiple customers on the same trip arrive on the same flight, this may be a shared transfer.
7. While travelling in Turkmenistan, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. If you need to stay connected, consider arranging a VPN before leaving home. It’s also possible to use Esim in Turkmenistan (please check directly with service provider).
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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