Five Stans Tour from South Africa

Please note: South African citizens require a visa to visit Uzbekistan. See the full visa information here.

This Five Stans Tour from South Africa is an exciting 23-day adventure along the Silk Road, offering an unforgettable experience of the region's most vibrant cultures and customs from the heart of Asia.
Spend your first day in Tashkent, before leaving for the crafts centers of the Fergana Valley. Cross the border to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, a quaint little city known through the centuries as a trading center on the Silk Road. Ala-Archa National Park, in the mountains, and Issyk-Kul, a broad alpine lake, show off the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan’s biggest city, before leaving early in the morning for Dushanbe. Dushanbe shows off the country’s modern side. Once back in Uzbekistan, get ready for the classic beauties of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. From Registan Square in the center of Samarkand to Ichan-Kala, the walled city in Khiva, these great cities are sure to leave an unforgettable impression with you. The final destination on this best Central Asia tour is Turkmenistan, with the broad Karakum Desert, the remains of ancient cities, and the modern city of Ashgabat.
Read the detailed itinerary of the Five Stans Tour from South Africa and start planning your unforgettable trip to the heart of the continent today!

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Tashkent – arrival

Arrive in Tashkent. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check in at noon. The Five Stans tour from South Africa starts with sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia with a guide.
Begin at the Courage Monument, which commemorates the 1966 earthquake and honours the resilience of the people of Tashkent, before continuing to the historic Old City. Visit the Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, walk past the Khast-Imam Complex, view the exterior of the Islamic Civilization Center, and stroll along the newly developed Zarkaynar Street. Next, explore Chorsu Bazaar and a local pottery gallery, then ride the beautifully decorated Tashkent Metro to the modern city centre. Enjoy free time for lunch on Taras Shevchenko Street, known for its lively dining scene, then continue to the State Museum of Applied Arts and admire the elegant facade of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, concluding the tour at Amir Timur Square, where your captivating Tashkent City Tour comes to an end. Enjoy free time in late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
After the tour or later in the evening you can visit the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent on your own (optional).
Lunch break: 13:00-14:00
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours

Day 2: Tashkent – Kokand – Rishtan – Fergana

After breakfast drive to Fergana Valley (320 km drive till Fergana city). The steep road* which connects Fergana Valley with the rest of Uzbekistan runs via picturesque mountain pass Kamchik (2267 m above sea level). The first stop will be in the city of Kokand where you will visit the Khudoyar Khan Palace. Head to Rishtan town to visit a pottery workshop. Continue driving to Fergana city. Check in to the hotel in Fergana for overnight.
*Some parts of the road are under construction.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours

Day 3: Fergana – border point – Osh – Bishkek

After breakfast transfer to Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan border point Dustlik-Dostuk. Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. In Kyrgyzstan meet your local guide and driver and continue to Osh. Have a short city tour in Osh. As legends say, Osh was founded by King Solomon ages ago and had an important position on trading routes of the Great Silk Road. Visit Suleiman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), National Museum of History and Archaeology, and Osh bazaar – this market is located at the same place as in the times of Great Silk Road. Late in the afternoon transfer to the local airport for flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours

Day 4: Bishkek – Ala-Archa – Bishkek

After breakfast transfer to the Ala-Archa National Park (40 km, 50 min) which attracts visitors with its beautiful mountain scenery and hiking trails. Fast flowing Ala-Archa River runs through the alpine gorge surrounded by snowy peaks with steep forested slopes. Enjoy free time or a hike in the park. In the afternoon return to Bishkek for city tour. Visit Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Statue of Manas. See Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument – bright examples of Soviet architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours

Day 5: Bishkek – Issyk-Kul

After breakfast transfer to Issyk-Kul Lake (260 km, 4 h). On the way stop to see Burana Tower. This is a historical complex that marks the original site of Balasagun, a Karakhanid town. Continue driving to Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world (1600 m above sea level). Arrival at the lake, accommodation in a hotel at the North Coast of Issyk-Kul. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Issyk-Kul – Karakol

After breakfast transfer to Karakol. On the way, a visit to an open-air museum of petroglyphs (V BC – VIII AD). Sightseeing tour on arrival at Karakol: visit to Russian Orthodox Church, the Dungan mosque which is built without using a single metal nail, and the museum of M.V. Prejvalsky.
Dinner at Uigur family. Kyrgyzstan is multiethnic country and today you will have a chance to taste Uigur food and get acquainted with their culture and traditions. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Karakol – Jety-Oguz gorge – Bokonbaevo

Breakfast. Transfer to Jety-Oguz gorge (40 km), the picturesque gorge famous not only for its coniferous forest, flower clearings and interesting gorges for hiking, but also for red and sandy formations which are called «Seven Bulls» and «Broken Heart». Picnic. Transfer to Bokonbaevo Village. Dinner and overnight at a home stay.

Day 8: Bokonbaevo – Bishkek – Almaty

Breakfast. In the morning, transfer to Bishkek airport (300 km, 5 h). Check in for evening flight to Almaty (55 min). On arrival, you will be met by your Almaty driver and transferred to the hotel for overnight.

Day 9: Almaty

After breakfast your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to start the sightseeing tour in Almaty: visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Central State Museum (closed on Tuesdays) and Republic Square. In the afternoon a short drive (25 km) will take you to Chimbulak. Here, visit the ski resort and ride the cable car to enjoy the amazing views of the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. Our last stop of the day will be the Sunkar Falcon Farm, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular show with specially trained hawks – hunting with these magnificent birds is a distinguishing feature of the Kazakh way of life (available Wed - Sun at 16-00 from April till October). Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty

After breakfast leave Almaty and drive to Charyn Canyon (220 km, 3-4 h). This 154 m-long canyon is in eastern Kazakhstan, part of the Charyn National Park. In addition to unforgettable views of the enormous canyon with its multi-coloured tower formations, the National Park offers the opportunity to see an old ash-tree grove, the Castle Valley. The canyon’s beauty makes you forget the long drive from Almaty, and you will remember this highlight of Kazakh nature for a long time. After arriving at the canyon, take some time for a picnic and a rest. After that, walk along the canyon and enjoy the views. Late in the afternoon return to Almaty, overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Almaty – Dushanbe

Breakfast. Check out from the hotel, flight to Dushanbe. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing Dushanbe: Mosque of Hoji Yakub, National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, Gurminj Musical Instruments Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Dushanbe – Penjikent

After breakfast continue sightseeing Dushanbe: Ismail Somoni Monument, and Rudaki Park, trip to visit Hissar Fortress where you will see Madrasah Kuhna. In the afternoon depart Dushanbe and drive to Penjikent (270 km, 4-5 h). The mountain road goes via picturesque Anzob pass (3300 m above sea level). Arrive in Penjikent, check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
Note: As we travel to the more remote and authentic region of the Fann Mountains, the tourist infrastructure is simpler. We will be staying in the best available local hotel, Soviet-era building. Please expect more basic amenities compared to the larger cities – it's all part of the adventure!

Day 13: Penjikent – Seven Lakes – Samarkand

After breakfast transfer to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2 h). 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. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma you will enjoy a picnic. After lunch drive to Penjikent, a major Sogdian city in the 5th century destroyed by Arab conquerors in the 8th century. Sightseeing in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar and mosque. Visit ancient Penjikent archaeological site located nearby.
Late in the afternoon return to the Jartepa border crossing. Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. On Uzbekistan side meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Samarkand for overnight.

Day 14: Samarkand

After breakfast meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby to start a 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 15: Samarkand

After breakfast continue sightseeing tour: visit Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to learn how Samarkand paper from mulberry is made in a traditional way. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours

Day 16: Samarkand – Bukhara

After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to the train station. Take the morning train to Bukhara. Arrive in Bukhara, transfer to the hotel. 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 17: Bukhara

After breakfast start the second day in this holy city with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and the House Museum of Fayzulla Khodjaev. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours

Day 18: Bukhara – Khiva

After brekafast depart Bukhara and drive to Khiva (480 km, 7-8 h*). The Great Silk Road once routed through Bukhara and Khiva ran through the Kyzylkum Desert, today you will pass the same route**. Stop en-route to enjoy views of the desert and the Amudarya River. Arrive in Khiva late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest. 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 19: Khiva

Breakfast. Today you will visit Ichan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour features visits to Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Toshkhovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum and Islom Khodja Minaret, the highest minaret in Uzbekistan. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours

Day 20: Khiva – Darvaza

Breakfast. Free time in the first half of the day. Check out from the hotel at noon, drive to Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h). Upon arrival border formalities. After the customs and passport control at both checkpoints, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Meet your Turkmenistan guide and drive to Darvaza Gas Crater located in the middle of Karakum Desert (270 km, 4 h). Set up the camp. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in yurts.
Note: We'll travel in 4x4 vehicles across the rugged Karakum Desert. The route is unpaved, so expect a bumpy and thrilling ride – it's the only way to get to this incredible, remote location.
At the camp, we'll enjoy an authentic stay in yurts with basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities, putting us right in the heart of the desert landscape.

Day 21: Darvaza – Ashgabat

After breakfast depart the camp site and drive to Ashgabat. Arrive in Ashgabat check in to the hotel. Sightseeing Ashgabat in the afternoon. During the city tour you will explore an archaeological site of Old Nisa (included in UNESCO World Heritage list) and Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. You will visit the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and newly built Independence Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6 hours

Day 22: Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Mary – Ashgabat

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take a morning flight to Mary (370 km, 40 min). Upon arrival drive to Merv (40 km, 30 min), an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road. Discover historical park that includes Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress, and others. Return to Mary Airport to get the flight back to Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours

Day 23: Ashgabat – departure

Transfer to the airport. End of the 5 Stans Tour from South Africa.

Price includes:

All transfers: 1-2 pax on sedan standard type car, 3-8 pax on minivan/van;
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
Sightseeing tour program in each country with local guides (in Uzbekistan, different guides in each city);
Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
Economy class tickets for flights Osh-Bishkek, Ashgabat-Mary-Ashgabat; Economy class tickets for Comfort and Standard options and business class for Premium option for flights Bishkek-Almaty-Dushanbe;
Tickets for trains Tashkent-Kokand, Samarkand-Bukhara;
Visa support for Turkmenistan tourist visa;
Lunches on days 7, 10; dinners on days 2, 6, 7 and 20;
A tax of 2 USD per night, paid to the hotel upon check out in Turkmenistan.

Price doesn't include:

Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
Full board (lunches and dinners);
Hotel charges for additional services;
Visit to the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent;
Comfort car supplement in Uzbekistan total – 880USD;
Visa support for Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan tourist visas;
Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visa (approx. 80 USD), migration tax (14 USD) and express PCR test (33 USD);
International flight tickets before and after the tour;
Personal travel insurance;
Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.