Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, KazakhstanThe Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road
Arrive at any time. In the evening, meet your CEO and new crew that you'll be traveling with in a welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner together. Then hit the town for your First Night Out, the chance to get to know your new travel buds!
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Xonpalace Hotel
Start today with some breakfast and an orientation walk of Tashkent. Check out the neighborhood alongside your CEO, then head out to explore the city how you'd like! Opt to join a Tashkent city tour or take a day trip to see the impressive Institute of Sun. This evening, climb aboard the overnight train en route to Khiva.
Tashkent Orientation Walk
Join your CEO for a orientation walk through Tashkent. Get to know the area around your hotel better explore some of this awesome city.
Free Time
Spend the day free to explore Tashkent however you'd like!
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 2Show
After a full nights sleep aboard the train, choose to have some breakfast in the dining car or enjoy the views as you chug along. Pull into Khiva around noon, drop your bags, then head out on an orientation walk. Spend the afternoon free to explore the city of Khiva however you want. Perhaps visit one of Khiva's most important landmarks, the Islam Khadija Minaret or take a tour of the City Wall.
Khiva Orientation Walk
Explore a bit of Khiva alongside your group on an orientation walk.
Free Time
Spend the afternoon free to explore Khiva.
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Accommodation
Caravan Inn
Today you are free to explore this incredible ancient city. In the evening, head to the train station to travel to Bukhara. We'll head straight to the hotel upon arrival.
Free Time
Enjoy the morning free in Khiva.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
Kavsar Guest House
Get a feel for your adventure in Bukhara by starting the day with an orientation walk of the area. Then today is yours to explore the city! Visit some of the incredible Hammams (traditional public baths), or join a guided tour of Bukhara.
Free Time
A full day to explore Bukhara is on the docket for today!
Bukhara Orientation Walk
Explore the neighborhood of Bukhara alongside your group to get a lay of the land.
Optional Activities - Day 5Show
Accommodation
Kavsar Guest House
Bukhara, a historic and important stop along the Silk Road, is today a beautiful piece of living history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Bukhara, with its stone alleyways and colorful tiles, will have you feeling transported to an ancient time. Enjoy another day free to explore this beautiful place before taking a train to Samarkand in the evening.
Free Time
Spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 6Show
Accommodation
Old Town Samarkand Guest House
The great city of Samarkand was once a rich trading and intellectual center of the Silk Road. Now known for its melting pot of culture and grand architecture, today is yours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Free Time
Spend today at leisure to explore Samarkand.
Optional Activities - Day 7Show
Accommodation
Old Town Samarkand Guest House
This morning we depart Uzbekistan and drive to Tajikistan. Shortly after crossing the border, stop at Panjakent Bazaar and wander through the stalls of food, clothes and unique finds. Head out and continue the drive to Padrud Village for the night. On the way, we'll visit four of the breathtaking Seven Lakes in the Fan Mountains. These lakes shine with different colors of blues, greens, purples and turquoises. Grab your camera and take in the incredible views.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Uzbekistan to Tajikistan)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Panjakent Bazaar
Visit the colorful Panjakent Bazzar. Walk through the fragrant stalls, delicious local food stands and locally made home goods being sold.
Marguzor Lakes
Visit 4 of the 7 lakes of Marguzor and admire the stunning natural beauty of Tajikistan.
Accommodation
Marguzor Family Homestay
After breakfast at the guesthouse, hike from Lake 6 to the incredible Lake 7. This remote lake is only accessibly by hiking and is well worth the trek. After arriving, enjoy a scenic picnic next to the lake before hiking back to the village. This evening, chow down on a well deserved Tajikistani barbecue.
Hike Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7
Start at Lake 6 and hike to the majestic lake 7 of the 7 Marguzor Lakes. Lake 7, arguably the most beautiful is reached only on foot. With nothing but rocky mountains and crystal blue water in sight, admire the incredible scenery of Tajikistan.
Accommodation
Marguzor Family Homestay
Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today. After the journey, enjoy a restful evening in Samarkand.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Tajikistan to Uzbekistan)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy a free evening to chill in Samarkand.
Accommodation
Old Town Samarkand Guest House
Take a morning train to Tashkent, where it all began! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital city of Uzbekistan. This evening, join your group for a Big Night Out in the city!
Free Time
Spend the rest of the day free to adventure through or relax in Tashkent.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out in Tashkent
Hit the local bars out on the town tonight during your Big Night Out!
Accommodation
Xonpalace Hotel
Hop in the van for a trip across the border to Kazakhstan. Drive to Shymkent and join your CEO on an orientation walk of the city before enjoying the afternoon to explore.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan)
Cross the border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Have your passports handy.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Shymkent Orientation Walk
Join your CEO on an orientation walk to get to know Shymkent, known as the "Green City." With it's rich history and interesting culture, we'll see the lively markets and other must-see spots.
Free Time
Spend the afternoon free to explore the historic Silk Road city, Shymkent.
Accommodation
Express City Hotel
Drive to the totally instagramable Ugam Chatkal National Park. Join a fun 16km hike to Sayram Su Lake for a cute lakeside picnic with the crew. Hike Back to Shymkent to relax this afternoon.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sayram Su Lake Hike
Hike to the beautiful Sayramsu Lake. We'll be hiking to the Lower Nizhniy Sayram Su Lake. It's 8 km one way and the elevation gain is 650 m. Even as a longer hike, this trek is rated as easy to moderate hike, with few steep sections. At the top we will be greeted with beautiful views of Sayram Ugam National Park and the Sayram River Valley.
Accommodation
Express City Hotel
Drive to Taraz today. This city is not visited by many tourists now but was once a major rest stop along the Ancient Silk Road. Take an orientation walk around the town then opt to visit the Taraz Museum to see the remains of this historic place.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Taraz Orientation Walk
Alongside your CEO, take a tour of Taraz, one of the oldest and smallest cities in Kazakstan. What this town lacks in size, you'll quickly learn how it makes up for it with its fascinating history.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time in historic Taraz.
Optional Activities - Day 14Show
Accommodation
Zhambyl Hotel Taraz
Cross the border into the next Stan. Into Kyrgyzstan, head to Bishkek. Spend time with your crew this evening in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, bidding farewell to those heading off and greeting the newbies!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Cozy Hotel
Today is yours for adventure through Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. After an orientation walk to get your bearings, spend the rest of the day seeing the city how you'd like. Opt to join a guided tour of the city or learn to make local Kyrgyz dumplings called manti.
Bishkek Orientation Walk
Join your CEO to get to know the city of Bishkek. Visit notable spots like Osh Market and see the neighborhood. Your CEO will point out restaurants, bars, coffee shops and supermarkets while teaching you how to navigate the city.
Free Time
The rest of the day is yours to explore Bishkek.
Optional Activities - Day 16Show
Accommodation
Cozy Hotel
Visit the historic Burana Tower on the way to Iskra Village where we will enjoy a yummy lunch with a Dungan family, a group of Muslim-Chinese heritage. After spending time with the family and digging into the yummy food, drive to Chom Kemin for the night.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Iskra Village Dungan Family Lunch
Enjoy an intimate and delicious local lunch in the family home of a local Dungan family, of Chinese-Hui Muslim minority group. Learn about the history of their migration, their tradition, and then try a traditional Dungan Chinese meal.
Burana Tower Visit
Visit the historical site of Burana and climb the stairs to check out the view from the top. A large minaret, along with some grave markers and remnants of a castle and mausoleums, are all that remain of the 9th century city of Balasagun.
Accommodation
Jekshen Guest House Chon Kemin
Start today with an easy hike up to the Shatyly view point. Take in the view from above before hiking back down for some free time at camp. Take a dip if you wish in Issyk Kul Lake, meaning "Warm Lake" in Kyrgyz. In the afternoon, visit the famous Fairytale Canyon, Skazka. Walk through the wild rock formations that resemble castles and gnome homes. Then enjoy a relaxing evening on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake.
Shatyly View Point Hike
Hike through the gradual hills of Kyrgyzstan up to the incredible panoramic view of Shatyly. On this easy hike, admire the spectacular views all around you, especially of the lake spanning in the distance.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake.
Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon
On the Southern Shore of Lake Issyk Kul, visit the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. It's nickname speaks for itself, with natural rock formations that tower like princess castles in faraway lands.
Accommodation
Sonun Yurt Camp
After breakfast at camp, hike to the beautiful Barskoon Waterfall. I mean, who doesn't love a little waterfall adventure? Then head to Ak Orgo, a G Adventures-supported project that helps bring much-needed job opportunities to the Barskoon region. We'll dig into some lunch then learn how to build a yurt (like the one we're staying in here in Tamga!) Then head back to camp and take a dip in the lake.
Barskoon Waterfall
Hike to the frothy Barskoon Waterfall and watch as the rushing water cascades down the cliff. In addition to the waterfall, we'll see bright red reds and interesting rock carvings on display for us!
Free Time
Enjoy some free time for leisure and to swim in Issyk Kul Lake.
Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration
Visit the Ak-Orgo workshop, a G Adventures-supported project working to preserve Kyrgyz traditions and create employment opportunities in Barskoon. Observe how traditional yurts are built.
Accommodation
Sonun Yurt Camp
Drive to Karakol this morning and join your CEO on an orientation walk, the perfect way to start your time in Karakol and get to know this city a bit better. Then the day is yours for adventure! Opt to visit the colorful Dungan Mosque, Karakol Market or the impressive Russian Orthodox Church.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Karakol Orientation Walk
Get your bearings in the great city of Karakol on this CEO-guided orientation walk.
Free Time
Spend today free time wander through Karakol!
Optional Activities - Day 20Show
Accommodation
Hotel Ak-Maral
Fill up on breakfast before heading out for a free day in Karakol. How about a tour of the city? Or maybe get back out into nature with visits to the spectacular Jety Oguz or Aksu Kench hot springs!
Free Time
A full day free in Karakol means a day full of adventure!
Optional Activities - Day 21Show
Accommodation
Hotel Ak-Maral
Cross the border into Kazakhstan, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch along the way. Then climb into a 4x4 vehicle to visit the stunning Kaindy Lake. Grab your camera and get ready for some jaw-dropping views. This evening, connect with local Kazakh culture at our Saty Village homestay.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Kaindy Lake Hike Visit
Visit the perfectly turquoise colored Kaindy Lake. In this unique lake, you can see spruce trees sticking out of the crystal water. This sunken forest will leave you in awe of its beauty.
4x4
Jump in a 4x4 vehicle to get off-road in Kazakhstan.
Saty Village Stay
Be immersed in Kazakh culture during a homestay near the Kolsay Lakes National Park. Eat a traditional dinner and marvel at the mountain range and forests surrounding the village.
Accommodation
Zhuldyz Guest House
Get ready to see red... red rocks and canyons we mean! Our first stop of the day is to Charyn Canyon. Full of different shades of reds, oranges, and browns, the beautiful Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Then continue on to Altyn Emel National Park where more red and orange rocks make up this beautiful landscape.
Charyn Canyon Visit
Enjoy the views of the beautiful Charyn Canyon. Breathe the fresh air and snap a few photos of this stunning landscape.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Algai Quinn Hotel
Right on the bank of the Ili river sits the beautiful golden Singing Sand Dunes. On a windy day, when the sad moves across the dunes, it produces a low-pitched humming sound, giving it its name. Get your body moving as you trek through the sand. Return to the guest house for a well-deserved lunch before driving to Almaty. Then join your crew and CEO for an orientation walk.
Singing Dunes
Wander across the drifting sand at the seemingly unending Singing sand dunes. Hike through the dunes and take in the breathtaking views of snow capped mountains in the distance.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Almaty Orientation Walk
Enjoy the chance to see Almaty on this orientation walk led by your CEO.
Accommodation
Mildom Hotel
Almaty is on full display as you get to choose your own adventure through the city. We recommend a city tour to connect with Kazakhstani culture. Then see the city come to life at night on your Big Night Out!
Free Time
A full free day in Almaty is on the docket for today!
Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out Almaty
See the beautiful city of Almaty light up with lights when we head out for a Big Night Out with the crew. Grab a drink of choice and enjoy the Kazakhstani night life!
Optional Activities - Day 25Show
Accommodation
Mildom Hotel
Depart at any time.
