The Stans Small Group Tour | Visit Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan

This fully escorted small group educational tour to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, or "Odyssey to the Stans," is designed for the adventurous traveller.

But the rewards will be incredible. Our small group educational program visits places off the regular travel itinerary. As such, it combines spectacular scenery, destinations on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and encounters with both ancient cities and modern history. This sightseeing tour and walking tour also features a lunch or dinner with a local family or at a local restaurant. Local guides introduce us to lifestyles and cultures that may differ dramatically from our own. Our Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan small group tour is thus for those who remain curious and are seeking an adventure.

Our guided tour of the Stans is packed with history. Across our journey, we listen to local stories and wonder in awe at the power and control once exerted by bygone rulers. In addition, we travel along ancient trade routes that were once part of the Silk Road. Each city and place visited enables us to learn more about its role in contemporary society.

The Stans Tour Itinerary

Uzbekistan

Our tour of Uzbekistan begins in the capital, Tashkent with a visit to the traditional Chorsu Bazaar. We then go on to explore the cities of the ancient silk road. In Samarkand we marvel at the grand Timurid architecture (i.e. built by Timur, better known in the west as Tamerlane) of Registan Square. We then explore the old town of Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the 18th century Bolo Hauz Mosque. We also visit the walled city of Khiva, another important trading city on the great Silk Road. Khiva is home to the Kalta Minor Minaret and the Kunya fortress - with an administrative centre, law courts, and a historic mosque. Our tours to Uzbekistan also include a night camping in the atmospheric desert surrounding the Aral Sea.

Turkmenistan

Highlights of our tour of Turkmenistan include a visit to the peculiar white marble city of Ashgabat, packed with monuments both to Soviet and contemporary dictators. We also make a trip to Merv, once one of the most significant cities in the Persian Empire. Destroyed by Mongol forces in 1221, Merv is today a fascinating archaeological site.

Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan we make the most of the natural beauty of this remote country, over 80% of which is covered by mountain ranges. Near beautiful Son-Kul Lake, we stay for the night in a traditional yurt. The yurt is a testament to the nomadic past of the Kyrgyz people. Our trip also takes in the remnants of ancient civilisations at the town of Balasagun and the Petroglyphs Gallery of Cholpon-Ata. Finally, our tour of Kyrgyzstan ends in Bishkek, where we take a city tour and visit local markets.

Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan we begin our tour in Almaty. The Soviet impact remains in this city of Almaty and is on display in many forms. The capital of Kazakhstan until 1997, Almaty is a leafy city with a contemporary vibe. Outside Almaty, we take in Kazakhstan's striking natural beauty: the Charyn Canyon (often called the 'little brother' of America's Grand Canyon), and the pristine blue lakes of the Kolsai Lake System.

In addition, we are offering an optional 7-day extension to Tajikistan, the last of the former Soviet Block countries. Though rarely visited by travellers, Tajikistan has a lot to offer, including beautiful mountain scenery, alpine lakes and the generous hospitality of the Tajik people.

This fully escorted educational tour is perfect for the active single traveller or couple with an enquiring mind. It will deepen our understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of these ancient lands and their modern incarnation.

You can find more information of each country visited with our country profiles: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan. For more details on this tour, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.

• Discovery
• Level 3 - Moderate to Challenging