5 Stans: A Journey to Central Asia

The Five Stans of Central Asia were sought after and conquered by some of the world's greatest leaders from Alexander, Attila, Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, Babur, Cyrus, and Darius of ancient Persia. Today it is the world's greatest adventure seekers who are drawn to these exotic lands of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ASHGABAT, TURKMENISTAN

Arrive in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Your driver will transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

DAY 2: ASHGABAT   (Turkmenistan) [B,L,D]

Spend the day exploring Ashgabat. Highlights of today’s tour include the National Museum of History and Ethnography, the Arch of Neutrality, and a visit to ancient a Nisa - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This huge mud-brick city, still enclosed within an imposing wall, was one of the earliest and most important cities of the Parthian Empire, a major power that dominated this region from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Gather this evening with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner to celebrate the beginning of the journey. Overnight in Ashgabat.

DAY 3: ASHGABAT - MARY - ASHGABAT  [B,L,D]

An early morning flight (9:40 am-10:20 am) takes us to the city of Mary, upon arrival, we drive to Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Across the vast flat landscape stretch the remains of an array of towns whose city walls enclose nearly 2,500 acres. There have been many incarnations of Merv.  Archaeological surveys have shown that a village existed here as far back as the 3rd millennium BCE. The Ancient Persians developed the city in the 6th century BCE and, under Alexander the Great, it was renamed Alexandria. This was the Silk Road’s main trading route between Bukhara in the 12th century, before the Mongol invasion, was reputed to be the world’s largest city. After exploring the extensive remains, walk through the museum that exhibits archaeological finds from sites excavated in the Mary oasis, including material from the Bronze Age sites of Gonur Depe and Togoluk, along with ancient Merv.  Return to Mary for the evening flight (7:00 pm-7:40 pm) back to Ashgabat. Dinner and overnight in Ashgabat.

DAY 4: ASHGABAT - DASHOGUZ - (Shavat Border) KHIVA (Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan)  [B,L,D]

Fly to Dashoguz  (9:45 am-10:20 am) and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konye-Urgench , once the capital of the Khorezm region and part of the Achaemenid Empire. A major trade center on the Silk Road from the 10 to 14th centuries, the old town contains a fascinating series of monuments including a mosque, the still standing gates of a caravanserai (an ‘inn’ for caravans), fortresses and fortification walls, several graceful mausoleums, and a brick minaret with delicate geometric designs towering almost 200 feet into the sky. After exploring this magnificent city, drive to the border, after border formalities you cross (3:00 pm) into Uzbekistan, meet your driver and on to Khiva. Dinner and overnight in Khiva.

DAY 5: KHIVA - KALAS - KHIVA  [B,L,D]

Khorezm is a large region where oases once dotted the Kyzyl Kum (red) and Kara Kum (black) Deserts with the Aral Sea on the northern edge. Spreading across today’s borders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the area has been occupied since the Bronze Age and is dotted with ancient remains of settlements, some more than 5,000 years old. Fed by the fabled Oxus River, these fortified towns thrived on lush agriculture and were important stops for traders and caravans that crisscrossed this land for thousands of years.  Today’s all day excursion takes us to three captivating Silk Road centers. Dating back to the 1st millennium, the impressive ruins of the fortified capital of Topraq-Kala covers more than 42 acres and is encircled by mighty adobe brick fortifications topped by protective towers. It also contained a Fire Temple with a sanctuary. Towering over the city is the 2nd century palace-stronghold of the local Khorezm rulers, once containing more than one hundred rooms. It is one of the most remarkable architectural constructions of Oriental antiquity.  Nearby Kyzyl Kala, or Red Fortress, was a defensive stronghold in the line of battlements created to protect the north-eastern borders of Khorezm.  Lunch today will be in a yurt camp next to Ayaz Kala, a site consisting of three fortresses built between the 4th century BC and 8th century AD. Return to Khiva in the late afternoon. Overnight in Khiva.

DAY 6: KHIVA   [B,L,D]

Spend today exploring the old walled city of Khiva, once the capital of the kingdom of Khorezm and the last resting-place for caravans before crossing the desert towards Iran. Founded about 900 AD it was conquered by Mongols in the early XIII Century, invaded by Turks in the 1400's, and became part of Russia in the 1800's.  Khiva’s outer city, Dishan Kala, was once protected by earthworks with eleven gates, and Ichan Kala, the inner section, still retains its enormous enclosure wall.  With wealth derived from the Silk Road trade and now a remarkable open-air museum of history and architecture, Khiva was the first site in Uzbekistan to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The historic district contains over fifty monuments as well as many traditional houses. Djuma Mosque originally built in the 10th century was rebuilt later using over one hundred exquisitely carved wooden columns. Sheikh Mukhtar-Vali Complex, a mausoleum built in the 16th century, is famous for its beautiful incised wooden doors. Kunya Ark was the stronghold-palace where the Khans lived from the 17 to 19th centuries and housed the harem. The magnificent 19th century Tash-Hauli Palace was constructed around three courtyards with walls covered with striking azure tiles and brightly painted ceilings. Spend the day exploring this fascinating town.  Dinner and overnight in Bukhara.

DAY 7: KHIVA - BUKHARA   [B,L,D]

After breakfast we transfer to the airport i time for our 9:30 am flight. Located on the Silk Road and more than 2,000 years old, fabled Bukhara has long been a focal point of trade, learning, culture, and religion. The most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, this breathtakingly beautiful city is like a whimsy from the Tales of Arabian Nights. We spend two full days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site and will seldom be out of sight of ever more stunning monuments. The Old Town in Bukhara has a unified feel, drawn together by a central reflecting pool and plaza, by commonality in the structure of the domed bazaars and by the major monuments ringing the Old Town, the Kalon Assembly, the Zindan Prison, and the Ark Citadel. This morning, sightseeing begins at the Ismail Samani Mausoleum. The 10th century resting place of Ismail Samani, founder of the Persian Samanid Dynasty, is detailed with sixteen different styles of brickwork. The Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, visited next, is not a true mausoleum, but a site visited by a holy person. Visit the nearby Kukeldash Madrassah, the largest of Central Asia’s Koran schools, which dates from 1417. Stroll through the capmaker and spice bazaars and then meander past street-level mosques and madrasa. Enjoy a traditional Uzbek performance this evening along with dinner at a former madrassah. Overnight in Bukhara.

DAY 8: BUKHARA - SAMARKAND  [B,L,D]

Late morning departure to continue with half a day of sightseeing in Bukhara. Admire the early 19th century Chor Minor Madrassah, whose four slender, blue-topped minarets give it its name. Next continue to Lyabi-Hauz Plaza, located in the heart of the old town. With the feel of a true oasis in an oasis town, the plaza is at the center of Bukhara’s old town and is – as it has been throughout history – a place to meet friends, to eat, to drink, and to relax in the shade and enjoy free time at leisure. After a late lunch, transfer to Samarkand via coach (3-31/2 hrs.). Upon arrival transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Samarkand.

DAY 9: SAMARKAND - SHAKHRISABZ - SAMARKAND   [B,L,D]

Today we venture outside of Samarkand and drive to Shakhrisabz, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the 14th century conqueror Timur, known in the west as Tamerlane, took forty years to construct his palace. The exquisite beauty of the enormous iwan, or monumental entryway, is all that remains of the once huge Ak Saray Palace, but still broadcasts the wealth and power of the ruler. Return to Samarkand in the afternoon and visit the sprawling Urgut Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Samarkand.

DAY 10: SAMARKAND - TASHKENT    [B,L,D]

Today will be spent exploring Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Begin in the fabled Registan Square, dominated by three imposing monuments that are masterpieces of Islamic Architecture. The Ulugh Beg, built by the peaceful ruler for which it was named, was a famous theological school for the sons of wealthy families. Over the entrance way arch is a mosaic panel decorated with stylized geometric forms. The imposing entrance portal of the XVII Century Shir Dor Madrasah depicts lion-like tigers pursuing gazelles below human-faced rising suns, a zoomorphic motif that mysteriously violates orthodox Islamic conventions. The Tilla Kari Madrasa and Mosque was conceived as the last, largest, and most embellished structure of Registan Square and encompasses extravagant gilt decoration in the mosque’s domed chamber. Located directly behind Shir Dar, Chorsu was the medieval commercial center. Nearby Gur-Emir Mausoleum was built for Tamerlane’s beloved grandson, Muhammad Sultan. When he died at an early age, Tamerlane ordered this mausoleum built for his burial. In 1405 Tamerlane died in a nearby city and his body was brought here since it was closer than his mausoleum at Shahrisabz. Ulugh Beg was Tamerlane’s grandson; he was an astronomer and a prince, the governor of Samarkand. This intellectual ruler created an amazing observatory in 1428 that housed the largest 90-degree quadrant the world had ever seen, and he constructed a three-story building to support and house it. His observatory influenced subsequent Islamic astronomy, and his star atlas, constructed from observations at Samarkand, was the first original astronomical publication since Ptolemy. It survives today as one of the great artifacts of astronomy and culture, not just of Central Asia but of the world. We will view this and the excellent onsite museum. We will board our train to Tashkent late afternoon. Upon arrival at Tashkent, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Tashkent.

DAY 11: TASHKENT   [B,L,D]

Tashkent is often called the cultural capital of the Islamic world because of its many historic monuments. Our explorations begin in Independence Square, the largest city quadrangle in the former Soviet Union. Its most prominent feature is a globe with a map of Uzbekistan that replaces a 30-meter-tall statue of Lenin, a poetic expression of the birth of the nation. Next visit Navoi Theatre Square, where the opera house was built by the same architect who designed Lenin’s Tomb in Moscow. Then see the Crafts Center, where traders have plied their goods for centuries, and the Abdul Kassim Madrassah. Enter the Russian Orthodox Church that is over 135 years old, and the oldest in Central Asia. End today’s tour at one of the most remarkable medieval architectural monuments, the Barak Khan Madrasah, richly decorated with engravings, gilt, and glazed mosaic. Overnight in Tashkent.

DAY 12: TASHKENT - (OYBEK Border) KHUJAND - DUSHANBE (Uzbekistan/Tajikistan) [B,L,D]

This morning we leave Tashkent for Tajikistan and on to Khujand, the site of another Ancient Persian city, dating back about 2,500 years. It was conquered by the Arabs in the 8th century CE and was besieged and then destroyed by the army of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Located on the Great Silk Road, and connecting Samarkand with the Fergana Valley, Khujand enjoyed a favorable geopolitical location and significant transport importance. Here we will visit the Historical Museum of Sughd, next to a restored portion of the Khujand Fortress, and the Muslihiddin Medressa.  Dinner and overnight at Dushanbe.

DAY 13: DUSHANBE  [B,L,D]

Dushanbe, which means “Monday” in Tajik, developed on the site of a Monday marketplace village. Today it is a rapidly developing metropolis.  Our tour of the city this morning includes the Tajikistan National Museum, the Museum of Ethnography, Shah Mansur Bazaar and the Gurminj Musical Instrument Museum. In the afternoon, we travel outside the city to see Hissar Fortress, the remains of an 18th century fort occupied until 1924.  Dinner and overnight in Dushanbe.

DAY 14: DUSHANBE - ALMATY (Tajikistan/Kazakhstan)  [B,L,D]

Flight from Dushanbe to Almaty (1:30 pm - 4:15pm). Transfer to your hotel. Free day at your leisure. Overnight in Almaty.

DAY 15: ALMATY  [B,L,D]

After breakfast you will have a full day of sightseeing in Almaty: visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov (wooden constructed) Cathedral, St. Nicholas Cathedral, National Musical Instruments Museum, Central State Museum, Almaty Green Bazaar, Panoramic view from Kok Tobe. Overnight in Almaty.

DAY 16: ALMATY - BISHKEK (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan) [B,L,D]

After breakfast, we depart from Almaty and drive to Bishkek via a newly built highway. In route watch the natural landscapes. Afternoon arrival at Bishkek. Check into the hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing of Bishkek: visit Central Museum, Independence Square, Philharmonic Square, University Boulevard, and TSUM. Overnight in Bishkek.

DAY 17: BISHKEK - ISSYK KUL - KARAKOL  [B,L,D]

After breakfast, we drive to Karakol, a town situated in the east of the lake area, at the foot of the most picturesque mountains of Tian Shan. The way passes along the south shore of Issyk Kul. Follow the way along the shore of Issyk Kul until the town of Karakol. On the way stop in yurt maker’s village Kyzyl Tuu and visit yurt master's home. Visit Djety Oguz canyon on the way. Djety Oguz in Kyrgyz means “Seven Bulls”. This picturesque gorge is named so because of the red rocky sand formations covered with forests of Tien Shan Spruces. Overnight in Karakol.

DAY 18: KARAKOL - CHOLPON ATA - BISHKEK  [B,L,D]

After breakfast, you start city-tour in Karakol: visit the wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral. It was completed in 1895 and used as an officers’ club during Soviet Times; it is now restored and in use again as a church. There is also a small section of Russian Colonial ‘gingerbread’ style residential buildings. Also, you visit a wooden mosque, built entirely without nails by Chinese Artisans between 1907 and 1910 for the local Dungans (Muslims of Chinese origin who fled China during the aftermath of the XIX Century Hui Minorities’ War). Next, we visit is to the Museum of Nikolay M. Przhevalsky, the outstanding Russian Explorer of The Asian Continent. Drive to the city of Cholpon Ata, situated in the Northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Upon arrival to Cholpon Ata, visit a Petroglyphs site, the temple in the open air of Scythians and Hungsuns civilizations in VIII to IX Century B.C. until, III to IV Century A.D. Drive to Bishkek. Farewell dinner and overnight in Bishkek.

DAY 19: DEPARTURE FROM BISHKEK (Kyrgyzstan) [B]

After breakfast, hotel check-out by 11:00 am. End of our services.

During this time of unprecedented uncertainty caused by COVID19, many hotels and service suppliers in many regions are closed. Hence, it is hard for everyone to get the exact pricing from suppliers, therefore; Flo Tours reserves the right to make price adjustments which might be be reflected to our guests as minor incremental or decremental prices than the following prices given in tables for 2022-2023-2024

2022 Departure Dates
Departure-Return Date	Price (Per person in Double room)	Single Supplement	Availability
Mar 7- Mar 25	$5,595	$1,155	BOOK NOW
Apr 4 - Apr 22	$5,995	$1,455	BOOK NOW
May 9 - May 27	$5,995	$1,455	BOOK NOW
Jun 6 - Jun 24	$5,995	$1,455	BOOK NOW
Jul 4 – Jul 22	$5,995	$1,455	BOOK NOW
Aug 8 – Aug 26	$5,995	$1,455	BOOK NOW
Sep 5 - Sep 23	$5,995	$1,455	BOOK NOW
Oct 10 - Oct 28	$5,995	$1,455	BOOK NOW
Nov 7 - Nov 25	$5,995	$1,155	BOOK NOW

2023 Departure Dates
Departure-Return Date	Price (Per person in Double room)	Single Supplement	Availability
Mar 6- Mar 24	$6,895	$1,495	BOOK NOW
Apr 10 - Apr 28	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
May 8 - May 26	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Jun 5 - Jun 23	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Jul 10 – Jul 28	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Aug 7 – Aug 25	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Sep 4 - Sep 22	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Oct 9 - Oct 27	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Nov 6 - Nov 24	$6,895	$1,495	BOOK NOW

2024 Departure Dates
Departure-Return Date	Price (Per person in Double room)	Single Supplement	Availability
Mar 4- Mar 22	$6,895	$1,495	BOOK NOW
Apr 8 - Apr 26	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
May 6 - May 24	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Jun 10 - Jun 28	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Jul 8 – Jul 26	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Aug 5 – Aug 23	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Sep 9 - Sep 27	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Oct 7 - Oct 25	$6,895	$1,695	BOOK NOW
Nov 4 - Nov 22	$6,895	$1,495	BOOK NOW

• Airport transfers upon arrival
• Letter of Invitation for Turkmenistan
• Hotel accommodation at very comfortable centrally located 5 star or best available hotels (double room sharing)
• All meals as specified at the day by day itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• All internal flights
  • Ashgabat - Mary - Ashgabat
  • Ashgabat - Dashoguz
  • Dushanbe - Almaty
• Bottled water (1 liter per person per day)
• All train tickets
  • Bukhara - Samarkand
  • Samarkand -Tashkent
• All entrance fees for sites and museums
• English speaking tour guide throughout the tour
• Flo Tours travel document holder

• Transfer upon departure
• All Visa and Visa Fees
• International Flights to Ashgabat from Bishkek
• Tips at the hotels, tour guides and drivers
• Any extra expenses at the hotels
• Video and photo camera charges at the museums or sites
• Travel Insurance

Visa Information for US citizens.

Country	Regulation
Kazakhstan	Visa not required
Kyrgyzstan	Visa not required
Uzbekistan	Visa required (online)
Turkmenistan	Visa will be issued at the airport with a Letter of Invitation provided by Flo Tours. Visa cost is $103.00 (USD) upon arrival (subject to governmental changes).
Tajikistan	Visa required (online)

Please feel comfortable to email or call with any other questions you might have regarding visa processing or your unique situation. Visa processing is different if your citizenship if not a US citizen. It varies for each country visited on the tour for each country of citizenship.

• ASHGABAT: Oguzkent Hotel or similar
• KHIVA: Asia Khiva Hotel or similar
• BUKHARA: Asia Bukhara Hotel or similar
• SAMARKAND: Registan Plaza Hotel or similar
• TASHKENT: Miran Hotel or similar
• DUSHANBE: Hilton Hotel or similar
• ALMATY: Rixos Hotel or similar
• BISHKEK: Hyatt Regency Hotel or similar
• KARAKOL: Green Yard Hotel or similar