Central Asia Encompassed

This epic trip through the five ‘stans’ of Central Asia gives you a comprehensive overview of this fabled land. We visit its remarkable old Silk Road cities and travel to some of its most beautiful locations.

We start in Uzbekistan, home to the region’s most incredible historic sites. Spending time exploring the ancient cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, we discover turquoise tiled minarets, imposing mausoleums and spectacular old madrassahs that bear witness to the glories of past civilisations.

In Turkmenistan – perhaps the most unusual of the stans – we spend a night by the flaming gas crater of Darwaza. Then we explore the bizarre sights of Ashgabat and step back in time at the archaeological site of Merv.

In Tajikistan we visit the ancient Sogdian city of Penjikent and spend time in the Fann Mountains, enjoying its isolated villages and picture-perfect scenery.

Kazakhstan holds hidden delights in the form of the remarkable landscapes of the Charyn Canyon and Altyn Emel National Park. Our final country Kyrgyzstan is home to nomadic cultures, azure blue lakes and snow-capped peaks.

Each country offers something different, from the glittering white marble avenues of Ashgabat to the tranquillity of the Kyrgyz Mountains. Travelling through this majestic part of the world is one of the world’s great journeys.

Central Asia Encompassed

Highlights

  • Visit the five ‘stans’ of Central Asia
  • The Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan
  • Camp at the burning Darwaza crater
  • Meet Kyrgyz nomads at Song Kul lake
  • See the bizarre monuments of Ashgabat
  • Hike through Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon

Day 1 - Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city. Overnight Art Deluxe Hotel or similar.

Tashkent

Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia, and was the fourth largest in the Soviet Union when it existed. The city has always been an important trading centre in the region, having established links with Russia centuries ago and being a key point on the Silk Road of old. It still retains its Silk Road Heritage in places, most noticeably in the old quarter, dominated by the striking Khast Imam complex, a collection of madrassahs, mosques and mausoleums which date back to the fifteenth century.

Tashkent never quite attained the legendary status of other cities such as Khiva or Samarkand and was very much seen as a vassal of the Emirs of either Bukhara or Khokand, until it was seized by Russian forces in the 19th century and used as a springboard for their continuing conquest of the region. Tashkent became the capital of Russian Turkestan and this legacy means that it is perhaps the most cosmopolitan city in the former Soviet Union, with large Russian and Korean communities there today.

Tashkent changed forever in the 1960s when it was struck by an enormous earthquake which flattened the city and left 100,000 people homeless, but remarkably only ten people lost their lives. Today it is a mixture of the ancient and modern, with civic monuments and large public squares jostling for space with winding streets and centuries-old mosques.

Day 2 - Khiva

Fly to Urgench and then spend the day exploring Khiva. Enclosed by mud brick walls, the old part of Khiva, known as the Ichon Qala, has been virtually unchanged for centuries and is an open-air museum packed full of intricately decorated minarets, mosques and madrassahs. We spend the day walking its narrow alleys and uncovering the best of its highlights including the Kalta Minor minaret, the Islam Khodja madrassah and the ark, where the khans of Khiva once lived. Overnight Arqanchi Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Khiva

Khiva is a fairytale city springing out of the desert, with a multitude of well-preserved monuments stretching back centuries that have you gasping in wonder at every turn. Once an independent khanate its power was built on the slave trade, and for centuries raiders would set out from here to capture the inhabitants of towns on the very edges of imperial Russia.

Its historic centre, the Ichon Kala, is bounded by robust mud walls giving it the effect of a fortress, while inside it contains some of the very best of Uzbekistan’s sights. Graceful minarets stretch into the sky while mosques and mausoleums capped with turquoise domes and intricate tilework give the visitor a sense of the past glories of a once great city. One of its most stunning monuments is the Kalta minaret, intended to be the highest in the Islamic world but left unfinished when its patron died.

For a great view over the city, climb the winding staircase to the top of the Islam Khodja minaret to look down on a city that has changed little in centuries. It is hard to oversell the visual impact of Khiva, and no-one comes away disappointed.

Day 3 - Konye-Urgench – Darwaza

Cross the border into Turkmenistan and transfer to Konye-Urgench, the ancient capital of the land of Khorezm with a collection of impressive mausoleums. From here we continue to the flaming gas crater at Darwaza. We camp near the crater to enjoy spectacular views of the subterranean fires once the sun sets. Overnight camping. (BLD)

Konye-Urgench

The ancient capital of the kingdom of Khorezm and dating to the 10th century, Konye-Urgench has seen a number of different Silk Road civilisations lay claim to it, with Seljuks and the Khorezmshahs conquering the city and establishing it as the centre of Islam in Central Asia, building numerous stunning mosques and madrassahs. It was attacked by the Mongols under Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, who besieged the city for six months before destroying it, leaving little but the charred remains of its monuments, and the corpses of its inhabitants. ‘Konye-Urgench became the abode of the jackal and the haunt of the owl and the kite’, wrote one local historian.

Having rebuilt itself it was then sacked by Timur (Tamerlane), adding to its woes. Fortunately, a few architectural monuments survived this tragedy, including the impressive mausoleums of former sultans as well as arched gates and fortresses which stand as testament to the former glories of this remote corner of Asia. Nearby is a local cemetery where people come to pray, pay homage to their ancestors and perform rites and rituals that bear more than an element of the pagan traditions that existed here before Islam.

Darwaza

The 60 metre crater of Darwaza is one of the most unusual sites in Central Asia, a vast opening in the earth where natural gas has been set alight and has been burning for more than forty years. This was originally a site where Soviet geologists drilled for gas – not knowing what to do when the drilling rig collapsed, they set it alight for fear that poisonous gas would seep into the atmosphere and contaminate a nearby settlement, expecting that it would burn itself out in a matter of days. Dozens of fires burn inside the crater, some of them with flames up to fifteen metres high. Its otherworldly appearance has led local people to name it the ‘Door to Hell’, and spending the night here will be a real highlight of your trip.

Day 4 - Ashgabat

Drive to Ashgabat via crater-strewn landscapes and visit the ruins of the Seyit Jemaleddin Mosque on arrival. Overnight Yyldyz Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Ashgabat

Ashgabat can’t claim to be one of the oldest Silk Road cities – prior to Russian involvement in the region it was little more than a village – but this changed following the Battle of Geok Tepe, when the Russians finally subdued the Turkmen tribes in 1881. Growing to become an important administrative centre first in the Tsarist Empire and then the Soviet Union, the city was devastated during an earthquake in 1948, which flattened most of the city. Rebuilt with classic Soviet architecture it remained fairly unremarkable until independence arrived in 1991.

The first president of independent Turkmenistan, the self-styled ‘Turkmenbashi’, embarked upon a massive programme of reconstruction as part of his nation-building efforts, setting in motion a process which led to Ashgabat becoming one of the most unusual and striking cities in Central Asia – albeit very different from anywhere else. Today wide highways are flanked by tall apartment blocks, most covered with white marble tiles which almost glimmer in the sunlight, modern and brash and giving Ashgabat an air of the surreal – almost like a space-age city of the future.

Monuments abound, linked to the common history of the Turkmen people and an effort to impress unity on a people that were once in constant conflict with each other. The centre of the city is a showpiece, with enormous statues gracing squares and fountains, and while the golden statue of Turkmenbashi, rotating to face the sun, has disappeared with his demise, the new president builds an equal cult of personality with giant billboards of him in various poses.

Ashgabat is sure to be one of the most unusual cities that you will visit, and it certainly has its critics, but is a truly fascinating and utterly bizarre place that won’t fail to leave an impression.

Day 5 - Ashgabat

We spend today exploring the city with its striking and often bizarre collection of monuments, including Neutrality Arch, the Earthquake Monument and others as well as the ancient Parthian fortress of Nisa. Overnight Yyldyz Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Nisa

The ancient site of Nisa lies not far from the capital, situated on a plain with mountains providing a scenic backdrop. An ancient Parthian settlement dating back to the 3rd century BC it consists of a number of excavated buildings with sturdy mud brick walls enclosing courtyards and hallways that were once adorned with elaborate sculptures, most now contained within the National Museum at Ashgabat. Nevertheless, it is still an interesting place to explore and imagine the ancient civilisation that once flourished in this corner of the world.

Day 6 - Merv – Bukhara

Fly to Mary, and visit the ancient site of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a diverse collection of attractions that span the history of the region. From here cross back into Uzbekistan and continue to Bukhara. Overnight Lyabi House Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Merv

The archaeological site of Merv sprawls over one hundred square kilometres, holding the history of centuries of civilisation, making it one of the most important sites in Central Asia. It was once an important oasis for those making the hard journey across the deserts of the Silk Road, and at various times has been under the rule of Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Seljuks and Achaemenians, then viciously sacked by the Mongols in the 13th century on their brutal path through the region.

The wonderful collection of monuments to explore here include the mausoleums of former sultans and Sufi scholars, Buddhist stupas, walled citadels and traditional ‘ice houses’ used for the storage of ice in the fierce climate. With so many different influences Merv is of immense importance in understanding the varied and complex history of the region.

Days 7-8 - Bukhara

Bukhara is awash with breathtaking monuments and its historic centre is exceptionally well preserved, making a visit here like stepping back in time to the days when the Silk Road trade was at its height.

We spend two full days exploring this enchanting city and visiting its most important sites, including the Kalon Minaret, the Lyabi Hauz ensemble, the bazaars, the Ismail Somoni Mausoleum and one of our personal favourites, the Chor Minor mosque with its four blue domed minarets. And of course, no visit to Bukhara would be complete without visiting the Ark, the vast fortress that was home to the Emirs for over a millennium. Bukhara is a spectacular city and we have enough time to enjoy its many delights without feeling rushed. Overnight Lyabi House Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Bukhara

Bukhara is one of the true gems of Central Asia, with a superbly preserved old city which transports you back at least a couple of centuries. Bukhara was one of the most powerful of the Central Asian khanates and is considered to be the holiest city in Central Asia, with origins stretching back as far as the time when Alexander the Great and his armies passed through the region.

Bukhara’s sights are varied but one of the most interesting is the citadel known as the Ark – the residence of the emir, this sturdy construction towers high above the Registan square below, the site of execution for criminals including two unfortunate British officers who were sent here in the 19th century in an effort to bring Bukhara under the British, rather than Russian, sphere of influence.

Wherever you walk through old Bukhara, you are continually confronted with grandiose mausoleums, towering minarets and charming old merchants’ houses – the city is a living museum and one cannot fail to fall in love with its charms.

Day 9 - Shakhrisabz – Samarkand

Drive to Shakhrisabz, the ancient capital of Tamerlane, then continue to Samarkand. Overnight Jahongir Hotel or similar. (BLD)


Days 10-11 - Samarkand

Two full days exploring the marvellous sites of Samarkand, one of the most incredible Silk Road cities and with a wealth of monuments to explore.

We visit the enormous Bibi Khanum Mosque, built by the wife of the Mongol ruler Timur, as well as the stunning Registan Square, one of Central Asia’s most iconic sites. We also visit the Shah-i Zinda complex of mausoleums, a stunning collection of buildings dating back to the 14th century that rivals the Registan for splendour, and also the observatory of Ulug Beg. Overnight Jahongir Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Samarkand

Immortalised in poetry, the city of Samarkand was founded in the 8th century BC by the Persians and stands with Khiva and Bukhara as one of the most glorious of all the Silk Road cities. Samarkand has had a turbulent history, which has left its mark and has been controlled at various times by Arabs, Sogdians and the armies of Alexander the Great, but it was the notorious Mongol leader who left his greatest mark.

Blessed with a wealth of ancient monuments, its most impressive is the collection of mosques and madrassahs around the Registan Square, surely the best example of Islamic architecture to be found anywhere. Elsewhere in the city, the observatory of the astronomer and ruler Ulug Beg is well worth a visit, and the wealth of buildings offer superb opportunities to marvel at the intricacies of Islamic art. Samarkand leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Day 12 - Penjikent

Cross the border into Tajikistan and continue to the ancient Sogdian city of Penjikent, once an important trading centre on the old Silk Road. We visit the Rudaki Museum which holds some of Penjikent’s ancient frescoes, as well as the archaeological site of Sarazm. Overnight Rudaki Hotel or similar. (BLD)


Day 13 - Iskander Kul

Drive into the Fann Mountains and the picturesque lake of Iskander Kul, surrounded by imposing peaks and a bright turquoise in colour. We explore the lake and its surrounds, walking to an impressive waterfall. Overnight tourist cottages. (BLD)


Days 14-15 - Dushanbe - Gissar

Head south to Dushanbe. Visit the Museum of Antiquities, a great introduction to the diverse and complex cultures which once held sway in the region. We also visit the monument dedicated to Ismail Somoni, the founder of the Tajik nation, and the Mehrgon bazaar. Later head to the town of Gissar, known for its fortress and interesting madrassahs dating back to the 16th century. Overnight Vatan Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Dushanbe

The relatively modern town of Dushanbe only became important during the Soviet era, when it was made the capital of the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and given the unfortunate name of Stalinabad – something that was quickly changed after Stalin’s death. Its name means ‘Monday’ in the Tajik language, arising from the fact that this was the day that the market was held when Dushanbe was still a small village.

The ousted Emir of Bukhara, fleeing from the Bolsheviks, stayed in Dushanbe and cooperated with Enver Pasha’s Basmachis in resistance against the Russians; from Dushanbe, he fled to Afghanistan in 1921, the year the town was freed from the Basmachis as well. Dushanbe is characterised by wide boulevards and Soviet-style architecture, although in recent years much construction has taken place and the city is starting to modernise. Not to be missed is the excellent Museum of National Antiquities, which holds a wide array of archaeological finds from the region, the most impressive of which is the 13-metre long sleeping Buddha which was excavated in 1966.

Gissar

West of Dushanbe lies the small town of Gissar, known mainly for its fortress. Although only a rather imposing gate remains, and this much restored, it gives a good impression of what this region must have been like several centuries ago. Due to its strategic location, the town was much fought over and the fortress was destroyed by the Red Army when it was a base for the Basmachi resistance. Today its steps are a popular place for local newlyweds to come for photos. Opposite lie two madrassahs dating back to the 16th century, one of which houses a small museum.

Day 16 - Almaty

Fly to Almaty and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Kazzhol Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Almaty

The largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty is a relatively new place having been founded only in 1854 by Russian soldiers, as a frontier post for their forays into the region. Awash with oil wealth, it is Central Asia’s richest and most cosmopolitan city, and retains much more of a Russian flavour than others in the region. It is no longer the capital though – this was moved to the smaller city of Astana in 1997.

With wide leafy streets and modern multi-storey buildings, it doesn’t particularly feel like part of the Silk Road and is quite different in character to somewhere like Samarkand, and its sights are from a more recent era. In Panfilov Park sits the impressive Zenkov Cathedral, one of the few buildings to date back to the time of Tsarist Russia and reputedly constructed without any nails. There are also several museums, including one for musical instruments and another dedicated to the repression faced by the Kazakh people under Stalin’s rule.

Day 17 - Almaty

Spend the day exploring the city of Almaty, visiting Panfilov Park, the picturesque Zenkov Cathedral, as well as Republic Square and other sites of interest. Overnight Kazzhol Hotel or similar. (BLD)


Day 18 - Altyn-Emel National Park

Drive to Altyn Emel National Park and spend time exploring this beautiful area, located between the Ili River and the Ak Tau mountains and covering an area of 4,600 square kilometres. We visit the multi-hued mountains, the famous ‘singing dune’, and other sites. We continue to the village of Baschi, where we spend the night. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)


Day 19 - Charyn Canyon

Our next stop is Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most impressive natural sights. We spend time walking along the canyon, also known as ‘The Valley of Castles’, and then continue to Saty, spending the afternoon at Kolsay Lake. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is an 80 km canyon on the Charyn River, 200 kilometres east of Almaty, close to the Chinese border. It is part of the Charyn National Park, which was established 23 February 2004 and located within the territory of the Uyghur and Kegen Districts of Almaty Province. It stretches 154 kilometres along the Charyn River in the northern Tien Shan mountain range. In parts, it attains a depth of 150 to 300 metres. One part of it is known as Valley of Castles for its unusual rock formations.

Day 20 - Kaindy Lake – Karkara

Morning excursion to Kaindy Lake before we head to our last country, Kyrgyzstan. We spend our first night in the Karkara Valley with its impressive alpine scenery. Overnight yurts with ensuite facilities. (BLD)


Day 21 - Karkara Valley – Karakol

Spend the morning in the valley with time for walking and admiring the beautiful scenery. We then head to Karakol, stopping en route at Tepke Village where we meet a family who breeds thoroughbred horses. On arrival into Karakol we visit the Prezhevalsky Museum and have dinner with a local Uighur family. Overnight Matsunoki Hotel or similar. (BLD)


Day 22 - Karakol - Bokonbaevo

Drive to Bokonbaevo, on the southern shores of Lake Issyk Kul. Before leaving Karakol we visit the Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Church for an insight into the different cultures that exist here. On our way to Bokonbaevo we stop to admire the red sandstone cliffs of Djety Oguz and the coloured Skazka Gorge, also known as ‘Fairytale Canyon’. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Please note: accommodation may be multi-share.


Days 23-24 - Bokonbaevo - Song Kul

In the morning (day 23) we meet a traditional eagle hunter and learn about this ancient art from one of the few remaining practitioners. We then drive to Song Kul lake, one of the most picturesque parts of Kyrgyzstan and home to seasonal families of nomads. We have a full day to relax and explore this beautiful area on day 24. Overnight simple yurt accommodation. (BLD)

Please note: accommodation may be multi-share.

Song Kul

Kyrgyzstan’s second largest lake, Song Kul, is surrounded by broad meadows (jailoos) and flanked with snow capped mountains; it’s widely recognized as one of the most attractive parts of the country and the presence of nomads and their herds of livestock adds to the sense of timeless wilderness. During the summer Kyrgyz nomads take advantage of the good grazing here, returning when the cold weather arrives in October. It’s also a great place for birds, with almost seventy species recorded here, and has been designated as a wetland of global importance – species to be found include geese, ducks and raptors, while lynx and deer are also present.

Day 25 - Bishkek

Return to Bishkek. On the way we stop at the Burana Tower, the remains of a 10th century Karakhanid city. Overnight My Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Bishkek

Formerly known as Frunze after a Bolshevik military leader, Kyrgyzstan’s capital is a fairly unremarkable place that only really came to prominence when Russian forces captured it in the 19th century, with modern architecture, wide boulevards and large public spaces that are typical of cities of the old Soviet Union. Today it is a modern city and Kyrgyzstan’s most cosmopolitan with Russian, Chinese and Korean populations rubbing shoulders with Kyrgyz, Uzbeks and others.

Day 26 - Bishkek

Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Please note that the 30 August 2025 and 29 August 2026 departures will run in reverse, starting in Bishkek and ending in Tashkent, and is 27 days in duration. Please contact us for details.

Modern mosque outside Ashgabat - Central Asia holidays
Yurt camp in the Kyzyl Kum desert - Central Asia holidays
Gate to the waled city of Khiva - Uzbekistan holidays and tours
Alpine scenery in Kyrgyzstan - Central Asia holidays
Alpine scenery in Kyrgyzstan - Central Asia holidays
Dried fruits and nuts in Tajik market - Central Asia holidays
Bib Khanum mosque in Samarkand - Uzbekistan holidays

What's included?

  • Airport transfers

    We include arrival and departure transfers regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you’re booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we’ll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.

  • Guides

    On this trip you will be accompanied by different English speaking guides in each country, to take advantage of their specific knowledge of the destination. Please note that for very small groups you may have different guides in different parts of Uzbekistan.

  • Meals

    As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip – in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to ‘do their own thing’ now and again.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you’d like to see, these would be at your own expense.

What's not included?

  • Visas

    We don’t arrange visas for our travellers, but if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you. If you need any advice with visas then just give us a call, or alternatively, a visa agency such as Travcour can assist.

  • International flights

    Many of our travellers arrive from different destinations and so we don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours. If however, you would like us to book flights for you, then just give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

  • Travel Insurance

    If you need any assistance with this, then let us know – although we can’t arrange it ourselves we can point you in the direction of a reputable provider that can assist.

Visas

Almost everyone will require visas to enter some of the Central Asian ‘stans’. The requirements for these vary according to each different country, but many will require an invitation letter, which we can provide for you.

Kyrgyzstan takes the lead in becoming more tourist-friendly, in that many nationalities, including UK citizens, do not need a visa for entry.

For Turkmenistan, we arrange for all our travellers to obtain visas on arrival. An invitation letter is required which we will provide.

UK, US, Australian and New Zealand travellers do not need a visa to visit Kazakhstan for stays of up to 30 days.

You will need to apply for a visa in advance for Tajikistan, and this can be done online at the following website:  www.evisa.tj. However, recently this process has become more complex and we strongly recommend that you use the services of a visa agency to apply for this visa.

If you are travelling into the Pamir Mountains you will also require the GBAO permit, which you should also request when applying for your visa

Uzbekistan has introduced visa-free travel for stays of up to 30 days from 1 February 2019, for many nationalities including UK, Australian, New Zealand, Canada and many EU nationalities. US citizens will need to apply for an e-visa in advance, which can be done via the following website: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main

Visa regulations in Central Asia are particularly fluid and so we recommend that you contact your nearest embassy, or us, for the most up to date information.

Health and vaccinations

We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations, you can also visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.

If you have any physical limitations that might impact your ability to participate in the planned tour activities, it’s essential that you make us aware as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.

Insurance

It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.

Arrival and departure taxes

There are no arrival or departure taxes applicable for most countries, but Turkmenistan will charge a $14 ‘immigration tax’, plus $2 bank fees, payable separately in US dollars when you enter.

In addition to this, Turkmenistan has recently introduced a ‘tourist tax’ of $2 per person per night. This must be paid directly to the hotel when you check out.

Money

The local currency in each country varies and is as follows:

Uzbekistan – som
Turkmenistan – manat
Tajikistan – somoni
Kyrgyzstan – som
Kazakhstan – tenge

It’s not difficult to change money in the region – usually the most convenient place will be a hotel but your guide will be able to point you in the right direction.  There are also an increasing number of ATMs in larger towns. However, these are not always reliable and so it is best to think of them as a back up rather than a main means of obtaining money. The best currency to bring for exchange purposes is US dollars, and these should have issue dates of 2006 or later, otherwise they can be difficult to exchange.

Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and better restaurants (usually in major cities only) but are not commonly accepted elsewhere.

Uzbekistan requires that you fill in currency declaration forms when you enter, which you should keep – they will be checked again upon departure.

Local conditions

When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.

Travel advice

We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO does not advise against travel to any of the parts of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan that we visit on our tours.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

Please note that the information contained above is highly susceptible to change, and while we endeavour to keep up to date we recommend that you use this as a guide only. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Modern mosque outside Ashgabat - Central Asia holidays
Yurt camp in the Kyzyl Kum desert - Central Asia holidays
Gate to the waled city of Khiva - Uzbekistan holidays and tours
Alpine scenery in Kyrgyzstan - Central Asia holidays
Alpine scenery in Kyrgyzstan - Central Asia holidays
Dried fruits and nuts in Tajik market - Central Asia holidays
Date(s)
Price (PP) Exc. Flights
Single Supplement
Trip Status
Date -
24 May 2025
Price (PP) -
£6,399
Single Supplement -
£600
Trip Status -
Guaranteed
Date -
30 August 2025
Price (PP) -
£6,699
Single Supplement -
£660
Trip Status -
Available
Date -
23 May 2026
Price (PP) -
£6,749
Single Supplement -
£660
Trip Status -
Available
Date -
29 August 2026
Price (PP) -
£7,099
Single Supplement -
£730
Trip Status -
Available

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