26-Day Silk Road & The 5 Stans Adventure Dep Bishkek
Trip Highlights
Note: Bishkek to Tashkent departures run in the northern hemisphere’s autumn. We have Tashkent to Bishkek departures that run in reverse in the springtime and take you through the 5 Stans.
Trip Details
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$3,361 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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$3,361 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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$3,361 AUD
Private Supplement: +$719
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Price
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available (max 6 spots)
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
26 days, 25 nights
Meeting point
B Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Ending point
Inspira – S Hotel, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Meals: 25 Breakfasts, 24 lunches, 21 Dinners
- Private vehicle transportation
- 1 train journey (Samarkand – Bukhara)
- Domestic flights (Almaty-Dushabe, Ashgabat-Dashoguz, Urgench-Tashkent)
- 23 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- 2 nights yurt camp stay
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Turkmenistan Visa fee (See FAQs for more information)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
DAY 1: BISHKEK
All amazing adventures begin somewhere. For you, that’s Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. When you arrive, a welcoming face will meet you at the airport and whisk you off to your accommodation.
Catch up with your group at the hotel around 10am, then get to know Bishkek on a guided walk. You’ll quickly figure out that Central Asians love their monument-filled squares as you stroll the leafy parks and boulevards and explore the local sights!
Then it’s time to get to know your fellow Patchies a little better over dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants. Is everyone excited? You’re Patchies after all, so our guess is… absolutely!
Accommodation: B Hotel (or similar), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: BISHKEK
Kick off your first full day in Kyrgyzstan learning the old craft of scarf-making with a local, before heading out into nature. You’ll drive up into the mountains that surround Bishkek to the Ala Archa National Park. Take your time here… inhale that fresh alpine air on a walk through the forest. Enjoy your lunch with views of the gorge and Tian Shan Mountain range.
Accommodation: B Hotel (or similar), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: CHON KEMIN VALLEY
Today you’ll really start to ‘do’ Kyrgyzstan, exploring its beautiful landscapes and intriguing culture. Right from the get-go, you’ll be interacting with history, as the group stops at the medieval Burana Tower – the last remnant of the historic Silk Road city of Balasagun.
Even a midday stop turns into an adventure – pull over at the village of Don Aryk to see the local tradition of horse games at the village stadium. When in Don Aryk, do as the Kyrgyz do!
Then, refuel your tummy at a village guesthouse before continuing towards your final destination today, Chon Kemin. Spend a few hours exploring the area this afternoon, or you may decide to unwind in your oh-so-cosy guesthouse, before ending the day with a hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar), Chon Kemin, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: ISSYK KUL
This morning, you’re off to one of the largest (and deepest!) high-altitude lakes in the world – Issyk Kul. But first, it’s time for a stop at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, a yurt-making hub. Over a tasty lunch, a local yurt-building family will let you in on some of the secrets of their craft.
Don’t roll your sleeves down just yet – masters of the traditional art of shyrdak (Kyrgyz carpet making) are expecting you in the lakeside town of Bokonbayevo.
Tonight is a very special stay. Remember those yurts you got to see up close at lunch? You’ll be sleeping in one for the next two nights! This Yurt camp has a few more mod cons than some, with a hot shower available and beautiful views of the lake. You may also want to warm up your vocal chords for this evening…
Accommodation: Nomad Lodge yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: KAJI-SAI
It’s day five and you’ll be fully in the rhythm of the Kyrgyz countryside by now. The hustle and bustle of the West will feel like a different universe as you contemplate the dramatic countryside, miles away from any distraction.
After breakfast, it’s time to meet the eagle hunter and his fine feathered friend on your way to the village of Kadji-Sai. You’ll get the chance to see this ancient hunting tradition in action before grabbing lunch and mingling with a local family. Oh, and bring your swimsuit if you’re up for a pleasant surprise afterward!
Break up the drive back to your yurt camp by stopping at Skazka Canyon. These rocky landscapes gave the area its name, which means “fairytale”, and it’s no wonder! You’ll admire the whimsical red rock formations with their intense colour and unusual shapes before calling it a day back at camp.
Accommodation: Nomad Lodge yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: KARAKOL
Continue your way along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul to the town of Karakol. En-route, you’ll visit Barskoon Gorge with its mixed plant life bursting with colours. This is the place for head-turning views wherever you look – take in the views of the lake, the beautiful waterfall and the surrounding mountain peaks. Pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming!
On the way to Karakol, take a diversion into the side valley of Jety Oguz, famous for its two red rock formations called “Seven Bulls” and “The Broken Heart”. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch while hearing the legends behind their interesting names.
It’s time for dinner at our favourite local restaurant. It’s traditional and oh, so unique!
Accommodation: Hotel 78 (or similar), Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: KARAKOL
There’s lots to see on your city walk of Karakol today, including the intricate wooden Russian Orthodox Church that’s been standing since 1895. It’s Kyrgyzstan’s fourth-largest city, and you’ll really feel its multicultural vibe.
In the afternoon, meet a representative of the One Village One Product cooperative and learn how to make one of their locally produced items.
Tonight, you’ll cook and dine with a Uighur family. Don’t stay up too late – tomorrow Kazakhstan awaits!
Accommodation: Hotel 78 (or similar), Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8: CHARYN CANYON
This morning, the group will head directly to the Kazakh border. Kazakhstan is the largest country by area of the Silk Road, and while it has a reputation for broad open spaces, you’ll start in the gasp-worthy mountain region of the South East.
First up, a designated stop at Charyn Canyon. While it may remind you of the Grand Canyon at certain moments, it has its own unique charm. Walk down to the river (three kilometres) where a picnic lunch is waiting, before hitting the road again towards Almaty.
All in all, today’s been a bit of a road trip kind of a day, so there are no plans for tonight besides dinner in the city and then a deep, comfortable sleep.
Accommodation: Hotel Renion City (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunchbox, Dinner
DAY 9: ALMATY
Almaty is the cultural and business capital of Kazakhstan. In the early afternoon, you’ll take a walk of the city, visiting Panfilov Park and the unusual Zenkov Cathedral. Perhaps buy some fresh fruit and veggies at the Green Bazaar. By the way, Almaty means ‘the place with apples’. It’s thought that apples originate from here… and that means, you’re gonna have to try the local variety!
Before venturing into the city centre to see what’s for dinner, you’ll take in a hill-top view of Almaty. You and your Patchie crew might find yourselves thinking: ‘There’s nothing quite like this back home’ – no comparing Almaty apples to Aussie oranges or kiwis here…
Accommodation: Hotel Renion City (or similar), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10: ARRIVING IN DUSHANBE
Fasten your seatbelt. Today, you’ll fly from Almaty to Dushanbe where you’ll meet your local guide right after touchdown. Freshen up at your hotel and get ready for a very important meeting. He’s 13 metres long and he goes by the name of Buddha… a sleepy statue that awaits you at the Museum of Antiquities. Here, you’ll get an eyeful of artefacts that pull you back to the history of the region’s first people..
As the sun heads further west, take an evening stroll through Rudaki Park before heading into town for a ‘nightcap’ with Ismail Samani – or his statue anyway. He was a noted amir of the region (then known as Transoxiana) a thousand years before your time.
Accommodation: Hotel Atlas (or similar), Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11: A MOSAIC OF DUSHANBE MOMENTS
You’re nowhere near done exploring the wonders of Dushanbe. Today, you’ll visit Navruz Palace, a much more contemporary addition to the city. Built in 2000, the impressive Palace serves as the official residence of the president of Tajikistan.
Why simply admire it when you can chat with a noted mosaic master who helped create it? Ask all about the meaning behind the mosaics, and the incredible skill and patience that go into this kind of architectural art.
Finally, head on up to the Independence Monument for some snaps, then use your free time this evening for a wander, and who knows? You might just stumble upon a final hidden gem or two.
Accommodation: Hotel Atlas (or similar), Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12: DUSHANBE – ISKANDER KUL – PANJIKENT
Road trip! Today is a three-hour drive as you make your way deeper into the Tajik mountains.
The drive itself is a major highlight as you wind your way through rugged valleys and past jagged peaks. Stop at Iskanderkul Lake (named after Alexander the Great) for lunch. Enjoy the mountain scenery, or stretch those legs and take a short hike to a nearby waterfall.
In the afternoon, you’ll be on the road again, heading to Panjikent, the city of five villages.
Accommodation: Hotel Panjikent Plaza (or similar), Panjikent, Tajikistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13: PANJIKENT – SEVEN LAKES – SAMARKAND
Channel your inner Silk Road caravanner this morning, because it’s all bumpy roads on the way to the Seven Lakes. We won’t sugarcoat how turbulent this journey is – if you’re prone to car sickness, you might want to pop an anti-nausea tablet at brekkie – but we can promise that this gnarly road is worth the jolt. As soon as you spot the lakes, each famous for its distinct colour, and get a whiff of that fresh mountain air, you’ll have forgotten all about the bumps – before you even sit down to a picnic lunch by the water.
It’s almost time to say goodbye to Tajikistan, but first make a pit stop in Sarazm. Founded in the 4th century, this outpost is rumoured to be the first settlement in Central Asia.
Celebrate two weeks on the Silk Road by arriving in your fourth country of the trip, Uzbekistan! Cross the border as travellers have for thousands of years – on foot.
Accommodation: Hotel Kok Saroy Plaza (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14: SAMARKAND
Rise and shine; it’s your first day in Samarkand! Described as a “Crossroads of Cultures”, you’ll discover this city that was once the heartbeat of the Timurid Empire with a local guide. While, yes, Samarkand is possibly the most visited city on the Silk Road, exploring it is a crucial chapter in the story of this ancient highway.
Prepare to be wowed at your first stop of the day, the Bibi Khanum Mosque. This masterpiece of Timurid architecture can hold up to 10,000 worshippers at a time and is intricately carved and tiled. You’ll get an eyeful of the Registan Square, the city’s focal point with towering madrassas, and Gūr-e Amir, the mausoleum of Timur himself – the ruler who sparked the renaissance that made Samarkand famous. Cheers to your day at a wine-tasting Uzbek style this evening with the Patchie gals!
Accommodation: Hotel Kok Saroy Plaza (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15: MYSTERY DAY
At Patch, we like to think that not every detail needs to be listed in an itinerary.
That’s why today is going to be a mystery day. Yes, there’ll be more exploration of Samarkand. You’ll see the most beautiful tilework in Uzbekistan. Later in the heart of the Old Town, you’ll be following your nose to a scrumptious occasion in a family home – we wont give away too much, but it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your cook-on!
Accommodation: Hotel Kok Saroy Plaza (or similar), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16: BUKHARA
Today, you’ll watch as Samarkand’s minarets disappear from sight. You’ll zoom through the countryside on Uzbekistan’s comfy high-speed train to another Silk Road stunner, pulling into Bukhara’s station in just three hours.
Check in to your hotel and rest up before heading out to see this wonder of Medieval Islamic architecture. Founded over 2,000 years ago, the intricate mosaics and carved stone are a feast for the eyes. Wander the alleyways as you uncover gem after gem, including the Poi Kalon complex and trading domes.
The evening is yours to do your own way. If you’re up for some dinner options, the locals recommend breaking some Naan Bukhara (traditional bread) to go with steaming bowls of Dal Bukhara, maybe even together with your Patchies?!
Accommodation: Hotel Amelia (or similar), Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 17: A MINIATURE ADVENTURE IN BUKHARA
You’ll have a bit more down time today, just after you finish checking off a few unmissable sites in Bukhara. The Ark Fortress is the morning highlight, a 5th-century citadel that is Bukhara’s oldest building and essentially a city within a city.
This afternoon, the group will be treated to a private, close up viewing of art galore inside the studio of a miniature painting master. Davlat Toshev has been perfecting his craft for decades, practicing this painstaking artform on homemade paper, much like Bukharians have for centuries. A miniature memory to take with you before you leave Uzbekistan tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Amelia (or similar), Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18: TURKMENABAD AND MARY
It’s a long travel day so make sure you’re stocked up on snacks, patience and maybe an audiobook for the journey.
Crossing the border (this can take a while!) into Turkmenistan, you and your fellow Patchies will greet your Turkmen guide. After your welcome lunch, it’s time to take on the final leg of today’s journey, the four-hour drive into Mary where you finally get to put your bags down and get a good night’s rest.
Accommodation: Hotel Margush (or similar), Mary, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19: ANCIENT MARV
Head into Ancient Merv, a UNESCO site where ancient mosques, mausoleums and fortresses, huddle together like a clay snapshot of the past, against the huge Turkmen landscape. You can’t help but be awed as it all comes together: ‘So this is why it’s called The Pearl of the Seljuk Empire’.
Your journey back to Mary will wind through different religions and time periods, just like your whole adventure so far. Finally, you’ll transfer to Ashgabat where you’ll unwind and drift off dreaming of clay buildings, minaret spires and billions of stars in the Turkmenistan sky.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 20: ASHGABAT
Wake up to sunlight bouncing off the white marble city of Ashgabat. With your morning coffee, you’ll get your first proper look of the city before you venture out to the National Museum of History. Next, do Ashgabat in two ways: first by car, and then on foot. Let’s see how many of the city’s wonders you can possibly conquer in an afternoon. Hint: the Russian Bazaar will remind you you’re in the white marble city, while the Ylham Park will live up to its name (Ylham means inspiration, and you’ll find plenty of it in Ashgabat).
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 21: OLD NISA FORTRESS
A venture out of the city takes you to the Old Nisa Fortress at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains. Located at the crossroads of trade and communication it served as a barrier that protected the Parthians from Roman expansion.
Lunch today will be entirely up to you. But there’s a catch! First you’ll need to master the secret of traditional Turkmen cooking. Imagine the dinner parties you’ll be able to throw when you get home.
A stop in the desert village of Kuipchak may seem all traditional and rural, but it’s also home to the marble and gold ‘Spiritual’ Mosque – one of the biggest in Central Asia.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport (or similar), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 22: ASHGABAT – DASHOGUZ – KHIVA
Another day of travel, good food and more Stans-hopping.
Fly from Ashgabat into Dashoguz in the morning, and then have your final fill of Turkmen food with a farewell lunch before continuing across the border into Uzbekistan, and southeast towards the city of Khiva.
Your day ends with yet another delicious dinner – this time, it’s Uzbekistan serving it up on a patio overlooking the city. As the sun sets over Khiva, painting the clay buildings a magical orange glow, it’ll be hard to decide what’s the bigger treat – the view or the food.
Accommodation: Hotel Bankir (or similar), Khiva, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 23: KHIVA
Khiva, considered an open-air museum, is a favourite of many Silk Road travellers. Smaller in scale, with a population of just 80,000 people, it has an exceptional atmosphere that obscures its dark history.
You’ll love this desert town; an endless labyrinth of alleyways and blue mosaics. Despite its infinite beauty and feeling of calm, the Khiva of old was a local slave market hub. This is a reminder that the Silk Road may be magical today, but it hides many skeletons in its shadows. On a side note… the locals believe that Shem, son of Noah, founded the city.
Dinner’s your call – a sit-down affair, or hunting down local street food on your evening stroll. If you and the girls are up for a nightcap, make a toast to your Five Stans adventure with a local Khiva vodka, a holdover from Russian occupation.
Accommodation: Hotel Bankir (or similar), Khiva, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 24: TASHKENT
In the morning, you’ll say ‘xayr’ to Khiva and fly off (literally) towards Tashkent, your final destination on this adventure.
But don’t worry, it’s not time to get the farewell blues just yet. As you arrive in Tashkent and check into your hotel, you’ll see a glimpse of the city that’s about to treat you to so many new experiences you won’t even have time to be sad.
This afternoon, head to Independence Square, alive with bubbling fountains and locals going about their day. Continue past museums, shops and galleries on your way to Amir Timur Square, where you’ll be greeted by a towering statue of the conqueror himself.
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 25: TASHKENT
You might be wondering where all the beautiful Timurid buildings are in Tashkent. Many were destroyed in the 1966 earthquake that devastated the city. Spend your final day of the trip, aw, tracing the few historic buildings that somehow survived the quake. Does the architecture at the Khast Imam Complex look familiar? The library here holds what is thought to be the oldest Quran in the world.
Next, hop on the Tashkent Metro. If you thought metro stations had to be dirty and boring, well, the Uzbeks would like to have a word with you! You’ll pop up at the famous Chorsu Bazaar, almost resembling a giant, turquoise tortoise. Head inside the shell to reveal what lies beneath – oodles of stalls selling everything from mushrooms to textiles. Tonight is your farewell dinner with the other Patchies, reminiscing on this life-changing adventure you’ve shared.
Accommodation: Hotel Inspira-S (or similar), Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 26: FAREWELL, FRIENDS
Can you believe it’s already time to say goodbye? After three weeks of travelling the Silk Road, things that once seemed so strange are starting to feel like the norm. You’ve followed in the footsteps of history, travelled through five Central Asian countries, slept in a yurt and seen mountains, madrassas and metros that most would only dare to find in their dreams.
This is your last chance to swap emails and phone numbers with your Patchies and grab a hug or two. There’s nothing like travel to bond you for life and this is certainly a trip for the books! With the Silk Road under your belt, who knows where you’ll head off to next?
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.66 USD
A deposit is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There’s no specific exercise planned for this trip, but there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include city and countryside walks on uneven and undulating ground, as well as getting on and off various forms of transport.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not currently require a visa to visit any of the ‘Stan’ countries included in this itinerary—with the exception of Turkmenistan.
All travelers require a visa to enter Turkmenistan. We will provide you with an approved invitation letter, which you must print and bring with you. This letter ensures your visa will be issued on arrival at the land border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
At the border, simply present the invitation letter and pay a visa fee of $110 USD. Please ensure you have clean, crisp, and unmarked USD bills, as wrinkled or written-on notes may be rejected.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf. On this trip you’ll visit four different countries with independent currencies, so for the sake of ease, we ask that you provide the amount in USD
For your Silk Road adventure, we ask your contribution be:
$ 200 USD given to your guide on Day 1
The Kitty will be managed by your regional guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and local guides.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your regional guide. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines: $70 to $100 USD.
This trip begins in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. We recommend that you fly into Bishkek Manas International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. The most convenient departure airport is Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport. Both transfers – on arrival and on departure are included in your price.
There are several one-stop flights available from Australia and New Zealand that transit through Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul to Bishkek. Similar routes are available for your return flight from Tashkent.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
You’re visiting the Stans at the perfect time, with warm days and cool evenings. The potential for days over 30 is real, however, so be ready with layers. Rain showers are not uncommon; please come prepared.
On the long driving days, it’s recommended to wear blouses with long sleeves and pants for your comfort. For cool mornings and evenings, we recommend you bring at least one warm jacket or sweater, and a light sweater.
Comfortable hiking shoes are fine, no need for boots. Please be ready to dress conservatively in general but on hiking days, dress how you please.
Don’t try to bring local money. If you want to bring cash, don’t bring AUD; USD is preferred.
Our guide will assist you to change money while on the ground. In all major cities, there are ATMs where you can easily take money out! The exception is Tajikistan, but you’ll have ample opportunity to get cash before entering.
We’ll regularly communicate with you to let you know when you’re headed into an area without much money available.
There’s no need to wear a hijab, but women are expected to cover their hair when entering mosques. Please bring a lightweight scarf that you can loosely drape over your head on those occasions.
We also recommend dressing modestly in general – covering shoulders and knees is a good guideline. Turkmenistan tends to be more conservative than the other countries on the itinerary, so a bit of extra care is advised there.
Some days do involve long stretches of driving and you need to be the kind of person who enjoys road trips. Any such necessary long drives are offset by photo stops, picnic lunches, roadside pitstops, tea/coffee breaks, and of course seeing points of interest, leg-stretching walks.
Private transport, specifically designed for Central Asia-like conditions, will be our primary mode of travel. Our vehicles are comfortable, well-maintained, and not prone to breaking down. Our hand-picked local drivers are safe, experienced, and friendly.
YES! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets no problems, or any variation of the above. Just let us know in advance. Note: this food is often very simple and may get repetitive. We cannot cater for those with severe nut allergies. Any other medical conditions get in touch.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
