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- Operator
- Central Asia Travel LP
- Explorer
- Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Partially Guided
- Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
- Guided in English
- Group Size 2 - 18
- Age range 10 to 85
Highlights
- Explore Nohur village and tribal sites
- Witness Darwaza gas crater at night
- Tour ancient cities of Merv and Bukhara
- Visit Registan Square and Samarkand
- Discover the Charyn Canyon's grandeur
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Ashgabat, arrival and city tour
- Day 2 Ashgabat, trip to Darwaza crater by road, 600 km
- Day 3 Ashgabat - Mary by morning flight - Merv ancient city - "Farap" land border - Bukhara by road, 385 km
- Day 4 Bukhara
- Day 5 Bukhara - Samarkand by road, 280 km
- Day 6 Samarkand
- Day 7 Samarkand, round trip to Tajikistan by road, 120 km
- Day 8 Samarkand - Tashkent by evening train
- Day 9 Tashkent - Bishkek by afternoon flight
- Day 10 Bishkek
- Day 11 Bishkek - Burana Tower - Issyk-Kul Lake by road, 280 km
- Day 12 Issyk-Kul - Karakol by road, 150 km
- Day 13 Karakol - "Kegen" land border - Charyn canyon - Almaty by road, 380 km
- Day 14 Almaty
- Day 15 Almaty, departure
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional
- Additional Services
Operated by
Central Asia Travel LP
Number of tours
52
Age Range
12 to 85 years old
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
87%
Central Asia Travel is a successful tour operator company with travel...
Read moreCustomer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryGood
- GuideGood
- TransportGood
- AccommodationGood
- FoodGood
Matthew· May 8th, 2025Very interesting tour with a lot of history. Landscapes were beautiful and varied (one day you're in the desert, next in mountains, next in steppe). Some of the hotels were great but some weren't up to scratch. Lots of travel on the road (which is in part expected as most tours for this region will do 20+ days so this tour is kind of the express option). It meant some days were back to back travelling which was exhausting (feels some cases it might have been avoidable with a flight). Still, felt like we saw everything we'd want to in region in two weeks!Show moreTrip date: April 2025- SASharon· April 30th, 2025A very busy tour with long days, Turkmenistan needs to be changed getting back At 12.30 am and leaving at 4.30am the next morning is not ok especially after arriving in the morning the day before and starting the tour. The sights at Mary were not worth visiting would have been better to fly to Uzbekistan and continue rather than going to Mary. We had a good group which helpedShow moreTrip date: April 2025
- Christine· January 18th, 2025Guides were great, accommodation good, itinerary covered top highlights, can't complainShow moreTrip date: December 2024
- Kerry· October 30th, 2024Overall, we really enjoyed the trip. Uzbekistan offered us the best guide (Mansur) & the best historical sites to visit. Turkmenistan was problematic in a few ways. Entering & leaving the country was challenging, the roads outside Ashgabat were a nightmare, & we were forced to leave our Ashgabat hotel a day early. Our guide found us another hotel which was subpar at best. I would recommend flying from Mary to Osh to avoid the pitiful bumpy 4 hour drive from Merv to the Uzbek border. We also paid for a breakfast due to our early flight from Ashgabat to Mary. We only spent one day in Tajikistan & it was a long late drive back to Samarkand. We did stop at a nice hotel in Pentjikant, both before & after the all day 7 Lakes visit. It would have been better to spend the night at that hotel before venturing back across the border towards Samarkand. The 2 train rides in Uzbekistan were excellent as was the food throughout the trip, providing you love meat (i do). A vegetarian might be a bit challenged.Show moreTrip date: October 2024
- DCDenis· October 28th, 2024Well worth the undertaking. Thank you! Very rapid, which was predictable. Several unforeseen snaffews were handled well & calmly by guides - like all of us being booted out of the hotel in Ashgabat unexpectedly. Bureaucratic delays upon arrival in Ashgabat did not assist with the group being calmer, especially before a night of under two hours' sleep.Show more
Central Asia Travel LP commented on this reviewDear Denis, thank you very much for this review - it is precious for us. Please, accept my apologies for the issue at the hotel in Ashgabat, the situation was unpredictable and was not under our control either.. I am glad that the overall impression is... Show moreTrip date: September 2024 - Shirley· September 21st, 2024Very fast paced, too many long rides on coach but overall , the guides were mostly goodShow moreTrip date: September 2024
- HPHieu· June 6th, 2024Overall trip is good, except in Turkmenistan.Show moreTrip date: May 2024
- Rey· October 23rd, 2023On my first day, I missed my flight connection. I am glad that Olga helped me a lot and was responsive on the telegram app. She deserves to be commended for this! On my next day arrival to Ashgabat at 3am, I was dropped off at the Ak Altyn hotel were the receptionist was insisting that I have no reservation, gave me a key to one of the solo travelers and insisted that I joined that person. Im glad that the driver who was with me did not agree with these and bought me to a better hotel- Bagt Koshgi Hotel. Sad part, I have go back to AK Altyn hotel the next day to join the rest of the tour group. The room at these hotel was a little bit challenging for me- towel hanger was falling, bathroom Grimes, etc. I am glad that I was only here for a day. Uzbekistan tour guide- Jahongir, was excellent. Tajikistan- we were only here for a day, I enjoyed the 7 lake tour. I wished to spend at least an overnight here, as we were rushing to go back to Uzbekistan (crossing the land border). We also had an excellent tour guide. Kazahkstan -our group had a challenge with our tour guide, not sure if its a cultural misunderstanding. The tour guide was ordering food for us for our lunch and some of the travelers had food restrictions. I am pretty sure he wants us to try some food that the lccal enjoys but forgot to consider the dietary resections of some of the travelers. Overall, it was fun and adventurous. I would definitely recommend the trip. They may just need to tweak some of the itineraries to maximize the travel experience like changing the hotel in Ashgabat and spending more days in Tajikistan.Show moreCentral Asia Travel LP commented on this reviewDear Rey, thank you very much for your comments! I am glad that overall, your impression on the tour is good:) We will definitely will not use that hotel in Ashgabat any more, Turkmenistan was closed for several years due to the pandemic and it is... Show moreTrip date: October 2023
- KMKate· October 5th, 2023By and large a very well done tour. The hotels were all above expectations except for Ashgabat where things were broken, dirty and non-functional. Guides were excellent except for the one in kyrgyzstan who relied on Google and tourist signs. Would have liked more time in Kazakhstan but the only thing I would have dropped was the burning gas pit in Turkmenistan--too hard and long a trip for little value. I will recommend this trip to othersShow moreCentral Asia Travel LP commented on this reviewDear Kate, thank you very much for your kind words! We will take into account you comment regarding Turkmenistan and the guide in Kyrgyzstan - thank you! I am really happy you enjoyed the trip, and your overall impression is warm:) We will be happy to... Show moreTrip date: August 2023
- Phillip· October 2nd, 2023Great scenery, architecture, and different...Show moreCentral Asia Travel LP commented on this reviewHello Phillp! Thank you so much for your kind words - I am happy you liked this trip, though the route is fast paced indeed. Anyway, you got an undestanding of what the Central Asia look like and that we have many interesting locations - each country... Show moreTrip date: September 2023
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- From Friday15 Aug, 2025To Friday29 Aug, 2025EnglishAlmost Sold OutThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$5,949Local Payment$278
- From Friday12 Sep, 2025To Friday26 Sep, 2025EnglishAlmost Sold OutThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$5,949Local Payment$278
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Friday3 Oct, 2025To Friday17 Oct, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$5,949Local Payment$278
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Friday10 Oct, 2025To Friday24 Oct, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$5,949Local Payment$278
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Monday22 Dec, 2025To Monday5 Jan, 2026EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$5,949
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Friday10 Apr, 2026To Friday24 Apr, 2026EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$6,428
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Saturday16 May, 2026To Saturday30 May, 2026EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$6,428
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Friday29 May, 2026To Friday12 Jun, 2026EnglishFilling FastMultiple Room TypesFrom:$6,428
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Friday14 Aug, 2026To Friday28 Aug, 2026EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$6,428
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Friday11 Sep, 2026To Friday25 Sep, 2026EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$6,428
Best price guarantee Learn More
What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- A
Abigail
Asked on April 17th, 2025I am planning a 5 Stans tour for next season 2026 and would like to know what type of hotels you use. I am looking for first-class or deluxe, single booking hotels, no trekking.
Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written April 2025In the group tour we use tourist class hotels - 3* and 4* (mixed). It is already possible to book a seat for 2026 - the dates are available for reservation. It is possible to book single accommodation at the hotels. Serious trekking is not included in the program, only light walking tours in some areas.
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Kyle
Asked on March 30th, 2025Which date is the preferred date of arrival in Ashgabat? Will the company proceed with the trip even with 1 pax? Do the $168 local payment costs include visa fees, tourist tax, PCR etc? Can I change my date of trip later if needed, once confirmed?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written April 2025
In case you are interested in October 10 date, you may arrive on October 10 early in the morning in order not to spend money for extra night in Ashgabat. The sightseeing starts at 10 am on October 10. All dates are already guaranteed, they will not be cancelled. Groups' size is usually up to 18 pax. Yes, the extra payment on the sport (168 USD approx) includes visa and taxes and PRC in Ashgabat. You may change the date without penalties from OUR side 45 days before arrival.
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Kyle
Traveler•Written April 2025Could you kindly share what sets your company apart from others offering similar tours to the region? I understand that there are many other tours offering similar experiences. I am particularly interested in any unique aspects of your tours, such as itineraries, accommodations, or special experiences.
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written April 2025
Our trip is not unique, it is as many others. Our aim was to create a tour for 15 days (not 18 or 20) so that people could see the highlights of each country in a short time.
K2 more answers - A
Ashley
Asked on March 29th, 2025Can I please check whether the flights between Ashgabat and Mary and between Tashkent and Bishkek, and the train between Samarkand and Bishkkek are included in the tour price?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written April 2025
Yes, the internal flights and trains are included in the tour package. International flights are NOT included.
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Laura
Asked on March 18th, 2025What transportation will be used throughout the tour?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written March 2025
Transportation will include a mix of private vehicles and local transfers depending on the itinerary.
- R
Rebecca
Asked on March 12th, 2025Is the transfer to the hotel included if my flight arrives at 1:50am? Will someone pick me up at that time? Do I have to pay for an extra hotel night since I'm arriving at that time or is it included in the tour cost? Can the transfer to the airport pick me up early in the morning to catch my flight? Does the tour have extra excursion options and what are they and how much do they cost? If I'm the only person that signs up for the tour will it still go on?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written March 2025
Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. No extra night payment is necessary because this night is already included in the tour package. You can use the early morning flight, our driver will pick you up from the hotel 3 hours before your departure time. This trip is guaranteed and our October tours are usually fully booked - up to 18 people.
- R
Rebecca
Traveler•Written March 2025What is the earliest time and day I can check in for the October 3rd tour? Would it be October 2nd check in and when does check in time start? Are all sightseeing tours on the itinerary guided? Are there optional excursion tours and what are they and what are their costs?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written March 2025
You can check-in at the hotel in Ashgabat on October 2 after 14:00. Extra night cost is 138 USD in a single room. Sightseeing includes a guide. We do not usually sell additional excursions. We can offer a day tour in Ashgabat for 180 USD (guide and driver services).
R2 more answers - L
Lila
Asked on March 9th, 2025Are international flights included in the tour package?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written March 2025
No, international flights are not included in the tour price. You will need to book flights separately.
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Alexandra
Asked on February 22nd, 2025Is there any activities for christmas and new year
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Alexandra
Traveler•Written February 2025Is there a service that helps us manage the visa for Turkmenistan as we are Mexicans and prefer to contract a service since the visa is very difficult
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written February 2025
No, festive activities for Christmas are not included. On this day we arrange dinner at the national house in Bukhara.
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written February 2025
Turkmenistan visa can be received on arrival at Ashgabat airport (payment on the spot - about 100-120 USD per person + PCR test 42 USD per person). We will help you with getting a visa invitation which requires passport copy, recent photo, and application form.
2 more answers - C
Christine
Asked on February 19th, 2025Is there a single supplement charge for only 1 traveler to join the tour in case my lady friend is not able to join the tour?
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Christine
Traveler•Written February 2025Are there visa requirements for US citizens for Uzbekistan, Kazakstan & Turkmenistan? Is an E-visa available to obtain online for these countries?
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Christine
Traveler•Written February 2025Are hotel pickup from airport upon arrival & departure included in the tour?
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Christine
Traveler•Written February 2025What are the visa fees for Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan & Kazakstan? How can these visas be obtained and how long does the process take?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written February 2025
Single accommodation supplement is 480 USD. Visa requirements for US citizens: Turkmenistan requires visa invitation, Uzbekistan offers e-visa (free for 55+ years old), Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are visa-free, Kazakhstan is visa-free.
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written February 2025
Airport transfers on arrival and departure are included. In Ashgabat, we accommodate tourists in Sport 4* hotel which is better than previous 3* hotel.
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Christine
Traveler•Written February 2025Do restaurants at hotels or other restaurants accept credit card payment for lunch & dinner meals not included in the tour package?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written February 2025
In Turkmenistan (Ashgabat), restaurants do not accept Visa/Master cards. In other cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Bishkek, and Almaty, you can pay by card. Meals range from 15 to 25 USD per person.
CC6 more answers - S
Sam
Asked on February 6th, 2025What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written February 2025
We can accommodate vegetarian meals upon request. For special dietary needs, please inform us in advance.
- S
Stuart
Asked on February 2nd, 2025Is there a risk of altitude sickness in certain areas?
- Central Asia Travel LP Operator•Written February 2025
This trip does not include high-altitude overnights. On days 7 and 10 you will reach 2200-2400 m during the excursion, overnight will be at 800 m above sea level. And on day 14 when visiting the mountain area in Almaty, you will reach 3000 m during the cable ride - then go down.
Good to Know
Tour ID: 172134
