Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Central Asia Overland Tour

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Central Asia Overland Tour
From $4,400USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
25 days from $4,400USD
Easy quote
Central Asia Overland Tour
Lifetime deposit
Never lose your deposit if you have to cancel your trip.
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

This combined tour of five Central Asian countries along the ancient Silk Road trading route is based on the picturesque landscapes and historic highlights of Silk Road destinations. Experience the rich culture of Kazakhstan, the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan, the intriguing archaeology of Turkmenistan, the pristine terrain of Tajikistan, and the historical heritage of Uzbekistan.

Spanning a 25-day period, this action-packed tour itinerary will ensure that travelers never face a dull moment. Become one of few international visitors to have experienced these 5 ‘stan countries!

Asia
Happiness promise

Central Asia Overland Tour

Spend 25 days exploring the ancient Silk Road landscape
4.90
(44 reviews)
25 days from $4,400USD
Easy quote
Duration
25 days
Season
May-Sep
Season
Soft Adventure
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels, guesthouses, camps, homestays
Difficulty
Very Easy (1/5)
From $4,400USD (see prices for this tour)
Get a quote
Got any questions?
Ask a question
National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Central Asia Overland Tour
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

This combined tour of five Central Asian countries along the ancient Silk Road trading route is based on the picturesque landscapes and historic highlights of Silk Road destinations. Experience the rich culture of Kazakhstan, the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan, the intriguing archaeology of Turkmenistan, the pristine terrain of Tajikistan, and the historical heritage of Uzbekistan.

Spanning a 25-day period, this action-packed tour itinerary will ensure that travelers never face a dull moment. Become one of few international visitors to have experienced these 5 ‘stan countries!

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Explore the landscape along the ancient Silk Road trading route.

Take in the natural beauty of Altyn Emel State National Park.

Discover the rich history of ancient fortifications, such as those at Khujand and Istaravshan.

Visit the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as “The Gates of Hell”.

We are Australian
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

Travellers love 10Adventures

View all
Day by day itinerary
Expand all days
Day 1
See more
Arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan
After your arrival at the international airport in Almaty, you will transfer to your hotel for an early check in. After taking some time to rest and enjoy breakfast, you will set out on an excursion in Almaty to visit the State History Museum (closed on Tuesday) and the Republican Square. Walk around Panfilov’s Park to see Zenkov’s Orthodox Cathedral, the Great Patriotic War Memorial, and the Green Bazaar.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Almaty
Included Meals
Day 2
See more
Transfer to Altyn Emel State Natural Park
With an early morning start, you will transfer to Altyn Emel State Natural Park and the Singing Sand Dunes for an interesting hike. In the afternoon, you will drive into the Aktau and Katutau mountains (possible only for individuals of 1-2 pax who take a 4WD). Afterward, you will once again drive to Bashi village, where you will enjoy a nice dinner and an overnight stay in the guesthouse.
Distance Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight Location Guesthouse in Bashi Village
Included Meals
Day 3
See more
Charyn Canyons and Kolsai Lakes
After another early morning, you will begin making your way to Charyn Canyons. The Canyon itself is approximately 150 km long and up to 300 meters deep. Here, you can walk around canyons and then continue on your way to Kolsai lakes. Upon arrival in the evening, you will enjoy dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse.
Distance Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight Location Guesthouse in Kolsai National Park
Included Meals
Day 4
See more
Kolsai Lakes Full Day
Today you will spend a full day of leisure at Kolsai Lakes, enjoying the beautiful scenery and activities on offer there.
Distance Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight Location Guesthouse in Kolsai National Park
Included Meals
Day 5
See more
Drive to Karakol of Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast, you will make the drive to Karakol via the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border (Kegen). In the afternoon, you will reach Karakol town, where you will be able to rest at your hotel accommodations.
Distance Breakfast, lunch
Overnight Location Hotel in Karakol
Included Meals
Day 6
See more
Drive to Son Kul Lake via Dzhety Oguz
After a good night’s rest, you will awake in the morning for a drive to Son Kul Lake via the rugged terrain of Dzhety Oguz gorge and Skazka canyon. Upon arrival at Son Kul, you will find your accommodation and lunch in a yurt camp.
Distance Breakfast, dinner
Overnight Location Camping in Son Kul
Included Meals
Day 7
See more
Drive to Kazarman
After breakfast on day 7, you will drive to Kazarman. Here, you will spend the night in a local family’s house, sharing an unforgettable experience while taking in their culture and hospitality.
Distance Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight Location Homestay in Kazarman
Included Meals
Day 8
See more
Drive to Osh
This morning you will enjoy breakfast and make the scenic drive to Osh via Uzgen town, which are situated 50 km apart. Upon your arrival in Osh, you will find your accommodation in a hotel.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Kazarman
Included Meals
Day 9
See more
Drive to Margilan, Uzbekistan
After breakfast, you will undertake an excursion in Osh, where you will visit Suleyman Too (meaning “Suleyman’s mountain”). You will then experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Osh bazaar, which was once a fixture of the Silk Road. Afterwards, you will drive to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, change vehicles and guides, and continue driving to Margilan.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Margilan
Included Meals
Day 10
See more
Excursion in Margilan and Drive to Kokand
After breakfast, you will undertake an excursion in Margilan, which will include the “Yodgorlik Silk Factory”, Adras workshop, Said Akhmad-Khoja madrasa, and complex Mir Siddiq. After a fairly short 50km drive to Rashtan, you will visit a local Kyrgyz family where wool weaving crafts are made, as well as a ceramicist’s house (Master Mr. Said) to watch and participate in making ceramic products. Another drive to Kokand will allow you to visit the Khudayar Khan’s Palace and “Dahmai Shahon” (Royal Cemetery).
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Kokand
Included Meals
Day 11
See more
Drive to Tashkent and City Tour
In the morning, you will make the drive to Tashkent, where you will set out on a tour to visit the oriental Chorsu bazaar, Hasti Imam Complex (Barakhan Medresha, Tillya Sheikh Mosque and Muyi Muborak Library with famous Holy Osman Koran), Applied Art Museum, Tashkent Metro Stations (Underground which is famous for its cleanliness and unique architectural designs), Amir Temur Square, Independence Square, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Tashkent
Included Meals
Day 12
See more
Drive to Khujand of Tajikistan
A 110km morning drive will bring guests to the Uzbek-Tajik border “Oybek”. Here, you will once again change vehicles and guides, before continuing on another 60km to Khujand. Upon arrival, you will visit Panchshanbe bazaar, the Rudaki monument, Ismail Samaniy Monument, Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, Kyarakkum (Tajik Sea), and the Arbob Cultural Palace.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Khujand
Included Meals
Day 13
See more
Visit to Khujand Historical Places and Drive to Penjikent
After breakfast, you will be able to enjoy an excursion in Khujand, where you will visit the Khujand Historical Museum and Temurmalik Castle – also known as Khujand Fortress. Afterwards, you will drive to Penjikent, stopping off along the way to visit Istaravshan castle. Upon your arrival in Penjikent, you can visit Saramz (ancient town), before settling in for the night at your Hotel.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Penjikent
Included Meals
Day 14
See more
Exploring the Famous 7 Lakes
After a morning transfer to Haf Kul, you can experience the seven lakes of different colors in the mountains of Tajikistan. Here, you will have the opportunity for a short stay to enjoy some snacks & tea on the lakeshore while soaking up the views. Return to Penjikent for an overnight stay in a hotel.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Penjikent
Included Meals
Day 15
See more
Drive to Samarkand of Uzbekistan
After spending some time sightseeing in Penjikent – including the Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar, and mosque – you will visit the ancient town, which is located within 5 minutes drive. This was a major Sogdian city dating back to the 5th century and was destroyed by Arab conquerors in the VIII century. In the afternoon, you will drive to the Tajik-Uzbek border “Jartepa”, change vehicles and guides, and drive to Samarkand, where you will find your hotel accommodations.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Samarkand
Included Meals
Day 16
See more
Enjoying Samarkand
Day 16 of the tour will begin with breakfast at the hotel before setting out on a full-day excursion in Samarkand. As part of the itinerary, you will visit Afrosiyob Museum, the Observatory of Ulugbek, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Bibi-Khanum Mosque – the largest mosque in Central Asia, the oriental bazaar Siyab, Konigil Silk-paper making center, Registan Square (Sherdor Madrasah, Tilla Kari Madrassah and Ulugbek Madrassah) and the Guri-Emir mausoleum.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Samarkand
Included Meals
Day 17
See more
Drive to Bukhara by Gijduvan
After breakfast, guests will drive to Bukhara, stopping along the way to visit the Rabat Malik caravansary and Sardoba water reservoir from the ancient Silk Road. You will also stop in Gijduvan to visit the mausoleum of Abdulkholik Gijduvani, Ulugbek’s madrasah, and Vabkent Minaret (XI c.) in Vabkent. Upon your arrival in Bukhara, you will transfer to your hotel.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Bukhara
Included Meals
Day 18
See more
Enjoying Bukhara
On day 18, you will enjoy another full-day excursion in Bukhara that includes Samanids’ Mausoleum, Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo-Khovuz mosque, Ark Fortress, and the Poi-Kalyon complex (Kalyan mosque and minaret, Miri Arab madrasa). You will also visit the Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrassas, the Magoki Attori mosque, Trade Domes (Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Telpakifurushon and Toki-Sarrofon), and the Labi Khovuz complex.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Bukhara
Included Meals
Day 19
See more
Drive to Khiva
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Khiva through the Kizil-Kum Desert. Along the way, you will stop near the Amudarya River to take some beautifully scenic landscape photos. Upon your arrival in Khiva, you will transfer to your hotel and spend the night.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Khiva
Included Meals
Day 20
See more
Enjoying Khiva
Today you will have another action-packed day of sightseeing, this time exploring all of the highlights in Khiva, including the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Makhmud, Tosh-Hovli Palace (Harem), Kunya-Ark Fortress, Kalta-Minor Minaret, Medrese of Shergazi-Khan, and the Complex of Alla-Kuli Khan. You will also explore the Juma Mosque and Minaret, Karavan-Saray, Minaret and Mosque of Khodja-Islam, Tim of Alakulikhan, Medrese of Abdulla-Khan, Mausoleum of Said Alautdin, Medrese of Mukhamad Amin-Khan, Walls of Ichan-Kala, and the impressive Palvan-Darvaza Gate. Overnight accommodation will be in a hotel.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Khiva
Included Meals
Day 21
See more
Drive to Darwaza of Turkmenistan
After breakfast, you will drive to the Uzbek-Turkmen border, once again changing vehicles and guides before continuing on your journey. Arriving at your destination, you will be able to discover the Ancient Kunya Urgench UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit a number of historic and cultural highlights including the mausoleum of Nadjmetdin-Kubra, mausoleum of Mongol princess Torebeg-Khanum, Kutlug-Timur minaret, Kyrk-Mollah mausoleum, Il-Arslan mausoleum, Dashmechet, and the Mamun minaret – depending on time. In the afternoon, you will drive to the infamous Darvaza Gas Crater through theKarakum desert. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner near the crater before spending the night in tents.
Distance Breakfast, dinner
Overnight Location Camping in Darwaza
Included Meals
Day 22
See more
Drive to Ashgabat and the City Tour
In the morning, you will drive to Ashgabat for a city tour that will take you to the Neutrality Arch, Independence Park, and Earthquake Memorial Complex, Ertogrul Gazi mosque, President Palace and Carpet museum.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Ashgabat
Included Meals
Day 23
See more
Drive to Mary
After an early breakfast, guests will make the drive to Mary,visiting the ruins of the Anau Mosque and the Abiverd Silk Road Town along the way. Upon arrival in Mary, you will be able to explore the museum in the late afternoon.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Mary
Included Meals
Day 24
See more
Excursion in Mary and Flight Back to Ashgabat
Day 24 of the tour will include a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ancient Merv to uncover the rich history that can be found there. Afterwards, you will transfer to the domestic airport for a flight to Ashgabat.
Distance Breakfast
Overnight Location Hotel in Ashgabat
Included Meals
Day 25
See more
Transfer to Ashgabat Airport and Departure
On the final day of your adventure, you will have an early morning transfer to Ashgabat Airport for a departure flight, waving goodbye to Central Asia and the impressive landscape of the ancient Silk Road.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

Reviews
5
39
4
4
3
1
2
1
4.90 (44 reviews)
Sort by: Newest
Dates and prices
👇 Prices below are per person

1 Guest

2 Guests

4 Guests

6+ Guests

Dates1 Guest2 Guests4 Guests6+ Guests
May 20, 2025 to Sep 20, 2025$11,120USD$6,530USD$5,010USD$4,400USD
Optional Extras
Single Supplement$635USD
*Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group
What’s included

Meals

24 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 24 nights plus early check-in are included.

Transportation during the Tour

There are various suggested types of vehicles depending on your group size. Luxury cars are available upon request too. Vehicles and guides are changed per country as you travel. Pickup from and drop-off to the airport is included. Airfare from Mary to Ashgabat on Day 24 is not included but can be booked during the booking process (priced at 70 USD per person, subject to change).

Also Included

  • English-speaking guide in each country
  • Entrance fees to sights and museums per program
  • Mineral water 1L per person
  • Turkmen visa support
  • All applicable taxes in each country

Not included

  • Photo or video fees at museums
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • All types of personal expenses
  • PCR tests in each country (if required)
  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not previously mentioned
  • Anything not mentioned as included

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades where available
  • Luxury vehicle upgrades where available

Accommodation for Central Asia Overland Tour

This tour is based in hotels, guesthouses, camping tents, and homestays. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The accommodation in mountain lodges and mountain huts is more rustic and, in some cases, you’ll be staying in a dormitory-type accommodation where you’ll share your living space with other travellers.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of {price currency="USD" value="635"} to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Please note that single rooms are only available in hotels.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Central Asia Overland Tour?

We rate this tour as a 1/5. This is a generally relaxed sightseeing tour with only daily walking required.

When is the best time to travel to the “Stan” Countries for this tour?

Due to the itinerary including Son Kul, the best time to set out on this adventure is from the 20th of May until 20th of September each year. This is due to the cold temperatures in Son Kul during other months. Expect hot weather in July and August.

Do I need a visa to travel to Central Asian countries?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government. Turkmen visa support is included.

Are meals included on the Central Asia Overland Tour?

24 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip.

How do I get to Almaty to start this tour?

Fly into Almaty International Airport (ALA) from where you will be transferred to a hotel.

Is the Central Asia Overland Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking. In each country you will be led by different guides.

Where does the Central Asia Overland Tour end?

The tour ends in Ashgabat where you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Central Asian countries?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Central Asian countries?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Back to top
Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
We're Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Kazakhstan Tours by Activity

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter