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Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 26 Day The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road. Pack your bags and a serious sense of adventure — you’re about to blaze across four of Central Asia’s wildest and most underrated countries. This 26-day epic takes you deep into ancient cities and windswept canyons across Uzbekistan Tajikistan Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. One minute you’re wandering centuries-old Silk Road streets the next you’re hiking to neon-blue lakes or helping build a nomadic yurt. It’s gritty it’s gorgeous and totally unforgettable.
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Our Price From
US$3,091 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $728 per person
Trip Length
26 Days
Trip Starts
Tashkent
Trip Ends
Almaty
Departures
May 2026 to Oct 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-39 Years
Max. Group Size
18
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AUTY
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. In the evening, meet your CEO and new crew that you'll be traveling with in a welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner together. Then hit the town for your First Night Out, the chance to get to know your new travel buds! Stay: Xonpalace Hotel
Start today with some breakfast and an orientation walk of Tashkent. Check out the neighborhood alongside your CEO, then head out to explore the city how you'd like! Opt to join a Tashkent city tour or take a day trip to see the impressive Institute of Sun. This evening, climb aboard the overnight train en route to Khiva. (B)
After a full nights sleep aboard the train, choose to have some breakfast in the dining car or enjoy the views as you chug along. Pull into Khiva around noon, drop your bags, then head out on an orientation walk. Spend the afternoon free to explore the city of Khiva however you want. Perhaps visit one of Khiva's most important landmarks, the Islam Khadija Minaret or take a tour of the City Wall. Stay: Caravan Inn
Today you are free to explore this incredible ancient city. In the evening, head to the train station to travel to Bukhara. We'll head straight to the hotel upon arrival. Stay: Kavsar Guest House (B)
Get a feel for your adventure in Bukhara by starting the day with an orientation walk of the area. Then today is yours to explore the city! Visit some of the incredible Hammams (traditional public baths), or join a guided tour of Bukhara. Stay: Kavsar Guest House (B)
Bukhara, a historic and important stop along the Silk Road, is today a beautiful piece of living history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Bukhara, with its stone alleyways and colorful tiles, will have you feeling transported to an ancient time. Enjoy another day free to explore this beautiful place before taking a train to Samarkand in the evening. Stay: Old Town Samarkand Guest House (B)
The great city of Samarkand was once a rich trading and intellectual center of the Silk Road. Now known for its melting pot of culture and grand architecture, today is yours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay: Old Town Samarkand Guest House (B)
This morning we depart Uzbekistan and drive to Tajikistan. Shortly after crossing the border, stop at Panjakent Bazaar and wander through the stalls of food, clothes and unique finds. Head out and continue the drive to Padrud Village for the night. On the way, we'll visit four of the breathtaking Seven Lakes in the Fan Mountains. These lakes shine with different colors of blues, greens, purples and turquoises. Grab your camera and take in the incredible views. Stay: Marguzor Family Homestay (B/D)
After breakfast at the guesthouse, hike from Lake 6 to the incredible Lake 7. This remote lake is only accessibly by hiking and is well worth the trek. After arriving, enjoy a scenic picnic next to the lake before hiking back to the village. This evening, chow down on a well deserved Tajikistani barbecue. Stay: Marguzor Family Homestay (B/L/D)
Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today. After the journey, enjoy a restful evening in Samarkand. Stay: Old Town Samarkand Guest House (B)
Take a morning train to Tashkent, where it all began! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital city of Uzbekistan. This evening, join your group for a Big Night Out in the city! Stay: Xonpalace Hotel (B)
Hop in the van for a trip across the border to Kazakhstan. Drive to Shymkent and join your CEO on an orientation walk of the city before enjoying the afternoon to explore. Stay: Express City Hotel (B)
Drive to the totally instagramable Ugam Chatkal National Park. Join a fun 16km hike to Sayram Su Lake for a cute lakeside picnic with the crew. Hike Back to Shymkent to relax this afternoon. Stay: Express City Hotel (L)
Drive to Taraz today. This city is not visited by many tourists now but was once a major rest stop along the Ancient Silk Road. Take an orientation walk around the town then opt to visit the Taraz Museum to see the remains of this historic place. Stay: Zhambyl Hotel Taraz
Cross the border into the next Stan. Into Kyrgyzstan, head to Bishkek. Spend time with your crew this evening in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, bidding farewell to those heading off and greeting the newbies! Stay: Cozy Hotel (B)
Today is yours for adventure through Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. After an orientation walk to get your bearings, spend the rest of the day seeing the city how you'd like. Opt to join a guided tour of the city or learn to make local Kyrgyz dumplings called manti. Stay: Cozy Hotel (D)
Visit the historic Burana Tower on the way to Iskra Village where we will enjoy a yummy lunch with a Dungan family, a group of Muslim-Chinese heritage. After spending time with the family and digging into the yummy food, drive to Chom Kemin for the night. Stay: Jekshen Guest House Chon Kemin (L/D)
Start today with an easy hike up to the Shatyly view point. Take in the view from above before hiking back down for some free time at camp. Take a dip if you wish in Issyk Kul Lake, meaning "Warm Lake" in Kyrgyz. In the afternoon, visit the famous Fairytale Canyon, Skazka. Walk through the wild rock formations that resemble castles and gnome homes. Then enjoy a relaxing evening on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake. Stay: Sonun Yurt Camp (B/D)
After breakfast at camp, hike to the beautiful Barskoon Waterfall. I mean, who doesn't love a little waterfall adventure? Then head to Ak Orgo, a G Adventures-supported project that helps bring much-needed job opportunities to the Barskoon region. We'll dig into some lunch then learn how to build a yurt (like the one we're staying in here in Tamga!) Then head back to camp and take a dip in the lake. Stay: Sonun Yurt Camp (B/L/D)
Drive to Karakol this morning and join your CEO on an orientation walk, the perfect way to start your time in Karakol and get to know this city a bit better. Then the day is yours for adventure! Opt to visit the colorful Dungan Mosque, Karakol Market or the impressive Russian Orthodox Church. Stay: Hotel Ak-Maral (B)
Fill up on breakfast before heading out for a free day in Karakol. How about a tour of the city? Or maybe get back out into nature with visits to the spectacular Jety Oguz or Aksu Kench hot springs! Stay: Hotel Ak-Maral (B)
Cross the border into Kazakhstan, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch along the way. Then climb into a 4x4 vehicle to visit the stunning Kaindy Lake. Grab your camera and get ready for some jaw-dropping views. This evening, connect with local Kazakh culture at our Saty Village homestay. Stay: Zhuldyz Guest House (B/D)
Get ready to see red... red rocks and canyons we mean! Our first stop of the day is to Charyn Canyon. Full of different shades of reds, oranges, and browns, the beautiful Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Then continue on to Altyn Emel National Park where more red and orange rocks make up this beautiful landscape. Stay: Algai Quinn Hotel (B/D)
Right on the bank of the Ili river sits the beautiful golden Singing Sand Dunes. On a windy day, when the sad moves across the dunes, it produces a low-pitched humming sound, giving it its name. Get your body moving as you trek through the sand. Return to the guest house for a well-deserved lunch before driving to Almaty. Then join your crew and CEO for an orientation walk. Stay: Mildom Hotel (B/L)
Almaty is on full display as you get to choose your own adventure through the city. We recommend a city tour to connect with Kazakhstani culture. Then see the city come to life at night on your Big Night Out! Stay: Mildom Hotel
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Trek to bright blue alpine lakes in Tajikistan’s Marguzor Valley.
- Get sandy at Kazakhstan’s Singing Dunes and swim in Kaindy Lake.
- Learn to build a nomadic yurt from locals in Kyrgyzstan.
- Wander ancient cities like Bukhara Tashkent Almaty and Bishkek.
- Snap pics of wild rock formations in Fairytale Canyon and Charyn Canyon".
- Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration, Barskoon
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Big Night Out Moment: in Tashkent, Tashkent
- Your Big Night Out Moment: Almaty, Almaty
- Tashkent Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Tahkent
- Khiva Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Khiva
- Bukhara Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Bukhara
- Free Time in Samarkand
- Panjakent Bazaar
- Marguzor Lakes Visit
- Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7 Hike
- Free Time in Shymkent
- Shymkent Orientation Walk
- Sayram Su Lake Hike
- Taraz Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Taraz
- Free Time in Bishkek
- Bishkek Orientation Walk
- Burana Tower Visit
- Iskra Village Dungan Family Lunch
- Shatyly View Point Hike
- Free Time in Tamga,
- Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon
- Barskoon Waterfall
- Yurt Building Demonstration
- Karakol Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Karakol
- Kaindy Lake Hike Visit
- Saty Village Stay
- Charyn Canyon Visit
- Singing Dunes
- Almaty Orientation Walk
- Free Time in Almaty
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hostels (8 Nights, twin share), Hostel (6 Nights, multi-share), Overnight train (1nt), Guesthouse (7 Nights, multi-share), Hotel (1 Night, twin share), Yurt Camp (2 Nights, multi-share)
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- 18 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners
- Metro, Private Vehicle, Train, Walking, Overnight Train, 4x4 Vehicle
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Built for young travellers ready to break free from the everyday grind, these trips bring together a safe and supportive group of like-minded people in their twenties and early thirties.
Connect on the First Night Out, explore with a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), enjoy free time, and celebrate unforgettable moments with new friends - without breaking the bank. Travel confidently, respectfully, and affordably.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Friday
10 Apr 2026
10 Apr 26
Tashkent
Tuesday
05 May 2026
05 May 26
Almaty
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,749
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
24 Apr 2026
24 Apr 26
Tashkent
Tuesday
19 May 2026
19 May 26
Almaty
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,749
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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