39 Day Timeless Stans & Mongolia

Welcome to Mongolia. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, make your own way to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey. You may receive a welcome letter when checking in to the starting hotel that will include the time of the welcome meeting with your tour guide tomorrow. If you do not receive this, please speak to hotel staff or feel free to reach out to us directly. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 2pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

This morning, meet your tour guide and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing, then set off on a city tour of Mongolia's capital. Begin at Gandan Monastery, home to the towering 26-metre statue of Janraisag, the deity of compassion, and witness the morning chanting at one of the historic temples. Continue to Sukhbaatar Square to see the statues of Chinggis Khaan and his descendants standing watch in front of the State House. Enjoy a welcome lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Chinggis Khaan Museum, which charts Mongolia's history from the Hunnu Empire to the height of the Great Mongol Empire. Tonight is at your leisure. Find a local restaurant for dinner and enjoy your first evening in Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Gandan Monastery Sukhbaatar Square Chinggis Khaan Museum

After breakfast, depart Ulaanbaatar at 8am for a scenic road trip south to Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa, a remarkable sedimentary formation that was once part of an ancient seabed. The journey crosses Mongolia's vast steppe, with a refreshing lunch break in Mandalgovi town along the way. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your ger camp, then head out to the dramatic Tsagaan Suvarga scarps for sweeping panoramic views. Return to camp around 7pm for dinner and a restful overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours. Please note that driving times are estimates and can be affected by road and weather conditions. You'll stay in comfortable twin-share gers throughout the trip. On Day 3 and Day 8, a limited number of ensuite gers are available at camp, and these are allocated fairly on a random basis. To ensure a balanced experience for everyone, travellers assigned a standard ger with shared facilities on Day 3 will be given priority for an ensuite ger on Day 8. Shared bathroom facilities are clean, well-maintained, and located conveniently close to the gers, with hot showers and Western-style toilets.

After breakfast, depart at 8am for a picturesque journey to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, with plenty of opportunities to pause for scenic photography along the way. Stop in Dalanzadgad, a charming Gobi town, where you will visit the recently constructed Umnugovi Province Museum. From Dalanzadgad, a short drive brings you to the enchanting Yolyn Am gorge. Lace up your walking shoes for a one to two-hour walk from the parking area, taking in the dramatic rock walls, narrow ravines and abundant birdlife of this striking natural reserve.Return to your ger camp in the early evening to enjoy dinner and settle in for a peaceful overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Umnugovi Province Museum Yolyn Am gorge in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. You'll stay in comfortable twin-share gers, with ensuite facilities included on Days 4 to 7 and 9 to 11.

After breakfast, depart at 8am and continue your Gobi adventure with a drive to the Khongor sand dunes, the longest dunes in Mongolia. The route crosses vast desert badlands stretching to the horizon, with remote mountains in the distance and the occasional ger or nomad on horseback or camelback breaking the landscape. The desert floor is scattered with colourful rocks and rare minerals, offering plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the views and capture photographs.On arrival, enjoy lunch at a ger camp before setting out to explore the magnificent Khongor dunes, which rise dramatically alongside the river as it winds through the sands. After an afternoon among the dunes, return to camp to settle in for dinner and an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Khongor sand dunes Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.You may join an optional camel ride (approximately USD 12 per person, per hour), which can be arranged and paid for locally. Optional horseback riding is also available at several locations throughout the trip.

This morning after breakfast, travel to the famed Bayanzag. On arrival, check in to your ger camp and enjoy lunch. This afternoon, head out to the Flaming Cliffs, celebrated for their striking red sandstone formations and their place in palaeontological history as one of the world's great dinosaur fossil sites. Visit the information centre to view the exhibits and a short documentary, before setting off on an easy walk through the dramatic landscape. Return to your ger camp for dinner and an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After a leisurely breakfast at the ger camp, head out to the Moltsog sand dunes to take in the sweeping views, photograph the rolling formations, and discover the unique flora and fauna of the desert. Enjoy lunch and some rest at a nearby ger camp. In the late afternoon, travel to the Khavtsgait petroglyphs, set within the Dund Saikhan Mountain. Here, a steady trek brings you to a natural rock gallery of paintings dating back to the Bronze Age. Return to camp in the early evening for dinner and an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Moltsog sand dunes Khavtsgait Petroglyphs Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. The Khavtsgait petroglyphs sit atop a mountain and can only be reached on foot, so this activity is optional. The hike is moderately challenging, with loose rocks on the descent.

After breakfast, head north toward the ruins of Ongi Monastery. Set on the banks of the scenic Ongi River. The drive crosses the wide-open Ongi steppe and is a chance to take in the changing landscape as you leave the deep Gobi behind. On arrival at your ger camp, gather for lunch. This afternoon, explore the remains of Ongi Monastery, which dates back to the 18th century, with some short walks among the ancient ruins. Return to the ger camp to relax, with dinner and an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Ongi Monastery Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. You'll stay in comfortable twin-share gers throughout the trip. On Day 3 and Day 8, a limited number of ensuite gers are available at camp, and these are allocated fairly on a random basis. To ensure a balanced experience for everyone, travellers assigned a standard ger with shared facilities on Day 3 will be given priority for an ensuite ger on Day 8. Shared bathroom facilities are clean, well-maintained, and located conveniently close to the gers, with hot showers and Western-style toilets.

After breakfast, continue north into central Mongolia, crossing the vast Gobi steppes before reaching the central Mongolian steppe. Pause for lunch along the main highway, then carry on towards Karakorum, the historic capital of the Mongol Empire. In Karakorum, visit the Museum of Karakorum, which offers a fascinating overview of central Mongolia's history and an introduction to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orkhon River Valley. Check in to your ger camp and enjoy dinner, with an overnight stay set against the rich cultural backdrop of the region. Inspiring Highlights Museum of Karakorum Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the renowned Erdene Zuu Monastery, founded in 1586 and central Mongolia's very first Buddhist monastery, with its surrounding wall of 108 stupas. From here, take a short ride out to spend the day with a local nomadic family. Step into the rhythm of nomadic life, meet your hosts and join in with their daily activities. Help with milking and tending to livestock, watch and try your hand at making traditional dairy products, and learn how to prepare a Mongolian dish for lunch. Say goodbye to your host family and return to Karakorum in the afternoon. Inspiring Highlights Erdene Zuu Monastery Spend the day with a local nomadic family Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Please dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the monastery and the nomadic family. Photography may be restricted in some areas of the monastery; please follow your guide's directions.

After breakfast, drive towards Hustai National Park. On arrival at your ger camp near the park, enjoy lunch and a chance to rest before the afternoon's activities. This afternoon, head into the park to look out for the iconic Takhi, also known as Przewalski's horses. The world's last truly wild horse species, once extinct in the wild, has been successfully reintroduced here. You may also spot other fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to camp for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Hustai National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Please bring a camera with a zoom lens if you would like to photograph the horses, as they are usually viewed from a distance.

After breakfast, return to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, visit Zaisan Memorial, set on a hilltop above the city and offering panoramic views across the capital and the surrounding countryside. Continue to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, with the option to head out for some shopping. Ulaanbaatar is well known for high-quality cashmere, and the city has a number of shops and markets where you can browse for souvenirs. This evening, enjoy a traditional folklore concert and immerse yourself in Mongolia's rich cultural heritage, with performances of throat singing, traditional instruments and dance. Inspiring Highlights Zaisan Memorial Traditional Folklore Performance Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast, drive east out of the city to visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, the tallest equestrian statue in the world and a striking symbol of Mongolian national pride and the legacy of Chinggis Khaan. Continue into Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, known for its scenic landscapes of granite formations and alpine forests. Here, visit the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, a peaceful retreat tucked into the mountains, where a short walk leads to the temple itself and a chance to soak up the spiritual atmosphere inspired by Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. The evening is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Genghis Khan Statue Complex Ariyabal Meditation Temple in Terelj National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast, your adventure in Mongolia comes to a close as you are transferred to the airport for your international flight to Almaty. Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tien Shan Mountains. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. Special Information On departure from Ulaanbaatar, you will say farewell to your tour leader and travel unescorted on your flight. You will meet your new tour leader in Almaty tomorrow. Please note - check in luggage allowance is 23 kg (not larger than 158 cm) and carry on is 7 kg (45cm х 53cm х 25cm ). Devices with lithium batteries like cell phones and tablets must be packed in your carry on baggage. If you have spare lithium batteries and power banks also must be carried in hand luggage.

Today is free for you to continue explore Almaty on your own.This evening, meet your local tour guide for a pre-tour briefing, offering a complete overview of the journey ahead. Afterwards, you are welcome to join the group for an informal dinner.

Our day begins with a tour to the stunning mountain settings just outside the city. We drive to Medeo, the world's highest ice rink, and continue to the Shymbulak Mountain Resort, where we will take a scenic cable car to an elevation of 3,200 metres for amazing views. In the afternoon, we return to Almaty and drive to the vibrant Green Bazaar. Here you have the chance to wander around and chat to the locals. We will then enjoy a leisurely stroll through Panfilov Park, where you will see the beautifully painted Zenkov Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory with its Eternal Flame. We will then head to Kok-Tobe Hill to view the world's tallest TV tower and enjoy a scenic cableway ride back down to the city centre. Tonight is at your leisure to continue to explore the city. Inspiring Highlights Medeo Ice Rink Shymbulak Mountain Resort Green Bazaar Zenkov Cathedral Kok-Tobe Hill

After breakfast, we head to Charyn Canyon, often nicknamed the ‘Little Brother' to the Grand Canyon. You will have the opportunity to take a walk through this impressive canyon, where erosion by the Charyn River has created dramatic and colourful landscapes. We will enjoy lunch at the riverside before continuing our drive into Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival in Karakol, we check into our hotel where you have the evening at your leisure, or you can join the group for an optional dinner this evening. Inspiring Highlights Charyn Canyon Special Information Your travel time today is approximately 8 hours

We begin the day after breakfast with a tour of Karakol. We will visit the Prejevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer. We will also see the intricately designed Russian Orthodox Church and the unique architecture of the Dungan Mosque. After our tour we will depart for Tamga and the "Ak Orgo" Community Workshop in Barskoon Village for a truly authentic experience. Here, you will learn about the process of making Yurts and participate in a yurt building activity. We will then make our way to check into our traditional Yurt Camp to settle in for the night and dinner. Inspiring Highlights Prejevalskiy Museum Russian Orthodox Church Dungan Mosque Special Information Your travel time today is approximately 2 hours You will stay in a Yurt camp if travelling from mid April - mid October or, a guesthouse all other times. Yurt accommodation is shared on a twin basis (2 people per Yurt) with private facilities. Single occupancy is not available - solo travellers will share with another traveller of the same gender. Yurt accommodation comes with simple amenities and electricity that may not always be reliable. Travellers requiring a constant power supply should contact us to discuss their needs.

This morning after breakfast, we will visit Fairytale canyon (or Canyon Skazka) , a gorge formed of colourful hardened clay that naturally resembles fairytale castles. After time to explore we start our journey to Naryn. We will make a stop at Bokonbayevo Village, renowned for its tradition of breeding wild predator birds. We have time to meet with the locals, learn about their ancient craft, and witness a demonstration of a hunting bird. We will enjoy lunch with a local family in the village before continuing our drive to Naryn. Naryn is situated in a valley so the surroundings you will find yourself in are quite spectacular: the Tien Shan mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and scenic rivers. After arrival we will check into the hotel and you have the rest of the night at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Fairy Tale (Skazka) Canyon Hunting bird demonstration Special Information Your travel time today is approximately 6 hours

Today, after breakfast, we will embark on a spectacular day trip to Tash-Rabat, a 15th-century stone caravanserai located on the Great Silk Road (approx. 220-kilometre drive each way). This remote and unique roadside inn is nestled in a beautiful valley and offers a tangible connection to the ancient trade routes. We will spend time exploring this historic structure and its surroundings. After arriving back in Naryn the rest of the evening is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Tash-Rabat inn Special Information Your travel time today is approximately 6 hours, including driving on bumpy and unpaved roads

After breakfast, we make our way to Kochkor Village, the centre of felt production in Kyrgyzstan. We will also take part in a masterclass in making traditional felt rugs. Local artisans produce beautiful felt carpets, called shirdak, and felt-covered yurts. After lunch we stop to visit the mediaeval Balasagyn city and famous Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan. The 24-metre-high tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of a castle and three mausoleums was founded by Karakhanids at the end of the 9th-century. In the afternoon we continue our day to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. It's also known as the greenest city in Central Asia due to its leafy streets and green spaces. After checking into the hotel the night is yours to relax. Inspiring Highlights Balasagyn city and the Burana Tower Kochkor Village felt masterclass Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel 45-km to see our first amazing attraction, Ala-Archa Gorge. The gorge lies within the national park on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. It is a magical place for hiking, enjoying fresh air, and the scenery is just breathtaking. Afterward, we will return to Bishkek and visit the main sights. Our first stop is the heart of the city, Ala-Too Square, the main city space used for political demonstrations, festivals and events. Formally known as Lenin Square until 1991, there is also a military monument with an hourly changing of guards. You will see the large statue of Lenin here. We will also see the Monument to Manas the Great, which stands in front of the National History Museum on the square. We will then return to the hotel where the rest of the day can be spent as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Ala-Archa Gorge Hike Ala-Too Square

After breakfast, we will visit the Monument to Manas the Great, which stands in front of the National History Museum on the square. You will have some free time to explore the bustling Osh Market for some last minute souvenir shopping. This afternoon, we will drive to the airport for our flight to Tashkent. Tashkent, is the capital of Uzbekistan and is a vibrant and historically rich city, with a history spanning over two millennia. We will be met at the airport by our tour leader where we will proceed to the hotel to check in and rest up for the next day or exploring. Inspiring Highlights National History Museum Osh Market Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note - check in luggage allowance is 23 kg (not larger than 158 cm) and carry on is 8 kg (55 см x 35 см x 25). Devices with lithium batteries like cell phones and tablets must be packed in your carry on baggage. If you have spare lithium batteries and power banks also must be carried in hand luggage. These are group flights and cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group. On your departure from Bishkek you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a tour leader in Tashkent.

After breakfast at the hotel, our city tour begins with a visit to the old part of the city and the religious complex of Khasti Imam. Here, you'll see Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah, Muay-Mubarak Mosque, which is also home to the Koran of Khalif Osman and gold hair of prophet Muhammad. The Dzhuma-mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali and Kukeldash Madrassah will also be visited this morning. Our last stop of the day is at the Chorsu Oriental Bazaar, a true feast for the senses, where you will visit a local bread bakery, explore the street food market, and have the opportunity to try local Kebab or Khanum (steamed dough dumplings). Don't forget to look up - the most stunning feature of the bazaar is its huge blue dome. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy. If you like you can join the tour leader to visit Tashkent's famous TV Tower for panoramic views, followed by a tour of the city's beautiful metro stations and key Soviet-era monuments. Inspiring Highlights Tashkent Old City tour Chorsu Oriental Bazaar

After breakfast, we will head to the border of Tajikistan where you'll meet your new leader and driver and continue the journey to Khujand, a city in the Fergana Valley. Located on the Great Silk Road and the only city built on the bank of the Syr-Darya River, in 1986, the city celebrated its 2,500th anniversary. On arrival that afternoon we will check into our hotel and start exploring the city. We will visit the Republican Historical-Ethnographic Museum, one of Tajikistan's most important cultural institutions, the Timur-Malik Fortress, also known as Khujand Fortress; Timur Malik was a statesman, and the emperor of Khujand. Archaeological Museum, the Mosque and Madrasah of Sheikh Muslihiddin, a complex consisting of the cathedral mosque, a 19th-century minaret and the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin. Finally, we will stop by the Payshanba Bazaar, which is situated in front of Khujand Mosque. The bustling marketplace building itself is an architectural marvel; its central building a striking example of Soviet-era architecture blended with traditional Central Asian design elements. The evening is yours to relax your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin Payshanba Bazaar Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

After an early breakfast we will head to the capital, Dushanbe. On our way we will stop at Istravshan to visit the monumental concrete bust of Lenin. This is one of the largest in the world, standing around 20 meters high and accessible after climbing over 300 steps. It is a prominent Soviet-era monument. Our journey continues after lunch through two significant mountain passes, the Anzob Pass and the Shakhristan Pass, offering incredible picturesque sights (have your camera handy!). After checking into our hotel tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights The Anzob and Shakhristan pass Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll stop at our first site of the day, the Tajikistan United Museum, one of the most significant cultural institutions and a great place to start your introduction to the history and culture of the country. The Buddha in Nirvana is one of the most iconic exhibits and dates back to the 7th century. Afterwards, we will make a stop at the Botanical Garden, a tranquil space that showcases a wide variety of plants from Tajikistan and other parts of the world. Followed by a visit to the Oriental Bazaar, always a favourite, and also known as the Green Bazaar. It really is an exciting cultural experience to have and get a glimpse into everyday life in Tajikistan. Purchase nuts and spices, dried fruit and traditional Tajik bread, known as non. After lunch, we will head to the beautiful Hissar Fortress more than 2,500 years old, and opposite, the Madrasah Kukhna (Old madrasah). Built in the 17th century, the madrasah had up to 150 pupils learning the Koran, the khadises (Prophet's sayings), the history of Islam and more. We will then return to Dushanbe where the rest of the evening will be spent as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Tajikistan United Museum, botanical garden and oriental bazaar Oriental Bazaar Hissar town, the Hissar Fortress and Madrasah Kukhna

After an early breakfast we will head to the once ancient town of Panjakent. The drive is a picturesque one so make sure you have your camera handy! We will travel via Anzob mountain pass and the Anzob Tunnel (or Istiqlol Tunnel), a 5,040 metre long tunnel which took several years to construct. En route we will stop at beautiful Iskanderkul, a glacial lake and spend some time walking along the shore and taking in the scenery. On arrival in Panjakent, you will check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day as you wish. Inspiring Highlights Anzob Tunnel Iskanderkul Lake Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours

This morning, after breakfast, we will visit the ruins of the ancient settlement of Sarazm. Meaning ‘where the land begins', this UNESCO site bears testimony to the development of human settlements in Central Asia (from the 4th millennium BCE to the end of the 3rd millennium BCE). We will proceed to the land border to Uzbekistan where you will meet your new guide and driver who will continue our trip to Samarkand, among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. Once in town we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking into our hotel. That afternoon, we will begin our sightseeing tour with a visit to the Gūr-i Amīr Complex, the impressive mausoleum of the 14th-century conqueror Timur. We continue to the most iconic public squares in Central Asian, Registan Square. One of the most beautiful sites on the Silk Road. You'll see intricate tile work and vibrant colours displayed - all different perspectives depending on the time of day visited. Tonight is at your leisure to continue exploring the city or relaxing back at the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Sarazm Ancient Settlement Gūr-i Amīr Complex Registan Square Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, we continue exploring Samarkand's treasures. We start the day by visiting the Ulugh Beg Observatory, built in the 1420s by the Timurid astronomer. We visit Khodja Doniyor (St Daniel) Mausoleum before continuing to The Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble, a collection of mausoleums and ritual buildings dating from the 11th to 19th centuries. After lunch, we will visit some more Samarkand icons, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the largest mosque in Samarkand, with its three domed rooms, covered galleries and open courtyard. We finish the day with time to explore the vibrant old town market, Siyob Bazaar. We return to the hotel to relax as tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Ulugh Beg Observatory Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble Bibi-Khanym Mosque

After breakfast we will bid farewell to Samarkand and board the train to Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history. Upon arrival we will check into our hotel before starting our afternoon tour. This afternoon we start at Ismail Samani Mausoleum, recognised as an architectural masterpiece due to its geometric forms. We continue to Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, located in an ancient cemetery and currently under UNESCO review, before finishing at the Ark Citadel, the oldest structure in Bukhara. Tonight is yours to relax. Inspiring Highlights Ismail Samani Mausoleum Chashma Ayub Mausoleum Ark Citadel Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, we set off for a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Bukhara. We explore the central Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble, which includes the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah. We continue to the spectacular Po-i-Kalyan Complex, often considered the symbol of Bukhara, featuring the towering Kalyan Minaret. Finally, we visit the historical Ulugbek Madrasah, renowned for being the oldest surviving madrasah in Central Asia and a model for later structures. We finish the day at Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah, known for its ornate tilework and grandeur. Tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Po-i-Kalyan Complex Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble Ulugbek Madrasah

Today is a free day to explore the historic city of Bukhara at your own pace. You might choose to wander the covered trading domes, famous for their spice and textile shops, visit the unique Chor Minor mosque with its distinctive four minarets, or simply relax at a traditional teahouse beside the peaceful Lyab-i Hauz pond.

After breakfast we will travel to Khiva, across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, one of Central Asia's largest deserts, and along the Amu Darya River. The Amu Darya is one of the longest rivers in Central Asia, around 2,540 kilometres long and was a vital part of the Silk Road. Once we check in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Inspiring Highlights: Kyzyl-Kum Desert Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for an enjoyable day taking in the sites of Khiva. The historical Ichan Kala, Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, built in 1664, Kunya-Ark Fortress, Islam Hajj Madrasah and Minaret. After a leisurely lunch together, we'll continue onto the Tash-Khauli Palace which was built in 1830 and is a perfect example of the Khorezm architectural grandeur of those times. A visit to Juma Mosque, Muhammad Amin Khan Minaret & Madrasah and Avesta Museum, a museum dedicated to the sacred book, will follow in the afternoon. We will then return to the hotel and freshen up before heading out to enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant with a folklore show - plenty of music and dancing! Inspiring Highlights Khiva Sightseeing tour Tash-Khauli Palace Traditional dinner and folklore show

Today begins with an early morning check out as we prepare to cross from Uzbekistan into Turkmenistan. We take a bus drive to the border crossing point, where we complete the necessary formalities. After crossing, we travel to Dashoguz and visit the highlights of the City Square and the local Bazaar where you will have time to visit the local vendors and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will drive to the Darvaza gas crater, stopping off to visit mud and water craters along the way. The crater is nicknamed ‘Door to Hell' or ‘Gates of Hell' and has been burning since the 1980s.We will arrive in Darvaza before sunset and enjoy a BBQ dinner together. We will spend the night in our 2-person yurts. Inspiring Highlights Dashoguz City Square & Bazaar Darvaza Gas Crater Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours. Please note that the roads will be very bumpy today, and you will travel by 4WD for your trip into Darvaza. As yurt accommodation is on a Twin share basis (2 people per Yurt) private rooms are not provided. This applies to solo travellers. Toilet and shower facilities are outside of the yurts. Yurt accommodation comes with simpler amenities than hotels, featuring communal bathrooms located 100–150 metres from the yurts. Electricity that may not always be reliable; travellers requiring a constant power supply should contact us to discuss their needs.

After breakfast, we will drive to the city of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. We will check into our hotel before having some time to relax before our afternoon of sightseeing. Our first stop is Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque. Our tour continues as we explore the modern monuments of Ashgabat, including Independence Park, the Ruhnama Monument, the Neutrality Arch, and the panoramic viewpoint at the Wedding Palace. We will also visit Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Tonight is yours to relax at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Parthian Fortresses of Nisa (UNESCO Site) Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque Independence Park Neutrality Arch Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast we continue our sightseeing with a visit to the National Museum of Turkmenistan, offering insight into the nation's history and culture. We will then head to horse stables to see the very special Akhal Teke horses, a breed that is more than three thousand years old. Lastly, we will head to the beautiful Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque, with four minarets and a central dome. Make sure to check out the beautiful interior and fine stained glass windows. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore or relax at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights National Museum of Turkmenistan Akhal Teke Horse Stables Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through the Timeless Five Stans, thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. To comply with Turkmenistan's letter of invitation requirements, any post-trip accommodation must be booked through Inspiring Vacations.