Are you tired of mundane travel itineraries and want to have something different, educational and marvelous? Read on, this blog is for you! This is the perfect trip to Central Asia for anyone who has ever looked at a map and wondered exactly what this area was really like. Come and check it for yourself.

Before starting, I would like to thank Arara Tour Agency for organizing this tour expertly. The itinerary was shaped wisely and the guiding service offered by the tour operator was really nice and professional. 

The highlights of the journey include the countries of Central Asia. Ending in -stan, these countries are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. The interesting thing about this region is that it was once a boiling center of trading, cultural interchanging and historical artifacts. The merchants of the Silk Road passed through Central Asia to transfer goods from China to the West. 

Our tour started in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world with a flourishing environment both from a business and cultural perspective. It’s home to some of the most unique attractions and appeals to all kinds of travelers. The sightseeing spots we explored in this country included Panfilov Park, Green Bazaar, and the Cathedral of Zenkov. 

Kyrgyzstan, next to the other countries of Central Asia, is home to natural wonders. Here, you can admire pristine clear waters of the lakes reflecting the beauty of surrounding mountains. Kyrgyzstan provides a perfect backdrop for hiking, trekking, and camping.  Traveling to this country, we engaged with the warm and welcoming local communities and experienced the hospitality of Kyrgyz nomads by staying in their traditional nomadic yurts (dwellings).

Places of interest included (but not limited to) Burana Tower, a historical and architectural monument, and Issyk Kul Lake, one of the most famous lakes in the world due to its characteristics of not freezing even in the coldest temperatures.

Tajikistan was an upward journey to the Roof of the World in the Pamirs which is counted among the world’s most grandiose mountain chains. This ancient land has deep age-old roots and its history is as stunning as its nature itself. We explored this authentic country (as much as we could), and met native, kind-hearted people who take pride in their motherland. The sensations about this country are that it’s free by and large from manufactured tourism. Yet, it’s a great touristic destination for those who want to discover the world from a different angle. 

Next, we visited Uzbekistan. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are names that evoke legends of old. These cities are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Uzbekistan had a strategic location. It was unavoidable that the Great Silk Road would pass through Uzbekistan. This trading road takes its name from the silk that was brought from China to the Mediterranean. But it was not all about transferring goods such as silk, porcelain, tea and paper, but it was also about exchanging cultures and ideas. Uzbekistan was at the epicenter of all this. 

In Turkmenistan, we were taken to admire the crater called Darvaza Gas. Imagine you are in the middle of the desert and you see a volcanic crater. The sensations were really one-of-a-kind!

Reviews About The Tour

Check some tips about the trip to the 5 Stans to be prepared beforehand. 

When it comes to the state of the roads, they’re said to be sometimes not so good, if you take a private car or a minibus to travel between places. This is to ensure you keep to a schedule during lengthy road journeys.

The weather is changing from place to place. Having a raincoat is highly recommended due to this region experiencing frequent rainfall.  

The food is reasonable but not the best in the 5 Stans. You’ll encounter meaty food in general, with many spices and traditional tastes.  

This tour was not just a journey for me. It was a real adventure that took me to the ancient times. I collected stories to remember and cherish for my whole life. My big thanks to Arara Tour for organizing such wonderful and luxury tours in Armenia, Georgia, and Central Asia (and beyond!).