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Tour · Wendy Wu Tours · 25 nights

Journey through Central Asia

  • Domestic transportation and guided touring included
  • Accommodation ranging from 3-4 star to yurt camps
  • Visa assistance provided for Australian passport holders
From
$19,480 pp twin share
Was $20,980 pp
$22,160 pp solo share
25 nights
Enquire
Departs 20 September 2026 Returns 20 October 2028
Duration25 nights
OperatorWendy Wu Tours
StyleTour
HighlightRetrace the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great on this unforgettable 28-day cultural journey through the Silk Road gems of Central Asia
Visit Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Explore quirky Turkmenistan and its colourful markets. Hike through alpine scenery and stay in traditional yurts

Travel from Bishkek to Ashgabat on this 28 day 'Five Stan' cultural experience. This in depth tour will see you visiting the Silk Road gems of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the quirky Turkmenistan, colourful markets, fascinating villages and Swiss Alps type scenery. Retrace the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great on this unforgettable Central Asian journey.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
20 September 2026
Returns 20 October 2028
Returns
20 October 2028
Duration
25 nights
From pp twin share
$19,480 pp
Was $20,980 pp
From pp solo cabin
$22,160 pp
  • 20 Sep 2026 - 16 Oct 2026
    Land only: from $16,880 pp twin share / $19,260 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $19,680 pp twin share / $22,060 pp sole use *
  • 09 May 2027 - 04 Jun 2027
    Land only: from $18,180 pp twin share / $20,860 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $20,980 pp twin share / $23,660 pp sole use *
  • 16 May 2027 - 11 Jun 2027
    Land only: from $16,680 pp twin share / $19,360 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $19,480 pp twin share / $22,160 pp sole use *
  • 19 Sep 2027 - 15 Oct 2027
    Land only: from $18,180 pp twin share / $20,860 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $20,980 pp twin share / $23,660 pp sole use *
  • 26 Sep 2027 - 22 Oct 2027
    Land only: from $18,180 pp twin share / $20,860 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $20,980 pp twin share / $23,660 pp sole use *
  • 07 May 2028 - 02 Jun 2028
    Land only: from $17,680 pp twin share / $20,360 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $20,480 pp twin share / $23,160 pp sole use *
  • 14 May 2028 - 09 Jun 2028
    Land only: from $17,680 pp twin share / $20,360 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $20,480 pp twin share / $23,160 pp sole use *
  • 10 Sep 2028 - 06 Oct 2028
    Land only: from $17,680 pp twin share / $20,360 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $20,480 pp twin share / $23,160 pp sole use *
  • 17 Sep 2028 - 13 Oct 2028
    Land only: from $17,680 pp twin share / $20,360 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $20,480 pp twin share / $23,160 pp sole use *
  • 24 Sep 2028 - 20 Oct 2028
    Land only: from $17,680 pp twin share / $20,360 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $20,480 pp twin share / $23,160 pp sole use *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Fly To Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)

    Days 1–2

    Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. Depending on your time of arrival, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

  2. 3

    Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park

    This morning, visit Ala Archa National Park where you will take a leisurely hike through this alpine area, offering spectacular views of glaciers, waterfalls and high summits. Go on to enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bishkek and visit Manas Monument, Old Square and Parliament House plus much more.

  3. 4

    Chong Kemin National Park

    Venture to the scenic Chon Kemin valley, where gentle foothills invite exploration and authentic village encounters bring the warmth of local Kyrgyz culture to life.

  4. 5

    Kochkor & Tamga Village

    Journey to Kochkor Village, a local centre of felt handicrafts, before making your way to the village of Tamga, where you will spend the night with local shepherds in their camp. Sleep in a traditional yurt, for a true taste of the life of the Kyrgyz nomads.

  5. 6

    Golden Eagle Hunting - Karakol

    Today you will meet with a berkutchi, a golden eagle hunter, to watch an eagle hunting demonstration, a millennia-old Kyrgyz tradition. Afterwards, travel to Karakol, stopping at Barskoon Gorge on the way to see the ‘Tears of the Leopard’ waterfall.

  6. 7

    Jety-Orguz Gorge

    Visit the Przhevalsky Museum and see the striking Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. In the afternoon, travel to the Valley of the Flowers and Jeti-Orguz where you can walk through the magnificent canyon of red sandstone, all before joining a local Dungan or Uygur family for dinner.

  7. 8

    Charyn Canyon & Almaty (Kazakhstan)

    Rise early for Karakol’s bustling Sunday market. In the afternoon, drive through breathtaking scenery to visit magnificent Charyn Canyon and its Valley of the Castles, before crossing the border into Kazakhstan, finishing the day in the country’s largest city, Almaty.

  8. 9

    Explore Almaty

    This morning, discover the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, dedicated to the Panfilov heroes of an Alma-Ata Infantry as well as the Ascension Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church made entirely of wood. In the afternoon, explore the Ili Alatau mountains and Medeu, an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink, located at the height of 1,690 metres. Go on to visit Shymbulak, a mountain resort located 2,260 metres above sea level. Continue to Kok Tobe, before taking a ride on a cable car for magnificent panoramic views of the city.

  9. 10

    Almaty to Dushanbe (Tajikistan)

    This morning in Almaty is yours to enjoy at your leisure. This afternoon we will transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan arriving in the early afternoon

  10. 11

    Discover Dushanbe

    Take a full day tour of the capital, visiting the Museum of National Antiquities, the botanical gardens, Rudaki Park and stop at the Ismoili Somoni monument. After lunch visit the historical Fortress of Hissor, the Medrassah Kuhna and the Museum of Tajik Way of life.

  11. 12

    Lake Iskanderkul

    Travel into the mountains to the shores of Iskanderkul to soak up the spectacular scenery. Continue to Khujand.

  12. 13

    Khujand to Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

    Stroll through the vibrant Panjshanbe Bazaar, admire the 10th-century citadel and relax at Pushkin Square. Cross the border into Uzbekistan, arriving in the city of Tashkent.

  13. 14

    Tashkent

    Take a step back in time in the old town and explore the Barak Khan Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah and the Tila Shaikh Mosque, home to rare copies of the Koran. Stop at Chorsu Bazaar and enjoy free time to wander, before visiting the ceramic workshop of Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov, and explore the history of ceramics. Lastly, ride the iconic Tashkent Metro and admire the opulently decorated stations.

  14. 15

    Registan Square

    Drive to Samarkand. Wander into the heart of the city for a first glimpse of some of the magnificent sights in the spectacular Registan Square.

  15. 16

    See Samarkand

    This morning, see Gur Emir, the mausoleum of conqueror Tamerlane. Then, wander through a bustling local market and pause to visit Shah-I-Zinda and Bibi-Khanum Friday Mosque. Visit the Ulugh Beg, an observatory founded in the 15th century and considered one of the finest in the Islamic world.

  16. 17

    Shakhrisabz

    Drive to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, and visit the Ak-Sarai Palace, the Dorus Tilayat Cemetery and Kok-Gumbas Mosque. Journey on to the holy city of Bukhara.

  17. 18

    Historic Bukhara

    Spend the day exploring one of the most famous and spectacular Silk Road cities, with visits to Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque and the Ark of Bukhara.

  18. 19

    More Bukhara

    Head out of Bukhara to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former Emir of Bukhara. Visit Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

  19. 20

    Journey To Khiva

    Journey across the Kyzyl Kum Desert to Khiva, a magical Silk Road city still hidden behind its 10th-century walls. En route you’ll make a stop on the picturesque banks of the Amudarya River.

  20. 21

    Itchan Kala

    Explore ancient Khiva, discovering the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage inner-walled city of Itchan Kala including the mighty Kuhna Ark and the turquoise-tiled Islam-Khodja. In the afternoon see the Friday Mosque and Tash Hauli Palace

  21. 22

    Explore Kunya-Urgench

    Cross into Turkmenistan and drive to Kunya-Urgench, capital of the Khorezmshah Empire in the 12th-13th centuries. Explore its magnificent mausoleums, the Kutlug Timur minaret and the fabled Mamun’s Academy of Sciences. Fly to Ashgabat this evening, the nation’s capital.

  22. 23

    Ashgabat & the Akhal Tekes horses

    This morning is free to relax before a visit to a local stud farm to learn about beautiful Akhal Tekes horses. Visit the Kipchak complex, the largest mosque in Turkmenistan, then learn about the country’s unique history at the National Museum of History and Ethnography.

  23. 24

    Ancient City Of Merv

    Rise early for your flight to Mary. From the airport you will transfer overland to the ancient city of Merv; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Central Asia. Return to Mary after to visit the local History Museum.

  24. 25

    Darvaza FlamingCrater

    Fly back to Ashgabat to explore both ancient and modern sides of the city visiting Independence Square and the Turkmenistan Independence Monument to see the Ertoghrul Ghazi Mosque. Drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater to walk around the crater as dusk approaches. Enjoy a nomad-inspired dinner under the stars, with a spectacular view of the crater and its glowing flames. Return to Ashgabat.

  25. 26

    More Ashgabat

    Visit the Old Nisa Fortress; the former residence of the Parthian Empire. After lunch you will continue the fun at the colourful Russian Bazaar. Later, continue to the National Carpet Museum that exhibits an interesting collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets and various carpet objects.

  26. 27

    Fly Ashgabat To Australia

    Days 27–28

    Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
  • Domestic transportation.
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees.
  • 3 – 4 star accommodation, guest house & yurt camp.
  • Visa assistance for Australian passport holders.
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 28 days and 25 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 20 Sep 2026 and 20 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this tour
The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Customary tipping amount of approximately US$160pp (AU$246pp) is paid locally in Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
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Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $19,480 pp
From (solo) $22,160 pp
Enquire