Stunning Stans
Escorted by Jacquey Turner
28 August to 19 September 2026
About this trip
Journey through the captivating ‘Five Stans’, a mosaic of countries intricately linked by a common history of Soviet influence yet distinctly independent in character.
Explore the serene landscapes of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, where lush expanses and tranquil beauty await. Then, venture into the grand mosques and vibrant bazaars of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, rich with history and cultural splendour.
Tour Leader, Jacquey Turner: “Later in 2026, I am planning to venture to Central Asia to travel through the magnificent “Five Stans” – a fascinating patchwork of countries with shared history of ‘Sovietisation’, yet fiercely independent in identity.
From the breathtaking landscapes of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, to the magnificent mosques and bustling bazaars of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, this will be an incredible adventure.”
Stunning Stans Itinerary:
Friday 28 August Melbourne-Kazakhstan
Saturday 29 August Almaty, Kazakhstan
Sunday 30 August Almaty
Monday 31 August Almaty-Charyn Canyon-Kolsay-2 Lake
Tuesday 1 September Border crossing into Kyrgyzstan-Karakol
Wednesday 2 September Karakol-Kaji-say (Issyk-Kul Lake
Thursday 3 September Tong-Bishkek
Friday 4 September Bishkek
Saturday 5 September Bishkek-Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Sunday 6 September Tashkent
Monday 7 September Tashkent-Dushanbe, Tajikistan (by air)
Tuesday 8 September Dushanbe-Penjikent (by road)
Wednesday 9 September Penjikent-Marguzor lakes-Samarkand (by road)
Thursday 10 September Samarkand
Friday 11 September Samarkand-Bukhara (by fast train)
Saturday 12 September Bukhara
Sunday 13 September Bukhara-Khiva (by fast train)
Monday 14 September Khiva
Tuesday 15 September Khiva-Dashoguz-Ashgabat
Wednesday 16 September Ashgabat-Darvaza Crater-Ashgabat
Thursday 17 September Ashgabat-Old Nisa-Ashgabat
Friday 18 September Ashgabat-Dubai
Saturday 19 September Dubai-Melbourne
