16-Day Four Stans Tour: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

16 Days | Multi-Country Tour | Tashkent – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Panjakent – Khujand – Shymkent – Turkistan – Almaty – Kolsai – Karakol – Issyk-Kul – Bishkek – Chon-Kemin – Almaty

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Discover four fascinating countries of Central Asia on this 16-day journey through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Begin among the historic monuments and Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan, travelling from Tashkent to Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. Explore centuries-old madrasahs, bustling bazaars, monumental squares and UNESCO-listed old towns before crossing into Tajikistan. Continue through the mountain landscapes of the Seven Lakes and the historical cities of Panjakent and Khujand. From there, cross into Kazakhstan to discover Shymkent, the sacred city of Turkistan, cosmopolitan Almaty and the spectacular landscapes of Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes.

The final part of the tour leads into Kyrgyzstan, where traditional family meals, Issyk-Kul Lake, Jeti-Oguz Gorge, Skazka Canyon, eagle hunting and the mountain scenery around Chon-Kemin provide a completely different experience of Central Asia. Combining ancient Silk Road heritage, mountain scenery, traditional communities and several international border crossings, this Four Stans itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience the cultural and natural diversity of Central Asia within one comprehensive journey.

16-Day Four Stans Tour Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital.
Your driver will meet you upon arrival and provide a private transfer to your hotel.
Check in and enjoy time to recover from your international journey before the sightseeing programme begins.
The source itinerary specifies arrival on the day before the main guided programme starts, with the first hotel night in Tashkent. Pasted markdown
Overnight: Tashkent hotel.

Day 2 — Tashkent City Tour

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin exploring Tashkent, the largest city in Uzbekistan.
Start in the historic Old City, where traditional neighbourhoods, religious monuments and local life contrast with the modern avenues of the capital.
Visit the Khast Imam Complex, one of the city’s principal Islamic landmarks.
Explore the Barak Khan Madrasah and Tillya Sheikh Mosque and learn about the historic Quran traditionally associated with Caliph Uthman.
The complex also includes monuments connected with Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, one of the important historical religious figures associated with Tashkent.
During the sightseeing programme, your guide will introduce the history and architectural development of the old quarter and explain how modern Tashkent developed around its older settlements.
Enjoy the remainder of the day according to the confirmed programme.
Overnight: Tashkent hotel.

Day 3 — Flight to Urgench, Khiva Sightseeing & Night Train to Bukhara

After breakfast, transfer to Tashkent Airport for your domestic flight to Urgench.
Tashkent → Urgench: approximately 1,060 km / 1 hour 40 minutes by air.
Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue to Khiva.
Urgench → Khiva: approximately 30 km / 35 minutes.
Meet your guide and begin exploring Itchan Kala, the UNESCO-listed historic inner city of Khiva.
Visit the impressive Kunya Ark Citadel, once the residence and administrative centre of Khiva’s rulers.
Continue to the Said Alauddin Mausoleum, Arab Muhammad Khan Madrasah and Oq Masjid Mosque.
Explore the Khoja Berdibiy Madrasah, Shergazi Khan Madrasah and Abdullah Khan Madrasah.
Visit the remarkable Juma Mosque, famous for its unusual interior supported by rows of carved wooden columns.
Continue to Allakuli Khan Madrasah and the beautifully decorated Tash Khovli Palace.
Visit the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, one of the city’s principal religious landmarks, followed by the Islam Khoja Minaret and complex.
After completing the sightseeing programme, transfer to Khiva or Urgench railway station.
Board the evening train to Bukhara.
The source programme gives an approximate journey of 480 km / around 6 hours, with a sample timetable of 18:20–00:20.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Flight: Tashkent → Urgench, approx. 1 hr 40 min
Drive: Urgench → Khiva, approx. 30 km / 35 min
Train: Khiva/Urgench → Bukhara, approx. 480 km / 6 hrs
Overnight: Bukhara hotel.

Day 4 — Bukhara Heritage Sites & Transfer to Samarkand

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Bukhara.
Start outside the historical centre with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the former summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir.
The palace is particularly interesting for its combination of traditional Central Asian decoration with Russian and European architectural influences.
Continue to the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex, one of the most important spiritual sites associated with Sufi tradition in Central Asia.
Visit the historic Chor Bakr Necropolis.
Continue to Bukhara’s Old City for a guided walking tour.
Explore the monumental Poi Kalyan complex, including the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah.
Continue through the historic streets and religious monuments of the old city according to the confirmed sightseeing programme.
Later in the day, depart Bukhara and travel overland to Samarkand.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Samarkand hotel. Pasted markdown

Day 5 — Samarkand: Registan, Gur Emir, Shah-i-Zinda & Afrasiab

After breakfast, begin a full day exploring legendary Samarkand.
Start at magnificent Registan Square, one of the architectural symbols of Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
Continue to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the burial place of Amir Temur and members of the Timurid dynasty.
Visit Siyab Bazaar, where you can experience the atmosphere of a working local market and see traditional breads, dried fruits, spices and other regional products.
Continue to Ulugbek Observatory, associated with the important scientific and astronomical achievements of the Timurid ruler Ulugbek.
In the afternoon, visit the spectacular Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, known for its richly decorated blue and turquoise mausoleums.
Continue to the Afrasiab Museum, which presents archaeological discoveries from ancient Samarkand.
Finish the sightseeing programme with a visit to the Tomb of Saint Daniel.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight: Samarkand hotel.

Day 6 — Samarkand to Tajikistan, Seven Lakes & Panjakent

Depart Samarkand early in the morning and travel towards the Jartepa border crossing.
Samarkand → Jartepa border: approximately 50 km / 1 hour.
Complete Uzbekistan exit formalities and Tajikistan entry procedures.
After crossing the border, meet your Tajik guide and driver.
Continue towards the famous Seven Lakes, known locally as Haft Kul.
Border → Seven Lakes: approximately 80 km / 1.5–2 hours.
The seven mountain lakes are renowned for their different colours and dramatic surroundings.
They include:
Mijgon – Soya – Hushyor – Nophin – Khurdak – Marguzor – Hazorchashma
Nophin lies at approximately 2,139 metres, while Hazorchashma reaches around 2,400 metres above sea level.
Enjoy a picnic in the mountain landscape.
After lunch, continue towards Panjakent.
Visit the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the celebrated Persian poet regarded as one of the founders of classical Persian literature.
Continue to the ruins of Ancient Panjakent, a Sogdian city founded around the 5th century.
Explore archaeological remains including residential buildings, the citadel, Zoroastrian fire temples and the former bazaar area.
Transfer to your hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight: Panjakent hotel. Pasted markdown

Day 7 — Panjakent to Khujand & Khujand City Tour

After breakfast, leave Panjakent and drive towards Khujand, one of Tajikistan’s most important historic cities.
Upon arrival, begin a guided sightseeing programme.
Visit the Museum of Archaeology and Fortification, where exhibits introduce the long history of Khujand and the surrounding region.
Continue to the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and complex.
Explore the lively Panjshanbe Bazaar, described in the source itinerary as the largest bazaar in Tajikistan.
Later, visit Arbob Palace, associated with important events in Tajikistan’s modern history.
Continue to the Kayrakkum Reservoir / hydropower area, sometimes known locally as the “Tajik Sea”.
The source itinerary describes the hydroelectric development as a symbol of regional cooperation dating from the Soviet period.
Enjoy free time after sightseeing.
Overnight: Khujand hotel.

Day 8 — Khujand to Tashkent & Uzbek Dinner with Music

After breakfast, depart Khujand and travel towards the Oybek border crossing.
Khujand → Oybek border: approximately 70 km / 1 hour.
Complete Tajikistan exit and Uzbekistan entry formalities.
After crossing into Uzbekistan, meet your Uzbek driver.
Continue to Tashkent.
Border → Tashkent: approximately 100 km / 1 hour 30 minutes.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.
Enjoy free time during the remainder of the day.
In the evening, enjoy a special dinner accompanied by Uzbek music and national songs as included in the programme.
Meals: Dinner with music
Overnight: Tashkent hotel.

Day 9 — Tashkent to Kazakhstan & Shymkent City Tour

After an early breakfast, depart Tashkent at approximately 07:30 and travel towards the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border.
Complete border formalities on both sides and meet your Kazakhstan guide and driver after crossing.
Continue towards Shymkent.
The source programme indicates approximately 1 hour of driving from the border to Shymkent.
After arrival and hotel check-in, begin exploring the city.
Visit the historic Shymkent Citadel area and see a 19th-century mosque.
Continue through one of the city’s historic parks and explore examples of Soviet-era architecture.
Walk along the river embankment and discover the pedestrian Arbat area, a popular public space in central Shymkent.
The programme also includes local natural and urban landmarks according to the confirmed sightseeing arrangements.
Return to your hotel afterwards.
Overnight: Shymkent hotel.

Day 10 — Sairam-Ugam National Park Hiking Experience

Depart at approximately 08:00 and travel into the mountain landscapes of Sairam-Ugam State National Natural Park.
Spend the day walking through the gorge and experiencing the natural scenery of southern Kazakhstan.
Depending on the selected route and group ability, the hike covers approximately 7–14 km.
Along the way, see mountain rivers, juniper woodland, natural grottoes and waterfalls.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch during the excursion.
The main outdoor programme continues until approximately early afternoon according to the source itinerary.
Return after the hiking experience according to the confirmed arrangements.
Hiking: approx. 7–14 km
Meals: Picnic lunch
Overnight: According to confirmed Shymkent-area arrangements.

Day 11 — Turkistan Heritage Tour & Overnight Train to Almaty

Travel from Shymkent to Turkistan, one of Kazakhstan’s most important historical and spiritual cities.
Visit the Azret Sultan Historical and Architectural Complex.
Explore the magnificent Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the most important monuments in Kazakhstan.
Continue to the historic Turkistan Necropolis, traditional Oriental Baths and the Underground Mosque.
After completing the sightseeing programme, return towards Shymkent.
Later, board the overnight Talgo train to Almaty.
The source itinerary specifies a four-berth sleeping compartment.
Overnight: Talgo train to Almaty. Pasted markdown

Day 12 — Almaty City Tour, Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Region

Begin the day at approximately 10:00 with sightseeing in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city.
Start at the colourful Green Bazaar, where local residents shop for fruits, vegetables, spices, sweets, textiles and everyday products.
Continue to historic Panfilov Park, one of the city’s oldest and best-known green spaces.
Visit the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral, famous for its colourful wooden architecture.
Continue to the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, commemorating those who died during the Second World War.
After the city tour, leave Almaty and travel east towards spectacular Charyn Canyon.
Explore part of Charyn National Park, known for dramatic cliffs, unusual rock formations and the famous Castle Valley.
Enjoy time to walk through the canyon and photograph the landscapes.
Afterwards, continue towards the Kolsai Lakes region.
Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse near Kolsai.
Dinner: Included
Overnight: Guesthouse near Kolsai Lake. Pasted markdown

Day 13 — Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake & Kyrgyzstan Border

After breakfast, travel to the beautiful Kolsai Lakes.
Spend time exploring the lake area and enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery.
Continue to Kaindy Lake, one of Kazakhstan’s most unusual natural attractions.
Located at approximately 2,000 metres above sea level among the Kungey Alatau Mountains, Kaindy is famous for the trunks of submerged trees rising from its mountain waters.
After sightseeing, travel towards the Kegen border crossing between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Complete border formalities and meet your Kyrgyz guide and driver on the Kyrgyz side.
Continue towards Karakol.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with a local Uyghur or Dungan family, providing an opportunity to experience the multicultural traditions of eastern Kyrgyzstan.
The programme also includes traditional music.
Meals: Dinner with music
Overnight: Karakol hotel. Pasted markdown

Day 14 — Karakol, Jeti-Oguz, Skazka Canyon & Issyk-Kul

After breakfast, begin a sightseeing tour of Karakol.
Visit the Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky.
Continue to the historic Wooden Orthodox Church and the distinctive Dungan Mosque, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
After lunch, continue west along the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Stop at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for the red sandstone formation known as the Seven Bulls.
Learn the local story behind the name and see the nearby Broken Heart Rock.
Continue to Skazka Canyon, or Fairy Tale Canyon.
Explore its unusual geological formations and colourful rock landscapes.
Throughout the journey, enjoy views across vast Issyk-Kul Lake, surrounded by mountain ranges.
In the evening, settle into your traditional accommodation.
Overnight: Yurt accommodation.

Day 15 — Eagle Hunting Demonstration & Bishkek

Begin the morning with a traditional eagle hunting demonstration.
Learn about the historic relationship between Kyrgyz nomadic communities and trained golden eagles.
Watch how the bird and handler work together and discover the cultural significance of this traditional practice.
Afterwards, continue towards Bishkek.
In the afternoon, begin sightseeing in the Kyrgyz capital.
Visit Oak Park, followed by Ala-Too Square, the central public square of Bishkek.
See the monumental Statue of Manas.
Continue to the Victory Monument and the Philharmonic Hall, both reflecting elements of Bishkek’s Soviet-era urban development.
After sightseeing, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Bishkek hotel. Pasted markdown

Day 16 — Chon-Kemin Horse Riding & Transfer to Almaty

After breakfast, leave Bishkek and travel towards the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley.
Spend time discovering the mountain landscapes of Chon-Kemin, an area known for forests, valleys and relatively untouched natural scenery.
Enjoy a horse-riding experience through the countryside and explore the surrounding mountain environment.
After the activity, continue towards the Kyrgyzstan–Kazakhstan border.
Complete border procedures and meet your Kazakhstan driver and guide after crossing.
Continue by road towards Almaty.
Upon arrival, enjoy free time until your scheduled international departure.
Transfer to the airport according to your flight time.
End of the 16-Day Four Stans Tour through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan.

Price included:

Transportation by private car, crossover or other suitable vehicle according to the programme and group size
Accommodation throughout the itinerary based on double/twin sharing; single-room arrangements according to the confirmed package
Daily breakfast at scheduled accommodation
Economy-class domestic flight ticket Tashkent – Urgench
Scheduled train tickets during the programme, in first or second class according to availability and confirmed sector
English-speaking accompanying guide outside Uzbekistan according to the source programme
Cultural activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Uzbek dinner with traditional music
Local family dinner with music in Kyrgyzstan
Traditional eagle hunting demonstration
Horse-riding activity in Chon-Kemin
Other explicitly confirmed activities listed in the final booking

Not included:

International flights to the starting point and from the final destination
Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Additional hotel services and personal expenses
Tourist visa and consular fees where applicable
Personal travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Additional activities or services not specifically listed in the confirmed programme
Entrance fees according to the final confirmed quotation

Prices, per person

Group size	Price per person
1 person	US$ 2,975
2 persons	US$ 2,108
3 persons	US$ 2,043
4 persons	US$ 2,016

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Why Choose This 16-Day Four Stans Tour?

This 16-Day Four Stans Tour combines the cultural and natural highlights of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in one diverse journey. Explore legendary Silk Road cities, archaeological sites and traditional bazaars before continuing into mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, dramatic canyons and nomadic regions. With domestic flights, train journeys, cross-border transfers, local guides and cultural experiences integrated into the programme, the itinerary offers an efficient way to experience four distinct Central Asian countries on one trip from Tashkent to Almaty.