Signature: The Five Stans & the Heart of the Silk Road Adventure Tour

Trace the legends of the Silk Road across five nations. From the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains to the monuments of Tashkent, connect with the living soul of Central Asia. Experience exclusive museum access, master the art of Uzbek plov, and tour top-secret science facilities on an expedition defined by discovery and depth.

Are there any additional packing suggestions I should consider?  

When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition.

In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.

Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?  

Please be aware that flight delays can occur. Your Expedition Leader may need to make adjustments to your itinerary in case of flight schedule changes.

Please be advised that any flights noted on the G Adventures Itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by G Adventures during the tour. The date for this service will match the day of the itinerary, for which Day 1 is equal to the start date noted on the Invoice under Land Services: Tour. If flight information is required in advance for visa purposes, please contact G Adventures.

How large will the group be?  

Max 22, avg. 18.

What meals are included in this trip?  

18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

What should be on my packing list?  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?  

In general Central Asia is a cash operating region, and travellers cheques are not recommended. Due to bank restrictions, only banknotes printed after 1996 can be exchanged. Better to bring notes without marks or stamps on them. We recommend to bring about 70 USD in small denominations: 1, 5 and 10 USD notes. If you are not able to get local currency it's always possible to pay in USD or EUR.

Uzbekistan
There are lots of ATM's to withdraw local currency (UZS), and banks around to exchange USD or EUR. Travellers cheques are not recommended, as only limited amount of banks work with them. Please, note that you can withdraw only local currency (Uzbek Sums) from ATM's. Some banks in Tashkent allow USD cash advance, but this option depends on the amount of USD cash in the bank.

Kazakhstan
The preferred currency for local transactions is the tenge, and local establishments rarely accept credit cards so keep cash on hand. ATMs in Kazakhstan are accessible in the larger cities, and withdrawals can be made by credit card. There are many currency exchange locations available to exchange EUR, USD, GBP, Russian rouble, Kyrgyz som and Chinese yuan.

Kyrgyzstan
The preferred currency for local transactions is the som, and local establishments rarely accept credit cards so keep cash on hand. There are many of ATMs accessible in Bishkek and other larger cities such as Cholpon Ata and Karakol. Larger cities will also have money exchange locations that will trade EUR, USD, Roubles; some locations will trade GBP, and Chinese yuan.

Tajikistan
The preferred currency for local transactions is the somoni, and local establishments rarely accept credit cards so keep cash on hand. You may be able to pay in USD and EUR in some places, however, it is recommended that you take out somoni at ATMs in Dushanbe; there are very few ATMs outside of Dushanbe, and those that exist are less dependable.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?  

Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.

What should I consider when planning my personal expenses and discretionary spending for this itinerary?  

While personal spending habits naturally vary, we recommend factoring in your individual preferences for shopping, tipping, and beverages to ensure a seamless experience. In addition to these day-to-day comforts, we kindly ask that you maintain access to a minimum of USD $200 (or its equivalent) as a dedicated emergency fund; though exceptionally rare, unpredictable circumstances such as changing weather patterns or natural events may occasionally necessitate a shift from our planned route, and this reserve ensures we can navigate any path ahead with peace of mind.

Should I be tipping on my trip?  

To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage.

On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day.

Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert.

For the independent moments on your itinerary, tipping is generally not expected across Central Asia. However, should you wish to reward exceptional service during independent dining or activities, a modest gratuity of 3-5% is entirely appropriate and warmly received by local community members.

What activities are optional on this trip?  

No optional activities

Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?  

Please note that health requirements and recommended inoculations vary by destination. To ensure your well-being, it is your responsibility to consult with a specialized travel physician for up-to-date medical guidance well before departure.

We highly recommend carrying a personal first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any essential prescription medications. Because our itineraries frequently trace paths through remote regions far from advanced medical facilities, legal regulations prohibit our National Geographic Expedition Leaders from administering any medication, including standard over-the-counter pain relievers. While local pharmacies along our route may stock familiar remedies, they are often produced under regional names, so we advise bringing the generic chemical name of any critical prescription. Before finalising your plans, please carefully review the itinerary and physical requirements to ensure your personal fitness aligns with our style of exploration. To safeguard the well-being of the group, we reserve the right to excuse any traveller from all or part of an itinerary if, in the professional judgment of our Expedition Leader, continuing would pose an undue risk to themselves or their fellow travellers.

Please note, Turkmenistan have strict advisories on prohibited medications which can be taken into the country.
If you require further details, please reach out to our Sales team who will be able to advise further.

What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bishkek
Your Foodie Moment: Kazakh Dinner in Traditional Yurt, Almaty
Signature Moment: “Golden Man” Experience at Issyk State Historical and Cultural Reserve Museum, Almaty
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment and Dinner - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Tashkent
Signature Moment: After-Hours at the Guri Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand
Your Local Living Moment: Plov Cooking Class and Dinner, Samarkand. Arrival and departure transfer. Bishkek City Walking Tour. Free time in Bishkek. Traditional Kyrgyz Dinner & Cultural Demonstration. Burana Tower Visit. Lunch and Village Immersion with Nomadic Traditions. Almaty City Tour. Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Huns Ethno Village Visit and Lunch. Free Time in Almaty. Guided City Tour of Dushanbe. Traditional Tajik Welcome Dinner. National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan. Historic Hissor Fortress & Madrasah. Local Family Visit & Cultural Experience. Free time in Dushanbe. Guided City Tour of Tashkent. Farewell Dinner at the TV Tower. Historic Tashkent City tour & Sacred Sites Visit. Chorsu Bazaar Visit. Rakhimov Family Art Studio Visit. Free time in Tashkent. Guided Tour of Samarkand. Architectural Wonders of Samarkand. Tersak Village Visit. Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand Visit. Guided Exploration of Bukhara's Icons. Naqshnabdi Mausoleum Visit. Sitorai Mohi-Khosa Visit. Free Time in Bukhara. Bukhara Old Town visit. Caravanserai dinner. Old Town Exploration in Khiva. Guided Tour of Khiva. Free Time in Khiva. Khorezmian Music and Dance Show. Dashoguz Local Market. Ancient Settlement of Nisa. Free Time in Ashgabat. City Tour of Ashgabat. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Gain insight into local conservation with a talk by a National Geographic grantee, Enjoy pre-opening access and a curator talk on the Scythian 'Golden Man' treasure, Explore Tajikistan's National Museum with an archaeologist focusing on Buddhist history, Enter Tamerlane's mausoleum after hours for a private talk on the Timurid legacy, Walk the ruins of the Parthian capital with a specialist to uncover its ancient power, Bake bread and samosas with a local family before sharing a home-cooked meal.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Private Vehicle, Walking, Plane, Train, Metro.

Is there a travel disclaimer for my itinerary I should review before booking this trip?  

This compiled itinerary represents our thoughtfully designed plan, provided in good faith and correct at the time of publication. However, to ensure we deliver the most rewarding experience possible, our itineraries remain dynamic; we continuously refine our routes based on research, field insights, and guest feedback, meaning details may evolve between the release of our annual directory and your departure. Flexibility is a cornerstone of our travel philosophy, and while we intend to follow the path described, the nature of exploring unpredictable environments means alterations may occur, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. We invite you to view these travel times and details as an approximate guide rather than a strict contract, and we kindly ask that you review a final copy of your Trip Details a few days prior to departure to ensure you have the most current information for your upcoming expedition.

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Hotels (18 nights)

What information should I be aware of as the itinerary draws to a close?  

You will be met at your hotel property and transferred to the airport for your onward travels at the end of your expedition. Please refer to your individual itinerary for more details.

How can I share feedback about my trip experience?  

Upon your return, we invite you to share your insights with us. Your valued feedback shapes the future of our itineraries and ensures we continue to deliver meaningful experiences. As a token of our appreciation for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% savings (up to a maximum of $100 USD) toward your next expedition with us. Simply submit your evaluation within four weeks of completing your travels to unlock this benefit and join our global community of returning travellers.

*This offer is valid for new bookings only, limited to one per person, and cannot be combined with other promotions or applied to independent itineraries. Maximum value of $100 USD (or local currency equivalent). This program may be amended or withdrawn at any time.

What rules should I know before joining this trip?  

Our philosophy of travel is rooted in deep respect for the people, cultures, and lands we encounter. To ensure the safety of our travellers, staff, and the communities that welcome us, the possession or use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on all departures. While certain substances may be woven into local traditions in some regions, they are not permitted within our groups. Furthermore, any form of exploitation, including the solicitation of sex workers, directly contradicts our values. To protect the integrity of the experience and the well-being of the group, our National Geographic Expedition Leader retains the right to remove any traveller who violates these standards.

What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?  

CULTURE
Central Asia is a region which may be very different to anything you have experienced before. The region exists as a living palimpsest where the monumental, concrete ghosts of the Soviet empire cast long shadows over ancient Islamic minarets, and where brutal winter freezes routinely give way to the punishing, sun-baked heat of the desert summer. For the uninitiated traveler, the initial plunge into its sensory tapestry can provoke a sharp shock to the system; yet, to those who look closer, this complex collision of history, faith, and climate reveals itself not as a barrier, but as one of the planet's most thrilling and uncharted cultural frontiers.

DRESS CODE
Though you can see lots of people in traditional clothes, Central Asia has adopted western style clothing as well. Don't hesitate to pack your usual travel clothes: in summer it can be shorts and t-shirts, sandals etc. We recommend not to bring tank tops/singlets and any types of clothes with bare shoulders and backs - it is unacceptable in most areas, even in bigger cities. Our tour takes us to many religious sights, where dress code is very strict. We recommend women to have a headscarf in their day bags to cover up when going inside mosques (it's also a great help in the heat in summer). Best things to pack for the hot Central Asian climate is loose, long clothing - long trousers and sarongs or long skirts for women. In colder months (from the end of October through the end of April) it can rain and snow - bring warm clothes, jackets and comfortable warm shoes for walking.

ALTITUDE CONSIDERATIONS
This trip operates at altitudes over 800m. Whilst we travel slowly allowing plenty of time to acclimatize you may experience headaches, nausea, lethargy. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one's tolerance especially on long driving days.

MONEY
Due to the restrictions on changing money in Central Asia region, only notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition will be accepted for exchange. Usually 50 and 100 USD/EUR notes get better exchange rate. We recommend to bring smaller denominations as well - many vendors accept them if you don't have local currency.

RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 7th - Mar 8th 2027, and Jan 27th - Feb 25th 2028. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with otherNational Geographic Expedition tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with National Geographic Expeditions, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another National Geographic Expeditions tour, after your trip concludes.

ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

Please note, Turkmenistan have strict advisories on prohibited medications which can be taken into the country.
If you require further details, please reach out to our Sales team who will be able to advise further.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?  

Central Asian dress is quite conservative. Plan to pack loose-fitting light clothing appropriate for hot weather and plan to cover knees, shoulders and chest. For women, a hair scarf is recommended, though they are easy to buy in country.

What are the trip specific safety considerations?  

For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended.

What happens if I experience problems when arriving?  

While we anticipate a seamless arrival, your peace of mind is our utmost priority. Should any unforeseen circumstances prevent you from beginning your expedition as scheduled, please refer to the essential emergency contact details provided in your documentation and contact us as soon as possible.

Upon landing, if you do not connect with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend making your own way to the starting point property by following the Joining Instructions. Rest assured, you may submit a request to your travel professional upon your return to secure a refund for any transport costs incurred during this time.

What are the joining instructions?  

To review the specific details of your starting property, please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

A seamless arrival transfer is included for guests landing on the first day of the itinerary, or up to three days prior if your pre-trip accommodations were arranged directly through G Adventures at our starting property. To maintain the exceptional quality and continuity of your experience, all scheduled services must run consecutively.

Upon arriving at the starting property, where check-in begins typically by 3:00PM, please look for a dedicated notice from your National Geographic Expedition Leader at the reception desk. This message will outline the specific details for our evening welcome reception and meeting-typically held between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.-where you will gather with your Expedition Leader, Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers to look ahead at the days to come. Should you arrive later in the evening and miss this initial gathering, your Expedition Leader will leave a comprehensive briefing note for you at reception detailing the next morning's schedule.

Please note that the joining day of the itinerary can vary, please refer to your specific itinerary for further details.

Is travel insurance required for my trip?  

Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.

When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase-such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name-along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.

Who will be leading the group?  

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

What is the group leader like?  

Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites-delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.