Today is going to kick off the start to an action-packed itinerary, so brace yourselves for a whole lot of awesomeness!

We'll get up bright and early to start a full day tour that will immerse us in the cultural significance of Kyrgyzstan through a city tour of Bishkek, and then we'll head out of the city to connect with nature in Ala Archa National Park!

Then our plan right now is to go straight to the airport after the tour (don't worry, no heavy hiking/sweating is required) so we can take a short flight to Kazakhstan!

We'll be grabbing a bite to eat at the airport (hopefully in the lounge), and then sleeping at our beautiful hotel in Almaty!

We won't wake you up at the crack of dawn today, and will let you have an unrushed breakfast before we depart around 9:30-10 for our full day Almaty city tour!

Almaty is Kazakhstan’s cultural capital nestled at the foot of the majestic Tien Shan mountains. Today's tour blends Soviet charm with modern flair, starting at the iconic Panfilov Park, home to the awe-inspiring Zenkov Cathedral — one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. We'll stroll through leafy boulevards to Republic Square, where history meets grandeur, and catch panoramic views from Kok-Tobe Hill, reached by a scenic cable car ride.

Along the way, enjoy local flavors at bustling bazaars and cozy cafés. Whether you're drawn to architecture, nature, or vibrant street life, Almaty offers a rich tapestry of experiences and endless photo ops!

Since the tour might not take all day, we are thinking of heading back out in the early evening to do a Pub Crawl for anyone up for it! But feel free to get some rest instead, because we have a big day tomorrow!

Overnight: Almaty

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we actually do have to wake up a little early, because we're going on an adventure! Escape into the heart of Kazakhstan’s alpine paradise with a full-day tour to the breathtaking Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes.

Nestled deep in the Tien Shan mountains, Kolsai’s trio of sapphire lakes offers serene hiking trails and panoramic views, while Kaindy Lake stuns with its surreal underwater forest — ghostly spruce trees rising from crystal-clear waters. Along the way, enjoy traditional Kazakh hospitality in a mountain village and savor local cuisine. This tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a magical retreat into the wild!

Overnight: Almaty

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

We'll head back to the airport this morning to catch our flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan! Tahskent typically isn't well-known for sightseeing compared to its more picturesque cities, but we personally enjoyed it, plus it's the best flight hub for direct flights!

As soon as we arrive, we will go and drop our bags off at the hotel, but we will not be checking in until late afternoon, so please plan accordingly before the morning flight, and take a day bag if needed!

Then we will head offf to uncover the vibrant soul of Uzbekistan’s capital on a guided tour through Tashkent’s historic and modern highlights. Wander the bustling stalls of Chorsu Bazaar, where we're sure most of you will do a lot of shopping (this is the best place in Uzbekistan to do it for the best prices).

Marvel at the intricate mosaics of Khast Imam Complex, and get your first view of ornately decorated spiritual centers. As the sun sets, the tour culminates in a dazzling finale at Magic City — Tashkent’s whimsical entertainment district that reminds us of a mix between Universal City Walk and Disney!

We'll have dinner at your leisure here, since there are tons of restaurants to choose from and you might want something different! (We'll send out a list of options in advance, but they have everything from sushi and pizza to local Uzbek cuisine!)

Overnight in Tashkent

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

This morning you'll get to experience Uzbekistan's famous high-speed trains (In business class, of course) to get to its most famous city!

In just a few hours we'll go from Tashkent to Samarkand, where we'll drop our bags off at an adorable boutique hotel with an epic view, that's walkable to the most famous sites! But don't worry, we won't make you walk too much! We'll take either the city's little sightseeing carts or a bus, so we can comfortably get to all the beautiful sites, without breaking a sweat for the photos ;)

Samarkand is said to be the heart of the Silk Road, where ancient grandeur meets vibrant culture. We'll see the awe-inspiring Registan Square, framed by three majestic madrasahs adorned in turquoise mosaics. We'll wander through the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, resting place of conqueror Timur, and marvel at the celestial beauty of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. We'll also vsit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world, and explore the bustling Siab Bazaar where you can see where locals buy their produce, buy your own teas and spices, and of course, pick up some more of those fabulous "luxury pajamas" and silk scarves!

Midday, we'll indulge in a fabulous lunch at Emirhan Restaurant, where traditional Uzbek cuisine meets elegant ambiance — think sizzling kebabs, fragrant pilaf, and warm hospitality with an epic view of Registan Square!

Dinner will also be with a view, and you can choose to wander as you please around the market afterwards, or get a full night's sleep!

Overnight in Samarkand

Meals: Breakfast

Today will be extremely long, but well worth it! We only have two days to experience the country of Tajikistan, so let's make the most out of them!

Unfortunately, the quickest way to include this country is by driving, so please be prepared for a long drive in the morning!

Nestled in the verdant Zeravshan Valley of Tajikistan, Panjakent is a treasure trove of history and culture. Once a thriving Sogdian trade hub on the Silk Road, the city boasts stunning archaeological ruins, including ancient temples, frescoed homes, and a citadel that whispers tales of a lost civilization.

Surrounded by mountains and close to the Seven Lakes, Panjakent offers a perfect blend of heritage, scenery, and local charm to give us a taste of the local culture before we embark back out into nature tomorrow!

Overnight in Panjakent

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today we'll leave the city and embark on a breathtaking nature excursion to Tajikistan’s legendary Seven Lakes of the Fann Mountains — a kaleidoscope of sapphire, emerald, and turquoise waters nestled in dramatic alpine valleys.

Each lake reveals a new shade and story, from the tranquil shores of Mijgon to the mirror-like reflections of Hazorchashma. Along the way, we'll pass through charming mountain villages, meet warm-hearted locals, and enjoy a traditional Tajik lunch with panoramic views. It’s a day of nature, culture, and unforgettable beauty — a hidden gem just beyond the Silk Road!

Hopefully the adventure will tire you out, and we can all sleep on the long drive back to Samarkand, where we will stay overnight in our cozy beds!

Overnight in Samarkand

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

This morning we'll board our second high speed train, and head to the beautiful city of Bukhara! If you follow Alyssa, you may remember this place because it's where she accidentally got sick from trying to eat eggs for breakfast (a newfound allergy) and her first stop in Bukhara was to the pharmacy!

Hopefully no one will have tummy problems like that on this trip though, and we'll have a smooth ride to this ancient city, that's way less busy than the other main cities, and incredibly charming!

Step back in time as we explore the ancient city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with over 2,000 years of history. We'll start at Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, a tranquil plaza framed by madrasahs and mulberry trees.

Then we'll go marvel at the towering Kalon Minaret and the grand Kalon Mosque, then wander through the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, still active today. Afterwards, we'll hit up a couple of rooftops Alyssa found, with epic views of all of these!

Last we'll discover the intricate tilework of Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs, and shop for local crafts in the arched Trading Domes. The tour wraps up at the Ark Fortress, the ancient royal citadel, and the Bolo Haouz Mosque, with its elegant wooden columns reflected in a peaceful pool.

It’s a day of architectural splendor, spiritual heritage, and Silk Road magic!

Overnight in Bukhara

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Most tours will use the train or bus for a long ride to get to Khiva, but we are not a typical tour company, so we are flying there. We'll catch an early flight from Bukhara with connection in Tashkent, arriving in Urgench in just a few hours. Then we'll go straight to Khiva for an early evening walking tour.

As the golden light of late afternoon bathes the ancient walls of Itchan Kala, step into a living museum on this stroll through Khiva, one of the most famous cities of Uzbekistan. Wander through narrow alleys lined with intricately carved wooden doors and turquoise-tiled facades. Visit the towering Kalta Minor Minaret, the elegant Juma Mosque with its forest of wooden columns, and the majestic Kunya-Ark Citadel. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city glows with a warm, timeless magic — perfect for capturing stunning photos and soaking in centuries of Silk Road history.

We'll end our stroll with a rooftop tea or dinner overlooking the illuminated skyline!

Overnight in Khiva

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

We know many of you will be looking forward to witnessing the "Door to Hell", especially as the rumors of it running out of gas or being extinguished continue to threaten its existence!

Well, after a hellish border crossing, and the only long bumpy ride of this trip, you'll get to see it with your own eyes! Take our word for it, it's wild to see!

Since the Dargaza crater is best seen at night, we'll settle into our cozy yet basic yurts (also the only non-4star accom of the trip) and hang out at our picnic tables while we await a delicious home-cooked BBQ lunch!

Then our vans or bus will give us a ride down to the crater, to witness the eerie burning hole in the earth! Stay as long as you'd like, but DO NOT get too close! There are no railings or anything preventing you from falling in, and we do not want any injuries or Travel Tribers leaving us for the underworld!

After you've felt the burn, we'll have another delicious BBQ lunch at camp!

Overnight: Yurt in Turkmenistan

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Ashgabat is hands down one of the most peculiar cities we've ever seen in the world, and we absolutely cannot wait to go back and experience it with you!

After a slightly shorter drive (and a lot less bumpy) we'll dive right into the dazzling world of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s surreal capital, on a full-day guided tour that blends futuristic architecture with deep cultural roots.

We'll see the Independence Monument and stroll through the pristine Neutrality Arch, then explore the ornate Turkmenbashi Mosque and the ancient ruins of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the city’s white-marble skyline, quirky golden statues, and record-breaking fountains. We'll also see the famous ferris wheel that Alyssa cannot stop talking about!

Midday, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, and continue touring until late afternoon.

As the sun sets, we'll have a fabulous dinner at another ornate restaurant, before retiring to our equally as decorated hotel!

Overnight in Ashgabat

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Sadly our epic '5 Stans adventure comes to an end today! If you think you might want to add on some extra sightseeing in Ashgabat, aim for a later flight out today!

Please note though that guided tours are mandatory in Turkmenistan, but we will of course help put something together for those who want to stay a little bit longer!