The Five Stans of the Silk Road - with Exodus Travels - 2019

5 countries, 3 weeks, 1 epic trip along the Silk Road through the heart of Central Asia

Vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile valleys and majestic mountains form the backdrop to the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia which are commonly known as the five Stans. Amongst this changing and varied landscape are traditional villages, ancient towns and modern cities which tell a tale of advancing Greek and Persian armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, traders selling their wares along the Silk Road, philosophers, astronomers, Communist experiments and post-Soviet eccentrics. Journey past giant burning gas pits, intrinsically tiled mosques, alpine lakes bordered by yurt camps, grand monuments, rural villages and colourful markets on this epic trip through the heart of Central Asia.

Link to the trip on the Exodus Travels website

Turkmenistan - Ashgabat, Darvaza and Merv

Uzbekistan - Bukhara and Samarkand

Tajikistan - Visa issues and a change of scenery

Kyrgyzstan - Homestays and Yurts

Kazakhstan - Cancelled flights and wanting to go home