The Five Stans & Silk Road, Rediscovered

Requirements vary by country and nationality. Turkmenistan is the key one to plan for: it requires a mandatory Letter of Invitation (LOI) before a visa can be issued on arrival, and we assist with this specific part of the process.

After booking, you’ll access the LOI form in your Traveller Hub account. You’ll need to complete it in full and upload a colour passport copy and a compliant passport-style photo no later than 90 days before departure - late or incomplete submissions can delay your documentation and incur a $250 AUD per person late fee. Because turnaround is handled locally and can be unpredictable, you may receive your LOI as late as 7 days before departure; you must print it to present on arrival.

On arrival you’ll present your passport and Letter of Invitation at the visa window, complete a mandatory on-arrival COVID-19 test, then pay the visa and test fees at the bank window before collecting your stamped passport and clearing immigration.

Bring sufficient US dollars in cash - roughly USD 95–120 for the visa and around USD 42–45 for the test. The whole process can take 1–1.5 hours, so please be patient; our local representative will be waiting once you exit with an Inspiring Vacations sign. (Process as of 2025 and subject to change.)

Both featured journeys cross all five - Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Our wider Central Asia range includes shorter itineraries that focus on just one or two countries, so talk to our team about the right fit for you.

The 22 Day Five Stans Unveiled is a Classic tour: exceptional value, a lively pace, larger groups (10–24) and a mix of 3–4★ hotels plus two authentic shared yurt-camp nights, from $9,395 AUD. The 25 Day Timeless Stans & Turkmenistan is a Premium Small Group journey: three extra days, an active but slower pace, a smaller group (6–16), superior accommodation and transport, private-yurt camp nights and curated touring, from $13,995 AUD.

These are Active journeys (4 / 5). Expect guided walking of roughly 10,000–15,000 steps a day on varied terrain - cobblestones, gravel and uneven ground - plus some long coach days (up to 8 hours) on roads that can be very bumpy. A good level of fitness and mobility helps.

Hotels are 3–4★, with two memorable nights in a traditional yurt camp. On the Classic tour the yurt camp is shared (4 per yurt, communal bathrooms 100–150m away, mixed genders, no private rooms); the Premium tour includes private-yurt camp nights. Squat toilets are common outside hotels, and not all hotels have lifts.

The shoulder seasons - spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) - are generally the most comfortable, with pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds. Summers are hot: desert and lowland regions can exceed 40°C (occasionally 45°C), sometimes as early as May, while mountain areas stay much cooler. Come prepared for a wide temperature range with sun protection, layers and plenty of hydration.

Bring enough US dollars in cash for your Turkmenistan arrival fees. Each country has its own currency, and your tour leader can advise on exchanging USD. ATMs are widely available in major cities across Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (Visa/Mastercard accepted at many), but are limited in Turkmenistan and remote areas, so carry some cash. Tell your bank you’re travelling before you go.

It’s your responsibility to confirm what you can legally carry into every country on the itinerary. Across the Five Stans, substances including tramadol, morphine and opiates are prohibited, and some medicines available at home (such as certain sleeping pills) may be restricted - penalties can be severe. Carry copies of all prescriptions and a doctor’s letter, and be prepared to declare prescription medication at customs.

Crossing borders between the Central Asian countries is part of the adventure, but the process can be fluid and occasionally feels unstructured. There will be a period during each crossing when you’re unescorted, as local guides don’t cross with you, and you may walk up to 1–1.5km with your own luggage, sometimes in full sun. Some small fees may apply. Your tour leader will guide you as much as possible - patience and flexibility go a long way.

Yes - we offer add-on extensions including Mary & Merv in Turkmenistan, Turkey, the Caucasus (Georgia) and Dubai, so you can extend your adventure before or after the main tour. Speak with our team about availability and pricing for your chosen departure.