THE FIVE STANS ABOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE TRAIN
Exploration
The Five Stans Aboard the Golden Eagle Train
OVERVIEW
Travel aboard the stylish Golden Eagle train, stopping in each of the ‘Five Stans’. Enjoy an immersion into each country’s culture and admire grand mosques and palaces. Unexplored by most travellers, these ancient lands tell tales of commerce and cooperation; where language and culture were exchanged as surely as silks and spice. This journey is reserved for just 28 guests.
Departing 19 April 2025 — Sold Out
Almaty to Tashkent
17 Days
Train & Land Exploration
TRACING SILK ROADS THROUGH THE 'FIVE STANS'
Enjoy a thorough exploration of the ‘Five Stans’, the Central Asian nations that once served as signposts along the Silk Roads. From Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan, we encounter traditional villages and vast lakes. While grand mosques, opulent palaces and priceless artefacts are revealed during visits to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.
TRAVEL ABOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE TRAIN
Follow a remote and historic route, carried by our lavish rolling home. Over 11 nights, enjoy the ever-changing landscapes that glide past our train’s windows. The bar lounge car provides for the perfect interlude between days of discovery, while exceptional dishes are savoured in the restaurant car.
SMALL GROUP PRIVATE TRAVEL
At every stage, we are accompanied by a Captain’s Choice Tour Manager and Tour Doctor from Australia. And, although we won’t be alone aboard Golden Eagle, our group will enjoy each fascinating encounter escorted by our own local guide. Everything has been considered and included.
ENCOUNTERS WITH EAGLE HUNTERS
A tradition going back hundreds of years in Kyrgyzstan, hunting with golden eagles is in gradual decline. Near the shores of Lake Issyk-kul, though, we bear witness to this ancient custom, as skilled defenders of nomadic traditions release their powerful eagles to capture prey with exquisite precision.
SEE REGISTAN SQUARE, MAJESTIC AND RESPLENDENT
On the approach of twilight, we make our way to the revered Registan Square. The opulent designs of its madrassahs’ facades are underscored by golden light; their archways bathed in radiating greens and blues. We toast this brilliant display during an evening drinks reception.
AN ENDURING, BURNING DESERT
Known as the ‘Door to Hell’, for its fiery pit in the middle of the Karakum Desert, the circular Darvaza Gas Crater measures 70 metres across and 20 metres deep. Our train stops at Ichoguz, from where we make the short journey to witness this remote receptacle of natural gas and perpetual flame.
RESIDENCES OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD
ITINERARY
2025 Tour Host Team
Tour Manager Denise Van Sever
Tour Doctor Michele Zwi