Skip to main content

Explore 5 Former Soviet Republics on this Hardcore 23-Day Adventure Tour

For better or worse, Instagram can make the world seem like a pretty small place. It’s easy to feel like you’ve already “seen” so much of the planet without ever leaving the comfort of your own bed. But, there are still far-flung destinations that most typical travelers rarely trek to. This year, Exodus Travels is looking to explore no less than five such destinations on one, all-new hardcore adventure and photography tour.

The aptly named Five Stans of the Silk Road Photography Adventure looks to be a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime trip. Over 23 days, travelers will walk in the footsteps of Genghis Khan across five countries along the Silk Road. It’s a vast landscape of inhospitable desert, lush valleys, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains spread across the five former Soviet Republics of Central Asia including Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

Recommended Videos

Exodus confirms, “It’s a photographer’s dream trip – but make no mistake, it’s also pretty hardcore.”

This is an adventurous journey designed for amateur and expert photographers who appreciate the value in earning their shot. Along one of the world’s most historical routes — a route defined by centuries of conquering, trade, war, philosophy, and espionage — the 16-person group will have the opportunity to photograph grand palaces, Far East bazaars, Soviet monuments, and royal mausoleums. Specific highlights include a visit to Turkmenistan’s giant, 45-year-old ‘Gates of Hell’ burning gas pit, the city of Merv (a UNESCO World Heritage Site ravaged by Mongolian Hordes 800 years ago), the beautiful Arslanbob Nature Reserve (home to the world’s oldest and largest walnut forest), the lakes and villages of the Fann and Tien Shan Mountains, and the stunning architecture and ruins of some of the world’s most incredible mosques.

Not surprisingly, this isn’t your typical hop-on/hop-off bus tour complete with a bullhorn-toting guide reading placards at every stop. National Geographic Explorer George Kourounis will personally lead the trip. Not only is he a TV presenter, but also a well-traveled adventurer and world-class photographer. For travelers looking to up their camera game, Kourounis will share the shooting tips and tricks he’s learned from a lifetime on the road.

The intense Five Stans of the Silk Road Photography Adventure starts at USD $5,505 per person including accommodations, most meals, and ground transportation. But, for a 23-day adventure that tackles five of the world’s most off-the-beaten-path countries, that feels like a bargain.

Buy at Exodus Travels

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 may be the perfect travel companion — here’s why
Improved ANC, better battery life, and a brand new translation tool set these earbuds apart
Two people conversing in a cafe while wearing AirPods Pro 3

Apple has announced a new set of AirPods, and there’s a fair argument that the compact audio devices totally overshadowed the new Apple Watch, iPhone 17, and iPhone Air -- which debuted during the same showcase.

The AirPods Pro 3 has vastly increased capabilities when compared to its predecessors. The most useful new function for travelers is likely to be the translation feature. With the feature enabled, the AirPods automatically translate the speech of anyone the user is talking to, so that user will hear the conversation in their selected language. ANC also kicks in to lower the person speaking’s voice, which makes the translation sound more prominent.

Read more
Airbnb says this iconic capital is the most popular fall destination
Paris is the place to be this fall
Paris apartment airbnb panoramic view

Airbnb has unveiled its 2025 fall travel trends report, and one city tops Gen Z’s must-visit list this season: Paris, France. The study found Gen Z traveler searches are up 26% compared to last fall, with young globetrotters more likely than Millennials to book longer, international escapes. But the data isn’t just for Gen Z, anyone can use it to plan an affordable shoulder-season getaway.

Paris has emerged as the No. 1 trending fall destination, as travelers flock to the French capital for cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a chance to check off bucket list experiences. Autumn in Paris offers plenty to enjoy: strolls along the Seine as leaves turn golden, café-hopping in Saint-Germain, and cultural events like Nuit Blanche, the citywide all-night arts festival in October. Visitors can also enjoy iconic attractions, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, without peak-season lines.

Read more
7 unforgettable Montana destinations that go way beyond Yellowstone
Explore outside of Yellowstone
Glacier National Park

Something about Montana is just different. The air is cleaner, the skies feel wider, and the pace of life slows down in the best way. If you've ever taken a trip to Yellowstone, you know how stunning the landscape is, but Montana's beauty doesn’t stop at the park gates. 

While Yellowstone is absolutely worth a visit, there’s a whole world beyond it that’s just waiting to be explored. From charming small towns to incredible mountain views and world-class Montana ski resorts, this state is full of unforgettable destinations. These are some of the best places to visit in Montana for every type of traveler.

Read more