5 stans Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best 5 stans tour packages
- What people love about 5 Stans Tours
- Travel 5 stans your way
- Best tour companies for 5 stans tours
- Discover 5 stans tours for every budget
- 5 stans tours for every type of group
- Top 5 stans travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit 5 stans
- Contact our 5 stans travel experts
- What our customers ask about 5 stans Tours & Trips
The best 5 stans tour packages
Compiled by
Nadine5 stans travel expert at TourRadar
Central Asia: Five Stans Express
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Central Asia tour was extremely enjoyable and included a varied mix of history, old and new cities along the Silk Road.”
YELENA, traveled in October
Journey through 5 unique Stans over 24 days, from Turkmenistan's flaming Darvaza Crater to Uzbekistan's historic Registan Square in Samarkand. Stay in traditional yurts near Lake Issykul, explore Kazakhstan's stunning Charyn Canyon, and experience local life in Tajikistan's mountain villages. Features authentic homestays, UNESCO sites, and desert camping under starlit skies.
Duration 24 days Destinations Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$10,365
Duration 23 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $12,537
10% Off- NZ$11,330You save $1,207
The comprehensive 23-day route through all 5 Central Asian Stans stretches from Turkmenistan's Door to Hell crater to Kazakhstan's Almaty. Traditional yurts at Son Kul Lake offer authentic stays, while UNESCO-listed Nisa fortress and Rishtan's master craftsmen showcase regional heritage. The tour covers 19 cities across 5 countries, with local guides illuminating Soviet-era monuments and ancient Silk Road architecture.
Duration 23 days Destinations Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $12,537
10% Off- NZ$11,330You save $1,207
Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The programme is well-designed, the execution smooth, and the tour guides knowledgeable and considerate.”
HONG, traveled in June
Traverse all 5 Stans from Ashgabat's marble palaces to Almaty's Medeo rink at 3200m altitude. Visit UNESCO sites like ancient Merv and Sarazm ruins, plus natural wonders including the Darwaza gas crater and Seven Lakes of Tajikistan. Stay at select properties like Sport Hotel 4* in Ashgabat and Khurjin Boutique in Bukhara.
Duration 15 days Destinations Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Central Asia Travel LP From
10% Off- NZ$5,973+$279 local payments
Duration 37 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$14,535
What people love about 5 Stans Tours
- Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia
Great scenery, architecture, and different culture. I found each country interesting. Our guides in each country were, for the most part, excellent. It was a very fast paced trip and we did get "mosque fatigue". ;-) I would definitely come back and visit Bhukara, Samarkand, and Bishkek.
- Central Asia 16 days Start in Bishkek
All in all a very nice experience. The guides were very good and always knew interesting things to tell, the route was well chosen and the hotels always in a good location. Only recommend
- 5 Stans Adventure – Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan Kazakhstan
A great and epic journey that really recommend. Life changing perspective
Travel 5 stans your way
The Tajikistan Pamir Highway trek really delivers on both nature and culture. You'll stay with local families in homestays while walking through some seriously remote mountain areas where markhor goats and Marco Polo sheep roam freely. Over in the Nuratau Mountains, we've got a solid 7-day route that takes you from village to village, mixing in ancient sites with local family stays. Our travelers tell us they love how the walks blend exercise with cultural experiences. The routes vary nicely - some days you're out for 4 hours on moderate paths, other days you're covering full 8-hour treks through walnut forests, past mountain lakes and along old Silk Road paths. It's proper hiking with plenty of authentic local connections along the way.
The active tours across Central Asia pack in quite a bit of variety. You can camp by Turkmenistan's Door to Hell crater, explore the old cities of Uzbekistan and spend nights in traditional yurt camps near Son Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. The Pamir Highway crossings take you up past 15,000 feet - our travelers say meeting nomadic families at these heights makes the challenging altitude worth it. If you're after something less intense, we've got tours that mix city visits with day hikes, boat trips on Lake Issyk-Kul and time in remote villages. These work really well for folks who want to stay active while diving into the culture, without pushing themselves to extremes.
Our explorer routes really dig into Central Asia's wild corners, with the 15-day Bishkek trip being a crowd favorite. You'll head through Ala-Archa National Park's rugged terrain before crossing into Kazakhstan to see Charyn Canyon. If you're after genuine remote travel, the Tajikistan routes through Wakhan Valley deliver - you'll sleep in traditional Pamiri homes and explore old fortresses along the way. The camping night near Turkmenistan's Door to Hell is something special - imagine settling in beside a gas crater that's been burning for 40 years, lighting up the desert darkness. Up in Kyrgyzstan, the Son Kul Lake section puts you in yurts at 10,000 feet, right there with the nomadic shepherds and their flocks.
Select from our extensive range of 257 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through 5 stans with our expert guides leading the way.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for 5 stans tours
Looking at the main tour companies in Central Asia, Central Asia Travel Company stands out for their carefully planned trips and solid guide team - Max handles Turkmenistan really well, Maxi knows all the best spots in Kyrgyzstan, and Anzar gets great feedback from Kazakhstan travelers. Though there's room for improvement with their Tajik guide, especially on timing and historical details. East Site has built a good reputation focused mainly on Uzbekistan - they've picked some lovely boutique hotels in great locations and run modern, comfortable transport. Their service quality is consistently high according to our travelers. Penguin Travel offers some of the more budget-friendly options and generally delivers good value. However, their Bishkek hotel choices could use an upgrade, and some of our customers mention that a few guides could improve their English skills. The company seems to be working on these areas based on recent feedback. Out of these operators, Central Asia Travel Company probably offers the most comprehensive regional coverage, East Site excels specifically in Uzbekistan and also Penguin Travel works well for travelers watching their budget but wanting to experience this fascinating region.
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Discover 5 stans tours for every budget
The Five Stans budget tours make the most of your money through clever planning and mixed accommodation. You'll stay in a combination of homestays, simple hotels and traditional yurt camps along the way. A popular northern Silk Road route takes you from Almaty through Bishkek and into Uzbekistan's historic cities - our travelers particularly enjoy seeing traditional eagle hunting displays at Lake Issyk Kul. The real highlight comes at Samarkand's Registan Square and Bukhara's medieval trading domes. Another route starting in Tashkent includes that incredible night camping by the flaming Darvaza crater in Turkmenistan; our customers say it's absolutely worth it just for that experience. These journeys typically last 14-21 days with comfortable train connections linking the major stops.
Our premium Five Stans tours focus on elegant comfort with high-end hotels and private transport throughout. Starting in Tashkent, you'll stay in beautifully restored merchant houses before heading to Samarkand for private cooking lessons learning traditional plov. The journey continues with exclusive access to artisan workshops in Bukhara, private falcon hunting demonstrations near Issyk Kul and intimate dining experiences in local family homes. Another luxury option features boutique hotels across Uzbekistan that our guests say capture the essence of Silk Road history - think traditional wall paintings, classic furnishings and that authentic merchant-house atmosphere.
5 stans budget tours45 tours
Starting from
$92
per day
5 stans tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
241 tours in 5 stansThe Five Stans group journeys stretch across 14-21 days and blend cultural immersion with outdoor discovery. Groups of 12-16 travelers favor the classic 15-day route from Bishkek, which takes them through Ala-Archa National Park's pine forests and, later, into Kazakhstan's dramatic Charyn Canyon valleys. Starting from Dushanbe, another engaging circuit leads visitors to the National Museum and then the Seven Lakes, where each pristine lake displays its own distinctive colors. The comprehensive 15-day journey connects Samarkand's historic observatories with Bukhara's merchant domes, and includes an unforgettable night under the stars near Turkmenistan's Darvaza crater. Our travelers particularly appreciate how these tours balance expert-guided visits with independent exploration - you'll have knowledgeable guides at major sites like Registan Square but also plenty of free time to explore Bukhara's bazaars independently. The tours stand out for their thoughtful rhythm, combining stays at comfortable hotels, authentic family homestays and also traditional yurt camps, which naturally creates meaningful cultural connections without feeling rushed.
Small Group
203 tours in 5 stansThe most rewarding 15-day routes through the Five Stans start from Bishkek, leading you along Ala-Archa National Park's mountain trails and into Kazakhstan's striking Charyn Canyon. Groups departing from Tashkent explore the heritage-rich cities of Khiva, Bukhara and also Samarkand. Our clients often mention the personal highlights - joining Uzbek families to cook traditional plov, watching felt artisans at work in Kochkor, or spending time with eagle hunters near Lake Issyk Kul. The more adventurous tours head to Turkmenistan's Darvaza crater, where travelers camp beside natural flames, before tackling the high-altitude Pamir Highway at 15,000 feet, visiting nomadic families along the way. Luxury-minded travelers can opt for premium itineraries with restored merchant house accommodations, private cooking sessions and special visits to craft workshops. Active tours combine walks through dense walnut forests with authentic experiences at Son Kul Lake's yurt camps, sharing space at 10,000 feet with local shepherds who've maintained their traditional way of life.
Private / Personalized
128 tours in 5 stansPrivate Five Stans tours give you complete flexibility with a dedicated guide and driver all to yourself. A popular 14-day route begins in Almaty where you'll explore Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkov Cathedral before heading into the Kyrgyz mountains. You get private sessions at felt-making workshops in Kochkor, nights in family guesthouses in the Nuratau Mountains and personal experiences like bread-making classes in Khiva. There's also a specialized seven-day option focused on village-to-village hiking through Kyrgyzstan's remote valleys - our guides know exactly when to visit local families as they prepare traditional crafts or process their seasonal harvests.
Top 5 stans travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our week-long tours blend cultural discoveries with outdoor exploration. The Nuratau village-to-village hiking takes you through Sentob, Hayat and also Asraf, where you'll stay with local families along the way. You'll join felt-making workshops, discover ancient petroglyphs and learn to cook plov with your host families. For those more interested in culture, the 7-day Uzbekistan route focuses on Silk Road cities, where you'll watch paper-making in Samarkand, explore trading domes in Bukhara and meet traditional craftspeople in their workshops. Our travelers often tell us they love having both guided tours and free time to explore the old quarters on their own.
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The 10-day journeys really get into the heart of Central Asia's heritage. Starting in Tashkent, you'll use the high-speed rail network between major cities. Our travelers particularly enjoy seeing Registan Square in the evening light and exploring Khiva's old town in the quiet morning hours. Some routes mix in homestays in the Nuratau Mountains and nights at desert yurt camps. You'll join cooking classes, meet master craftspeople and explore local markets too. The professional guides consistently get high praise from our customers for bringing the region's rich history to life.
See all toursDemographics
The 15-day solo routes from Tashkent or Bishkek really hit the sweet spot. You'll share the journey with 12-16 other travelers in simple but good hotels and authentic yurt camps, and there's usually no extra cost for having your own room. The days mix guided history walks with free afternoons to check out local markets and food spots on your own. Our solo travelers tell us they like how the guides handle it - joining in for group dinners when you want company but leaving plenty of time to explore places like Bukhara's trading domes and also Samarkand's tea houses by yourself.
Couples tend to love our premium 16-day circuit with its nice romantic touches. You'll have sunset meals overlooking Registan Square and learn to cook in local Uzbek homes. The hotels are really special - restored merchant houses and cozy guesthouses tucked away in the Nuratau Mountains. Our traveling pairs say they appreciate how the schedule flows, with guided tours balanced against quiet time together, especially in UNESCO sites like Khiva and also Bukhara. The route includes some unique experiences too - camping under stars by Turkmenistan's Darvaza fire crater and watching traditional eagle hunters near Lake Issyk Kul.
Our active 15-day routes draw younger travelers who want culture mixed with outdoor action. You'll hike through Ala-Archa National Park, explore the deep valleys of Charyn Canyon and camp beside the Door to Hell crater. The accommodation switches between hotels, local family stays and yurt camps - it's comfortable but keeps you close to local life. There's optional horse riding at Son Kul Lake, waterfall hikes in the Fann Mountains and exploring old fortress ruins around Merv. The pace keeps you moving but isn't too intense, leaving energy for checking out the night scenes in Bishkek, Almaty and also Tashkent.
Our 14-21 day journeys work perfectly for seniors, using comfortable trains and private vehicles to cover ground smoothly. You'll stay longer in each place, which means fewer hotel changes and more time to really get to know each spot. The walking tours in places like Samarkand and Bukhara take it easy with regular tea house stops. Our older travelers particularly like the quality rooms, knowledgeable local guides and relaxed schedule. There's always optional activities available but zero pressure to join, and guides are skilled at adjusting the pace for different walking speeds.
Our Central Asian tours adapt nicely to different travel styles, with routes that work well for solo explorers, couples seeking romance, young folks wanting action and seniors who prefer a measured pace. The small group sizes keep things friendly while giving everyone space to enjoy the journey their own way.
- Solo Travelers260 tours
- Couples43 tours
- Seniors (50+)64 tours
Best time to visit 5 stans
- Summer 2025
The Five Stans really come alive during summer months from June through August. Starting in Bishkek, our routes take you hiking through Ala-Archa National Park before heading to Lake Issyk Kul's clear waters. Many travelers tell us their favorite experience is staying in traditional yurt camps near Son Kul Lake at 3,016m elevation, where you'll see local shepherds with their flocks on the summer pastures. The southern route includes Samarkand's Registan Square - it looks amazing in the evening light - and you'll explore Bukhara's medieval trading domes when they're buzzing with activity. For something more off-grid, we head into the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan with its layered lakes at different heights, and also camp in the Karakum Desert near Darvaza's gas crater; sleeping under stars next to this burning crater is quite an adventure.
- 201 tours
- popular 255 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
September and October offer perfect weather for exploring the Five Stans. The walking is comfortable and the landscapes put on a real show, especially at Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan where the rocks glow orange in autumn light. Our Uzbekistan routes become much more pleasant for walking tours - you'll discover Khiva's old town, explore Bukhara's trading domes and see Samarkand's detailed tilework without the summer heat. Up in Kyrgyzstan's mountains around Karakol, the hiking trails give you great views of the first snow on the peaks, while the walnut forests near Arslanbob are busy with the harvest. Our travelers consistently tell us autumn hits the sweet spot between cultural sites and outdoor activities.
- popular 252 tours
- 195 tours
- 130 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours through the Five Stans blend cultural highlights with seasonal charm. From Almaty, most trips begin at Chimbulak Ski Resort, where cable cars ascend to showcase the snow-draped Tian Shan mountains. Travelers in Tashkent, learn winter cooking traditions like plov in local classes and explore the warmth of Chorsu Bazaar's trading domes. The ancient sites of Samarkand and Bukhara take on a special character against winter skies, particularly during evening visits to Registan Square when the architecture seems to glow in the fading light. Active travelers find excellent hiking through Nuratau's village paths, while the Darvaza gas crater creates an even more powerful scene in winter as its eternal flames pierce the frigid desert darkness. We've carefully selected accommodations that range from city hotels to traditional homestays, yurt camps and also family-run guesthouses - all properly equipped for winter comfort. Our customers often tell us how the genuine warmth of local families adds an unforgettable dimension to these cold-season journeys.
- popular 108 tours
- 86 tours
- 78 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings out all the best elements of touring the Five Stans, with cultural discoveries and outdoor exploration perfectly balanced across our most popular routes. You'll begin in Bishkek before heading into Ala-Archa National Park's emerging spring landscapes, then cross to Kazakhstan where morning light creates fascinating patterns across Charyn Canyon's rock faces. Our customers tell us they particularly appreciate exploring UNESCO sites during this season - you can wander through Samarkand's Registan Square, Bukhara's merchant domes, and also historical neighborhoods without summer's intense heat. Tajikistan's Seven Lakes region offers ideal hiking conditions in spring, as each lake shows off distinct colors against fresh mountain vegetation. Over in Turkmenistan, nights at the Darvaza gas crater camp become something special, thanks to comfortable evening temperatures. The spring season works beautifully for village stays in the Nuratau Mountains, where local families welcome visitors while practicing traditional felt-making, bread preparation and also time-honored tandir oven baking. Walking tours through the historic centers of Khiva, Bukhara and also the ancient quarters become notably more enjoyable with spring's mild weather, according to consistent feedback from our travelers.
- 86 tours
- 113 tours
- popular 131 tours
Contact our 5 stans travel experts
Tetiana
Expert in 5 stans at TourRadar
Tetiana is one of our seasoned 5 stans Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about 5 stans tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about 5 stans Tours & Trips
What exactly are these "5 Stans" and why do people group them together?
You've got Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - five amazing Central Asian countries that share this incredible Silk Road heritage. Their stories languages and landscapes are all woven together in this fascinating mix of cultures that's really unique to this part of the world.
Can you actually travel independently or do you need to join a tour to see all 5 Stans?
While you can definitely go solo navigating visas can be tricky especially in Turkmenistan. Border crossings are quite an experience - imagine walking a mile with your luggage between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan! There's real value in having tour support though like when a TourRadar traveler missed their connection and Olga quickly sorted everything out over Telegram.
Which Stan would you recommend for someone visiting Central Asia for the first time?
Uzbekistan's probably your best bet it's got great tourist infrastructure and these incredible historical sites. Actually one TourRadar traveler said Uzbekistan was the only country they'd visit again after seeing all five! The Silk Road cities - Samarkand Bukhara Khiva - are just stunning with their Islamic architecture and the food especially plov is absolutely amazing.
How can travelers really experience Central Asia's natural beauty beyond the cities?
The mountains in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are just incredible. You can trek through Ala-Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan starting at the Alpine camp at 2200m up to this beautiful Ak-Sai waterfall at 2665m. Over in Tajikistan the Seven Lakes in the Fann Mountains each has its own unique color you can reach them via the M34 highway through Anzob pass at 3400m. For a really authentic experience try staying in yurt camps they're all over both countries especially at Song-Kul Lake and Darwaza.
What about off-the-beaten-path places that show real Central Asian life?
Head to the Nuratau Mountains in Uzbekistan and stay with local families in Sentob or Hayat villages it's really special. You can hike to ancient petroglyphs check out the habitat of endangered Severtzov's sheep or learn traditional bread baking. The local families even show you how to make plov! Over in Bokonbayevo village by Issyk-Kul lake you can watch traditional falconry demonstrations it's pretty amazing stuff.