10-Day 5 stans Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day 5 Stans tour itineraries

Compiled by

Nadine5 stans travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Tashkent and Samarkand

  Comprehensive 10-day exploration from Tashkent through Bukhara's medieval madrasas and Samarkand's Timurid architecture. Cross into Tajikistan to discover 4000-year-old Sarazm ruins, mountain-ringed Iskanderkul Lake, and Dushanbe's blend of ancient and modern landmarks.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tashkent

    Start your Central Asian adventure in Uzbekistan's capital. Check into your hotel on arrival. The next day visit the Hazrati Imom Complex, the spiritual center of Tashkent. Head to Chorsu Bazaar early to avoid the midday heat and see locals doing their morning shopping. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts in the afternoon when it's less busy.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Bukhara

    Take the morning fast train from Tashkent at 8:00 AM (arrives 12:05 PM). Get to the station 45 minutes early for security checks. Visit the 10th-century Samanid Mausoleum, one of Central Asia's oldest buildings. See the Poi Kalon complex at sunset for perfect photos of the minaret. On day 2 visit the trading domes early before tourist groups arrive.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Samarkand

    A short train ride brings you to Samarkand, the crown jewel of the Silk Road. See the Registan's three madrasas at dusk when they light up. Start early at Bibi Khanum Mosque to avoid crowds and heat. Visit Siab Bazaar on Sundays when local farmers sell fresh produce. Bring good shoes for the slippery steps at Ulugbek Observatory.

    
  • Day 7

    Border Crossing & Penjikent

    The journey to Tajikistan takes time. Border crossing can last 1-2 hours so pack water and snacks. In Penjikent explore the 4,000-year-old excavation sites. Bring sun protection as the archaeological areas offer little shade.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Dushanbe via Iskanderkul Lake

    The scenic drive through Fann Mountains to Dushanbe takes 7-8 hours. Stop at Iskanderkul Lake but bring a jacket for the cooler altitude. In Dushanbe the National Museum offers great insights into Tajik history. Plan a half day to see the Hissar Fortress 30km from the city.

    
  • Day 10

    Leave from Dushanbe

    Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic jams.

    

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• 9 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Bishkek and Almaty

  Mountains and canyons define this 9-day adventure through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The itinerary covers 7 unique locations including Bishkek's cultural sites, Song Kul Lake's traditional yurts, Karakol's historic architecture, and Almaty's modern attractions. Guests enjoy authentic stays in local homes and villages.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bishkek & Chong-Kemin Valley

    Start exploring Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek. "The blend of Soviet architecture and modern cafes makes Bishkek surprisingly artsy and welcoming." Visit Osh Bazaar in the early morning alongside locals doing their shopping. Take a 90-minute drive to Chong-Kemin Valley and stop at Burana Tower. You'll need good shoes for the steep stairs. Spend the night at a local guesthouse and experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Song Kul Lake & Tamga

    The 4-hour drive to Song Kul Lake (3,016m) offers beautiful views. Bring warm clothes since the temperature changes quickly at this altitude. You'll sleep in traditional yurts by the lake, which many travelers say is the best part of their trip. The next day, travel to Tamga village near Issyk-Kul Lake and check out the interesting Soviet-era sanatorium where cosmonauts used to recover after space missions.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Karakol & Jety-Oguz

    Stay in Karakol for two nights. You can visit the Chinese-style Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church. Take a trip to see the "Seven Bulls" red rocks at Jety-Oguz Gorge. A recent visitor advised: "The valley of wildflowers trek offers stunning views, but start early as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer."

    
  • Day 7

    Cross into Kazakhstan

    Head into Kazakhstan and go to Saty Village in Kolsai Lakes National Park. Take a Russian 4x4 to see the underwater forest at Kaindy Lake. Pack waterproof hiking shoes for the muddy paths. Stay with a local family to experience real Kazakh hospitality.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Charyn Canyon & Almaty

    Drive to Almaty through Charyn Canyon. One visitor suggests: "Arrive at Charyn Canyon before 10 AM for the best lighting and fewer crowds." In Almaty, check out Panfilov Park, the wooden Zenkov Cathedral and the Green Bazaar. Take the cable car up Kok Tobe hill in late afternoon for great city views and photos.

    

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• Jewels of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan&Tajikistan 10-day tour

  

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  • Tashkent Uzbekistan

    72 mi

  • Khujand Uzbekistan

    41 mi

  • Istaravshan Tajikistan

    111 mi

  • Samarkand Uzbekistan

    133 mi

  • Bukhara Uzbekistan

    272 mi

  • Tashkent Uzbekistan

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