10-Day 5 stans Tour Packages
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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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
9 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Almaty and Bishkek
The 5 stans region unfolds over 9 days, from Kazakhstan's family wineries to Kyrgyzstan's dramatic canyons. Visitors marvel at Almaty's Zenkoff Cathedral, wander through Bishkek's historic squares, and admire Karakol's unique architecture while enjoying authentic local encounters.
- Days 1-2
Almaty
Start exploring Kazakhstan's largest city, where you'll find tree-lined streets and stunning mountain views. Visit Zenkoff Cathedral in the early morning before 9 AM to avoid crowds. It's the second tallest wooden building in the world. Spend your afternoon at the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments and visit a local family-owned winery outside the city. Remember to pack layers since Almaty's weather can change quickly between morning and afternoon.
- Day 3
Bishkek
The cross-border trip from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan takes about 4-5 hours. Stop at the UNESCO site of Tamgaly Tas along the way. Keep your passport accessible and bring snacks since border crossing times can vary. Once you reach Bishkek, check out Ala-Too Square. The central plaza comes alive after 5 PM when locals take their evening walks.
- Days 4-5
Bishkek to Lake Issyk Kul
See the Lenin statue, one of the few still standing in former USSR countries, and visit Oak Park, the city's oldest green space. Drive to Lake Issyk Kul, an impressive 178 km long. Make sure to stop at Burana Tower. You'll need shoes with good grip to climb its narrow stairs. Spend the night at a traditional yurt camp. Pack warm clothes since nighttime temperatures drop significantly, even during summer.
- Days 6-7
Karakol
Visit Skazka Canyon, also called "Fairytale Canyon," known for its unique rock formations. Plan to take photos in the morning light for the best results. In Karakol, you can see Russian colonial architecture and the Dungan Mosque. As one traveler shared: "The Dungan family cooking class was a highlight—learning to make traditional lagman noodles by hand gave us real insight into local culture."
- Days 8-9
Return to Almaty
Take the scenic route back to Kazakhstan with a stop at Charyn Canyon. The hike down takes about 45 minutes. Bring plenty of water and sun protection since there's no shade. Plan for a 6-8 hour total drive including border crossing. Leave early to make the most of your day.
