5 stans Tours & Trips
Central Asia is a mystery waiting to be discovered. See the Darvaza Gas Crater (“The Gates of Hell”) light up the night in Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan’s jewel, Samarkand, has ornately decorated buildings that are jaw-dropping. Or maybe you’ll follow the Silk Road from Almaty to Ashgabat. How about staying in a Kyrgyz yurt? History, culture, and wonder are waiting for you in the Five Stans.
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Lee • traveled in July
Trip itinerary was good. Tour guide provided big help to get our Turkmenistan visa and passed borders between five countries.
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan - KZ
Kalina • traveled in May, 2025
An unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia! Each country had its own charm — from the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan to the epic mountain landscapes of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Our guides were knowledgeable and passionate, making history come alive at every stop. The balance of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and authentic local encounters made this one of the most enriching trips I’ve ever taken. Adventure Bound has truly mastered the art of immersive travel in the Stans!
The Ultimate 5 Stans Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – Discover Central Asia in 16 Days - GW
Gordon • traveled in June
I had some very excellent time with Central Asia Travel Company. Overall, the programme is well-designed, the execution smooth, and the tour guides knowledgeable and considerate. Special thanks to the tour guides Max in Turkmenistan, Maxi in Kyrgyzstan and Anzar in Kazakhstan. They were extremely friendly and went to extra lengths to tailor the itinerary to my preferences. For example, Max brought me to a first-rate carpet shop in Ashgabat knowing my love of carpets. Maxi offered me a taste of truly extraordinary fresh honey from Osh. Anzar toured me around the State Museum in Almaty, taking into account my preference for city tours (following 15 days on the road!). The Tajikistan trip could have been made better. The Tajik guide had a poor sense of time management, having spent 7-8 hours on our way to the Seven Lakes (vs 3-4 hours as promised). At the ancient ruins, I was told that the bearded men in the mural paintings were women and the saints with halo were 'just normal people'! But this is just a minor disappointment in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable journey. Highly recommended!
Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 days
Table of contents
- The best 5 stans tour packages
- 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
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
77 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The history of the region, the architecture, the natural beauty of the landscape and the very friendly people helped create a memorable experience.”
Jeffrey, traveled in October
Journey through 5 ancient Silk Road nations over 21 days, from Bishkek's Oak Park to Ashgabat's marble architecture. Visit UNESCO sites like Old Nisa fortress, stay in traditional yurt camps by Issyk Kul Lake, and witness the flaming Darvaza gas crater. Experience highlights like Samarkand's Registan Square and Bukhara's ancient trading domes.
Duration 21 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Penguin Travel From
- NZ$4,845+$608 local payments
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$10,890
The Five Stans of The Silk Road
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Varied and interesting locations. Very much on the fo.”
Alanah, traveled in August
Journey through all 5 Stans over 21 days, from Bishkek's modern boulevards to Ashgabat's marble monuments. Sleep in traditional yurts by Lake Issyk Kul, explore UNESCO sites like Samarkand's Registan Square, and camp by Turkmenistan's flaming Darvaza crater. Visit remote villages, ancient Silk Road cities, and towering mountain ranges with expert local guides.
Duration 21 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- NZ$12,210
Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 days
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great scenery, architecture, and different culture. I would definitely come back and visit Bhukara, Samarkand, and Bishkek.”
Phillip, traveled in September
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 12+ Operator Central Asia Travel LP From $6,099
8% Off- NZ$5,607You save $492
The Ultimate 5 Stans Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – Discover Central Asia in 16 Days
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The seamless transitions between countries, the diverse landscapes, and the warm hospitality made it unforgettable.”
Patricia, traveled in June
Duration 16 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Adventure Bound LTD From
8% Off- NZ$6,204
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 $14,487
5% Off- NZ$13,762You save $724
5 Stans - A Journey to Central Asia
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was generally ok, but there were some specific issues that I shall comment later.”
Ian, traveled in September
A 19-day Silk Road odyssey spans all 5 Stans, from Ashgabat's modern architecture to UNESCO-listed Merv ruins. The route includes Khiva's walled city Ichan Kala, Bukhara's ancient madrassahs, and Samarkand's Registan Square. Luxurious accommodations include Oguzkent in Ashgabat and Hyatt Regency in Bishkek.
Duration 19 days Destinations Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Flo Tours From
5% Off- NZ$12,021
Journey through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan over 27 days, experiencing Son-Kol Lake's tranquil shores, Samarkand's UNESCO-listed Registan Square, and Ashgabat's white marble grandeur. Stay in traditional yurts, local guesthouses, and 18 nights in hotels. Visit the flaming Darvaza Crater and explore ancient Silk Road cities like Bukhara and Khiva for $266 per day.
Duration 27 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
5% Off- NZ$10,695
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An eye-opening and amazing trip across Central-Asia. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Marja, traveled in October
A remarkable path through 4 countries in the 5 stans region leads from Bishkek's artsy hub to Tashkent's modern skyline. Nomadic life unfolds in traditional yurts at Song Kul Lake, while Jeti-Oguz Gorge's red rocks and Charyn Canyon's landscapes captivate visitors. Local homestays and guesthouses provide authentic cultural immersion across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.
Duration 14 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
5% Off- NZ$4,739
Private Tour The Ultimate 5 Stans Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – Discover Central Asia in 16 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The journey through the 5 Stans was enlightening and filled with cultural gems. The beauty of Issyk-Kul Lake and the historical sites in Khiva made up for it.”
Margareth, traveled in April
Duration 16 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Adventure Bound LTD From
5% Off- NZ$7,197
Travel 5 stans your way
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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.
Discover 5 stans tours for every budget
5 stans budget tours39 tours
Starting from
$89
per day
5 stans tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top 5 stans travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
- Solo Travelers254 tours
- Couples217 tours
- Seniors (50+)73 tours
Best time to visit 5 stans
- 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 105 tours
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- 100 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.
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- 173 tours
- popular 224 tours
- Summer 2026
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.
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- 190 tours
- popular 240 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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 224 tours
- 177 tours
- 88 tours
Contact our 5 stans travel experts
Steffanie
Expert in 5 stans at TourRadar
Steffanie 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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Call us
+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.