7-Day 5 stans Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 7-day 5 Stans tour itineraries
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7 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Almaty and Bishkek
A captivating 7-day tour showcases Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan's highlights. The route winds through Kazakhstan's urban culture and natural wonders, before immersing in Kyrgyzstan's mountains, lakes, and nomadic traditions.
- Day 1
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Begin your trip in Almaty, Kazakhstan's biggest city. Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe hill in the early morning for the best city views. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Walk through the historic center afterward - you'll cover 3-4 miles between sites. The streets are well-maintained but summer heat can be intense so bring water and plan breaks in air-conditioned spots.
- Day 2
Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes
Leave Almaty at 7 AM for the 4-hour drive to Charyn Canyon. You'll get the best photos of the red rocks in morning light. After lunch drive another 2.5 hours to Saty village near Kolsai Lakes. The road gets rough after leaving the highway so consider motion sickness pills. Spend your afternoon at the first Kolsai Lake at 6,000 feet elevation. Pack a jacket since it gets quite cold after sunset.
- Day 3
Border Crossing & Karakol
Cross into Kyrgyzstan at Kegen border post. The crossing takes 1-2 hours and facilities are basic so bring snacks. Visit Karakol's wooden Orthodox church and Dungan Mosque in the afternoon. Local Dungan families host dinner with traditional music - wear modest clothing to show respect.
- Day 4
Altyn Arashan & Jeti-Oguz
Take a bouncy 90-minute ride in an old UAZ vehicle to reach Altyn Arashan hot springs. The springs stay at about 115°F year-round. Bring water shoes since the rocks get slippery. Later, move to your yurt camp in Jeti-Oguz valley with its famous red rock formations.
- Day 5
Barskoon Valley & Skazka Canyon
Start with an optional hike to Maiden's Braid waterfall. The hour-long trail is moderate but has some steep sections. Visit the waterfalls in Barskoon Valley and stop at the unusual Yuri Gagarin monument. See Skazka Canyon in the early afternoon when the colors are most vibrant. End your day at Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest salt lake in the world.
- Day 6
Traditional Shows & Bishkek
On your way to Bishkek, stop at Bokonbaevo village to watch eagle hunting. These demonstrations are set up for visitors but show real traditional methods. See how locals build yurts in Kizil Tuu. Visit the ancient Burana Tower near Tokmok - you can climb it for views but watch out for narrow worn steps.
- Day 7
Departure from Bishkek
The airport is 30 minutes from central Bishkek. Add extra time if traveling during rush hour (7-9 AM). If your flight's later, visit Osh Bazaar early to buy local crafts and snacks.
- Day 1
Uzbekistan Border to Osh
Plan for a 2-hour border crossing from Uzbekistan, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Osh on good roads. Visit Solomon's Throne (Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain), a UNESCO site that rises 200m above the city. According to a recent visitor: "The climb up Solomon's Mountain is steep but worth it for the stunning views of Osh. Bring proper walking shoes and water - there's little shade." Visit Central Asia's oldest bazaar in the late afternoon when it's cooler and prices are more negotiable.
- Day 2
Osh to Bishkek
Take the first morning flight to Bishkek (1 hour 15 minutes). Later flights often face delays because of mountain weather. Tour the city's highlights including Oak Park where locals gather to play traditional board games. Visit the State History Museum to learn about Kyrgyz nomadic culture. The Philharmonic building is best seen at sunset when its white marble takes on a pink glow.
- Day 3
Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake
The 260km journey to Issyk-Kul takes about 4 hours. Visit the 11th-century Burana Tower en route, the last remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagyn. A previous visitor suggests: "The stair climb inside Burana is narrow and dark - bring a phone flashlight." Continue to Issyk-Kul, the second-largest saline lake in the world. The lake never freezes despite its snowy surroundings. The northern shore offers the best swimming spots with clearer water.
- Day 4
Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs
Start early at the Cholpon-Ata petroglyph site, located an hour from most lake accommodations. Morning light makes the rock art easier to photograph. The site covers 42 hectares so consider hiring a local guide to locate the best Bronze Age carvings. Visit the nearby Ethnographic Museum to understand traditional Kyrgyz culture. Return to Bishkek in the afternoon (3-4 hours) through the scenic Boom Gorge.
- Day 5
Bishkek Departure
Most international flights depart early from Manas Airport. The 30km airport journey takes about an hour due to traffic. If time allows before departure, visit the Osh Bazaar for traditional felt products and local honey.
5 Days in Tajikistan's Fann Mountains, incl. Samarkand and Kulikalon Lakes
This vibrant 5-day route leads from Uzbekistan into Tajikistan's mountains. Each stop reveals something distinctive, from ancient ruins to serene high-altitude lake camps at 2,750m.
- Day 1
Samarkand to Artuch Base Camp
Take an early morning drive to the Uzbek-Tajik border at Jartepa. The border crossing usually takes 1-2 hours so bring water and snacks. Your Tajik guide will meet you in Penjikent where you'll visit the UNESCO-listed Sarazm settlement before lunch. In the afternoon take a moderate 2-hour hike to Lake Chukurak from Artuch base camp at 2,200m. A helpful tip: Make sure your hiking boots are well broken in before the trip since the rocky terrain can be tough on new shoes.
- Day 2
Kulikalon Lakes Trek
Set out by 7 AM for the challenging climb to Chukurak Pass at 3,180m. The full trek takes 6-7 hours and climbs 980m in elevation. You'll start in juniper forests that open up to alpine meadows with great views of Chimtarga Peak at 5,480m. You'll spend the night camping at Lake Bibijannat at 2,750m. Pack plenty of warm clothes since temperatures often drop below 40°F (4°C) even during summer months.
- Day 3
Alauddin Lakes
The 6-7 hour hike over Alauddin Pass leads to the stunning turquoise lakes. A recent visitor put it perfectly: "The first glimpse of Alauddin Lakes makes you forget the steep climb—they're an impossible shade of blue against the stark mountain backdrop." Set up your camp near the lakes around sunset when the light is best for photos.
- Day 4
Chapdara Pass Circuit
Start with a steep morning climb to Chapdara Pass at 3,430m. The final stretch includes loose scree so trekking poles are a must. From the top you'll see Marie Peak at 4,680m and Bodhona Peak rising to 5,100m. After taking in the views descend to your campsite in the Sangui Safed Gorge. The full day takes 5-6 hours of walking.
- Day 5
Return to Samarkand
Start your day hiking up Imat Gorge to see the Grand Ganza Glacier. This 6-7 hour day includes stops at local shepherd settlements before driving back to Penjikent and crossing the border to Samarkand. You'll likely arrive late due to border formalities. Book a hotel near the Registan in Samarkand so you have easy access to restaurants for dinner.
