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- Gold Operator
- Penguin Travel
- Explorer
- Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Fully Guided
- An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
- Medium Intensity
- Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
- Guided in English
- Group Size 6 - 12
- Ages 18+

Highlights
- Explore the confluence of Indus and Gilgit Rivers
- Tour the architectural marvel, Khaplu Fort
- Discover 400-year-old Shigar Fort and Palace
- Visit the ancient Baltit and Altit Forts in Hunza
- Cross the highest border at Khunjerab National Park
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Islamabad-Naran
- Day 2 Naran – Skardu
- Day 3 Skardu - Khaplu
- Day 4 Khaplu – Shigar Valley - Skardu
- Day 5 Skardu – Gilgit - Hunza
- Day 6 Hunza
- Day 7 Hunza Valley - China Border Khunjerab Pass – Tashkurgan (China)
- Day 8 Tashkurgan – Kashgar
- Day 9 Kashgar
- Day 10 Departure
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Additional Services

Operated by
Penguin Travel
Number of tours
43
Age Range
18 to 80 years old
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
100%
Established in 1989 in the heart of Copenhagen (Denmark), Penguin Travel rose...
Read moreCustomer Reviews
- Emily· September 22nd, 2025I just returned from an incredible tour through the five Stans, and it was an experience I'll never forget! The pace was fast, moving locations every day or every other day, but it allowed us to see and do so much in a short amount of time. Kyrgyzstan was definitely my highlight! Its nature and culture were absolutely breathtaking. I was also pleasantly surprised by Turkmenistan, which offered a unique experience I didn’t expect. One of the biggest reasons this trip was so memorable was our lovely guide Agni. She was patient, caring, and dedicated to making sure everyone’s requests were met. Her thoughtfulness and personal touch really made the experience stand out, and her experience growing up in the USSR brought such an interesting perspective to the trip. Highly recommend Agni and penguin if you are interested in a trip though central Asia!Show more
- Tracey· September 18th, 2025Penguin delivered a rewarding and action-packed three-week tour, covering the best sites in the region. Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and Uzbekistan’s architecture were standout highlights, and while more time in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan beyond the capital cities would have been perfect, the itinerary made smart use of the available schedule and budget. Our group of 12 was comfortable,though I feel 16 may have struggled on the smaller mini buses. The trip offered good value, with memorable experiences like the yurt camp in Kyrgyzstan and generally good accommodation. Some travel days were long, but the scenery and activities made them worthwhile. The local guides were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, though I sometimes found it challenging to fully understand them. Agni, the tour leader, brought invaluable language skills and a deep understanding of life in a former USSR country, which allowed us to connect more meaningfully with local people, gain greater insight, and resolve minor issues smoothly. She brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the group, and when several participants experienced stomach issues, she consistently checked in with everyone in her caring, thoughtful way. That said, communication was occasionally inconsistent, with changes to meeting times or locations not always clearly shared, and at times the group was unfairly blamed for resulting issues. With clearer organisation and more consistent updates, this would have been a five-star experience. Nevertheless, it was a highly enjoyable, worthwhile, and often exhilarating trip, which I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who, like me, enjoys travelling full-on. Thank you Agni and Penguin for such a great tour.Show more
- Frank· September 18th, 2025I’m a 27-year-old who loves backpacking and finding off-the-beaten-path experiences. With the help of my guide, Agni Tzvete, Penguin Travel, and their excellent local partners, I discovered a true gem in Central Asia through Penguin’s 5 Stans Express Tour. Penguin packed the itinerary to the brim with hikes, scenic viewpoints, local cuisine, cultural tours, and other unique experiences. The pace is fast, with significant time spent in mini-buses, but the breathtaking landscapes and engaging activities more than made up for the long drives. The local guides were knowledgeable and worked tirelessly to ensure we had a great experience. I also appreciated having free time to explore on my own in the places where we stayed. It’s clear that Penguin puts a lot of care into balancing activities and downtime, creating a well-rounded experience. As of this writing, I haven’t seen another company that offers so much at such a reasonable price point. For anyone who loves adventure, culture, and exploring a truly unique part of the world—and doesn’t mind a fast pace—this tour is for you!Show more
Dates & Availability
Select departure month and travellers
- From Sunday23 Aug, 2026To Tuesday1 Sep, 2026EnglishFrom:NZ $2,952 per personMultiple Room TypesLocal Payment$607
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Price based on Cheapest Room
Price based on Shared Room
Price based on Private Single Room
Price based on Private Double Room
Best price guarantee Learn More
Good to Know
Tour ID: 327753









