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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Good itinerary given just 21 days. Kyrgyzstan itinerary could be improved upon as there were 2 long travel days just to visit a valley that was hardly impressive. Hotels (aside from Tajikistan homestay) were excellent - surpassed expectations. Best guide (by far) was Ilya in Kazakhstan. He was superb. Faultless. The best guide I have ever had. His knowledge was impressive. His communication and delivery of information was spot on. Perfect. Everything was clear and well-communicated in advance. Promote Ilya! Do not lose him! The other guides were good. Farsa in Tajikistan is learning since she is still young but she is passionate about her job. Our guides in Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent were good. But Ilya was exceptional. A cut above the rest. The worst guide who we found very bad and dishonest was Gurban in Turkmenistan. He charged us an extortionate $50 for the use of the router for the internet. He also gave us a bad exchange rate of 17 whereas I checked with an Intrepid guide who said his rate was around 20. Gurban also did not prioritise us. He was more interested in playing with his own tech toys (Go Pro selfie stick) and talk about technology than tell us about the history and culture. The worst thing was that at the end of the tour he tried to charge me again for using the router when another tour member had already paid him for my share of the router cost. A very dishonest man. I suggest you consider using another guide for Turkmenistan.
Central Asia Combined Silk Road TourHad an amazing time and experience on your 5 Stans tour. Your local partners in each of the countries were terrific. The guides and drivers met us at each of the border crossings were seamless. Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan was the shortest and easiest crossing with welcoming guards. All of your guides and drivers were excellent. In particular, I would like to recognize Merdan in Ashgabat. I had Visa problems coming 1 day earlier, but he was able to get the new LOI from the local office and took care of the issue. I was tired and the passport control person was not nice and didn’t care and not helpful. He assured me and came back to Visa office to offer food or drink. He was great. Aidana in Kyrgyzstan was a breath of fresh air. She was upbeat, knowledgeable and friendly and caring. I had a twisted ankle for 2 days and asked me each day how I was doing and if she can help. All guides and drivers were great. All hotels were great except Olive hotel in Bishkek. Breakfast was good, it was clean but TV did not work and refrigerator in room did not work. I asked reception to check next morning. When I came back in evening she said they are all like that? I replaced the one in my room with one from my friends room it it seemed to cool in the morning. Not that great but better than nothing at all. I felt like they didn’t care? WI-FI could be better at some of these hotels? I realize Ashgabat is hopeless with their closed country? I would highly recommend your tour to anyone. I have told one friend on Facebook that is looking for a recommendation. Thank you.
Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 daysMy trip to the 5 Stans was brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The guide Stoyan was superb - nothing was too much trouble and he always offered to carry the suitcases of the older people up stairs etc when there was no elevator. The English of the first guide in Bishkek was not too good and he needed to research his subject matter. The 2 lady guides were spot on - great English and knew their material especially the guide in Almaty. I loved my trip and have just booked another Tourradar trip.
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
Traveler Photos & Videos from 5 Stans tours
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- Uzbekistan cultural tour - 10 days
- Uzbekistan Cultural Tour - 10 Days
- Group Tour in Turkmenistan (part of the 5stan trip)
- Multi-Stan Adventure - Bishkek to Tashkent
- Central Asia 14 days tour
- Ancient Cities Tour to Uzbekistan - Private Tour
- Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
- 5 Stans Discovery tour from Ashgabat to Almaty
- The Five Stans of The Silk Road
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Table of contents
The best 5 stans tour packages
Compiled by
Nadine5 stans travel expert at TourRadar
Central Asia Combined Silk Road Tour
“A fantastic experience, great sights, guides, hotels and restaurant suggestions.”
Grenville, traveled in August
Journey through 5 Stans over 21 days, starting in Bishkek and ending in Tashkent. Visit UNESCO sites like Ancient Merv and Kunya Urgench, stay in distinctive hotels like Asia Mountains in Bishkek and Komil in Bukhara's old town. Experience highlights from Issyk Kul Lake to Darvaza gas crater, with expert local guides achieving 4.9/5 rating.
Duration 21 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Steppe Journeys From
- US$4,990
Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 days
“Accommodation good, itinerary covered top highlights, can't complain.”
Christine, traveled in December
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
- US$3,595
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
“The sites that were visited were varied: nature, history to modern cities!”
Katherine, traveled in April
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
- US$2,791+$351 local payments
The Ultimate 5 Stans Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – Discover Central Asia in 16 Days
“Good joruney with Adventure”
Andreas, traveled in May
This trip takes you through all 5 Central Asian republics, starting in Almaty and wrapping up in Ashgabat. You'll check out UNESCO sites like Bukhara's Ark Fortress, Samarkand's Registan Ensemble, and ancient Nissa ruins in Turkmenistan. There's an overnight stay at the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater in traditional yurts.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Adventure Bound LTD From
- US$3,574
5 Stans - A Journey to Central Asia
“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
- US$6,975
Central Asia: Five Stans Express
“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
- US$7,395
18 Days Amazing The Silk Road 4 Stans Small Group Tour 4Star Hotel （Max 16）
“The time schedule was well planned and provided sufficient time to visit all the ancient cities, majestic monuments, traditional markets and beautiful landscape on the way.”
John, traveled in July
Duration 18 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $5,113
5% Off- US$4,857
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Demographics
- Solo Travelers289 tours
- Couples264 tours
- Seniors (50+)78 tours
Best time to visit 5 stans
- 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.
- popular 195 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 272 tours
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- 158 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
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 121 tours
- 78 tours
- 64 tours
- Spring 2027
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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- 147 tours
- popular 171 tours
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Rufus
Expert in 5 stans at TourRadar
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