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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Sheryl • traveled in November, 2025
It was amazing! Penguin was well organised and the sites were incredible. The frontier of travel. Highly recommend the 5 Stans with penguin travel!
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan - K
Ken • traveled in November, 2025
The itinerary was great and the entire trip went smoothly. Lyuben is an excellent tour guide.
The Ultimate 5 Stans Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – Discover Central Asia in 16 Days - MR
Muhammad • traveled in January, 2026
Overall, the Central Asia trip was exceptionally well organised, especially considering the challenge of fitting such a detailed and wide-ranging programme into 14 days. Covered a remarkable amount of ground in a short time, with a very good balance of history, culture, nature, architecture, and free time. For the most part, the hotels were very comfortable and well located, which greatly enhanced the overall experience and helped offset the intensity of the itinerary. In terms of transport, there were a few areas that could be improved. In Uzbekistan, it would have been preferable to have a guide accompany us continuously rather than leaving us on our own between Bukhara to Samarkand, and Samarkand to Tashkent. We were extremely grateful to the driver who waited and drove hours to transfer some passengers’ luggage, despite not being a guide himself. For long journeys (e.g. in Turkmenistan), vehicles with more legroom or additional seating would also have been appreciated, as the cramped conditions made extended rides quite uncomfortable. Regarding accommodation, it would be helpful to prioritise hotels with lifts or ramps, as the hotels in Samarkand required climbing stairs, which could be challenging for some travelers. Turkmenistan was memorable. The guide, Jabar, was fantastic - highly accommodating, helpful with money changing, and very attentive to the group’s needs. Moving around independently outside of shopping was difficult, so having a guide was essential, and the hotel’s location near a shopping mall made self-exploration easier. Immigration was surprisingly smooth, with Jabar accompanying me through the visa process and even helping me bypass long queues during the luggage checks. Connectivity was limited, with WhatsApp largely restricted, though Gmail worked and messages occasionally came through slowly. One observation - the guide’s explanations felt quite pro-government, with little discussion on the nature of the political system or the lack of flights to the rest of the Stans even though it claimed to be connecting with the rest of the world. That said, Merv felt largely skippable. The long, bumpy roads to Merv were uncomfortable, and the sights did not justify the effort. It would have been far more comfortable to fly directly from Ashgabat to Istanbul and onward to Uzbekistan, even if it involved higher costs. This could have freed up time for an additional day in Kazakhstan or Tajikistan. The overland crossing from Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan at the Farap border was particularly arduous, involving about 1.5 hours of walking, two passport clearances, checks at multiple points, and several short bus rides, making it a very tiring experience. In Uzbekistan, after the long border crossing, rest could be made a priority. So, it would have been preferable for the Uzbek guide, Akmal, to skip the lengthy introductory talk on the bus and save it for the following day. There were also discrepancies between the travel voucher and the actual programme. In Bukhara on Day 4, the morning became a walking tour of neighbourhood details such as doors, windows, and car brands, while sites like the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, and Bolo Khauz Mosque were not visited. One piece of feedback is to consider providing English translations alongside Arabic terms when introducing Islamic norms and practices, as many travelers are not aware of the Arabic meanings. I ended up translating several terms into English. In Samarkand, the guide Grigory struggled with English and relied heavily on notes prior to sharing with the group, and while an unplanned visit to the Afrasiyab archaeological site was included, the Rukhabad Mausoleum listed in the voucher was skipped. In Tashkent, there was some miscommunication regarding the morning tour with the guide Zarina, but it was resolved thereafter. The morning trip was informative and explained Islam in Central Asia in a simple, easy-to-understand manner for the group. The schedule in Tajikistan was handled efficiently despite tight timing. Amir, the guide, made a commendable effort to cover most of the lakes and even included a visit to the Panjakent Central Market Bazaar before proceeding to the land border crossing, which added a nice local touch to the day visit. Kyrgyzstan stood out very positively due to the guide. Nursultan’s humour, clear and engaging explanations, and willingness to accommodate the group’s many requests — especially stops at souvenir shops — made the experience enjoyable and relaxed. Nursultan was friendly, attentive, and an excellent guide who added a lot of value to this portion of the trip. In Kazakhstan, however, the city tour felt rushed. Rustem seemed eager to complete the afternoon programme quickly, and although the tour in the early evening, his quick departure from the group left an impression that he was in a hurry, which detracted slightly from the otherwise engaging visit. Overall, despite some logistical challenges, itinerary deviations, and comfort-related issues, the trip was a rich and rewarding journey through Central Asia. The strong organisation, dedicated guides in some countries, and the sheer diversity of experiences made it a memorable adventure, with opportunities for refinement to make future tours even better.
Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 days
Traveler Photos & Videos from 5 Stans tours
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Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 daysMuhammad
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5 Stans Discovery tour from Ashgabat to AlmatyJTJennifer
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Central Asia Combined Silk Road Tour
KKatarzyna
Premium Uzbekistan
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Uzbekistan 8 Day Cultural Tour (3 Star Hotel Option)
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Ancient Cities Tour to Uzbekistan - Private TourSushila
Along the Silk Road Tour Uzbekistan - Private TourAkbar
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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 sites were incredible. Highly recommend the 5 Stans with Penguin travel!”
Sheryl, 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
- US$2,787+$350 local payments
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 $7,200
20% Off- US$5,760You save $1,440
The Ultimate 5 Stans Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – Discover Central Asia in 16 Days
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Quite challeging and exhausting but would not want to have missed even one minute of it.”
Remko, traveled in October
Travel through all five Central Asian republics on this 16-day comfort-level adventure, visiting UNESCO sites like Samarkand's Registan Ensemble and Bukhara's historic center. You'll stay in 3-4 star hotels across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, with unique yurt stays at Issyk Kul Lake and the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater. See the 24-meter Panjchashma Waterfall at Iskandarkul Lake, walk through Charyn Canyon's Valley of Castles, and ride the cable car to Shymbulak at 3,200 meters elevation with panoramic Tien Shan views.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Adventure Bound LTD From
20% Off- US$3,568
Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 days
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Exceptionally well organised tour.”
KENNETH, traveled in August
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 $3,595
8% Off- US$3,305You save $290
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 $7,490
5% Off- US$7,116You save $375
Central Asia 16 days Start in Bishkek
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was a good mix of things to do as well as quiet time on the bus travelling between destinations.”
Robyn, traveled in April
This 16-day adventure through 4 Stans begins at Bishkek's Ala-Too Square and concludes in historic Tashkent. The itinerary features UNESCO sites like ancient Merv and Kunya-Urgench, with stays in boutique hotels across 10 cities. The tour costs approx. $220 per day and highlights the iconic Registan Square in Samarkand and traditional folk shows in Bukhara.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Steppe Journeys From
5% Off- US$4,090
Cross all Five Stans visiting Kazakhstan's Almaty, Kyrgyzstan's Issyk Kul Lake, Tajikistan's Seven Lakes in the Fann Mountains, Uzbekistan's UNESCO sites in Samarkand and Bukhara, and Turkmenistan's burning Darvaza Crater. You'll stay at the Kavsar Boutique Hotel in Bukhara within an old mansion and spend one night in a traditional yurt. See local crafts at Margilan's silk factory and the Narzullaevs pottery dynasty in Gijduvan across this 23-day adventure.
Duration 23 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $9,598
20% Off- US$7,680You save $1,918
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
20% Off- US$6,975
This 16-day trip takes you through four Central Asian countries from Bishkek to Ashgabat. You'll stay overnight in traditional yurts along Issyk-Kul Lake's southern shore and sleep aboard an overnight train from Almaty to Tashkent. The tour includes a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Merv, where ancient fortresses spread across 1200 hectares. You'll see the Registan in Samarkand, walk through the Ark Fortress in Bukhara, and check out the Ismail Samani Mausoleum dating to the 10th century.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,395
15% Off- US$4,586You save $809
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent itinerary with a professional, knowledgeable guide. Accommodation and food was great.”
Jennifer, traveled in September
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
15% Off- US$3,099
Travel 5 stans your way
More travel styles:
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 tours38 tours
Starting from
$89
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5 stans tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top 5 stans travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
- Solo Travelers257 tours
- Couples227 tours
- Seniors (50+)74 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.
- 102 tours
- popular 107 tours
- 79 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.
- 136 tours
- 179 tours
- popular 231 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.
- 239 tours
- 199 tours
- popular 249 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 234 tours
- 184 tours
- 98 tours
Contact our 5 stans travel experts
Rufus
Expert in 5 stans at TourRadar
Rufus 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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+1 844 311 8331What 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.