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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Amrut • traveled in June, 2026
Had 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 days - B
Bob • traveled in May, 2026
An excellent itinerary, very varied and stimulating. Guide was very much part of the group and only the ignorance and confusion at the Turkmenistan border caused any concern. Our group was quite varied with interesting histories. Sadly, the shape of five new countries at one go seemed to attract some people who just wanted to boast of the number of countries they had visited. This in turn meant that they missed experiencing the essence of these beautiful countries and their people. Famous highlights rule okay!!
The Ultimate 5 Stans Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – Discover Central Asia in 16 Days - G
Gail • traveled in May, 2026
Penguin Travel was a company new to me. I am so pleased I chose them. Three weeks of a well planned and varied itinerary, terrific tour leader and local guides, plus a cohesive group of fellow travellers, ensured a wonderful experience discovering the 5 Stans.
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
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Table of contents
The best 5 stans tour packages
Compiled by
Nadine5 stans travel expert at TourRadar
Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia, 15 days
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was well organized and we covered a lot of ground in a short time. The hotels were very comfortable and for the most part in great locations.”
Tennille, traveled in May
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 Ultimate 5 Stans Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – Discover Central Asia in 16 Days
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Each country had its own charm — from the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan to the epic mountain landscapes of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.”
Kalina, traveled in April
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 14+ Operator Adventure Bound LTD From
- US$3,690
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The logistics of the tour are quite amazing & everything worked perfectly.”
Rex, traveled in September
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$2,756+$346 local payments
Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Glad to attend this excellent tour. Recommend to everyone.”
Jihong, 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 $3,399
15% Off- US$2,889You save $510
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
15% Off- US$6,975
Duration 19 days Destinations Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $5,883
5% Off- US$5,589You save $294
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 $9,598
6% Off- US$8,985You save $613
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Demographics
- Solo Travelers305 tours
- Couples275 tours
- Seniors (50+)77 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.
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- popular 306 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.
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- 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 109 tours
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- 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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- popular 150 tours
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Micaela
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Micaela 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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