5 stans Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,617 reviews)- Choose from 300+ 5 stans tours
- 600+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Table of contents
- The best 5 stans tour packages
- What people love about 5 Stans Tours
- Travel 5 stans your way
- Top operators in 5 stans
- Discover 5 stans tours for every budget
- 5 stans tours for every group
- Top 5 stans travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit 5 stans
- Contact our 5 stans travel experts
The best 5 stans tour packages
Compiled by
Nadine5 stans travel expert at TourRadar
Multi-Stan Adventure - Bishkek to Tashkent
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Incredible scenery and beautiful architecture.”
Christine, traveled in October 2022
The grand circuit of 4 'stan' countries spans 23 days, from Bishkek to Tashkent. Traditional yurt stays await at Song Kul Lake, while UNESCO sites like Khiva's ancient city showcase regional heritage. The Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara reveal their secrets, as remote villages, felt-making in Kochkor, and Charyn Canyon adventures unfold with expert CEO guides.
Duration 23 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From
- US$4,499
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
47 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I have a great experience in the Central Asia, thank you 🙏”
The, traveled in August 2023
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 up to 80 year olds Operator Penguin Travel From
- US$2,386+$208 local payments
A grand 16-day tour takes you through 4 Central Asian nations, from Kazakhstan's Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty to Uzbekistan's ancient Khiva. UNESCO sites like Merv in Turkmenistan and Samarkand's Registan Square await. Comfortable hotels with daily breakfast, local flights between Mary-Ashgabat and Urgench-Tashkent, and expert-guided SUV travel complete the experience.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range 3 to 80 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian Operator Steppe Journeys From
- US$3,590
Duration 37 days Destinations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $9,515
15% Off- US$8,088You save $1,427
Central Asia 16 days Start in Bishkek
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The route was well chosen and the hotels always in a good location.”
Florian, traveled in October 2023
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 1 to 85 year olds Operator Steppe Journeys From
15% Off- US$3,590+$90 upfront costs
What people love about 5 Stans Tours
- Multi-Stan Adventure - Bishkek to Tashkent
Love G adventures as a small group tour. Travelling throught the Stans was very memorable.
- Central Asia 16 days Start in Bishkek
All in all a very nice experience. The guides were very good and always knew interesting things to tell, the route was well chosen and the hotels always in a good location. Only recommend
- 5 Stans - A Journey to Central Asia
generally ok but some specific issues that I shall comment later.
Travel 5 stans your way
The Tajikistan Pamir Highway trek really delivers on both nature and culture. You'll stay with local families in homestays while walking through some seriously remote mountain areas where markhor goats and Marco Polo sheep roam freely. Over in the Nuratau Mountains, we've got a solid 7-day route that takes you from village to village, mixing in ancient sites with local family stays. Our travelers tell us they love how the walks blend exercise with cultural experiences. The routes vary nicely - some days you're out for 4 hours on moderate paths, other days you're covering full 8-hour treks through walnut forests, past mountain lakes and along old Silk Road paths. It's proper hiking with plenty of authentic local connections along the way.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursThe active tours across Central Asia pack in quite a bit of variety. You can camp by Turkmenistan's Door to Hell crater, explore the old cities of Uzbekistan and spend nights in traditional yurt camps near Son Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. The Pamir Highway crossings take you up past 15,000 feet - our travelers say meeting nomadic families at these heights makes the challenging altitude worth it. If you're after something less intense, we've got tours that mix city visits with day hikes, boat trips on Lake Issyk-Kul and time in remote villages. These work really well for folks who want to stay active while diving into the culture, without pushing themselves to extremes.
See all Active toursOur explorer routes really dig into Central Asia's wild corners, with the 15-day Bishkek trip being a crowd favorite. You'll head through Ala-Archa National Park's rugged terrain before crossing into Kazakhstan to see Charyn Canyon. If you're after genuine remote travel, the Tajikistan routes through Wakhan Valley deliver - you'll sleep in traditional Pamiri homes and explore old fortresses along the way. The camping night near Turkmenistan's Door to Hell is something special - imagine settling in beside a gas crater that's been burning for 40 years, lighting up the desert darkness. Up in Kyrgyzstan, the Son Kul Lake section puts you in yurts at 10,000 feet, right there with the nomadic shepherds and their flocks.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 212 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through 5 stans with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in 5 stans
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.
- 5.0 (22,803 5 stans reviews)
"Just great experience overall.
- Tours
- 6 5 stans tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 2h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $277
- 4.5 (11,929 5 stans reviews)
"The Central Asia tour was extremely enjoyable and included a varied mix of history, old and new cities along the Silk Road, varied nature of canyons, mountains, lakes, deserts, and a mix of city and rural life. Wonderful people. Special thanks to our guides Svetlana and Ejesh. Our drivers, local guiedes and hosts. Thanks you, Intrepid.
- Tours
- 9 5 stans tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 7h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $346
- 4.5 (13,571 5 stans reviews)
"The seven lakes in Tajikistan was interesting. The Charyn canyon, Reina Kench guesthouse in Kyrgyzstan was lovely. All 3 cities in Uzbekistan were fascinating. The crater and Asgabat in Turkmenistan were also highlights.
- Tours
- 8 5 stans tours
- Age range
- 16 to 85 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 29h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $365
Discover 5 stans tours for every budget
The Five Stans budget tours make the most of your money through clever planning and mixed accommodation. You'll stay in a combination of homestays, simple hotels and traditional yurt camps along the way. A popular northern Silk Road route takes you from Almaty through Bishkek and into Uzbekistan's historic cities - our travelers particularly enjoy seeing traditional eagle hunting displays at Lake Issyk Kul. The real highlight comes at Samarkand's Registan Square and Bukhara's medieval trading domes. Another route starting in Tashkent includes that incredible night camping by the flaming Darvaza crater in Turkmenistan; our customers say it's absolutely worth it just for that experience. These journeys typically last 14-21 days with comfortable train connections linking the major stops.
Our premium Five Stans tours focus on elegant comfort with high-end hotels and private transport throughout. Starting in Tashkent, you'll stay in beautifully restored merchant houses before heading to Samarkand for private cooking lessons learning traditional plov. The journey continues with exclusive access to artisan workshops in Bukhara, private falcon hunting demonstrations near Issyk Kul and intimate dining experiences in local family homes. Another luxury option features boutique hotels across Uzbekistan that our guests say capture the essence of Silk Road history - think traditional wall paintings, classic furnishings and that authentic merchant-house atmosphere.
5 stans budget tours14 tours
Starting from
$96
per day
5 stans tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
181 tours in 5 stansExplore 5 stans on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers
Small Group
180 tours in 5 stansVisit 5 stans with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
105 tours in 5 stansPrivate Five Stans tours give you complete flexibility with a dedicated guide and driver all to yourself. A popular 14-day route begins in Almaty where you'll explore Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkov Cathedral before heading into the Kyrgyz mountains. You get private sessions at felt-making workshops in Kochkor, nights in family guesthouses in the Nuratau Mountains and personal experiences like bread-making classes in Khiva. There's also a specialized seven-day option focused on village-to-village hiking through Kyrgyzstan's remote valleys - our guides know exactly when to visit local families as they prepare traditional crafts or process their seasonal harvests.
Top 5 stans travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 10-day journeys really get into the heart of Central Asia's heritage. Starting in Tashkent, you'll use the high-speed rail network between major cities. Our travelers particularly enjoy seeing Registan Square in the evening light and exploring Khiva's old town in the quiet morning hours. Some routes mix in homestays in the Nuratau Mountains and nights at desert yurt camps. You'll join cooking classes, meet master craftspeople and explore local markets too. The professional guides consistently get high praise from our customers for bringing the region's rich history to life.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Penjikent, Dushanbe
See all toursDemographics
The 15-day solo routes from Tashkent or Bishkek really hit the sweet spot. You'll share the journey with 12-16 other travelers in simple but good hotels and authentic yurt camps, and there's usually no extra cost for having your own room. The days mix guided history walks with free afternoons to check out local markets and food spots on your own. Our solo travelers tell us they like how the guides handle it - joining in for group dinners when you want company but leaving plenty of time to explore places like Bukhara's trading domes and also Samarkand's tea houses by yourself.
Couples tend to love our premium 16-day circuit with its nice romantic touches. You'll have sunset meals overlooking Registan Square and learn to cook in local Uzbek homes. The hotels are really special - restored merchant houses and cozy guesthouses tucked away in the Nuratau Mountains. Our traveling pairs say they appreciate how the schedule flows, with guided tours balanced against quiet time together, especially in UNESCO sites like Khiva and also Bukhara. The route includes some unique experiences too - camping under stars by Turkmenistan's Darvaza fire crater and watching traditional eagle hunters near Lake Issyk Kul.
Our active 15-day routes draw younger travelers who want culture mixed with outdoor action. You'll hike through Ala-Archa National Park, explore the deep valleys of Charyn Canyon and camp beside the Door to Hell crater. The accommodation switches between hotels, local family stays and yurt camps - it's comfortable but keeps you close to local life. There's optional horse riding at Son Kul Lake, waterfall hikes in the Fann Mountains and exploring old fortress ruins around Merv. The pace keeps you moving but isn't too intense, leaving energy for checking out the night scenes in Bishkek, Almaty and also Tashkent.
Our 14-21 day journeys work perfectly for seniors, using comfortable trains and private vehicles to cover ground smoothly. You'll stay longer in each place, which means fewer hotel changes and more time to really get to know each spot. The walking tours in places like Samarkand and Bukhara take it easy with regular tea house stops. Our older travelers particularly like the quality rooms, knowledgeable local guides and relaxed schedule. There's always optional activities available but zero pressure to join, and guides are skilled at adjusting the pace for different walking speeds.
Our Central Asian tours adapt nicely to different travel styles, with routes that work well for solo explorers, couples seeking romance, young folks wanting action and seniors who prefer a measured pace. The small group sizes keep things friendly while giving everyone space to enjoy the journey their own way.
- Solo Travelers194 tours
- Couples41 tours
- Seniors (50+)65 tours
Best time to visit 5 stans
- Spring 2025
Spring breathes life with blooming tulips in Kazakhstan. It's perfect for exploring ancient cities like Samarkand without the summer crowds.
- 124 tours
- 164 tours
- popular 207 tours
- Summer 2025
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 206 tours
- 172 tours
- 200 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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 217 tours
- 160 tours
- 96 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter transforms the 'Stans into snowy landscapes, ideal for skiing in Kazakhstan’s Shymbulak. Cozy up with hot tea and local delights from the bustling bazaars.
- popular 88 tours
- 77 tours
- January 2026 47 tours
Contact our 5 stans travel experts
Claire
Expert in 5 stans at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned 5 stans Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about 5 stans tours answered!
- Choose from 318+ 5 stans tours
- 615 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+1 844 311 8331