5 stans Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,612 reviews)- Choose from 300+ 5 stans tours
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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“A fantastic experience, very well organised with great guides.”
Michelle, traveled in July 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 Five Stans of The Silk Road
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The eagle hunter in Kyrgyzstan was fascinating. The musical evening on our last night in Uzbekistan was delightful.”
Tony, traveled in July 2023
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 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
- US$7,620
Traverse 5 Central Asian nations over 15 days, from Bishkek's Ala-Too Square to Tashkent's Hasti Imam complex. Stay at diverse accommodations including the Ambassador Hotel in Bishkek and traditional yurt camps at Darwaza. Visit UNESCO sites like Ancient Penjikent and Khiva's Ichan Kala, with expert local guides in 7 languages available.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Age Range up to 85 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Minzifa Travel From
- US$6,214
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
- Central Asia 5 Stans with Hell's Gate Derweze
Overall it was a 4 because the days were too long and there wasn't one "down day" to rest and recuperate. Up by 7, back in the room by 10 PM was hard for 25 or 26 days. I thought the markets were interesting the first time but not the 5th, 6th and 7th, since most of them were nearly the same. The food was usually pretty good, but the process of taking each person's order, first for soup, then for salad, then for main meal, took forever after a long day of touring. I learned that they serve way too much for most people, and usually I only had two courses and often had to leave food on my plate. Some people on the tour loved wine, and the wine available was not magnificent but was drinkable. Beer drinkers seemed to think the beer was OK too. There wasn't much to see in Kazakhstan nor in Kyrgizistan although just driving through some of it was informative. I could have skipped seeing the images on the rocks, a few of the museums that didn't have much to show, and one or two of the mosques--after having seen 15 or so it wasn't exciting anymore. However, when going sight seeing, one usually sees the historic beauties of a place, or the homes of famous people or amazing art. the history of the Stans starts after Genghis Khan and Tamerlane stopped leveling the region, the Silk Road and the culture. Therefore, most of the significant places to see are from the late 1400s and 1500s--with a few from the late 1800s and one or two modern mosques. Islam came into its own before Genghis came through, but about all that was rebuilt of note after his passage were mosques and madrassas. We learned about the meaning in the patterns in "Persian" carpets, the beautiful horses of Turkmenistan, the importance of carpets in nomad tents, the tools of war when mounted on horses and how mare's milk tastes. It was a fascinating trip, with a few repetitive things (often the food was basically the same, the mosques were pretty but there were a lot of them, the hotels were comfortable and internet was intermittent at best. Don't bother to bring a swim suit, there is no time to swim even if the hotel has a pool--which is seldom the case. When one returns to the hotel at 10 after a long day, the last thing any of us wanted to do was don a suit and take a swim). Turkmenistan, although considered very dangerous by the US embassy in Tashkent AND all of my outside information, was fascinating and I am glad we went there even though I was nervous while there. Border crossings were tedious (3 or 4 hours usually) but East Site helped us all of the way and their end of things was well covered--buses were where they should be every time, hotels were ready for us, restaurants were prepared for our influx although occasionally the service was incredibly slow, museums were braced for our visit, etc. Be prepared for heat--bring a cotton scarf or shawl or hat that you can wet with water and put over your head and neck to help keep you cool. Be aware that a lot of the hotel safes didn't work, so if you are brining valuables with you, either money or tech, etc., you will probably need to haul it around in a back pack if you are nervous about it disappearing from the room. We never had anything disappear from any rooms, but we did have a few things disappear from our suitcases during their transit from airplanes to luggage bays (they often are trucked from the plane to the terminal). There are normally squat toilets and seldom "western" toilets except in the hotels and occasionally restaurants. Bring plenty of tissue packs to provide your own toilet paper, and plenty of hand cleaner as there aren't sinks to wash your hands in usually in the bathrooms.
- Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
If you lack of knowledge of central Asia and missing unexpected experience. This tour is for you!
- 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
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.
- 4.5 (12 5 stans reviews)
"I loved it :) very well planned and executed. I could just follow the lead of the driver and guides. Most guides were very well prepared and adjusted well to changes. The driver was very kind and considerate. There were some minor problems with the hot water at my last hotel but the staff fixed it quite quickly.
- Tours
- 5 5 stans tours
- Age range
- 18 to 80 years old
- Adventure type
- Active
- Response time
- 6h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $562
- 4.5 (11,928 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
- 92%
- Average price
- $346
- 4.5 (328 5 stans reviews)
"Loved the Uzbekistan tour! It was well organized, and the tour group size was just right. Lochin Juraev was an excellent guide and we had a wonderful experience visiting Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to learn about the rich history of the country. Some suggestions: The hotel choices were good to excellent, and were located well. The madrasa stay in Khiva, while interesting to experience, had tight quarters for two people. We enjoyed the food and the marvelous fruit/produce. We did note that the food choices are somewhat limited for people who are vegetarians. A quicker way to get to either Bukhara or Khiva (rather than via long bus rides) would have given us more time in these two historical gems. Also, allocation of some down time to wander around in the historical areas/ do shopping would enhance the overall experience!
- Tours
- 3 5 stans tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 11h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $474
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 Travelers193 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 208 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.
- 61 tours
- popular 88 tours
- 77 tours
Contact our 5 stans travel experts
Micaela
Expert in 5 stans at TourRadar
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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