The Five Stans of Central Asia Tour
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Tour
FIVE STAN TOUR DETAILS
-
Period
April - January (2025 - 2026) -
Tour length
15 days / 14 nights -
Tour Starts / Ends
Ashgabat / Almaty -
Price 3595 USD / per person
upon twin sharing basis - Supplement for single accommodation $480 Single supplement is required for solo traveller
FIVE STAN FIXED TOUR ITINERARY
Itinerary: Ashgabat – Darwaza gas crater – Bukhara – Samarkand – Penjikent – Samarkand – Tashkent – Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul Lake – Karakol – Charyn canyon – Almaty
Optional: Extension to 17 days with Astana
Tour Dates
Guaranteed Tour arrival dates in 2026
| Start Date | End Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 10 Apr 2026 | Fri, 24 Apr 2026 | Available |
| Sat, 16 May 2026 | Sat, 30 May 2026 | Available |
| Fri, 14 Aug 2026 | Fri, 28 Aug 2026 | Available |
| Fri, 11 Sep 2026 | Fri, 25 Sep 2026 | Available |
| Fri, 09 Oct 2026 | Fri, 23 Oct 2026 | Available |
| Tue, 22 Dec 2026 | Thu, 05 Jan 2027 | Available |
FIVE STAN TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Start on an extraordinary adventure across the heart of Central Asia with our “Five Stan Tour”, exploring the unique wonders of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Traverse the ancient Silk Road as you witness the architectural splendors of Samarkand and Bukhara, marvel at the modern marvels of Ashgabat in Turkmenistan, and delve into the breathtaking landscapes of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
From the futuristic cityscapes to the pristine mountain ranges, each destination offers a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Encounter the warm hospitality of diverse communities and immerse yourself in the rich traditions that have flourished along these historic trade routes. This tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heartland of Central Asia, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
5 STAN TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 Ashgabat, arrival and city tour
Arrival in Ashgabat early in the morning. Meet at the airport and further group transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and rest.
After breakfast, meet the local guide and start exploring the capital city of Turkmenistan. We will visit today: Sunday bazaar, Ahalteke horse stables, Ertogrul Ghazi Mosque, Lenin monument,
Independence Park, Rukhnama monument, Neutrality Arch, Ferris Wheel and Magtymguly Monument. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
breakfast
Day 2 Ashgabat, round trip to Darwaza gas crater by road (600 km)
After breakfast, we continue exploring Ashgabat and visit the Earthquake monument, Soviet War memorial complex.
After lunchtime, transfer to the most unique site in Central Asia – Darwaza burning gas crater. Arrival in Darwaza before sunset. Enjoy barbeque dinner near the burning gas crater; watch and photograph the crater glow during the night time.
Return to Ashgabat (slow driving after dark). Arrival at the hotel around midnight. Overnight at the hotel.
breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Ashgabat - Mary by morning flight Mary - Merv ancient city - "Farap" land border - Bukhara by road (385 km)
After breakfast meet the guide and further transfer to the airport; flight to Mary. Upon arrival – transfer to visit the ancient city of Merv, which is also included in the list UNESCO Heritage Sites. Exploring the region around the ancient site.
Further transfer to the land border with Uzbekistan. Border formalities. Meet Uzbek guide and driver team and further transfer to Bukhara. Accommodation at the hotel on arrival. Rest and overnight.
breakfast
Day 4 Bukhara
After breakfast start of the guided sightseeing tour around Bukhara: Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo Khauz Mosque, Ark Citadel, Po-i-Kalyan Complex (Kalyan Minaret and others), Ulugbek Madrasah, Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah.
After lunch visit Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble, Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, domed shopping arcade. Dinner at the local national house (tasting Uzbek pilaf also known as plov). Return to the hotel for rest and overnight.
breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Bukhara - Samarkand by road (280 km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we continue exploring Bukhara and visit the out-of-town site, located in 20 min driving from Bukhara – Sitorai-Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara.
After lunchtime, transfer to Samarkand. Accommodation at the hotel on arrival. Evening walk at
Registan Square and enjoying the light show. Overnight in Samarkand.
breakfast
Day 6 Samarkand
After breakfast start of the guided sightseeing tour around Samarkand: visit Registan Square (Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, Tilla-Qori Madrasah), Gur-e Amir Mausoleum (Tamerlane’s sepulcher), Rukhabad Mausoleum (from the outside); after lunch visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Ulugbek Observatory. Return to the hotel. Rest and overnight.
breakfast
Day 7 Samarkand, day trip to Tajikistan by road (120 km) including Panjikent, Sarazm and Sevel Lakes
After an early breakfast, we take a day trip to Tajikistan – an important part of ancient Sogdiana. In the morning, transfer to the land border with Tajikistan. Border formalities. Meet the Tajik guide and driver and start the sightseeing tour in Penjikent. We will visit Sarazm ruins (UNESCO heritage site) – one of the ancient settlements in Central Asia with a 5500-year civilisation; the museum of Rudaki and the local bazaar.
After that, proceed to the region of Seven Lakes – seven water mirrors full of mountain riverside drops. Each lake looks different whenever the sun changes its position. Colours may vary from deep blue to indie colour ripple. Most of them are cold to swim even in summer. These lakes belong to the Fann Mountains system. Today we will visit 6 lakes and enjoy lunch at the national house located at the 4th lake.
Drive back to the border with Uzbekistan. Border formalities and return to the hotel in Samarkand.
Rest and overnight.
breakfast, lunch
Day 8 Samarkand - Tashkent by evening train
After breakfast, we will have some free time to explore the local Siab bazaar. After that, continue sightseeing and visit the Afrosiab museum and settlement, Saint Daniel’s tomb and Khujum carpet factory.
Transfer to the train station and further transfer to Tashkent by train. Accommodation at the hotel on arrival and rest.
breakfast
Day 9 Tashkent - Bishkek by afternoon flight
Tashkent is the flavourful capital of Uzbekistan: it carries in itself both the modern infrastructure and the preserved cozy Old Town and monuments. After breakfast, we start the sightseeing tour in Tashkent: Visit Minor white Mosque, Independence Square, Amir Timur Square and Tashkent metro.
Transfer to the airport after lunchtime for a further flight to Bishkek. On arrival, accommodation at the hotel and overnight.
breakfast
Day 10 Bishkek
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the local Kyrgyz guide. Today we will visit Ala-Archa National Park to enjoy the local nature and an easy hike in the park.
After that, return to the city and visit the main sights of Bishkek: the central Ala-Too Square, flagstaff (and changing of the guard), statue of Lenin and Freedom Monument, Monument to Manas the Great. Overnight in Bishkek.
breakfast
Day 11 Bishkek - Burana Tower - Issyk-Kul Lake by road (280 km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide and driver and drive to the second largest alpine lake in the world – Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way visit the ruins of the ancient city Balasagyn and Burana tower. Upon arrival accommodation at the hotel and rest.
breakfast
Day 12 Issyk-Kul - Djeti-Oguz Gorge - Karakol by road, 150 km
Breakfast at the hotel. Start driving to Karakol along the Eastern shore of Issyk-Kul. En route, visit the museum of Petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata and museum of the famous Russian explorer of Central Asia N.M. Prjevalsky.
Upon arrival city tour in Karakol. Visit a Dungan mosque (19century), a unique construction built in Chinese style with no nails used. Also, see the wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral of The Holy Trinity built at the end of the 19th century. Walk around the central bazaar to feel the real life of the city.
Transfer to the Djeti-Oguz Gorge on the northern slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too Ridge, viewing red rocks "Broken Heart" and "Rocks of Seven Bulls". Huge dark green woods spread over red sandstone mountain slopes and create an incredible color contrast. Return to Karakol, check in at a hotel.
breakfast
Day 13 Karakol - "Kegen" land border - Charyn canyon - Almaty by road (380 km)
Early breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Karakol at 08:00. Transfer to the land border with Kazakhstan. Border formalities. Further transfer to Almaty.
En route visit spectacular Charyn Canyon. The Charyn Canyon is located in the Charyn National Park about 215 km east of Almaty and approximately a 3 hour drive via the A 351 and A 352. The Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon’s little brother. The Canyon itself is approximately 150 km long, and, in places up to 300 meters deep. One area of particular interest is an area of 2 km called the Valley of Castles, due to the pillars and rock formations forming imposing, almost man-made structures. Arrival to Almaty by the evening. Accommodation and overnight.
breakfast, lunch
Day 14 Almaty
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, the sightseeing tour in Almaty (10 hours). Visit the following places: the Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Next visit of the Kok-Tobe hill with the tallest TV tower in the world. Short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway.
After lunch, transfer to Medeo – the world highest rink and Shymbulak – mountain resort. Take a cable car to 3200 meters altitude to enjoy breathtaking landscapes. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
breakfast
Day 15 Almaty, departure
Transfer to the International airport of Almaty. Departure from Kazakhstan.
breakfast
Optional: Day 16 and Day 17 with Astana
Day 16 & Day 17 with Astana Extension
Total Price: USD 4,280 USD / person (shared basis)
Supplement for single accommodation is 655 USD
Including Flight from Almaty to Astana (economy class)
Day 15 Almaty – Astana by morning flight
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Astana, Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and start a sightseeing tour of the city. Our first stop is the National Museum of Kazakhstan — the country’s largest, featuring ten thematic halls that tell the story of Kazakh history, culture, and heritage from ancient times to today. Next, we visit the stunning Hazret Sultan Mosque, one of the biggest in Central Asia, designed like an Oriental palace and able to welcome up to 10,000 worshippers at once. We continue to the futuristic Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a pyramid-shaped masterpiece by renowned architect Norman Foster, symbolizing harmony and unity. Nearby stands another of Foster’s creations — the Baiterek Tower, the main symbol of Astana. Ride the elevator up to the viewing deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. Our final stop is Khan Shatyr, the city’s famous tent-shaped complex that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment — a true architectural marvel and a favorite meeting spot for locals.
Return to the hotel for overnight.
breakfast
Day 16 Astana
After breakfast, we set out to explore the historical side of Astana, located on the right bank of the Esil River. A pleasant walk along the riverside offers a beautiful view of the city’s modern skyline and the elegant Atyrau Bridge — one of Astana’s most striking architectural symbols. Next, we visit the Russian Orthodox Church, the largest in Central Asia, before continuing to the Astana Grand Mosque — a true masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture and one of the ten largest mosques in the world. Its gleaming white domes and intricate interior design make it a must-see landmark. After lunch, we dive into the future at Nur Alem, the world’s largest spherical building and the central pavilion of EXPO 2017. This unique museum, standing 100 meters tall, showcases interactive exhibits across eight floors dedicated to different sources of energy — from solar and wind to space and kinetic power. It’s a fascinating journey through innovation and sustainability.
Return to the hotel for overnight.
breakfast
Day 17 Astana, departure
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Astana International Airport for your departure flight.
breakfast
5 STAN TOUR INFORMATION
Tour price includes:
- Accommodation at the hotels, mentioned above, or in similar, but of the same category in double/twin rooms with breakfasts, including early check in on day 1 in Ashgabat; check-in at other hotels – at 14:00; check-out – at 12:00;
- Meals – breakfasts at the hotels and 2 dinners and 3 lunches according to the program;
- Entrance fees to the monuments and museums listed in the itinerary;
- Services of English-speaking local guides for sightseeing;
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including ‘airport-hotel-airport” transfers;
- Local flight from Ashgabat to Mary (economy class);
- Railway transfer from Samarkand to Bukhara on a high-speed train (economy class);
- Local flight from Tashkent to Bishkek (economy class);
- Bottled mineral water per day/per person;
- Visa invitation (LOI) to Turkmenistan.
Tour price does not include:
- The cost of international flights;
- Pre-tour accommodation per night – 148 USD in a single room / 190 USD in a double room;
- Post-tour accommodation per night – 110 USD in a single room / 130 USD in a double room;
- Meals not mentioned above;
- Medical expenses and insurance;
- Porters at the hotels, railway stations and airports
- Tips and gratuities;
- Visa fees (including obligatory Turkmenistan visa fee – 100-120 USD per person and PCR test in Ashgabat airport – 42 USD per person).
5 Stan in 15 days Itinerary
Cost of the Group tour is 3595 USD, twin sharing basis.
Supplement for single accommodation is 480 USD.
Please note that single supplement is required if you travel alone.
It is also possible to organize this tour as a Private tour in 2026
Cost of the Private tour, price Per Person in USD
| Group | Hotels 3★ | Hotels 4★ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pax | 7856 USD | 8362 USD |
| 2–3 pax | 4761 USD | 5089 USD |
| 4–5 pax | 3567 USD | 3891 USD |
| 6–7 pax | 3184 USD | 3523 USD |
| 8–9 pax | 2967 USD | 3291 USD |
| 10–11 pax | 2810 USD | 3141 USD |
Supplement for single accommodation +465 USD / +620 USD
5 Stan in 15 days Itinerary with extended Astana
Cost of the tour is 4280 USD upon twin sharing basis
Supplement for single accommodation is 655 USD
Cost of the private tour, price per person 2026 with Astana
| Group | Hotels 3* | Hotels 4* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pax | 9,466 USD | 9,995 USD |
| 2-3 pax | 5,693 USD | 6,043 USD |
| 4-5 pax | 4,265 USD | 4,609 USD |
| 6-7 pax | 3,784 USD | 4,142 USD |
| 8-9 pax | 3,545 USD | 3,888 USD |
| 10-11 pax | 3,353 USD | 3,704 USD |
Supplement for single accommodation is 465 USD & 742 USD
Information on hotels
| City | Hotels 3* |
| Ashgabat | Sport Hotel 4* or similar |
| Bukhara | Khurjin Boutique Hotel 3* or similar |
| Samarkand | Arba Hotel 3* or similar |
| Tashkent | Green Park Hotel 3* or similar |
| Bishkek | Olive hotel or similar |
| Issyk-Kul Lake | Caprice hotel or similar |
| Karakol | Green yard hotel or similar |
| Almaty | Kazakhstan Hotel 3* or similar |
Information on vehicles:
Group size | Vehicle |
Group of 1-2 pax | Chevrolet Lacetti or similar |
Group of 4 pax | Hyundai Starex minivan or similar |
Group of 6-8 pax | King Long minivan or similar |
Group of 9-15 pax | Eurise minivan or similar |
Check visa policy for Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan before booking. For Turkmenistan most tourists require a letter of invitation and a visa based on it.
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Tour updated 24.10.2025