🔥 Big 5 Stans Tour 2026: 13/14 Days Adventure | Prices & Dates | Central Asia

✨ 14-Day Central Asia Tour: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan

🌍 Explore the Silk Road, Ancient Cities & Stunning Landscapes

📖 Five Stans Tour Itinerary for 2026

📍 Day 1: Arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan

🏙️ Welcome to the Gateway of Central Asia!

• 🛬 Arrival & Hotel Transfer: Meet your driver at Almaty International Airport for a private transfer to your hotel.
• 🏨 Check-in: Enjoy free time at your comfortable city-centre hotel.
• 🌆 Almaty is the biggest city in Kazakhstan and is known for its lively culture and beautiful nature. Charyn Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan," is a popular destination. It is about 215 kilometres east of Almaty and takes around three hours to reach by car on the A-351 highway.

🌆 Evening Activities:

• 🌳 Explore Panfilov Park, home to the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden churches.
• 🛍️ Visit the lively Arbat Street for souvenirs and street performances.

📍 Overnight in Almaty

📍 Day 2: Discover Almaty – City Tour & Medeu Mountains

🏛️ A Day of History, Culture & Natural Wonders

🌅 Morning – City Landmarks:

• 🍽️ Start with a traditional Kazakh breakfast.
• 🌳 Visit Panfilov Park, dedicated to WWII heroes.
• ⛪ Explore Ascension Cathedral, an all-wooden Orthodox church built without nails.
• 🛍️ Stroll through Green Bazaar, a vibrant market full of spices, dried fruits & local delicacies.
• 🏛️ Stop at Republic Square, home to the Golden Warrior Monument.

🏔️ Afternoon – Nature & Adventure:

• 🚗 Drive to Ile-Alatau National Park, surrounded by breathtaking peaks.
• ⛸️ Visit Medeu, the world’s highest outdoor ice-skating rink.
• 🚡 Take a cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort for panoramic mountain views.

📍 Overnight in Almaty

📍 Day 3: Fly to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek City Tour

🌍 Exploring the Cultural Heart of Kyrgyzstan

✈️ Morning – Flight to Bishkek:

• 🚕 Transfer to Almaty Airport for a short flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
• 🚗 Meet your local guide and driver upon arrival.

🏛️ Afternoon – Bishkek City Highlights:

• 🏛️ Discover Ala-Too Square, the heart of Bishkek.
• 🗿 See the Lenin Statue & White House, remnants of the Soviet era.
• 🐎 Visit the Manas Statue, dedicated to Kyrgyzstan’s legendary hero.
• 🏛️ Explore the Mikhail Frunze Museum, showcasing Kyrgyz history.
• 🌳 Walk through Oak Park & admire the Opera & Ballet Theater.

📍 Overnight in Bishkek

📍 Day 4: Horse Game in Don-Aryk & Flight to Tashkent

🐎 Experience Kyrgyz Traditions & Travel to Uzbekistan

• 🏞️ Travel to Don-Aryk Village, famous for its nomadic traditions.
• 🕌 Stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret with stunning views.
• 🐎 Witness Ulak-Tartysh, an intense Kyrgyz horse game.
• 🍽️ Enjoy lunch with a local family and learn how Kyrgyz yurts are built.
• ✈️ Fly from Bishkek to Tashkent, Uzbekistan in the evening
• 🛬 Arrival & Hotel Transfer: Meet your driver at Tashkent International Airport for a private transfer to your hotel.

📍 Overnight in Tashkent

📍 Day 5: Tashkent City Tour & Train to Samarkand

🏙️ From Modern Capital to Ancient Silk Road City

• 🕌 Visit the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the world’s oldest Quran.
• 🛍️ Stroll through Chorsu Bazaar, filled with spices, silk, and souvenirs.
• 🏛️ Explore Amir Timur Square & Independence Square.
• 🎭 See the Museum of Applied Arts, showcasing Uzbek craftsmanship.
• 🚆 Board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand.

📍 Overnight in Samarkand

📍 Day 6: Seven Lakes & Fann Mountains in Tajikistan

🏔️ A Hidden Gem in Central Asia

• 🚗 Cross into Tajikistan. Meet your local guide and driver and journey to the breathtaking Fann Mountains.
• 🌊 Explore the stunning Seven Lakes, each with its unique colour and charm:
• 🌸 Nezhigon (Lake 1) – Reflects pinkish shades in the sunlight.
• 🌊 Soya (Lake 2) – Known for its calm, mirror-like waters.
• 💎 Gushor (Lake 3) – Shines with a rich turquoise hue.
• 🛶 Nofin (Lake 4) – The longest lake, surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
• 🏞️ Khurdak (Lake 5) – Small yet uniquely charming.
• 🍃 Marguzor (Lake 6) – A deep emerald green paradise.
• 🔵 Hazarchashma (Lake 7) – The highest and bluest of all.
• 🍽️ Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local guesthouse featuring Qurtobo, a classic Tajik dish made of flatbread, onions, and yoghurt sauce.
• 🏡 Stay in a traditional guesthouse in Padrud village, experiencing the warm hospitality of the Tajik people.

📍 Overnight in Padrud

📍 Day 7: Exploring Penjikent – The Lost City of the Silk Road & Journey to Samarkand

🏺 Step into the Silk Road's Past

🍽️ After breakfast, the journey continues to Penjikent, an ancient city once thriving as a Silk Road trading hub.

🏛️ Morning – Exploring Penjikent’s History

• 🏺 Museum of Ancient Panjakent – Discover Sogdian frescoes, artefacts, and relics that reveal the city's past.
• 🏰 Ruins of Old Penjikent – Walk through ancient homes, temples, and a fortress from the Sogdian era.
• 🛍️ Penjikent Bazaar – Experience a lively market with fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.

🚗 Afternoon – Crossing into Uzbekistan & Arrival in Samarkand

• 🚶 Travel to the Jartepa border to cross from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan.
• 🚗 An Uzbek driver will be waiting to take you to Samarkand, the historic capital of Tamerlane’s empire.
• 🏨 Check into a cozy hotel in the Old Town, close to the city's famous landmarks.

🏙️ Evening – First Look at Samarkand

• 🌇 Take an optional evening walk to see the beautifully lit Gur-Emir Mausoleum, a stunning introduction to the city's history.
• 🍵 Relax with a cup of Uzbek chai at a traditional teahouse before another day of adventure.

✨ Tomorrow, explore Samarkand’s blue domes, ancient madrasahs, and Silk Road legends.

📍 Overnight in Samarkand

📍 Day 8: Samarkand Tour & Train to Bukhara

🌟 The Jewel of the Silk Road

• 🏛️ Marvel at Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• ⚔️ Discover the iconic Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Emperor Timur (Tamerlane).
• 🕌 Visit the magnificent Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once the largest in Central Asia.
• 🌌 Explore the sacred Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, known for its stunning blue-tiled mausoleums.
• 🔭 Visit Ulugbek’s Observatory, where medieval astronomers studied the stars.
• 🚆 Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Bukhara.

📍 Overnight in Bukhara

📍 Day 9: Bukhara – The Timeless City

🏛️ Morning – Historic Mausoleums & Royal Fortresses

• 🏺 Samanid Mausoleum – A masterpiece of 9th-century Islamic architecture, built from intricately designed baked bricks.
• 💧 Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum – Also known as "Job's Spring", this site is believed to hold healing waters.
• 🕌 Bolo-Hauz Mosque – A stunning 17th-century mosque featuring elegant wooden columns and a reflective water basin.

🏰 Afternoon – The Ark Fortress & Silk Road Landmarks

• 🏰 The Ark Fortress – A massive royal citadel dating back over 1,500 years, home to Bukhara’s former rulers.
• 🔒 Zindan Prison – An ancient jail famous for imprisoning British officers in the 19th century.
• 🕌 Poi-Kalyan Complex – The spiritual heart of Bukhara, featuring:
• 🏛️ Kalyan Minaret – A majestic 12th-century tower, once used as a lighthouse for caravans.
• 🕌 Kalyan Mosque – One of Central Asia’s largest mosques, with a vast open courtyard.
• 📚 Miri Arab Madrasah – A prestigious Islamic school that still operates today.

🌿 Evening – A Walk Through the Lyabi-Hauz Complex

• 🌊 Lyabi-Hauz Square – A picturesque public square with a tranquil pond surrounded by Silk Road-era buildings.
• 📚 Kukeldash Madrasah – One of the largest madrasahs in Central Asia.
• 🕌 Khanaka Madrasah – A historic Sufi monastery once used for spiritual gatherings.
• 🏛️ Chor-Minor – A unique architectural gem built in the 19th century with four turquoise domes.

🍵 After a day of exploring, relax at a traditional Uzbek teahouse, enjoying local sweets and fresh tea while reflecting on Bukhara’s timeless beauty.

📍 Overnight in Bukhara

📍 Day 10: Merv, Turkmenistan & Flight to Ashgabat

🚗 Morning – Border Crossing & Arrival in Turkmenistan

• 🚶 Travel to the Farab border, where you will cross into Turkmenistan.
• 👋 Meet your Turkmen guide and driver, who will accompany you on today's adventure.
• 🚗 Drive to Old Merv, one of Central Asia's most important ancient cities.

🏛️ Afternoon – Exploring Old Merv

• 🕌 Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum – A majestic 12th-century tomb dedicated to the last great Seljuk ruler, with an impressive turquoise dome.
• 🏰 Erk Kala & Gaur Kala – Ancient fortresses that once protected the heart of Merv, offering stunning panoramic views.
• 🏯 Kyz-Kala – A unique mudbrick fortress known for its corrugated walls, once used as a noble residence.
• 📜 Mohammed ibn Zayed Mausoleum – A beautifully preserved Islamic tomb showcasing intricate architectural details.
• 🛕 Remains of a Buddhist Stupa – Evidence of Merv’s diverse cultural history, once home to Zoroastrians, Buddhists, and Muslims.

✈️ Evening – Flight to Ashgabat

• 🚖 Transfer to Mary Airport for your flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital.
• 🏨 Upon arrival, meet your driver and check into a comfortable hotel.
• 🌙 Enjoy a relaxing evening, reflecting on your journey through one of Central Asia’s greatest lost cities.

✨ Tomorrow, continue exploring the futuristic capital of Ashgabat and venture into the Karakum Desert.

📍 Overnight in Ashgabat

📍 Day 11: Ashgabat Tour & Darvaza Gas Crater

🌆 From Marble City to the "Door to Hell"

• 🏛️ Visit Independence Monument & the National Museum.
• 🏜️ Drive into the Karakum Desert to witness the glowing Darvaza Gas Crater at night.
• 🍽️ Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner near the "Door to Hell", watching the flaming crater under the stars.

📍 Overnight in a Yurt Camp

📍 Day 12: Kunya-Urgench & Travel to Khiva

🏛️ Morning – Exploring Kunya-Urgench

• 🏰 Ak-Kala Fortress – A vast and ancient fort that once guarded the city from invaders.
• 🕌 Mamun Minaret – A tall, elegant tower built during the golden age of the Khorezm Empire.
• 🏛️ Il-Arslan Mausoleum – The resting place of a 12th-century Khorezm ruler, known for its intricate brickwork.
• 🌿 Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum – Featuring a striking turquoise dome, this tomb honours one of Khorezm’s greatest rulers.
• 🔝 Kutlug-Timur Minaret – tallest minaret in Central Asia, dating back to the 14th century.
• 🕌 Seyit Ahmet Mausoleum – A revered Islamic shrine with beautiful tilework.
• 🎨 Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum – A masterpiece of Timurid architecture, built in honour of Turabek-Khanum, a powerful princess of Khorezm.

🚗 Afternoon – Border Crossing & Arrival in Khiva

🚶 After exploring Kunya-Urgench, continue your journey toward the Turkmen-Uzbek border at Shavat. Upon crossing, a friendly Uzbek driver will be waiting to welcome you. Take a scenic drive from here to Khiva, one of the best-preserved cities on the Silk Road.

🏰 Evening – Arrival in Khiva & Check-In

• 🏨 Check into a charming hotel inside Ichan-Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva.
• 🌙 Take an evening stroll through the ancient streets, soaking in the magical atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed city.
• 🍽️ Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner in a beautifully restored caravanserai.

🏛️ Relax and immerse yourself in the enchanting history of Khiva, a city filled with whispering minarets, historic madrasahs, and the echoes of Silk Road traders.

📍 Overnight in Khiva

📍 Day 13: Khiva full day walking tour & Flight to Tashkent

🏰 Morning – Discovering Ichan-Kala, Khiva’s Walled City

• 🏰 Ichan-Kala Fortress – A perfectly preserved Silk Road-era citadel home to 51 historic monuments.
• 🏛️ Kunya-Ark – A 17th-century royal palace with breathtaking panoramic city views.
• 🕌 Kalta-Minor Minaret – A striking unfinished turquoise tower, originally meant to be the tallest in Central Asia.
• 🌿 Juma Mosque – A 10th-century mosque famous for its 213 carved wooden pillars.
• 🎭 Tash-Khovli Palace – A lavish harem and residence of Khiva’s Khans, showcasing intricate tilework.

🍽️ Afternoon – Traditional Cooking Master Class & Farewell Dinner

• 🥘 Enjoy a farewell meal at a traditional Uzbek restaurant.
• 👨‍🍳 Participate in a hands-on cooking class, where you'll learn to make Tukhumbarak, a unique egg-filled dumpling dish once favoured by Khivan Khans.
• 🍽️ Savor your homemade dish alongside other authentic Uzbek specialities.

✈️ Evening – Flight to Tashkent

• 🚖 Transfer to Urgench Airport for your flight to Tashkent.
• 🚗 Upon arrival, meet your driver and head to your hotel.
• 🌙 Enjoy a relaxing evening, reflecting on your journey through Central Asia’s timeless wonders.

📍 Overnight in Tashkent

📍 Day 14: Departure from Tashkent

• 🍽️ Breakfast at the hotel.
• 🚕 Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

📌 End of the Tour – See You Again in Central Asia! 🚀

💰 How Much Does a Trip to the Five Stans Cost?

🏨 4-Star Hotels:

• 🛏️ Double room: $3,641 per person
• 🏠 Single room: $3,966 per person

🏨 3-Star Hotels:

• 🛏️ Double room: $3,200 per person
• 🏠 Single room: $3,669 per person

📍 Don’t Miss Out – Reserve Your Spot for 2026 Now!

📜 Visa Requirements for the Five Stans

✅ No Visa Required (Up to 30 Days) for:

• EU Citizens
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Turkey

➡️ Visa-free travel to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

🛂 Turkmenistan Visa Requirements:

• 📄 We provide visa support & assistance
• ✈️ Visa issued at the border or airport
• ⏳ Processing time: 1 month (apply early!)

📩 Need visa help? Contact us for assistance!

📞 Contact Us:

📱 WhatsApp: +998 90 922 30 73

📧 Email: cajourneys@gmail.com

👉 Book Your Five Stans Tour Now! 🌍✨

🔹 FAQs – Five Stans Tour

📌 What is the best time to visit Central Asia?

The best seasons for travel are:

• 🌸 Spring (March-May) – Ideal weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• 🍂 Autumn (September – November) – Comfortable temperatures for cultural exploration.

📌 Is it safe to travel to Central Asia?

Yes, Central Asia is generally safe for travellers. We provide:

• ✔️ Local guides for cultural insights and assistance.
• ✔️ Secure transportation for smooth and safe travel.
• ✔️ 24/7 support to ensure a stress-free experience.

📌 What should I pack for a 5 Stans tour?

• 🌸🍂 Spring/Fall: Layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection.
• ☀️ Summer: Light clothing, hat, sunglasses.
• ❄️ Winter: Warm jacket, gloves, hat.

📌 What are Central Asia's average day and night temperatures by season?

• ❄️ Winter: -10°C to +5°C (14°F to 41°F)
• 🌸 Spring: +10°C to +25°C (50°F to 77°F)
• ☀️ Summer: +25°C to +40°C (77°F to 104°F)
• 🍂 Autumn: +10°C to +25°C (50°F to 77°F)

📌 Can I book a Stan tour tour online?

Yes! Simply click the "Book Now"  button, complete the form, and submit your request.

📌 Can I pay for the tour online?

Yes, we accept Visa and Mastercard payments for your convenience. Our website is secured with 256-bit encryption to protect against fraud.

📌 What other payment options are available for the Five Stans tour?

You can also pay via:

• 🏦 Bank transfer (based on an invoice).
• 💵 Cash upon arrival in Almaty.

📌 What currency is used in the Central Asia?

• Kazakhstan: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
• Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)
• Uzbekistan: Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
• Tajikistan: Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)
• Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan Manat (TMT)

💳 We recommend bringing USD or EUR, which are easily exchanged in major cities.

📌 Is internet and mobile coverage available in Central Asia?

📶 Major cities and towns have good mobile coverage and Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes. We recommend buying a local SIM card for better connectivity during your trip.

📌 Do people speak English in Central Asia?

🗣️ English is not widely spoken, especially outside big cities. However, our guides are fluent in English and will assist you throughout the trip.

📌 What kind of transportation is used during the Central Asia tour?

🚐 We provide comfortable air-conditioned vehicles for city tours and long-distance travel. In some parts of the tour, you may also experience:

• 🚄 High-speed trains (Uzbekistan)
• ✈️ Domestic flights (if included in your itinerary)
• 🚙 a/c vehicles

📌 Are vegetarian or special dietary options available?

🥗 Yes! Central Asian cuisine is meat-heavy, but we can arrange vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free meals upon request. Please let us know in advance.

📌 What are the must-try dishes in Central Asia?

• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan – Beshbarmak (meat & noodles)
• 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan – Lagman (hand-pulled noodles)
• 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan – Plov (rice pilaf with meat & carrots)
• 🇹🇯 Tajikistan – Qurutob (flatbread with yogurt & vegetables)
• 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan – Ichlekli (meat-filled pastry)

📌 Are there cultural etiquette rules I should know?

Yes! Some necessary customs include:

• 🧕 Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
• 🕌 Remove shoes before entering homes or mosques.
• 🤝 Use both hands when giving or receiving items as a sign of respect.
• 🚫 Avoid public displays of affection, especially in conservative areas.

📌 Will I experience altitude sickness in Central Asia?

🏔️ Most of the region is at a moderate altitude, but some parts of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan exceed 3,000 meters (9,800 ft). If you're sensitive to high altitudes, consult a doctor before travelling.

📌 What souvenirs should I buy in Central Asia?

• Uzbekistan – Handwoven carpets, ceramics, silk scarves
• Kazakhstan – Felt products, traditional jewellery
• Kyrgyzstan – Handmade yurts, wool hats
• Tajikistan – Embroidered textiles (Suzani)
• Turkmenistan – Turkmen carpets, silver ornaments

📌 Do I need travel insurance for Central Asia?

🛡️ Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover:

• 🏥 Medical emergencies
• 🛫 Trip cancellations or delays
• 🎒 Lost or stolen belongings
• ⛰️ Adventure activities (if applicable)

📌 Can I use credit cards in Central Asia?

💳 Credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) are accepted in major cities, but cash is preferred in small towns and rural areas. It’s best to carry some local currency for everyday expenses.

📌 Are ATMs available in Central Asia?

🏧 ATMs are widely available in major cities like Almaty, Bishkek, Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Ashgabat. However, ATMs may be scarce in rural areas, so withdrawing cash in advance is advised.

📌 Is tipping expected in Central Asia?

💰 Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Recommended tips:

• 👨‍🏫 Guides: $5–$10 per day
• 🚖 Drivers: $3–$5 per day
• 🍽️ Restaurants: 5–10% if service charge isn’t included

📌 Can I drink tap water in Central Asia?

🚰 No, it’s not recommended to drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available.

📌 What kind of power outlets are used in Central Asia?

🔌 Most countries use Type C and Type F plugs (the same as in Europe). The voltage is 220V / 50Hz, so check if you need a converter for your electronics.

📌 Are there any health precautions I should take?

• 💉 Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended.
• 🍽️ Food safety: Stick to well-cooked meals and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
• 🏔️ Altitude sickness: Some areas in 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan & 🇹🇯 Tajikistan have high altitudes, so acclimatization is essential.

📌 Can I cross borders easily between the Stans?

🚪 Yes, but border crossings can take time due to security checks. We handle all necessary paperwork to make the process smooth for you.

📌 Where can I find more information about border procedures on the Central Asia tour?

📄 For detailed border information, please click the buttons below for each border.

📌 Can I combine my Central Asia trip with Mongolia or China?

🌏 Yes! Many travellers extend their trip to Mongolia or Western China (Xinjiang), as both regions share historical Silk Road connections.

🌍 Ready for your Five Stans adventure?

Click "Book Now" to secure your trip!

🔹 Customer Reviews & Testimonials

⭐ “Absolutely incredible experience! The itinerary was well-planned, and the guides were top-notch. Highly recommend the Five Stans tour!” – Anna, UK

⭐ “The history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes made this trip unforgettable. Perfect balance of adventure and comfort.” – Mark, USA

⭐ “A bucket-list trip! From the stunning architecture of Samarkand to the eerie beauty of the Darvaza Gas Crater, this tour exceeded expectations.” – Emily, Australia

📸 See More Traveler Stories & Photos → Instagram Facebook

🔹 Small Group & Private Tours Available

• ✨ Join a Small Group – Travel with like-minded adventurers (max. 12 people).
• 💎 Private Tours – Fully customized itineraries tailored to your preferences.
• 🚗 Self-Guided Options – Travel at your own pace with our pre-planned itineraries.

📍 Book Your 5 Stan Tour Now!

📞 WhatsApp & Call: +998 90 922 30 73

📧 Email: cajourneys@gmail.com