Uzbekistan Tours
The 5 Stans Tour – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan
Join this 22 day escorted small group tour through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
The 5 Stans Tour
Embark on a captivating 22-day journey through Central Asia on the 5 Stans tour. You traverse the ancient Silk Road while immersing yourself in a rich tapestry of cultures, history and natural wonders. Together, these define this remarkable region. For example, you see the awe-inspiring peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. You also explore mesmerising Silk Road cities brimming with architectural gems. In short, this tour unveils lands of profound beauty and enduring heritage.
Your adventure begins in Kazakhstan, the largest of the Central Asian nations. Here you'll discover the cosmopolitan allure of Almaty. Then journey into Kyrgyzstan, a land of breathtaking natural splendour. After that, continue through Tajikistan's towering mountains and ancient traditions.
Venture into Uzbekistan, a land of captivating Silk Road cities, architectural wonders and exquisite handicrafts. There, wander the labyrinthine alleyways of Bukhara and admire the Registan Square. Finally, conclude your Central Asian odyssey in Turkmenistan. This is a land of vast deserts, ancient caravan cities and the mesmerising glow of the Darvaza gas crater. In short, it is a fast-paced exploration of an intriguing area of the world. It is available either as part of our group tour or as a private tour.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Almaty (Kazakhstan)
On arrival, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own.
Overnight in Kazzhol Park Hotel or similar, Almaty
DAY 2
Almaty
A guided tour takes in the majestic Zenkov Cathedral and the Museum of National Musical Instruments. You also stroll along Arbat Street. Then venture into the Medeu Valley for the world-renowned Medeu Ice Rink. Finally, take a cable car ride to the Shymbulak Ski Resort for panoramic mountain views.
Overnight in Kazzhol Park Hotel or similar, Almaty · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3
Charyn Canyon and Saty Village
Enjoy a scenic drive to Saty village (around 290km, 4-5 hours), stopping at Charyn Canyon. This natural marvel is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. In fact, the Red Canyon stretches around 3km and reaches depths of up to 100 metres.
Overnight in Guest House Alatau or similar, Saty · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4
Kolsai Lakes
First, visit the First Kolsai Lake. Then hike to the more remote Second Kolsai Lake (around 8km, 2-3 hours). Your reward is breathtaking turquoise waters surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks.
Overnight in Guest House Alatau or similar, Saty · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
Kaindy and Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)
Take a UAZ 4WD ride to Kaindy Lake, continuing by horseback or on foot. A landslide formed this secluded lake, and its sunken coniferous trees still stand sentinel in the water. Afterwards, cross the Kazakh/Kyrgyz border on foot to Karakol. It was founded as a Russian military outpost and later became a sanctuary for Chinese Muslims.
Overnight in Green Yard Hotel or similar, Karakol · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 6
Jeti Oguz Gorge
Drive to Djety Oguz Valley. It is home to the striking red-brown cliff formations known as "Seven Bulls" and the "Broken Heart" rock. Then return to Karakol to visit the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, the Dungan mosque and the Central Bazaar. Optional activities are also available: an eagle hunting performance, or dinner with a local Uigur family.
Overnight in Green Yard Hotel or similar, Karakol · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 7
Cholpon Ata and Issyk Kul
Drive to Cholpon Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, stopping at Grigorevskoe Gorge. Then explore the Rukh Ordo cultural centre and the open-air petroglyphs museum. The museum is home to over 2,000 stone inscriptions dating back to 800 BC.
Overnight in Karven Issyk Kul Hotel or similar, Cholpon Ata · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 8
Burana and Bishkek
Journey towards Bishkek (280km, 4.5 hours), stopping at Tamchy Village for a hands-on felt-making experience with a local family.
Overnight in Bugu Hotel or similar, Bishkek · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 9
Bishkek and Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Explore Bishkek's Ala-Too Square, home to the Kyrgyz National Flag and the changing of the guards ceremony. Then see the Monument of Peace and Friendship, the equestrian statue of Manas, Oak Park and Osh Bazaar. Afterwards, fly from Bishkek to Tashkent.
Overnight in Mir Luxe Plaza Hotel or similar, Tashkent · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 10
Tashkent
A city tour starts at Khast Imam Square, the spiritual heart of Tashkent, and bustling Chorsu Bazaar. Then visit the Museum of Applied Arts, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, Amir Temur Square and Independence Square. There is also an optional ride on the ornately decorated Tashkent Metro.
Overnight in Mir Luxe Plaza Hotel or similar, Tashkent · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 11
Khujand (Tajikistan)
Cross the Uzbek/Tajik border on foot at Oibek. Your Tajik guide then meets you for the drive to Khujand. After that, visit the Historical Museum of Sughd, Kamoli Khujandi Square, Panjshanbe Bazaar and the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin.
Overnight in Khudjand Deluxe Hotel or similar, Khujand · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 12
Penjikent
Travel to Penjikent, a UNESCO World Heritage site dubbed the "Pompeii of Central Asia". First, explore the ruins of Old Penjikent. Then visit the local bazaar to select ingredients for an authentic home-cooked dinner.
Overnight in Umariyon Hotel or similar, Penjikent · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 13
Seven Lakes, Sarazm and Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Visit the turquoise Seven Lakes (Marguzor Lakes) in the Pamir Mountains. Then see Sarazm, Tajikistan's first UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 4th millennium BC. Afterwards, cross into Uzbekistan and drive to Samarkand (180km, around 3 hours).
Overnight in Orient Star Hotel or similar, Samarkand · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 14
Samarkand
Explore the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, resting place of Tamerlane. Then see the iconic Registan Square with its three madrassahs, Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the bustling Siab Bazaar.
Overnight in Orient Star Hotel or similar, Samarkand · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 15
Samarkand and Bukhara
Visit the Necropolis Shakhi-Zinda, the Afrosiab Museum, the mausoleum of St. Doniyor and the Ulughbek Observatory. You also see the Silk Paper Centre. Afterwards, take the high-speed train to Bukhara.
Overnight in Omar Khayam Hotel or similar, Bukhara · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 16
Bukhara
Explore the Ark Fortress and the Bolo-Khauz Mosque. Then see the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble with its Kalyan Minaret, the Miri-Arab Madrasah and the Djuma Mosque. You also visit the traditional bazaars and the Liabi-Khauz Complex. Afterwards, enjoy an authentic home-cooked lunch featuring plov, Uzbekistan's national dish.
Overnight in Omar Khayam Hotel or similar, Bukhara · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 17
Khiva
A journey through the vast Kyzylkum Desert (around 450km, 7-8 hours) to Khiva, an oasis of history and culture.
Overnight in Orient Star Khiva Hotel or similar, Khiva · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 18
Khiva
Take a walking tour of Ichan Kala, a UNESCO-protected open-air museum enclosed by a fortress wall. It takes in the Mukhammed-Amin-Khan madrassah, the Kalta Minor minaret, the Kunya-Ark fortress and the Djuma mosque. There is also a traditional Khorezmian bread-baking experience.
Overnight in Orient Star Khiva Hotel or similar, Khiva · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 19
Darvaza Gas Crater (Turkmenistan)
Cross the Uzbek-Turkmen border and drive to Darvaza (around 280km, 5-6 hours). You arrive in the early evening at the awe-inspiring Darvaza gas crater, locally known as the "Door to Hell". Then stay overnight in tents nearby.
Overnight in Tents at Darvaza Gas Crater · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 20
Ashgabat
Drive to Ashgabat (260km, 4 hours), passing a mud crater and a water crater en route. Then a city tour takes in the Earthquake Monument, the Ertogrylgazy Mosque and the bustling Gulistan (Russian) Bazaar.
Overnight in Yyldyz Hotel or similar, Ashgabat · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 21
Old Nissa
Visit the ancient ruins of Old Nissa, once capital of the Parthian Empire. Then call at a local horse stable in Geok Tepe to meet the Turkmen Akhal-teke horse breed. Finally, tour Ashgabat's Park of Independence, Arch of Neutrality, Rukhnama statue and Palace Square.
Overnight in Yyldyz Hotel or similar, Ashgabat · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 22
The End of the 5 Stans Tour
At a suitable time, transfer to the international airport for your flight home. However, please note the itinerary is subject to change.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Air-conditioned transportation with driver as described
Economy class flight from Bishkek to Tashkent on Day 9
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Daily breakfast, plus 19 lunches and 4 dinners as shown in the itinerary
English-speaking guides throughout Kazakhstan (days 2-5), Kyrgyzstan (days 5-9), Tajikistan (days 11-13) and Turkmenistan (days 19-22). There are also local station guides in each Uzbekistan city.
Train ticket for Samarkand to Bukhara in economy class
Entrance fees to monuments, museums and all visits indicated in the itinerary
Tourist tax in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Tourist tax in Uzbekistan (40 USD per person per tour)
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book The 5 Stans Tour.
What the tour status means
- Available
- Places are open for booking. This departure needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and your booking could be the one that guarantees it. Contact us to find out how close it is.
- Guaranteed
- Enough travellers have booked, so this departure is confirmed to run.
- On Request
- There are only a few places left, or the date is close to departure. Contact us and we'll check with our local team before confirming your place.
- Full
- This departure is sold out. Get in touch and we can add you to a waiting list or suggest another date, or a private tour on dates that suit you.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy.
Prefer a Private Tour?
This tour is also available as a private departure.
From £5,995 per person, based on two people travelling
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest advice for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
To enter Turkmenistan, your passport must have an expiry date more than 6 months after the end-date on your visa. Your passport should also be valid for three months from your date of entry into Uzbekistan. Similarly, it should be valid for six months from your date of entry into Kyrgyzstan. British passport holders can enter Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30-60 days depending on the country. However, Tajikistan requires an e-visa. You obtain Turkmenistan's visa (around $85, plus a roughly $35 PCR test) at the land border. It is payable in cash in USD.
If entering any of the 5 Stans with medicines, check the list of prohibited medicines in advance. Also check the legal import quantities. For example, some UK non-prescription medicines, including codeine, can cause problems on entry to Uzbekistan without a doctor's prescription.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor, with badly-equipped and unhygienic hospitals. Therefore, avoid all but basic or essential treatment in an emergency. In an emergency, dial 103 for an ambulance.
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the other Stans have secular constitutions with predominantly Muslim populations. Therefore, respect local traditions, customs and religions at all times, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas. You must also carry your passport (or a notarised copy) at all times in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Possession of drugs is illegal throughout the region, carrying lengthy prison sentences. Homosexuality is illegal in Uzbekistan and frowned upon socially elsewhere, so take care over public displays of affection. Finally, be cautious photographing government buildings, military sites, airports, borders and police stations.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing that can be layered is advisable, alongside general warm clothing and a light raincoat. Laundry is also available in most hotels. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and/or walking boots are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. In addition, we recommend a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
Uzbekistan's currency is the sum (also som/soum). Credit cards are not widely accepted beyond Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Therefore, US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money at official exchange booths, because black-market exchange is illegal. Kyrgyzstan's currency, the Kyrgyzstani som, is different and not interchangeable. However, shops and restaurants there accept major credit cards.
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan use type C and F plugs on a 220V/50Hz supply. Uzbekistan is on GMT+5, while Kyrgyzstan is on GMT+6. Internet access in Uzbekistan can be slow and limited outside 4-5 star hotels. However, Kyrgyzstan's mobile internet is inexpensive and fast, with wifi widely available in Bishkek.
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