20-Day Five Stans Tour: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

20 Days | Multi-Country Private Tour | Bishkek – Song-Kul – Karakol – Almaty – Dushanbe – Seven Lakes – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Darvaza – Ashgabat

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Experience the diversity of Central Asia on an extraordinary 20-day journey through five countries: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

The route begins among the mountains, lakes and nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan before crossing into Kazakhstan to explore dramatic Charyn Canyon and the modern city of Almaty. Continue by air to Tajikistan for mountain scenery, ancient settlements and the Seven Lakes of the Fann Mountains. From there, travel into Uzbekistan and follow the historic Silk Road through Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, discovering monumental architecture, traditional bazaars and centuries-old old towns.

The final stage brings you into Turkmenistan. Explore UNESCO-listed Kunya-Urgench, spend an unforgettable night near the Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert, and finish the journey among the white-marble architecture and historic landmarks of Ashgabat.

Designed for travellers who want to experience the contrasts of Central Asia in one comprehensive itinerary, this Five Stans tour combines mountain landscapes, ancient cities, traditional communities, UNESCO heritage sites and local cultural experiences.

20-Day Five Stans Tour Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Bishkek, City Tour & Burana Tower

Arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and guide and transfer to your hotel to leave your luggage before beginning the sightseeing programme.
Start exploring Bishkek with a guided tour through some of the city’s most important public spaces and cultural landmarks. Visit Oak Park, one of the oldest green areas in the capital, followed by Ala-Too Square, the central square of Bishkek.
Continue to the Philharmonic Hall, see the monumental Statue of Manas, and visit Victory Square, dedicated to the memory of those who served during the Second World War.
The programme also includes the National Museum of Fine Arts, subject to its opening schedule. The museum is closed on Mondays. During the city tour, your guide will also point out notable examples of Bishkek’s Soviet-era architecture.
Later, leave Bishkek and travel to the historic Burana Tower, approximately 85 km / 1 hour 30 minutes from the capital.
Burana Tower once formed part of the ancient city of Balasagun, an important Silk Road settlement dating from approximately the 11th–13th centuries. Explore the archaeological area and learn about the city’s role in the history of the region.
After the visit, drive back to Bishkek.
Enjoy free time in the evening.
Driving: Bishkek → Burana Tower: approx. 85 km / 1 hr 30 min, followed by the return journey to Bishkek.
Overnight: Bishkek hotel.

Day 2 — Bishkek to Song-Kul Lake & Kyrgyz Nomadic Experience

After breakfast, depart Bishkek and begin a scenic journey deep into the mountains of Kyrgyzstan towards Song-Kul Lake.
The lake lies at approximately 3,016 metres above sea level on a vast high-altitude plateau surrounded by mountain landscapes.
During the summer months, Kyrgyz shepherding families traditionally bring their livestock to these mountain pastures and establish seasonal yurt camps around the lake.
After arrival, spend time discovering the atmosphere of traditional Kyrgyz nomadic life.
With your local guide, learn about everyday life in a summer yurt camp and observe local traditions. Depending on the arrangements at the camp, you may see how kymyz, the traditional fermented drink made from mare’s milk, is prepared.
You may also have an opportunity to taste local bread, dairy products and homemade preserves.
Optional horse riding can be arranged at additional cost for travellers who would like to explore the surrounding landscape on horseback.
Enjoy dinner in the camp and spend the night in a traditional shared yurt.
Driving: approx. 380 km / 6 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Shared yurt camp at Song-Kul.

Day 3 — Song-Kul, Kochkor, Kyzyl-Tuu & Bokonbayevo

Leave Song-Kul and travel towards Kochkor, a region well known for traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts.
Song-Kul → Kochkor: approximately 140 km / 2 hours 30 minutes.
In Kochkor, take part in a traditional felt-carpet workshop and learn how Kyrgyz artisans produce decorative carpets using techniques passed down through generations.
Depending on the workshop format, you may observe or participate in different stages of the production process.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the home of a local Kyrgyz family, giving you another opportunity to experience local hospitality.
Continue to Kyzyl-Tuu village.
Kochkor → Kyzyl-Tuu: approximately 90 km / 1 hour 30 minutes.
Kyzyl-Tuu is known as an important centre of traditional yurt production. Visit local craftsmen and learn how the wooden structure of a Kyrgyz yurt is made and assembled. Depending on the visit, you may watch the construction process or help with the assembly.
Later, continue to Bokonbayevo, situated between the mountains and the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Kyzyl-Tuu → Bokonbayevo: approximately 30 km / 30 minutes.
After arrival, enjoy free time to walk around the village and appreciate the surrounding scenery.
Dinner and overnight in a family-run homestay.
Total scheduled driving: approx. 260 km / 4.5 hours, excluding stops.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Homestay in Bokonbayevo.

Day 4 — Bokonbayevo, Skazka Canyon, Jeti-Oguz & Karakol

After breakfast, depart Bokonbayevo and travel towards Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon.
Bokonbayevo → Skazka Canyon: approximately 150 km / 2 hours.
The canyon is known for unusual geological formations, colourful rock layers and naturally sculpted landscapes.
Enjoy a short hike of up to approximately one hour through the canyon while taking in the surrounding scenery.
Continue to Jeti-Oguz Gorge.
Skazka Canyon → Jeti-Oguz: approximately 60 km / 1 hour.
Jeti-Oguz, meaning “Seven Bulls”, is famous for its dramatic red sandstone formations and mountain scenery.
Take approximately 1.5 hours to explore the gorge on foot.
Afterwards, continue to Karakol.
Upon arrival, begin a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the historic Russian Orthodox Church and the distinctive Dungan Mosque, which was designed in a style influenced by Chinese architecture.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with a local Dungan or Uyghur family.
Known driving distance: at least 210 km, plus the final transfer from Jeti-Oguz to Karakol.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Overnight: Karakol.

Day 5 — Karakol to Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon & Almaty

Depart Karakol and travel towards the Kegen border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
On the way, visit the museum dedicated to Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky.
Continue to the border.
Karakol → Kegen border: approximately 116 km / 2 hours.
Complete border formalities and meet your Kazakhstan transport team after entering the country.
Continue towards magnificent Charyn Canyon National Park.
Border → Charyn Canyon: approximately 110 km / 2 hours.
Upon arrival, enjoy a picnic lunch and some time to rest.
Then take an approximately 2-hour walk through the canyon to admire its dramatic rock formations and the famous landscapes of the Castle Valley area.
Afterwards, continue to Almaty.
Charyn Canyon → Almaty: approximately 220 km / 3–4 hours.
Arrive in Almaty and transfer to your hotel.
Total scheduled driving: approx. 446 km / 7–8 hours, excluding border formalities and sightseeing stops.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Overnight: Almaty hotel.

Day 6 — Almaty City Tour, Medeo Gorge & Kok-Tobe

After breakfast, begin a full sightseeing programme in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city.
Start at Panfilov Park, dedicated to the soldiers remembered as the Panfilov Heroes.
Visit the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral, one of Almaty’s best-known historic buildings, and explore the nearby Second World War memorial complex.
Continue to Green Bazaar, where local residents shop for fruit, vegetables, spices, sweets and other regional products.
The city tour also includes the Central Mosque and Independence Square.
Later, leave the centre of Almaty and travel towards Medeo Gorge.
Stop near the impressive Medeo Dam and enjoy views over the surrounding mountain landscape and the high-altitude Medeo skating complex.
Continue to Kok-Tobe Hill, one of Almaty’s best-known viewpoints.
From the observation area, enjoy a panoramic view across the city. Walk through Kok-Tobe Park and see some of its attractions, including the Beatles monument.
Return towards central Almaty by cable car and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Almaty hotel.

Day 7 — Big Almaty Gorge & Sunkar Falcon Farm

Begin the day with a visit to First President’s Park.
Afterwards, leave Almaty and travel towards the Big Almaty Gorge.
Almaty → Big Almaty Gorge: approximately 35 km / 1 hour.
The programme visits the mountain area associated with Big Almaty Lake, located approximately 2,510 metres above sea level and surrounded by the peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau.
Continue to Sunkar Falcon Farm, where you will attend an outdoor demonstration with trained birds of prey.
Traditional hunting with eagles and other birds has long been associated with Kazakh nomadic culture.
The demonstration lasts approximately 30–40 minutes and is subject to the farm’s operating schedule. The source itinerary notes that the farm is closed on Mondays.
Afterwards, return to Almaty.
Overnight: Almaty hotel.

Day 8 — Almaty to Dushanbe by Air & Tajikistan Capital Tour

Enjoy free time in Almaty before your scheduled transfer to Almaty International Airport.
Take a flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
Upon arrival, meet your local team and transfer into the city.
Begin a sightseeing programme that includes Hissar Fortress, an important historic complex located near Dushanbe.
Continue to Madrassah Kuhna and Hoji Yakub Mosque.
Visit the National Museum of Tajikistan, subject to opening hours. The source programme notes that the museum is closed on Mondays.
Continue to the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments, dedicated to Tajik musical heritage.
See the impressive Ismail Samani Monument and enjoy a walk through Rudaki Park, one of Dushanbe’s main landscaped public spaces.
The sightseeing programme lasts approximately 4–5 hours.
Enjoy free time afterwards.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Dushanbe hotel. Pasted markdown

Day 9 — Dushanbe, Iskanderkul & Seven Lakes

Depart Dushanbe at approximately 08:00 and travel towards Iskanderkul Lake.
Dushanbe → Iskanderkul: approximately 130 km / 3 hours.
The road passes through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Anzob Pass region, reaching elevations of around 3,300 metres.
Arrive at Iskanderkul, one of Tajikistan’s best-known mountain lakes.
According to local tradition, the lake’s name is associated with Alexander the Great, known in the region as Iskander.
Enjoy time in the area and have a packed lunch during the journey.
Continue towards the Seven Lakes, located in the western Fann Mountains.
Iskanderkul → Seven Lakes area: approximately 220 km / 4–5 hours.
Arrive at your local family accommodation near the lakes.
Please note that accommodation here is simple. The source programme states that hot water is usually available but cannot always be guaranteed.
Total scheduled driving: approx. 350 km / 7–8 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Homestay near Seven Lakes. Pasted markdown

Day 10 — Seven Lakes, Panjakent, Sarazm & Samarkand

Spend the morning exploring the remarkable Seven Lakes of Marguzor, also known as Haft Kul.
The seven lakes are:
Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nophin, Khurdak, Marguzor and Hazorchashma.
Each lake has its own character and colour, creating one of Tajikistan’s most scenic mountain routes.
Enjoy a picnic near Hazorchashma Lake.
Later, travel to Panjakent.
Seven Lakes → Panjakent: approximately 80 km / 2 hours.
Begin a guided tour of the city, including the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the celebrated Persian poet Abu Abdallah Rudaki.
Continue to Ancient Panjakent, an archaeological site representing a Sogdian settlement founded around the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century.
See archaeological remains of residential buildings, a citadel, Zoroastrian temples and the historic bazaar area.
Then continue to Sarazm.
Panjakent → Sarazm: approximately 20 km / 20 minutes.
Sarazm is one of Central Asia’s oldest known settlements and has more than five millennia of history. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.
Continue to the Jartepa border crossing.
Sarazm → Jartepa: approximately 10 km / 10 minutes.
After completing Tajik and Uzbek border formalities, meet your Uzbek driver.
Continue to Samarkand.
Border → Samarkand: approximately 60 km / 1 hour.
Enjoy free time after arrival.
Total scheduled driving: approx. 170 km, excluding local sightseeing and border procedures.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Overnight: Samarkand hotel.

Day 11 — Samarkand: Registan, Gur Emir & Silk Road Monuments

After breakfast, begin a full day exploring UNESCO-listed Samarkand.
Start at magnificent Registan Square, one of Central Asia’s most recognisable architectural ensembles.
Continue to Gur Emir Mausoleum, the burial place associated with Amir Temur and members of the Timurid dynasty.
Visit the remains of monumental Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world.
Continue to the spectacular Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a collection of richly decorated mausoleums famous for blue and turquoise tilework.
Walk through Siyab Bazaar, one of Samarkand’s best-known markets.
Complete the sightseeing programme with a visit to Ulugbek Observatory, associated with the scientific and astronomical achievements of the Timurid ruler Ulugbek.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight: Samarkand hotel.

Day 12 — Afrasiab, Tomb of Saint Daniel & Konigil Village

Continue exploring Samarkand with a visit to the Afrasiab Museum, which presents archaeological discoveries from the ancient settlement of Afrasiab.
Then visit the Tomb of Saint Daniel, an important religious site associated with several faith traditions.
Continue to Konigil village.
Samarkand → Konigil: approximately 12 km / 20 minutes.
Visit a traditional workshop and learn how famous Samarkand paper is produced from mulberry-tree bark using historic techniques.
See different stages of the production process and learn about the revival of this traditional craft.
The rest of the day is free, with a car and driver available according to the source programme.
Overnight: Samarkand hotel.

Day 13 — Samarkand to Bukhara & Bukhara Surroundings

After breakfast, depart Samarkand and travel to Bukhara.
Samarkand → Bukhara: approximately 280 km / 4 hours.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Begin your sightseeing outside the historic centre with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the former summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara.
The palace combines traditional Oriental decoration with Russian and European architectural influences.
Continue to the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex, one of the region’s important Sufi pilgrimage sites.
Later, visit Chor Bakr Necropolis, another significant historical and religious complex located outside Bukhara.
Return to the city and enjoy free time.
Driving: approx. 280 km / 4 hours, plus local sightseeing transfers.
Overnight: Bukhara hotel. Pasted markdown

Day 14 — Bukhara Old City Walking Tour

Today is dedicated to a guided walking tour of Bukhara’s UNESCO-listed Old City.
Start around the atmospheric Lyabi Hauz Ensemble.
Continue to Magoki Attori Mosque and walk beneath Bukhara’s historic Trading Domes, once at the heart of the city’s commercial life.
Visit the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah, forming one of Bukhara’s most famous monumental ensembles.
Continue to the Ulugbek Madrasah, Chor Minor and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah.
Later, explore Ark Fortress, the historic residence of Bukhara’s rulers.
Visit Bolo Hauz Mosque, followed by the Ismail Samani Mausoleum and Chashma Ayub Mausoleum.
After the walking tour, return to the hotel or enjoy free time in the Old City.
Transport: Primarily a walking sightseeing day.
Overnight: Bukhara hotel.

Day 15 — Bukhara to Khiva Across the Kyzylkum Desert

After breakfast, leave Bukhara and begin the long journey west towards Khiva.
Bukhara → Khiva: approximately 480 km / 7–8 hours.
The journey follows part of the historic Silk Road route once travelled by merchants crossing the Kyzylkum Desert.
During the drive, stop at suitable points to enjoy views of the desert landscape and the Amu Darya River region.
The source itinerary notes that restaurants and cafés along this road are relatively basic and may offer limited menus. A packed lunch can therefore be arranged in advance with your hotel or guide.
Arrive in Khiva in the late afternoon.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to relax.
Driving: approx. 480 km / 7–8 hours.
Overnight: Khiva hotel.

Day 16 — Khiva & Itchan Kala Walking Tour

After breakfast, begin a guided walking tour through the ancient walled city of Itchan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore some of Khiva’s most important monuments, beginning with Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah.
See the distinctive turquoise Kalta Minor.
Continue to Juma Mosque, known for its unusual forest of wooden columns.
Visit Tash Khovli Palace, once a residence of the Khiva khans.
Continue to the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, an important religious monument in the old city.
Visit the Islam Khoja complex and its famous minaret.
The programme also includes panoramic views over old Khiva from the Kunya Ark Citadel area.
Enjoy free time after completing the guided tour.
Transport: Walking tour inside Itchan Kala.
Overnight: Khiva hotel.

Day 17 — Khiva to Turkmenistan, Kunya-Urgench & Darvaza Gas Crater

Depart Khiva and travel towards the Shavat–Dashoguz border crossing.
Khiva area → border: approximately 60 km / 1 hour according to the source itinerary.
Complete exit formalities on the Uzbek side and entry procedures on the Turkmenistan side.
The neutral zone between the two border checkpoints is approximately 1.5 km, and transport may not always be available across this section.
After entering Turkmenistan, meet your local Turkmen guide and driver.
Continue to Kunya-Urgench.
Border → Kunya-Urgench: approximately 100 km / 1 hour 30 minutes.
Explore the historical monuments of this important Silk Road city.
Visit the Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Sultan Il Arslan Mausoleum, Najmuddin Kubra Mausoleum and Sultan Ali Mausoleum.
Continue to the impressive Kutlug Timur Minaret and the historic Kyrk Molla area.
In the afternoon, leave Kunya-Urgench and travel through the Karakum Desert towards Darvaza Gas Crater.
Kunya-Urgench → Darvaza: approximately 270 km / 4 hours.
Arrive at the desert camp and enjoy free time to photograph the crater and surrounding landscape.
Watch the sunset and then enjoy a fire-cooked dinner near the burning crater.
Spend the night in the desert.
Known scheduled driving: approx. 430 km / 6.5 hours, excluding border procedures and stops.
Meals: Dinner.
Overnight: Tent camp at Darvaza; shared yurt may also be available according to the confirmed programme.

Day 18 — Darvaza Gas Crater to Ashgabat

Wake up in the Karakum Desert and enjoy the morning atmosphere around the Darvaza camp.
After breakfast and preparation for departure, leave the camp and drive south towards Ashgabat.
Darvaza → Ashgabat: approximately 280 km / 4 hours.
Upon arrival in the Turkmen capital, transfer to your hotel and check in.
The remainder of the day is free.
Use the afternoon and evening to rest after the long overland sections of the journey or explore independently according to your preferences.
Driving: approx. 280 km / 4 hours.
Overnight: Ashgabat hotel.

Day 19 — Ashgabat City Tour, Old Nisa & Akhal-Teke Horses

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin a full sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
Explore the city’s distinctive monumental architecture and wide ceremonial avenues.
Travel to the archaeological site of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site connected with the history of the Parthian Empire.
Continue to the Spiritual Mosque, described in the source programme as one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
Visit the National Museum of History and learn more about the archaeological, historical and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan.
Continue to the Monument of Neutrality, one of Ashgabat’s best-known modern landmarks.
Visit the beautiful Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and continue through Independence Park.
The sightseeing programme also includes a visit to Akhal-Teke horse stables, providing an opportunity to see Turkmenistan’s famous horse breed.
A stop at the Lenin Monument is also included.
Enjoy free time in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Ashgabat hotel.

Day 20 — Ashgabat Departure

Enjoy your final morning in Turkmenistan.
Check out from the hotel by approximately 12:00, according to the standard hotel policy stated in the source itinerary.
Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy free time in Ashgabat before departure.
At the agreed time, meet your driver and transfer to Ashgabat International Airport.
Departure from Turkmenistan.
End of your 20-Day Five Stans Tour through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Price included:

Accommodation throughout the itinerary based primarily on double/twin sharing
Breakfast at the scheduled hotels
Local English-speaking guides according to the sightseeing programme
All scheduled ground transfers and transportation
Sedan-type vehicle for 1–2 travellers and suitable minivan/van for larger parties, according to group size
Entrance fees for attractions specifically included in the itinerary
Economy-class flight ticket from Almaty to Dushanbe
Full-board meals on Days 2, 3, 8 and 9
Lunch on Days 5 and 10
Dinner on Days 4 and 17
Traditional felt-carpet workshop in Kochkor
Falcon demonstration at Sunkar Falcon Farm
Visa support for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, when required under the confirmed booking conditions

Not included:

International flights before the start and after completion of the tour
A single tour leader accompanying the group throughout all five countries
Lunches and dinners unless specifically listed as included
Hotel extras and personal charges
Optional activities, including horse riding at Song-Kul
Consular and visa fees
Visa support for Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan
Personal travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Any additional services not specifically stated in the confirmed package

Prices, per person

Group size	Price per person
1 person	US$ 3,790
2 persons	US$ 2,668
3 persons	US$ 2,351
4 persons	US$ 2,159

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Why Choose This Five Stans Tour?

This 20 day Five Stans Tour brings together the remarkable contrasts of Central Asia in one comprehensive journey. Travel from Kyrgyzstan’s high-altitude lakes and traditional yurt camps to Kazakhstan’s dramatic canyons, Tajikistan’s mountain landscapes and Uzbekistan’s legendary Silk Road cities before completing the adventure in Turkmenistan.

The itinerary combines natural landscapes, historic monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites and authentic local experiences, while organised transfers, local guides and cross-border logistics make it possible to explore five countries within one carefully structured route.