Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s

Outty Ranking 74 4.9 · 33 traveler reviews552 hoursFrom $9,877
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s worth booking?

Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s is a 552-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $9,877 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 33 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (33)
Duration
552 hours
From
$9,877 per person

Five Stans of Central Asia: Unforgettable Tour through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Five Stans of Central Asia—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Discover ancient Silk Road cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Join us for a unique adventure that promises comfort, authenticity, and memories to last a lifetime.

What you get

    About this experience

    Five Stans of Central Asia: Unforgettable Tour through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Five Stans of Central Asia—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Discover ancient Silk Road cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Join us for a unique adventure that promises comfort, authenticity, and memories to last a lifetime.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Meeting point
    • Transport during the tour
    • 24/7 our customer service
    • Accommodation (22 nights)
    • Dinner
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Guide

    What you'll see and do

    1. Almaty

      Day 1 : Almaty (Kazakhstan) Arrival in Almaty At the international airport of Almaty you will be met by our driver, with the sign Minzifa Travel. Transfer to the hotel, check-in, accommodation, rest Overnight in Almaty Hotel

      60 minutes here

    2. Almaty

      Day 2 : Almaty Breakfast at hotel 10:00 Sightseeing tour in Almaty. The city of Almaty was the capital of independent Kazakhstan from 1991 to 1997. In 1997, the capital was moved to Nur-Sultan, and since then Almaty has been called the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Almaty remains the main commercial center of the country. The city is located in the mountainous region of southern Kazakhstan. Almaty is the largest and the most developed city, with ethnic and cultural diversity of Kazakhstan. You will visit Historical Museum. In the evening we will go to Kok-Tobe mountains to look at the panorama of the city. The tour ends with a trip from the top of the hill to the city center on the famous cable car. Overnight in Almaty

      300 minutes here

    3. Charyn Canyon National Park

      Day 3 : Almaty - The Huns Ethno village - Charyn Canyon - Saty village (by car) Breakfast at the hotel 09:00 Today we will go to the Charyn Canyon via Huns Ethno village. In the Ethno-village you will be introduced to the traditional lifestyle, customs and culture of the Kazakh people. The tour to Huns ethno village includes the following activities:watching a performance that showcases traditional customs; attending a professional horse-riding tricks show; learning about yurts; watching a show with archers; participating in amateur horseback riding; learning how to make local crafts; cooking basic national dishes and drinking kumis (horse milk); and tasting a delicious authentic meal. Lunch break Further we go to one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan - Charyn canyon . Then transfer to the village of Saty. Overnight at the guest house in Saty.

      420 minutes here

    4. Lower Kolsai Lake

      Day 4 : Saty village - Lake Kaindy - Lake Kolsai - Saty village (by car) Breakfast at the guest house In the morning we will drive 15 km to Kaindy lake. It is located among a magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. The lake was formed in 1911 as a result of a powerful earthquake, which caused a landslide that blocked the valley with a natural dam. Thus, the water flooded this valley. The water in the lake is very cold, so the needle tops of the flooded trees are well preserved and visible through the transparent surface of the water, and the dry stalks of fir trees come to the surface, like the masts of an underwater squadron. Then you will return to Saty village for lunch. Afterwards you will go 15 km to Kolsai Lake. This is a very beautiful lake with an abundance of mushrooms and located far from civilization. After the walk we are returning to Saty village. Overnight is at the guest house.

      360 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Bishkek

      Day 5 : Saty village - Almaty (by car) Almaty - Bishkek (by plane) Breakfast at the hotel Check out from guesthouse After breakfast you will go to Almaty airport. The journey takes about 4-5 hours. Transfer to Almaty international airport BORDER CROSSING (by air ✈ ) !!! KAZAKHSTAN - KYRGYZSTAN!!! Evening flight Almaty - Bishkek. 16:35 Departure from Almaty 18:25 Arrival in Bishkek (subject to change) Meeting with our driver at the exit from Bishkek airport Transfer to hotel, Check-in, accommodation, rest Overnight in Bishkek

      300 minutes here

    6. Burana Tower

      Day 6 : Bishkek - Burana Tower - Issyk Kul Lake Northern shore - Kakarol (by car) Breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast a short city tour of Bishkek. It includes: visiting Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square. After the excursion, we are continuing to drive to Karakol town. On route you will visit Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open-air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). Today you will be transferred to the celestial Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608 m above sea level). The lake is called “the pearl of Central Asia”. Also we will visit today a place with ancient stone patterns – petroglyphs. After a short excursion further drive to Karakol town. In Karakol we will visit the Dungan mosque. It was built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail. This will be followed by the visit of an old wooden Orthodox Church. Night is in a hotel in Karakol.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    7. Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)

      Day 7 : Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul Lake Southern Shore - Kochkor village (by car) Breakfast in hotel In Karakol we will visit the Dungan mosque. It was built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail. This will be followed by the visit of an old wooden Orthodox Church. Today we will drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. It’s famous for its red rocks formations that have a name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. Also you will see there the Broken Heart Mountain. If you want it is possible to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge. Further drive along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to Kochkor village. On the way visit Skazka canyon, then drive to Bokonbaevo, Eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo. He hunts hares and foxes with the help of eagles (a traditional way of nomadic hunting). Evening arrive in Kochkor. Dinner and overnight at local guesthouse. Overnight in Kochkor

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Moldo-Ashu Pass

      Day 8 : Kochkor village - Moldo Ashuu pass - Son Kul Lake (by car) Breakfast in hotel 09:00 In Kochkor village you will spend some time with a family that will show you the way our national felt carpets are produced. Also, you will visit a small handicraft museum there. Drive to Son Kul Lake. This lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. Kyrgyz nomads started to come to this wonderful area with their families for rest and relaxation. After our arrival, you will have lunch and then drive to Moldo Ashuu Pass (3201 m). It is considered one of the most beautiful passes in Kyrgyzstan. From the top of Moldo Ashu Pass, you can see almost the entire road winding up to the pass. It also affords spectacular views of the Naryn Valley and some stunning mountain ranges to the south. Overnight in Yurt camp at Son Kul

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    9. 33 Parrots Waterfall

      Day 9 : Son Kul Lake - 33 Parrots pass - Bishkek (by car) Bishkek - Osh (by plane) Breakfast at Yurt Camp After meeting with locals, we will drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city. The road to the city goes through 33 parrots pass (3 133 m). Transfer to Bishkek airport. Evening flight Bishkek - Osh. 17:30 - 18:10 (subject to change) Upon arrival in Osh, check-in, accommodation in a hotel, rest. Overnight in hotel in Osh

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    10. Margilan

      Day 10 : Osh - BP Dustlik - Margilan - Rishtan - Kokand (by car) Breakfast at the hotel. 08:30 Check out from Osh hotel (Kyrgyz time) Transfer to the Kyrgyz-uzbek border Dustlik. BORDER CROSSING (by land) !!! KYRGYZSTAN - UZBEKISTAN ! Border pass (you will go through border passing procedures, be aware, that you will be crossing the border on your own, you and your luggage might be searched - standart borders procedure) 09:00 am (UZBEK TIME) Meeting on the Uzbek side of the border with the Uzbek driver So we go from the Dustlik border via Ferghana to the city of Margilan (Drive is about 2 hours with no guide unless accompanying ) Diner in Kokand Transfer to hotel, check-in, accommodation, rest Overnight at the hotel in Kokand.

      420 minutes here

    11. Day 11 : Kokand - BP Patar - Khudjand - Dushanbe (by car) Breakfast in hotel 08:00 Check out from Kokand hotel 08:00 Transfer to Patar Border post (1 h 10 min , 57 km) BORDER CROSSING (by land) !!! UZBEKISTAN - TAJIKISTAN ! Border crossing formalities. Make sure you have all the proper documents. You might be searched. After you pass the uzbek - tajik border, meeting with our Tajik guide. Transfer to the Khujand city, and visit: Bazar Panjshanbe; Mosque / Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin. The archive of documents is currently stored in the Institute of Oriental manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and material finds - in the Hermitage. Transfer to Dushanbe city. After arrival check in to Dushanbe hotel. accommodation and free time. Overnight in Dushanbe hotel

      420 minutes here

    12. Dushanbe

      Day 12 : Dushanbe - Hissar Fortress - Dushanbe (by car) Breakfast at hotel Staying in the same hotel Start day with the history and culture. Will visit Hissar. Which is 35 km and 40 min far from Dushanbe. Have a tour of Hissar fortress. Lunch. Continue city tour – Kokhi Navruz Palace, Botanical Garden, Market Mehrgon. For the first time the word " Hissar "("Hisor"), as the name of a settlement, city or administrative center is mentioned in the 11th century. Then this word denoted the settlement, where the state troops were located, and the craft developed. In ancient times, the city was the center of the most independent part of the Samanid state. Overnight in Dushanbe hotel

      300 minutes here

    13. Iskanderkul Lake

      Day 13 : Dushanbe - Iskanderkul - Sarytag village (by car) Breakfast at hotel Check out from Dushanbe hotel Today we have a day tour to Iskanderkul lake, known as Alexander the Great lake. We will drive 140 km in 3 – 3,5 hours. On the way I will go through Pass and Tunnel Anzob. Upon arrival we will walk to the lake to take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking views. Later we have a short hike to the grand Fann Niagara waterfall (1.5 km, 20 min), and Snake lake. After that, I will drive to another side of the lake to see the cave and springs. After finishing, we will drive to the Sarytag village and accommodate. Iskanderkul is a mountain lake in Tajikistan on the Northern slopes of the Hissar range in the fann mountains. The name of the lake Iskanderkul comes from "Iskander" - so in the East called Alexander the great, and "Kul" - which in Turkic languages means lake. That is, it is the lake of Alexander the great. Check in to guest house Overnight in village

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    14. Proto-urban site of Sarazm

      Day 14 : Sarytag village - Panjakent - Sarazm - Samarkand (by car) Breakfast in Guest House Check out from guest house In the morning we have a short walk around the village and drive to Panjakent city. Today we will visit: Panjakent Local Bazar Ancient town SARAZM - UNESCO World Heritage Site - 5500 years The name "Sarazm" comes from the Tajik word "sarzamin" (beginning of the earth). Transfer to the border Tajikistan - Uzbekistan border BORDER CROSSING (by land) !!! TAJIKISTAN - UZBEKISTAN ! Border formalities. 14:00 - 15:00 On the Uzbek side you will be met by uzbek driver Transfer to Samarkand (40 km, 1 hour) Transfer to hotel, check-in to Samarkand hotel, accommodation, rest Overnight in Samarkand

      420 minutes here · Admission included

    15. Samarkand

      Day 15 : Samarkand City Tour Breakfast at hotel 10:00 A full day guided sightseeing tour around Samarkand. Gur-Emir Mausoleum (“the grave of Emir”). Registan square, which was the center of Samarkand during centuries. Registan Square is a complex of three monuments: Ulugbek Madrassah (15 th century), Sher-Dor Madrassah (17 century) and Tilla-Kari Madrassah (17 century). 13:00 Break for lunch Bibi Khanym mosque (the 15th century) it was the biggest mosque in CA Siyob Bazaar (shopping time) Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, where you will find a complex consisting of more than twenty buildings, unique in Central Asia. Duration of tour: 5-6 hours Free time in Samarkand Overnight in Samarkand hotel

      300 minutes here

    16. Bukhara

      Day 16 : Samarkand - Bukhara (by train) Breakfast at the hotel. 12:00 Country excursion 30 km from Samarkand: The paper factory of Cunha Meros (a re-created manual production of ancient paper from the mulberry tree, here you will see the entire process of paper production) The Ulugbek Observatory is a unique structure of the 15th century, at the moment there is a fragment of the measuring instrument "Sulce Fakhri" The Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniel is a holy place of worship for the three religions of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish Museum Afrosiyeb - Ancient city of Samarkand. Lunch in Chayhana The duration of the excursion program is 3-4 hours. 20:00 Transfer to railway station 21:03 Departure from Samarkand to Bukhara 22:36 Arrival in Bukhara Transfer to hotel Overnight in Bukhara

      300 minutes here

    17. Bukhara

      Day 17 : Bukhara Breakfast in the hotel 10:00 Start of the excursion program in Bukhara. Visit to the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani The mausoleum of Chashma Ayub (the well of Job), is located near the Samanid Mausoleum. Visit the Bolo House mosque of the 18-20th century. Fortress Ark-Citadel of Emir of Bukhara. Lunch in the local teahouse Continuation of the sightseeing tour: The Poi Kalyan complex includes the Kalon Mosque and the Kalyan Minaret, the Mir-Arab Madrassah, Madrasah of Ulugbek and Abdulazizhan, Ancient trading domes, The Magoki-Attori Mosque of the 12th century Lyabi Hauz Complex, consisting of three architectural monuments: Kukeldash Madrasah, Nodir Divan-Begi and Khanaka Madrasah of the 17th century. Duration of the excursion program: 5 - 6 hours Night in the hotel of Bukhara

      360 minutes here

    18. Ashgabat

      Day 18 : Bukhara - BP Farap - Mary (by car) Mary - Ashgabat (by plane) Breakfast at the hotel 07:30 Meeting with the driver at the lobby of your hotel Transfer to Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan border post (121 km, 2 h) 09:30 Arrival at border post Farap. BORDER CROSSING !!! UZBEKISTAN - TURKMENISTAN ! Border crossing formalities. Make sure you have all the proper documents. You and your luggage might be searched. Meet with guide and drive to Ancient city of Merv (UNESCO), discover historical park with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortresses, Muhammed ibn Zaid mausoleum and others. Continue drive to Mary for flight to Ashgabat (ETD 1940h. ETA 2020h.). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel, check in, rest. Overnight in Ashgabat

      300 minutes here

    19. Turkmenistan

      Day 19 : Ashgabat - Darwaza (by car) After breakfast, we visit Independence Park, Neutrality Arch and Turkmenbashi mosque-mausoleum. As well Afternoon drive to Darwaza gas crater via visits to mud and water craters on the way. Arrival in Darwaza before sunset (~1800h). BBQ dinner, discover the burning gas crater by day and nighttime. Overnight in tents near the crater or shared yurts (3 or 4 pax in each yurt). Overnight in Yurt camp near Darwaza crater

      300 minutes here

    20. Turkmenistan

      Day 20 : Darwaza - BP Shavat - Khiva (by car) After camp style breakfast drive to the Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan border post Shavat (Khiva). BORDER CROSSING !!! TURKMENISTAN - UZBEKISTAN ! Border crossing formalities. Make sure you have all the proper documents. You and your luggage might be searched. Meeting with Uzbek Driver on Uzbek side of uzbek-turkmen border Drive to Khiva , transfer to hotel, accommodation in hotel, rest Free time in Khiva Overnight in Khiva hotel

      300 minutes here

    21. Khiva

      Day 21 : Khiva Breakfast at hotel 10:00 Guided sightseeing program in Khiva and its surroundings. Khiva city tour in Ichan Kala inner city. 10:00 Guided sightseeing program in Khiva: Khiva’s old city, known as Ichan Kala, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the carpet workshop. Guided sightseeing program in Khiva Lunch in a local restaurant. Visit woodcarving and carpet workshops. Juma Mosque and Minaret, Karavan-Saray, Minaret and Mosque of Khodja-Islam, Tim of Ala-Kuli Khan, Madrassah of Abdulla-Khan, Madrassah of Muhamad Amin-Khan , Madrassah of Muhamad Rakhim-Khan, Walls and gates. Duration of tour: 5 - 6 hours Free time in Khiva Overnight in Khiva

      300 minutes here

    22. Khiva

      Day 22 : Khiva Urgench✈Tashkent Breakfast at hotel Meet your driver at hotel and Transfer to Urgench airport Departure from Urgench to Tashkent by plane Arrival in Tashkent Transfer to hotel, to leave your luggage Tashkent Sightseeing program around the center of Tashkent. Hasti Imam complex Including: Tashkent Islamic Institute under name of Imam Bukhori Kaffal Shashi Madrasah, Barak Khan Madrasah, Tillys-Sheik Mosque, “Muyi Muborak” Madrasah and Library, where the holy Al-Qur'an, the world's oldest one, stained with the blood of Caliph Usman who was reading it at the time of his assassination in Medina in ad656. “Muyi Muborak” means 'the sacred hair', a reference to a holy relic held here: a hair said to have belonged to the Prophet Muhammad The Biggest Juma Mosque in Tashkent Chor-Su Bazaar (market) (the one of the biggest bazaars in Tashkent). The Museum of Applied Arts Amir Timur Square Overnight in Tashkent hotel

      300 minutes here

    23. Tashkent

      Day 23 : Tashkent✈ Transfer to Tashkent International Airport Departure from Tashkent Flight: End of Tour!

      180 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en, it, fr, tr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    MinzifaTravel

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s in Almaty, photo 2Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s in Almaty, photo 3Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s in Almaty, photo 4Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s in Almaty, photo 5Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s in Almaty, photo 6Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s in Almaty, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    33 verified traveler reviews for Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    31
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    cynthiapP2936RR · October 2026

    Our 5 Stan’s trip was an active adventure we will treasure. Our small group allowed very easy access & personal guiding

    Personal care by Lolita was a 5

    via Tripadvisor

    Passenger13347684418 · September 2026

    Fantastic tour and great experience for Aussies in Uzebekistan

    We booked a tour for 2 directly with Minzifa Travel and had a fantastic time in Uzbekistan. Minzifa was easy to contact and fast respond. Our tour was customised to our needs, private tour for 2 with local guides at each destination, reasonable price, hotels, attraction tickets and tranports (high-speed trains, flights and private drivers) are included. We had very bad experience with Uzebekistan bank trying to use their ATM machine to exchange money. The machine just took our notes. It's very stressful, however, Minzifa was very supportive even though we faced significant delay and had to rebook the highspeed train ticket. Hotels are in good locations, right in the middle of historical towns, walking distance to attractions, local restaurants and market. All tourguides local guides with great knowdlege of local history, customes and food. We arrived from China with big luggages but all drivers are helpful and same with the hotel staff. In general Uzebekistan is very unique and magical, people are friendly, helpful and warm-hearted. We had a much better time than expected.

    via Tripadvisor

    cvliang · August 2026

    You won’t regret booking with Minzifa!

    We booked directly with Minzifa Travel for a family trip and were quite impressed! Minzifa Travel is extremely good at communicating with us via WhatsApp throughout our five days in Tashkent and Samarkand. They proactively touched base with us and we felt well cared for. The drivers we had were both kind and very patient especially when our luggage did not make our flight and we spend an extra 1.5 hours at the airport after landing. Both drivers were also very accommodating to our older family members and schedule changes. Our guides, Saroya and Viktoriya were both wonderful and helpful in all ways. Minzifa Travel was helpful in coordinating a surprise for a family member’s birthday with a beautiful cake.

    via Tripadvisor

    Pappylongstockings · July 2026

    The trip that never happened.

    I am sorry to be a spoiler for a company that is so highly rated with a perfect score among travelers. You cannot improve upon perfection. I liked everything about this trip, including the price, customer service, and itinerary. Everything worked out well until it was time to make a payment. They asked me to make a direct bank-to-bank transfer. I had never done this before and asked them for clarification. They said I would have to call my bank. Immediately after calling, the bank talked me out of it. They said this type of payment was not secure. I am not sure why Karina would ask me to do this. I have been traveling for 50 years, and I've always paid with a secure credit card. I have perfect credit and more than enough funds to cover the trip and incidentals. I hope Minzifa continues to get rave reviews. However, buyer beware, no matter how much you like or trust a company, you should never pay by bank-to-bank transfer

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and your positive comments about our itinerary, pricing, and communication with our team. As you noted, you decided not to proceed after your bank advised against making an international bank transfer. We respect your decision, but would like to add some context about the trip you were considering. The tour on your selected dates went ahead with eight travelers, all of whom successfully paid and completed the itinerary. Nearly half of the participants paid by bank transfer, and their payments arrived without any issues. For bank transfers, we provide an invoice with the recipient’s banking details. The sender’s bank explains how to arrange the transfer from the customer’s account, which is why Karina recommended contacting your bank for instructions. Minzifa Travel operates under FE “Unique Travel,” a company officially registered in Uzbekistan and holding tourism licence No. T-0087. Payments are made to the company’s bank account, not to a private individual. The company is responsible for fulfilling its obligations under the booking agreement. Members of this group have since shared their experiences on this platform. We have also published a video of this very group’s journey on our YouTube channel. We invite readers to explore their reviews and watch the video to see how the trip unfolded. We understand that bank transfers may feel unfamiliar to travelers who have always paid by credit card. In this case, however, the group’s experience is clear: the participants successfully made their payments and enjoyed the trip they had booked. Kind regards, Timur Alimov Founder, Minzifa Travel

    via Tripadvisor

    rkpreston · April 2026

    Great experience in Central Asia visiting the Five Stans. The photos speak.

    You need at least a month to visit the Five Stans. Also, you should bring about $1,000 in U.S. Dollars in a mix of 20's, 10's, 5's and 1's. All should be new with no tears, no ink stamps, and a minimum of folds. Bring a Visa credit card with a PIN and a Visa marked debit card to withdraw cash. Turkmenistan is the most difficult and you need a tour operator to help you with your visa as it still requires a letter of invitation. Must see sites: Samarkand, Bukara, Khiva, Tashkent, Kokand and Fergana in Uzbekistan; Osh, Bishkek, Cholpon Ata (Issyk Kul Lake), and Karakol in Kyrgyzstan; Dushanbe, Hisor, Panjakent, and Seven Lakes in Tajikistan; Almaty, Shymbulak and Astana in Kazakhstan; Ashgabat, Darvaza, and Mary in Turkmenistan. We used Advantour in Uzbekistan and they provided guides and drivers who met us at all the important places. We used a mix of air, train and car travel. Early spring (April) seems to be the best time. Plenty of snow in the mountains and not too hot in the deserts.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    552 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)64
    Booking momentum (14% weight)58
    Value for money (12% weight)66
    Listing quality (10% weight)67
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.

    How much does Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s cost?

    +

    Prices start at $9,877 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s take?

    +

    Plan for about 552 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.

    Is Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 33 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 552-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s?

    +

    Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 552-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Almaty?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Almaty?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Almaty?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Meeting point; Transport during the tour; 24/7 our customer service; and Accommodation (22 nights). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, English, Italian, French, Turkish and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Almaty. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s?

    +

    Across 33 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Tour in Central Asia Five Stan’s.

    Pick your date