10 Day 5 stans Tour Packages
4.5 stars on(8,109 reviews)- Choose from 9 5 stans tours
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5 Stans itineraries for 10 days
Compiled by
Nadine5 stans travel expert at TourRadar
- Day 1
Bishkek - Osh
Start in Bishkek and catch a morning flight to Osh (book the first flight since afternoon winds can disrupt schedules). Once you're settled, head up the sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain to catch sunset over Osh. It's a 30-minute steep hike on clear paths. Take a light jacket since evenings cool down even in summer.
- Days 2-3
Pamir Mountains & Lenin Peak Base
Take the winding Pamir Highway to Edelweiss Meadow at 3,600m, going up the steep Taldyk Pass with great views of Lenin Peak at 7,134m. You'll spend two nights in yurt camps and can take guided hikes to Lukovaya Meadow and Tulpar-Kol Lake. The walks take 2-3 hours and need decent fitness but aren't technical. Take it slow and drink lots of water to adjust to the altitude.
- Day 4
Border Crossing Day
Cross between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan through Kyzyl-Art Pass at 4,280m. The border can take 1-2 hours so bring snacks and be ready to wait. You'll see the stunning Karakul Lake before climbing Ak-Baital Pass at 4,655m, one of the highest roads you can drive in the world. Sleep in Murghab at 3,650m where the thin air means you need to move carefully.
- Days 5-6
Wakhan Valley
Drive the steep roads of the Wakhan Corridor looking into Afghanistan. Look for ancient rock art in Langar and stay with local Wakhi families. Visit Bibi Fatima hot springs in the early morning to avoid crowds. A recent visitor shared: "The winding drive along the Afghanistan border feels surreal - snow-capped Hindu Kush peaks tower across the river while traditionally-dressed Wakhi locals wave as you pass."
- Day 7
Khorog
Come down to Khorog at 2,200m where breathing gets easier. Check out the world's second-highest botanical garden and walk up for great valley views. The History Museum tells interesting stories about this isolated region. The bazaar is perfect for buying dried fruits and nuts.
- Day 8
Kalai-Khumb
Drive through scenic Darvaz region to Kalai-Khumb. Stop at the old Karon ruins. Roads get rough here so expect bumps. Walk around town in the evening to see traditional buildings and meet friendly locals.
- Day 9
Dushanbe
Last long drive (7-8 hours) to Dushanbe. See the impressive 13m reclining Buddha at the National Museum. Join locals on evening walks down Rudaki Avenue and try local pilaf at the night market.
- Day 10
Departure
Leave early from Dushanbe. Book afternoon flights to avoid rushing through morning traffic to the airport.
- Day 1
Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Begin in Osh, Kyrgyzstan's second-largest city. Visit Suleiman Mountain (the country's only UNESCO site) early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. You'll want to climb up to the 1,092m viewing platform first thing. Stop by the Osh Bazaar afterward but remember to bring cash since most vendors don't take cards. Pick up some local dried fruits and traditional textiles while you're there.
- Days 2-3
Pamir Mountains & Lenin Peak Base
Travel south on the Pamir Highway to Edelweiss Meadow yurt camp at 3,600m. The route includes Taldyk Pass at 3,615m so take motion sickness pills if you need them. Take it slow at camp to adjust to the altitude. You can try the 2-hour hike to Lukovaya Meadow at 3,800m for great views of Lenin Peak. The trail can get slippery after rain so watch your step.
- Day 4
Cross into Tajikistan
Start early for the Kyzyl-Art Pass border crossing at 4,280m. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here so pack snacks and warm clothes. Visit the stunning Karakul Lake at 3,914m before going over Ak-Baital Pass (4,655m) to Murghab. A recent visitor shared: "The contrast between the turquoise lake and stark mountains is incredible, but the thin air makes even walking to take photos a challenge."
- Days 5-6
Wakhan Valley
Travel through the Wakhan Corridor to Langar village at 3,000m. Sit on the right side of the vehicle for the best views into Afghanistan as the road winds along cliff edges. Check out Langar's ancient petroglyphs in the early morning before the sun gets too strong. Next stop is Ishkashim with a visit to the Bibi Fatima hot springs. Remember the springs separate men and women and you'll need modest clothing.
- Day 7
Khorog
Head down to Khorog at 2,200m, the main city in Gorno-Badakhshan. The botanical garden (world's second-highest) is best in the morning when flowers are fresh. Visit the local market late afternoon for better prices. Bring a jacket since it gets cool in the evenings despite the lower elevation.
- Days 8-9
Kalai-Khumb to Dushanbe
Two full days of driving through mountain gorges. Stop at the Karon archaeological site to break up the trip. Road quality varies a lot and traffic near Dushanbe can slow things down. Once in the city make time to see the impressive 13-meter Buddha statue at the National Museum.
- Day 10
Departure from Dushanbe
Book afternoon flights to account for possible traffic delays from your hotel.
10 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Tashkent and Samarkand
Comprehensive 10-day exploration from Tashkent through Bukhara's medieval madrasas and Samarkand's Timurid architecture. Cross into Tajikistan to discover 4000-year-old Sarazm ruins, mountain-ringed Iskanderkul Lake, and Dushanbe's blend of ancient and modern landmarks.
- Days 1-2
Tashkent
Start your Central Asian adventure in Uzbekistan's capital. Check into your hotel on arrival. The next day visit the Hazrati Imom Complex, the spiritual center of Tashkent. Head to Chorsu Bazaar early to avoid the midday heat and see locals doing their morning shopping. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts in the afternoon when it's less busy.
- Days 3-4
Bukhara
Take the morning fast train from Tashkent at 8:00 AM (arrives 12:05 PM). Get to the station 45 minutes early for security checks. Visit the 10th-century Samanid Mausoleum, one of Central Asia's oldest buildings. See the Poi Kalon complex at sunset for perfect photos of the minaret. On day 2 visit the trading domes early before tourist groups arrive.
- Days 4-6
Samarkand
A short train ride brings you to Samarkand, the crown jewel of the Silk Road. See the Registan's three madrasas at dusk when they light up. Start early at Bibi Khanum Mosque to avoid crowds and heat. Visit Siab Bazaar on Sundays when local farmers sell fresh produce. Bring good shoes for the slippery steps at Ulugbek Observatory.
- Day 7
Border Crossing & Penjikent
The journey to Tajikistan takes time. Border crossing can last 1-2 hours so pack water and snacks. In Penjikent explore the 4,000-year-old excavation sites. Bring sun protection as the archaeological areas offer little shade.
- Days 8-9
Dushanbe via Iskanderkul Lake
The scenic drive through Fann Mountains to Dushanbe takes 7-8 hours. Stop at Iskanderkul Lake but bring a jacket for the cooler altitude. In Dushanbe the National Museum offers great insights into Tajik history. Plan a half day to see the Hissar Fortress 30km from the city.
- Day 10
Leave from Dushanbe
Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic jams.
