What Makes the Five Stans of Central Asia So Captivating? Central Asia is often lumped together as “the Five Stans,” but travelling through them shows just how different they really are. From the deserts of Turkmenistan to the Pamirs of Tajikistan...
On 11th October 2025, I crossed into Uzbekistan near the Uzbek city of Olot in the Bukhara Region.
A less dramatic change than when a mere two months before, I crossed over from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan at Kyzyl-Art Pass.
For me, however, crossing over from Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan marked the completion of all ‘the five stans’.
What are the ‘Five Stans’?
The Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are often grouped simply as "the Stans" and “the Five Stans”.
Or, inspired by Erika Fatland’s book, “Sovietistan”.
These nations that became independent in 1991 share a rich Silk Road history, Imperial Russian and Soviet past. Yes, each gives the intrepid traveller a pretty a uniquely captivating experience.
At Koryo Tours, we specialise in crafting unforgettable Central Asia tours that explore the contrasts and connections of these fascinating countries.
This in-depth guide will help you understand the distinct character of each "Stan," inspiring your next big adventure.
Why Travel to the Stans Now?
Tourism in the region is on the rise, and there has never been a better time to visit before these hidden gems get too busy.
(Well, Uzbekistan is probably already way too busy).
From the vast steppes of Kazakhstan to the rugged peaks of the Pamir Mountains, the opportunities for discovery are endless.
The Unique Character of Each Stan
While they all share the Persian suffix "stan" meaning "land of" or "place of," the differences between them are significant.
This encompasses everything from language families to political systems and natural wonders.
Kazakhstan - 5 Stans Resource-Rich Giant
Due to its extensive visa-free policy and being home to two of the three busiest airports in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is a relatively easy country to get to.
Kazakhstan is also the largest and most economically prosperous of the five, thanks to its vast oil, gas, and mineral reserves.
This Stan is dominated by immense steppes with some impressive mountains in the East near the vibrant former capital Almaty. Apart from this, Kazakhstan is also home to Central Asia’s second Metro system.
(If one line constitutes a system)...
Kazakhstan Landscapes
Due to its geography, Kazakhstan offers a wide range of opportunities to discover the Russian-Soviet past.
This ranges from the Semipalatinsk Test site (a.k.a. the Polyglon) that was the home for Soviet nuclear weapons’ tests through gulag labour camps, to Semey, where Dostoyevsky spent the second half of his 9 years in exile.
Kazakhstan Language
Russian is still widely spoken in Kazakhstan. It’s a predominantly Turkic-speaking nation with strong nomadic traditions woven into a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle with unmistakable, impressive Soviet-era architecture in the cities.
Kyrgyzstan - The 5 Stan Nomadic Heart
Although not so easy to get to (only Turkish Airlines and Flydubai offer meaningful connections), it is still easy to get into due to its inclusive visa-free policy.
Even North Korean passport holders don’t need a visa!
Kyrgyzstan is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering genuine immersion in nomadic culture.
Kyrgyzstan Language & Culture
Another Turkic-speaking country where traditional nomadic life is still a reality.
The people are known for their exceptional hospitality. Yurt camps and homestays are a primary accommodation option.
Kyrgyzstan Landscape
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked nation and is vastly mountainous. It's home to stunning alpine valleys and magnificent lakes.
The capital Bishkek, and Osh near the Uzbek border, are rich in Soviet architecture.
Tajikistan - The Remote Mountain 5 Stan
Although Brits need a visa, Tajikistan still has a relatively relaxed visa policy.
Like with Manas Airport in Bishkek, only Turkish Airlines and Flydubai offer meaningful connections to/from Dushanbe International Airport.
Landscape of Tajikistan
The poorest of all the Stans and with the most tragic recent history, torn by civil war between 1992 and 1997, Tajikistan offers some of the most raw, untouched, and spectacular landscapes in Central Asia. Among them is the legendary Pamir Highway.
The country is perfect for off-the-beaten-track travel.
The capital city of Dushanbe is currently undergoing major transformations fueled by Chinese investment.
Language & Traditions of Tajikistan
The key linguistic exception, Tajiks speak a form of Persian (Farsi), distinguishing them culturally from their Turkic neighbours.
Tajiks, unlike their fellow stans, have no nomadic traditions, either.
Historically, they lived in agricultural villages and urban areas, many of them were craftsmen and traders.
Turkmenistan - The Most Enigmatic Desert 5 Stan
Turkmenistan is perhaps the most mysterious and isolated of the Stans, with a highly controlled government and unique attractions.
Nationals of all countries require a visa, and it’s the hardest destination of Koryo Tours in terms of securing a visa.
The national airline has some meaningful destinations for international travellers apart from the usual holy cities of TK and FZ.
The country offers mostly desert landscape, but with significant natural gas resources and fascinating Silk Road archaeological sites with quite a few bizzarium along the way.
Often likened to Pyongyang, the capital city of Ashgabat claims to be the whitest city on Earth. The three generations of presidents all left their mark on the city’s architecture.
The most bizarre of all is the street of ministries and the street of hospitals, where the shape of the buildings represents the field they serve.
Darvaza Gas Crater (Door to Hell) is a world-renowned, surreal landmark that attracts adventurous people from all over.
Awaza National Turist Zone near Turkmenbashi is eerily similar to the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in North Korea.
Language of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a Turkic-speaking nation with a strong emphasis on unique national symbols and state-mandated cultural norms, and the only country among the post-Soviet stans where eating horsemeat is taboo.
Uzbekistan - The 5 Stan Jewel of the Silk Road
Although US passport holders need an eVisa, Uzbekistan allows a wide range of nationalities to visit without a visa. Plus, Tashkent is home to the second busiest airport in Central Asia, making it easily accessible.
With the fastest-growing tourism industry in the region, Uzbekistan is the historical and architectural heart of Central Asia.
Uzbekistan Landscape
It features a mix of desert and fertile oases known for its ancient, architecturally stunning UNESCO-listed cities rich in Islamic architecture, bustling bazaars, and history.
The capital city of Tashkent is the largest in Central Asia and home to the region’s first (and till 2011 only) metro system.
The city is also rich in Soviet-era architecture and quite a few interesting and picturesque balconies.
Uzbekistan Language
Uzbekistan is a Turkic-speaking, historically settled nation with a vibrant cultural scene rooted in its Silk Road heritage.
Plan Your Central Asia Adventure with Us
The five Stans offer an incredible range of experiences, from tours of ancient monuments through vast deserts and steppes to rugged mountain spaces.
At Koryo Tours, we offer expertly guided 5 Stans tour packages that handle all the complex logistics, including visas, transportation, and accommodations.
Whether you want to witness the changing landscape on the Pamir Highway in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, explore the turquoise domes of Uzbekistan, or see the bizarriums of Turkmenistan, we have the perfect Central Asia itinerary for you.
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Gergo Vaczi
Greg is the Koryo Tours DPRK Tour Manager.
He grew up in post-socialist Hungary and first travelled to North Korea as a tourist in 2016 following in the footsteps of his grandparents, who visited in 1988. He has since lived in the Netherlands, Israel, China, Korea and Iceland and holds a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. He has taken 26 groups to North Korea and lived in Seoul studying the Korean language full-time for two years. He also completed a long study course in Korean at a university in Pyongyang.
Read more about Greg's journey to become a North Korean Tour Leader here.