April 29 – May 19, 2025
The five Central Asian countries known as the Stans remain some of the least visited nations worldwide, despite their historical significance. This region serves as the heart of the Ancient Silk Road, where caravans transported valuable silks and commodities from China to bustling bazaars like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Beyond the exchange of goods, these interactions fostered the sharing and adoption of ideas, art, architecture, and spiritual beliefs among diverse communities. Embark on an immersive journey through this culturally rich and historically significant area of the world, accompanied by a small group of like-minded individuals.
Due to the pandemic, Turkmenistan, along with the other “Stans,” closed its borders. After two years, Turkmenistan is finally reopening, and Coda Tours has eagerly awaited this moment to reintroduce our 5 Stans trip.
Countries Visited:
Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
Starts/Ends:
Dushanbe (DYU), Tajikistan / Ashgabat (ASB)
Duration:
21 days / 18 nights
Activity Level:
Moderate
Accommodation:
Deluxe (4★) & Luxury (5★)
International Air Route:
USA/Istanbul (IST)/Dushanbe (DYU)…Ashgabat (ASB)/Istanbul (IST)/USA
Group Size:
Min 6, Max 18
Experiences:
Culture, History, Food, Lifestyle
Coda Tours signature small group size
Coda Tours signature comprehensive sightseeing programs
Coda Tours signature inclusive meal plan
Coda Tours signature deluxe accommodations
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara, Bukhara, Khiva Old Town, Kutlug-Timur Minaret
City Tours of Almaty, Tashkent, Bishek, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
Natural wonders of the Tien Shan Mountains, Lake Issyk-kul
The 5 Stans of Central Asia
May 1, 2025
May 3, 2025
$9,195
$10,895
$750
A deposit of $750 is required to hold a reservation. This may be charged to a credit card. Final payment is due 60 days prior to Start Date of the tour. Final payment may be made by personal check or wire transfer. Credit card payments are assessed a 4% fee.
• Single Occupancy rates can be avoided if you wish to be matched with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
• Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour online.
• Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made. Rates are based on a minimum participation and if the minimum participation is not met rates may need to be revised.
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
Arrive in Dushanbe. We will be met and transferred to the hotel where rooms have been reserved from April 30 to allow immediate check in. After breakfast, we will depart for a tour of Dushanbe. Dushanbe, meaning "Monday" in Tajik, originated from a village known for its Monday marketplace. After the Red Army's victory in Central Asia, it was elevated to town status in 1925. The Soviets transformed it into a hub for cotton and silk production. Our tour starts with the Museum of Antiquities, which houses an impressive collection of Greco-Bactrian, Sogdian, and Persian art. This will be followed by visiting the National Museum of Tajikistan, which showcases archaeological treasures from all over the country. These will give us an even deeper understanding of the rich history and diverse cultures of Tajikistan. A whole different aspect of like as we visit the Museum of Musical Instruments of Gurmndja, which houses a fascinating collection of traditional instruments from Tajikistan and Central Asia.
Tonight, we will enjoy our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast we will head to Hissar to visit significant 16th century Fortress and the historical
museum. Clients can have Lunch in Hissar. Transfer to Dushanbe. Then we will visit a charming
Botanical Garden of Dushanbe where you can walk in the fresh soothing air and explore the
finest craft of the woodcarvers of the country. Visiting the Mosque Madrassa Hoji Yaqub 18th
centuries A.D, and time for leisure to get the feeling of the city. Visit to the Kokhi Navruz Palace
and the National Museum of History of Tajikistan.
Visit to the New Mosque Madrasah. Dinner and overnight at a Hotel.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart after breakfast for the airport and our flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
FLIGHT SZ-215 1100 1240
Arrive in Almaty, seated among the majestic Tien Shan mountains. Transfer to the hotel for
check in.
In the afternoon proceed for a tour of the city built on the site of an old Silk Road oasis town.
Today’s exploration includes highlights of the city such as Panfilov Park which contains Zenkov
Cathedral, a wooden Orthodox church built at the turn of the 20th century, and the Central State
Museum, featuring exhibits that detail the development of Kazakhstan. We will also stop at
Zeelyoni Bazaar which is filled with fruits, meats, cheeses and anything else you can think of.
Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hotel Inter-Continental ★★★★★
Room: Classic
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Eighteen (18) nights in 4-5★ Luxury Accommodations (Note: Karven Four Seasons Resort is not air-conditioned.)
Daily breakfasts, lunches (except day 4) and dinners (except day 9)
Private transportation and tours throughout the tour
Sightseeing excursions and entry fees, as stated in the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking local guides
Coda Tour Representative, with minimum participation
Pre-departure assistance and Information Portfolio from Coda Tours
International airfare and baggage fees
Intra-tour airfare (quoted separately)
Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
Passport and visa fees; a visa is required for American and Canadian Passport Holders to enter Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Gratuity for local guides, drivers, staff, and Coda Tour Manager
Personal meals, transfers, drinks, telephone, gifts, and expenses not outlined in the itinerary
Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in the itinerary
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You may arrive early or depart later. Coda Tours will arrange your additional hotel nights and transfers, if needed. However, we prefer that all travellers arrive and depart together. Therefore, we recommend booking Turkish Airlines through (IST) to Dushanbe (DUY), Tajikistan and return from Ashgabat (ASB), Turkmenistan to Istanbul (IST). Coda Tours can arrange airfare or accommodations as needed.
We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer. Please contact Coda Tours if you wish us to quote you the best available fares for coach or business class.
Internal flights are additional and quoted separately in the Rates Table. Flights are in coach class. If business class is available, we will quote this for you upon request.
A valid passport is required for international travel and must be valid for 6 months after the return date of travel and have two blank pages available per country visited. A tourist visa is required for Turkmenistan. If you are LESS than 55 years old, you will need a visa for Uzbekistan as well.
Coda Tours will apply for a Letter of Invitation certified by the Government of Turkmenistan. This will allow you to apply for a visa at the Embassy in Washington D.C. There is an $80 fee for the Letter of Invitation. Coda Tours will provide instructions for sending your passport to Washington D.C. We will attempt to send the entire group’s passports at the same time for group processing by our visa processing company. You must expect to be without passport for approximately 3 weeks once it is sent to Washington D.C.
Coda trips are always casual. There is no need for a jacket or tie. Pack for a variety of weather. Bring a light jacket or sweater. Jeans, khakis and shorts are fine for daily wear. Comfortable shoes are a must. Hotels offer laundry service, but it can be expensive.
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ( Low Temperature - 44) | (High Temperature - 65)
Hail City ( Low Temperature - 52) | (High Temperature - 72)
AlUla ( Low Temperature - 57) | (High Temperature - 81)
AlUla ( Low Temperature - 62) | (High Temperature - 86)
All departures and rates are guaranteed on a minimum number of participants. A Coda Tour Manager will accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour or customized and repriced based on a final itinerary.
A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to departure.
You may arrive early or depart later. Coda Tours will arrange your additional hotel nights and transfers, if needed. However, we prefer that all travellers arrive and depart together. Therefore, we recommend booking Turkish Airlines through (IST) to Dushanbe (DUY), Tajikistan and return from Ashgabat (ASB), Turkmenistan to Istanbul (IST). Coda Tours can arrange airfare or accommodations as needed. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer. Please contact Coda Tours if you wish us to quote you the best available fares for coach or business class.