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:
22 days / 19 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
April 29, 2025
May 19, 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!
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Dushanbe (DYU), Tajikistan.
Arrive Istanbul for connecting flights to Dushanbe.
Arrive in Dushanbe approx. 1am. We will be met and transferred to the hotel where rooms have been reserved from April 30 to allow immediate check in. Rest until after lunch. In the afternoon, 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. However, the city suffered significant damage during the Tajik Civil War (1992-1997) following the nation's independence. Despite this, Dushanbe has experienced economic growth, becoming a thriving commercial, cultural, and industrial center. Our tour will include the principal sites, the Madrassah, and the village market. Tonight, we will enjoy our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast drive to Hisar which offers a fascinating glimpse into Tajikistan's rich history and culture. The Hisar Fortress, a stunning 16th-century structure, stands as a testament to the region's architectural heritage. We will explore the ancient madrassahs and the museum, which houses artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age. The surrounding landscapes, with their picturesque hills and lush greenery, provide a serene backdrop for the historical sites
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Dinner
Depart after breakfast for the airport and our flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Arrive in Almaty, seated among the majestic Tien Shan mountains. Transfer to the hotel for check in.
KC 132 5 DYU ALA 1315 1500
This evening dinner is at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hotel Inter-Continental ★★★★★
Room: Classic
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart the hotel for lunch, followed by 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, Lunch, Dinner
The use of falcons and other raptors in hunting is a vital part of Kazakhstan’s heritage. While not widely practiced today, it remains a significant aspect of their ancestral legacy. After lunch, we travel south of Almaty to the Sunkar Falconry Centre to see these magnificent hunting birds up close. The centre also offers impressive demonstrations of how they train their birds for hunting. End at the airport for our flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will depart early this morning to Lake Issyk-kul. En route, visit the ruins of a caravan town. See the Burana Tower, dating from the 10th-12th centuries, one of the only remaining watchtowers from the Silk Road. Stop for lunch in the village of Tamchi before arriving at the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-highest altitude lake in the world after Lake Titicaca. Kyrgyzstan has many traditional horse games that are an important part of the country's cultural heritage. We are fortunate to have a private show of Kok-Boru: Also known as Buzkashi or Oglak Tartis. This game is played by two teams on horseback who try to score by putting a goat's carcass, or "ulak", into the other team's goal. In modern games, the carcass is often replaced with a mold. Lunch is served in a traditional yurt before arriving at Lake Issy-kul where we overnight for 2 nights.
Hotel: Karven Four Seasons Resort ★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we take an excursion to Karakol, the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, located near the border of China. See the impressive Russian Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque, built in traditional Chinese style for the Chinese Muslims who migrated here during the 1930s and ‘50s. Lunch is at a Dungan family home before an afternoon tour of the Historical Museum and Monument. Return to Lake Issy-kul for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Karven Four Seasons Resort ★★★★ (Note: There is no air-conditioning at this hotel. Windows open and the evenings are cool.)
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Upon return to Bishkek, our city tour will include the Osh bazaar and lunch at a local restaurant. Then, see the President’s House and the changing of the guards, Alatoo Square, and the street painters of Oak Park. Our guide will show us the highlights of the State History Museum. Have a light snack and end at the airport for our evening flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. HY778 – 1905/1925 hrs
Dinner is on your own this evening.
Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Regency ★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour Tashkent, stopping at the Tillya Sheikh Mosque to view the Uthman Koran, considered by Sunni Muslims to be the oldest Koran in the world. It is believed to have been written 19 years after the death of Mohammed. It is inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Continue to the Old City, Hast Imam Complex and Barak Khana. Before lunch, visit the master-apprentice pottery school called Akbar House. Then, explore Mustaqlik Square, the Museum of Applied Arts, and Amir Timur Square.
Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hotel Hyatt Regency ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After an early breakfast, transfer via high-speed train (afrosiyob) to Samarkand. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in. This afternoon, visit Registan, Central Asia’s most authentic square and the centrepiece of Samarkand. This “sandy” place has always been the center of ancient Samarkand and a public square and marketplace. Visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane. The interior has been restored and is brilliant in gold leaf and fresh tile. The heavily gilded central dome opens over the set of tomb markers resembling sarcophagi. All are marble, with the exception of Tamerlane’s, which is a slab of solid jade reportedly from Mongolia.
Hotel: Movenpick Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day at the Uleg Nek Observatory, an astronomical advancement made by medieval scholars. Continue to Shah-I-Zinda, a stunning necropolis which showcases exquisite tilework and architectural splendor. Enjoy some time for shopping before returning to the hotel. Dinner is in a local restaurant.
Hotel: Movenpick Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer via high-speed train (afrosiyob) to Bukhara. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Enjoy lunch before setting out to explore Bukhara. Spend the next two days exploring Central Asia’s most ancient living city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is a treasure trove of beautiful, historic buildings and ancient sites. We explore on foot and by coach. Among our stops are Bolo Hauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashmai Ayub and Ark Citadel. In the afternoon, visit the Magokki Attori Mosque, the Trading Domes and Ulugbeg and Abdulazizkhan madrassahs.
Hotel: Hotel Mercure ★★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue our exploration of Bukhara.
Hotel: Hotel Mercure ★★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy at full day at leisure to explore on your own and shop for souvenirs.
Hotel: Hotel Mercure ★★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Khiva today. We will fly to Urgench via Tashkent and transfer to Khiva. Alternatively, we may drive through the Kizilkum desert to Khiva (approx. 7 hours). Khiva is believed to be founded at the spot where Shem, son of Noah, discovered water in the desert. Shem’s joyful shout of “Hey va!” gave Khiva its name. Both ways to transfer to Khiva will be an all-day process.
Hotel: Hotel Asia Khiva ★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This museum town is a walk-through life as it was led hundreds of years ago. Our tour includes the monuments of the UNESCO site Old Town (Ichon Qala). The Old Town still resembles that experienced by caravans on the Silk Road. Enjoy the sunset and amazing views from the city walls platform before dinner.
Hotel: Hotel Asia Khiva ★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will drive to the border of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan for crossing formalities. The process will require handling your own luggage over unpaved ground. There is no assistance. Upon entering Turkmenistan, drive to the airport and fly to Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel for check in. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Hotel: Oguzkent Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
During the 2 days we spend in Ashgabat, we will stop at several impressive buildings, including the Monument of Independence, which resembles a white-marble "Eiffel Tower" located in a beautiful park, and the rocket-like Arch of Neutrality. We'll also visit the "Palace of Happiness," an octagonal star-shaped wedding registration office, the National Memory complex with its eternal fire rising to the skies, and the Earthquake Memorial topped by a sculpture of a large bull holding the Earth on its horns. As the sun sets, we'll drive past numerous impressive monuments to enjoy the breathtaking views of the "white city" and its extraordinary buildings, shining brightly in the dark.
Additionally, we'll visit Tolkuchka Sunday Market, the biggest in the country, and then the Kipchak Mosque. We'll return to Ashgabat to explore the city's most striking structures, starting with the ruins of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the earliest capital of the Parthian Empire. Erected on top of an irregular pentagon hill at the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains, Old Nisa is a 14-hectare site featuring two semi-excavated complexes from the Parthian period. After sightseeing at Old Nisa, we'll proceed to Geok Depe to visit the beautiful Saparmurat Haji Mosque, built within a former Tekke stronghold, the site of the biggest battle for Russian domination in Central Asia in the late 19th century. Traveling ten minutes north from the mosque, we'll visit a private Arkadash stud farm, home to the famous Akhal-Tekke horses, known for their elegance, swiftness, and stamina. After a photo session with the horses, we'll return to Ashgabat. Lunches and dinners will be at local restaurants.
Hotel: Oguzkent Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue our sightseeing of Ashgabat.
Enjoy a Farewell dinner this evening.
Hotel: Oguzkent Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Standard
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to the airport for departing flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Nineteen (19) 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.
American, Avianca, JetBlue are among airlines that can be used to book international airfare for this tour. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer Miles or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program. Coda Tours can assist you with your international air booking in Business or Coach class (First Class is rare nowadays on international flights, but if available, we can quote it.) Please ask us to quote for you as we often have favorable rates. There is a standard $35 per ticket fee for this service.