October 4 – October 25, 2026
Discover the Five Stans of Central Asia (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan) on a journey through the heart of the Silk Road. From the vibrant bazaars of Samarkand and Bukhara to the sweeping Tien Shan mountains and the marble grandeur of Ashgabat, this small-group expedition reveals a region rich in history, culture, and tradition. Immerse yourself in nomadic heritage, iconic architecture, and timeless landscapes, all while enjoying refined accommodations and seamless travel. This is a rare opportunity to explore Central Asia’s legendary cities and hidden corners—an unforgettable adventure for the discerning traveler.
Some remote locations offer simpler facilities, and certain transfers—including border crossings and desert drives—may be lengthy. Travelers who embrace these conditions will be rewarded with deep cultural insight, unforgettable landscapes, and encounters few others experience.
Countries Visited:
Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
Starts/Ends:
Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan | Ashgabat (ASB), Turkmenistan
Duration:
22 days / 19 nights
Activity Level:
Moderate
Accommodation:
Deluxe (4★) & Luxury (5★)
International Air Route:
USA / Istanbul (IST) / Almaty (ALA) | Ashgabat (ASB), Turkmenistan / Istanbul (IST) / USA
Group Size:
Min 8, 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
The astonishing sight of the white marble city of Ashgabat
The 5 Stans of Central Asia
Oct 4, 2025
Oct 25, 2025
$10,595
$12,595
$750
• Single occupancy rates can be avoided if matched with another single traveler.
• If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
• Rates are also based on a minimum participation which, if minimum participation is not met, may need to be revised.
• Intra-tour flights are subjected to change until ticketed.
• Tips for the entire trip will be $350 per person (based on 10 travelers) and will be added to the final cost of the trip.
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
Depart the United States on regularly scheduled overnight flights to Almaty (ALA). We recommend Turkish Airlines with an Istanbul connection for smooth onward travel to Central Asia.
Day at leisure in transit. We recommend the evening connection TK 350 (depart Istanbul 20:15)
for the overnight service to Almaty.
Arrive in Almaty set against the dramatic Tien Shan mountain range; early arrival allows time to rest and recover. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and a late morning comfort-break. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to modern Kazakh cuisine and your traveling companions. (BD)
Hotel: InterContinental Almaty ★★★★★
Explore Almaty’s leafy boulevards and historic sights. Highlights include Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral, the Central State Museum’s sweeping cultural narrative of Kazakhstan, and a sensory visit to the Zeelyoni Bazaar where local producers display fruits, cheeses and spices. Afternoon at leisure; dinner on your own. (BL)
Hotel: InterContinental Almaty ★★★★★
This morning we travel south of the city to Sunkar Falconry Centre to witness the ancestral art of raptor training—an emblematic cultural encounter that connects modern Kazakhstan with its nomadic roots. After a private demonstration, transfer to the airport for the mid-afternoon flight to Bishkek. On arrival, transfer to the Hyatt Regency and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (BLD) Flight: KC 109 ALA → BIS (sample schedule)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bishkek ★★★★★
A curated city tour reveals Bishkek’s mix of Soviet planning and vibrant present-day life: Ala-Too Square, the State History Museum and the bustling Osh Bazaar. Lunch is with a local favorite; dinner this evening at Zerno Restaurant for an elevated Kyrgyz dining experience. (BLD)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bishkek ★★★★★
Venture into the Kyrgyz countryside to the Burana Tower, a striking remnant of Silk Road watchtowers. Enjoy lunch with a local family, then an exclusive, private demonstration of Kyrgyz horse sports — Kok Boru, Er Enish and other traditional mounted skills — that showcase the athleticism of Central Asian equestrians. Return to Bishkek; evening at leisure. (BL)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bishkek ★★★★★
Transfer to the airport and fly to Dushanbe. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. This afternoon is an introduction to Tajikistan’s capital, whose post-Soviet evolution and Silk Road heritage are evident in its public spaces and markets. Dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant. (BD)
Flight: SZ 218 (sample schedule)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe ★★★★★
Begin at Rudaki Park and the statue of Tajikistan’s national poet, then visit the National Museum for a concise history of the region’s civilizations. A private visit to the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments reveals the country’s sonic traditions, and by special arrangement we enter Kokhi Navruz (Palace Navruz), an ornate interior crafted by artisans from across Tajikistan. Finish with the vibrant Mehrgon Bazaar. (BLD)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe ★★★★★
A scenic drive brings you to Hissar Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold whose madrassahs and museum contain Bronze Age artifacts and traces of centuries-long regional history. Enjoy a relaxed day of exploration; evening on your own. (BL)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe ★★★★★
Fly to Tashkent and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is yours for rest—ideal time for a spa treatment, brief poolside relaxation or a first stroll through the leafy avenues. Lunch and dinner on your own. (B)
Flight: HY 718 (sample schedule)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tashkent ★★★★★
A full-day investigation of Tashkent’s historic core begins at the Hast Imam complex—home to the Tillya Sheikh Mosque and the Uthman Koran (part of the UNESCO Memory of the World register). Visit a traditional pottery master-apprentice studio at Akbar House, the Museum of Applied Arts, and key civic squares. Lunch and dinner feature dishes that highlight Uzbek culinary craft. (BLD)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tashkent ★★★★★
Board the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand—one of the most storied stops on the Silk Road. After hotel check-in, experience the Registan ensemble and the gilded Gur-Emir Mausoleum, where Tamerlane’s mausoleum and the jade slab attributed to his memory make a memorable impression. Dinner at your hotel. (BD)
Train: Afrosiyob (Tashkent → Samarkand)
Hotel: Hotel Movenpick Samarkand ★★★★★ (or similar)
Discover the Uleg Nek Observatory, then wander the tiled passageways of Shah-i-Zinda — one of Central Asia’s most visually arresting necropolises. Time allocated for shopping with local artisans before a relaxed dinner at a distinguished local restaurant. (BLD)
Hotel: Hotel Movenpick Samarkand ★★★★★ (or similar)
Travel by high-speed rail to Bukhara, a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage city. After check-in and lunch, begin your exploration of the city’s clustered madrassahs, mosques and trading domes—the Ark Citadel, Bolo Hauz Mosque and Ismail Samani Mausoleum among them. Dinner at your hotel. (BD)
Train: Afrosiyob (Samarkand → Bukhara)
Hotel: Mercure Bukhara ★★★★★ (or similar)
A full day of guided walking and coach touring illuminates Bukhara’s extraordinary concentration of medieval architecture: Chashmai Ayub, Magokki Attori Mosque, the historic trading domes and the Ulugbek & Abdulazizkhan madrassahs. The itinerary is paced to let you linger at sites of interest and to discover quiet corners of the old town. (BLD)
Hotel: Mercure Bukhara ★★★★★ (or similar)
Today is yours to wander, shop for textiles and ceramics, or simply enjoy a long, leisurely lunch. Optional experiences (available on request) include private masterclasses with local artisans or a carriage ride through the old city. (B)
Hotel: Mercure Bukhara ★★★★★ (or similar)
A travel day of contrasts: either fly via Urgench and transfer to Khiva, or choose the scenic overland crossing through the Kizilkum Desert (approx. 7 hours) with expert stops en route. Both routes deliver you to Khiva’s remarkable walled Old Town—an open-air museum of Silk Road life. (BLD)
Hotel: Asia Khiva ★★★★
Spend the day inside Ichon Qala (Old Town), an extraordinarily intact ensemble of mudbrick walls, madrassahs and caravanserais. Wander bazaars, climb a viewing platform and enjoy sunset from the city walls before dinner. Khiva offers one of the most atmospheric evenings in Central Asia. (BLD)
Hotel: Asia Khiva ★★★★
Border formalities mark the morning as we drive to the ancient capital of Khorezm, Kunya-Urgench, to visit the Kutlug-Timur Minaret and the mausolea that survive from medieval times. After a market stop in Tashauz (Dashoguz), transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Ashgabat. Dinner on arrival in Turkmenistan’s capital. (BLD)
Hotel: Divan Ashgabat ★★★★★ (or similar)
Ashgabat’s dramatic marble edifices and monumental boulevards present a modern, curated capital. We explore Independence Monument, the Golden Horse Monument and the impressive public architecture that give the city its unique character. Where scheduling permits, we visit the impressive Kipchak Mosque; in the afternoon, browse the Russian Bazaar. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner as we celebrate the journey across the five ‘Stans.’
Note: Ashgabat was recorded by Guinness World Records in 2013 for the highest density of white marble-clad buildings, a distinction that explains the city’s singular, luminous aesthetic. (BLD)
Hotel: Divan Ashgabat ★★★★★ (or similar)
Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for international departures. Suggested Turkish Airlines connections include TK 325 (09:05) to Istanbul, with onward connections to the United States; earlier flights may be arranged depending on routing needs. (B)
Hotel accommodation based on the hotels as listed below – double/twin occupancy.
Meals – as mentioned in the program: 19 Breakfasts; 13 Lunches; 13 Dinners
Airport to hotel and hotel to airport transfers throughout the itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for all city tours and excursions.
Inter-city transportation throughout the tour by air-conditioned vehicles.
English-speaking guide for the complete tour (different guide in each country).
Entrance fees at museums and sites during city tours & excursions.
Train tickets on fast train Tashkent/Samarkand
Train tickets on fast train Samarkand/Bukhara
National Horse Games at Burana Tower
Sunkar bird performance in Kazakhstan (special time in the morning)
Turkmenistan Invitation letter, entry pass, registration
Flight tickets Dashoguz-Ashgabat (economy class only)
Bottled water daily
Airfares and airport taxes.
Visa support and visa fees.
Turkmenistan Immigration duty – $14 USD per person.
Beverages and meals not included in the menu.
Camera fees where applicable.
Items of personal nature including extra luggage charges, room service, and medical expenses.
Trip cancellation, medical, and accident insurance (highly recommended).
Gratuities to guides, drivers, and Coda Tour Manager.
You may arrive early or depart later. Coda Tours will arrange your additional hotel nights and
transfers, if needed. However, we prefer that all travelers arrive and depart together. Therefore,
we recommend booking Turkish Airlines through (IST) to Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan and return
from Ashgabat (ASB), Turkmenistan to Istanbul (IST). Coda Tours can arrange airfare or
accommodation 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
Intra-tour flights are booked and issued by Coda Tours and are included in the intra-tour rate. Flights are coach class only. Luggage weight restrictions apply.
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 a fee for the Letter
of Invitation. The actual visa for Turkmenistan will be obtained at the border when we cross into
the country. Costs and required documents will be reviewed with you closer to departure of the
trip
No immunizations are required for travel on this tour. However, the Center for Disease Control suggests that all travelers make sure they are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanuspertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
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)
Almaty, Kazakhstan ( Low Temperature - 52) | (High Temperature - 72)
Tashkent, Uzbekistan ( Low Temperature - 57) | (High Temperature - 81)
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan ( Low Temperature - 62) | (High Temperature - 86)
All departures are guaranteed with 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, can be customized and repriced based on a final itinerary. Rates are based on a minimum participation, if the minimum is not met, rates may need to be revised.
The countries on this tour, and especially Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, have very strict regulations concerning the importation of pharmaceutical drugs. Baggage checks are infrequent, but possible. You should carry prescription medications in their original labelled packaging and carry a copy of the prescription from your doctor. This is not mandatory but could alleviate questions from authorities if they check your bags. Note that some pain relievers such as Tramadol and Hydrocodone that are common in the US are prohibited in Turkmenistan. If you have concerns about your medications, please ask us. Note that even if there is no customs check entering the country, you may be asked about your medications upon exiting the country as well.
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 travelers arrive and depart together. Therefore, we recommend booking Turkish Airlines through (IST) to Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan and return from Ashgabat (ASB), Turkmenistan to Istanbul (IST). Coda Tours can arrange airfare or accommodation 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.
