COX & KINGS

Cox & Kings

Grand Tour of Central Asia

Prices checked 26 October 2026 · Cox & Kings · Supplier snapshot; confirmation required.

Grand Tour of Central AsiaChoose your departure & see monthly prices →

This grand tour weaves together Central Asia’s five Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. You explore cities shaped by the Silk Road and Soviet rule, cultures preserving age-old traditions, and a tapestry of landscapes – from open steppes and wide deserts to hulking mountains and twinkling lakes.

Plan this tour with Kat & Simon Morgan — Personal Travel Consultants at Hays Travel. Call 0800 0662 694 for help comparing dates, departure points and room options.

Tour highlights

Further highlights

Your itinerary

In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.

Sample itinerary. Choose a departure for its exact itinerary and hotel plan.

Day 1 — Fly to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) via Istanbul.

Day 2 — Ashgabat

Check into your hotel, visit the National History Museum and tour Ashgabat’s famous white-marble landmarks.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 2.1 — Transfer: Ashgabat to Darvaza
Day 3 — Darvaza

Visit the Earthquake Monument of Turkmenistan, commemorating a 1948 quake that levelled almost every building in the city, followed by a trip to the Gulistan Bazaar. Later drive into the desert to the Darvaza Gas Crater; the natural gas has been burning here for over 50 years, giving rise to its nickname, the “Door to Hell”.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3.1 — Transfer: Darvaza to Khiva
Day 4 — Kunya-Urgench - Khiva, Uzbekistan

Explore the historical treasures of Kunya-Urgench, site of the first capital of the Khwarazmian Empire that ruled over swathes of Central Asia. After your tour, transfer by road to Khiva.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 5 — Khiva

Tour the Silk Road city of Khiva, focusing on the UNESCO-protected, intricate clay-walled inner town of Itchan Kala and its numerous well-preserved madrasas, minarets, mosques and palaces.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 5.1 — Transfer: Khiva to Bukhara
Day 6 — Bukhara

Take the Jaloliddin Manguberdi highspeed train* to Bukhara, check into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 7 — Bukhara

Bukhara’s old centre is one of Central Asia’s most intact medieval cities. Spend the day touring its historical attractions, including the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the Poi Kalyan complex, the Trading Domes, the Samanid mausoleum, and the restored 10th-century Ark fortress.

Meals: breakfast

Day 7.1 — Transfer: Bukhara to Samarkand
Day 8 — Bukhara - Samarkand

See more of Bukhara’s key sites, including Chor Minor, Magoki Attori Mosque, and the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace – once the country residence of the Emir of Bukhara. Take a train to Samarkand, followed by an evening visit to Registan Square.

Meals: breakfast

Day 9 — Samarkand

Discover Samarkand, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. See Registan Square again, in daylight, to enjoy a small music concert and lecture. Continue to the Afroasiyob Museum, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and the Gur-Emir mausoleum – final resting place of emperor Timur. Finish with a cooking demonstration of plov, Uzbekistan’s national dish, at a heritage house.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 10 — Shahrisabz - Samarkand

Take a trip to the ancient city of Shahrisabz, birthplace of the emperor Timur; explore its buildings and visit a silk paper workshop.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 10.1 — Transfer: Samarkand to Panjakent
Day 11 — Penjikent, Tajikistan

Cross the border to the Tajik city of Penjikent; visit the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the eponymous “father of Persian poetry”; and the archaeological ruins of Penjikent.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 12 — Seven Lakes - Penjikent

Journey to the glacial waters of the Seven Lakes, which shimmer at the foot of the Fann Mountains. Enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch and return to Penjikent.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 12.1 — Transfer: Panjakent to Khujand
Day 13 — Istaravshan - Khujand

Drive to Khujand, pausing en route to visit the historic Hazrat Shah complex and the Mug Teppe fortress in Istaravshan.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 13.1 — Transfer: Khujand to Tashkent
Day 14 — Khujand - Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Spend your morning sightseeing, visiting Khujand’s Museum of Archaeology and Fortification, Shaikh Muslihiddin Mosque, the Soviet-era Arbob Cultural Palace, and Payshanba Bazaar – the largest market in Tajikistan. After, drive to Tashkent.

Meals: breakfast

Day 15 — Tashkent

Tour Uzbekistan’s capital, a city shaped by both the Soviet Union and the Silk Road, visiting the Khast Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar, the Applied Arts Museum, Amir Timur Square, Navoi Theatre Square, Sailgoh street and a handful of Soviet-era metro stations.

Meals: breakfast

Day 15.1 — Transfer: Tashkent to Biskek
Day 16 — Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

After a morning at leisure, take an afternoon flight to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and check in to your hotel.

Meals: breakfast

Day 17 — Bishkek

Browse a panoply of produce amid the hubbub of Osh Bazaar, before a city tour taking you to the Historical Museum, Central Mosque, Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the Statue of Manas and the Philharmonic Hall.

Meals: breakfast

Day 17.1 — Transfer: Biskek to Kaji Say
Day 18 — Burana - Kaji Say

En route to Kaji Say, visit the 11th-century Burana Tower, one of the last remnants of the ancient city of Balasagyn; and the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, where an artisan will demonstrate how yurts are made. Arrive in Kaji Say on the shores of the vast saline lake of Issyk-Kul, staying overnight in yurts. Enjoy a sunset walk in Skazka Canyon.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 18.1 — Transfer: Kaji Say to Karakol
Day 19 — Karakol

On your journey to Karakol, watch an eagle hunting display, and walk amid the dramatic red rock formations of DjetyOguz valley. Arrive in Karakol for a tour of its sights, some of which reflect the strong Russian imperial influence on the city.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 19.1 — Transfer: Karakol to Almaty
Day 20 — Charyn Canyon - Almaty, Kazakhstan

Drive to Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon – aptly nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia” – for a scenic, circular hike to a high vantage point. Transfer to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital and its most populous city.

Meals: breakfast

Day 21 — Almaty

Explore Almaty with a walking tour, visiting stately Astana Square, Panfilov Park, the colourful Ascension Cathedral, the Central State Museum and Green Bazaar, among other attractions. Attend your farewell dinner.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 22 — Fly to the UK

Transfer to Almaty airport for your departure flight.

Meals: breakfast

Your accommodation

Planned hotels or ships as published by Cox & Kings. Alternatives of a similar standard may be used. Hotel options are grouped as supplied and are not necessarily all included in one departure.

Oguzkent Hotel

Set in a sleek high-rise in the heart of the Turkmen capital, the Oguzkent Hotel Ashgabat affords easy access to Independence Park and Neutrality Arch. The contemporary luxury hotel's 299 guest rooms and suites feature wood-trimmed interiors, modern furnishings and sweeping city views. Three restaurants serve local and international fare on the hotels upper floors. Other amenities include an indoor pool, two outdoor swimming pools, massage facilities, saunas, hammams and a gym. The Oguzkent Hotel Ashgabat caters to guest seeking luxurious, resort-inspired amenities in the center of downtown Ashgabat.

Darvaza Yurt Camp

The private yurt camp at Darwaza offers a simple but memorable overnight stay in the Karakum Desert, close to the remarkable gas crater. Accommodation is arranged in private yurts with sleeping mats, sleeping bags and pillows. Washing and toilet facilities are shared, reflecting the remote setting, while the surrounding desert provides an atmospheric backdrop after sunset.

Hotel Bankir

Hotel Bankir Khiva blends classic Uzbek design with modern comfort. Located just steps from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ichan Kala, this hotel features 22 contemporary rooms and suites. A peaceful courtyard and terrace provide a serene space to unwind. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including barbecue facilities, family rooms, a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, concierge service, and free WiFi. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, wardrobes, and private bathrooms with bidets and free toiletries. Some rooms also feature balconies.

Minorai Kalon Hotel

The Minor Hotel was opened in 2011 and is situated near to the famous Kalon minaret and Poi Kalon complex, with views over ancient Bukhara from the hotel's rooftop terrace. The property is unique in its architecture and attractive in its style. Its 30 guest rooms all have ensuite bathroom and a range of amenities for guests' convenience. There is a lobby bar and an attractive enclosed courtyard.

Kosh Havuz

Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of the historic district of Samarkand - in the old city, a stone's throw from the famous Registan Square, in the architectural area included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel has a unique atmosphere of hospitality and offers modern amenities including a terrace bar and restaurant.

Panjakent Plaza

Panjakent Plaza offers straightforward and comfortable accommodation in the historic Tajik town of Penjikent. Its modern rooms provide a practical base for visits to the Rudaki Museum, Ancient Penjikent and the dramatic landscapes surrounding the Seven Lakes, with welcoming public areas in which to relax after the day’s explorations.

Khujand Grand Hotel

Khujand Grand Hotel is a comfortable four-star property in Tajikistan’s second city, providing a convenient overnight base after the journey from Penjikent and Istaravshan. Its contemporary accommodation offers a welcome place to relax, while the city’s museums, mosques, markets and Soviet-era landmarks are readily accessible during the following morning’s sightseeing.

Hotel Inspira-S Tashkent

Situated in the capital of Uzbekistan, Inspira-S is only a short walk away from the city's attractions and restaurants. The modern interiors boast tile and marble flooring with golden accents. Guests can be greeted by the first concierge robot in Tashkent, ready to answer questions about the hotel and the city. The rooms feature grey and white-washed tones with minimalist furniture and colourful artwork. Each room is air-conditioned, with housekeeping, TV and Wi-Fi as standard. Facilities include a spa, swimming pool, bar, restaurant, and fitness club.

Hotel Ambassador

Hotel Ambassador Bishkek is a fantastic 4* hotel close to the main square and train station of Bishkek. Each room, modern and comfortable in design, has air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, as well as city views. The in-house restaurant offers European cuisine, or Kyrgyz restaurants are minutes away.

Ak-Sai Yurt Camp

Green Yard

The Green Yard Guest House in Karakol is a small, friendly, family-run property. The rooms are simply furnished and all offer en suite facilities. The guest house comprises of two houses, each one has a communal dining area where breakfast is served while other meals can be ordered in advance. The property is located off an unmade road, so vehicle access is limited to cars only. Larger buses must stop at the main street and it will be necessary to walk a short distance to the property.

Rixos Almaty

The Rixos Almaty Hotel is located in the heart of Almaty. The restaurant serves authentic Kazakh cuisine alongside Far Eastern dishes including Japanese and Thai. Guestrooms are comfortable, elegantly decorated, and feature modern facilities and a French balcony.

What’s included

Dates & prices

Indicative supplier snapshot. Confirm price, room basis and availability before booking. Monthly estimates deduct a £250 deposit per person for Europe or £395 elsewhere, then divide by whole monthly payments ending no later than 42 days before departure. Rounded to the nearest pound; final payment adjusted.

London and Manchester departures available. Published tour fares are indicative and not airport-specific; confirm your selected airport and quote with Kat & Simon.

28 published departure and room-basis records. Standard prices are per person sharing; solo fares are labelled separately. Sold-out records are shown for reference.

DepartureDeparture pointDurationRoom basisPrice per personStatus
9 May 2027London22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £5,845
£5,670
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
9 May 2027Manchester22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £5,845
£5,670
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
20 June 2027London22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £5,795
£5,645
Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
20 June 2027Manchester22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £5,795
£5,645
Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
22 August 2027London22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,095
£5,920
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
22 August 2027London22 daysSoloSupplier price £7,690
£7,465
Save £225 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
22 August 2027Manchester22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,095
£5,920
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
22 August 2027Manchester22 daysSoloSupplier price £7,690
£7,465
Save £225 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
10 October 2027London22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,095
£5,920
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
10 October 2027London22 daysSoloSupplier price £7,690
£7,465
Save £225 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
10 October 2027Manchester22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,095
£5,920
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
10 October 2027Manchester22 daysSoloSupplier price £7,690
£7,465
Save £225 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
7 May 2028London22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,695
£6,495
Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
7 May 2028London22 daysSoloSupplier price £8,440
£8,190
Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
7 May 2028Manchester22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,695
£6,495
Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
7 May 2028Manchester22 daysSoloSupplier price £8,440
£8,190
Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
18 June 2028London22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,595
£6,420
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
18 June 2028London22 daysSoloSupplier price £8,340
£8,090
Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
18 June 2028Manchester22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,595
£6,420
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
18 June 2028Manchester22 daysSoloSupplier price £8,340
£8,090
Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
20 August 2028London22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,595
£6,420
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
20 August 2028London22 daysSoloSupplier price £8,340
£8,090
Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
20 August 2028Manchester22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,595
£6,420
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
20 August 2028Manchester22 daysSoloSupplier price £8,340
£8,090
Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
8 October 2028London22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,595
£6,420
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
8 October 2028London22 daysSoloSupplier price £8,340
£8,090
Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
8 October 2028Manchester22 daysTwo sharingSupplier price £6,595
£6,420
Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability
8 October 2028Manchester22 daysSoloSupplier price £8,340
£8,090
Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026
Snapshot — confirm availability

Supplier source ↗

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Booking this tour with Kat & Simon

How do I book?

Call 0800 0662 694 with your preferred dates, departure point and party details. We’ll confirm the current fare and availability before booking. This page does not reserve a place.

Can I spread the cost?

The date selector shows monthly estimates where eligible. Deposit and balance dates are shown alongside each option; ask us to confirm the payment arrangement for your booking.

Will my itinerary vary?

Check the itinerary for your selected departure. Hotels, order of visits and included experiences can vary; optional activities may cost extra.

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