From Ashgabat's Grandeur to Tashkent's Charm : A 2Stan Adventure
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Overview
A Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan combined tour presents a unique exploration of Central Asia, seamlessly blending the distinct characteristics of these two fascinating nations. The journey often commences in Turkmenistan, perhaps in the modern, white-marble capital of Ashgabat, showcasing its grandiose architecture and unique national identity. A highlight in Turkmenistan is often the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater, the "Door to Hell," a mesmerizing fiery spectacle in the Karakum Desert. Crossing the border into Uzbekistan, the experience shifts towards the well-preserved architectural gems of the Silk Road. The legendary cities of Samarkand, with its stunning Registan Square, the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Bukhara, boasting the Poi Kalyan complex and the Lyab-i Hauz ensemble, offer a deep dive into Islamic art and history. The ancient walled city of Khiva, a UNESCO site, captivates with its madrassahs, mosques, and the Kalta Minor Minaret. The tour might conclude in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's vibrant capital, where modern life blends with historical landmarks.
Start
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
End
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Destinations
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Meals
Breakfast ( 8 ), Dinner ( 1 ),
Transport
4x4 vehicle,
Accommodation
Hotel ( 7 ), Yurt ( 1 ),
Days
9
Group size
4-48
Ages
From 15 years old
Why you will love this tour
Your adventure begins in Turkmenistan, a land of stark beauty and intriguing contrasts. Here, you'll encounter a significant Silk Road oasis with layers of history waiting to be uncovered. Prepare for an unforgettable encounter with the otherworldly Darvaza Crater, famously known as the 'Door to Hell'. Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of its eternal flames as you camp in the vast isolation of the Karakum Desert. Spend an evening under the starry desert sky, warmed by the crater's glow, and sleep in a traditional yurt, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Embark on an extraordinary expedition through the less-trodden paths of Central Asia, a region brimming with ancient wonders and unique landscapes. This journey delves deep into the heart of the Silk Road, unveiling its captivating history and architectural marvels. Your exploration extends into Uzbekistan, where you'll witness the breathtaking grandeur of Samarkand. Stand in awe of the Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an undisputed masterpiece of Islamic architecture, its intricate tilework and monumental scale leaving a lasting impression. Explore the serene beauty of the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), and the colossal Bibi-Khanym Mosque, testaments to a glorious empire. Continue your historical immersion in Bukhara, another UNESCO-protected city dating back to the 6th century. Wander through its labyrinthine old town, discovering the majestic Poi Kalyan complex, dominated by the towering Kalyan Minaret, and the tranquil Lyab-i Hauz ensemble, a charming oasis in the city's heart. Journey further to Khiva, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Uzbekistan, and step back in time within the well-preserved walls of its ancient inner city, Itchan Kala. Explore its madrassahs, mosques, and the iconic, unfinished Kalta Minor Minaret, each telling tales of a bygone era. This is more than just a trip; it's an immersive adventure into the heart of Central Asia, offering a rare glimpse into its rich history, stunning architecture, dramatic landscapes, and the welcoming spirit of its people – a journey that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark.
Itinerary
- You will be welcomed by our representative at the Ashgabat International Airport. Drive to the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, consisting of Old and New Nisa, are a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the remains of this once-great city. Nisa, founded by Arsaces I around 250-211 BC, was a major cultural and trade center, connecting India, Central Asia, China, Iran, and even Egypt and the Roman Empire. Then you will have Ashgabat city tour: Wedding Palace, "Yildiz" hotel, Alem ferris Wheel, Constitution monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence. Conclude your trip to visit Ertogrul Gazi Mosque. Overnight at hotel.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Ashgabat - Nisa, Wedding Palace, "Yyldyz" hotel, Alem Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogtul Gazi mosque
Included activities
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Enjoy your breakfast at hotel. Drive to visit Horse Farm. There you can witness the nicest horses in the world - Akhal-teke horses. Drive to Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia. Afternoon drive to Darvaza burning gas crater. It is also called as "The Door to Hell". The area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into an area filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole. To avoid from poisonous gas, it was decided to burn off. The geologists had hoped the fire would be put out in few days, but gas is still burning. In the evening enjoy your dinner and overnight in yurt.
- Yurt
Accommodation Details
- Ashgabat - Horse Farm, Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Ahal - Darvaza
Included activities
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- In the morning enjoy your picnic style breakfast at Darvaza. Then transfer to the Turkmen-Uzbek border "Shavat". Meet your driver for a transfer to Khiva. Check in at hotel in Khiva, Uzbekistan. Free time to have rest. Overnight at hotel.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Upon arrival, begin your tour exploring Kalta Minor & Madrassah Allakulikhan, and the Kunya ark (XVII c) fortress, which includes administrative buildings, gunpowder works, law courts, and a mosque. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration with the Observatory of Ak-Sheikh Baba, the Pakhlavan Makhmud mausoleum (XIV–XIX c), renowned as Khiva's most remarkable architectural memorial with its intricate tiles, and the Islam Khodja minaret and Madrassah (XVII c), the city's highest building at 45 meters, offering an observation area. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay at your hotel.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Khiva-Kalta Minor & Madrassah Allakulikhan, Kunya Ark fortress, Observatory of Ak-Sheikh Baba, the Pakhlavan Makhmud mausoleum, Islam Khodja minaret and Madrassah
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Breakfast at hotel, followed by a morning departure to Bukhara by car, traversing the flora and fauna of the Kyzyl Kum desert, a region that for centuries defined the northern edge of Transoxiana and the vast nomadic steppe. En route, you'll see the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major rivers, which separates the Kyzyl Kum from Turkmenistan's Kara Kum desert. Lunch will be at a Chaihana in the desert before continuing the drive to Bukhara for hotel check-in, followed by dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay at the hotel.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Kyzyl Kum desert, Amu Darya river
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Breakfast at the hotel precedes a full-day tour of Bukhara, including the ancient ARK Fortress, Bolo Khauz Mosque, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, and the remarkable Samanid's mausoleum. After lunch at a local restaurant, the exploration continues with the Poikalon complex, the historical Trading Domes (jeweler's, cap maker's, and moneychanger's bazaars), Magoki Attori mosque, and the Lyabi-Haus complex with its pool and surrounding buildings. Have a dinner at local restaurant, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Bukhara-ancient ARK Fortress, Bolo Khauz Mosque, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, the Samanid's mausoleum, the Poikalon complex, Magoki Attori mosque, and the Lyabi-Haus complex
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- After breakfast, drive to Samarkand for a full-day tour. See the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the grand Registan square with its three madrassahs, and the Bibi Khanum mosque. Visit the bustling Siab Bazaar (except Mondays). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the Shahi Zinda Mausoleum complex, Ulugbek Observatory, and Afrosiab Hill & Museum. Dinner will be at a local restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in Samarkand.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Samarkand-the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the grand Registan square, Siab Bazaar, the Shahi Zinda Mausoleum complex, Ulugbek Observatory, Afrosiab Hill & Museum
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- After breakfast, we'll drive to Tashkent and have lunch upon arrival. The afternoon features a tour including the Museum of Applied Arts, Amir Temur Square, and the Chorsu bazaar. Following lunch, we'll visit Khast Imom Square, where the Barak Khan Madrassah and Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum are located. Finally, we will experience the unique Tashkent Metro stations before having dinner and staying overnight at the hotel.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Tashkent-Amir Temur Square, the Chorsu bazaar, Khast Imom Square, where the Barak Khan Madrassah and Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Accommodation Details
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
Inclusion
- Hotel ( 7 ),
- Yurt ( 1 ),
Accommodation Details
- Breakfast ( 8 ),
- Dinner ( 1 ),
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle ,
Transport
- Ashgabat - Nisa, Wedding Palace, "Yyldyz" hotel, Alem Ferris Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogtul Gazi mosque
- Ashgabat - Horse Farm, Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Ahal - Darvaza
- Khiva-Kalta Minor & Madrassah Allakulikhan, Kunya Ark fortress, Observatory of Ak-Sheikh Baba, the Pakhlavan Makhmud mausoleum, Islam Khodja minaret and Madrassah
- Kyzyl Kum desert, Amu Darya river