Silk Road Echoes: Ashgabat to Tashkent 12-Day Adventure
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Overview
This extended journey begins in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, showcasing its modern architecture and national monuments before venturing into the unique landscapes of Nohur village and the dramatic Yangykala Canyons. The Turkmenistan leg culminates with a visit to the mesmerizing Darvaza gas crater and a border crossing into Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan portion focuses on the historical Silk Road cities, starting with the ancient walled city of Khiva and continuing to the vibrant cultural hub of Bukhara with its intricate Islamic architecture. The exploration then moves to the grand avenues and historical sites of Samarkand, including the iconic Registan Square. Finally, the journey concludes in the modern capital of Tashkent, offering a glimpse into its contemporary culture and Soviet-era metro before departure. This itinerary provides a diverse experience, blending Turkmenistan's unique natural and modern aspects with Uzbekistan's rich historical and architectural heritage.
Start
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
End
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Destinations
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Meals
Breakfast ( 11 ), Dinner ( 2 ),
Transport
4x4 vehicle,
Accommodation
Hotel ( 9 ), Guesthouse ( 2 ),
Days
12
Group size
4-48
Ages
From 15 years old
Why you will love this tour
Discover the heart of Central Asia on this captivating journey through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Witness Ashgabat's modern wonders before venturing into Turkmenistan's unique landscapes, from the surreal Darvaza gas crater to the striking Yangikala Canyon. Cross into Uzbekistan and immerse yourself in the Silk Road's historical gems, exploring the ancient city of Khiva and the intricate Islamic architecture of Bukhara. Marvel at Samarkand's grandeur, including the iconic Registan Square, and conclude your adventure in Tashkent, experiencing its modern culture and Soviet-era metro. This tour offers a diverse tapestry of experiences, blending natural marvels with rich history and cultural immersion. Prepare for an unforgettable exploration of two fascinating Central Asian nations.
Itinerary
- You will be met by our representative at Ashgabat International Airport. Transfer to the hotel to check-in. Get a city tour. Embark on a scenic drive to Ashgabat, the gleaming white marble capital of Turkmenistan. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Ashgabat with a comprehensive city tour. Marvel at the architectural marvels of the Wedding Palace, the modern Yildiz Hotel, and the impressive Ferris Wheel. Visit the Constitution Monument and the Arch of Neutrality, iconic landmarks that symbolize the nation's aspirations. Visit the Monument and Park of Independence. Explore the spiritual side of Ashgabat with a visit to the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque. Conclude your day with a glimpse of the impressive Ashgabat Olympic Stadium. Retire to your comfortable night at hotel, ready for the next leg of your journey.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Ashgabat-Wedding Palace, “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Olympic Stadium
Included activities
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Nohur village. En route, you will visit famous Geokdepe horse farm. The Akhal-Teke is a truly unique and remarkable breed of horse originating from Turkmenistan. They are considered one of the oldest horse breeds in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years. Akhal-Tekes are known for their elegant and refined build, with a long, arched neck and a graceful carriage. These horses are renowned for their incredible speed and endurance, having been bred for centuries in the harsh desert conditions of Central Asia. They are highly intelligent and brave, known for their strong bond with their riders. Then drive to the captivating underground lake of Kovata, a must-see for any visitor to Turkmenistan that emerged in 1856 within the depths of the Baherden cave. While its existence was known, it gained wider recognition in 1896 following a local press article that celebrated the efforts of Baharly railway station employees. To reach this natural wonder, visitors must descend 350 steps, a journey rewarded by the sight of the lake's therapeutic waters, maintaining a constant temperature between 33 and 38 °C year-round. After enjoying fresh air of Kovata drive to visit Nohur village. A visit to Nohur offers several unique experiences. Explore the ancient "great tree," a revered landmark within the village. Visit the isolated cemetery, where nearly every grave is adorned with a wooden post intricately decorated with the horns of a mountain goat. And don't miss the opportunity to make a sacred wish at the "Kyz Bibi" tree, a revered site of pilgrimage. Overnight at guesthouse.
- Guesthouse
Accommodation Details
- Akhal-teke horse farm; Bakherden-Underground lake Kov Ata; Nohur-Nohur village
Included activities
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Enjoy your breakfast at guesthouse. After breakfast, drive to Caravan Monument. Standing as a testament to human resilience and the spirit of exploration, the Caravan Monument graces the western outskirts of Balkanabat, Turkmenistan. This iconic sculpture, known alternatively as the "Monument to the Builders of Nebit Dar" and the "Monument of Pioneers," pays homage to the intrepid individuals who ventured into the unforgiving desert, uncovering the region's vast oil reserves. The monument depicts a camel, its sinewy muscles straining forward against the relentless force of a fierce sandstorm. The camel's determined stride symbolizes the unwavering spirit of the pioneers who braved the harsh desert conditions. Surrounding the camel, figures of men shield their eyes from the blinding sand, their faces etched with the determination and grit required to conquer the unforgiving landscape. Drive to Yangykala Canyons: The "Grand Canyons of Central Asia". The Yangykala canyons, often referred to as the "Grand Canyons of Central Asia," are a breathtaking natural wonder in Turkmenistan. "Yangykala" translates to "fiery fortress" in Turkmen, hinting at the dramatic landscape of towering white, pink, and orange limestone formations. Visitors are captivated by the stunning vistas, including the awe-inspiring "crocodile's mouth" rock formation, a truly mesmerizing sight that demands attention. The canyons offer a unique perspective, allowing visitors to marvel at the picturesque landscape unfolding below. From the heart of the Yangykala canyons, one can embark on a journey to "Gozli Ata," a significant pilgrimage site. Further along, visitors can explore the mausoleum of Kemal Ata, nestled at the source of a local stream that has sculpted the surrounding rock formations into intriguing, rounded shapes. Overnight at guesthouse.
- Guesthouse
Accommodation Details
- Balkan-Caravan Monument; Gozli Ata mausoleum; Kemal Ata hill; Yangykala canyon
Included activities
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Early in the morning after breakfast drive to Turkmenbashi Airport to fly back to Ashgabat. After you arrive in Ashgabat another mesmerizing trip is waiting for you. Drive to recently opened Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park Complex, situated at the foothills of Kopetdag mountain. You can discern the statue of Magtymguly Pyragy and 24 statues of great poets and philosophers from around the world. Then drive to visit the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex, a poignant reminder of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. The place serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of the Turkmen people throughout history. It is a place of reflection, remembrance, and national pride.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Ashgabat-Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex;Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park Complex
Included activities
- Breakfast
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Have leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the National Carpet Museum of Turkmenistan where you can find the largest carpet in the world. Drive to Nisa, capital of ancient Parthian Empire. Drive to Darvaza gas crater-natural gas field that has been burning since 1971. The crater is approximately 69 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep. It was formed when Soviet geologists were drilling for oil and accidentally struck a natural gas pocket, causing the ground beneath their drilling rig to collapse. Fearing the release of poisonous gases, the geologists set the crater on fire, hoping that the flames would burn off the gas within a few days. However, the flames have continued to burn for over 50 years. You will have dinner under a starry sky in a yurt or camp beside the crater. Overnight in a yurt.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Ashgabat- National Carpet museum, Nisa, Ahal- Darvaza
Included activities
- Breakfast
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 ( 9 ),
- Guesthouse ( 2 ),
Accommodation Details
- Breakfast ( 11 ),
- Dinner ( 2 ),
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle ,
Transport
- Ashgabat-Wedding Palace, “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Olympic Stadium
- Akhal-teke horse farm; Bakherden-Underground lake Kov Ata; Nohur-Nohur village
- Balkan-Caravan Monument; Gozli Ata mausoleum; Kemal Ata hill; Yangykala canyon
- Ashgabat-Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex;Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park Complex