Unveiling Central Asia: A 10-Day Turkmen-Uzbek Discovery
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Overview
This 10-day adventure offers a captivating exploration of the contrasting yet equally fascinating nations of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, both steeped in history and boasting unique cultural landscapes. Prepare to witness the grandeur of the Silk Road, the surreal beauty of desert phenomena, and the intriguing blend of tradition and modernity. Witness the Darvaza Gas Crater, a massive fiery pit that has been burning for decades. Camping overnight near the crater offers a unique opportunity to witness its mesmerizing glow against the desert night sky. Explore Uzbekistan: Bukhara: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bukhara, a living museum with over 2,000 years of history. Samarkand: Prepare to be awestruck by the grandeur of Samarkand, another UNESCO World Heritage city and a jewel of the Silk Road. Its stunning turquoise-tiled monuments are truly unforgettable. This Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan adventure promises a captivating journey through time and diverse landscapes, from the enigmatic capital of Ashgabat and the fiery depths of the Darvaza Crater to the ancient Silk Road metropolises of Bukhara and Samarkand. It's an opportunity to witness unique cultural traditions, stunning architecture, and the enduring legacy of one of history's most important trade routes.
Start
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
End
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Destinations
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Meals
Breakfast ( 9 ), Dinner ( 2 ),
Transport
4x4 vehicle,
Accommodation
Hotel ( 7 ), Yurt ( 2 ),
Days
10
Group size
4-48
Ages
From 15 years old
Why you will love this tour
Start your Central Asian adventure in Turkmenistan, a Silk Road oasis with historical depths. Experience the surreal Darvaza Crater, the 'Door to Hell', camping in the Karakum Desert under starry skies in a traditional yurt, warmed by its eternal flames. This expedition continues into Uzbekistan, revealing Silk Road history and architectural wonders. Witness Samarkand's breathtaking Registan Square, the serene Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and the colossal Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Explore Bukhara's ancient UNESCO-protected old town, discovering the majestic Poi Kalyan complex and the tranquil Lyab-i Hauz ensemble. Journey to Khiva, Uzbekistan's first UNESCO site, stepping back in time within Itchan Kala's well-preserved walls, exploring its madrassahs, mosques, and the iconic Kalta Minor Minaret. This immersive journey offers a rare glimpse into Central Asia's rich history, stunning architecture, dramatic landscapes, and welcoming people, promising an unforgettable experience.
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. Continue your trip with a visit to Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque. 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. Drive back to hotel in Ashgabat.
- Hotel
Accommodation Details
- Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque; Akhal-teke horse farm; Bakherden-Underground lake Kov Ata; Nohur-Nohur village;
Included activities
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Start your day with enjoyable breakfast at hotel. Drive to visit Nisa, ancient capital of Parthian Empire. Drive to the bustling bazaar-Gulistan, known as "Russian bazaar". Drive to visit the State Museum of State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan and stroll along the Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park Complex. Afternoon drive the the mesmerizing place of Turkmenistan-Darvaza gas crater which is burning from 1971 till nowadays. Enjoy the night view of Darvaza and have dinner near there. Overnight at traditional yurt.
- Yurt
Accommodation Details
- Ashgabat - Gulistan bazaar, the State Museum of State Cultural Center, Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park complex, Ahal - Darvaza
Included activities
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals
- 4x4 vehicle
Transport
Special information
- Have picnic-style breakfast near the fascinating Darvaza. Today is the last day of your tour. Transfer to the Turkmen-Uzbek border "Shavat". Meet your driver for a transfer to Khiva. Check in at hotel in Khiva.
- 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.
- Yurt
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 ( 2 ),
Accommodation Details
- Breakfast ( 9 ),
- 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
- Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque; Akhal-teke horse farm; Bakherden-Underground lake Kov Ata; Nohur-Nohur village;
- Ashgabat - Gulistan bazaar, the State Museum of State Cultural Center, Magtymguly Pyragy Cultural Park complex, Ahal - Darvaza
- Khiva-Kalta Minor & Madrassah Allakulikhan, Kunya Ark fortress, Observatory of Ak-Sheikh Baba, the Pakhlavan Makhmud mausoleum, Islam Khodja minaret and Madrassah