Welcome to Tashkent! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in, available from noon. Begin your journey with a guided tour of Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, the largest city in Central Asia. Explore the Old City, home to the Khast-Imam Complex, where the legendary Quran of Caliph Uthman is preserved. Admire landmarks like the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, and the Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, alongside the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Stroll through the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, followed by a memorable metro ride to the city center. Visit the Applied Arts Museum, Navoi Theater, and conclude at Amir Timur Square. Overnight stay in Tashkent.
Duration of sightseeing: 4-5 hours
Catch an early flight to Urgench (1h 40min), followed by a scenic drive to Khiva (30 km, 35 min). Dive into history with a walking tour of Itchan-Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through architectural gems like the Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rakhimkhan Madrasah, Kalta-Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. End your day with the imposing Kunya-Ark Citadel and the soaring Islam-Khoja Minaret. Enjoy free time in this enchanting city before retiring to your hotel.
Duration of sightseeing: 5 hours
Depart for Nukus after breakfast, stopping en route to explore ancient Khorezm archaeological sites. Visit Chilpyk Zoroastrian dakhma and Toprak-Kala, the 3rd-century A.D. Khorezm capital. Upon reaching Nukus, check into your hotel and visit the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum, famous for its avant-garde art collection and traditional crafts. Take a short city tour to see the statue of Karakalpak poet Berdakh, the City Hall, and the Drama Theatre. Overnight in Nukus.
*Due to renovations at Savitsky Museum, some of the archeological and applied arts exhibitions remain closed for some time.
After breakfast, drive to the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border at Xojayli. Complete border formalities and meet your Turkmen guide. Drive to Kunya-Urgench, where you’ll visit Tyurabek-Khanum Mausoleum, Kutlug-Timur Minaret, Kyrk Molla Hill, and other historical landmarks. Continue to the Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert. Set up camp near the mesmerizing “Door to Hell,” and enjoy a campfire-cooked dinner. Overnight in tents.
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Begin the day with a hearty camp breakfast before driving to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s white-marble capital. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the city. Overnight at the hotel.
Embark on a city tour of Ashgabat, a city celebrated for its Guinness World Record-holding white marble buildings. Visit the Old Nisa Archaeological Site (UNESCO), the stunning Spiritual Mosque, the National Museum of History, and monuments like the Neutrality Monument, Presidential Square, and Independence Park. Marvel at the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and stop by the Akhalteke Horse Stables. Conclude with a visit to the Lenin Monument. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Fly to Mary and drive through the desert to Gonur Depe, the ancient Margush civilization’s capital. Explore its royal necropolis, Fire Temple, and Palace remains. Return to Mary and visit the History Museum of Merv region. Overnight in Mary.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Travel to Merv, once a key Silk Road hub. Discover Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, and other archaeological wonders. Cross the border back into Uzbekistan and drive to Bukhara. Enjoy free time in the Old City. Overnight in Bukhara.
Tour Duration: 4-5 hours
Discover the treasures of Old Bukhara on a guided walking tour. Visit the Lyabi-Khauz Complex, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, bustling trade domes, Kalyan Mosque, and the majestic Kalyan Minaret. Admire the Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek Madrasah, Abdulazizkhan Madrasah, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and the Samani Mausoleum. Overnight in Bukhara.
Duration of sightseeing: 6-7 hours
Begin with visits to the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, followed by the Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. In the afternoon, depart for Samarkand (280 km, 4h), with a stop at the 11th-century Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai. Check into your hotel in Samarkand for the night.
Duration of sightseeing: 2-3 hours
Explore the iconic landmarks of Samarkand, starting with Registan Square, the ruins of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and the bustling Siab Bazaar. Visit the Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, and the impressive Gur-Emir Mausoleum, resting place of Amir Timur. Overnight in Samarkand.
Duration of sightseeing: 6-7 hours
Continue sightseeing with visits to the Afrasiab Museum and Saint Daniel’s Tomb. Head to Konigil village to witness traditional mulberry paper-making techniques. After some free time, transfer to the train station for a high-speed journey on the Afrosiyob train to Tashkent (300 km). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.
Duration of sightseeing: 3-4 hours
Check out of the hotel by noon. Enjoy free time before your transfer to Tashkent International Airport, marking the end of your incredible 13-day journey.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $4700 | $2950 | $2700 | $2400 | $2200 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $4900 | $3050 | $2900 | $2550 | $2400 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour programme with local guides Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Economy class tickets for flights Tashkent-Urgench, Ashgabat-Mary Ticket for train Samarkand-Tashkent Utensils and necessary equipment for staying in tents at Darwaza crater (sleeping bags, sleeping mats,
pillows, dining table, chairs) with camp style dinner and breakfast Visa support for Uzbekistan tourist visa and Turkmenistan tourist visa
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa and associated expenses Full board (lunches and dinners) Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour International flight tickets before and after the tour
Embarking on the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan tour was an unforgettable experience! From the bustling streets of Tashkent to the serene beauty of Samarkand, every moment felt like stepping back in time to the era of the Silk Road. Khiva’s medieval architecture and Nukus’ Savitsky Museum were absolute highlights, offering a perfect blend of culture and history. Turkmenistan added a fascinating contrast, with the dramatic Darvaza Gas Crater and Ashgabat’s gleaming white marble cityscape.
The itinerary was seamless, and every detail was thoughtfully arranged. A special thank you to Shahina Travel for organizing such a well-rounded tour. Their team ensured we were comfortable, informed, and always excited for the next adventure. The knowledgeable guides brought history to life, while the accommodations were excellent. I highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking an authentic and enriching journey through Central Asia! Thank you, Shahina Travel, for making this dream trip a reality!