Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Central Asia with the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan Tour, a meticulously crafted 11-day journey that takes you through two of the region’s most fascinating countries. This tour promises a blend of ancient history, architectural marvels, and stunning natural landscapes, providing an enriching experience for all travelers.
Your adventure begins in Ashgabat, the opulent capital of Turkmenistan, renowned for its gleaming white marble buildings and grand monuments. After a day of exploring the city’s highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Nisa and the imposing Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, you’ll set off on an unforgettable journey to the Karakum Desert. Here, you’ll marvel at the surreal Darvaza gas crater, known locally as the «Gateway to Hell,» where you’ll spend a night camping under the stars.
Cross into Uzbekistan via the Shavat-Dashoguz border, and step into the timeless city of Khiva. Wander through the Ichan-Qala fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in its historic mosques and madrasahs. Continue your journey to Bukhara, where you’ll explore its impressive array of monuments, including the Ark Fortress and the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and enjoy a traditional dinner and show.
In Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road, you’ll be awed by the majestic Registan Square, the Gur Emir Mausoleum, and the remnants of the grand Bibi Khanum Mosque. A visit to the ancient city of Shakhi-Zinda and the Afrasiab Museum further enriches your understanding of this historic metropolis.
Finally, your tour concludes in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital. Explore the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman, and experience the lively Chorsu Bazaar. A ride on the Tashkent Metro offers a unique glimpse into the city’s daily life.
This comprehensive tour is designed to offer a deep dive into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, providing an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia.
Arrive in Ashgabat, the dazzling capital of Turkmenistan. After transfer to your hotel and check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meet your guide in the morning and fly to Mary. Discover the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site once a bustling Silk Road hub. Return to Mary for a visit to the regional history museum. Fly back to Ashgabat in the evening and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. (Approx. 4-5 hours of sightseeing.)
Begin the day with a comprehensive tour of Ashgabat, exploring its marble-clad architecture and key landmarks such as Old Nisa, the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, and the National Museum of History. In the afternoon, journey to the dramatic Darvaza gas crater in the Karakum Desert. Set up camp near the crater and enjoy a fire-cooked dinner under the stars. Overnight in tents. (Approx. 5-6 hours of sightseeing.)
Depart from the gas crater and travel to Kunya-Urgench. Visit its historical mausoleums and minarets, including the Turabek-Khanym Mausoleum and the Kutlug Timur Minaret. After crossing the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border at Shavat-Dashoguz, transfer to Khiva. Check in at your hotel and relax. (Approx. 2 hours of sightseeing.)
Explore Khiva’s Ichan-Qala fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring remarkable structures like the Shirgazikhan Madrasah and the Juma Mosque. In the evening, take a transfer to Bukhara, where you will be taken to your hotel for an overnight stay. (Approx. 4-5 hours of sightseeing.)
Discover Bukhara’s rich heritage with visits to the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Kalyan Minaret, and Ark Fortress. Explore the vibrant trade domes and historic madrasahs. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by a national show at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah. (Approx. 6-7 hours of sightseeing.)
After breakfast, visit the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, and the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi. Drive to Samarkand, arriving in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Samarkand. (Approx. 3-4 hours of sightseeing.)
Continue exploring Samarkand with visits to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Afrasiab Museum, and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Experience traditional Samarkand paper-making in Konigil village. After a farewell lunch, transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train to Tashkent. Arrive in Tashkent, transfer to your hotel. (Approx. 4-5 hours of sightseeing.)
Explore Tashkent’s Old City, visiting the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the revered Quran of Caliph Uthman. Discover the bustling Chorsu Bazaar and ride the Tashkent Metro. Conclude with a visit to the Applied Arts Museum and Amir Timur Square.
After checking out from the hotel, transfer to the airport for your departure.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist * | $4000 | $2700 | $2680 | $2380 | $2300 |
* — based on 4* hotel accommodation
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with a local guide in Turkmenistan; different local guides in each city in Uzbekistan Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation based on double room sharing, breakfasts included Needed equipment to stay in the yurt camps (beds, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs) Camp style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater Dinner with folklore show program at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah in Bukhara, farewell lunch in Samarkand Economy class ticket for flights Ashgabat-Mary-Ashgabat Economy class tickets for trains Samarkand-Tashkent Visa support for Turkmenistan tourist visa and Uzbekistan visa
Full board (lunches and dinners) Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa and Turkmenistan migration tax (14 USD
Embarking on the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan tour was a captivating experience. From the moment we arrived in Ashgabat and marveled at its marble wonders, the journey was filled with awe. The visit to Merv’s ancient ruins and the dramatic Darvaza gas crater were truly unique experiences. Crossing into Uzbekistan, the historical depth of Khiva and Bukhara was breathtaking, and Samarkand’s majestic monuments were the highlight of our trip. Tashkent offered a lively end to our adventure with its bustling streets and rich cultural sites. The logistics were well-organized, and the local guides were exceptional. This tour is a fantastic way to explore two incredible countries in one go
The Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan tour was an extraordinary journey through Central Asia’s rich history and culture. Ashgabat’s stunning marble architecture set the stage for an incredible experience. Exploring ancient Merv and camping near the fiery Darvaza gas crater were unforgettable highlights. The transition to Uzbekistan was seamless, with Khiva’s mesmerizing Ichan-Qala Fortress and Bukhara’s grand madrasahs showcasing the region’s architectural splendor. Samarkand’s Registan Square and Tashkent’s vibrant markets rounded out the trip perfectly. Our guides were knowledgeable and passionate, making each stop engaging. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a deep dive into Central Asia’s treasures!