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Caravanistan

The Silk Road Travel Guide

Uzbekistan Turkmenistan round trip

Tour details

• Sightseeing
• Turkmenistan

Uzbekistan’s cultural highlights Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand are beautiful and historic, but after a while madrasa fatigue can set in among tourists. To keep things interesting, we splice your Uzbekistan trip in two, wedging in weird and wonderful Turkmenistan.

In just a few days you take in ancient Konye-Urgench, magical Darwaza, astounding Ashgabat and mind-opening Mary. When you return to Uzbekistan to tackle Samarkand and Bukhara, you are invigorated by sights few people get to see, and you can contextualize all that Silk Road history.

Great combo trip.

Destinations : Tashkent – Khiva – Koneurgench – Darwaza – Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent

* Please note that this is the sample of itinerary and we can tailor it based on your request.

Day 1. Tashkent, arrival

Arrive in Tashkent, welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check-in at 14:00. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the guided tour in Tashkent – 2200 years old capital city of Uzbekistan.

We will start from the Old City: Khast Imam Ensemble – a religious center of the city consisting of Barakkhan Madrasah, Tillya Shaykh Mosque, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with original Uthman’s Quran of the VIII century. Explore traditional Chor-Su Bazaar – oldest in Tashkent where you can buy souvenirs, watch Uzbek bread baking process in a traditional oven, taste some local food.

Visiting modern part of Tashkent: ride by arty Tashkent Metro to Mustakillik Square – symbol of Uzbek capital. We will stroll about local Broadway Street to get to Amir Temur Square – the heart of the city, established on the intersection of two ancient trade roads. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3. Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva

Breakfast box. Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Urgench (1,5 h), followed by a 40 min drive to Khiva. Start city tour.

Today we will explore ancient inner town Ichan Kala (UNESCO World Heritage site, XIV-XX CC) – big open-air museum home to Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassah, Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark, Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrassah, Juma Mosque of X century, Tash Hauli – main palace of Khiva rulers, Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrassah. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4. Khiva – Dashoguz – Koneurgench – Darwaza

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Uzbek-Turkmen border. Crossing formalities, meet your Turkmen guide.

Drive to Koneurgench, sightseeing: Portal of Caravansaray, Mamun Minaret, II Arslan Mausoleum, Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum, Academy of Horezm, Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum.

Drive to Darwaza – Gas Crater (3.5 hrs) also known as “Door to Hell”. The area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 m and 20 m deep. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. In the evening, watch the spectacular and fascinating view of the gas crater. Dinner (included). Overnight in the yurt.

Day 5. Darwaza – Ashgabat

Breakfast at the camp. Morning drive to Ashgabat (3.5 hrs). En-route we’ll cross Karakum desert, and have a stop in a small village to explore local lifestyle. Arrival in Ashgabat and transfer to the hotel. Free time.

Drive to visit Nissa fortress – the Sanctuary of Parthian Kings (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Then you will have Ashgabat city tour: Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6. Ashgabat – Kowata – Gokdepe – Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Kowata underground lake located 107 km from Ashgabat. The Turkmen name Kow-Ata means “father of caves”. This underground area looks like a magnificent auditorium: the overall length of the cave is 230 m, its height reaches 20 m, and its width is at some points 57 m. The bottom of the cave is covered with lumps of dissolved limestone (stalagmites), and its warm and gushing water is clear and emerald colored. The water has a constant temperature of 33-37°C.

Then drive to Gokdepe fortress attacked in December 1880 by Russian Empire Army. The siege of Gokdepe lasted 23 days, after which the city was taken by storm. Visit Gokdepe Mosque (Saparmyrat Hajy) built in 1995 to commemorate the defeat and noted for its mint-turquoise blue colored roof and white marble structure.

Later drive to Horse Farm to see a national proud of Turkmen people – Akhal-Teke horses. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhal-Teke horses. This unique breed was never mixed with others. There are over 35 beautiful horses in the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Akhal-Teke horse will get well soon.

On the way back we will visit Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak – the largest mosque in Central Asia. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7. Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Mary

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ashgabat domestic airport for morning flight to Mary. Arrival in Mary and drive to Merv to explore ancient settlement – one of the most important ancient capitals of Islam along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus.

Sightseeing of ancient Merv includes Greater Kyz Gala & Lesser Kyz Gala (VI-VII), Complex of Askhabs (VIII-XIV), Erk Gala (VI BC), Gyaur Gala (IV BC), Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, Muhamed Ibn Zeid mausoleum.

Drive back to Mary for overnight. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8. Mary – Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for the three hours drive to Farap border. Crossing formalities, meet your Uzbek tour guide, transfer to Bukhara. En route we’ll visit Chor Bakr Necropolis – city of the dead, unusual and mysterious burial place for the Dzhuibar sheikhs. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9. Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we’ll explore Bukhara, Central Asia’s holiest city.

Start from Samanids Mausoleum – Shrine of Ismail Samani and other members of the Samanid Dynasty, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Ark Fortress – residence of Bukhara khans. Continue to Poi-Kalyan complex with Kalyan Minaret through orient bazaars with trade domes. Finish at Lyabi Hauz complex, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city containing several impressive Islamic monuments. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10. Bukhara – Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we’ll drive outside Bukhara for sightseeing: Sitorai Mokhi Khosa – summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Baghautdin Nakhshbandi Mausoleum – center of Sufism and most important pilgrimage site.

Transfer to the station for Bukhara-Samarkand train at 15:50. Pick up in Samarkand at 17:20, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11. Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel. We will start sightseeing from Gur Emir Mausoleum (tomb of Tamerlane), continue with iconic Registan Square (which means “desert” in Persian) and three madrassas (religious study centers) surrounding the square: Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and the gold-covered Tillya-Kari Madrassah.

Visit to Shakhi Zinda Necropolis – ensemble including mausoleums and other ritual buildings of IX-XIV and XIX CC, Ulugbek Observatory, built in XV century by Timurid ruler and astronomer, Bibi Khanym Mosque – built by Amir Timur for his favorite wife in XV century. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12. Samarkand – Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll continue seeing the sights of Samarkand today. There’s the ancient settlement and museum of Afrosiab, and the Tombstone of Saint Daniyar – the restored tomb of the Old Testament prophet Daniyar (Daniel).

At Konigil village there’s time to visit the local paper mill which offers a fantastic insight into how traditional paper is still made using old-fashioned techniques.

Transfer to the railway station for evening train or drive by car. Arrive in Tashkent. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1 3 . Departure

Check out by 12:00. Transfer to the airport. End of services.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Visa support for Turkmenistan
• 3* accommodation with breakfast (double/twin room basis)
• Ground transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Air tickets Tashkent-Urgench, Ashgabat-Mary (economy class)
• Train tickets Bukhara-Samarkand, Samarkand-Tashkent (economy class)
• Local English-speaking guides for city tours in Uzbekistan
• Escorting English-speaking guide in Turkmenistan
• Sightseeing tours as per program
• Entrance fees for the sights
• All applicable local taxes

NOT INCLUDED

• Visa support & visa fees in Uzbekistan
• Early check-ins / late check-outs
• Photo and video fees
• Fees for extra services not specified in the program
• Travel insurance
• Lunches and dinners
• PCR-tests (20 $ per person)

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Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

13 days, tashkent to ashgabat.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Cross two 'stans off your travel map with a 13-day tour through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This well-rounded tour takes you through bustling bazaars and beautiful city mosques in Samarkand and Bukhara, as well as bucket-list natural landscapes like the Darvaza gas crater known affectionately as the Door to Hell. Destinations less-ventured can be challenging to visit on your own, but with a skilled Chief Experience Officer (CEO) leading the way, you'll have incredible experiences without sacrificing safety or your sense of adventure.

Tashkent to Ashgabat

Is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 14

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 13

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Highlights from Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

More from best of uzbekistan and turkmenistan.

Places visited

• Turkmenistan

Day 1 Tashkent

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 tashkent/samarkand.

Travel on to Samarkand, known for intricately beautiful mosques and mausoleums, situated on the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum, dedicated to the famous conqueror who once hoped to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan.

Meals included:

Day 3 samarkand.

Embark on a city tour, visiting Ulugbek Observatory, Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square. With a free afternoon, continue exploring the Samarkand sights, have a cuppa in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Opt to explore the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions.

Day 4 Samarkand/Aydar Kŭl Camp

Travel out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, Juma mosque, a bath-house, and the ancient Panjvakta mosque. All of this, hiding a holy spring believed to heal diseases. After exploring the complex, head to Aidarkul Lake and opt for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp. Enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.

Day 5 Aydar Kŭl Camp/Bukhara

Travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in the country, and get your bearings on an orientation walk. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked by a local family, visit a hammam (bathhouse), or just relax in the pleasant atmosphere of this Silk Road city.

Day 6 Bukhara

Explore Bukhara on a half-day guided walking tour around the beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets, or trading domes, that make up the Old City. A centre for pottery, cloth, and carpets, Bukhara is centered around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Wander the artisan shops and narrow twisting streets and alleyways, or sit at a café table and let the evening drift by. Opt to watch a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai, or indulge in a rejuvenating hammam bathhouse.

Day 7 Bukhara/Khiva

Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert on a full day's journey to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva, well worth the arduous drive. Get to know this peaceful, picturesque city on a late afternoon orientation walk, and pick your favourite spots to explore more in-depth tomorrow.

Day 8 Khiva

Before exploring this historic town on your own, enjoy a guided tour to learn about local life here. Wander through the narrow labyrinth mudbrick alleyways of old town, bargain with locals at the bazaar, admire the madrassas, mosques, and blue mosaic domes, climb up towering minarets, and venture into the dark dungeons Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Explore the inner walls of Ichon-Qala, and enjoy spectacular sunset views on the sand-coloured buildings.

Day 9 Khiva/Dashoguz

Spend the morning in Khiva, enjoying your last moments here to experience anything you couldn't squeeze in yesterday, or do some last minute shopping. After lunch, drive to the Uzbek-Turkmen border and continue to Dashoguz. Take an orientation walk and opt for dinner in local café, or explore the city and it's Bai Market.

Day 10 Dashoguz/Darvaza

Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kunya Urgench to visit the ancient capital of the Khorezmian Empire. After lunch, continue to the Kara-Kum desert and witness the fiery Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell." This evening, enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner and spend the night camping under the stars at a yurt camp.

Day 11 Darvaza/Ashgabat

After breakfast, begin the journey to the capital of Turkmenistan - Ashgabat. On the way, stop near the community of Erbent and admire its golden sand dunes that stretch out to the horizon. On arrival in Ashgabat, spend the evening at leisure. Opt to visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, also known as Gypjak Mosque, and capture the sun setting on the symmetrical minarets and golden domes.

Day 12 Ashgabat

Spend the day exploring bustling Ashgabat. Enjoy a tour of the city in the morning, visiting several city treasures such as the Monument of Independence and the National museum or Neutrality Arch. Afterward, opt to venture to the ancient ruins of Nisa, or continue exploring Ashgabat.

Day 13 Ashgabat

Depart at any time. Departure transfer is included.

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Aydar Kŭl Camp
• Orientation walk (Samarkand)
• City tour including a Registan visit
• Nurata Shrine visit
• Alexander the Great fortress visit
• Guided walking tour (half-day, Bukhara)
• Walking tours (Khiva)
• Kunya Urgench visit
• Derweze crater visit
• City tour (Ashgabat)
• Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
• Departure Transfer

Accommodations

Hotels (10 nts), yurt (2 nts, multishare up to 4 people per yurt).

12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners Allow USD295-385 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

My own room - from $539.00.

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

October 5 - October 17 2024

Turkmenistan & uzbekistan adventure, combine the best of two stans; explore the deserts of turkmenistan, ancient cities of uzbekistan, & meet the locals.

Join us as we venture across the deserts of Turkmenistan, ancient cities of Uzbekistan, and meet the local people who call this incredible region home! From 3750 USD per person

Please apply by 10th September, 2024 .

Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan Adventure

This adventure will take us through the heart of  Central Asia , beginning with a journey across  Turkmenistan ’s vast deserts, experiencing the stunning  Darvaza Gas Crater  and the shining white capital city of Ashgabat , built entirely of marble. Plus, you will take a visit to the far west of the country to venture through the mysterious  Awaza Resort .

After Turkmenistan, we’ll make a crossing into neighbouring  Uzbekistan  for a trip through time as we visit the ancient capitals of  Samarkand  and  Bukhara. After here, you'll head north to round off your adventure in the nation’s capital,  Tashkent . It's home to incredible history and a few secrets which few know about!

If you’re looking for a true adventure in Central Asia, this is the trip for you. Hitting all the highlights of these two great republics, you can mix ancient history with stunning modernity. All in the company of Koryo Tours and local experts. 

A truly great Central Asian adventure that you won't find anywhere else!

• Gateway to Hell: The Darvaza Gas Crater
• The Mysterious Caspian Resort at Awaza
• The Rarely Visited Turkmenbashi City
• The Pearls of Persia: Bukhara & Samarkand
• The Mighty Tashkent Solar Furnace

Day 1 of 13

Saturday, 5th october.

• We’ll meet in the heart of  Turkmenistan ’s capital. After a bit of rest, we’ll begin our day with an optional in-depth orientation walk around  Ashgabat .  
•   Tekke Bazaar.  Upon leaving the hotel, we’ll wander along the tree-lined boulevards of the nation’s capital, heading to the  Tekke Bazaar . Tekke Bazaar is a busy market, popular amongst local people; this covered bazaar sells it all. Meat, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and clothing. Opposite, second-hand booksellers set up on weekends in the small park. If you’re lucky, you may find a copy of the Ruhnama, written by the president of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov. Niyazov famously said, ”A person who reads Ruhnama three times becomes smart, and after it, he will go straight to heaven”.  
• Inspiration Park.  From the Tekke Bazaar, we will wander to  Inspiration Park. This is a public park at the centre of downtown Ashgabat. Inspiration Park is a narrow parkland lined with sculptures of Persian poets, scholars and great thinkers, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.  
• Russian Bazaar.  We’ll continue our exploration, calling at another Bazaar, the  Russian Bazaar . A covered market where you will be able to pick up a vast array of items – the perfect stop if there’s anything you’ve forgotten to pack! Cables, chargers, sweets, kimchi, baked goods, fruit & nuts as well as souvenirs. This market has it all, unless you’re after Turkmen cotton.  
• The  Alty Asyr Shopping Centre  over the road is an excellent stop for some well-priced Turkmen cotton goods offering everything from tracksuits and T-shirts to towels and bedsheets.  
• Statue of Lenin.  Once we have stopped for a spot of lunch, we will continue the walk, checking out Ashgabat’s Soviet past on our visit to the  Statue of Lenin . Ashgabat’s Lenin may not be the biggest, but his enormous carpet-patterned plinth compensates for this. Not far from Lenin, we’ll catch a glimpse of Russia’s most famous poet, Pushkin at the  Pushkin Monument . From Pushkin, we will walk onwards to visit Pervyy Park – Ashgabat’s oldest park, founded in 1890, formerly named Officer Park, Lenin Park, First Park and Independence Park.  
• From the park, it’s a short stroll to  Ashgabat Train Station . Initially built in 1888, the first railway station was destroyed in the 1948 earthquake along with much of the city. A new station was built in 1950 and remodelled in 2009; the station looks impressive, crowned by the eight-pointed star (Rub El Hizb). Finally, we will head back to the hotel for our first group meal.

Accommodation:  Olympic Hotel,  Ashgabat

Included Meals:  Dinner

Sunday, 6th October

• Altyn Asyr Bazaa.  After a hearty breakfast, we’re up and out into Ashgabat, our first stop, the  Altyn Asyr Bazaar , formerly the Tolkuchka Bazaar. Located on the outskirts of Ashgabat, it’s the largest market in the country and one of the largest in Central Asia. Relocated to its current location in 2011, Altyn Asyr is a massive affair. It sells everything from household goods, clothes, Turkmen carpets, camels and much more!  
• Ashgabat Hippodrome.  After our mega shopping experience, it’s off to the races as we make our way to the  Ashgabat Hippodrome . Sunday is race day here in Ashgabat, and what better animal to watch racing than the legendary Turkmen  Akhal-Teke Horses . The greyhound of the horse world, the Akhal-Teke horse is one of the oldest existing horse breeds in the world.  
• Independence Park   & Moument . After a delicious lunch, we’ll explore a little more of Turkmenistan’s marbled capital. Our first visit to  Independence Park  and  Independence Monument , was constructed to celebrate the independence of Turkmenistan on the 27th of October 1991. As well as the memorial, the park is home to an impressive array of statues of characters from Turkmen history.  
• Monument of Neutrality.  From Independence to Neutrality, we go! Our next visit is the  Monument of Neutrality  built in 1998. A gold statue of Turkmenbashi tops this impressive structure.  
• Earthquake Monument and Museum.  We hope you’re not too tired of statues just yet as we have a few more to go. Next up, the  Earthquake Monument and Museum . A grim reminder of the terrible earthquake that struck Ashgabat in 1948, killing 110,00 people and levelling the city. Both are tastefully presented and very educational.  
• Ashgabat's Unusual Architecture. On our way back to the hotel, we will pass a few of Ashgabat’s more unusual buildings, The Ministry of Gas is shaped like a giant cigarette lighter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is shaped like a globe... And our personal favourite, The Ashgabat Dental Hospital is shaped like a massive tooth!  
• Once we have returned to the hotel, you are free to continue exploring Ashgabat or enjoy some well-deserved rest.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Monday, 7th October

• Free time. This morning there is a bit of free time for relaxing or shopping for supplies. This is useful as later today we’re off into the desert.  
• Into the Desert . Our first stop is the small desert village of  Bokhurdag . It is here that we stop to sample the local cuisine and learn a little more about living outside the bright lights of Turkmenistan’s flamboyant capital. After lunch, before heading a little deeper into the  Karakum Desert , we will make a stop at the village of  Erbent .  
• Erbent . Erbent is similar to most of the surrounding desert settlements, however, it is here that the  Monument to the Basmachi Revolution  is located. The Basmachi revolutionary monument was built here as this area was a Basmachi stronghold during the 1920s. The Basmachi were an Islamic group fighting the occupying Soviet forces.  
• Once our journey resumes, we’ll continue stopping as we travel to see other examples of the desert’s mining history. We visit two other craters (one filled with water, the other with mud). A perfect pretext for the great  Darvaza Gas Crater .  
• Darvaza Gas Crater. The incredible Darvaza Gas Crater, continuously burning since 1971, was created when Soviet engineers were drilling what they thought were vast oil fields. No oil was found, and the fields turned out to be rich in gas, evident when the drilling rig at Darvaza hit a void and collapsed in on itself. Sometime later it’s believed that the escaping gas was set alight to prevent methane from polluting a nearby village. Here we are all these years later. And the gas crater has now become one of the world’s most unusual tourist attractions.  
• We’ll arrive during daylight hours to observe the transition from light to dark as the night sky becomes illuminated by the flickering blaze of the crater.  
• Camping at Darvaza Gas Crater. Camping next to this burning void, we will enjoy a delicious  Turkmen BBQ  prepared by our local crew.

Accommodation:  Camping, Darvaza Gas Crater

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday, 8th October

• For some, it may be a little bit of a hazy start after enjoying a night of peering into the flaming heart of the Darvaza Gas Crater. After breakfast, we’ll climb back into the 4X4s, arriving in Ashgabat before lunch.  
• Ashgabat . Once we have checked in and had a chance to freshen up, we will take local taxis into Ashgabat’s marble-clad city centre to see its famous white heart. First stop, Ashgabat’s grandiose, opulent shopping mall, Berkerar.   
• Berkerar Mall  was opened in 2015 and it looks like a cross between a mosque and a palace, from the outside at least. While the inside is just as grand, for us it’s an excellent opportunity to grab a spot of lunch and see some local life before starting our walk.  
• City Tour. Once we’ve eaten, it’s out into the city passing wide open streets and pristine white apartments as we make our way back to the hotel. The start of our city hike takes us past the imposing  2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Stadium Area . The stadium area was built at the cost of around 5 billion USD. At its heart lies the  Saparmurat Turkmenbashy Olympic Stadium , noticeable as part of the stadium is the shape of a giant Akhal-Teke Horse Head.  
• As we walk on through the city, we will skirt the  Presidential Area Complex , forbidden to head inside, but we can still marvel at the magnificent golden domes and massive structures.  
• Before we reach our hotel, we will pass more statues, mosaics, and impressively whitened buildings.

Accommodation:  Olympic Hotel, Ashgabat

Wednesday, 9th October

• After breakfast today, we’ll be checking out of our hotel and once again heading out of Ashgabat to explore a little more of Turkmenistan.  
• Nisa Fortress.  Our first stop is the ancient  Nisa Fortress. A UNESCO-listed site, this former Parthian capital is now just a shadow of its former self. But still fascinating. A journey around Nisa Fortress is a must for those interested in history. Believed to have been started by the first Parthian king, Arsaces I, Nisa Fortress was later named Mithradatkirt (Fortress of Mithradates) after the famed Parthian who elevated the Parthian Empire to historic greatness!  
• Akhal-Teke Horses.  The Parthians, like their Turkmen descendants, were famed for their beautiful horses. And our next stop gets us up close to the magnificent  Akhal-Teke horses  as we visit a nearby stud farm. We will learn more about the famed Turkmen horse and its actual value at the stud farm.  
• Bakharden Cave.  As we slowly edge away from Ashgabat, we’ll make one more stop at the Bakharden Cave around 60 km away from the city. The  Bakharden Cave  is a popular stop for locals on holidays and weekends who travel here to venture deep underground and swim in the  Kow-Ata Underground Lake .  
• Kow-Ata Underground Lake.  Yes, it’s dark, smelly, and a little bizarre, but the 100m deep sulphur-heated lake is one of those things worth trying just once. Once you’ve taken a swim or watched everyone else attempt it, we will have lunch at one of the delicious Shashlik restaurants just outside.  
• Balkanabad.  After lunch, it’s on with the adventure as we travel further with our 4X4s to the remote desert city of  Balkanabad . We should arrive in late afternoon, giving you the chance to explore a little of this friendly city on your own.

Accommodation:  Hotel Niebitchi, Balkanabat

Thursday, 10th October

• We’ll depart our hotel early this morning as we have a lot of driving and a lot to see. Our first stop is the  Balkanabat Market . It may be small, but it’s still an exciting stop to catch a little of the local life in this town. As we pass many of the local Soviet-style buildings on our way through town, we will make one final stop.  
• Monument to the Desert Explorers . Located on the outskirts of town, the Monument to the Desert Explorers is an impressive memorial constructed to honour those early Russian researchers who discovered oil and were responsible for the founding of Balkanabat.  
• Yangykala Canyon.  Once we leave the dusty streets of  Balkanabat , we’re out into the desert on our way to the  Yangykala Canyon . Along the way, we pass impressive desert features such as rolling dunes, cliffs and geological features such as fossil beds containing evidence that this whole area was once a vast inland sea.  
• Turkmen Grand Canyon.  Known by some as the  ’Turkmen Grand Canyon’, the Yangykala Canyon  is an impressive yet little-known geological feature located deep within the desert. Never failing to impress, the canyon plays host to rock formations sporting many varied colours and cliffs and canyons to make even the best-travelled visitor happy to have made this lengthy detour. With breathtaking views all around us, we will be sure to stop and enjoy our packed lunch in this most stunning location. Once you have taken as many photos as you can, we will board our 4X4s and drive to Turkmenbashi.  
• Caspian Sea.  As we cut our way through the desert, we’ll eventually catch sight of the mighty  Caspian Sea , the largest inland sea in the world. Clinging to the Caspian coast, we will pass through the port city of Turkmenbashi on our way to our final destination of the day, the resort town of  Awaza .  
• Awaza.  A bizarre collection of grandiose tourist hotels, attractions and sites, Awaza is a place that has to be seen to be believed. We have a real treat in store as our accommodation is one of the best in the area, and the most surreal. We will check in with enough time to catch the sunset over the Capsian before a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation:  Yelken Yacht Club, Awaza

Friday, 11th October

• Today, unlike previous days on this Turkmen adventure, you’ll have a free morning to rest, relax or explore your unusual surroundings. If it’s warm enough or you're feeling particularly daring, you can take a plunge into the Caspian, wander along the shoreline looking at the interesting architecture or enjoy the Truman Show feel of our hotel resort.  
• Awaza Canal.  If it’s operating, we will make the day a little more bizarre and take a boat ride on the artificial  Awaza Canal . A short 50-minute ride set to puzzle and confuse you is a perfect prelude to a pleasant lunch in  Turkmenbashi , the oldest city in the country. Whilst the city is nowhere near as visually impressive as Ashgabat, it does have some exciting sites dotted around, many of which we will be sure to visit.  
• Turkmenbashi.  Formerly Krasnovodsk, the city was named after a fort built by the Russians after their second invasion in 1869. Krasnovodsk served as a vital jumping point for Russian imperial soldiers as they continued forward with their conquests of Khiva and Bukhara.  
• Turkmenbashi Railway Station . On the 8th of October 1993, President-for-Life Saparmurat Niyazov renamed the city after himself Turkmenbashi (Head of all Turkmens). First, we will visit the Turkmenbashi Railway Station. This pleasant Russian-built station was constructed in 1895 and still departures and arrivals to and from locations across Central Asia.  
• From the station, we’ll cross the road to see the  Oil Worker’s Square  and the  Monument to the Great Patriotic War  commemorating all of those Turkmen who lost their lives in this distant conflict. Including Atamurat Niyazov, the father of Saparmurat Niyazov. From the square, we will look at some of the city’s architecture, which may not be so inspiring, but much of it was built by Japanese and German POWs from the war.  
• Our final stop of the day will be the  Cheryomushki Bazaar , located at the heart of Turkmenbashi. This bustling market is one of the country’s best, with friendly stallholders selling local snacks and crafts. For those interested in fish from the Caspian, the fish market on site boasts an impressive selection of the sea’s bounty.  
• Once we’ve had our fill of Turkmenbashi, we’ll head to the nearby airport for our flight to  Ashgabat. We will arrive in time for our last group meal in Turkmenistan, and prepare ourselves for the adventure onward to Uzbekistan!

Saturday, 12th October

Turkmenistan - uzbekistan.

• Border Crossing. This morning we’ll depart Ashgabat and make our way to the airport for our connecting flight to  Turkmenabat , Turkmenistan’s border city with its northern neighbour, Uzbekistan. Once we’ve arrived in the city, we’ll head for the border, passing through the various customs checks before finally waving goodbye to our Turkmen friends, and heading into  Uzbekistan .  
• Bukhara.  Once we’ve crossed the border, we’ll meet up with our new Uzbek guides, and head towards the nearby city of  Bukhara , an ancient city that was once the heart of empires in the region. Along with nearby Samarkand, Bukhara served as the heart of the Persian world for centuries under numerous empires, and continues today as Uzbekistan’s seventh largest city, and one of its most popular attractions for foreign travellers, owing to its rich history as a Persian capital, and an outpost on the renowned Silk Road.  
• We’ll head straight for our hotel where we’ll have a free evening to relax, before heading out tomorrow to experience Bukhara!

Accommodation:  3* Hotel

Sunday, 13th October

• Today we’ll enjoy a day in the picturesque surroundings of  Bukhara , exploring the ancient legacy of this stunning city. Our first stop of the day will be the magnificent Kalyan Minaret.  
• Kalyan Minaret.  Built in 1127, the  Kalyan Minaret  is all that survives of a once grandiose  Djuma Mosque , designed for crowds of people to worship at once. Today, the site has been rebuilt around the footprint of this great tower, now at the centre of a courtyard surrounded by galleries and stunning architecture. It’s from here that the ancient call to prayer would have blasted across the city, and many locals would have descended on the site. It was built twice. Evidence suggests the soft ground led it to collapse after being nearly completed the first time. However, after almost a millennium, it shouldn’t fall again!  
• Khoja-Gaukushon.  Next, we’ll make our way to  Khoja-Gaukushon. A great ensemble at the heart of the city, home to a mosque, madrassah, and minaret. The area once served as a kind of plaza for local people to meet, trade, set up market stalls, and (rather oddly) slaughter animals. The name ‘Gaukushon’ means ‘Slaughter of Bulls’. Later, a large minaret, mosque, and madrassah were built on the site, adding to the great patchwork of beautiful buildings littered across the skyline of Bukhara.  
• Finally, we’ll wrap up with the  Mausoleum of Naqshbandi  and the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara which sits a few kilometres outside the city itself. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for many Sufis and a place of incredible beauty, whilst the summer palace is known as ‘the place where the moon meets the stars.  
• This evening, we’ll head to the train station to catch a late high-speed train to nearby  Samarkand , another gem in the heart of this region.

Monday, 14th October

• Samarkand.  This morning we’ll wake up surrounded by the ancient city of  Samarkand.  We have a full day to experience the sights and sounds of this bustling place.  
• Registan Square.  Our first stop will be  Registan Square . The Registan is an ensemble of majestic and stunningly beautiful madrassahs, the most incredible example of Islamic architecture. The plaza would once have been dominated by a great bazaar, allowing local people to go about their business. Meanwhile, the surrounding madrassahs allow scholars to work and create a centre for Islamic scholars across Central Asia. Today, the Registan is the number one, must-see sight in the country. An unmissable experience!  
• Mausoleum of Tamerlane.  We will also make a stop at the  Mausoleum of Tamerlane , known as the Gur Emir, a national icon in Uzbekistan. This is followed by a visit to a necropolis which graces the northern part of the city,  Shah-i-Zinda . A fabulous example of traditional Islamic architecture in the region, comprising numerous buildings, towers and beautiful domed rooves. The turquoise mosaic tiling contrasts against the arid sandy backdrop of Samarkand’s desert surroundings.  
• Bibi-Khanym Mosque.  We’ll also visit the  Bibi-Khanym Mosque , once the largest in Central Asia.  
• Siab Baazar.  We break away from the ancient history to explore the local market, known as the  Siab Baazar . Whether you’re searching for textiles and fabrics, exquisite and intriguing foodstuffs, or just looking for an opportunity to rub shoulders with Samarkand’s locals – Siab Baazar is the place to visit. The market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, clothes, snacks, and all manner of things, but it’s also an oddly peaceful and fun place to spend some time. Wander the aisles, chat with shoppers and market vendors, and experience life as it’s truly lived in this city.

Tuesday, 15th October

• Tashkent.  This morning we’ll bid farewell to  Samarkand  as we head to the train station to catch a high-speed train from the city and head north. This journey will take around 3 hours to our destination,  Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan . Since its near destruction during an earthquake in 1966, the city has been redeveloped. This was initially by the Soviet Union, leaving an obvious trace of the USSR in its city planning.  
• Institute of Solar Physics.  This afternoon, we’ll take a trip outside of the city to the  Institute of Solar Physics.  A huge series of mirrors used to heat a large furnace. The institute will open just for us. They will run a test of the system to demonstrate the immense power of this Soviet-era megaproject.  
• Uzbekistan’s Countryside.  45km outside the city, we’ll pass through some of Uzbekistan’s northern countryside, a far cry from the dry desert-like environment which dominates the rest of the country. Upon arrival, we’ll witness the effect of these huge parabolic mirrors, heating the furnace to over 3000*C. We’ll also learn about the potential that exists for clean energy from this system, since the energy produced is completely clean, and could be put to work in the future for clean energy.  
• Our accommodation tonight will be the  Hotel Uzbekistan. This was once the premiere hotel in the country for visiting dignitaries, government officials, and rare foreign tourists.

Accommodation:  Hotel Uzbekistan

Wednesday, 16th October

• Tashkent . This morning we’ll step out into the bustling city of  Tashkent .  
• Amir Timur Square.  Our day begins with a visit to  Amir Timur Square  at the heart of this vibrant capital.  One of the main squares in Tashkent, Amir Timur is graced with a magnificent  Statue of Tamerlane , a medieval conqueror, on horseback. Although Amir Timur is not the largest square in the city, the tree-lined pavements and bright green grass make it perfect for an evening stroll amidst the locals of Tashkent.  
• Chorus Bazaar.  From here, we will spend some time in the beautifully domed  Chorus Bazaar.  A great place to observe local life or buy those last-minute bargains, and another chance to chat with locals from the city, as well as support local independent businesses in Tashkent.  
• Tashkent Metro.  No visit to Tashkent would be complete without a ride on the  Tashkent Metro  built in the former USSR. The metro network consists of three lines which crisscross beneath the streets of the city. This incredibly ornate metro system opened in 1977 and has only grown in beauty. Not only is it an incredible tourist attraction in its own right, but you can use it to get between Tashkent’s other incredible above-ground sites! Tashkent Metro is one of only two subway systems currently operating in Central Asia (the other is the Almaty Metro).  
• Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan.  Our last stop for the day will be the  Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan . There are, of course, hundreds of museums across the Uzbek capital worth poking your head in. However, our favourite must be the State Fine Arts Museum, home to thousands of artefacts from across Russia and Europe. This Soviet-era museum holds many of the treasures confiscated from the Grand Duke Romanov, who himself likely stole them from St Petersburg. In addition, artwork from across Russia and the Soviet Union is displayed throughout this museum.  
• Hotel Uzbekistan . Finally, we’ll return to our Soviet hotel – from here, we’ll have a free evening. You’ll be able to wander the streets, find and try unusual delicacies, and meet local Tashkenters.

Thursday, 17th October

This morning, airport transfers will be provided to all travellers heading to the airport for international flights. For extension opportunities, please contact your tour manager.

END OF TOUR

Included Meals:  Breakfast

What is / is not included?

• English Speaking Guide
• Western Tour Leader
• All Listed Meals
• Accommodation
• Internal Flights
• All Included Sightseeing
• All Taxes & Entrance Fees

NOT INCLUDED

• Single Supplement
• Extra Night(s) Accommodation
• International Flights
• Uzbekistan Visa

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• Turkmenistan

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Turkestan Travel

Discover Central Asia

• Destinations
• Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour - 15 Days

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour: A Cultural and Historical Connection

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are not only connected by their geographical proximity but also by the cultural and historical ties of their peoples. Just like every country and nation has its own longstanding and unique history, the peoples of Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, boast a rich historical heritage. Historically, the peoples of Central Asia are as renowned as ancient and powerful states like India, Iran, Egypt, and Rome. Archaeological excavations have traced the history of Central Asia back 3,000 years, and the region is home to historical monuments that have endured for more than 2,000 years.

During your Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour, you will have the unique opportunity to explore the remains of fortresses built by Alexander the Great during his conquest of Central Asia. Some of these fortresses are exceptionally well-preserved, especially in the regions of Turkmenistan. Additionally, you will visit world-renowned historical cities such as Mary, Merv, Kunya Urgench, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand to marvel at the impressive historical monuments in these locations.

The Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour allows you to immerse yourself in the unique traditions, rich culture, and fascinating history of the peoples of Central Asia. Delight your palate with the culinary delights of this region and be surprised by the diversity of its cuisine.

Throughout your journey, you will have the opportunity to witness how the millennia-old history is reflected in the modern cities and vibrant communities. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are not only repositories of historical heritage but also vibrant cultures that continue to thrive in the customs, art, and daily life of their inhabitants.

The region also houses some of the most magnificent historical sites, including the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the splendid mosques and madrasas of Bukhara and Samarkand. In Khiva, you can stroll through the narrow alleys of the Old Town and feel the charm of the ancient Silk Road.

In addition to the historical and cultural highlights, the Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour offers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking nature of this region. From desert oases to the green valleys of the mountainous regions, Central Asia presents a variety of landscapes that will awe every traveler.

Prepare for a journey through the epochs and experience Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in all their diversity. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of these two countries and embark on an unforgettable journey that guides you through history, culture, and nature. Don’t miss the opportunity, and join us on an Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour!

Short itinerary

Detailed tour.

Day 1: Day of Arrival

Day 2: Tashkent – where Modern and Old meet

Day 3: Samarkand – on the Trail of Temur’s Treasure

Day 4: Samarkand – on the Trail of Temur’s Treasure

Day 5: Shakhrisabz – the hometown of Amir Temur

Day 6: Bukhara – Pearl of the Orient

Day 7: Bukhara – Pearl of the Orient

Day 8: From Bukhara to the Oxus culture empire – Margiana

Day 9: Kingdom of Margiana

Day 10: Ashgabat – the Treasure in the Desert

Day 11: Ashgabat – the Treasure in the Desert

Day 12: Oasis city of Kunya Urgench

Day 13: Khiva – Museum under open air

Day 14: Khiva – Museum under open air

Day 15: Early Morning Transfer to the Airport and Departure

Arrival in Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

After breakfast city tour in Tashkent. Tashkent , the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, lies in the northeast of Uzbekistan and is with over two million people the largest metropolis in Central Asia . While visiting historical sights of the Capital, you can also enjoy the modern side of the city. The city offers modern Hotels, Restaurants, Theatres, Cinemas, Operas, Disco, Oriental Bazaars, of course also a thousand years old History to look back on. During the city tour we will visit Barak Khan Medrasah (building ensemble from the 15-17 c.), the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum (built in the 16 c. and rebuilt in the 19 c.), the mosque Khojah Akhror (1404-1490, Khojah Akhror was a Sheikh of the Naqshbandi Order). Afterwards we will visit the Medrese Kukaldosh (16th century), the traditional Chorsu-Bazaar . Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Samarkand and check into the hotel. Samarkand (353 347 inhabitants, as of January 1, 2008) has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The history of the city goes back over 2500 years. Visitors are fascinated by the walls of the legendary Afrasiyab , the capital of the ancient empire Sogd (9th century B.C.), which can still be found in the north of Samarkand today. Not for nothing Samarkand is called a jewel of the earth. Our journey in Samarkand begins at the famous Registan (sand place), whose construction was already started during the Timurid period and completed in the following three hundred years. Sightseeing of three Medressen of the Registan – the Ulugbek-Medresse (built 1417-1420), the Sher-Dor-Medresse (1619 – 1636) and the Tillo-Kori-Medresse (1646 – 1660). For lunch you will be offered traditional Uzbek dish Pilav (we guarantee halal food ). Depending on your wishes you can also order something else (our recommendation: try at least once the traditional dish Pilav in Samarkand, it is only prepared for lunch). In the afternoon we visit the legendary Timurid mausoleum Guri Amir (XIV-XV century). Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Near the Siyab bazaar there is an ensemble of Shohi-Zinda (the living king, “IX.-XIV century), one of the world’s most famous group of mausoleums, which fasinate you with its beautiful architecture. Next we will visit the famous Ulugbek Observatory (1428-1429 which was built on one of the hills of Chupanata). The observatory was a unique design in his time. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Temur (known in the West as Tamerlan). The city was already known Alexander the Great as Nautaca . Under the Amir Temur the city (XIV century), at that time still Kesh , attained world-wide fame and received the name Shakhrisabz . There we visit the summer palace of the ruler “Ak Saray” (White Palace, 1380-1405). The 65 meter high palace ruins give us an approximate idea of the height and dimension of the palace at that time. “Ak Saray” was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. We also visit Kok Gumbaz Mosque , Darus Soadat Complex and the Jahongir Mausoleum . We drive to Bukhara, check in to the Hotel. Dinner at the local Restaurant. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

After Breakfast we will visit Poyi Kalon Ensemble consisting of Kalon Minaret (12 th c.), Kalon Mosque (12 th c.), Miri Arab Madrasah (16 th c.), domed bazaars Toqi Zargaron (15 th c.), Toqi Telpak-Furushon (16 th c.) and Toqi Zaroffon (16 th c.). Continue we will visit Lyabi-Khauz Complex (14-17 th c.) and Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah . Dinner at Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah along with traditional folklore Program . Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

After Breakfast at hotel we will visit Citadel Ark (4 th c. BC), Bolo-Khauz Mosque (beginning of the 20 th c.), Samanides Mausoleum (9-10 th c.), Chashmai Ayub (14 th c.), Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Complex , summer residence of the last Emir (ruler) of Bukhara, Bakhouddin Naqshbandiy Memorial Complex , Chor Bakr (19 th c.) and Chor Minor . Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

After breakfast we will drive to checkpoint Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan . After the border formalities we drive to Turkmenabat. Lunch in Turkmenabat and we drive to Mary . Check-in to the hotel and Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel we visit the ruins of Alexandria (Antiochia). We visit region Margush : Sultan Kala (X-XI th c.), Erk kala (VII th bc.), Gyaur Kala (III th bc.), Karavansaray Dandanakan (MA.), Kyz Kala (VIII-XII th c.), Mausoleum Askhabov (XV th c.), Mausoleum Sultan Sanjar (XII th c.) and Muhammad ibn Said (XII th c.) mosque-mausoleum. Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast Transfer to the Airport and we will fly to Ashgabat . Check-in to the hotel and we visit the historical Museums , Ahal-Tekin horse farm and ruined city of Nisa Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

After breakfast we start our city tour in Ashgabat. We visit Änew (archaeological excavations from the V-III century B.C.), Modern Buildings the City. Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the airport and Fly to Dashoguz . From Dahsoguz we drive to Kunya Urgench . In Kunya Urgench we visit the historical monuments Ak Kala (XV-XVII C.), Gurganj, Komplex ibn Khadjib (XIV-XVI C.). Lunch at the local restaurant. Afternoon we drive to checkpoint Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan . After the border formalities we drive to Khiva. Dinner at the live music in the local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

After Breakfast we will visit the historical city Ichan Kala . Dinner with live folklore Music in the old city Ichan Kala. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

After Breakfast we will visit the historical city Ichan Kala . Dinner at the local restaurant. Transfer to the Airport in Urgench (35 km). Flight: Urgench – Tashkent . Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Price includes services:

• 5 Nights in 4 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
• 9 Nights in 2-3 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
• 13x Breakfast, 1x Lunch, 13x Dinner
• Mineral water bottles during the Tour (1,5 L per person per day)
• Folklore show program in Khiva and Bukhara
• Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver pas per the program
• Professional English-speaking guides from group arrival to departure
• High-speed train economy-class (Y class) tickets for Tashkent → Samarkand route
• Domestic air tickets: Mary → Ashgabat
• Domestic air tickets: Ashgabat → Dashoguz
• Domestic air tickets: Urgench →Tashkent
• Visa support for Turkmenistan
• Registration in hotels (Turkmenistan)
• Entrance fees to all the mentioned sights as per the program (except photo and video charges)

Not included:

• Visa costs and processing
• Photo and video charges
• International air tickets
• Meals not indicated in the program
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Any personal expenses
• Any services not included in the above itinerary
• Consular costs at the border of Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan (14 US $)

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

• Single supplement: $ 295,-
• Tour Code: TT0022
• B / L / D: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Group size: 3 - 16
• Difficulty: Easy
• Destination: Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
• Arrival: Tashkent
• Departure: Tashkent

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4 days tour – Ashgabat to the border

The four-day individual tour of Turkmenistan is perfect for travellers wishing to combine Turkmenistan with Uzbekistan. During this tour you will see the highlights of Ashgabat and then continue via the Gates of Hell to the Uzbek border at the UNESCO site Kunya Urgench. Our reliable guide will make sure your trip goes smoothly, allowing you to enjoy unknown Turkmenistan to the fullest.

General info

Day 1 – Ashgabat

• Airport pick-up and introduction to your guide in Ashgabat.
• Highlight : Independence Park, the symbol of modern Turkmenistan.
• Independence Monument, an impressive monument inspired by the old Turkmen tents.
• Monument of the Constitution, a 185m high tower.
• Gate of Neutrality, an absurd monument with a golden statue of former President Niyazov.
• Lenin Park, here you will find another statue of Lenin.
• Erogrul Ghazi Mosque, a famous mosque named after the leader of the Ottoman Empire.
• Alem Business Centre with the largest indoor ferris wheel in the world.
• Palace of Happiness for a panoramic view of the city.
• Overnight stay in Ashgabat.

Day 2 – Ashgabat – Kipchak – Kow Ata

• Highlight : Drive to Nisa, a UNESCO world heritage site and the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire.
• Sheikh Mosque.
• Drive to Kipchak.
• Turkmenbashy Mosque / Mausoleum, here lies the former president of Turkmenistan.
• Drive to Kow Ata.
• Swimming in a natural hot spring, deep in a cave.
• Geok Depe Mosque, an impressive mosque founded by the former president Turkmenbashy.

Day 3 – Ashgabat – Darvaza

• Sunday Bazaar (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday only), a perfect place for photos.
• Highlight : Akhalteke Horse Breeding, horses are very important in Turkmenistan and they proudly show you all about it.
• Anau Fort, the history of this place goes back 7,000 years.
• Drive to Darvaza.
• Visit to the water crater and mud crater.
• Highlight : Arrival at the fire crater (Gates of Hell). A place that originated in the seventies and has never stopped burning since.
• Walk through the sand dunes around the crater.
• Sunset at the crater.
• Barbecue and overnight stay in tents near the Gates of Hell.

Day 4 – Darvaza – Kunya Urgench – Dashoguz

• Drive to Dashoguz.
• Highlight : Visit to Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO site near the Uzbek border.
• Border crossing with Uzbekistan at Shavat.
• End of tour.

Culture Road

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Uzbekistan - tajikistan tour 2024, send request - uzbekistan-turkmenistan 11 days tour, destinations.

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Wonders of the Silk Road

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Discover the rich culture and tumultuous history of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on this exploration through ancient trading cities and along the fabled Silk Road.

• Ashgabat - Explore Turkmenistan's remarkable capital city, a rich mix of ancient and modern
• Khiva - Walk through the 'open air museum', the historic heart of one of the great Silk Road cities
• Samarkand - Discover the beautiful, intricately mosaicked mosques and madrassahs of Tamerlane's city

Included meals

Breakfast: 12

Explore Tour Leader

Accommodation

11 nights comfortable hotel

1 nights simple overnight train

Group Size:

Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Arrive in Ashgabat, a once prosperous frontier town along the Trans-Caspian railway, which was destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1948, only to rise from its ashes and rubble to become the capital of an independent Turkmenistan in 1991. The city then became the personal project of President Niyazov, who set about forming it in his own unique image, renaming the streets and changing the face of the city on an almost daily basis as he approved the destruction of its suburbs to make way for a number of controversial planning projects.

For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 12pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on the afternoon city tour. We have the opportunity to explore the city on a tour that will take in some of the highlights of both the Soviet and Niyazov reigns. We visit Independence Park where we will see the Independence Monument, a large structure designed to resemble traditional Turkmen hats. We will also pay a visit to the Turkmenistan National Museum of History, a rich cache of some 150,000 objects and artefacts that date back to Neolithic times and the Bronze Age era of the Margiana civilisation.

If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), which is 20 minutes from the hotel. For those arriving on flights in the early hours of this morning, we'll arrange for your hotel room to be available immediately upon your arrival. For anyone arriving before today please contact us to book additional nights accommodation.

Please note that if you wish to join the afternoon city tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 12pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one to two hours to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around 15 minutes' drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 9am. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information at 6pm.

Accommodation:

Sport Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available, meals provided: none.

This morning we aim to visit the city's lively Sunday morning market before driving out to the outskirts of the city to the once mighty fortress of Nissa. Founded in the 3rd century BC as the capital of the 1st Parthian Empire, its walls and towers (43 in total) protected the royal palace, Zoroastrian temples and the power and prestige of successive ruling dynasties until its eventual destruction at the hands of the Mongols in the 13th century.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Our destination today is the town of Mary, our gateway to the ruins of ancient Merv. We travel via the Kaka Oasis and will also stop to view the fortress of Abiverd, the remains of a now long vanished medieval city that once enjoyed a reputation for its superb handicrafts, some samples of which can still be seen littered across the site in the form of broken shards of exquisite pottery

Hotel Mary (or similar)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered to have once been one of the great cities of Central Asia, the remains of ancient Merv lie scattered across some 100sq km. Lying along the great trading routes of the Silk Road the city prospered under the Sassanians and the Seljuq Turks, becoming a cultural mecca for Christian, Buddhist, Zoroastrian and finally Muslim cultures. At its height, during the 11th and 12th centuries the city was known as Marv-i-shah-jahan (Merv, Queen of the World) and, after Baghdad, was considered the finest city in all Islam. In 1221 its greatness came crashing to earth with the arrival of the Mongol armies of Genghis Khan when, after refusing to pay tribute to the great Mongol warlord, the city and its entire population of nearly 1 million people was put to the sword (it was believed that the Mongol soldiers were ordered to personally behead between 300- 400 people each). Returning to Mary for lunch we will then spend the afternoon exploring the Mary Museum of History, a rich repository of some of the finest relics rescued from Merv itself, along with an excellent collection of Turkmen carpets and household objects that span a period of some 5000 years.

This morning we drive to the Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan border at Farab and, after completing the immigration formalities, cross into Uzbekistan. Please be advised that this process could take anything up to 2 hours and you will be required to walk the 1.5 km between the two border posts to meet our Uzbek vehicle (porters are usually available to help with luggage, although they will require payment for their services). We drive on to the fabled city of Bukhara, the city that was home to the famed poets Firdausa and Rudaki and is still considered by many to be the 'Bastion of Islam'. For generations Bukhara lay at the centre of the great trade routes, its scholarship and architecture revered far and wide as one of the central bastions of Central Asian art and culture, a factor that saw its ancient heart accredited by UNESCO as an important World Heritage Site in 1993. Over 2,000 years old, its historic centre is one of the most complete examples of a medieval city anywhere in Central Asia, filled with majestic architecture, beautiful madrassas and fabulous tombs. Time allowing this afternoon, we'll start our sightseeing with a visit to the bath houses, arcades and the caravanserai of the Taqi Telpak Furushon area, as well as the Lyab-I Hauz, a magnificent architectural centrepiece that dates from the 16th and 17th centuries and contains the largest madrassa in the city (the Kukeldash).

Hotel Caravan Plaza (or similar)

In the morning we take a drive out of the city to visit the Emir's Palace, the Royal Ark and the photogenic Char Minar Mosque. Also known as the 'Palace of Moon-like Stars', the Palace contains the famous White Hall, a structure that took the Emir's 30 architects two years to construct. We also visit the Ismael Samani Mausoleum, dating from the 9th century and considered to be one of the most revered architectural sights in the whole of Central Asia. Built as the final resting place of Ismael Samani, the founder of the last Persian dynasty to rule in the region, the Samanids, it harks back to the city's golden age, when it was the intellectual centre of the Islamic world. Returning to the city for lunch we will then take a tour of its ancient centre on foot, maybe stopping off at a 'chaikhana', a local tea house.. The old town has been fortunate to retain much of its Uzbek character, with more than 140 unique monuments littered amongst its streets and alleyways, and this afternoon we will visit the beautiful blue tiled Abdul Khan Madrasah and Mghoki Arrar Mosque, as well as the tallest monument in town, the Kalyan minaret, or the 'Tower of Death', from which prisoners were once hurled to their death on market days.

Today is free to explore Bukhara in your own time.

Today we drive on to the remarkable ancient city of Khiva. The early history of the area is still sketchy, but by the time the Arabs arrived in the 8th century there were three important cities in the region, of which Khiva was one, largely on account of its strategic location along the Volga branch of the Silk Route. Conquered by the Persians, it then became a pawn in the great game between the Russian and British Empires, finally succumbing to Russian forces in 1873 (following the fate of both Samarkand and Bokhara before it). Its ancient heart has remained largely intact behind towering brick walls, some 40 bastions enclosing an incredible collection of historic monuments and 18th and 19th century houses and exploring the old citadel is like stepping back in time into a scene straight out of the stories of the Arabian nights. Originally the 12th century fortress dominated the city, but later additions of palaces, harems, barracks and mosques encroached on the old fortress, compelling the Khan to build a second outer wall to make his citadel even more secure. Please note that today's drive to Khiva is a long drive of approximately 9hrs due to the bad road conditions in this area. We will attempt to break up the journey as much as possible with stops along the way.

Hotel Musa Tura (or similar)

This morning we will begin our exploration of this ancient city. We'll take in some of its rich wonders including the Kunya Ark and the Tah-Khauli Palace, whilst a walk up the steps of the Dzhuma Minaret presents a captivating panoramic view of the maze of streets below. In the afternoon we drive on to Urgench to catch the overnight train to Samarkand.

Overnight Train from Urgench to Samarkand

Grade: Simple Overnight Train

Single Room Unavailable

Stormed by Alexander the Great and reduced to ashes by Genghis Khan, Samarkand was nevertheless transformed into one of the world's most glittering cities in the 14th century by Tamerlane, who made it his capital. Today it is still generously endowed with some glorious monuments to its golden era, their blue domes towering above the city skyline. Our overnight train arrives in the city early morning and after transferring to our hotel for breakfast, we plan to set out and explore some of its wealth of treasures. Most of the city's more lavish monuments date to the time of Tamerlane and his direct descendants, including the exceptional Registan, the focal point of the city and one of Central Asia's most magnificent settings; a majestic square formed on 3 sides by huge blue tiled madrasahs (ancient centres of religious learning). We will also visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, constructed by Tamerlane's Chinese wife and once one of the grandest mosques in the entire Islamic world, with a gateway that measured an impressive 35m in height. The third visit of the morning will be to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, a somewhat modest structure that nonetheless contains the graves of not only Tamerlane himself, but also two of his sons and two grandsons. The afternoon is left free to relax or explore more by yourself.

Hotel Minor (or similar)

Another half-day city tour this morning introduces us to the Ulug-Beg Observatory and the Shah-i-Zinda, one of the city's oldest and most sacred buildings, with a double row of jewel-like mausoleums that are said to contain the grave of Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed. It was in Samarkand that Ulug-Beg, the great medieval astronomer, built the gigantic sextant that enabled him to calculate the length of a year to within just 10 seconds and the remnants of his 15th century astrolabe, which measured an impressive 30m, still remain on the outskirts of the old city. The rest of the day has then been left free to explore more of this exquisite city at your leisure, perhaps re visiting Registan Square, or enjoying an excursion to the site of Afrosiab and Marakanda, where you will find the excavations of early Samarkand. The bazaar presents us with one of Samarkand's liveliest settings, an eclectic mix of sound and colour that harks back to the days of the great caravans that plied these ancient trading routes, whilst the old town itself still holds considerable medieval charm and along its sun baked, winding, narrow alleys traditionally dressed locals perform their daily rituals or relax in the shade drinking 'kokchai' (traditional green tea).

This morning we drive to Tashkent, the Uzbek capital and one of Central Asia's most vibrant cities. Occupying a prime spot on the central Eurasian trading routes, Tashkent grew to be one of the most important stops on the caravan routes across Central Asia. It grew under the auspices of the Mongols, Tamerlane and the Shaybanids, before finally falling to the Russians during the 19th century. A massive earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1966, affording its Russian overlords the chance to resurrect a 'perfect' soviet city from the ruins. Parts of the old city do remain though and we explore in afternoon. A visit to Chor-Su affords us the opportunity to take a look at the handicraft bazaar, before moving on to some of the city's more modern monuments, including the Mustakillik Square (Independence Square), the Navoi Theatre (named after the renowned Uzbek poet) and the Earthquake Monument. We also take a ride for 2-3 stops on the Tashkent Metro, which boasts some flamboyantly decorated stations.

Hotel Panarams by Radisson Individuals (or similar)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tashkent.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Tashkent at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS), which is 20 minutes' drive from the hotel.

Trip information

Turkmenistan.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the temperatures are mild and there is the chance of occasional rains. April can bring colourful blooms to the normally barren desert landscapes, whilst summer days in the cities and desert can be very hot, when the temperatures can reach as high as 50°.

Time difference to GMT

2 Pin Round

Islam, Eastern Orthodox

Turkmen, Russian, Uzbek

Islam, predominantly Sunni, Eastern Orthodox

Uzbek, Russian, Tajik

Lightweight raingear may be needed, with some warmer clothes for the cooler evenings, when temperatures can drop considerably. It gets very hot in the summer so long sleeves and a hat may be useful to help keep cool. Casual clothes are the most practical: tight fitting garments, brief shorts and skirts should be avoided, since they attract unwelcome attention and these regions follow the strict tenets of the Muslim faith.

Light walking boots/comfortable walking shoes, trainers and sandals.

Luggage: On tour

One main piece and a daysac. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage - so don't overload yourself. We recommend either a suitcase or holdall on wheels, or else a backpack, as you may be expected to carry your own luggage up to 1.5km across the border.

Torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor sun cream, good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection.

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information, food and drink.

Can you drink the water?  The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.   

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

Turkmenistan: A single entry visa is required for Turkmenistan. Invitation letters issued by the Turkmen State Migration Service are required by all nationalities and Explore will apply for this on your behalf. We will therefore require details of the passport you'll be travelling on at least 10 weeks prior to departure. This invitation letter will then need to be used to apply for your visa. You may choose to contact the Turmen Embassy but obtaining a Visa upon arrival in Turkmenistan is quite straighforward. You will need to have a printed (paper) copy of the letter of invitation (LOI) as a proof of admittance to Turkmenistan (airlines and services the other side of the border ask for it when there is no visa sticker in the passport). You will also need to pay the relevant fee is US$, this is $55 to $85 USD for the visa depending on the country of origin and $18 USD (immigration duty + administrative fee). Payment can only be made in cash and only in USD, clean bills issued after 2008. It is not possible to obtain the Turkmenistan Invitation any earlier than 3 months prior to the tour departure date and it takes 3 weeks to process. At the time of writing, everyone entering Turkmenistan (either via land or air) will be tested for Covid19 on arrival at the border. The fee for the PCR test is US$43 which will need to be paid in cash locally. Please make sure you have the right amount in the correct currency before travelling to Turkmenistan. We are also required by the authorities to have a representative meet you at the airport upon arrival, Land Only customers should ensure they have submitted their flight details to Explore at least 1 month before departure. Uzbekistan: Australian, Irish, Canadian and 'British citizen' passport holders can enter Uzbekistan as a visitor for stays of up to 30 days without a visa. Other nationalities including US nationals require a e-visa which can be obtained from www.e-visa.gov.uz All visa related information should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on the need for and different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling. Turkmenistan has banned the sale of all tobacco products and prohibited smoking in ALL public places including streets, parks, airports etc. Smoking is only permitted in public in designated areas in hotels and restaurants. New regulations only permit the import of a MAXIMUM of 2 packets of 20 cigarettes per person.

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on the need for and different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Why book this trip

Dates, prices and booking, you might also be interested in, the silk road of uzbekistan.

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• Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan

Combined tour of Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan

Tour itinerary, tour prices, tour specifications, book the tour.

Ashgabat – Nisa – Darwaza – Kunya-Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Shakhrisabz – Samarkand – Penjikent – Seven Lakes – Penjikent – Iskanderkul Lake – Dushanbe – Istaravshan – Khujand – Tashkent

14 days / 13 nights

Arrive in Ashgabat airport. Meet at the airport and transfer to hotel. Early check in. AM rest. PM excursion in Ashgabat: visit the 75 m  Arch of Neutrality  (1998 y), – the highest construction in Turkmenistan with the gold statue of Turkmenbashi on the apex, the  Presidential Palace  (former building of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan, 1950-1955 y.y.), the  orthodox church of Aleksandr Nevskiy  (XIX c.),  Ertogrulgazy mosque  with 4 minarets and enormous cupola (1997 y.) – the largest mosque in the country and Capital Museum of Carpet. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Darwaza Gas Crater. En route visit Nisa ruins (15 km from Ashgabat) which date back to 250 B.C.  Upon arrival in Darwaza, check-in in Tents or Yurts. Riding horses (Alkhalteke breed – the pride of Turkment people). Enjoy the nightview of Darwaza Gas Crater (so called: “Gates of Hell” or “Door to Hell”). Overnight in Darwaza.

After breakfast, drive to Khiva. En route visit the main sights of Kunya-Urgench: the mausoleum of Nadjmetdin-Kubra – the founder of “Kubra” Sufi sect (XII-XIII c.c.), the mausoleum of Mongol princess Torebeg-Khanum (Turabek-Khanum (XII-XIV c.c.), Mamun minaret (X-XI c.c.), Kutlug-Timur minaret (XII-XIV c.c., 67 m) – the highest minaret in Central Asia, Kyrk-Mollah mausoleum (II c. B.C. – III c. A.D.), Ibn-Khadjib madrassah (XIV-XVI c.c.), Arslan mausoleum – the oldest building in the city (approximately XI c.), Fakhr-ad-Din-Razi mausoleum (XIII c.), mausoleums of Azizan-al-Ramatani (XIII-XIV c.c.), Sayed-Ahmed (XII-XIV c.c.), Piryarveli (XIV-XVII c.c.), Guligerdan (XII c.), Khorezimbag (XIII-XVIII c.c.), Dashgala (XIV-XVI c.c.), Matkarim-Ishan (XIX-XX c.c.), Sultan Ali (1580 y), Tekesh-Khorezmshakh (XIII c.) with the minaret (XIV c.), Dashmedjet (1903-1908 y.y.) and Ak-Kala (I-XIII c.c.) fortress. After excursion, drive to Turkmen-Uzbek border. Change transport & guide and transfer to hotel in Khiva. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion program in Khiva – “Ichan-Kala architectural ensemble” – “Museum under the open sky”: Mausoleum of Pahlavan Makhmud, Tosh-Hovli Palace (Harem), Kunya-Ark Fortress, Kalta-Minor Minaret, Medrese of Shergazi-Khan, Complex of Alla-Kuli Khan, Juma Mosque and Minaret, Karavan-Saray, Minaret and Mosque of Khodja-Islam, Tim of Alakulikhan, Medrese of Abdulla-Khan, Mausoleum of Said Alautdin, Medrese of Mukhamad Amin-Khan, Walls of Ichan-Kala, Palvan-Darvaza Gate. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Bukhara through Kizil-Kum Desert (460 km,7-8 hours driving). En route stop near Amudarya river for photo shooting. Upon arrival in Bukhara transfer to hotel for accommodation. Overnight.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion program in Bukhara: Samanids’ Mausoleum, Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo-Khovuz mosque, Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyon complex (Kalyan mosque and minaret, Miri Arab madrassa), Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrassas, Magoki Attori mosque, Trade Domes (Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Telpakifurushon and Toki-Sarrofon), Labi Khovuz complex. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz. Arrive in Shakhrisabz (280 km – 4 hours driving) & visit: Ak Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz, Dorut-Tilovat Complex, Dorus-Saodat Complex. PM. Drive to Samarkand (100 km, 1.5 hours driving). Upon arrival in Samarkand transfer to hotel and overnight.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion program in Samarkand: visit Afrosiyob Museum & hill, Observatory of Ulugbek, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Bibi-Khanum Mosque – the largest mosque in Central Asia, oriental bazaar Siyab, Registan Square (Sherdor Madrassah, Tilla Kari Madrassah and Ulugbek Madrassah) & Guri-Emir mausoleum. Overnight at the hotel.

Early breakfast at hotel. Drive to Uzbek-Tajik border “Jartepa” (45 km). Change transport & guide. Drive to Panjakent (15 km). Upon arrival, excursion in Penjikent: visit Rudakiy Museum, and the ruins of ancient Penjikent (a major Sogdian city, dates back to the A.C. V c. and destroyed by Arab conquerors in the A.C. VIII c.). PM drive to popular Seven Lakes in Tajikistan (80 km – one way): Haf Kul – seven lakes of different colors in mountains of Tajikistan: 1. Mijgon, 2. Soya, 3. Hushyor, 4. Nophin lake, 5. Khurdak, 6. Marguzor, 7. Hazorchashma lake. Drive back to Penjikent (80 km). Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Dushanbe via Iskanderkul (which is known as one of the most beautiful lakes of the former Soviet Union. The lake was named after Alexander the Great, who had relaxed with his troop on its shore). Upon arrival in Dushanbe, transfer to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day city tour in Dushanbe: visit the national Antique Museum, the Statue of Ismail Somoni, Rudaki Park and the fortress of Hissar including Kukhna Medresah. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Khujand with stop in Istaravshan: visit Hazrat Shah architectural complex, (consisting of Hazrat Shah Mausoleum, the grave of the brother of Kusam ibn Abbas, Khudayar Valami Mausoleum, and Namazgah Mosque dates back to AD XIX c.). Continue to Mug Teppe, one of the ancient settlements located in Ura-Tepa. Drive to Khujand. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing in Khujand: visit Khujand Fortress, the mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, Kayrakkum Reservoir. PM drive to Tajik-Uzbek border “Oybek”. Change transport & guide. Drive to Tashkent. Visit Hasti Imam Complex (Barakhan Medresha, Tillya Sheikh Mosque and Muyi Muborak Library with famous Holy Osman Koran), Earthquake monument, Independence Square, Overnight in the hotel.

Early transfer to Tashkent International Airport for departure flight to next destination. End of the tour.

Features of the tour:

This tour contains the highlighted cities of Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Samarkand by covering cultural, historical, architectural and educational features. As a standard classical tour, its duration is ideal with enough time to learn the famous cities on the Silk Road and at the same time to enjoy one’s holiday.

Best season to travel:

You can travel and enjoy this program all year around however one can feel a little bit uncomfortable to travel in the hottest period of summer (in July) and in winter when the weather is cold. But during these off-season periods, travellers can get special discounted rates for packages by request.

Level of difficulties and age limitation:

This is an easy level tour and there is no age limitation as far as a person has no walking distance problem. Because in some cities such as Khiva and Bukhara, transportation is limited and normally tourists walk around approximately from 3 to 5 km during an excursion.

Samarkand photos

Bukhara photos

Tashkent photos

Khiva photos

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Turkmenistan Tours & Vacations

Turkmenistan is an eclectic country that oozes history and quirkiness, with warm inhabitants who enjoying extending a welcoming hand to visitors (even if the government is somewhat less effusive). Visit this eccentric nation to forge a path across windswept deserts and jagged mountains, through aromatic spice bazaars, along the ancient Silk Road, all the while encountering the distinctive faces of Central Asia .

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Turkmenistan at a glance

Capital city.

Ashgabat (population 883,000)

6.2 Million

Turkmen, Russian, Uzbek

(GMT+05:00) Ekaterinburg

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type B (American 3-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Turkmenistan

Geography and environment.

Over 80% of Turkmenistan's land mass is covered by the Karakum Desert, which stretches from west to east for 550 Miles. Consequently, the landscape is dominated by undulating sandy desert dunes, with low mountains to the south and south-east, and the Caspian Sea running the length of the western fringe. Turkmenistan shares borders with Kazakhstan to the north,   Uzbekistan   to the east, Afghanistan to the southeast and   Iran   to the south.

Further reading

Best time to visit turkmenistan.

With a dry, subtropical desert climate, Turkmenistan earns the rank as Central Asia's hottest country. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are the ideal times to visit, as this is when weather conditions are the most comfortable. During summer - particularly July and August - the mercury can tip up to 49 °C (120 ° F) on a regular basis, while winters can get very cold, down to freezing in some parts of the north.

Festivals and events

Public holidays that may impact travel include:.

Memorial Day

National Flag Day

National Spring Holiday

Victory Day 

Constitution Day

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Adha

Day of Remembrance of the victims of the earthquake in 1948

Independence Day

Neutrality Day

Please note dates of Turkmenistan's public holidays may vary.

Top 5 things banned by Niyazov

Listening to car radios, lip-synching and recorded music were all prohibited as he believed they stifled the natural creative talents of Turkmen.

2. TV newswomen wearing make-up

Banned in 2004, because he believed Turkmen women were beautiful enough already without make-up. (Although, some reports claim this was actually because he was struggling to tell the difference between the male and female newsreaders!)

3. Gold teeth

Banned in April 2004 - instead Niyazov decreed the youth of Turkmenistan should chew on bones to preserve their teeth, in the same way dogs do.

4. Opera, ballet and the circus

Banned in 2001 for being unnecessary and 'decidedly un-Turkmen-like'.

5. Dogs in Ashgabat

Banished from the streets of the capital as a result of their 'unappealing odour'.

Turkmenistan travel FAQs

Do i need a visa to travel to turkmenistan.

TURKMENISTAN  All travelers to Turkmenistan require a visa. A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is also required before you can apply for the visa. We recommend all travelers plan to receive a Visa on Arrival at either the airport or land border, depending on your itinerary. Please follow the instructions below to have your LOI for visa on arrival issued before you travel.

To apply for your LOI we require the following: - clear, color scan of the photo page of your passport - digital copy of a color passport photo (not a scan of a printed photo) - Turkmen LOI Application form (please contact your booking agent)

After submitting these documents to your booking agent our local partners will process your LOI. This service is included in your trip cost. We advise that you apply for your LOI no later than 3 months before your trip to allow time for processing. Turkmenistan LOIs are processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkmenistan and usually take around 4 weeks to be processed, with up to 6 weeks in peak travel season not uncommon. We strongly suggest submitting all documents no later than 2 months before arrival in order to allow sufficient time for processing.

NOTES: -  Independent travel in Turkmenistan is not permitted and your visa will only be valid for as long as tour services (including accommodation, guides, transport etc) are provided. - Make sure you have a print out of your LOI before boarding your flight or leaving for your trip.  - You will need to complete a migration card and pay a US$12 migration fee ($10 fee plus $2 admin charge) on arrival in Turkmenistan. - You will need 2 printed passport photos for your leader to submit to the migration office after your arrival in country. 

CUSTOMS: - A number of medications containing tramadol, morphine, opiates or any other similar constituent component are banned in Turkmenistan and are considered narcotic drugs. Do not bring any medications containing these drugs into the country.

Is tipping customary in Turkmenistan?

Tipping isn't customary in Turkmenistan. 

What is the internet access like in Turkmenistan?

Internet access is available in all large towns at state-run internet cafes. Free wi-fi is sometimes available, although may be also be charged in some places. All internet access is via the state-run domain so emails may be monitored and many websites (including social media like Facebook and Twitter) are blocked.

Can I use my cell phone while in Turkmenistan?

Roaming agreements are in place with some international phone companies, however cell phone coverage is mostly limited to Ashgabat. Remember to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan has a mix of squat toilets and flushable toilets. As a developing nation, expect to adjust to different levels of sanitation. Always carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer as these are rarely provided.

Can I drink the water in Turkmenistan?

Tap water isn't considered safe for tourists to drink and you should also be careful when eating salads and other uncooked foods that may have been washed in water, avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Turkmenistan?

Credit card usage - including cash advances - is only available in Ashgabat, and even then, mostly in hotels. Large hotels, restaurants and tourist service providers generally accept credit cards, but expect smaller operators and shops to accept cash only.

What is ATM access like in Turkmenistan?

ATMs are difficult to find, even in Ashgabat. If traveling through rural and remote areas, be aware that there will be no ATM access. Most ATMs are only of use to locals and do not accept foreign cards.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Silk Road Tour to 5 Stans and the Caucasus

The highlights of the tour.

Introduction

Our Silk Road Tour is created for those who prefer more than just a classical tour, it’s a unique opportunity to explore the hidden secrets of Central Asia and the Caucasus. This 31-day-trip offers a journey to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. You will have a great trip along the Great Silk Road to distinctive architectural gems, stroll around Asian bazaars, UNESCO Sites, taste Armenian and Georgian famous wine and try delicious traditional food. It’s just amazing how close, but yet how different they are from one another with its traditions and culture. Do not miss the opportunity and Arara will make your trip unforgettable.

Day 1 - Arrival - Almaty City Tour

Day 2 - almaty - medeo - almaty, day 3 - almaty - bishkek.

Day 4 - Bishkek - Issyk Kul

Day 5 - issyk kul - cholpon ata - grigorevka gorge - bishkek, day 6 - bishkek - tashkent, day 7 - tashkent city tour, day 8 - tashkent - samarkand, day 9 - samarkand - panjakent, day 10 - panjakent - seven lakes - samarkand, day 11 - samarkand - bukhara, day 12 - bukhara city tour, day 13 - bukhara - farab - turkmenabat - mary, day 14 - mary - ashgabat, day 15 - ashgabat city tour, day 16 - ashgabat - darvaza crater, day 17 - darvaza - koneurgench - khiva, day 18 - khiva - urgench - tashkent, day 19 - free day in tashkent, day 20 - arrival in baku - baku city tour, day 21 - gobustan - baku, day 22 - baku - shamakhi - sheki, day 23 - sheki - lagodekhi border - tbilisi, day 24 - tbilisi city tour - mtskheta, day 25 - ananuri - kazbegi - gudauri - gergeti - tbilisi, day 26 - kakheti - telavi - batonis tsikhe - tsindandali - tbilisi, day 27 - sadakhlo border - goshavank - haghartsin - sevan - yerevan, day 28 - yerevan city tour - echmiadzin - yerevan, day 29 - khor virap - noravank - yerevan, day 30 - garni - geghard - yerevan, day 31 - departure, inclusions/exclusions, the tour price includes.

• All airport and land border transfers
• Accommodation in 3* European class hotels (twin/dbl shared)
• Meals: breakfast at the hotels, lunches and dinners as per program
• Services for private A/C car with driver as per program (vaccinated drivers)
• Escort English – speaking guide for all days (vaccinated guides)
• Train tickets: Tashkent-Samarkand
• Domestic air tickets: Urgench-Tashkent, Mary-Ashgabat, Bishkek-Tashkent
• Entrance fees to the sites listed
• Show program in Bukhara and show with hawks in Kazakhstan
• Mineral water 0.5 L per day/per person
• Visa support LOI (only to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan)
• 4-wheel drive vehicle for Gergeti Trinity Church
• Wine tasting in Sighnaghi
• 24-hour office support

The tour price doesn't include

• International flight tickets
• Tips and gratuities
• Visa consular fees
• Video and photo charges
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Services not included in the itinerary
• Tashkent-Baku flight
• 3* Single supplement 656 EUR

GUARANTEED TOUR DATES

May 18, 2020, apr 23, 2025, may 23, 2025, may 7, 2025, jun 6, 2025, may 14, 2025, jun 13, 2025, may 21, 2025, jun 20, 2025, jun 11, 2025, jul 11, 2025, jul 23, 2025, aug 22, 2025, aug 13, 2025, sep 12, 2025, aug 20, 2025, sep 19, 2025, sep 3, 2025, oct 3, 2025, trip reviews (17), dave thompson.

I just got back from the 31 Days 5 Stans and Caucasus tour, and I have to say it was an amazing experience overall. The guides throughout the trip were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly warm and enthusiastic. I came away with a much deeper understanding of the history and culture of each country we visited.

That being said, I would like to mention that some of the longer drives were a bit exhausting, especially when we were traveling through regions with less developed roads. All in all, the tour was a memorable adventure that provided an immersive experience, thank you for all your help. We would absolutely recommend your agency to friends and family looking for a unique, well-organized trip.

Steven Mills

Our Silk Road tour was truly life-enriching and exceeded all our expectations. Starting in Kazakhstan, we were captivated by the stunning natural beauty. The architectural wonders of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva in Uzbekistan were awe-inspiring, showcasing the rich history of the Silk Road. In Armenia, we appreciated exploring one of the world’s earliest Christian countries. The journey to Georgia's wine region, Kakheti, was a highlight. Sampling local wines and wandering through sun-drenched vineyards was a memorable experience. The Mud Volcanoes in Gobustan Reserve were another unique marvel. This 31-day adventure through Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia offered a fascinating blend of cultures and traditions. From vibrant bazaars and UNESCO sites to delicious Armenian and Georgian cuisine, the tour provided a deep dive into the region’s rich heritage. Arara’s exceptional planning made this an unforgettable journey.

Overall the entire tour was really great, especially traveling with a young 7 year old, we found the guides, the drivers, the entire set up to be very relaxed, accommodative and easy going.

The quality of transportation, and the knowledge and friendliness of the guides was very good.

We particularly would like to thank our tour manager who was just so patient and wonderful in addressing our questions and fears before the trip, and we absolutely loved our time in Central Asia. Highly recommend the Arara tour company! They were thoroughly professional.

WHY BOOK WITH ARARA

We choose only the best hotels located in the city center close to the main sights.

We work only with professional guides and guides who have experience in tourism for more than 8 years. All our guides are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

With Arara you book at first hand from a qualified local Armenian agency. Avoid surcharges applied by intermediaries and save money!

We provide our tourists with comfortable air-conditioned transport. All our drivers are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

We host over 3,000+ tourists per year. Our clients are mostly from the USA, UK, Australia and Canada. Average age of our travelers is from 45 to 80. Our groups consist of travelers from all genders. There are solo travelers in most of our groups.

With agencies operating in Georgia and Uzbekistan we are able to provide clients with the best price and quality services.

TRIP ACCOMMODATION

Kazakhstan (almaty).

Discovery (Bishkek)

Karven Hotel (Issyk Kul)

Grand Art Hotel (Tashkent)

Arba (Samarkand)

Umariyon Hotel (Panjakent)

Rangrez (Bukhara)

Mizan Hotel (Ashgabat)

Qibla Tozabog Hotel (Khiva)

Auroom Hotel (Baku)

Old Town Sheki (Sheki)

Graphica Hotel (Tbilisi)

Ani Central Inn Hotel (Yerevan)

PACKING CHECKLIST

First aid kit:, essentials:, credit cards and cash:, spring / autumn:, essential information.

• Other Central Asia Tours
• Currency & local money
• Travel Safety in the Caucasus
• Prices in the Caucasus
• Seasons in the Caucasus
• Mobile Operators in Armenia
• Visa Information
• More Travel Articles
• Booking terms with Arara

SIMILAR TOURS

Exquisite caucasus - armenia, georgia, azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 17 days

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 21 days

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• 2 Click "pay now"
• Confirm the payment 3
• Please insert the amount, then you will be transferred to the payment system.
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• Daily Armenian Central Bank currency exchange rates are applied.

Turkmenistan Tours & Trips

• Choose from 12 Turkmenistan tours
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Customized Private Turkmenistan Trip with Daily Departure

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Explore ancient Nissa and Ashgabat city
• Experience Turkmen folklore and crafts
• Visit Merv Park and Mary's historical sites

Tailor-Made 10 Days Turkmenistan Adventure, Daily Departure & Private Guide

• Hike around sacred Gozli Ata site
• Camp under stars at Yurt Camp
• Discover ancient Uzboy River relics

Central Asia Tour - Turkmenistan Part from and to Uzbekistan

“The whole experience was so enjoyable.” Till Gangemi, traveled in May 2024

• See the world's largest hand-woven carpet
• Explore ancient Merv, the 'Queen of the World'
• Tour Ashgabat, the world's white marbled city

Explore Turkmenistan

“His in-depth knowledge of the country, history and culture are exemplary. We had a great time spending five days with him during our trip.” Mark Eric Cusing, traveled in April 2024

• Sightseeing
• Witness the eternal flames of Darwaza Crater
• Swim in the warm Kowata underground lake
• Explore the ancient Nissa fortress

Tashkent to Ashgabat

“Saw great sights, stayed in very nice hotels (in general), and had great guides.” Glenn Mosher, traveled in September 2019

• Discover Ashgabat's blend of old and new
• Visit the UNESCO site of ancient Merv
• Explore Tashkent's unique architecture

"Alles hat bestens geklappt Es war eine Reise, an die wir uns gerne erinnern.

Agate Travel is an expert in:

"Our guide Azat made the whole experience so enjoyable 😉.

Stantrips is an expert in:

"Great trip! Saw great sights, stayed in very nice hotels (in general), and had great guides. My only negative comment is that there were a couple of days where they try to fit too much into the itinerary, so that we didn't eat dinner until very late (9:30 pm one night).

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Turkmenistan Easter Tour

Is Turkmenistan Open for Tourism?

Read more about it here!

TOUR OVERVIEW

We love all our tours, but this is the one that’s the most anticipated and we’ve been looking forward to for three years!

While the rest of the world shut down to varying degrees from some time in 2020 until some time in 2021, Turkmenistan closed in February 2020 and still remains firmly closed. On the assumption that they will open in time and this tour will be going ahead though, we’ve gone for a really extensive itinerary, for all those who have been waiting for this for three years, just like we have! Whether you’ve been to Turkmenistan before or not, you’re going to love this.

We'll begin in Ashgabat, the white and gold capital city. One big difference since last time we were there of course will be the change in power, and there will now be images of the new President on buildings and billboards.

A highlight for everyone is always the Gates of Hell, but we're also going to do some less famous things outside of Ashgabat. We'll spend a night at the Ashgabat-esque glitzy-yet-abandoned resort town of Avaza, before driving out to the desert to see Yangykala Canyon. We'll stop in obscure little Turkmen towns and villages along the way, and see a cemetery where all the graves have goat horns above them.

View the full itinerary

If you'd like to see even more of Turkmenistan while you're there, check out our Turkmenistan Comprehensive Tour , or if you'd also like to you'd like to visit Uzbekistan as well, check out our Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Comprehensive Tour .

If you like the look of this tour but the dates don't work for you, or you'd like to do part of the tour, please get in touch and let us know. All our tours are able to be split into smaller sections, we're always scheduling new tours and your dates might work for one of them, or we can always organise an independent tour.

INCLUSIONS:

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $350

EXCLUSIONS:

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the glimmering white and gold monuments of Ashgabat

Spend the night mesmerised by the horrendous but exhilirating Gates of Hell

Stand on the edge of the vast and vibrant Yangykala Canyon

Day 1 Sat Apr 8

• Our first day in Ashgabat, you’re going to be in awe of everything that the capital has to offer. We’ll spend the day taking in all the main sites of Ashgabat, including all those crazy monuments you’ve probably seen pictures of, as we begin explaining all the weird and wonderful aspects of Turkmenistan that make it such a special place.
• We’ll start with a driving tour of Ashgabat's main sites, including Independence Park and Independence Monument, the Monument to the Constitution, the Arch of Neutrality, Lenin Park, and a drive-by of the Olympic Complex which was built for the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. The complex is home to the famous Horse Stadium (the largest structure in the shape of a horse in the world – you’ll hear plenty more of these records! ), but unfortunately is closed to the public.
• A highlight of the day will likely be the Alem Centre, which is the complex in which the Wheel of Enlightenment is, the largest indoor ferris wheel (yes, there’s another one). And YES, for just $1, you can even take a ride!
• Stop for lunch at Berkarar Shopping Centre, where you can go ice-skating, play in the games centre, ride a miniature double-decker bus, and even have a cappuccino in a hipster café – bet you weren’t expecting that!
• In the afternoon we’ll visit the university bookshop, a great chance to pick up some very cool, unique Turkmenistan swag, including where you can find amazing coffee table books written by and about the president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as ones about Ashgabat and Turkmenistan. You can even get them in English! They also have postcards and posters, and if you're lucky they might even have a copy of the Ruhnama, the book written by Turkmenbashy.
• In the evening, we’ll take a night tour of Ashgabat. With the white marble buildings lit up by brightly coloured neon lights, Ashgabat is a truly spectacular place after dark.
• Spend the night at the Ak Altyn Hotel.

Day 2 Sun Apr 9

Nisa, ashgabat, night tour.

• We’ll then continue on to Kipchak to see the resplendent Turkmenbashy Mosque and Mausoleum, where Turkmenbashy is buried beside his mother, father and two brothers in their white marble mausoleum. There aren’t too many Turkmenbashy related sites still around, but this one is truly spectacular.
• Return to Ashgabat in the afternoon and you'll have some free time to enjoy a beer by the pool at the hotel or take a walk around the old part of the city where the hotel is located, before we set off in the evening.
• Night tour of Ashgabat. With the white marble buildings lit up by brightly coloured neon lights, Ashgabat is a truly spectacular place after dark. We'll make a stop at the Palace of Happiness in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, from where you can get a fantastic panorama of the whole city.
• For dinner this evening we’ll go to the Yyldiz Hotel – the newest and most expensive hotel in Turkmenistan, where you can have a real 5 Star restaurant experience for 1 Star prices, complete with 360 degree views of the city.

Day 3 Mon Apr 10

Kow ata, nokhur, serdar.

• After a refreshing swim in the cave lake, we'll sit down and chill for a while with some shashlik from one of the restaurants just outside the entrance to the cave.
• Here we’ll visit Nokhur Cemetery, where each grave is adorned with the horns of a mountain goat and a small market next to a wishing tree where you can buy all sorts of natural teas and potions.
• Keep driving to the town of Serdar where we’ll spend the night in a local hotel.

Day 4 Tue Apr 11

Balkanabat, avaza, turkmenbashy.

• We’ll stop in Balkanabat on the way for some lunch and a quick look at a monument to the caravans of the Silk Road.
• Arriving in Avaza in the afternoon, this is the epitome of bizarre modern day Turkmenistan. Although the facilities are extravagant and the buildings futuristic, the town is somehow best described as a ghost town.
• We’ll have dinner at the one café that will be open, and from there you can explore the amusement parks, beaches, and hotels of Avaza, and if you’re game, take a swim in the notoriously cold Caspian Sea.
• Overnight in Turkmenbashy.
• Avaza is currently closed to foreigners, as of April 2023. We are working on the assumption that it will open before the time of this tour, however there is a chance that it won't. If it is unavailable we will change around the itinerary accordingly and as always we will work with the situation on the ground at the time to ensure that the tour is as well-rounded as possible.

Day 5 Wed Apr 12

Yangykala canyon, turkmenbashy.

• We will take a packed lunch with us so we can enjoy it whilst taking in all the shapes and colours of this spectacular natural phenomenon.
• Returning to Turkmenbashy in the afternoon you'll have some free time before we head out for dinner.

Day 6 Thu Apr 13

Turkmenbashy, ashgabat, gates of hell.

• We'll stop at a supermarket to pick up supplies for the rest of the day and dinner that night.
• After lunch we’ll drive 250km north to Darvaza, The Gates of Hell.
• One the way we’ll make a few stops – including to see a salt lake, two other craters (one full of mud, one full of water), and of course maybe for a toilet (not a luxurious one!).
• Crossing the sand dunes to get to Darvaza, we’ll arrive in time to watch the sunset over the fiery crater and experience dusk turn to dark at this breathtaking site.
• Set up tents near the Gates of Hell and camp near the fiery crater.

Day 7 Fri Apr 14

Gates of hell, ashgabat.

• Drive back to Ashgabat in the morning, arriving around lunch time.
• We'll spend the rest of the day doing a couple of our favourite quirky things in Ashgabat, starting with a ride up the Kopetdag mountains in a cable car. It reaches almost all the way to the Iranian border and at the top you’ll get spectacular views over the city, the health path and the tv tower.
• We’ll then do a bit of a drive around this mountainous area on the outskirts of the city. We’ll visit the outside of the TV tower, the largest building in the shape of a star in the world. The building itself is off limits, but you can drive almost right up to the entrance for a great view of the tower and spectacular perspective over the city.
• Serdar Yoly, the “health path”. Stretching 28km along the Kopetdag mountain range, this fitness project was instigated by Turkmenbashy, but being a keen health fanatic himself, Gurbanguly continued to encourage people to make the trek. You won’t have time to walk much of the path, but we can just soak in the atmosphere in the park at the bottom. If you would like to arrange to walk all or some of Serdar Yoly, let us know and it can be planned for before the tour.

Day 8 Sat Apr 15

Ashgabat, end of tour.

• Last day of the tour.
• Transfers to the airport for your flights, or if you'd like to spend longer in Turkmenistan let us know and we can help you arrange something.

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• Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Tours

Turkmenistan Group Tours

Discover the very best of Turkmenistan with expert local guides. Turkmenistan small group tour will introduce you to absorbing modern and historical landmarks at a shared cost with travellers from all over the world.

Turkmenistan Small Group Tour 2024-2025

5-day Turkmenistan group tour will introduce you the sights of ancient Merv, medieval mausoleums and minarets of Kunya-Urgench and the unique attractions of Ashgabat. You will also have a journey to the Darvaza gas crater, where you will enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Karakum desert.

Ashgabat, Mary, Merv, Darvaza Gas Crater, Dashoguz, Kunya-Urgench

Details 5 Days | Spring, summer, autumn US$ 1,490 per person

Turkmenistan Highlights Group Tour 2024-2025

Discover the mysterious and fascinating country of Turkmenistan with this 8-day tour that takes you from the gleaming city of Ashgabat to the ancient ruins of Merv, the fiery Karakum desert, and beyond…

Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Balkanabat, Nokhur, Mary, Merv, Darvaza Gas Crater, Kunya-Urgench, Dashoguz

Details 8 Days | Spring, Autumn US$ 2,380 per person

Private Tours in Turkmenistan

Craft your dream journey through Turkmenistan with a personalized touch. Our private tours offer flexibility, privacy, and a tailored itinerary, perfectly matching your preferences.

Central Asian Tours

Central Asia on Silk Road Tour

The Central Asia on the Silk Road Tour is the best tour to visit the five countries of Central Asia, as you take 18 days to discover Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Learn about the roles that cities in Central Asia played on the ancient Silk Road, and about their modern lives as urban centers.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan

Details 18 Days | Spring, autumn

Central Asia Destinations Tour

Take this two-week tour through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and discover the diversity of the region: ancient cities, endless deserts, high mountains, beautiful valleys, and welcoming people. For the best tour to get to know this part of the world, try the Central Asia Destinations Tour for your next vacation.

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Details 15 Days | Spring, autumn

Turkmenistan Cultural Tours

Door-to-Hell at Night Tour

Book 2-day Darvaza gas crater tour to explore “Door to Hell”, 60 meters diameter hole that has been burning since 1971. On the way to Darvaza you will enjoy pristine nature of Karakum, Central Asia’s hottest desert and one of the main caravan paths on the Great Silk Road. You will also discover more than 2000 years old Kunya-Urgench, the capital of ancient Khorezm Empire.

Kunya-Urgench, Darvaza gas crater, Karakum desert

Details 2 Days | April - November from US$ 450 per person

Koytendag Tour: Dinosaur Plateau and Turkmenistan’s Far East

Discover the nature and history of Turkmenistan’s Far East on this 4-day Koytendag tour of the unique Dinosaur Plateau, the Umbar Dere Gorge and waterfall, and other highlights of this remote region.

Astana Baba and Alamberdar mausoleum complex, Dinosaur Plateau, Umbar Dere Gorge and waterfall, Kyrk Gyz pilgrim cave, Kainar Baba Lake

Details 4 Days | Spring, summer, autumn from US$ 880 per person

Day Tours in Turkmenistan

Darvaza Day Tour

Day tour to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakum desert.

Darvaza gas crater, Karakum desert

Details 1 Day | April - November from US$ 210 per person

A trip to beautiful village of Nohur that is according to local legends is a place where the Noah’s Ark moored. Road to Nohur is accompanied with visits to many interesting sites.

Kopet Dag Mountains, Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, Gokdepe Mosque, Kow-Ata, “Bedev” Hippodrome

Details 1 Day | All year round from US$ 160 per person

Private and Group Tours in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is an unparalleled country, with broad deserts, wide avenues, and historical and natural sights unrivaled anywhere else. From Darvaza Gas Crater to the stunning architecture of Ashgabat, our best Turkmenistan tours take you everywhere.

Turkmenistan has a long history on the Silk Road, as caravans crossing the vast Karakum Desert would stop at oasis cities like Merv. However, most of the local population lived a nomadic life, traveling across the desert (the famous Akhal-Teke horses were prized for their speed and endurance in the desert). After becoming the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, Turkmenistan became independent in 1991, and with plenty of natural gas reserves, the country soon developed (the Darvaza Gas Crater is one such gas field).

Whether you start with the modern streets of Ashgabat, or the ruins of ancient Merv, or the prehistoric and unchanging Karakum Desert, booking the best Turkmenistan tour is a choice you won’t regret. Advantour’s years of experience with the best guides, restaurants, and hotels means that your trip to Turkmenistan is sure to be unforgettable.