Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Adventure
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
KFSAC
Start City:
Tashkent
End City:
Ashgabat
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
Budget
Tour Length:
18 days
Age Requirement:
15+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
12
Physical Rating:
3 - Explorer
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Aug 21, 2024 | Saturday, Sep 07, 2024 | $4,536 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Monday, Aug 26, 2024 | Thursday, Sep 12, 2024 | $4,131 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 14, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 01, 2024 | $4,496 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Sep 18, 2024 | Saturday, Oct 05, 2024 | $4,329 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 21, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 08, 2024 | $4,707 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024 | Saturday, Oct 12, 2024 | $4,370 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Oct 02, 2024 | Saturday, Oct 19, 2024 | $4,172 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Oct 09, 2024 | Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 | $4,010 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Oct 13, 2024 | Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 | $4,010 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Oct 19, 2024 | Tuesday, Nov 05, 2024 | $3,969 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Apr 05, 2025 | Tuesday, Apr 22, 2025 | $5,145 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Apr 19, 2025 | Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | $5,355 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Apr 26, 2025 | Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | $5,355 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, May 03, 2025 | Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | $5,555 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Tuesday, May 27, 2025 | $5,555 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025 | $5,555 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, May 24, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025 | $5,355 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jun 07, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025 | $5,145 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025 | Saturday, Jul 05, 2025 | $5,145 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Aug 16, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 02, 2025 | $5,145 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Aug 23, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 09, 2025 | $5,355 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025 | Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 | $5,355 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Sep 03, 2025 | Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 | $5,555 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 | $5,555 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Sep 24, 2025 | Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 | $5,555 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 27, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025 | $5,555 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Oct 04, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 | $5,355 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 | Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 | $5,355 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025 | $5,145 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 | Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 | $5,145 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Travel into desert landscapes heavy with romance and mysticism on this adventure through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Walk in the shadows of ancient, blue-tiled buildings in Samarkand, sleep in a yurt under thousands of desert stars and spend an evening at a home stay with a family in the Nuratau Mountains. Watch the sun set over Technicolour minarets in Khiva, learn about life in a desert settlement in Yerbent and revel in the eastern-futurism of Ashgabat. Step off the beaten track and onto the ancient Silk Road in this revelatory tour through ancient lands.
Countries Visited
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Day 1
TashkentWelcome to Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital and Central Asia's main hub. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet you tour leader and fellow travellers. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place.
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Day 2
BukharaTravel from Tashkent to Bukhara by train this morning (approx 4 hours). Located on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was an important regional and world hub for many, many years and has a long, fascinating history featuring invasions by both Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. The majority of the town centre is filled with beautiful old buildings and, after checking into the hotel on arrival, you'll explore these on a guided tour. Visit the spectacular Ark building, a fortress that was occupied from the 5th century right up until its bombing in 1920, the Bolo - Hauz Mosque with its most elegant wooden carvings, and thousand - year old Ismail Samani Mausoleum. This shrine, built around the 10th century, was spared destruction during Genghis Khan's invasion as it's thought to have been buried as a result of flooding. It was discovered and excavated in the 20th century, and became a popular spot for pilgrims and local residents who considered it sacred.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
BukharaWith over 100 architectural monuments scattered throughout the city, there's plenty to be seeing in the well-preserved ancient town. Today, enjoy a full day city tour through sites and places that are steeped in history. Visit the iconic Kalon Mosque and Minaret, one of the most impressive with a view of the city. Stop at the Lyabi - Hauz Plaza, built about 400 years ago around a pool, still full of the old world feel with its picturesque backdrop. Chor Minor, the 4 cornered Minarets stand right behind it too. Don't miss Maghoki - Attar Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in Central Asia built in the 12th century, but was once a Buddhist and a Zoroastrian temple before that. And Ulugbek Madrasah, the first in the city. If you are still energetic after a full day's exploration, perhaps take an optional visit to Hammam Bozori Kord, the oldest Turkish-style bathhouse in Bukhara, before a free evening in town. Your leader can help with suggestions on where to find some authentic Uzbek fare for dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
Yurt CampDepart Bukhara and drive to Gijduvan. Here you'll visit a ceramic workshop, where sixth-generation ceramicists Abdulla and Alisher Narzullaev make some truly beautiful pieces. Spend an hour or so at the workshop then continue to Nurata, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours. The city proper was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, though archaelogical remains date the first inhabitants of the area many thousands of years earlier, and the ruins of his fortress can still be seen today. From Nurata, the group will head into the Kyzylkum desert to spend the night sleeping in yurts. Perhaps choose to take an optional camel ride in the desert, and enjoy an evening campfire and local music with tonight's dinner underneath the desert stars.Â
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
Nuratau MountainsDrive into the Nuratau Mountains for our stay in a Tajik village (2-3 hours). These villages are serene, hidden away in the hills with paths shaded by greenery and buildings made of stone. The region is a desert oasis, with irrigation channels watering crops and giving life to trees. Spend the day hiking to waterfalls or petroglyph sites, possibly seeing the endemic mountain sheep called argali. Learn to bake traditional tandir bread and in the evening, learn how their beloved national dish - plov is cooked at the local family and enjoy a feast of home-cooked flavors. Spend the night in a homestay, learning about the local traditions and culture.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
SamarkandMarco Polo described Samarkand as a 'very large and splendid city,' and after a four hour drive you'll find out for yourself. This is a truly breathtaking place that conjures up images of ancient splendour, and there's perhaps no more well-known sight in Central Asia than the magnificent Registan in the heart of the city. This public square was once a gathering place for locals, where they would hear royal announcements and watch public executions among other things. Also visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur who was the first ruler of the Timurid Dynasty. His crypt was opened in 1941 by a Soviet anthropologist, who found an inscription on Timur's gravestone essentially saying that 'He who opens this will be defeated by an enemy more fearsome than I'. On the following day, the Soviet Union was attacked by Hitler. After a day of sightseeing, overnight in a hotel in town and enjoy a free evening.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
SamarkandSpend a full day in Samarkand continuing to take in the ancient sights and modern sounds. Don't miss Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning avenue of mausoleums decorated with beautiful blue tiles. Its holiest, most loved shrine is built around what's thought to be the grave of Quasam ibn-Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Mohammed and the man who brought Islam to the region many centuries ago. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is an incredible example of Islamic architecture, built for Timur by Bibi Khanym, his Chinese wife, while he was away. As the story goes, the architect of the mosque fell deeply in love with her and his kiss left a trace on her cheek. Timur saw the kiss on his return and this, of course, led to the architect's execution. Enjoy some free time after touring the sites in this glorious Silk Road city.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
TashkentDepart early this morning return to Tashkent by high-speed train, taking a packed breakfast for us to enjoy on board (approx 2 hours). Hop on local metro and enjoy a short city tour after arrival. Visit the Amir Timur Square in the center of the city, spend time wandering Chorsu Bazaar. The main building is topped by an impressive dome, and the market sells pretty much everything you could imagine, and plenty of things you couldn't. Then enjoy some free time. There maybe the option to catch a performance at the Navoi Ballet & Opera Theatre tonight.This theatre is just one of three that were given the status of 'Grand' within the Soviet Union, the other two being located in Moscow and Minsk. It's housed in a beautiful 20th-century building with a fountain at its entrace, and has played host to classic productions like Swan Lake and some incredible artists. Perhaps get your group together for a final dinner tonight before saying your farewells tomorrow morning.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
TashkentEnjoy a free day in Tashkent until your 6pm group meeting to meet your new leader and fellow travellers.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
Tashkent/Overnight TrainThis morning, embark on a city tour to explore the city of Tashkent. Visit the Amir Timur Square in the center of the city, spend time wandering Chorsu Bazaar. The main building is topped by an impressive dome, and the market sells pretty much everything you could imagine, and plenty of things you couldn't. Explore the fantastically decorated metro stations which were only allowed to be photographed from 2018 and visit Khast Imom Complex which houses one of the oldest copy of Qur'an, a UNESCO heritage itself. Have some free time in the afternoon and maybe stock some snacks for your overnight train, departing around 6 pm. Pick up a good book, put on some music, and watch the world goes by and the scenery changes.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
KhivaArrive at Urgench around 10:30am and transfer to colourful Khiva (45 minutes). Many global powers have laid claim to this city over the centuries, from khans to Silk Road traders and the Soviet Union. Enjoy an early lunch and then get acquainted with Khiva on a tour of this walled-city after breakfast. See the incredible blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Explore the Kuhna Ark, the 'citadel within a citadel' which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century, then get a good look at this attractive city from the Ak-sheikh Baba Observatory. Finally, visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum, a complex constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter. A popular pilgrimage site, the mint-coloured dome that tops the main mausoleum is stunning. Visit the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque, the roof of which is propped up by 212 wooden columns and designed to let in sunlight. If you want a peek at Uzbek luxury, look no further than the Tosh-Hovli Palace, which was built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors. Don't miss out on the magic hour when the sun's setting and find a good spot for the sunset over this ancient city. The evening is yours to spend.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 12
DarvazaSay goodbye to Uzbekistan and cross the border into Turkmenistan at Khodjeyli (Xo‘jayli). Meet the new leader who will be your key to local secrets, food and highlights for the rest of your journey. Continue your journey to Darvaza Crater with a change to 4WD for the rough road conditions. This astounding 70-metre-wide hole in the Karakum Desert is permanently aflame. Soviet oil prospectors started drilling in 1971 expecting to find oil, and the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see today, they were wrong, and the crater has been burning ever since. Watch the sunset over the 'Door to Hell' from your nearby camp, and enjoy a Turkmenistan-style barbecue for dinner.Â
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 13
Yerbent – AshgabatHit the sand again in the 4WD, making the 4-hour drive to Ashgabat with a stop along the way at the tiny settlement of Yerbent. The community here live primarily in yurts that are tucked between the sand dunes. Check out the local monument that pays tribute to the group of socialists that died in the Basmachi Revolt in 1931, then continue to Ashgabat. Little is left of the original Russian Imperial city as most of it was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1948, and today the city centre is a bizarre mix of futuristic and outrageous public buildings. Get a sense of Ashgabat old and new with a tour that takes in both the ancient settlement of Nisa and the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Enjoy a free afternoon in this mind-bending city. Look out for the ornate, golden telephone booths, screens broadcasting official ceremonies on a loop and imposing statues of the president.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 14
AshgabatTake a full day to wrap your head around this desert city on an immersive guided tour taking in the four pointed minarets atop the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen heroes (and controversial politicians) that line paths that lead to a golden dome and a (surprise!) massive minaret. From this lavish ode to Turkmen identity, continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name has a provocative history. Then travel outside of the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque, the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov. Next stops is to the the Horse Breeding Complex and Hippodrome of Ashgabat for the world famous Akhal-Teke horses. You'll visit the horse concur here where you'll see this precious species of horse and learn fro a local staff member of the work they do to breed and train the horses here. Then heading further out of town to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After a day full of sightseeing, maybe spend the evening relaxing at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 15
MaryRise and shine for the 5-hour drive to Mary (pronounced ‘Mah-rih’). The somewhat ostentatious displays of wealth in the city can be traced to the long-running gas and cotton industries. Stop en route for lunch and to roam through the ruins of Abiverd. This fascinating archaeological site was an important trading town from 652 AD until the 12th century, and you can still see ancient shards of pottery scattered on the ground. Arrive in Mary in the afternoon and settle into your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 16
Merv – MaryTake a 40-minute drive to Merv, also known as Margiana or Margush, and enjoy some time to explore Turkmenistan's most recognised site. This sprawling World Heritage site is home to numerous walled structures from various periods spread across a 1200-hectare area. See impressive columns smoothed by wind and time at the Greater Kizkala and walk hills that were once the fortress walls of Erk Kala. While not the most impressive visually, Gyaur Kala dates to 400 BC and has a fascinating history. Spend some time exploring these relics of grand empires and then return to Mary for a free afternoon. Maybe visit the Mary Regional Museum. Housed in a palace of white marble, the museum features archaeological displays and exhibitions on traditional Turkmen life and culture.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 17
AshgabatGlittering Ashgabat awaits your return today, so make the 5-hour return drive to the City of White Marble. Enjoy a free afternoon to spend as you wish before an optional dinner with your travel group.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 18
AshgabatThere are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time.
Meals: Breakfast
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- Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
- Bukhara - Ark Fortress
- Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque
- Bukhara - Magoki Attori Mosque
- Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque
- Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa
- Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza
- Gijduvan - Ceramics workshop
- Nuratau - village visit
- Nuratau Mountains - Plov cooking demonstration & dinner
- Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
- Samarkand - Registan
- Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
- Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
- Tashkent - City tour
- Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
- Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
- Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
- Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
- Tashkent - City tour
- Tashkent - Metro tour
- Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
- Khiva - Juma Mosque
- Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
- Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
- Khiva - Kuhna Ark
- Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater
- Yerbent - Village visit
- Ashgabat - National Museum of Turkmenistan
- Ashgabat - Nisa ruins
- Ashgabat - Anau ruins
- Ashgabat - Independence Monument
- Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch
- Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan
- Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
- Ashgabat - Akhal-Teke horse Hippodrome
- Mary - Abiverd ruins
- Merv - Big & Small Kizkala
- Merv - Erk Kala & Gayur Kala
- Merv - Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
Meals
16 Breakfast(s) Included
3 Lunch(es) Included
3 Dinner(s) Included
Style: Original
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Hotel (13 nights), Yurt Camp (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Camping (1 night), Overnight Train (1 night)
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.
Overall Rating
4
Accommodations
3.6
Itinerary
4.2
Professional Staff
4.4
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
3.7
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