12-Days Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Adventure Tour

In the morning the driver will transfer you to the railway station for a train journey to Samarkand city – The Silk Road jewelry. You will have Samarkand city tour with guide, visit Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Temur, and the impressive Registan Square, with its three Madrasahs dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries. Take in the beauty of Bibi Khanum Mosque and stroll through the multi-level complex of Siab Bazaar, where you can find souvenirs and sample local sweets, fruits, and the famous Samarkand bread. Explore the impressive Shakhi-Zinda, a 15th-century burial complex, and walk the imposing pathway to see its blue-domed tombs. End the day with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, where you can view the remains of a 14th-15th-century sextant and tour the Ulugbek Museum. Duration of sightseeing: 6 hours. Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your sightseeing tour of the Samarkand region will continue with the following visits:

• - Visit to the excavation site and museum of the ancient city Afrosiab, where you can explore the rich history of this ancient settlement, which once thrived as a major city on the Great Silk Road.
• - Tour of Khodja Daniyar Mausoleum, believed to be the tomb of the prophet Daniel, whose remains were brought here by Tamerlane. The mausoleum is a revered pilgrimage site and offers a deep connection to the region's spiritual history.
• - Drive to Konigil Village to observe the traditional method of making Samarkand paper from mulberry leaves. This unique craft has been passed down through generations, and you will have the opportunity to see artisans at work and learn about the process.
• - Excursion to the Oriental Silk Carpet Factory to see firsthand how top-quality carpets are created. You can also try your hand at carpet weaving, learning basic skills from the masters and experiencing the meticulous process behind each exquisite piece.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking the morning train to Bukhara (280 km, 1.5 hrs). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Old City, an area that resembles a scene from "Arabian Nights," where time seems to stand still with its charming alleys and ancient architecture.

Take a walking tour of the most impressive sights of Bukhara’s Old City:

• - Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, which holds the largest artificial reservoir in medieval Bukhara (14th-17th centuries). This ensemble includes some of the largest madrasahs in the city: the Khanaka Madrasah, Kukeldash Madrasah, and Nadir Divan Beghi Madrasah (all 16th century).
• - Magoki-Attori Mosque, the oldest mosque in Bukhara (12th century), a stunning example of Islamic architecture from the period.
• - Four Trade Domes (15th-16th centuries), where you can still find local handicrafts for sale. These domes historically served as hubs for commerce and trade.
• - Poi Kalyan Ensemble (12th-16th centuries), which includes the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Amir-Alimkhan Madrasah, and Miri-Arab Madrasah. These buildings represent some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.
• - Ulugbek Madrasah (15th century) and Abdulazizkhan Madrasah (17th century), both impressive religious schools that have remained largely untouched and retain their historical significance.
• - Ark Fortress (4th century), the ancient center of Bukharan statehood, now home to a small museum that details the history of the fortress and the city.
• - Bolo-Khauz Complex, which includes an artfully decorated 18th-century mosque, a minaret, and reservoirs that once provided water for the entire city.
• - Samanids Mausoleum (9th-10th centuries), believed to be the most ancient brick building in Central Asia, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, another significant religious site.

After breakfast, continue your tour of Bukhara to the following locations:

• - Chor Minor (Four Minarets), an unusual madrassah built by Niyazkul in the 18th century. The four minarets are said to reflect the four major world religions of that period, making this structure unique in its symbolism and architecture.
• - Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century), the emir’s summer residence, a beautiful blend of Oriental and Russian architecture, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Bukhara emirs.
• - Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum, an ensemble dedicated to the founder of the Sufi order Naqshbandiya. The site includes a mausoleum, mosque, pond, and museum, providing insight into the spiritual practices of the region.
• - Chor-Bakr Necropolis (10th century), ancient burial grounds that were developed into a memorial complex in the 1500s. This sacred site offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the region's long history.

In the evening, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the labyrinth of roads in Old Bukhara.

After breakfast, depart for the Alat-Farab border crossing from Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan (100 km, 1.5 hrs). After completing border formalities, cross the 1.5-kilometer neutral zone. Your Turkmen guide will meet you at the border, and you will continue your journey to Merv (270 km, 4 hrs), an ancient trade center on the Great Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour of Merv will include:

• - Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum (12th century) – widely regarded as the most majestic architectural monument of Merv, showcasing extraordinary architectural craftsmanship for its time.
• - Greater Kyz Kala and Lesser Kyz Kala (8th-9th centuries) – These unique fortified homes, built of mud brick, have no known archaeological counterparts, offering a rare glimpse into the defensive architecture of the era.
• - Askhab Mausoleums (9th-12th centuries) – Built for two of the Prophet Muhammad’s earliest disciples, the Askhab Mausoleums are among Turkmenistan’s most important pilgrimage sites.
• - Erk Kala (6th century BC) – The seat of ancient Merv and its oldest settlement, with remaining walls that rise nearly 30 meters high. Climb these walls for a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
• - Gyaur Kala (3rd century BC) – Merv’s second-oldest settlement, famous for its massive, 2-kilometer-long walls, which are still a prominent feature of the site.
• - Beni Makhan Mosque and Cistern (7th-9th centuries) – Also known as the Juma Mosque, located in the center of ancient Gyaur Kala, it includes a well-preserved cistern that still functions today.
• - Muhammad Ibn Zeid Mausoleum (12th century) – A popular Sufi shrine known for its symmetrical architecture and Arabic inscriptions chiseled into the walls, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.

After completing the tour of Old Merv, drive to Mary (35 km, 40 min). Overnight in Mary.

Enjoy free time in the morning, followed by a visit to the city’s main mosque and the Mary History Museum. Housed in a beautiful marble hall, the museum has six main exhibition rooms, showcasing both ancient and modern artifacts from the region’s rich history.

After the museum, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Ashgabat (370 km, 40 min).

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at the hotel for a half-day sightseeing tour in the capital:

• - Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Parthian Empire, founded in the 3rd century BC and lasting nearly 500 years as a powerful center in Central Asia.
• - Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia, also referred to as the Spiritual Mosque and the Gypjak Mosque. It includes a mausoleum housing the tombs of former President Turkmenbashi and his immediate family members.
• - Arch of Neutrality, a 95-meter-high tower topped with a gold statue of former President Saparmurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashi). The statue rotates to face the sun. Ride a funicular to the top for a tour of a small museum and to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• - Independence Park, which includes the yurt-shaped Independence Monument housing the Museum of National Values. The park is surrounded by lavish fountains, 27 statues of Turkmenistan’s key historical figures, and a golden sculpture of Niyazov himself.
• - Statue of Lenin, unique for standing on a large base ornately decorated with traditional Turkmen ornamentation.
• - National Museum of History, showcasing over half a million items from every region of the country, including rare artifacts from ancient times through the Middle Ages.
• - Gulistan Bazaar (also known as the Russian Bazaar), one of the oldest markets in the city, a clean yet lively place to buy snacks and mingle with local shoppers.

Transfer to your hotel after the tour.

Enjoy a free morning, with the opportunity to relax and prepare for your exciting adventure. In the afternoon, depart for the Darvaza Gas Crater (275 km, 4 hours), famously known as the Door to Hell. As you travel through the vast Karakum Desert, stop along the way to capture photos of the majestic sand dunes and roaming camels that populate this arid landscape.

Arriving at the crater in the evening, enjoy a spectacular sunset view, followed by the mesmerizing sight of the flames rising from the crater against the pitch-black sky. The fire crater is approximately 80 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep, and gazing into this natural phenomenon is a truly unforgettable experience. Set up camp nearby, enjoy a meal cooked over the open flame, and relax as you watch the continuing fire spectacle at the “Door to Hell.”

Overnight at Darvaza in tents or a yurt, experiencing the desert's vastness and the eerie glow of the flames.

Wake up early to witness a stunning desert sunrise and enjoy a camp-style breakfast before continuing your journey. Before leaving the desert, you’ll make a stop at a nearby mud and water crater, an intriguing feature of the region.

• - Next, depart for Kunya-Urgench, the ancient capital of the Khorezmshah Dynasty (270 km, 4 hours). This historic city will offer fascinating insights into the region’s past. Your tour will include:
• - Tyurabek-Khanym Mausoleum (14th century), the burial site of a Mongolian princess, and the Sayid Ahmed Mausoleum (14th century), the final resting place of a leader of the Golden Horde.
• - Kutlug Timur Minaret (11th-13th centuries), the tallest minaret in Central Asia at 62 meters, standing as a testament to the region’s architectural prowess.
• - Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum (12th century), dedicated to the Khorezmshah ruler.
• - Kyrk Molla Hill (Forty Mullahs Hill), a fortress covering three hectares of land that includes the famous Mamun Library (8th-9th centuries) and an ancient cemetery believed to hold healing powers even to this day.
• - Fakhreddin Razi Mausoleum (also known as the mausoleum of Arslan II, 13th century), a rare survivor of the Mongol invasion and one of the most unique structures in Central Asia.
• - Mausoleum of Najmaddin Kubra (12th century), founder of the Kubrawiya Sufi order and a favorite pilgrimage site for Muslims.
• - Sultan Ali Mausoleum (16th century), a half-completed mausoleum that was intended for a powerful Turkmen ruler but left unfinished due to ongoing war.

After exploring these historical sites, drive to the Dashoguz-Shavat border crossing from Turkmenistan into Uzbekistan. Go through border formalities and cross the 1.5-kilometer (about 1 mile) neutral zone. Once in Uzbekistan, meet your driver and continue the tour with a drive to Khiva (60 km, 1 hour), known as Central Asia’s "Museum under the Open Sky."

Upon arrival in Khiva, check into your hotel.

After breakfast, begin your walking tour of Khiva’s architectural complex Ichan Kala, the city’s historical center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city complex has been almost completely preserved for the past 1500 years, offering an incredible journey through time. The tour will include:

• - Kunya-Ark Fortress, the inner citadel of Ichan Kala, which once served as the seat of power in Khiva and offers stunning views of the city.
• - Kalta Minor Tower, a minaret that, if completed, would have been the tallest in Central Asia. Its name literally translates to "Short Tower," but it remains an iconic landmark in the city.
• - Muhammad Amin-Khan and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, the largest medieval madrasahs in Khiva, representing the grandeur of the city’s Islamic heritage.
• - Juma Mosque, built with 212 wooden columns and a minaret 32.5 meters high, a striking example of traditional mosque architecture in the region.
• - Tash-Hauli Palace (Stone Courtyard Palace), which resembles a fortress, complete with high battlements, towers, and fortified gates, providing a glimpse into the life of the Khivan rulers.
• - Necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud, the ancient religious center of Ichan Kala, where you can explore the graves of significant historical figures and reflect on the area’s spiritual significance.
• - Residence of Islam Khodja, personal advisor to the last khan, consisting of a madrasah and a minaret whose top platform offers the highest observation point in the city at 45 meters.

After your tour, drive to Urgench (35 km, 45 min) for an evening flight to Tashkent (1093 km, 1hr 20min). Upon arrival in Tashkent, transfer to your hotel.

Enjoy a free morning. Check out of your hotel by noon and transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your outbound flight.

End of the 12-Day Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Tour.

If you wish to extend your tour by one more day, we are happy to offer a one-day trip to Chimgan Mountain and Charvak Lake, located just 90 kilometers from Tashkent.

In the morning, depart from Tashkent to the Chimgan Mountains in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park (130 km, 2 hrs). Enjoy the picturesque drive, stopping for photos at the most scenic overlooks along the way.

Upon arrival, take a short walk before continuing to the shores of Charvak Reservoir, where you can bask in the sun and soak up the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and lake.

Drive down the well-known Serpentine Road to enjoy a hot lunch at a local restaurant. Before returning to Tashkent, stop by the Ugam River to dip your feet in its cool mountain waters and take a few final photos.

Transfer back to your Tashkent hotel.