From Ashgabat to Tashkent: A 13-Day Silk Road Journey

Welcome to Ashgabat, the starting point of your thirteen-day Silk Road journey from Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan. Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in and some time to rest, you will begin an orientation tour of the capital. Ashgabat stands at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains, and its white marble architecture makes it one of the most distinctive cities in the world.

Your first visit is the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, an elegant building inspired by the Ottoman mosques of Istanbul. Its four slender minarets and large central dome make it one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. Next, you will visit Independence Park, home to the Independence Monument and a gallery of statues of national heroes and poets. Your guide will introduce you to the history of Ashgabat, which was almost completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1948. Along the way, you will drive past government buildings, fountains and parks that line the city's broad avenues. This first day is a gentle introduction to the culture and character of Turkmenistan. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will drive to the ancient Parthian fortress of Nisa, located about 18 kilometres from Ashgabat. Nisa was one of the earliest capitals of the Parthian Empire, which ruled a vast territory from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. The site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, and its ruins include palaces, temples and treasuries.

As you walk among the massive earthen walls, your guide will explain how archaeologists discovered precious ivory drinking horns, statues and coins here. From the top of the fortress, you can enjoy wide views of the surrounding plains and the Kopetdag Mountains. In the afternoon, you will visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm, home to the famous golden horses of Turkmenistan. The Akhal-Teke is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world and is famous for its metallic shine, elegance and endurance. During your visit, you will watch a demonstration of the horses and learn about how they are trained and cared for. You will also hear about the important place of the horse in Turkmen history and culture. In the evening, you will return to Ashgabat for dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Turkmenbashy, the main port city of Turkmenistan on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The flight takes about one hour and offers views of the desert and the Balkan Mountains. On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and driver.

Turkmenbashy, formerly known as Krasnovodsk, was founded in the 19th century and has long served as a gateway between Central Asia and the Caucasus. You will drive along the coast and enjoy views of the Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed body of water in the world. Next, you will visit the local fish market, where traders sell fresh fish, smoked sturgeon and other Caspian specialities. This is a great place to see daily life in the city and to taste some local seafood. You may also take a walk along the seafront promenade. If time allows, you can visit the nearby Avaza resort area, with its modern hotels and beaches. In the evening, you will check into your hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Turkmenbashy.

After breakfast, you will leave Turkmenbashy and travel by 4WD vehicle toward Yangykala Canyon. The drive takes you through the desert and past the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Yangykala Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Turkmenistan, with cliffs in shades of red, pink, orange and white.

The canyon was formed from the bed of an ancient sea that once covered this region millions of years ago. You will explore the canyon by 4WD, stopping at several viewpoints to admire the dramatic landscape. There will also be time for short walks along the edge of the cliffs. In the afternoon, you will drive to Gozli Ata, an important pilgrimage site in western Turkmenistan. Gozli Ata was a Sufi teacher who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries, and his mausoleum attracts pilgrims from across the country. The mausoleum is surrounded by an old cemetery with many interesting gravestones. Your guide will explain the customs and rituals associated with this sacred place. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at camp. Overnight in tents or a guesthouse near Gozli Ata.

After breakfast, you will leave Gozli Ata and drive toward the oil town of Balkanabat. Along the way, you will visit the Kemal Ata archaeological and sacred site. Kemal Ata is known for its old cemetery and spring, which local people believe has healing properties.

Your guide will tell you the legends connected with Kemal Ata and the traditions of the pilgrims who come here. You will then continue to Balkanabat, the administrative centre of the Balkan region. The town was founded in the 20th century as a centre of the oil and gas industry. You may stop briefly to see the town centre and local monuments. The journey then continues east along the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains to the town of Gyzylarbat, also known as Serdar. Along the way, you will see wide plains, small villages and the mountains rising to the south. Lunch will be served at a local café along the route. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Gyzylarbat and check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive into the Kopetdag Mountains to the remote village of Nokhur. The road winds through valleys and passes, offering beautiful views of the mountain landscape. Nokhur is one of the most traditional villages in Turkmenistan, with its own customs and way of life.

You will walk through the village and see the stone houses and narrow streets built on the hillsides. You will also visit the old cemetery, where the graves are decorated with the horns of mountain goats. According to local belief, the horns protect the souls of the dead and symbolise strength. Your guide will tell you about the legends of Nokhur, including the story that its people are descended from the soldiers of Alexander the Great. Afterwards, you will continue to Kow-Ata, an underground lake located inside a large cave. You can swim in the warm, mineral-rich water, which is said to have healing properties. It is a relaxing experience after the drive through the mountains. In the evening, you will return to Ashgabat. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and begin your journey into the Karakum Desert. Your first stop is a desert bazaar, where you can see local people trading livestock, food and household goods. This is a great place to experience the atmosphere of rural Turkmenistan.

The journey continues north through the desert, passing small nomadic villages where people live by herding camels and sheep. You may have the opportunity to stop and meet local families and learn about their way of life. Your guide will tell you about the traditions of desert communities and how they have adapted to the harsh environment. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the Darvaza Gas Crater, one of the most famous sights in Turkmenistan. The crater has been burning for decades and is known as the "Door to Hell". You will have time to walk around the crater and watch the sunset. As night falls, the glowing flames create an unforgettable sight. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the camp. Overnight in a yurt near the crater.

After breakfast at the camp, you will drive north through the desert to Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kunya Urgench was once the capital of the Khorezm Empire and one of the most important cities of the Islamic world. You will visit the Gutlug Timur Minaret, the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum and the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh.

Your guide will explain the history of these monuments and the destruction of the city by the Mongols in the 13th century. After the visit, you will drive to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border. After completing border formalities, you will be met by your Uzbek guide and continue to Khiva. Khiva is one of the best-preserved cities on the Silk Road, and its walled inner city, Ichan-Qala, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the walls, you will find more than 50 historic monuments, including mosques, madrasahs, minarets and palaces. You will take a walk through the narrow streets of the old town in the evening, when the city is beautifully lit. The atmosphere of Khiva at night is truly magical. Overnight at your hotel in Khiva.

After breakfast, you will continue exploring Khiva before transferring for your journey to Bukhara. Depending on the season and schedule, the transfer may be made by flight or by road. On arrival in Bukhara, you will meet your local guide and begin your sightseeing tour.

Bukhara is one of the holiest cities in Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with more than 140 historic monuments. Your first visit is the Mausoleum of the Samanids, built in the 10th century and one of the oldest surviving monuments of Islamic architecture in the region. Its intricate brickwork creates beautiful patterns that change with the light throughout the day. You will then visit the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, associated with a legend of the Prophet Job, and the Bolo Hauz Mosque, with its elegant wooden columns. Your guide will also take you to the Ark Citadel, the ancient fortress of the rulers of Bukhara. The day continues with a visit to the historic ensembles of the old city centre. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner near the Lyabi-Hauz pond. Overnight at your hotel in Bukhara.

After breakfast, you will continue your exploration of Bukhara with a visit to the Sitorai Mohi-Khosa Palace, the summer residence of the last emir of Bukhara. The palace combines European and Central Asian architectural styles and is surrounded by gardens. You will see the beautifully decorated reception halls, which display furniture, porcelain and costumes from the period.

Next, you will visit the Chor-Bakr Necropolis, a peaceful complex of mausoleums, mosques and courtyards located just outside the city. The necropolis was built as a family burial place for the descendants of a respected religious leader. Your guide will explain the history of the site and its importance in the spiritual life of Bukhara. You will also visit the trading domes of the old city, where you can buy carpets, ceramics, textiles and other handicrafts. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station to board a high-speed train to Samarkand. The journey takes about one and a half hours. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Samarkand.

After breakfast, you will explore Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world and the capital of Amir Timur's empire. Your first visit is Registan Square, surrounded by three magnificent madrasahs: Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori. Their facades are covered with blue tiles and golden ornaments, creating one of the most famous views in Central Asia.

Next, you will visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the tomb of Amir Timur and members of his family. The mausoleum is famous for its ribbed blue dome and its richly gilded interior. Your guide will tell you about the life of Timur and his descendants, including the astronomer-king Ulugbek. If time allows, you may also visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque or the Siyob Bazaar. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station to board a train to Tashkent. The journey takes about two hours. On arrival in the capital, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.

After breakfast, you will begin a full-day tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Your first experience is a ride on the Tashkent Metro, one of the most beautiful metro systems in the world. Each station is decorated in its own style, with chandeliers, marble columns and colourful mosaics.

Next, you will visit Independence Square, the main square of the city, with its fountains, parks and monuments. You will also see Amir Timur Square, where a statue of the great ruler stands in a green park. In the afternoon, you will explore the Old City, where you will visit the Khast-Imam Complex. This complex houses one of the oldest Qurans in the world, known as the Uthman Quran. You will then visit the Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and liveliest markets in Central Asia. Here you can buy fresh fruit, spices, bread and handmade goods. In the evening, you may enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at your hotel in Tashkent.

Today your thirteen-day Silk Road journey comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You may wish to do some last-minute shopping or take a final walk through the city.

Please check out of your room by the agreed time. Your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Tashkent International Airport. Our team will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your onward flight. During this journey, you have travelled from the white marble city of Ashgabat to the shores of the Caspian Sea and across the Karakum Desert. You have explored the great Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, each with its own unique history and character. We hope you have enjoyed this unforgettable journey through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Thank you for travelling with us. We wish you a safe flight home and hope to see you again soon.