Silk Road Tour Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

Welcome to Central Asia and the start of your Silk Road journey through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan! Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, you will begin exploring the white marble capital of Turkmenistan. Ashgabat is famous for its gleaming buildings, golden domes and grand monuments.

Your first visit is the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque in Gypjak, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. With its golden dome and four tall minarets, the mosque is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. Next, you will visit Independence Park, home to the Independence Monument and statues of national heroes. You will also see the Arch of Neutrality and other impressive buildings along the city's wide avenues. Your guide will tell you about the history of Ashgabat and its reconstruction after the earthquake of 1948. You will also receive a briefing on the fourteen-day journey ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkmen dishes. Overnight at your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will leave Ashgabat and drive east toward Mary along the route of the ancient Silk Road. Your first stop is the ruins of the Seyitjemaleddin Mosque near the village of Anau. This 15th-century mosque was famous for its decorated portal featuring images of dragons, and it remains an important pilgrimage site.

Next, you will visit the medieval settlement of Abiverd, an important trading town on the Silk Road between the 9th and 13th centuries. You will walk among the ruins of the city walls and learn about the history of the area. Your guide will tell you about the caravans that once travelled along this route between Persia and Central Asia. You will have lunch at a local café along the way. The road continues across the plains to Mary, the centre of one of the oldest oases in Central Asia. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, you can relax or take a walk around the city centre. Dinner and overnight in Mary.

After breakfast, you will drive to Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest cities of the Silk Road. Merv was home to several cities built side by side over more than two thousand years. You will visit the ancient fortresses of Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala, which date back to the 6th century BC.

Next, you will see Sultan Kala, the capital of the Seljuk Empire, and the magnificent Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar. The mausoleum's huge double dome was an engineering marvel of the 12th century. You will also visit the Kyz Kala mansions and other fortress complexes, as well as the mausoleums of companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Your guide will tell you about the history of Merv and its role as a centre of trade, science and culture. You will also learn about the destruction of the city by the Mongols in 1221. After the visits, you will transfer to Mary airport for a flight back to Ashgabat. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Turkmenbashy, the resort city on the Caspian Sea coast. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the sea.

You can spend the day on the beach, swimming in the Caspian Sea or simply enjoying the sunshine. The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water in the world, and its beaches are popular with local holidaymakers in summer. If you prefer, you can visit the nearby Avaza National Tourist Zone, a modern resort area with hotels, parks and promenades. You may also visit the city's seafood bazaar, where traders sell fresh fish, smoked sturgeon and other Caspian specialities. The bazaar is a great place to see daily life in the city. Your guide will be available to help you with any arrangements. In the evening, you can enjoy a seafood dinner and watch the sunset over the sea. Overnight in Turkmenbashy.

After breakfast, you will leave Turkmenbashy and drive through the Balkan Mountains toward Yangykala Canyon. The route passes through rugged mountain and desert landscapes, with stops along the way for photographs. Your guide will tell you about the history and geology of the region, which was once covered by an ancient sea.

In the afternoon, you will arrive at Yangykala Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Turkmenistan. The canyon's limestone cliffs, in shades of red, pink, orange and white, rise steeply above the desert floor. You will stop at several viewpoints to admire the dramatic formations. There will also be time for a walk along the edge of the canyon. In the late afternoon, you will watch the sunset, when the colours of the cliffs become even more vivid. This is one of the most beautiful moments of the journey. In the evening, enjoy dinner at camp. Overnight in tents near the canyon.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Yangykala Canyon. After breakfast at the camp, you will drive to Kemal Ata, a sacred site in the desert known for its spring and old cemetery. Your guide will tell you about the legends connected with Kemal Ata and the traditions of the pilgrims who come here.

The journey then continues east through the Balkhan Mountains, which offer beautiful views of rocky peaks and wide valleys. Next, you will visit the Parau Bibi Mausoleum, built high on a mountain slope. According to legend, a holy woman named Parau Bibi took refuge here, and the mountain opened to protect her from her enemies. Today, women come here to pray for health and the blessing of children. The view from the mausoleum over the surrounding plains is spectacular. Lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in the town of Serdar. Overnight at your hotel in Serdar.

After breakfast, you will drive into the Kopetdag Mountains to the traditional village of Nokhur. You will walk through the village and see its stone houses and the old cemetery, where graves are decorated with the horns of mountain goats. Your guide will tell you about the local legends and the daily life of the villagers.

Next, you will visit the Kow-Ata underground lake, located inside a large cave. You can swim in the warm, mineral-rich water, which stays at a pleasant temperature all year round. Many local people believe the water has healing properties. In the afternoon, you will visit an Akhal-Teke horse farm, home to the famous golden horses of Turkmenistan. You will learn about the history of the breed and its importance in Turkmen culture. The horses are known for their beauty, speed and endurance. In the evening, you will continue to Ashgabat and check into your hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, you will have some free time in Ashgabat before beginning your journey into the Karakum Desert. The drive to the Darvaza Gas Crater takes about four hours, with stops along the way for photographs. You will pass through small desert villages and see camels grazing among the dunes.

Your guide will tell you about life in the desert and the history of the gas crater, which was formed during Soviet gas exploration. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the crater, known as the "Door to Hell". This huge burning crater has been on fire since the 1970s and is one of the most unusual sights in the world. You will have time to walk around the crater and watch the sunset over the desert. As darkness falls, the flames become even more dramatic. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at the yurt camp. Staying overnight in a yurt in the middle of the desert is a unique experience. Overnight in a yurt near the crater.

After breakfast at the camp, you will drive north through the desert to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border near Dashoguz. After completing border formalities, you will be met by your Uzbek guide and driver. You will then continue to Khiva, one of the best-preserved cities on the Silk Road.

Khiva's walled inner city, Ichan-Qala, was the first site in Uzbekistan to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside its walls, you will find more than 50 historic monuments, including mosques, madrasahs, minarets and palaces. In the afternoon, you will begin exploring the old town with your guide. You will see the Kalta Minor Minaret, famous for its blue and green tiles, and the Kunya Ark fortress. As you walk through the narrow streets, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time. In the evening, the city is beautifully lit, creating a magical atmosphere. You can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at your hotel in Khiva.

After breakfast, you will continue your tour of Khiva. You will visit the Islam Khodja Madrasah and Minaret, the tallest minaret in Khiva, from where you can enjoy views over the old town. Next, you will see the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, the resting place of a famous poet, philosopher and wrestler who became the patron saint of the city.

You will also visit the Juma Mosque, known for its more than 200 carved wooden columns, some of which are over a thousand years old. Another highlight is the Tash Hauli Palace, with its beautifully decorated courtyards and tiled walls. Your guide will tell you about the history of Khiva and the khans who ruled it. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the old town or visit craft workshops. You may see wood carvers, carpet weavers and silk embroiderers at work. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station for a train to Bukhara. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Bukhara.

After breakfast, you will explore Bukhara, one of the holiest cities in Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first visit is the Poi Kalon Complex, the heart of the old city. It includes the Kalon Minaret, the Kalon Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah.

The Kalon Minaret, built in 1127, is almost 47 metres high and is said to have impressed even Genghis Khan. Next, you will visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, built in the 10th century and one of the oldest monuments of Islamic architecture in Central Asia. Its intricate brickwork creates beautiful patterns that change with the light throughout the day. You will also visit the Ark Citadel, the ancient fortress of the rulers of Bukhara. Your guide will tell you about the history of Bukhara and its importance as a centre of Islamic learning. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station to board a train to Samarkand. 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.

Next, you will visit the Bibi Khanym Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world when it was built in the early 15th century. You will then explore the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, a street of beautiful mausoleums decorated with some of the finest tilework in Central Asia. According to legend, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad is buried here. Your guide will tell you about the history of Samarkand and its importance on the Silk Road. You may also visit the Siyob Bazaar to taste Samarkand bread and local sweets. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station for a train to Tashkent. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tashkent.

After breakfast, you will begin a full-day tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Your first visit is the Khast-Imam Complex, the religious centre of the city. The complex houses one of the oldest Qurans in the world, known as the Uthman Quran, which dates back to the 7th century.

Next, you will 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. You will then take a ride on the famous Tashkent Metro, built during the Soviet era. Each station is decorated in its own style, with chandeliers, marble columns and colourful mosaics. You will also visit Independence Square and Amir Timur Square, two of the most important squares in the city. Your guide will tell you about the history of Tashkent and its development into a modern capital. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight at your hotel in Tashkent.

Today your Silk Road journey through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan 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 departure flight. During this tour, you have explored the white marble city of Ashgabat, the ancient city of Merv and the colourful Yangykala Canyon. You have also seen the burning crater of Darvaza and the great Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. We hope you have enjoyed this unforgettable journey through Central Asia. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.