8-Day Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Tour: A Journey Through History and Culture
This immersive 8-day tour takes you through the highlights of two fascinating Central Asian countries: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Starting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, you’ll explore historical monuments, bustling bazaars, and rich cultural sites before traveling by train to the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. In Samarkand, discover the majestic Registan Square and Gur-Emir Mausoleum, and in Bukhara, admire the architectural gems such as the Ark Fortress and Bolo-Khauz.
Next, journey to Turkmenistan, where you will visit the UNESCO-listed site of Merv, explore the desert landscapes of Darvaza, and witness the spectacular gas crater known as the “Door to Hell.” The tour continues to Ashgabat, where modern and ancient structures blend seamlessly. Finally, explore the historic city of Konye-Urgench, another UNESCO World Heritage site, before concluding your adventure at the Turkmen-Iran border.
This tour provides a perfect balance of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and scenic landscapes, all accompanied by local guides and a comfortable travel experience.
Tour Highlights:
• Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Samarkand, Bukhara, Merv, and Konye-Urgench.
• A guided exploration of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
• Unique experiences in the desert, including a visit to the “Door to Hell” in Darvaza.
• Expert guides and comfortable accommodations throughout the trip.
Ideal for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and adventurers alike.
Day 1: Tashkent Arrival at Tashkent airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by a comfortable transfer and taken to your hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Free time. Night in Tashkent.
Day 2: Tashkent Delicious breakfast at the hotel. We will introduce you to the modern capital of our country – Tashkent. Visit Independence Square, Amir Temur Square, and the oldest places like Khast Imam Square and the Chorsu Bazaar. You will have free time to shop for souvenirs. Night in Tashkent.
Day 3: Tashkent – Samarkand After breakfast, a comfortable transfer will take you to the Tashkent railway station, where the high-speed train will take you to Samarkand (departure: 08:29, arrival: 10:53). Upon arrival, meet with your guide, and visit Registan Square with its stunning madrassas – Mirza Ulugbek, Tillya-Kori, and Sher-Dor. Explore the Gur-Emir mausoleum, the tombs of the Temurids, the Bibi-Khanum mosque, and the Ulugbek observatory. Then, enjoy a Samarkand Plov cooking class. Night in Samarkand.
Day 4: Samarkand – Bukhara After breakfast, your transfer will take you to Samarkand railway station for the high-speed train to Bukhara (departure: 10:32, arrival: 12:15). Upon arrival, explore Bukhara’s historical sites, including Bolo-Khauz, Poi Kalyan, the Ark fortress, and several madrassas such as Abdulaziz-Khan, Kosh, Ulugbek, Kukeldash, and Nadir Devan Begi. Night in Bukhara.
Day 5: Bukhara – Mary After breakfast, you’ll have time to shop for souvenirs before the comfortable transfer takes you to the Mary border (121 km, 2 hours). After completing all the necessary procedures, your guide will meet you and help with crossing the border. Then, we will continue our journey via Chardzhou to the city of Mary, where the adventure will continue.
Day 6: Mary – Merv – Ashgabat After checking into the hotel and resting, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we’ll explore the historical ruins and learn about its significance. From there, we’ll travel to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, where we’ll check into our hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this stunning city, famous for its white marble buildings and beautiful landmarks. The day will conclude with a relaxing dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Mary – Nisa – Darvaza After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore archaeological excavations and experience the atmosphere of this millennia-old city. Following that, we travel to Darvaza, passing through the Karakum Desert. In Darvaza, enjoy a traditional dinner, and spend the night in a yurt under the vast starry sky.
Day 8: Departure via Konye-Urgench After a delicious breakfast, we will journey to the heart of history – Konye-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will explore the ancient ruins and learn about this once-glorious city. Afterward, we will head to the border, where we will bid you farewell and conclude this unforgettable journey.
The price includes: • Invitation for entry to Turkmenistan • Accommodation in hotels/yurts • Meals as per the program • Train tickets Tashkent – Samarkand (Afrosiyob: Economy class) • Train tickets Samarkand – Bukhara (Afrosiyob: Economy class) • Private comfortable transfers as per the program • Services of local guides during excursions • Master class on cooking Samarkand pilaf in Samarkand • Entrance tickets to attractions in Tashkent, Samarkand, Merv, Nissa, and Konye-Urgench • Insurance in Uzbekistan
The price does not include: • International flight ticket • Lunches and dinners not specified in the program • VAT 12% (in Uzbekistan) • Visa for Turkmenistan and migration fee • PCR test • Early check-in and late check-out • Entrance tickets to attractions in Bukhara • Anything not listed in the “Includes” section The company reserves the right to modify the tour program and hotels as necessary.
ThisAdditionally, we are open to considering your suggestions and adjusting the tour to align with your budget and preferences. tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Tashkent International Airport, Тоshkent, Uzbekistan to Tashkent City Mall, Tashkent, Uzbekistan