2stan Group Trip

Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan

Duration
9 days
Group size
1-15
From
1495

Highlights

  • Cultural Heritage: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the stunning Registan in Samarkand and the ancient city of Bukhara.
  • Architectural Marvels: Discover exquisite Islamic architecture, from majestic mosques to intricate mausoleums.
  • Vibrant Bazaars: Experience local life at bustling markets like Tashkent's Chor-Su and Ashgabat's Gulistan, where you can sample traditional cuisine.
  • Unique Accommodation: Spend a night in a yurt near the iconic Darvaza Gas Crater, immersing yourself in the nomadic lifestyle.
  • Adventure Awaits: Witness the surreal beauty of the Kyzyl-Kum desert and the captivating Darvaza Gas Crater.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent. Our driver will meet you and take you to the hotel. Check-in at 14:00 is free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Tashkent – Samarkand

Sightseeing tour in the old part of Tashkent: Khast Imam Complex, consisting of Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah, Friday Mosque and Mui Mubarak Madrassah, where you will see the original Quran of Khalif Othman (VIIth century), further we will visit the biggest market of Tashkent oriental buzzing bazaar Chor-Su (handicrafts bazaar). Visit to Tashkent subway (Soviet period Uzbek Architectural style), Mustakillik Square (Independence Square), Amir Temur Square, Theatrical Square and Monument of Courage dedicated to the Earthquake of Tashkent which happened on 26 April of 1966. Transfer to Tashkent Northern Railway Station. Bullet train to Samarkand at 19:39, arrival at 22:08. Meet and transfer to hotel for accommodation.

Day 3 - Samarkand – Bukhara

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour in Samarkand: Gur-Emir Mausoleum (15c), Registan Ensemble (including Ulugbek (15c), Shir Dor (17c), Tillya –Kari Madrassahs (17c), Bibi Khanum Mosque and one of the biggest oriental bazaars Siab market. Shah-i-Zinda complex (14-15c), Mirzo Ulugbek’s observatory (15c). Transfer to Samarkand Railway Station. Evening bullet train (22:18-00:01) to Bukhara. Arrival and accommodation at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 - Bukhara – Khiva

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour in Bukhara: Mausoleum of Ismail Samani (9-10c)-vault of Bukhara rulers’ dynasty, Chashma-i-Ayub Mausoleum (14c, St. Job’s well), Bolo-Hauz complex (18 c) consisting of Mosque (where Bukhara emirs used to pray) minaret and khauz (pond), royal fortress Ark (6-16 c) with its high fortification walls. Transfer to Khiva through Kyzyl-Kum desert. Arrival in Bukhara and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 5 - Khiva – Dashoguz (Turkmenistan)

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour in Khiva: Kunya-Ark fortress, including Kurinish Khana (17c); Mohammed-Amin-Khan (19c) Madrassah, Islam Khodja Minaret; Palvan-Kari complex, Abd Al Bobo complex (18c), Rafanek Madrassah, Mohammed Rakim Khan (19 c), Amir-Tur Madrassah, Sho-I-Kalandar Bobo Mausoleum. Mazary Sharif Madrassah, Kheivak well (10c), Uch Avlioli (“three saints”) Mausoleum, Juma Mosque (18c), Kutluq-Murad Inaq (19c) Madrassah, Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, Tash Hauli (“stone yard”) Palace, Alla-Kuli-Khan (18c), Arab Mohammed Khan (18 c) Madrassahs. Transfer to Uzbek-Turkmen border Shavat. Border crossing formalities. Turkmen representative will meet you at the border. Transfer to your hotel in Dashoguz (15km). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 - Dashoguz – Darvaza

Breakfast at the hotel. Afternoon drive to Darvaza Burning Gas Crater, one of the top international tourist destinations. The area is rich in natural gas. Burning over 50 years, Darvaza Gas Crater shines like a pearl in the Karakum desert. One of the most vivid and addictive features of this trip is the fresh air of the desert and experiencing the nomadic life in person. At night, while the light of the Gas Crater hits the sky, you will camp in the Turkmen national yurt or private tents and have a barbecue for dinner. This unique landscape will fascinate you and you will want to come again.

Day 7 - Darvaza – Ashgabat

Picnic-style breakfast in Darvaza. After breakfast, drive to Ashgabat (276km). Afternoon you will have an Ashgabat city tour. You will see the Wedding Palace, modern “Yildyz” Hotel, Ferries Wheel, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Monument and Park of Independence, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Ashgabat Olympic Stadium and Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex. Overnight in Ashgabat.

Day 8 - Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to visit the Carpet Museum, one of the best in Central Asia featuring designs from the Tekke, Yamud, Sarik and Chodor tribes. The Turkmen Carpet Museum is one of the cultural centres of Turkmenistan, where about 2000 carpet exhibits, including rare ones, are exhibited. For example, the museum has the smallest carpet to wear keys and the world’s largest hand carpet with a total area of 301 m², which was woven in 2001, and in 2003 it was added to the Guinness Book of Records. Then drive to visit Horse Stable to see a national pride of the Turkmen people – Akhalteke horses, the nicest horses in the world. 5000 years ago, Turkmens began to breed Akhalteke horses. The World’s unique breed was never mixed with other breeds. Such illustrious Emperors like Alexander the Great, and Darius I desired to own Ahalteke horses. There are over 35 beautiful horses on the farm. Per superstition, every sick person who touches an Ahalteke horse will get well soon. Afternoon, visit Gulistan Baazar (Russian Bazaar), which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets and a must-visit for any traveller to Ashgabat. The ground floor of the bazaar is dedicated to fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. There are also stalls selling spices, nuts, dried fruits, and other food items. The second floor of the bazaar is home to a variety of shops selling clothing, and souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 - Departure

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the flight home.

What's included / excluded

The tour price includes

  • Letter of Invitation for Turkmenistan (State Registration, Travel Pass)
  • Double / Twin accommodation with breakfast
  • Economy class train tickets
  • Escort English speaking guide service
  • Transportation as per program per AC regular road vehicles
  • BF at hotels
  • 1,5 L water per person per day
  • Entrance fee: per program

The tour price doesn't include

  • International flights
  • Cost of Turkmen visa w/border fees (70 – 100 USD)
  • PCR test 33 USD in Turkmenistan
  • Payment for photos and videos in UNESCO sites & museums
  • Meals: L & D
  • Medical insurance
  • Services not shown in the program
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Single Supplement – 280 USD

Trip map

Dates & Availibility

Mar 24 Availiable $1495
Apr 21 Availiable $1495
May 19 Availiable $1495
Oct 1 Availiable $1495
Oct 13 Availiable $1495

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