3stan Group Trip

Uzbekistan -Tajikistan - Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan

Duration
12 days
Group size
1-15
From
2165

Highlights

  • Cultural Exploration: Discover the rich history of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, visiting iconic cities like Tashkent, Khujand, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
  • Architectural Wonders: Marvel at stunning Islamic architecture, including the Registan in Samarkand, the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani in Bukhara, and the Kunya-Ark Fortress in Khiva.
  • Scenic Landscapes: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Seven Lakes in Tajikistan, each with its own unique color, and the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan.
  • Cultural Immersion: Explore local markets such as Tashkent's Chor-Su and Gulistan Bazaar in Ashgabat, where you can taste traditional dishes and shop for handicrafts.
  • Historical Sites: Visit significant landmarks like the Republican Historical-Ethnographic Museum in Khujand and the ancient ruins of Penjikent.
  • Unique Accommodations: Enjoy a night camping near the Darvaza Gas Crater in traditional yurts, immersing yourself in the nomadic lifestyle.
  • Guided Experiences: Benefit from knowledgeable local guides who provide insights into the culture, history, and traditions of the regions.
  • Vibrant Local Life: Engage with the rich cultural tapestry of Central Asia through visits to mosques, madrassahs, and local artisans.
  • Delicious Cuisine: Savor authentic Uzbek, Tajik, and Turkmen dishes, including plov, samosas, and fresh bread, for a true taste of the region.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

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

Breakfast. 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). Sightseeing tour in the modern part of Tashkent: Visit to Tashkent subway (Sovietic 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. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3 - Tashkent – Khujand (Tajikistan)

Around 9:00 AM transfer to Uzbek-Tajik border Oybek. Customs and passport control on both sides, cross the border, meet the Tacal guide and driver and drive to Khujand (70 km, 1 h.). Sightseeing in Khujand: Republican Historical-Ethnographic Museum, Timur-Malik Fortress, Archeological Museum, Mosque and Madrasah of Shaikh Muslihiddin, Payshanba Bazaar. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 4 - Khujand – Istaravshan – Seven lakes – Penjikent

After breakfast transfer to 7 Lakes through Istaravshan. Seven lakes of Marguzor are located in the west of Fan Mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. Drive to Penjikent (80 km). Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 - Penjikent – Samarkand (Uzbekistan)

Breakfast. You will visit the Museum of Rudaki, an outstanding poet born in. After, explore Ancient Penjikent where the ruins of the old Sogdian town reached our days; it was founded in the 5th and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and a city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. Transfer to the border. Meet at the Jartepo border and transfer to Samarkand. Arrival and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - 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 10 - 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 11 - 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 12 - Departure

Transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for the flight home.

What's included / excluded

The tour price includes

  • Letter of Invitation in Turkmenistan (State Registration, Travel Pass)
  • Double / Twin accommodation with breakfast
  • Stantrips Yurt camp (Tent/Yurt) stay – 1 night (incl sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, light)
  • Lunch in 7 lakes and BBQ dinner at Darvaza included
  • Visa support for Tajikistan tourist visa
  • Escort guide services
  • Transportation as per program per AC regular road vehicles and 4x4 where terrain requires
  • Entrance fees according to the program
  • BF at hotels
  • 1.5 L water per person per day
  • Travel tax
  • Train ticket: Samarkand-Bukhara in economy class

The tour price doesn't include

  • International flights
  • Consular fees for Tajikistan tourist visa-70 $;
  • 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 – 380 USD

Trip map

Dates & Availibility

Mar 21 Availiable $2165
Apr 18 Availiable $2165
May 16 Availiable $2165
Sept 29 Availiable $2165
Oct 10 Availiable $2165

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