Classic Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Steeped in the legacy of Tamerlane, the Parthians and the Seljuks, the great cities of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are home to some of the Silk Road’s most evocative legacies. These are lands that still retain the fabled glory of the great civilisations of Samarkand, Ashgabat, Merv and Bukhara - cities that once lay at the heart of the ancient trading ...
Steeped in the legacy of Tamerlane, the Parthians and the Seljuks, the great cities of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are home to some of the Silk Road’s most evocative legacies. These are lands that still retain the fabled glory of the great civilisations of Samarkand, Ashgabat, Merv and Bukhara - cities that once lay at the heart of the ancient trading route.
Travelling across Uzbekistan and into the more remote regions of Turkmenistan you will explore some of the greatest cities of their age beginning in Tashkent, the Uzbek capital. After a chance to explore the magical medieval city of Khiva, you’ll then cross into Turkmenistan to visit Konye Urgench, home to the tallest minaret in Central Asia. From the marbled splendour of Ashgabat and the ancient Parthian capital of Old Nisa, the journey takes you across infamous Central Asian deserts - firstly that of the Karakum to reach the ruins of Gonor Depe and Merv and then the Kyzylkum - to reach the splendorous oasis of Bukhara where you can compare the city’s past and present trading history.
Finally arrive in the legendary city of Samarkand for the trip’s grand finale, where you’ll explore its mesmerising buildings, Silk Road history and the everlasting legacy of Tamerlane, including the iconic Registan, before returning to Tashkent for your flight back home.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Tashkent (Uzbekistan): Capital’s Highlights
Arriving in Tashkent in the early hours of the morning, you’ll be transferred straight to your hotel where early check in has been arranged. After a chance to rest and freshen up, later this afternoon you can head out on a guided city tour of Tashkent, perhaps taking in the old city with its mosques and madrassahs dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, before browsing the stalls at the bustling Chorsuu Bazaar and the collections at the Museum of Applied Arts.
Day 2 Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva: Wander Medieval Streets
An early morning flight to Urgench followed by a short drive brings you to the UNESCO city of Khiva. Dropping your bags off at your boutique hotel, located within the fortified walls of the ‘Ichan Qala’, you’ll immediately head out on foot to explore the historic madrassahs, mausoleums and palaces enveloping you. A huge part of Khiva’s allure is how the unique, walled oasis town has been preserved in its entirety since medieval times. Individual sites of note within it include the ‘Kunya Ark’, which was the Emir's residence comprising a magnificent summer palace and harem, and Juma Mosque, with its 200 individually carved wooden pillars. Enjoy an evening at leisure in this truly magical setting.
Day 3 Khiva - Konye Urgench (Turkmenistan) - Ashgabat
Leaving Uzbekistan, your detour into neighbouring Turkmenistan begins with a short drive to the border where you’ll need to complete the stringent immigration formalities to enter the guarded country. After meeting your Turkmen guide, the first stop will be city of Konye Urgench where you’ll tour the various ruins spread out over a small area. Features include Turangeb Khanum Mausoleum, Kala Caravanserai, the Ak Kala Fortress and Kutlug Emir Minaret – the tallest in Central Asia. Later, board a short evening flight to the capital, Ashgabat.
Day 4 Ashgabat: Modern & Ancient Capitals
Today, you and your guide will have the entire morning to explore this wonderfully weird capital of fountains and lavish, white-marble buildings with its many monuments to post-independence presidents. Sure to be visited are the National Museum, Independence Park, Arch of Neutrality, the statue of Lenin and the beautiful Ottoman-style mosque of Ertoghrul Gazie. The glitz and glamour of this modern capital will be contrasted with a visit to the ancient city of Old Nisa, the 3rd-century B.C. capital of the Parthians and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many of the fine Hellenistic objects in the National Museum originate from this site.
Day 5 Ashgabat - Anau – Mary: Across the Karkum Desert
Starting the overland journey back towards the Uzbek border, you’ll drive across the Karakum Desert this morning stopping to spend a couple of days in Mary, the nearest town to the immensely important historical site of Merv. Shortly after leaving the capital there will also be a stop to visit the archaeological excavations at Anau, a Bronze Age settlement which includes the remnants of the city wall and a ditch where the ancient remains of children’s skeletons, camels and painted ceramics were once found. The drive through the large oasis basin of the Karakum passes through the remote villages of southeast Turkmenistan.
Day 6 Mary: Gonur Depe Excursion
After breakfast, travel three hours north of Mary for a full day's excursion to the impressive Bronze Age complex of Gonur Depe. As well as its age, the site’s location is wonderous, built atop a large natural plateau. Here, you and your guide can spend time exploring the remains of the mud brick walls of the fortress, palace, administrative buildings and temples - Gonur appears to have served as an administrative and religious centre for the region, and as a hub for long distance trade – before travelling back to Mary for the evening.
Day 7 Mary - Merv - Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Your final day in Turkmenistan, and perhaps the best saved for last, as today sees you reach the splendid archaeological site of Merv which covers an area of 125 square kilometres and contains the ruins of five ancient cities. Uncover the main sights with your guide this morning including Sultan Sanjar's Mausoleum and Kys Kala, an unusual windowless castle nicknamed "The House of Maidens Tears”. In the afternoon you’ll begin travelling back across the deserts to Uzbekistan, arriving to the Silk Road city of Bukhara this evening after a long day’s journey.
Day 8 Bukhara: History Tour & Homecooked Plov
The walking tour begins this morning by navigating the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter around your hotel, stopping at one of the country’s oldest synagogues and the old house of a wealthy 19th-century merchant. Moving on to the Islamic heart of the city is the central Lyabi Hauz, a serene complex of madrassahs built around a 17th-century pool. Within walking distance are also the massive Ark Citadel and Zindan Prison and the Kalon minaret and ensemble. After a break at a typical tea house, you’ll then continue on to the historic trading domes for a lesson in Silk Road trade, and perhaps the chance for some shopping at one of the stalls. Enjoy some downtime at the hotel before heading to a local Bukharan’s home this evening for a cooking demonstration and a homecooked plate of the national dish, plov.
Day 9 Bukhara – Samarkand: Award-winning Pottery & High-Speed Train
Head out of the city along the Golden Road to meet the potters of Gijduvan, stopping to admire the grand minaret of Vabkent along the way. During your visit of this celebrated local pottery workshop, the family’s 5th generation of potters will talk you through their refined craft and why the earth in Gijduvan is renowned across the country. After lunch you’ll catch Uzbekistan’s high-speed rail to the legendary Silk Road city of Samarkand.
Day 10 Samarkand: Grand Islamic Architecture & Silk Carpets
With a history dating back 2,700 years, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state created by Tamerlane and later ruled by his grandson Ulugbek in the 14th-15th centuries. After breakfast, you’ll be whisked around the fabled city’s star attractions including the iconic Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by glittering blue tiled madrassahs, and the captivating Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. During the course of the day, you’ll also pay a visit to a silk carpet factory run by an Afghan family to learn about the infamous commodity that made the city famous the world over. From its humble beginnings, this factory has grown over just two generations to win awards for the quality of their carpets as well as the training and employment opportunities they have provided to surrounding villages.
Day 11 Samarkand – Tashkent: Time at Leisure
Enjoy a morning and an afternoon free in the captivating Silk Road city, perhaps making use of its teahouses, dining options and shopping opportunities - it's a great place to pick up some precious silk souvenirs with many establishments offering international shipping options. For those that prefer to keep busy, your personal guide will still be on hand to advise on other sites to be explored before you take the swish, high-speed train back to the capital later in the day.
Day 12 Depart Tashkent
Check out after breakfast for a private transfer back to the airport in time for your flight, where your trip back in time through the Silk Road concludes.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Divan Hotel, Ashgabat
The decadent Divan Hotel, built in 1996, was renovated over the pandemic and is one of the few hotels located within near the Independence Monument and government buildings in the city centre. It has 128 rooms, all with air-conditioning, colour TV and ensuite bathrooms. There is also a restaurant on site, a lobby bar, a business centre and other leisure and fitness facilities including a health club with sauna, swimming pool and tennis courts. Other restaurants and cafes can also be found within a 20-minute walk.
Malika Prime Hotel, Samarkand
The Malika Prime Hotel enjoys one of the best locations in Samarkand, just by the Gur Emir Mausoleum and within walking distance of Registan Square. Built in traditional style, this charming hotel is an ideal place to stay in Samarkand. The marble entrance and stairs lead up to a huge terrace which serves as a summer restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a drink and magnificent views of the blue domes of Samarkand. There is also an air-conditioned restaurant downstairs. The 22 ensuite rooms are on the smaller side but spotlessly clean, with wooden floors and air-conditioning.
Mary Hotel, Mary
Mary Hotel is a large, three-star hotel located in the heart of Mary, ideally situated opposite the town's bazaar. The hotel is made up of 175 spacious, ensuite rooms decorated in opulent colours of beige, cream and gold. Each room is fitted with air conditioning and comes with standard amenities. The six-floor building has a restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and a sauna for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Additionally, the hotel has a hairdresser and chemist located on site. The pool is only open during the height of the peak season and services become limited towards the end. Although services and facilities at the Mary hotel are not what they once were, it remains the best option in the city.
Muso To'ra Hotel, Khiva
Located a short drive from the city centre, the Muso To'ra Hotel offers just 16 spacious rooms in a wonderful building with architecture typical of the madrasas found in the city. Rooms throughout the hotel are bright, spacious and simply furnished including air-conditioning and high ceilings. Some also have the addition of a terrace. The hotel features everything you would expect from a mid-range hotel including a restaurant, serving local cuisine, a garden, a bar, room service and free Wi-Fi. Built around a central courtyard, this communal space provides a welcome retreat and a lovely spot in the sun to rest and enjoy a cup of tea after a day of sightseeing and exploring. The hotel’s decor has an understated Uzbek style of white walls dotted with colourful Uzbek tiles or plates and artwork found throughout the property really sets the scene, providing an authentic experience combined with modern comfort.
Shahriston Hotel, Bukhara
Located in the heart of the old town, the mid-range Shahriston Hotel is a comfortable addition to the city and offers a traditional design and atmosphere but with all the modern-day comforts. Rooms are simple but spacious with en suite bathrooms, and there's an on site restaurant, although the hotel is located within walking distance of some great local options which must be checked out.
Milan Hotel, Tashkent
Less than a 10-minute drive from the international airport and just south of the city centre, Milan Hotel’s wonderfully convenient location means that most of the city’s sites can be reached within 15 minutes. The 56 rooms are modern, simply decorated and comfortable with mod-cons such as Wi-Fi, air-con and a mini bar. Rooms come in Standard, Deluxe and Luxe categories. The ground floor is where the restaurant can be found, serving local and European fare, as well as a lobby bar, whilst the 5th floor holds a seasonal roof terrace with seating looking out at the city. The mid-sized hotel also boasts a salt hammam; a small, indoor pool; a fitness room; and a sauna. Milan gets great reviews for its convenience, standards and price – an all-round solid option for a short stay in the capital.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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EXPERT TEAM
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN TURKMENISTAN
Check out our group tours in Turkmenistan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Turkmenistan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Turkmenistan