The Silk Road Adventure – Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
🔹 Explore Samarkand, Bukhara & Merv
🔹 Walk through ancient trading routes
🔹 Private lecture with Silk Road historians
$3,600
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
🔹 Explore Samarkand, Bukhara & Merv
🔹 Walk through ancient trading routes
🔹 Private lecture with Silk Road historians
Step back in time on The Silk Road Adventure as you explore two of Central Asia’s most fascinating and historically rich countries—Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This 11-day journey will take you through the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Merv, key hubs on the legendary Silk Road that connected the East and West for centuries. As you walk through ancient trading routes, visit opulent mosques, caravanserais, and palaces, and learn about the diverse cultures and civilizations that shaped this historic region. This unique journey will also include a private lecture with Silk Road historians, offering a deep dive into the history of this important trade network.
Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and transfer to your hotel.
Spend the evening exploring the city, visiting Khast Imam Complex, home to some of the oldest Islamic manuscripts, including the famous Uthman Quran.
Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner featuring plov (a rice dish) and shashlik (grilled meat skewers).
Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 2: Tashkent to Samarkand
After breakfast, travel to Samarkand, one of the most famous cities on the Silk Road.
Upon arrival, visit the incredible Registan Square, a monumental complex of madrassas (Islamic schools) adorned with intricate tile work.
Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane (Timur), and marvel at the stunning architecture and decorations.
Explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the Islamic world.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 3: Samarkand
Begin the day by visiting the Shah-i-Zinda Complex, a stunning necropolis that is home to numerous mausoleums, including that of Qusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
Visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, where the famous 15th-century astronomer Ulugh Beg conducted groundbreaking studies.
Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant with views of the Registan Square.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 4: Samarkand to Bukhara
Travel to Bukhara, another key stop on the Silk Road, and check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, explore the Ark Fortress, a massive citadel that was the center of Bukhara’s power for centuries.
Visit the Bolo Haouz Mosque and its stunning mihrab (prayer niche) and courtyard.
Explore the Trade Domes, where merchants once traded silk, spices, and precious stones.
Enjoy an evening stroll through Lyabi-Hauz, a serene square with a large pond and surrounded by charming cafes.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 5: Bukhara
Visit the Samanid Mausoleum, one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.
Take a guided tour of Chor Minor, a picturesque mosque with four distinctive towers.
Explore the Bukhara Archaeological Museum, where you’ll learn more about Bukhara’s role in the Silk Road trade.
Attend a private lecture on the Silk Road by a historian, deepening your understanding of the region’s cultural and historical significance.
Evening at leisure in Bukhara.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 6: Bukhara to Merv, Turkmenistan
After breakfast, travel to Merv in Turkmenistan, once one of the largest cities in the world and a crucial Silk Road hub.
Upon arrival, visit the Merv Archaeological Complex, including the ruins of the Great Kyz Kala and Soltan Kala, both remnants of ancient civilizations that flourished here.
Visit the Tomb of Sultan Sanjar, a prominent mausoleum that dates back to the 12th century.
Overnight in Merv.
Day 7: Merv to Ashgabat
Travel to Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. Explore the city’s unique architecture and modern structures, such as the Arch of Neutrality and the Turkmenistan Independence Monument.
Visit the National Museum of Turkmenistan, where you’ll learn about the region’s ancient civilizations, including those of Merv and the Persian Empire.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Turkmen dinner and cultural performance.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 8: Ashgabat – Nisa
Visit the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the capital of the ancient Parthian Empire. The ruins of this important city include temples, fortifications, and the palace complex.
Explore the ancient Nisa city walls and Palace of Mithridates II.
Return to Ashgabat for an evening of leisure.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 9: Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater
Visit the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell,” a natural gas field that has been burning since it was ignited by Soviet geologists in the 1970s. This eerie and dramatic site is one of the most unique in Central Asia.
Spend the night camping near the crater, experiencing the surreal atmosphere under the stars.
Overnight near Darvaza.
Day 10: Darvaza to Ashgabat
Travel back to Ashgabat and enjoy a free day to explore or shop for traditional handicrafts and textiles.
Attend a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the unforgettable journey through the Silk Road’s ancient trade routes.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
Day 11: Departure from Ashgabat
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your Silk Road adventure.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are countries rich in cultural heritage, with their ancient cities acting as key points on the legendary Silk Road. Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan are steeped in history, with their beautiful mosques, madrassas, and mausoleums reflecting the grandeur of the region’s past. Merv, in Turkmenistan, was once one of the largest cities in the world, and Ashgabat is a modern capital with unique architecture.
Climate: Both countries have a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are moderate.
Currency: Uzbekistani som (UZS) in Uzbekistan and Turkmen manat (TMT) in Turkmenistan.
Language: Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan, while Turkmen is spoken in Turkmenistan. Russian is widely understood in both countries.
Time Zone: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are both in GMT +5 time zone.