Embark on an extraordinary journey through the Silk Road: experience Ashgabat, a city boasting surreal and futuristic architecture. Witness the mesmerizing Darvaza Crater, known as the 'Door to Hell,' encountering one of the world's most enigmatic geological wonders. Discover the UNESCO-protected town of Khiva.
Explore iconic cities like Samarkand, immerse in local culture, and discover the historical treasures of Bukhara. We end the journey in Tashkent, a city that boasts a rich history as a Silk Road trading hub and a blend of modern and Soviet-era architecture.
12 Apr - Day 1 : Arrival Tashkent
Explore Tashkent's old town. Today, we will visit Barak Khana Seminary, Tila Shaikh mosque, and archives known for exhibiting a rare copy of the Quran written by the third Caliph Othman. We will also visit Chorsu Bazaar, Kukeldash Madrassah. Visiting the ceramic workshop of Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov – this is a unique place, a paradise in the old city part of Tashkent.
Later, visit the Museum of Applied Arts, go on an excursion to Mustakillik (Independence) Square, the famous Tashkent Metro (underground), and Amir Temur Square.
Overnight in Tashkent.
13 Apr - Day 2 : Tashkent – Samarkand (Speed train Afrosiab 07:30-09:40)
In the early morning, we will take the train to Tashkent. After arrival, we will visit Gur Emir - the mausoleum of Great Tamerlane, Registan Square, which was the heart of Samarkand for many centuries. Visit Hunarmand Artisans Center to see the artisans at work. We will also visit the grandest structure of Amir Temur's times, Bibi-Khanum, Silk Road bazaar, and Shahi Zinda necropolis.
Overnight in Samarkand
14 Apr - Day 3 : Samarkand
We will visit the papermaking workshop in Konigil village (10 km from Samarkand). Later, we will see the Afrosiab museum and excavations, Ulugbek's observatory, and the Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniil.
Overnight in Samarkand
15 Apr - Day 4 : Samarkand – Bukhara (speed train Afrosiab 09:50-11:20)
Transfer to the railway station of Samarkand to take the train to Bukhara. Sightseeing tour of Bukhara: Visit – Lab-i-khauz ensemble, the pool and chaikhana of which is the modern centre of traditional Uzbekistan: Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Khanaga, Mogaki Attari mosque, Poi Kalon minaret and mosque, Madrassahs Aziz Khan and Ulugbek. Visit Ark Fortress, Balakhauz mosque, mausoleum of Ismail Samanid, Chashma Ayub. Overnight in Bukhara
16 Apr - Day 5 : Bukhara
Continue an out-of-town sightseeing tour to visit the Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former emir of Bukhara.
Excursion to Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Return to Bukhara to visit different workshops near Lyabikhauz. We see block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery, carving, and miniature painting.
Overnight in Bukhara.
17 Apr - Day 6 : Bukhara - Khiva (480 km)
Morning drive to Khiva by the famous Kizil Kum desert (Red sands). See desert flora and fauna: unique saksaul trees, other desert vegetation, and different mammals. Stop at Amudarya River Bank.
Overnight in Khiva.
18 Apr - Day 7 : Khiva
Upon arrival in Khiva, check in to the hotel. Later, we will go on a walking tour to visit Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark, Madrassah Rakhimkhon, and the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud. Enjoy the view of the completely ancient Khiva, Friday mosque, and Tashauli Palace/harem.
Overnight in Khiva.
19 Apr - Day 8 : Crossing to Turkmenistan via Shavat border (60 km) - Darvaza
Morning transfer to the Uzbek-Turkmen border point Shavat. Complete border formalities and drive to Turkmenistan. After completing all the formalities, we will drive for the overnight stay near the gas crater Darvaza. See the flaming crater and take some photos, have a picnic dinner, and overnight in the Yurts (traditional tents).
Overnight in Darvaza.
20 Apr - Day 9 : Darvaza – Ashgabat
We will leave early and drive to Ashgabat. We will stop at Yerbent, which can give us an idea of what desert life looks like. . After Yerbent, we visit the Village of Bokurdak, about 105 km before Ashgabat. Visit a local family's home and see the traditional activities: embroidery, pichi (traditional bakery), and baking bread. We will stop to visit the fabled Sunday Bazaar of Tolkuchka, which attracts colorfully dressed people from all over the country to buy or sell camels, cattle and poultry, amulets, carpets, jewelry, and myriads.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
21 Apr - Day 10 : Ashgabat
After breakfast, we continue our city orientation tour, including Ferris Wheel, Kipchak, Arch of Neutrality, and Monument of Independence. Overnight in Ashgabat.
22 Apr - Day 11 : Ashgabat – Geokdepe
Begin the day with a visit to the Fortress of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the earliest capital of the Parthian Empire. Then head to the remains of the Ancient Fortress Gokdepe (Green Hill) and Modern Mosque Gokdepe.
Then we will visit a local stud farm to see horses and enjoy a cooking class. We will taste Turkmen dishes - gutaps and dograma. After lunch, we drove back to Ashgabat to visit the National Carpet Museum, which exhibits a rare collection of extraordinary hand-made carpets and exquisite carpet articles. Overnight in Ashgabat.
23 Apr - Day 12 : Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Recommended flight: Fly Dubai
Arrival:
Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport
Departure:
Ashgabat International Airport
Cost
BHD 150 non refundable deposit to be be upon registration
BHD 1380 per person in a double room
BHD 1590 per person in a single room
Registration deadline: 19 March
Includes:
- Accommodation (breakfast included)
- Transportation as per the itinerary
- Invitation letter, visa assistance
- Only meals mentioned in the program
- Mineral water daily
- Entrance fees
- English speaking local guide
Excludes:
- International flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Photo and video camera fees at sites
- Personal expenses
- Any meals not mentioned
- Tips for guide and driver
Cancellation policy:
- If the visa was not approved only non refundable payment for the Letter of Invitation ($50), deposit balance to be given as credit balance in case the visa was rejected
- If more than 30 days
- If less than 14 days - 30% from the tour price
- If less than 7 days - 50% from the tour price
