General
Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan 08 Days – (2026-27)
Take an incredible tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan through the heart of Central Asia. This meticulously planned excursion combines Silk Road history with breathtaking desert views. In addition, guests visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and thriving local bazaars. From ancient cities to modern capitals, each destination has a rich culture and architecture. As a result, this tour provides an excellent blend of heritage, adventure, and unique regional experiences.
In addition to this tour, you can also explore other exciting Combo tours listed in the table below.
Itinerary – Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
The itinerary for the Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan appears below.
Day 02: Ashgabat – Darvaza
On this Day
After breakfast, depart from Ashgabat for Darvaza, making several fascinating stops along the way. Visit the ruins of Anau Mosque and investigate Bronze Age artifacts associated with Anau culture. Continue to the Ahalteke horse stables to see the famed Akhal-Teke horses, which are known for their beauty and historic heritage in the Kopetdag foothills. Continue through the Karakum Desert, leaving the asphalt road for a desert trail that leads deep into the sands. Arrive at the Darvaza gas crater, often known as the "Gate of Hell," which has been blazing constantly since 1971. Enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner and spend the night in a yurt or tent.
Day 03: Darvaza – Kunya Urgench – Khiva
On this Day
After camp-style breakfast, visit Kunya Urgench for sightseeing. Discover the Mausoleum of Nadzhimetdin Kubra, the Mausoleum of Torebeg-Hanym, and the famous Mamun Minaret. Visit the tall Kutlug-Timur Minaret, the Kyrkmolla Mausoleum, and the old Arslan II Mausoleum. Continue to the Turkmen-Uzbek border at Shavat/Dashoguz for crossing formalities, which may involve some waiting time. After completing the passport and visa processes, meet the Uzbek guide and driver for the transfer to Khiva. Upon arriving, check into the hotel and relax before spending the night.
Day 04: Full-Day Khiva Tour
On this Day
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a guided walking tour of Ichan-Kala, Central Asia's largest open-air museum and walled inner town. Explore Ata-Darvaza Gate and Kunya-Ark Fortress, followed by visits to Muhammad Rahim Khan and Muhammad Amin Khan's Madrasahs. Admire the incomplete Kalta Minor Minaret and the Palace of Allakulihan. Explore Tash Hauli Palace, including its harem, the Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan, and Seyd Allaudin's Mausoleum. Continue to Islam-Khoja Madrassah and Minaret before ending at Jami Mosque and Minaret. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 05: Khiva – Bukhara
On this Day
After breakfast, drive across the immense Kyzylkum Desert to Bukhara, making brief stops along the way, or take the train if the timetable allows. The overland trek between two historic Silk Road cities passes across varying desert landscapes and desolate countryside. Upon arrival in Bukhara, transfer to your accommodation and check in. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this ancient commercial center, which is famous for its preserved architecture and cultural history. Overnight stay at a hotel in Bukhara.
Day 06: Bukhara – Samarkand
On this Day
Breakfast is followed by a guided walking tour of Bukhara's old centre. Visit the Lyabi Hauz ensemble, which includes Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa, and Khodja Nasreddin's monument. Explore the Magoki Attari Mosque, Abdullakhan's Tim, and Caravanserai Sayfuddin. Explore the covered bazaars of Toki Sarrofon, Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron. Continue to Ulughbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas, Poi Kalon Square, Kalon Minaret, Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa, and the Ark Fortress. Transfer to the station and take the high-speed train to Samarkand. Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 07: Samarkand – Tashkent
On this Day
After breakfast, start your complete sightseeing tour of Samarkand. Visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum, which is decorated with gold and serves as the burial site for Timur and his successors. Continue to the majestic Registan Square, which includes Ulughbek, Sherdor, and Tilla Kori Madrassas. Explore Bibi Khanim Mosque and the spectacular Shahi Zinda Necropolis, which includes religious mausoleums. Before heading to the railway station, visit Siyab Bazaar to get a sense of local life. Travel via high-speed train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, meet the driver and go to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 08: Departure to home country
On this Day
Breakfast at the hotel precedes a guided sightseeing trip of Tashkent. Visit Amir Timur Square and Theater Square, which houses the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Alisher Navoi. Explore Independence Square and the Earthquake Memorial, which commemorates the 1966 tragedy. Continue to Khast Imam Square, which is home to the Barakkhan Madrasah, the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and the library that houses the ancient Quran Othman. Explore Chorsu Bazaar beneath its unique blue dome and take the magnificently adorned Tashkent Metro. Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for departure, which marks the end of Apricot Tours' services.
Holiday Information
What’s included
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
What’s not included
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide’s working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa for the country (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Highlights – Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
The Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have a lot to offer. Below are the main highlights.
- Explore Darvaza Gas Crater glowing in the desert.
- Discover the white marble landmarks of Ashgabat City.
- Visit UNESCO-listed ruins of Ancient Nissa near Ashgabat.
- Experience open-air museum atmosphere inside Ichan-Kala Khiva.
- Admire architectural grandeur at Registan Square Samarkand.
- Discover spiritual heritage at Poi Kalon Complex Bukhara.
- Wander through vibrant local trade at Chorsu Bazaar Tashkent.
- Explore sacred mausoleums within Shahi Zinda Necropolis complex.
- Visit historic monuments of Kunya Urgench UNESCO site.
- Travel across vast landscapes of Karakum Desert scenery.
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Overview – Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
A tour to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan provides an exciting experience through Central Asia. This immersive experience mixes ancient Silk Road cities and breathtaking desert scenery. Discover Turkmenistan’s white-marble capital, Ashgabat. Then see the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater in the immense Karakum Desert. Additionally, visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Kunya Urgench. After entering Uzbekistan, go to the famous cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. Each visit exhibits breathtaking Islamic architecture and a rich cultural history. Furthermore, visitors can explore colorful bazaars, elegant madrassahs, and stunning mosques. Throughout the voyage, experienced experts provide historical and cultural context.
Furthermore, this Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan trip combines history, architecture, and authentic local experiences. Explore Khiva’s open-air museum, Ichan-Kala, and observe the restored city walls. Next, explore Bukhara’s trading domes and the majestic Kalon Minaret. Then, marvel at Samarkand’s Registan Square, a gem of medieval design. Finally, explore modern Tashkent amid its old spiritual sites. The route allows for seamless transit between cities via road and high-speed train. As a result, travelers can relax while exploring iconic Silk Road features. Overall, this Central Asia journey promises cultural exploration, architectural marvels, and lifelong experiences.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
