General
Central Asia Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan 11 Days – (2026-27)
Discover the memorable Central Asia Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, a journey through iconic Silk Road locations. This well planned journey features UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic cities, and breathtaking desert vistas. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy colorful bazaars, massive Islamic architecture, and distinct cultural customs. From Samarkand’s majestic squares to Turkmenistan’s spectacular Darvaza crater, this itinerary showcases Central Asia’s rich history and timeless beauty.
In addition to this tour, you can also explore other exciting Combo tours listed in the table below.
Itinerary – Central Asia Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
The itinerary for the Central Asia Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan appears below.
Day 02: Tashkent – Samarkand
On this Day
Meet the driver at the hotel and proceed to the railway station to take the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, meet the local guide and begin your sightseeing tour. Visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum, Amir Timur's exquisite burial place that is magnificently embellished with gold embellishments. Continue to the renowned Registan Square, which houses three major madrassas: Ulughbek, Sherdor, and Tilla Kori. Explore Bibi Khanim Mosque, the stunning Shahi Zinda Necropolis, and Siyab Bazaar. After the tour, head to the hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.
Day 03: Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara
On this Day
Depart Samarkand and continue to Bukhara, stopping in Gijduvan to visit the renowned ceramic workshop. Guests see the entire ceramic-making process, from molding clay on the potter's wheel to mixing natural colors and creating unique patterns. The masters show decorating, drying, and fire procedures, followed by a tour to the museum hall, which houses rare ceramic collections from Gijduvan and other parts of Uzbekistan. Master workshops in pottery painting, suzani needlework, and traditional bread baking are given on request. Continue on to Bukhara, where you will check into your hotel and spend the night.
Day 04: Full-Day Bukhara Tour
On this Day
Meet the guide and embark on a walking sightseeing tour of Bukhara's old center. Explore the Lyabi Hauz ensemble, which includes the Kukeldash Madrassa and the Nadir Divanbegi structures. Visit Magoki Attari Mosque and shop for handicrafts at Abdullakhan's Tim and Caravanserai Sayfuddin. Explore the medieval trading domes of Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron. Admire the Kosh madrassas of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, which stand opposite each other. Continue to Poi Kalon Square, which features the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque, and Mir Arab Madrassa, before exploring the old Ark Fortress. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 05: Bukhara – Mary – Merv
On this Day
Transfer to the Uzbek-Turkmen border at Alat and complete the necessary paperwork. Meet the Turkmen guide and driver, then continue on to Mary, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Ancient Merv Historical Park. Explore the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum, and the medieval "Kesk" castles from the early centuries. Visit the Merv History Museum to learn more about the Silk Road's heritage and the ancient civilizations that thrived here. After exploring, head to Mary, check into your hotel, and spend the night.
Day 06: Mary – Ashgabat
On this Day
Transfer to the airport in Mary for your trip to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, continue a city tour of Turkmenistan's capital, which is noted for its white marble architecture. Visit Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park, which includes the Monument of Independence and the rotating Neutrality Arch. Explore the National Museum, which houses outstanding exhibits from Ancient Merv and Nissa. Continue to Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, surrounded by gardens and fountains. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Ancient Nissa to see the remnants of the early Parthian capital. Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 07: Ashgabat – Darvaza
On this Day
Continue your exploration of Ashgabat by seeing the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park, Neutrality Arch, National Museum, Ancient Nissa, and Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. Later, head to the Karakum Desert to visit the famed Darvaza gas crater. The site was built after geologists uncovered and ignited a subterranean gas cavern, resulting in a perpetually burning crater known as the "Gate of Hell." The arid terrain that surrounds the burning crater creates a stunning atmosphere. Enjoy a campfire dinner before spending the night in a traditional yurt near the crater.
Day 08: Darvaza – Kunya Urgench – Nukus
On this Day
After breakfast at the camp, go to Kunya Urgench for a viewing tour of this UNESCO heritage site. Visit Nadzhimetdin Kubra's mausoleum, the Torebeg-Hanym Mausoleum, the Mamun Minaret, the Kutlug-Timur Minaret, the Kyrkmolla Mausoleum, and the Arslan II Mausoleum, which symbolize centuries of Islamic construction. Continue to the Turkmen-Uzbek border at Khojeyli and fulfill the necessary formalities. Meet the Uzbek driver and transfer to Nukus. When you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the night relaxing.
Day 09: Nukus – Ayaz Kala – Khiva
On this Day
Meet the driver and head to the Savitsky Museum, which is known for its extraordinary collection of Khorezm antiques, Uzbek fine arts, and the second-largest Russian avant-garde collection after the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg. Continue driving toward Khiva, stopping for photos at Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala, old Kushan castles that once safeguarded the region from nomadic incursions. These colossal monuments rise in arid surroundings that are partially covered in sand. Arrive in Khiva and check into a hotel to spend the night.
Day 10: Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent
On this Day
Begin a walking tour of Ichan-Kala, Khiva's inner town, and an open-air museum. Visit Ata-Darvaza, Kunya Ark, Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrassah, Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassah, Kalta Minor, Allakulihan Palace, Tash Hauli Palace with its harem, Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan, Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin, Islam-Khoja Minaret and Madrassah, and Jami Mosque with its minaret. Later, transfer to Urgench Airport for your trip to Tashkent. Upon arrival, meet the driver, transfer to the hotel, and stay overnight.
Day 11: Departure to home country
On this Day
Meet the guide and see Tashkent's key sights, including Amir Timur Square and Theater Square, which houses the State Academic Theater dedicated after Alisher Navoi. Visit Independence Square, the Earthquake Memorial, and Khast Imam's religious complex, which includes the Barakkhan Madrassa and the ancient Quran of Othman. Discover Chorsu Bazaar, with its unique blue dome and bustling trading scene. Explore the attractively decorated Tashkent Metro stations. After the sightseeing program, transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your flight back home, bringing your Central Asia tour with Apricot Tours to a close.
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 – Central Asia Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
The Central Asia Trip of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have a lot to offer. Below are the main highlights.
- Explore the majestic Registan Square in Samarkand.
- Discover the historic charm of Ichan-Kala Fortress in Khiva.
- Admire the iconic Kalon Minaret in Bukhara.
- Visit the impressive Gur Emir Mausoleum of Amir Timur.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar.
- Witness the dramatic flames of Darvaza Gas Crater.
- Explore ancient ruins at Merv Archaeological Park.
- Discover white-marble architecture in Ashgabat City.
- Visit the remarkable art collection at Savitsky Museum.
- Explore the spiritual heritage of Khast Imam Complex.
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Overview – Central Asia Tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
The Central Asia Trip of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan provides an unforgettable experience into the heart of the Silk Road. This immersive journey brings together historic towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and thriving cultural practices. First, visit Uzbekistan’s legendary destinations, such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Then head to Turkmenistan’s marble-clad capital, Ashgabat, and the ancient ruins of Merv and Nissa. Along the trip, see majestic madrassas, grand mosques, lively bazaars, and impressive fortifications. Furthermore, visit Gijduvan to witness authentic workmanship and view desert landscapes near the Darvaza gas crater. Each journey uncovers layers of history influenced by traders, scholars, and civilizations.
This Central Asia travel trip also combines architectural treasures with unique cultural encounters. You will go around Registan Square, stand in front of Kalon Minaret, and visit Ichan-Kala’s open-air museum. Meanwhile, in Turkmenistan, visit Kunya Urgench to see the stunning “Gate of Hell” in the Karakum Desert. Furthermore, well-planned transfers ensure seamless border crossings and convenient travel between cities. As a result, you can enjoy both adventure and convenience. This Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan journey is great for history buffs, cultural explorers, and Silk Road travelers looking for genuine experiences. Ultimately, it provides an incredible journey across Central Asia’s most recognizable locations.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
