Discovering the Stan Countries: 10 Days in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Join us on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, a perfect expedition for history enthusiasts, culture lovers and those seeking a deeper understanding of these two Stan countries.

Highlights of the trip:

After flying into Tashkent, your adventure commences in Khiva, where you’ll explore the captivating Ichan-Kala Fortress and other sights during a walking tour. Next, we venture to Turkmenistan’s Kunya-Urgench, where ancient monuments and mausoleums unveil centuries of history. Journey into the mesmerising Darwaza Crater, where a BBQ dinner and a night in a traditional yurt immerse you in local life under starry skies.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s modern capital unveils futuristic architecture and a sightseeing tour stopping at Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park with its Monument of Independence, Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum, and more, before discovering ancient Nissa archaeological treasures. Fly to Mary for a glimpse of ancient Merv and the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum.

Bukhara grants you free time to explore its UNESCO-listed gems, before visiting the Gijduvan pottery workshop en route to Samarkand, where (on request) you can try your hand at painting ceramics, suzani embroidery, or traditional bread baking. Here, on a 6-hour tour, the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the grandeur of Registan Square and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, in addition to further sights, will leave you spellbound.

Conclude your journey in Tashkent, where you’ll delve into the culture and history on a 5-hour tour, visiting many places including Amir Timur Square, Khast-Imam Square and the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan.

Uncover the heart of Central Asia on this 10-day expedition, a deep dive into history, culture, and local life in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Landmarks and sights to visit on the holiday:

Ichan-kala, Ata-Darvaza, Kunya- Ark, Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan, Madrassah of Muhammed Aminha, Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva, Tash Hauli, Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan, Islam-Khoja Madrassah, Mosque and Jami Minaret, mausoleum of Sufisects ‘Kubra’ Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII centuries), mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym (XII-XIV centuries), minaret Mamun (X-XI centuries), minaret Kutlug-Timur (XII-XIV centuries), the Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II in BC – III A.D.), mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city, roughly estimated to be from XI century), The Gate – Darwaza, Anau Mosque Ruins, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park, Monument of Independence, the Neutrality Arch, Ashgabat National Museum, Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum, ancient Nissa, Ancient Merv, Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum, Medieval castles – “Kesk” fortresses (6-7 centuries), History Museum of Merv Region, Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki Attari Mosque, Abdullakhan’s Tim, Caravanserai Sayfuddin, the three trading domes, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas, Poi Kalon Square, Mir Arab Madrassa, the Ark Fortress, museum hall of ceramic masterpieces, Gur Emir Mausoleum, burial vault of Tamer the Great, Registan Square, Bibi Khanim Mosque, Shahi Zinda Necropolis, Ulugbek’s Observatory, Samarkand bazaar Siyab, Amir Timur Square, Theatre Square, Independence Square, Khast Imam Square, Chorsu bazaar,

Cultural Experiences:

Learn more about the remarkable history of these beautiful countries with visits to temples, mosques, madrassahs, ancient ruins, mausoleums, and museums. Enjoy local cuisine and connect with local life, spending the night in a Yurt Camp near Darwaza. Visit the Gijduvan pottery workshop to learn abut the process of ceramic making and painting, and (optional) try your hand at a masterclass of painting ceramics, suzani embroidery, or traditional bread baking. Discover one of the finest astronomical centres in the medieval world, the Ulugbek’s Observatory. Immerse yourself in local markets and bazaars.

Local dishes to taste:

In Uzbekistan, indulge in “plov” (pilaf), “manti” (dumplings), and “shashlik” (kebabs). Exploring these dishes will give you a taste of the rich culinary heritage in both countries.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tashkent Arrival

• Itinerary Details

Upon arriving in the evening at Tashkent International Airport, visitors should expect to spend between 30-60 minutes on visa/passport control and baggage claim. When leaving the terminal, a driver holding a sign with the words ‘ANUR TOUR’ will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. After checking in, you’ll have some time to rest before spending the night at the hotel.

Accommodation: Inspira-S 4* (or similar)

Day 2: Urgench Flight, Khiva Transfer & Khiva City Tour

• Itinerary Details

05:30 Transfer to the local airport
07:00 Flight Tashkent-Urgench HY 51.
08:30 Arrival in Urgench. Come out of the terminal to meet the driver at the meeting zone. Transfer to Khiva.
Meet the guide and start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala.
Ichan-kala – the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia:
– Ata-Darvaza, Kunya- Ark;
– Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan;
– Madrassah of Muhammed Aminhan;
– Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva;
– Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was;
– Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan;
– Islam-Khoja Madrassah – was built in 1908 by Islam-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country, is an early example of the architecture of the XIV century.
– Mosque and Jami Minaret.
Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Zarafshon Boutique 4* (or similar)

Day 3: Uzbek-Turkmen Border Crossing, Kunya Urgench Transfer, Sightseeing Tour, Darwaza Gas Crater & Yurt Camp Stay

• Itinerary Details

At 08:00, transfer to the Uzbek-Turkmen border post at Shavat/Dashoguz. Depending on the customs formalities, border passing formalities (passport, visa control, sanitary control (PCR test requirements)) may take up to 2-2.5 hours. Once at the Turkmen side, meet the guide and driver, then transfer to Kunya-Urgench. Start the sightseeing tour with visits to the founder mausoleum of Sufisects ‘Kubra’ Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII centuries), the mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym (XII-XIV centuries), minaret Mamun (X-XI centuries), minaret Kutlug-Timur (XII-XIV centuries, the highest minaret in Central Asia), the Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II in BC – III A.D.), and the mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city, roughly estimated to be from XI century). In the afternoon, transfer to the Darwaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, going 10 km deep inside. In 1971, a natural gas filled underground cavern was accidentally found and, to avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Since then, the fire has been burning and the locals have named the cavern ‘The Gate – Darwaza’. The views are impressive, especially at sunset and night when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and spend the night in a yurt.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp near Darwaza

Day 4: Ashgabat Transfer

• Itinerary Details

At 9:00am, we will depart from the yurt camp and transfer to Ashgabat, taking in the sights along the way such as mud and water craters and the Anau Mosque Ruins. We will arrive in Ashgabat in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we will have some time to rest before spending the night at the hotel.

Accommodation: Sport 4* (or similar)

Day 5: Ashgabat City Tour & Ancient Nisa

• Itinerary Details

Begin your sightseeing tour of Ashgabat by visiting the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park with its Monument of Independence (which is 118m tall and the tallest building in the country), the Neutrality Arch – an impressive rotating structure powered by the sun – and the National Museum, which boasts of 166 unique exhibits from Ancient Merv and Nissa. Next, make your way to the Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum, which is the largest in Central Asia with its capacity of 10,000 people. Admire the beautiful fountains and gardens surrounding the mosque. Then take a trip to ancient Nissa, 18km from Ashgabat and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the ruins of the city from the I millennium BC. Enjoy some rest in the evening before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Sport 4* (or similar)

Day 6: Mary Flight & Ancient Merv Tour, Turkmen/Uzbek Border Crossing & Bukhara Transfer

• Itinerary Details

Start your day with breakfast from the hotel or take it to go. Transfer to Ashgabat Airport for a morning flight to Mary. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the driver who will take you to the Ancient Merv (UNESCO) for sightseeing. Visit the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the 38 m-high structure which was restored with Turkish aid. This was the grandson of Alp-Arslan’s resting place, who died in 1157 after coming home to find his beloved Merv had been pillaged. Also visit the Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum, Medieval castles – “Kesk” fortresses (6-7 centuries), and the History Museum of Merv Region. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the Turkmen Uzbek border post at Farab/ Alat. Passport and visa control usually take shorter than on arrival to Turkmenistan. The driver will meet you at the Uzbek side of the border and take you to the hotel in Bukhara.

Accommodation: An-Nur, Malika Bukhara, Safiya (or similar)

Day 7: Bukhara City Tour

• Itinerary Details

This morning, meet your guide in the lobby at 09:00 to begin your walking sightseeing program of Bukhara. Visit Lyabi Hauz Ensemble (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin); Magoki Attari Mosque, one of the oldest surviving mosques from before the Mongolian invasion; Abdullakhan’s Tim with its many souvenir shops, ceramic stalls, traditional clothing stores, and carpets; Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Centre of Handicraft Development of Bukhara); the three trading domes (Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron), which were founded in the 16th century and remain popular shopping areas for silk, jewellery, and money exchange; Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas (also known as Kosh madrassas), each with their own distinct style of ornamental facades; Poi Kalon Square, with its Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and the Mir Arab Madrassa, a monumental complex that will leave you in awe; and the Ark Fortress, a citadel dating back to the 1st century BC and steeped in legend and myth. In the evening, you will have time to rest, before retiring for the night at the hotel.

Accommodation: An-Nur, Malika Bukhara, Safiya (or similar)

Day 8: Samarkand Transfer & Gijduvan Pottery Tour

• Itinerary Details

Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel, followed by free time in Bukhara. At 12:00, transfer to Samarkand (270 km, approx. 4.5-5 hours’ drive) and en-route visit Gijduvan pottery workshop. Here visitors can tour the workshop and witness the process of ceramic making and painting, with the owners showing the stages of making ceramics from turning the potter’s wheel to making paints from natural ingredients, and decorating the ceramics in a distinctive style, drying, and firing. After the tour, explore the museum hall of ceramic masterpieces with a unique collection of the ceramic items of Gijduvan and other regions of Uzbekistan. For an additional experience, try a masterclass of painting ceramics, suzani embroidery, or traditional bread baking (upon request). Continue your journey to Samarkand and arrive in the afternoon. Check-in the hotel.

Accommodation: Kosh Hovus 4* (or similar)

Day 9: Samarkand City Tour & Afrosiyob Train Transfer to Tashkent

• Itinerary Details

At 09:00, meet the guide and start a sightseeing program in Samarkand, lasting for 6 hours. Visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum, burial vault of Tamer the Great and his descendants decorated with gold ornaments. This is considered as one of the most significant places in the world. Continue to the famous Registan Square, the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture consisting of three grandiose buildings: Ulughbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori. Then, visit the Bibi Khanim Mosque, the biggest medieval building in the city which was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in the 15th Century. Move on to the Shahi Zinda Necropolis, a unique complex of mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) belonging to a Muslim person named Saint Abbas ibn-Kussam. Afterwards, head to Ulugbek’s Observatory, one of the finest astronomical centres in the medieval world built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer. Lastly, visit the Samarkand bazaar, Siyab. At 16:30, transfer to the railway station in Samarkand. At 17:28, depart for Tashkent by high-speed train “Afrosiyob”/ “Sharq” and arrive in Tashkent at 19:44. Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel for the evening and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Inspira-S 4* (or similar)

Day 10: Tashkent City Tour & Departure Flight

• Itinerary Details

At 10:00 meet the guide and driver to start the sightseeing tour of Tashkent, lasting 5 hours. This includes: Amir Timur Square, originally called Konstantinovsky Square and renamed on August 31, 1994 to honour Amir Timur’s cultural and historical contribution; Theatre Square with the Opera House – the State Academic Theatre of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi, built in 1947 and renowned for its classical and national repertoires; Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan featuring fountains for the life energy of the Uzbek people, the Cabinet and the Senate, and the “Eternal Flame”, honouring those who died in WWII; Earthquake Memorial, to commemorate the tragedy of the 1966 Tashkent earthquake; Khast Imam Square, a religious centre of the city with the Barakkhan madrasah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and the library of Islamic Literature containing the Holy Koran book of the VII century; Chorsu bazaar, an ancient market of Tashkent; Tashkent Metro, the first line of which was launched in 1977, with stunning train stations ornately decorated with traditional ornaments and special lighting. Transfer to Tashkent International Airport for evening departure flight (ETD 20:00). End of the tour.

Price

Price per person based on two-people group size: £2,258
– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing
– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Upon evening arrival at Tashkent International Airport, guests will undergo immigration procedures and meet their driver from ANUR TOUR for transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Fly from Tashkent to Urgench, then transfer to Khiva for a guided tour of Ichan-kala, the largest open-air museum in Central Asia, showcasing historical sites such as Ata-Darvaza, Kunya-Ark, and Islam-Khoja Madrassah.

Crater Cross the Uzbek-Turkmen border to Kunya-Urgench for sightseeing, then journey to the Darwaza Gas Crater for a night in a yurt camp amidst the Karakum Desert.

Day 4: Depart the yurt camp for Ashgabat, stopping to explore mud and water craters, Anau Mosque Ruins, and arrive in Ashgabat for leisure time.

Day 5: Discover Ashgabat’s architectural marvels like the Ertogrul Gazy Mosque and the Neutrality Arch before exploring Ancient Nisa’s UNESCO-listed ruins.

Day 6: Fly to Mary for a tour of Ancient Merv, then cross the Turkmen-Uzbek border to Bukhara for an evening check-in.

Day 7: Embark on a guided walking tour of Bukhara’s historic sites including Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki Attari Mosque, and the Ark Fortress.

Day 8: Visit Gijduvan pottery workshop before transferring to Samarkand, stopping en route to explore traditional ceramic making and painting.

Day 9: Tour Samarkand’s iconic landmarks like Gur Emir Mausoleum and Registan Square before boarding the Afrosiyob train back to Tashkent.

Day 10: Embark on a guided tour of Tashkent’s cultural highlights including Amir Timur Square and Chorsu Bazaar before departing from Tashkent International Airport.

FAQs

1. What are the visa requirements for this tour?
   • Guests will need visas for both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Anur Tour can assist with the visa application process and provide guidance on the required documents.
2. What is the accommodation like during the tour?
   • Accommodation ranges from 4-star hotels in urban areas to yurt camps in the desert. Each accommodation is selected for comfort and convenience, offering a unique experience reflective of the tour’s diverse destinations.
3. Is there any special equipment or clothing needed for activities like desert camping?
   • While most necessary equipment is provided at the yurt camp, guests may want to bring comfortable clothing suitable for desert climates and closed-toe shoes for walking tours. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also recommended for sun protection during outdoor activities.
4. How physically demanding is this tour?
   • The tour involves a mix of walking tours in cities, sightseeing at historical sites, and some travel by vehicle. While most activities are accessible to guests of average fitness levels, some walking on uneven terrain may be involved, especially during sightseeing tours of ancient sites.
5. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Most meals are included as part of the tour package, typically featuring local cuisine at selected restaurants and accommodations. Guests will have the opportunity to experience a variety of traditional dishes throughout the journey.