11 Days Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Tour: Desert Wonders & Silk Road Cities

Hello friend, welcome to Turkmenistan! This fascinating country borders Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the north and northeast. Among the five “Stans,” Turkmenistan offers you white-marble capital, the famous Door to Hell, and Silk Road relics. Get ready for a journey filled with mystery, surreal cityscapes, and glorious past.

Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), your local guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your downtown hotel. (Tip: the airport is about 10 km northwest of Ashgabat, around 20-minute drive.)

Arrival Ideas to Ashgabat (Flights Available):

Many international flights connect to Turkmenistan, though not on a daily basis. You can fly nonstop to Ashgabat from cities such as Moscow (4h), Istanbul (4h 15m), London (7h 10m), Milan (6h 20m), Frankfurt (7h 5m), Dubai (2h 30m), Bangkok (6h 45m), Beijing (6h), Urumqi (3h 25m), Seoul (7h 40m), Ho Chi Minh City (8h 20m), Delhi (3h 40m), and Kuala Lumpur (8h 10m), and more. Tell us your departure city, and we’ll help you find the best flight options.

Ashgabat, the capital, is a pure white world, truly unique. It has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the city with the highest density of white marble buildings. More than 500 structures are decorated with shining marble. Your driver will take you on a ride through these white giants, making you feel as if you’ve entered film-like world, similar to The Truman Show. Along the way, you’ll pass the Wedding Palace, designed in the shape of an octagonal star and certified as the world’s largest star-shaped building. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a good rest today.

Travel Tips: If you arrive early today, you'll have a chance to explore the Horse Stables to see the national pride of the Turkmen people, the Akhal-Teke horses, revered as some of the most beautiful horses in the world. Known as "heavenly horses," their most prominent feature is their metallic sheen.

You can also visit Gulistan Bazaar to experience vivid local life as you explore stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and daily necessities or even Turkmen carpet. Feel free to try some local food here if you like.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the Ashgabat airport for your flight to Mary (312km, 40 minutes). 

Upon arrival at Mary International Airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to Ancient Merv, located 33km northeast of Mary. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest and best-preserved of the oasis-cities along the Silk Route in Central Asia. It has spanned over 4,000 years’ history. During the medieval period, its population exceeded one million, making it one of the largest cities in the world. It was known as the "Queen of the World" and the "Jewel of the Silk Road."

Within the vast 1,200-hectare archaeological park, you'll have the chance to observe all the constituent parts of this "wandering city." The site consists of a series of adjacent cities, roughly divided into the ancient (Erk Kala and Gyaur Kala), the medieval (Sultan Kala), and the post-medieval (Abdulla-Khan Kala and Bayram-Ali-Khan Kala). Besides these remnants, you'll also visit the 6th-9th century AD forts of Big and Little Kyz-Kalas, which are excellent examples of the so-called "corrugated Koshks." You'll also explore the splendid 12th-century mausoleums of Sultan Sanjar and Muhammed ibn-Zeyd, which demonstrate exquisite Seljuk-period brickwork and architectural décor.

After sightseeing, we'll head back to Mary to visit the local Regional Museum. The museum presents a wide array of archaeological finds dating back from the 3rd millennium BC to the late 19th century. The collections come from both Ancient Merv and Bronze Age sites of the Margush region, as well as interesting ethnographic displays that reconstruct the daily lives of the local Turkmen population.

In the evening, take a return flight to Ashgabat (40 mins). Our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, it is time to explore the stunning city highlights and striking architectures of Ashgabat. Start your day at the Neutrality Monument. Built in 1998, this 75-meter-high, tripod-shaped arch symbolizes Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, power, and commitment to peace and goodwill.

Next, you'll move to the National Museum of Turkmenistan. This magnificent museum is one of the largest in Central Asia. Its striking exterior is a huge white marble building with unique blue dome, golden statues, and grand colonnades. Magnificent and beautiful! With a collection of over 500,000 items, there's plenty to explore. You can view archaeological finds from important Silk Road sites like Nisa, Merv, and Gonur Depe. See ancient artifacts such as coins, weapons, fine pottery, and gold jewelry. Be sure to see the museum's prized treasure: the ancient rhytons. You'll also see traditional clothing and other exhibits that capture the national spirit.

Later, you'll see the Independence Monument within Independence Park. This beautiful park is home to many statues of Turkmen poets, thinkers, and national heroes. You can also marvel at the 118-meter monument, which was built to commemorate Turkmenistan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

After that, continue to the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. Built in the 1990s as a gift from the Turkish government, this magnificent mosque was constructed entirely in the style of the Ottoman Empire, and its exterior is very similar to Istanbul's famous Blue Mosque. Upon arrival, you'll be struck by its four towering minarets and a magnificent central dome, all built from solemn white marble. Once inside, you'll be amazed by the opulent decoration, including delicate gilded carvings, intricate mosaic tiles, and huge crystal chandeliers, creating sacred and serene atmosphere.

After the city tour, it's time to be transferred to the Darvaza Burning Gas Crater, a journey of 272km (4-5 hours). We'll travel through the Karakum Desert, with its moving sands and sparse vegetation. After turning off the main road, we'll begin an exciting eight-kilometer desert drive, which will bring us within a few hundred meters of the flaming crater. You've now arrived at the "Door to Hell"!

The crater was formed in 1971 when Soviet geologists were drilling for natural gas. The ground beneath their rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 60 meters and a depth of 20 meters. To prevent the release of poisonous gas, they decided to light it on fire, hoping it would burn itself out in a few days. The gas, however, is still burning today.

At daylight, the crater may seem like an ordinary hole in the ground, with a slight haze of smoke. We'll take a walk around the site while our barbecue dinner is being prepared. As dusk falls, the simple hole transforms into a spectacular "fire temple," creating an otherworldly atmosphere that will ignite your imagination. We'll finish the day with a taste of delicious nomadic food, with the flickering lights of the "eternal" fire.

Stay overnight in a traditional yurt camp. (Note: The camp provides basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities.)

This morning, enjoy picnic-style breakfast at Darvaza in the desert. Afterward, drive north through the vast Karakum Desert to Kunya-Urgench (276 km, about 5 hours).

Located in northwestern Turkmenistan, Kunya-Urgench was once one of Central Asia’s most prosperous cities and the capital of the powerful Khwarazmian Empire. It reached its peak in the 11th-12th centuries as both a major Silk Road trade hub and a leading center of science, culture, and art in the Islamic world. Many renowned scholars worked here, making it a city to rival Bukhara and Samarkand. Today, what you see are ancient ruins (dating from the 11th to 16th centuries) scattered across the desert landscape, but the site is in fact recognized as an important UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2005). It is a place where you can trace the diverse methods and decorative styles of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.

On arrival, begin your visit at the Kutlug-Timur Minaret, soaring 60 meters high and the tallest structure on site. Continue to the Mausoleum of Sultan Tekesh (12th century), noted for its distinctive conical dome. Then explore the highlight of the complex, the Mausoleum of Turabeg Khanum (14th century), one of the most magnificent in the city. Take time to step inside and admire its breathtaking dome and intricate decorations. Also visit the Mausoleum of Il Arslan (12th century), where the square base and decorative brickwork reflect early Islamic architecture.

After your tour, you will be driven to the Shavat–Dashoguz border crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Complete customs and passport control formalities on both sides, then walk to the exit of the border area.

Here, your Uzbekistan driver will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name. Meet and greet your driver, then continue your journey with a scenic drive to Khiva in Uzbekistan (about 60 km, 1 hour).

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Khiva, check in, and enjoy a good rest in this historic Silk Road city.

“I would offer a bag of gold merely to catch a glimpse of Khiva.” This well-known Central Asian saying perfectly captures the city’s legendary allure. Khiva is a living “open-air museum,” a place where stepping through its gates feels like traveling back to the medieval era.

The highlight of Khiva is Itchan Kala, the perfectly preserved inner-walled city of the Khwarezm Empire (10th-17th centuries). Enclosed by 10-meter-high mud-brick walls, this UNESCO World Heritage site covers just 26 hectares and is home to about 2,000 residents. All its treasures - palaces, mosques, madrasahs, minarets, and mausoleums - lie within a walkable 1-kilometer radius, making it easy to explore on foot in half a day.

After breakfast, follow your guide through the Ata Darvaza (West Gate) to begin your journey through Khiva’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the turquoise-glazed Kalta Minor Minaret (the “Short Minaret”) and the nearby Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, the largest in Khiva. Continue to the peaceful Sayid Allauddin Mausoleum (14th century) and the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, the holiest site in Khiva with its striking turquoise domes.

Climb (optional, self-pay) the Islam Khoja Minaret - at 57 meters tall, it offers breathtaking panoramic views over the city. Step into the Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque) with its mesmerizing forest of 218 wooden columns, and admire the intricate tilework at Allakuli Khan Madrasah. Explore the elegant Tosh Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) with its harem quarters and mirrored halls, and visit the Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrasa for a glimpse of Khiva’s cultural history.

Also, explore Kuhna Ark (Old Fortress), a 17th-century citadel where you can see the khans’ harem, mint, stables, arsenal, mosque, and jail. If time permits, walk along the Itchan Kala walls (self-pay) for unforgettable panoramic views - a perfect spot to watch the sunset over Khiva’s timeless skyline. (Fun fact: Itchan Kala is featured on the 100,000 Uzbekistani som banknote!)

This afternoon, you will be transferred to Khiva Railway Station to board your train to Bukhara (about 6 hours). Enjoy the scenic journey across the Kyzylkum Desert as you make your way to one of the Silk Road’s most legendary cities.

You will arrive in Bukhara later in the evening, where your local driver will be waiting at the railway station to meet you. From there, you’ll be escorted to your hotel for check-in and have a good rest.

Today, follow our guide to fully explore Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric cities along the Silk Road. Often called the “Second Mecca,” Bukhara has been a center of Islamic learning for centuries and is famous for its 2,500-year-old history as a Silk Road hub, from the era of the Samanids to the Timurids. This legendary city is also tied to the tales of One Thousand and One Nights and is the home of the beloved folk character Afandi.

Bukhara is wonderfully walkable - most of its landmarks are within a compact 6 km stretch - making it easy to immerse yourself in its living history, lively bazaars, and warm local atmosphere.

Your exploration begins at Chor Minor Madrasah, the four-towered gem that once graced the cover of Lonely Planet Central Asia. Built in 1807 by the wealthy merchant Khalif Niyazkul, its four unique minarets are believed to represent the four major religions of the world, with decorations that some interpret as Buddhist prayer wheels, Christian crosses, Zoroastrian motifs, and Islamic patterns. This charming structure is all that remains of a once-grand madrasa complex.

Continue to Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, the beating heart of Bukhara since the 17th century. Built around a peaceful pool shaded by mulberry trees, this square was once a lively Silk Road trading hub. Its three surrounding monuments — the Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasah, the Nadir Divan-Beghi Khanaka (Sufi hospice), and the Kukeldash Madrasah - are masterpieces of Central Asian architecture. Today, Lyabi Hauz remains the social center of the city, lined with cafes where locals sip tea and travelers watch the world go by. Don’t miss the playful statue of Khodja Nasreddin (Afandi), the wise fool of Sufi legend, riding his donkey.

Nearby is the Magoki Attori Mosque, Bukhara’s oldest surviving mosque, dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Situated 4.5 meters below ground level, this mosque is a true archaeological wonder, displaying ancient brickwork and terracotta ornamentation. It now houses a small carpet museum (admission self-pay).

From there, stroll through Bukhara’s famous Trading Domes, a network of 16th-century domed bazaars - Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Sarrofon, Telpak-Furushon, and Tim Abdullah Khan. Once bustling hubs for jewelers, money changers, and silk merchants, they still sell traditional crafts, carpets, and souvenirs, allowing you to experience Bukhara’s mercantile spirit firsthand.

Next, reach the Po-i-Kalyan Complex, the iconic centerpiece of Bukhara’s skyline. Here you will admire the 47-meter-high Kalyan Minaret - so magnificent that Genghis Khan spared it from destruction. The adjacent Kalyan Mosque, with its 288 domes and capacity for 10,000 worshippers, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, with its turquoise domes and active Islamic school, together form one of Central Asia’s most stunning architectural ensembles.

Your final stops are the Ark of Bukhara, the ancient fortress that served as the royal residence for centuries, and the nearby Bolo Hauz Mosque, known as the “Mosque of Forty Columns” for its 20 exquisitely carved wooden pillars reflected in the pool in front. Inside the Ark, explore its throne room, coronation mosque, and museums, or climb to the top for sweeping views over the city.

Optional sunset tip: For an unforgettable end to your day, watch the sunset from the Ark’s walls or a rooftop near Po-i-Kalyan. As the minarets glow golden and the call to prayer echoes across the old city, Bukhara feels truly timeless.

This morning, continue your journey through Bukhara, the Religious and Academic Capital of the Silk Road, as you explore its palaces and mausoleums. Later this afternoon, board a comfortable train to Samarkand, the legendary Silk Road crossroads founded over 2,700 years ago.

Begin with a visit to the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emirs, located just 4 km outside the city. Its name poetically means “Palace of the Stars and the Moon.” The current palace, built between 1912 and 1918, perfectly blends Russian and Bukhara styles, offering a fascinating glimpse into royal life on the eve of the 20th century. Stroll through its lavishly decorated rooms, including the famous White Hall with its ganch carving set against mirrored walls, and admire the displays of Chinese porcelain, palace furniture, and embroidered national dress. Outside, enjoy the palace’s 7-hectare gardens where peacocks still wander freely, as they did a century ago.

Continue to the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one of Central Asia’s most important architectural treasures and the only surviving monument of the Samanid dynasty (9th–10th c.). This cube-like brick mausoleum is a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, combining durability with artistic elegance. Its intricate brick patterns and Zoroastrian-influenced forms create a quiet, meditative atmosphere within Samani Park - a serene spot to reflect on Bukhara’s ancient history.

Next, visit the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, also known as the “Spring of Holy Job.” Built by the Karakhanids in the 12th century, this unique structure is crowned with a tent-like roof. According to legend, the prophet Job struck the ground with his staff here, causing a spring to appear whose waters healed him. Today, visitors can see the holy spring, taste its water, and explore the small Museum of Water, which chronicles Bukhara’s historic irrigation systems.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Bukhara Railway Station for your train to Samarkand (about 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in for an overnight stay.

Evening Tip:

If time allows, head to Registan Square after dark. The golden-lit madrasahs and enchanting light shows create a magical, almost surreal atmosphere - perfect for soaking in the spirit of Samarkand and capturing stunning photos.

Today, immerse yourself in Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Timurid Empire (14th–15th centuries). Known as Uzbekistan’s cultural heart and second-largest city, Samarkand dazzles visitors with its monumental architecture, Silk Road legends, and vibrant bazaars. From the majestic Gur-e Amir Mausoleum to the iconic Registan Square, the grand Bibi Khanim Mosque, the breathtaking Shahi Zinda Necropolis, and the lively Siyab Bazaar, you will discover a city that celebrates the glory and power of the Timurid dynasty.

Begin at Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), completed in 1404. This striking monument, crowned with a ribbed azure dome, served as a prototype for later Mughal architecture, including India’s Taj Mahal. Step inside to marvel at its gilded interior, intricate jade tombstones, and delicate calligraphy. Look for Timur’s legendary grave marker, said to carry a warning: “Whosoever disturbs my tomb will unleash an invader more terrible than I.” When Soviet archaeologists opened the tomb in June 1941, Nazi Germany invaded the USSR days later - a story that adds an air of mystery to your visit.

Next, head to Registan Square, the heart of Samarkand and one of the Silk Road’s most magnificent sights. Once a sandy gathering place for royal decrees, military parades, and festivals, it is now flanked by three resplendent madrasahs: Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1420), with its starry celestial mosaics; Sher-Dor Madrasa (1619), famed for its unique lion mosaics; and Tilya-Kori Madrasa (1660), with a dazzling gold-leaf dome that graces the cover of many guidebooks. By day, Registan is a masterpiece of symmetry and tilework; by night, it transforms under magical illuminations - a perfect spot for photography.

Continue to the monumental Bibi Khanim Mosque, one of the largest in the Islamic world. Built in 1404 to honor Timur’s wife, the mosque is steeped in legend - including the tale of the architect who dared to kiss Bibi Khanim and met Timur’s wrath. Step inside to admire gilded decorations inspired by local embroidery traditions.

Right nearby lies Siyab Bazaar, where you can sample Samarkand’s famous round bread, dried fruits, and spices while mingling with locals - a lively reminder that Samarkand was once a key Silk Road trading hub.

End your day with a stroll through Shahi Zinda Necropolis, an extraordinary “avenue of mausoleums” climbing a hillside. This necropolis, dating from the 11th to 15th centuries, contains some of the finest examples of Timurid-era tilework and the tombs of Timur’s female relatives and high-ranking nobles. The site is also believed to house the grave of Qutham ibn Abbas, cousin of Prophet Muhammad, making it a revered pilgrimage site. With its brilliant turquoise domes and intricate mosaics, Shahi Zinda is not just a spiritual landmark but also one of Samarkand’s most photogenic spots.

Spend your final morning in Samarkand, deepening your appreciation for this Silk Road gem. Begin at the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the most advanced observatories of the medieval world. Built in the 1420s by Ulugh Beg, Timur’s scholarly grandson and an “Astronomer King,” this hilltop site once housed a massive 11-meter sextant used to chart the heavens with remarkable accuracy. Though the observatory was destroyed in 1449 and only rediscovered in 1908, its surviving ruins and small museum offer fascinating insight into Samarkand’s golden age of science - and reward visitors with sweeping city views.

Continue to the Khodja Doniyor Mausoleum (Tomb of Sait Daniel), a spiritual site revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. Here lies the legendary tomb of Prophet Daniel, its sarcophagus unusually long at 18 meters — said to grow a little each year. Timur brought Daniel’s relics to Samarkand, and pilgrims have been coming ever since to pray at the tomb and drink from its sacred spring, believed to have healing properties. The serene setting on the banks of the Siab River makes this a perfect stop for quiet reflection and to appreciate Samarkand’s role as a crossroads of faith and culture.

Before departing, visit the Afrosiab Museum, located on the ruins of ancient Samarkand. This museum reveals the city’s 2,500-year history, from its earliest settlement through its Silk Road zenith. The highlight is the 7th-century Hall of Ambassadors fresco, which vividly portrays King Varkhuman welcoming envoys from China, Persia, and beyond - a remarkable record of early diplomacy. Pottery, coins, and ossuaries showcase life in pre-Mongol Samarkand, and a detailed city model helps you imagine the metropolis before Genghis Khan’s conquest.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station for your train journey back to Tashkent. On arrival in Uzbekistan’s bustling capital - a lively mix of Soviet architecture, leafy parks, and modern cafés - settle in for the night.

After breakfast, set out for a full-day exploration of Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital and a city where centuries-old tradition meets modern charm.

Begin your day in the Old City at the Khast-Imam Complex, the spiritual heart of Tashkent. This serene ensemble of blue-domed mosques, mausoleums, and madrasahs invites you to step back in time. Here you’ll find the elegant Hazrati Imam Mosque, whose twin 53-meter minarets and gold-leafed domes dominate the square, as well as the Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Barak Khan Madrasah, and the Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, a 10th-century scholar, poet, and locksmith-saint after whom the complex is named. Be sure to visit the Mui Muborak Library, home to the revered 7th-century Osman Qur’an - one of the world’s oldest copies.

After soaking up the complex’s peaceful atmosphere, stroll through Barak Khan Madrasah, now home to artisan workshops and boutiques. Watch local masters create ikat fabrics, woodcarvings, pottery, and jewelry, giving you a chance to bring home a unique handmade souvenir.

Continue your immersion in local culture with a visit to Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s largest and most iconic marketplace. Beneath its turquoise dome, vendors sell colorful spices, dried fruits, fresh bread still warm from the tandoor, and vibrant handicrafts. Sample street food, chat with friendly locals, and experience the daily rhythm of Tashkent life.

Next, explore the State Museum of Applied Arts, where more than 7,000 exhibits showcase Uzbekistan’s finest craftsmanship from the 19th century to today. Admire intricate gold embroidery, suzani textiles, ceramics, jewelry, carpets, and woodcarvings, gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s artistic traditions.

In the afternoon, descend underground for a ride on the Tashkent Metro - an experience in itself. As the first subway system in Central Asia, it is a living museum of Soviet architecture and Uzbek decorative art. Each station is uniquely designed, from Kosmonavtlar with its cosmonaut-themed mosaics to Paxtakor with cotton motifs.

Emerge at Amir Timur Square, the heart of modern Tashkent. Surrounded by landmarks such as Hotel Uzbekistan, the Palace of International Forums, and the University of Law, the square is anchored by a bronze equestrian statue of Amir Timur, the great Central Asian conqueror and founder of the Timurid Empire. Take time to relax by the fountains, stroll through the green spaces, and - if time allows - visit the Amir Timur Museum (closed Mondays), whose striking dome is depicted on the 1,000-som banknote. Inside, discover fascinating exhibits on Timur’s life and legacy.

After the tour, be escorted to the hotel in Tashkent.

After breakfast, you will have some free time to explore Tashkent. Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to your next destination or to return home. Your 11-day Turkmenistan Uzbekistan tour concludes here. (Tip: Please inform us of your flight details so we can arrange your airport transfer accordingly.)

Optional Extension:

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are parts of a larger Central Asia tour. You can also cover other highlights in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. We can tailor Central Asia tour based on your preferred duration and interests.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Turkmenistan Uzbekistan tour. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!