Description
Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Expedition: Cities of Silk & Deserts of Fire
Step into the surreal and spellbinding heart of Central Asia, where ancient civilisations, dazzling Islamic architecture, and haunting desert landscapes await. This 13-day expedition across Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan brings together Silk Road opulence and modern-day mystique in one unforgettable journey.
Begin in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s bustling capital, before crossing the country by train into the storybook city of Khiva where blue-tiled minarets rise above old town walls and centuries of history echo through ornate madrassahs.
Cross into the unknown of Turkmenistan, a land of stark contrasts and surreal wonder. Camp beside the fiery Gates of Hell in the Karakum Desert, explore the eccentric marble capital of Ashgabat, and step through the crumbling remnants of Kunya-Urgench, once one of the greatest cities of the Islamic world.
Re-enter Uzbekistan and become immersed in the Silk Road gems of Bukhara and Samarkand. Wander vibrant bazaars, sip local tea, and watch the sunset from rooftops once trodden by traders and poets.
Along the way, you’ll stay in homestays and yurts, hike through mountain villages, and contribute to our solar power initiative supporting off-grid communities in Uzbekistan’s Nuratau Mountains.
Highlights
- Soviet-era ngight trains
- Ancient Silk Road cities
- Solar panel installation in village homestay
- Gates of Hell
- Ashgabat’s marble city
Evening arrival in Tashkent. Meet your guide and your Far Corners Tribe, and enjoy an introductory city tour featuring Amir Temur Square and Independence Square before a welcome dinner and drinks in Tashkent's bustling centre
Overnight: Tashkent (hotel)
Tour Tashkent's metro, the Monument of Courage, and the Khast Imam complex housing the 7th-century Koran of Khalif Osman. Wander Chorsu Bazaar before catching the nostalgic overnight sleeper train to the hidden gem of the Silk Road, Khiva.
Overnight: Train carriage
Arrive in the quiet splendour of old town Khiva. Wander through Ichan Kala fortress, exploring mosques, palaces, and madrassahs that date back to the 10th century as you enjoy free time in this preserved masterpiece.
Overnight: Khiva (hotel)
Continue to be surprised by the dozens of historical and cultural beauties packed into the narrow streets of this UNESCO walled city including Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum and Juma Mosque. Ascend the fortifications for a view of the sun bathing the minarets as the call to prayer rings out.
Overnight: Khiva (hotel)
After breakfast, transfer to the Dashoguz border crossing into Turkmenistan. Visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Kunya-Urgench before heading to the fiery Darvaza gas crater, ‘the Gates of Hell’. Enjoy dinner beside the flaming pit.
Overnight: Karakum Desert (traditional yurt).
Travel through the desert via mud and water craters with a stop in Yerbent village. Arrive in Ashgabat and explore the National Museum, Artogrul Gazi Mosque, and the Russian Bazaar. Take a nighttime city tour including the Neutrality Arch and Olympic Village.
Overnight: Ashgabat (hotel)
Visit the Parthian fortress of Nisa, the State Carpet Museum, and battle sites from the 1879–81 Turkmen-Russian war. Meet Akhalteke horses at a private stable and stop at Ruhy Mosque and the Mausoleum of the first Turkmen president before stopping in Arkadag en route back to Ashgabat. Transfer to Ashgabat train station for the 8pm sleeper train to Turkmenabat. Dinner and overnight on the train.
Overnight: Train carriage
Arrival in Turkmenabat at 9am. Transfer through Farap border to Bukhara. Treat yourself to a traditional hammam spa treatment and free time to wander the markets of this transportative and iconic city.
Overnight: Bukhara (hotel)
Take a stroll through Bukhara’s old town, pass the Ark Citadel, Kalyan Minaret, Silk Road tea house, and Lyabi-Hauz complex. In the afternoon, drive to Ukhum village with stops at Malik Sardoba and a traditional pottery workshop in Gijduvan.
Overnight: Ukhum village (hotel)
Wake up in the pristine Nuratau mountains and enjoy a morning hike to ancient petroglyphs. Take part in the installation of solar panels for our local guesthouses in Ukhum as part of our social development project. Tuck in to a delicious home-cooked dinner made by your hosts.
Overnight: Ukhum village (guesthouse).
Descend from the mountains to the jewel in the Silk Road crown, Samarkand. Visit Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and the Afrasiyab Museum on a deep dive into Samarkand’s Silk Road legacy.
Overnight: Samarkand (hotel)
On the final full day, tour the wonders of Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Ulugbek Observatory, and Konigil village to see the traditional art of paper-making in action. Soak up the Registan lightshow and final farewell dinner and drinks in this enchanting open air museum.
Overnight: Samarkand (hotel)
Enjoy a final breakfast together before transfers to Tashkent airport for departures or onwards travel to Central Asia III itinerary.