Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Silk Road Cultural Discovery Tour
East Meets West Journey from Tashkent to Khiva
- Available: April, May, September, October
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Luxury Hotels, Comfortable Hotels, Rustic Lodging
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Group Size:
4-15 Guests
Min Age: 13
Highlights
- Travel through the heart of the northern Silk Road -- one of world's great cultural crossroads
- Explore UNESCO-listed Bukhara's mosques, domed bazaars, and caravansaries, illustrating 1,000 years of history
- Visit the marbled city of Ashgabat and its legendary everything-from-carpets-to-camels bazaar
Itinerary
Welcome to Uzbekistan
Day 1
Welcome to Tashkent! Meet your MT Sobek guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. This evening, the group convenes for a brief orientation and a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel Tashkent
Meals: Dinner
Scenic Drive to Samarkand
Day 2
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Samarkand, a historic and central part of the old Silk Road. En route stop for a small picnic with beautiful mountain views near the legendary gate of the 14th-century nomadic ruler Tamerlane, for a brief photo op near the second-largest river in Central Asia, Sir Darya, and then at a famous local market where the region's best melons are sold. If melons are in season, you'll try some! On arrival in Samarkand, visit the Koni Ghil Silk Paper Center to learn the process of silk paper production and bread baking process. Visit Alexiy Cathedral, followed by a traditional dinner at a historic UNESCO-protected home. After dinner, view Registan Square from the outside and marvel at the glowing monuments.
Accommodation: Grand Samarkand Superior-Samarkand
Accommodation: Movenpick SamarkandTransportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Legendary City of Samarkand
Day 3
Begin today's tour of legendary Samarkand at Guri Emir, the mausoleum and burial place for Amir Temur and his family, and regal Registan Square, with its intricately designed and vibrantly colored blue-tiled mosques and madrassas (Muslim schools). Also visit the regal mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda, site of Central Asia's most sacred Islamic shrine, the massive mosque of Bibi Khanum, and the adjacent colorful market, where the original "spice girls" sell saffron at unbelievably low prices. This afternoon, visit the the home of Mr. Kalandarov, a wealthy Jewish man, which is now are museum of local lore. Before dinner enjoy wine tasting at Khovrenko Wine Factory.
Accommodation: Grand Samarkand Superior-Samarkand
Accommodation: Movenpick SamarkandActivity: City touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take the Train to Bukhara and Visit Bukhara's UNESCO-Listed Sites
Day 4
Transfer to the station and take Afrosiyob train to Bukhara. Explore Bukhara, with its bustling trading domes and active mosques, including Kalyan Minaret, one of Central Asia's tallest towers, and the ancient Silk Market. Taste splendid herbal teas at Retro-Saloon Timur. Tonight enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner of plov, a local lamb and rice pilaf dish.
Accommodation: Lyabi House
Accommodation: Omar Khayyam HotelActivity: City touring
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stroll the Streets of Old Bukhara
Day 5
Tour Old Bukhara: stroll the old town center, where locals chat endlessly while drinking tea around a natural oasis spring. Bukhara's UNESCO recognition has resulted in restorations of some of its 11th- to 15th-century mosques, including Bolo Hauz Mosque, Chashmai Ayub and Magokki Attori Mosque. Visit Bukhara's massive fortress, the Ark, and Ismail Samani's beautiful 10th-century mausoleum. Tonight, enjoy a festive folklore and national dress show at the historic Nodir Devonbegi Madrassah.
Accommodation: Lyabi House
Accommodation: Omar Khayyam HotelActivity: City touring
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross into Turkmenistan & Discover Historical Mary
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to the Turkmenistan border and on to Mary - known as Merv in ancient times - a city on an oasis in the Karakum Desert. En route, stop for lunch in the ancient Silk Road crossroads of Turkmenabat, which once connected Bukhara with Khiva and Merv. For about 300 years, Merv was the largest city in Central Asia and the Khalifat capital for eight years. During the 12th century, it was said to be the world's biggest city. Take in Old Merv's historical sites before enjoying a hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Mary Hotel-Mary
Activity: City touring
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Historical Sites of Merv
Day 7
This morning we explore more of ancient Merv, the oldest and best-preserved of the oasis-cities along the Silk Route in Central Asia, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We explore the history museum and other sites, before transferring to the airport for an evening flight to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Its gleaming domes, monuments, minarets, and lavish palaces make it feel like an enchanted city.
Accommodation: Grand Turkmen Hotel-Ashgabat
Accommodation: Yyldyz Hotel-AshgabatActivity: City touring
Transportation: 40-minute flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour Ashgabat's Tombs & Sanctuary of Parthian Kings
Day 8
Today browse the city's famous Sunday bazaar, a truly medieval experience! Everything from camels to auto parts to world-famous Bukhara rugs - both new and old - are sold. Later, we'll tour more of Ashgabat, including the majestic Turkmenbashy Ruhy Metjidi, one of the biggest mausoleum complexes in Central Asia, containing the tombs of Turkmenbashy (the former ruler of Turkmenistan) and his family. Visit the ruins of Nissa, the former seat of the Parthian kings and an important Silk Road trading town, then take a city tour. After dinner, drive Ashgabat's main avenues to take in its brightly lit buildings and monuments. This exquisite city is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble than any other in the world!
Accommodation: Grand Turkmen Hotel-Ashgabat
Accommodation: Yyldyz Hotel-AshgabatActivity: City touring
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive in the Ancient City of Khiva
Day 9
This morning, transfer to Ashgabat Airport for a flight to Dashoguz. Upon arrival, take a 35-minute drive to one of the most impressive fortresses of the Middle Ages: the ruins of Yzmukshir Fortress, birthplace of famous scientist and philologist As Zamahshary. Return to Dashoguz for lunch and then drive into Uzbekistan and on to Khiva, a very ancient city said to be founded by Shem, the son of the biblical Noah. Visit a Khorezmian singer's house and enjoy traditional, ethnically Khorezmian music. There will be time to rest before dinner at the hotel, the largest in Khiva.
Accommodation: Orient Star Hotel
Accommodation: Farovon KhivaActivity: City touring
Transportation: 1-hour flight & 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour Old Khiva
Day 10
After breakfast at the hotel, set off on a walking tour of old Khiva, visiting Kunya-Ark fortress, several mosques, madrassas, and minarets. The walled city of Khiva hosts more than 50 monuments, making it a true archaeological treasure. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own before convening for dinner tonight at a local family's restaurant for traditional regional fare.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel Tashkent
Activity: City touring
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the Wonders of Tashkent
Day 11
Enjoy an early breakfast, before transferring to the Urgench Airport for your flight back to Tashkent. On arrival, explore the bustling and cosmopolitan city of Tashkent, with its tree-lined boulevards, verdant parks, and elaborate monuments. Take in many of the city's highlights, including the Khast-Imam Complex and its architectural marvels; the world-renowned Uthman Qur'an Friday Mosque, which houses an early copy of the Quran; the Chorsu Bazaar, a traditional market set beneath a vibrant, blue dome and the Applied Arts Museum. After lunch, visit the newer part of the city: Independence Square, Amir Temur Museum, Alisher Navoi Theater. In the late afternoon, visit ceramist Akbar Rahimov's workshop and take a tea break. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a local Georgian restaurant.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel Tashkent
Activity: City touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Tashkent
Day 12
After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport, bid farewell to your travel companions, and depart on your homeward-bound flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$325 internal airfare+$700 single supplementCheck for Availability
- $6,245 price per person dbl occ+$325 internal airfare+$700 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,295 price per person dbl occ+$325 internal airfare+$850 single supplementFully Booked - Private Departure
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$325 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$325 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$325 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $6,795 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $6,195 per person double occupancy
6 to 10 guests from $5,995 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
2 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $6,695 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $6,495 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $6,295 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $325
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Sep 08 - 19, 2024
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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April, May, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Aleksandr Kalmykov
Alex was born in Kyrgyzstan, and successfully completed his studies in history and culturology at Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University in 2012. He soon found his passion in guiding and has led groups in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Alex is now a regional expert, always searching for new discoveries. Every year Aleksandr takes part in the international travel fairs in London and Berlin, representing Central Asia and the Great Silk Road. His biggest desire is to open Central Asia to the world and there is nothing but smiles from those traveling with him.

Alyona Strauss
Alyona has led adventure travel tours through remote areas of Central Asia for over 10 years. Her local roots give her a deep insight into the culture and traditions, enabling travelers to experience Central Asian culture in a profound way. Alyona has made several presentations at UNWTO forums about tourism in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. As a result, she is aware of the main trends in tourism including sustainable travel, and successfully implements it with the groups she travels with.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. On this trip, you will be touring cities and villages, exploring ancient sites, and visiting beautiful mosques and vibrant bazaars - as well as enjoying the warmth of each country's people. While none of the walking is particularly difficult, some days you'll be on your feet for much of the day.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
City touring
Day 4
City touring
Day 5
City touring
Day 6
City touring
Day 7
City touring
Day 8
City touring
Day 9
City touring
Day 10
City touring
Day 11
City touring
Accommodations
Comfortable and conveniently located Silk Road hotels with modern and traditional flair.
Weather
Temperatures will range from the low 50's F at night to the high 80's and into the 90's F during the day. It will generally be warm, dry and sunny.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our MT Sobek representative will meet you at the Tashkent Airport.
What is the highest elevation on this trip?
Please note that this entire trip is below 6,000 feet.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
Yes, you actually need two: one for Uzbekistan, which you will get on your own, and one for Turkmenistan, which you get at the border during the trip.
Do I need to bring a prescription from my doctor for my prescription medication?
Yes, you must bring it for all prescription medications and it must match your name. Please only bring the amount of medication you need for the trip.
What days will I be in each country?
You will be in Uzbekistan from Days 1 - 6 and then Days 9 - 12 and Turkmenistan from Days 6 - 9.
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Guest Reviews
"In Central Asia you really need to have guides and MT Sobek works with excellent country guides, which makes a huge difference."
Irina & Andrei S.
MT Sobek Guest, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Silk Road Cultural Discovery
"This trip was so interesting, absorbing, and well-paced that I returned home feeling rested and fulfilled."
Jane O.
MT Sobek Guest, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Silk Road Cultural Discovery