Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Silk Road Cultural Discovery Tour

On this extraordinary 12-day journey, follow the ancient northern Silk Road route through the immense deserts of Central Asia. Explore Uzbekistan’s legendary caravan cities and venture into rarely visited Turkmenistan for a deeper look at this ancient route. From the turquoise-tiled domes of Samarkand to the gleaming white marble of Ashgabat, you will explore iconic UNESCO-listed cities while enjoying the deep local insights of our expert guides and the regional flavors of traditional Silk Road cuisine.

Legacy of Experience: MT Sobek has led travelers on epic Silk Road adventures for over 20 years.

World-Class Local Guides: Our remarkable local guides offer immense cultural expertise and go out of their way to make you feel at home in every city.

Immersive Cultural Depth: Step back in time to explore the fabled wonders of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Merv through tours of mosques, madrassas, and bazaars.

Seamless Regional Logistics: We handle all complex travel details, including high-speed trains, internal flights, and border crossings so you can focus on the incredible history and hospitality of the region.

Springtime (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit, when the region is generally warm, dry, and sunny. We design our departures during these months to avoid the extreme heat of the Central Asian summer.

March to May: The desert landscape comes to life in spring, and the winter chill fades making it an ideal time for exploring ancient cities and bustling bazaars in comfort.

September: Markets are filled with freshly harvested produce, and the drying heat of summer eases for excellent sightseeing temperatures.

October: October brings cooler, refreshing air, and the harvest season continues with abundant produce in the markets and on menus.

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18. This itinerary is designed with adult travelers in mind, based on daily activity levels, accommodations, and overall group experience. Families or groups with children as young as 13 should check out our private departures .

This trip focuses on cultural discovery through city touring and village visits, exploring ancient archaeological sites, and vibrant bazaars. While the walking is not particularly difficult, you should be prepared for active days spent largely on your feet.

Varied Terrain: Touring includes navigating uneven surfaces, stairs, gravel and tarmac roads, historic ruins, and sprawling marketplaces on foot across both countries.

Border Crossings: You must be prepared to walk a little over half a mile (about 20 minutes) while transporting your own luggage across the border neutral zone.

Once your reservation with MT Sobek is finalized, we'll notify you of your trip's status. After your departure is confirmed to operate, flights and travel arrangements may be purchased. While we can often confirm departures in advance, some decisions may be finalized closer to final payment. We strongly advise checking directly with your Adventure Coordinator before purchasing any non-refundable air arrangements. For expert assistance with your flight plans, we recommend reaching out to Exito Travel at 800-655-4053 or via email at [email protected].

Please consult with your Adventure Coordinator before purchasing your tickets to ensure your trip has met its minimum guest count and is confirmed to operate.

Arrival: Arrive at Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) no later than 4:00 pm on Day 1.

Departure: Schedule your departing flight from Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) any time on Day 12.

If you choose to arrive early in Tashkent, we recommend staying at our group hotel, the Hyatt Regency Tashkent. Please contact your Adventure Coordinator for reservations, or reserve with the hotel directly.

US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 30 days in Uzbekistan. If you plan to extend your visit beyond 30 days, you can apply for an e-Visa through the official government portal.

For Turkmenistan, US citizens need a single-entry visa, which is obtained at the border during the trip using a Letter of Invitation (LOI) that MT Sobek will help arrange in advance. To begin this process, please upload a scan of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo to your guest portal as soon as possible after booking. You should be prepared to pay in clean, undamaged US dollars in the total amount at the border for your visa. Note that prices are subject to change without notice.

$55 for a visa fee
$4 administration fee
$14 Turkmenistan migration tax
$33 COVID-19 test fee (as of our current 2026 records, all guests arriving in Turkmenistan are still required to take a COVID test at the border post)

The border crossing process can take several hours and requires walking a little over half a mile while transporting your own luggage across unshaded, gravel roads. Throughout this process, follow all local regulations closely, including the strict prohibition of photography at all border checkpoints.

Non-US citizens should consult their local embassy or consulate to confirm current entry requirements.

Yes, electrical outlets are available at every accommodation for charging devices. Visit this site for more information World Power Plugs & Sockets . Wi-Fi is available at most hotels in Uzbekistan, but it is very spotty throughout Turkmenistan.

Central Asian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, often centered on plov (a savory rice and meat pilaf). You will also enjoy steamed meat dumplings, savory pastry pockets, grilled kebabs, and a variety of freshly made breads. Fresh local fruits, especially melons, are a regular highlight.

Breakfasts are served buffet-style, offering a variety of Western and local dishes accompanied by coffee, tea, and juices. Lunches and dinners highlight regional favorites such as skewered kebabs, lamb, beef, or chicken, served with traditional noodles, rice, and fresh salads. While we include a glass of beer, wine, or vodka at our festive welcome and farewell dinners, a selection of alcohol is also available for purchase throughout your adventure.

Yes, we can accommodate many common restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets on this trip with advance notice. Let us know about your dietary restrictions and food allergies as soon as possible, so we can coordinate with guides, hotels, and restaurants. Please also list these on your Participant Information Form.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly! You can find more information on solo traveler options here .

Yes, laundry service is available at most hotels for an additional charge. You can also hand-wash items in your room; we recommend bringing a travel clothesline and a small packet of detergent.

The weather in Central Asia during the months our trips operate is generally warm to hot and dry. Daytime highs frequently range from the 70s to the 90s°F, cooling off at night. Sun protection and light, loose layers are your best strategy for staying comfortable throughout the day.

March through May: Expect highs in the 70s°F to 80s°F and cool nights in the 50s°F.

September and October: Temperatures are similar to spring, with highs in the 70s°F to 80s°F and nights in the mid-40s to 50s°F.

Both countries use a 220V system and need Type C and F adapters. Visit this site for more information World Power Plugs & Sockets .

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

There is no standard required clearance from a doctor to participate in this trip. You will have an opportunity to discuss your fitness and preparedness for the trip with MT Sobek. If you have medical concerns or questions about fitness, consult your healthcare provider before traveling.

Tashkent is a rewarding city to explore before or after the trip, with a mix of leafy parks, Soviet-era architecture, contemporary museums, and traditional craft culture. You may wish to visit Tashkent City Park, explore the Islamic Civilization Center, stop by a local ceramic workshop, or spend time browsing markets and neighborhood cafes. For a quieter start or finish, the Hyatt Regency Tashkent offers a spa, pool, and comfortable place to rest before or after your Silk Road journey.