Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Discoverer

19 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Discover a mystical side of Central Asia that rarely features in the minds of travellers. Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road with the medieval cities, stunning architecture and colourful history of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Begin in modern, cosmopolitan Tashkent and voyage out into the deserts to uncover 2000-year-old fortress cities lost in t...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Join a local family for a cooking class on the classic central asian rice dish - plov
    • Stop in the famed ceramics town ofgijduvan and join a ceramics maker for a demonstration of their artform
    • Enjoy a full day of guided exploration in tashkent including the outstanding chorsu bazaar - one of asia's oldest markets and a testament to the friendly spirit of the locals
    • Steeped in silk road history and immortalised in many a great tale, the unesco-protected town of khiva is as photogenic as it is legendary
    • With two full days and an array of included activities in bukhara, there's plenty of time to absorb the magic of central asia's 'holiest city'
    • Witness the extraordinary medressas of samarkand's registan. this public square is one of the true pinnacles of islamic architecture
    • Dip in the temperate waters of kow-ata, a hidden thermal lake that reaches as far as 60 metres underground
    • Explore sprawling silk road ruins of mary, merv and others with a local guide - once testaments to grand empires
    • Witness the eternal flames of the darvaza crater, aka the 'door to hell' as you camp nearby – one of the strangest, most mesmerising geological oddities on earth

What's this trip about?

    Discover a mystical side of Central Asia that rarely features in the minds of travellers. Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road with the medieval cities, stunning architecture and colourful history of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Begin in modern, cosmopolitan Tashkent and voyage out into the deserts to uncover 2000-year-old fortress cities lost in the sands of time. Stand awestruck, as Genghis Khan once did, in front of Bukhara's Kalyan Minaret, gaze upon Samarkand's mighty Registan Ensemble, and camp at desert oases as Silk Road travellers have done for centuries. Contrast the older, slower Turkmenistan – one of medieval ruins, black-sand deserts, prehistoric towns, old Silk Road haunts, nomadic remnants and humble, hospitable locals – with the marbled metropolis of Ashgabat in destinations of immense spiritual and historical depth.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityTashkent
End CityAshgabat

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Turkmenistan
  • Uzbekistan

Attractions

  • Samarkand

Activities

  • Culture

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Tashkent

Xush kelibsiz! Welcome to Uzbekistan. The largest city in Central Asia with a population of over 2 million, Tashkent is a mix of Russian and Uzbek style, an indication of the fact that for many years it was a key city of the USSR. Extravagant mosques, both ancient and...

Day 2 Tashkent

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel, then spend a full day exploring Tashkent on a city tour. A highlight is the Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in Central Asia. Wandering through this giant marketplace is a fantastic way to see locals going abo...

Day 3 Samarkand

Transfer to the station this morning and take the 8am high speed “Afrosiab” train to Samarkand (approximately 2 hours). This is a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other. From its foundation in the 5th century BC, Samarkand has been a...

Day 4 Samarkand

A highlight of this trip is standing on the iconic Registan Square with the three medressas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tilla-Kari) towering over you. The Registan is probably the most recognisable of all Central Asia's monuments. The facades of the two medressas facing th...

Day 5 Gijduvan/Bukhara

Enjoy some free time this morning to relax or have a leisurely walk around and take in the skyline one last time. Then, in the afternoon, drive west to Bukhara (approximately 4 hours). En route you will stop in Gijduvan city, which is famous for its ceramic pottery. T...

Day 6 Bukhara

A UNESCO-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city. With more than 100 officially preserved monuments, there is a lot to see. Your extensive sightseeing program here is spread over two days to make the most of your time. With many monument...

Day 7 Bukhara

Start the second full day of sightseeing in Bukhara on a different note, visiting the city’s trading domes. In the 16th century, under the Shaybanides dynasty, Bukhara was a major trade, craft, and administration centre on the Great Silk Road. The city was famous for ...

Day 8 Khiva

Set off early today and drive 450 kilometres to Khiva (approximately 10 hours including photo stops and lunch). Along the way you’ll travel through the Kyzyl-Kum (Red Sands Desert), the largest desert area in Central Asia. It’s long been inhabited by various nomadic p...

Day 9 Khiva

Take a full day to explore the city. Khiva is enchanting at dawn, with its empty streets and the palpable weight of thousands of years of history. Perhaps get up early before the day’s sightseeing begins, and enjoy the sunrise. Khiva is beautifully preserved and perfe...

Day 10 Nukus

After breakfast this morning continue north along the border to remote Nukus (approximately 4 hours). Drive through farmland, desert, past Zoroastrian towers of silence, and follow along the Amu Darya River to the capital of Karakalpakstan. Nukus sits in the Karakalpa...

Day 11 Kunya Urgench - Dashogus

Today you will leave Uzbekistan and cross the border into Turkmenistan at Khodjeyli (Xo‘jayli) (approximately 30 minutes). Farewell your Uzbekistan guide and meet your Turkmenistan guide, who will be your leader for the rest of your journey. Continue the short distanc...

Day 12 Darvaza

This morning is yours to spend relaxing after the tiring last few days. Later, in the early afternoon, you will drive north in a 4x4 to the Darvaza Crater, aka the 'Door to Hell' (approximately 4 hours). Darvaza is an astounding 70-metre-wide hole in the Karakum Deser...

Day 13 Yerbent/Ashgabat

After breakfast at the campsite, it's time to pack up and drive by 4x4 to the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat (approximately 4 hours). On the way you will pass other craters (filled with water and sulphide), then stop in at the small settlement of Yerbent, which gives you...

Day 14 Ashgabat

Start the day with a thorough insight into Turkmenistan with a visit to the National Museum. It’s home to about 500 000 artefacts dedicated to the Bronze Age, Antiquity and Middle Age history of the country. Other sections of the museum include displays of local natur...

Day 15 Abirverd/Mary

Today you will drive to Mary, pronounced 'Mah-rih' (approximately 5 hours). Mary is the capital of the province of the same name, whose history dates back to the 1820s. The town's many signs of opulence can be traced to the long-running local cotton industry. Stop for...

Day 16 Merv/Mary

Today you will drive to Merv, (approximately 30–40 minutes), also known as Margiana or Margush. Take some time to explore Turkmenistan's most recognised site, which is now protected by UNESCO. It's a collection of walled towns from various periods spread across a 1,20...

Day 17 Ashgabat

Drive back to Ashgabat today (approximately 5 hours) with a stop for a picnic lunch along the way. On arrival, enjoy some free time to further explore this Persian 'city of love'. The 1948 earthquake affected every family in Ashgabat and is ingrained in the psyche of ...

Day 18 Kow Ata/Ashgabat

Leave the city for the stunning Kow Ata, a beautiful lake that goes some 60 metres underground. The temperature of its water sits at around 35°C all year, so it's a great spot for swimming. Be sure to bring your bathers with you. After, visit a horse stable that house...

Day 19 Ashgabat

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. If you choose to extend your stay here we can assist you with booking additional accommodation.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,960
Price per day$261
Last Updated: 8/8/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tania

Mar 2020

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Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

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Ruth

Mar 2020

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very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

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Jane

Apr 2020

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Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

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Peregrine Adventures

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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nights),Camping (1 night),

Transportation & Flights

Private bus,High Speed train,Metro,4x4,Taxi,

Transportation & flights

Private bus,High Speed train,Metro,4x4,Taxi
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent. UZBEKISTAN E-VISA All travellers to Uzbekistan require a visa in advance and visas are not available on arrival. From 15th July 2018 Uzbekistan has introduced an e-visa system. A letter of invitation is no longer required for a majority of nationalities like Australia, New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Holland etc. The e-visa is issued for a period of stay in the territory of Uzbekistan up to 30 days with a single entry and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Travellers must submit an online application for a visa at least three working days before the planned date of travel to Uzbekistan. The consular fee for processing and issuing an e-visa is US$20 to be paid online.Please check if you are eligible for an e-visa and apply here: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main If your country is not in the drop down list of is advised to get an LOI, please contact your booking agent about getting an LOI with us. As this is a newly introduced system, we anticipate that there may be delays and issues before the process runs smoothly. We highlight recommend applying with plenty of time to obtain your e-visa in case of any issues. INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR E-VISA APPLICATION Address of your joining point hotel You will need to have a scanned PDF copy of your passport to upload for your application You will need to upload a passport photo that meet the standard of ICAO - you can check here for the standards of the photo http://www.cgiistanbul.org/frontEnd/userfiles/files/ICAO%20Guidelines%20on%20Passport%20Photographs.pdf Your passport will need to be valid for at least three months after you’ve entered Uzbekistan to obtain a visa. REGISTRATION IN UZBEKISTAN All visitors to Uzbekistan must register with the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days after arrival. When staying at a hotel, you will be registered automatically. Please ensure you keep any registration documents issued by the hotel until you exit the country. CUSTOMS Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in other countries, such as sleeping tablets, may be illegal or restricted in Uzbekistan. You should declare all prescription medications and other restricted items on arrival in Uzbekistan, and carry a copy of the prescription with you. TURKMENISTAN All travellers to Turkmenistan require a visa. A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is also required before you can apply for the visa. We recommend all travellers plan to receive a Visa on Arrival at either the airport or land border, depending on your itinerary. Please follow the instructions below to have your LOI for visa on arrival issued before you travel. Our local partners will provide your LOI for Turkmenistan. This service is included in your trip cost. We advise that you apply for your LOI no later than 3 months before your trip to allow time for processing. Turkmenistan LOIs are processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkmenistan and usually take around 4 weeks to be processed, with up to 6 weeks in peak travel season not uncommon. Please consult with your booking agent for all necessary documents need for LOI application. We strongly suggest you submit all documents no later than 2 months to allow enough time for processing LOI. NOTES: - Independent travel in Turkmenistan is not permitted and your visa will only be valid for as long as tour services (including accommodation, guides, transport etc) are provided. - Make sure you have a print out of your LOI before boarding your flight or leaving for your trip. - You will need to complete a migration card and pay a US$12 migration fee ($10 fee plus $2 admin charge) on arrival in Turkmenistan. CUSTOMS: - A number of medications containing tramadol, morphine, opiates or any other similar constituent component are banned in Turkmenistan and are considered narcotic drugs. Do not bring any medications containing these drugs into the country.
Health & Safety
UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistan is generally a very safe place to travel. Petty crime targeting foreigners and tourists sometimes occurs in Uzbekistan. A regulation has been introduced allowing only licensed taxis (with certain colour and signs and card payment equipment) to operate in Uzbekistan. However, unlicensed taxis continue to operate. You should use official taxis where possible. There have been reports of robberies by individuals posing as police officers. Avoid obvious displays of wealth, particularly in rural areas. Crime levels are higher at night. Avoid walking alone. It is illegal to photograph government and military buildings, and also public transport infrastructure, including metro stations. This may result in confiscation of equipment or detention. Check before taking photographs of government or security infrastructure. TURKMENISTAN Incidents of mugging, theft and pick pocketing are rare, but take sensible precautions and keep valuables out of sight. Women should avoid going out alone late at night. Please note the Government of Turkmenistan is intending to make the country free from smoking and drug taking. As a result, smoking has been prohibited in ALL public places, including streets, parks, airports, practically everywhere except specially equipped areas. If spotted smoking, you will be taken to the nearest police station and be told about their laws and the harmful nature of smoking. You will be required to sign some related forms, and as a result will have to pay a formal fine of approximately 300 manat. Those who refuse to go to the police station, pay the fine, or quarrel with police officers (swear or shout) may even end up in a temporary detention for up to 15 days. Attempts to import cigarettes into Turkmenistan or transit across the country territory of the amounts exceeding the permitted (no more than 40 cigarettes/2 packs per person for private use only) will also result in some unpleasant procedures at the arrival border port and issuance of a formal fine – 500 manat. Driving standards are poor. Road travel at night outside cities is particularly dangerous because of the condition of the roads. Seat belts, if fitted, should be worn at all times. Licensed taxis are clearly identified and yellow in colour. Although taxis have meters, drivers will usually ask foreign nationals for a set fee of around 5 to 10 Manat. Taxis from the airport cost more and drivers usually ask for US$. Most taxi drivers do not speak much, if any, English. Using unlicensed taxis is not recommended.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Grand Turkmen Hotel 7 Görogly köçesi Ashgabat TURKMENISTAN Phone: 993 12510555
Trip ID
peregrine-PCTU

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