The In-Depth Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan Group Tour is a two-week journey across two Central Asian countries and two great deserts - the Karakum and the Kyzylkum. Travelling with an international group, you will cross vast desert landscapes to reach ancient oases and cities famed for their oriental architecture.
The tour begins in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital, with excursions to Yangikala Canyon, remote pilgrimage sites, and key landmarks such as the Kov-Ata underground lake and the ruins of the Geok-Tepe fortress. The route then leads to ancient Merv, one of Central Asia’s most important archaeological sites, before continuing north through the Karakum Desert to the Darvaza gas crater.
Crossing into Uzbekistan, the journey continues to Khiva, whose Ichan-Kala fortress forms a remarkable open-air museum. You will then visit Bukhara, with its historic trading domes and legendary monuments, followed by Samarkand, renowned for its monumental madrasahs. The tour concludes in Tashkent, where modern, Soviet-era, and ancient architecture come together.
Participants should be in good health and comfortable with walking for 4–6 hours a day at a moderate pace, including stairs and short ascents. Regular breaks will be provided throughout the tour.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel. Check in from 14:00. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the 08:30 flight to Turkmenbashi. Upon arrival at 09:30, continue by road to the Yangikala Canyons (175 km, approximately 2.5 hours), one of the most striking natural landscapes in Turkmenistan. The name “Yangikala” translates as “fire fortress” in Turkmen, referring to the dramatic cliffs in shades of red, yellow, ochre, purple, and white, shaped over thousands of years by wind and erosion. Time is allocated to explore the canyon formations, followed by a picnic lunch.
Afterwards, drive for about one hour to Yangisuv Canyon, located near the Garabogaz Gulf. Walk through the narrow canyon corridor to observe the changing colours of the rock walls. In some sections, the passage narrows significantly, allowing both sides of the canyon to be touched at once.
Towards sunset, continue to Gozli Ata, one of Turkmenistan’s most important pilgrimage sites. The mausoleum is set against a backdrop of pink and red limestone formations, creating a distinctive desert landscape. Dinner and overnight stay at a local pilgrim house (shared accommodation).
Meals: picnic lunch, dinner
Afterwards, drive for about one hour to Yangisuv Canyon, located near the Garabogaz Gulf. Walk through the narrow canyon corridor to observe the changing colours of the rock walls. In some sections, the passage narrows significantly, allowing both sides of the canyon to be touched at once.
Towards sunset, continue to Gozli Ata, one of Turkmenistan’s most important pilgrimage sites. The mausoleum is set against a backdrop of pink and red limestone formations, creating a distinctive desert landscape. Dinner and overnight stay at a local pilgrim house (shared accommodation).
Meals: picnic lunch, dinner
Picnic-style breakfast. Drive to Kemal Ata Mausoleum (approximately 0.5 hours), where water has carved a small valley through ancient volcanic rock formations. After exploring the site, continue by road to Nokhur village (around 6 hours), with a lunch stop in Balkanabat along the way. Overnight at a guest house in Serdar town.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, drive to Nokhur, a remote mountain village located in a small valley of the Kopet Dag range, whose natural setting differs markedly from the surrounding areas. According to local legend, this is the place where Noah’s Ark once moored, releasing animals and seeds that gave rise to life in the region. The culture of the Nokhuri people, who inhabit this isolated village, is also distinct from that of other Turkmen tribes. Apart from the main street running through the centre of the settlement, the lanes are extremely narrow, with cars barely able to pass between the high stone walls on either side.
During the visit, see the ancient sycamore tree and the unusual cemetery, where most graves are marked by wooden posts decorated with the horns of mountain goats. Continue to a sacred spot in the rocks associated with Kyz Bibi, where visitors traditionally make wishes. Lunch is arranged with a local family in the village, offering an introduction to traditional Nokhuri cuisine.
After lunch, drive towards Ashgabat with a stop at the Kow-Ata underground lake, located 107 km from the capital. The name Kow-Ata, meaning “father of caves” in Turkmen, refers to a vast limestone cavern resembling a natural auditorium, measuring approximately 230 metres in length, up to 20 metres in height, and up to 57 metres in width. The cave floor is covered with stalagmites, and at its centre lies a clear, emerald-coloured lake with a constant water temperature of 33–37°C, suitable for swimming.
Continue to Gokdepe (Geok Tepe) Fortress, the site of a decisive battle in December 1880, when the Russian Imperial army besieged the city for 23 days before capturing it. Visit the Gokdepe Mosque (Saparmurat Hajji), built in 1995 to commemorate the events and recognised for its white marble structure and mint-turquoise dome. The nearby Gokdepe Museum provides further insight into the battle between Russian forces and the local Akhal-Teke tribe. Later, visit a horse farm home to more than 35 Akhal-Teke horses, one of Turkmenistan’s most celebrated national symbols. The breed has been selectively bred for over 5,000 years without crossbreeding and was highly valued by historical figures such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Darius I. According to local belief, touching an Akhal-Teke horse is said to bring healing.
Conclude the day with a drive to Ashgabat, passing the Turkmenbashi Ruhy (“Spiritual”) Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia. Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: lunch
During the visit, see the ancient sycamore tree and the unusual cemetery, where most graves are marked by wooden posts decorated with the horns of mountain goats. Continue to a sacred spot in the rocks associated with Kyz Bibi, where visitors traditionally make wishes. Lunch is arranged with a local family in the village, offering an introduction to traditional Nokhuri cuisine.
After lunch, drive towards Ashgabat with a stop at the Kow-Ata underground lake, located 107 km from the capital. The name Kow-Ata, meaning “father of caves” in Turkmen, refers to a vast limestone cavern resembling a natural auditorium, measuring approximately 230 metres in length, up to 20 metres in height, and up to 57 metres in width. The cave floor is covered with stalagmites, and at its centre lies a clear, emerald-coloured lake with a constant water temperature of 33–37°C, suitable for swimming.
Continue to Gokdepe (Geok Tepe) Fortress, the site of a decisive battle in December 1880, when the Russian Imperial army besieged the city for 23 days before capturing it. Visit the Gokdepe Mosque (Saparmurat Hajji), built in 1995 to commemorate the events and recognised for its white marble structure and mint-turquoise dome. The nearby Gokdepe Museum provides further insight into the battle between Russian forces and the local Akhal-Teke tribe. Later, visit a horse farm home to more than 35 Akhal-Teke horses, one of Turkmenistan’s most celebrated national symbols. The breed has been selectively bred for over 5,000 years without crossbreeding and was highly valued by historical figures such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Darius I. According to local belief, touching an Akhal-Teke horse is said to bring healing.
Conclude the day with a drive to Ashgabat, passing the Turkmenbashi Ruhy (“Spiritual”) Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia. Overnight at a hotel in Ashgabat.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: lunch
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mary (350 km, approximately 4 hours). En route, visit the 15th-century ruins of the Seyitjemalledin Mosque in Anau, followed by a stop at Abiward, an ancient Silk Road trading post.
In the afternoon, explore Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important centres of international trade and craftsmanship along the Silk Road. The visit includes the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and the Askhabs and Hamadani complexes.
In the evening, transfer to Mary Airport for the flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight accommodation.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
In the afternoon, explore Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important centres of international trade and craftsmanship along the Silk Road. The visit includes the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Kyz Kala, Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and the Askhabs and Hamadani complexes.
In the evening, transfer to Mary Airport for the flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight accommodation.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and, at 9:00 am, begin the sightseeing tour of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, which has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records for having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world. During the city tour, visit the archaeological site of Old Nisa, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
The programme also includes visits to the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, the newly built Independence Park, and the local bazaar (on Sundays). The excursion further features a stop at the Akhal-Teke horse stables, offering insight into Turkmenistan’s most renowned horse breed.
In the afternoon, drive to the Darvaza gas crater, located in the Karakum Desert (280 km, approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, set up camp near the crater. Dinner is prepared over an open fire beside the burning gas crater. Overnight accommodation is in a yurt.
Note: We'll travel in 4x4 vehicles across the rugged Karakum Desert. The route is unpaved, so expect a bumpy and thrilling ride – it's the only way to get to this incredible, remote location.
At the camp, we'll enjoy an authentic stay in yurts with basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities, putting us right in the heart of the desert landscape.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: camp-style dinner
The programme also includes visits to the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, the newly built Independence Park, and the local bazaar (on Sundays). The excursion further features a stop at the Akhal-Teke horse stables, offering insight into Turkmenistan’s most renowned horse breed.
In the afternoon, drive to the Darvaza gas crater, located in the Karakum Desert (280 km, approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, set up camp near the crater. Dinner is prepared over an open fire beside the burning gas crater. Overnight accommodation is in a yurt.
Note: We'll travel in 4x4 vehicles across the rugged Karakum Desert. The route is unpaved, so expect a bumpy and thrilling ride – it's the only way to get to this incredible, remote location.
At the camp, we'll enjoy an authentic stay in yurts with basic, shared outdoor washing and toilet facilities, putting us right in the heart of the desert landscape.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: camp-style dinner
After a camp-style breakfast, drive to the Dashoguz–Shavat border point (270 km, approximately 4 hours). Lunch is arranged at a local café along the way. After lunch, proceed to the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan border crossing and complete border formalities at both checkpoints. Upon exiting the border area, meet your driver holding a sign with your name and continue by road to your hotel in Khiva for overnight accommodation.
After breakfast, begin the sightseeing tour of Khiva. Visit the Ichan-Qala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic inner city of Khiva. Within the fortress complex, explore Kunya-Ark, the Sayeed Alauddin Mausoleum, Arab-Mukhamadkhan Madrasah, Ak-Maszhid Mosque, the Madrasah of Hodjan Berdi-biya, Shirgazikhan Madrasah, Abdullakhan Madrasah, Juma Mosque, Kalta-Minor Minaret, Allakulikhan Madrasah, Tosh-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and the Minaret of Islom-Khoja.
At 19:00, transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Bukhara, departing at 21:00 and arriving at 22:00. Upon arrival in Bukhara, transfer to the hotel.
Tea/coffee break
Attention! In rare cases when the flight is fully booked during the high season, the clients will be dispatched to Bukhara on the morning flight the following day.
*subject to availability and maybe substituted to transfer by train or by mini van.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
At 19:00, transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Bukhara, departing at 21:00 and arriving at 22:00. Upon arrival in Bukhara, transfer to the hotel.
Tea/coffee break
Attention! In rare cases when the flight is fully booked during the high season, the clients will be dispatched to Bukhara on the morning flight the following day.
*subject to availability and maybe substituted to transfer by train or by mini van.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, begin a walking sightseeing tour of Bukhara. Visit the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, and the historic trade domes. Continue to the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri-Arab Madrasah, followed by the Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs. The tour also includes visits to the Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and the Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums.
In the evening, enjoy a National Show at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah, followed by a traditional dinner at a National House.
Tea/coffee break
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
In the evening, enjoy a National Show at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah, followed by a traditional dinner at a National House.
Tea/coffee break
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the tour with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, a distinctive complex combining Oriental and Russian architectural styles. Then visit the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and the House Museum of Fayzulla Khodjaev.
In the afternoon, depart Bukhara and drive to Samarkand (470 km, approximately 4–5 hours). Upon arrival in Samarkand, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
In the afternoon, depart Bukhara and drive to Samarkand (470 km, approximately 4–5 hours). Upon arrival in Samarkand, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, begin a sightseeing tour of Samarkand. Visit the magnificent Registan Square, followed by the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the burial place of Amir Timur. Continue to the remains of the Bibi Khanum Mosque, the lively Siab Bazaar, and the Ulugbek Observatory. Free time in the afternoon.
Tea/coffee break
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Tea/coffee break
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the sightseeing tour of Samarkand with visits to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, the Afrasiab Museum, and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Afterwards, drive to Konigil village to observe the traditional process of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark. A farewell lunch is arranged in Samarkand.
At 16:30, transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed Afrosiyob
train, departing at 17:30 (300 km, approximately 2 hours 10 minutes) and arriving in Tashkent at 19:40. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.
*On rare occasions when the high-speed train is unavailable, it will be replaced by the most comfortable class of a regular train.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: farewell lunch
At 16:30, transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed Afrosiyob
train, departing at 17:30 (300 km, approximately 2 hours 10 minutes) and arriving in Tashkent at 19:40. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. *On rare occasions when the high-speed train is unavailable, it will be replaced by the most comfortable class of a regular train.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: farewell lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, begin a guided sightseeing tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest city in Central Asia. The tour starts in the Old City with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, which houses the world’s oldest Quran, believed to have been commissioned by the third Caliph, Uthman. The complex includes the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, the Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.
Continue to Chorsu Bazaar, one of the city’s most vibrant traditional markets. Afterwards, take a ride on the Tashkent Metro to reach the city centre and visit the Applied Arts Museum. The tour then continues on foot past the Navoi Theatre, concluding at Amir Timur Square. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: approximately 5-6 hours
Continue to Chorsu Bazaar, one of the city’s most vibrant traditional markets. Afterwards, take a ride on the Tashkent Metro to reach the city centre and visit the Applied Arts Museum. The tour then continues on foot past the Navoi Theatre, concluding at Amir Timur Square. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: approximately 5-6 hours
Price includes:
- All transfers by regular air-conditioned transport;
- Accommodation based on double or twin room sharing (unless otherwise specified), with daily breakfast included;
- Sightseeing programme with a local English-speaking guide;
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary;
- Economy-class air tickets for the following flights: Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi, Mary–Ashgabat, and Urgench–Bukhara;
- Economy-class train tickets for the Samarkand–Tashkent route;
- Turkmenistan visa support letter;
- Meals as specified in the itinerary;
- Mineral water (1.5 litres per person per day);
- Tourist tax of USD 2 per person per night;
- Folklore show at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah and dinner at a National House in Bukhara, as well as a farewell lunch in Samarkand;
- English-speaking tour leader from Advantour to accompany groups of 8 participants or more.
Price doesn't include:
- Consular fees for tourist visas to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan;
- Turkmenistan migration tax (USD 14);
- PCR express test at the Turkmenistan land border (USD 33, subject to change);
- Full board (lunches and dinners, unless otherwise specified);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Tips for local drivers and guides (optional);
- Travel insurance;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Camera and photography fees charged separately by museums.
Dates & Prices, per person
2026
2027
Single supplement: US$ 490
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
Accommodation
Tour Enquiry
Important notes:
- Visa required. We will need to apply for your Letter of Invitation (LOI) in advance. The Turkmenistan visa can be obtained at the border upon arrival, based on the approved LOI.
- If you need to obtain an Uzbekistan visa, it should be a multiple-entry e-visa.
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