From welcoming people to delicious cuisine, brightly-colored masterworks to untouched nature, this 13-day Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan Group Tour has it all. Start in Turkmenistan, with modern Ashgabat and ancient Merv, once a center of trade and craftsmanship, before heading out to spend a night in the desert next to the Darvaza Gas Crater. Uzbekistan, famous for its several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a journey from the Ichan-Kala Fortress in Khiva to the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble in Bukhara, ending at Registan Square in Samarkand - and this is only the highlights. End in Tajikistan, with the ruins of Penjikent, once a bustling market town, and the Seven Lakes. Get the best value on your trip by choosing a group tour through Central Asia, which allows you to split costs with a group of like-minded travelers from around the world.
Participants should be in good health, comfortable walking 4-6 hours daily at a moderate pace, managing stairs and short ascents. Rest assured, we'll ensure plenty of breaks to enjoy the journey together.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel. Check in from 14:00. Free time before the beginning of Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan Group Tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Meet with your group in the morning and transfer to domestic airport for the morning flight to Mary (40 min). Explore ancient city of Merv, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road. Return to Mary. Visit History museum of the region. Transfer to the airport for evening flight to Ashgabat. Scheduled arrival. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Start the day with a sightseeing tour in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world. During the city tour you will explore an archaeological site of Old Nisa included in UNESCO World Heritage list and Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. You will visit the National Museum of History, the Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, newly built Independence Park and (Sunday) bazaar. Intense and interesting excursion also includes a stopover at the Akhalteke horse stables.
In the afternoon drive to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakum desert (280 km, 4h.) Arrive at the crater, set up the camp. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in tents.
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.
In the afternoon drive to Darvaza gas crater located in the middle of Karakum desert (280 km, 4h.) Arrive at the crater, set up the camp. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater. Overnight in tents.
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.
In the morning depart Gas crater and drive to Kunya-Urgench. Visit mausoleums of Turabek-Khanym, Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il Arslan, Najmuddin-Kubra, Sultan Ali. Discover the Kutlug Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla Hill. After lunch drive to Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz. Upon arrival border formalities. After the customs and passport control at both checkpoints, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Meet your Uzbekistan driver and drive to Khiva (60 km, 1 h). Transfer to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
After breakfast sightseeing tour in Khiva. Visit Ichan-Qala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Ichan-Qala Fortress visit Sayeed Alauddin Mausoleum, Arab-Mukhamadkhan Madrasah, Oq-Masjid Mosque, Madrasah of Hodjan Berdi-biya, Shirgazikhan Madrasah, Abdullakhan Madrasah, Juma Mosque, Allakulikhan Madrasah, Tosh-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Minaret of Islom-Khoja. Transfer to domestic airport and evening flight to Bukhara. Arrival in Bukhara, transfer to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
After breakfast start walking sightseeing tour in Bukhara.
Visit Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Visit a National Show at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Visit Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Visit a National Show at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Breakfast. Start the second day with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. In the afternoon depart Bukhara and drive to Samarkand (470 km, 4-5 hrs.). Upon arrival at Samarkand check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, Samarkand sightseeing tour. Visit spectacular Registan Square, Gur Emir Mausoleum – the mausoleum of Amir Timur, remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siab Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory. Free time in the afternoon.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Breakfast. Continue sightseeing tour in Samarkand. You will visit Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Then drive to Konigil village to explore traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Farewell lunch in Samarkand. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Early morning transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (50 km, 1 h). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Meet Tajik local guide and driver to Seven Lakes (80 km, 1.5-2h). The main spot of the day is HafKul meaning seven lakes in Persian. These lakes in the mountains of Tajikistan are famous for their different colours: 1.Mijgon, 2. Soya, 3. Hushyor, 4. Nophin lakes (2139 m above sea level), Khurdak, 6.Marguzor, 7.Hazorchashma lakes (2400 m above sea level). Picnic at the lake.
After lunch drive to Penjikent. Sightseeing in Penjikent: Museum of Rudaki considered as the father of Persian Poetry; ancient Penjikent - ruins of old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: As we travel to the more remote and authentic region of the Fann Mountains, the tourist infrastructure is simpler. We will be staying in the best available local hotel, Soviet-era building. Please expect more basic amenities compared to the larger cities – it's all part of the adventure!
After lunch drive to Penjikent. Sightseeing in Penjikent: Museum of Rudaki considered as the father of Persian Poetry; ancient Penjikent - ruins of old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: As we travel to the more remote and authentic region of the Fann Mountains, the tourist infrastructure is simpler. We will be staying in the best available local hotel, Soviet-era building. Please expect more basic amenities compared to the larger cities – it's all part of the adventure!
Drive to Dushanbe via Iskanderkul Lake. According to the legend, the Lake Iskanderkul was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great's path to India passed by this lake. Lunch at the traditional homestay "Dilovar". After, you will stroll around the lake, explore five springs and Zmeinoe (Snake) Lake, walk to 38 m high waterfall that local people compare to Niagara and call Fanskaya Niagara (Niagara of Fan). Drive to Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Start sightseeing in the capital of Tajikistan. Visit the Botanical garden, a very beautiful garden with many old trees, and a favorite place of Tajik people, National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan (closed on Mondays) that includes exhibits on history, natural history and art (Buddha in Nirvana is one of the most valuable exhibits of the museum), Ismail Somoni Monument, the Building of National Spirit, Rudaki Prospect and the Main Mosque of Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Price includes:
- Transportation throughout the tour, including airports/train stations pick up and drop offs;
- Accommodation based on double room sharing throughout the tour, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour program in each city with local guides;
- Entrance tickets to the museums, mausoleums and other sights;
- Economy class tickets for flights Ashgabat-Mary-Ashgabat, Urgench-Bukhara;
- Utensils and necessary equipment for staying in tents (sleeping bags, sleeping mats, pillows, dining table, chairs);
- Dinner with folklore show program at Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah in Bukhara, farewell lunch in Samarkand;
- Visa support letter for Uzbekistan visa;
- Visa support letter for Turkmenistan visa;
- Camp style dinner and breakfast at Darvaza crater (days 3-4);
- Tour leader to escort groups of 8 and more travelers in each country;
- Full board in Tajikistan.
Price doesn't include:
- Tour leader to accompany travellers for the whole period of the tour in Uzbekistan;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- A tax of 2 USD per night in Turkmenistan, paid to the hotel upon check out;
- Camera fees, charged separately by museums;
- Travel insurance;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Consular fees for tourist visa for Uzbekistan;
- Consular fees for Turkmenistan tourist visa (approx. 80 USD), migration tax (14 USD) and express PCR test (33 USD).
Dates & Prices, per person
2026
2027
Single supplement: US$ 390
100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-16 persons
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.
Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan Group Tour Reviews
Author: Leandro Marcon | Rating: 5Visited: May 2025
I'd like to thank all Advantour staff for this trip. Everything went very well, from the booking procedures to the trip itself. Local guides were very good and helpful, hotels were very good too, well located. All the activities were done as scheduled.
So thankful that I could visit all those beautiful countries and meet their lovely people. I'm looking forward to visiting the other Stans soon with Advantour again.
So thankful that I could visit all those beautiful countries and meet their lovely people. I'm looking forward to visiting the other Stans soon with Advantour again.
