Uzbekistan – Tajikistan – Turkmenistan 14 days

Tour itinerary: Uzbekistan – Tajikistan – Turkmenistan

Season: March - November

Days: 14 | Nights: 13

14-day tour to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan with interesting and thoroughly planned itinerary. 2 week Central Asia tour can be adjusted into private or family trips that historical sightseeing in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent, ancient Mary and Merv, and culture exploration of Khujand and Penjikent, nature watching in Seven Lakes and Fann mountains in Tajikistan, and amazing Darwaza crater in Turkmenistan.

Choose your suitable date to discover Central Asia!

Day 1

Tashkent

Flight to Tashkent.

Arrival in Tashkent International Airport .

Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal and meet the staff holding a sign “ANUR TOUR”.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5 hrs):

- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994 after of the Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.

- Theater Square with the Opera House: State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theater of the world performs both classical and national repertoires.

- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present and future of the country. There are fountains standing for the life energy of Uzbek people, the Cabinet and the Senate, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers who died during the Second World War.
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of the earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;

- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman).

- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four waters”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of the old city in the bazaar where people come for trades.

- Tashkent Metro (the first line was launched in 1977) with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

Tashkent – Khujand

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Meet the driver in the hotel in Tashkent.

Transfer to the border post Oybek. After crossing the border, meet the guide-driver at the Tajik side of the border (ETA 10:00).

Transfer from the border post to Khujand.

Start sightseeing tour in Khudjand visiting

- Pushkin square with Kamoli Khudjandi Square;

- Timur Malik’s fortress and Sugd museum;

- Muslihiddin memorial complex;

- Panjshanbe bazaar (Khujand’s central market that has many shops offering different kind of goods and services. The name Panjshanbe comes from Persian language meaning “Thursday”. Panjshanbe is considered as one of the oldest markets in Tajikistan. The Silk Road which passes Khujand city, which had always made Panjshanbe to be crowded with traders and tourists).

- Arbob palace (Arbob palace had its particular significance in 1992, when it was the place for the meeting of the Tajik Soviet which officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. Also, it was the site where the Tajik flag was chosen.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Khujand – Penjikent

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Penjikent via Istaravshan town, 78 km southwest from Khujand.

Istaravshan is one of the most ancient cities of Tajikistan (more than 2500 years). Ancient name Cyropolis founded by Cyrus the Great in 544 BC as a boarding fort of the Achaemenid Empire.

Overview sightseeing in Istaravshan:

- Mazori Sharif mausoleum;

- Kog Gumbaz madrasa (16th century);

- Kuhi Mug, the ruins of the ancient fortress.

Arrival in Penjikent, check-in the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Penjikent – 7 lakes – Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Marguzor, the famous seven lakes - seven wonderful water mirrors full of mountain riverside drops. Each lake looks different whenever the sun changes its position. Colors may vary from deep blue to indie color ripple. Most of them are cold to swim even in summer. These lakes belong to Fann Mountains system.

On the western edge of the Fan Mountains in the valley of the river Shing there are seven lakes, six of them are dammed origin, besides the lake Hazorchashma. Lakes are called Marguzor, but each lake has its own name: Nezhigon, Soybean, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor, Hazorchashma. The difference in level between the upper and lower lake is 692 meters. Easy hike at the lakes.

Transfer to Penjikent. Start sightseeing tour in Penjikent visiting:

- The archaeological site of the ruins of old Penjikent - a walled inter-city (2500-years ago) that was a Sogdian trading city on the Silk Road.

-The Sarazm Important Bird Area (UNESCO World Heritage) lies downstream of the city on the tugay-vegetated floodplain of the river.

Afternoon transfer to border post Jartepa (ETA 16:00). Border crossing usually takes 30 min-1 hr. Meet the guide and driver at Uzbek part of the border. Meet the driver and transfer to the hotel in Samarkand.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):

- Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants is decorated with gold ornaments and is considered as one of the most significant sights of the world;

- Continue to the famous Registan Square – heart of Samarkand and real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture, consists of three grandiose buildings: Ulughbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor and Madrassa Tilla Kori;

- Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15 Century;

- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of cenotaph (imaginary grave) of muslim saint Abbas ibn- Kussam;

- Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;

- Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.

Resting time in the afternoon. Overnight.

Day 7

Samarkand – Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Bukhara, en-route visiting famous Gijduvan pottery workshop where visitors are welcome for a tour around the workshop and observe the process of ceramic making and painting.

The owners demonstrate the stages of making ceramics from turning the potter’s wheel to making paints from natural ingredients, decorating the ceramics in a distinctive style, drying and firing. Take an overview tour around the museum-hall with a unique collection of the ceramic items of Gijduvan and other regions of Uzbekistan.

Arrival in Bukhara in the evening, check in the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara:

- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);

- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;

- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;

- There are three trading domes or so-called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and money exchange.

- Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;

- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;

- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC.

- Optional, can be added by request: Samanids Mausoleum.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9

Bukhara – Mary – Ashgabat

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Meet the driver at the lobby.Transfer to Uzbek- Turkmen border post Alat.

Border passing formalities (passport and visa control usually takes about 2 -2,5 hrs depending on the customs formalities). Meet the guide and driver at Turkmen side of the border.

Transfer to Mary en route visit to the Ancient Merv (UNESCO).

Sightseeing in historical park visiting

- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum,

- Mohammed bin Said Mausoleum,

- Medieval castles – “Kesk” fortresses (6-7 centuries);

- History museum of Merv region.

Transfer to the Mary airport.

Evening flight to Ashgabat.

Arrival in Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10

Ashgabat – Darwaza

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Ashgabat city tour with visiting

- Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118m column that consider the highest building in the country);

- Neutrality Arch - unique composition that rotates slowly after the sun;

- National Museum, where you can see more than 166 unique exposition from Ancient Merv and Nissa;

- A trip to ancient Nissa (18km from Ashgabad) that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city ;

- Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum is considered as the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousands of people). There are beautiful garden and fountains.

- In the afternoon transfer to Darwaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, continue 10 km deep inside. In 1971 geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists hoped the fire would go out in a few days but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate - Darwaza. The views are impressive, especially in sunset and night when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings.

BBQ dinner and overnight stay in yurt.

Day 11

Darwaza – Kunya Urgench – Khiva

Camp – style breakfast.

Transfer to Kunya – Urgench and start sightseeing tour with visiting

- the founder mausoleum of Sufi sects "Kubra" Nadzhimetdin Kubra (XII-XIII centuries);

- the mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym (XII-XIV centuries); minaret Mamun (X-XI centuries);

- minaret Kutlug-Timur (XII-XIV c, the highest minaret in Central Asia);

- Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II in BC - III A.D.);

- Mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city XI century).

Afternoon transfer to Turkmen – Uzbek border post 'Shavat'.

Pass the border. Border passing formalities. Meet the driver at Uzbek side of the border.

Transfer to Khiva.

Resting time in the afternoon/evening. Overnight.

Day 12

Khiva – Urgench –Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start WALKING excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”). Ichan-kala - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia:

- Ata-Darvaza,Kunya- Ark,

- Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan,

- Madrassah of Muhammed Aminhan,

- Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva

- Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was,

- Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan,

- Pahlavan Mahmud Gates,

- Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,

- Minaret and Islam-Khoja Madrassah,

- Mosque and Jami Minaret.

21:00 Transfer to Urgench airport.

22:55 Flight Urgench – Tashkent by HY 58

00:15 Arrival in Tashkent.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the afternoon/evening. Overnight.

Day 13

Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day in Tashkent.

By request, sightseeing in Tashkent or Tashkent countryside can be added as extra.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14

Tashkent

Transfer to the airport.

Morning departure flight from Tashkent.

Tour Price (PER PERSON):

Person in group	Standart	Comfort hotels
1	$4395	$4835
2-3	$2855	$3085
4-5	$2415	$2660
6-12	$2230	$2475
Single supplement	$385	$545

Book it!

- Turkmenistan Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass);

- Accommodation in standard double/twin rooms;

- Accommodation based in shared yurt/s in Darwaza camp (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow) or in private tents;

- Meals: breakfast at hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza yurt camp (camp-style fixed menu, alcohol excluding); home-made lunch in Marguzor ( fixed menu, alcohol excluding);

- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class/SUV transport as per road conditions including transfers to-from airports/train stations and borders;

- Uzbekistan: local English-speaking guides (4 standard excursions); Tajikistan: escorting English-speaking guide (D3 – D5); Turkmenistan: local English-speaking guides (D9 – D 11);

- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums as per program;

- Internal flights Mary - Ashgabat ( economy class), Urgench- Tashkent (economy class);

- Tourist tax per person.

- International flights to-from Tashkent;

- Turkmenistan visa fee from 85+4 USD per person, when obtained at border post (subject to change and nationality-dependent)

- Tajikistan visa ( if required Tajikistan visa support is 70 USD per person, price subject to change);

- COVID-19 PCR tests on arrival and/or departure at Turkmen land border/Ashgabat Airport: 48 USD per person per test (subject to change);

- Photo/video fees (professional camera);

- Transport and guide service for free days and free time after the standard city tours; transport for Khiva and Bukhara walking tours; guides for guideless transfers;

- Meals: lunch and dinners except those specified in the Included section;

- Personal/travel insurance, portage, tips, personal expenses and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”.

- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;

- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;

- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;

- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;

- Please note yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions. Single accommodation in the guesthouses, yurts and homestays is subjest of availability in high season;

- After the date of publication, any changes in the hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may influence the tour prices;

- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).

ACCOMMODATION

CITY	STANDARD	COMFORT
TASHKENT	Milan/ Marwa/ Gabrielle	Inspira-S / Ichan Qala / Ateca / Mirzo Boutique
KHUJAND	Parliament / Sugdiyon
PENJIKENT	Panjakent Plaza
SAMARKAND	Shaxzoda Elite / Shahdil/ Zilol Baxt/ Khan	Dilimah / East Star/ Kosh Hovuz
BUKHARA	An-Nur/ Malika Bukhara/ Devon Begi / Devon/ Safiya
ASHGABAT	Ak Altyn	Sport
DARWAZA	Yurt camp
KHIVA	Minor Boutique / Arqanchi / Muso Tora	Zarafshon Boutique/ Asia Khiva/ Erkin Palace
Or similar hotels of the same category .The hotels are booked depending on room availability for the date