Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan in 8 days / 2

Tour itinerary: Ashgabat – Darwaza – Kunya Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent

Season: all year round

Days: 8 | Nights: 7

A trip to ancient cities of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan presents the main sights in a 8 day itinerary to discover the culture and history of Central Asia.

Enjoy your visit to white-marbled Ashgabat, Kunya Urgench, museum -city Khiva, fabulous Bukhara, world-known Samarkand and modern Tashkent.

Welcome to Central Asia!

Day 1

Ashgabat

Flight to Ashgabat.

Arrival in Ashgabat in the early morning (ETA 06:00).

Come out of the terminal and meet the guide and driver in the meeting zone.

Start Ashgabat city tour with visiting:

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

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

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

A trip to ancient Nissa (18 km from Ashgabat) that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of the millennium BC - I millennium BC).

Return to Ashgabat visiting en-route

Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum is considered as the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousand people). There are beautiful gardens and fountains near the mosque.

Transfer to the hotel. Standard check in 14:00.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Ashgabat – Darvaza

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Continue city tour around Ashgabat visiting:

- Anau mosque ruins;

- Ahalteke horse stables, where you will have an opportunity to see the most beautiful horses on the Earth.

- A visit to carpet Museum and (Sunday) bazaar.

Transfer by car to gas crater Darwaza (260 km to the north from Ashgabat). In 1971, geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas.

The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of about 50-100 meters. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, they decided to burn the gas. Geologists had hoped the fire would go out in a few days but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate to Hell, and the sight of the crater at night indeed awakens mysterious feelings.

The views are most impressive in the dark, and an overnight stay in a camp near the crater is a unique experience.

Barbecue dinner and overnight in the camp.

Day 3

Darvaza – Kunya Urgench – Khiva

Camp-style breakfast.

Transfer to Kunya-Urgench.

Start sightseeing tour in Kunya Urgench 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 - 67 m height);

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

- Mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city - date of its bookmark is roughly estimated by XI century).

Continue to the Uzbek- Turkmen border post Dashoguz/ Shavat. Border passing formalities (passport and visa control usually takes up to 2- 2,5 hrs depending on the customs formalities).

Meeting the driver at Uzbekistan side of the border.

Transfer to Khiva. Arrival, hotel check-in.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

Khiva

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide and 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 consisting of

- 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;

- Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,

- Islam-Khoja Madrassah - was built in 1908 by Islam-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country, is an early example of the architecture of the XIV century.

- Mosque and Jami Minaret.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Khiva – Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer Khiva to Bukhara by car (475 km, 7 hrs) via Kyzylkum desert.

Arrival in Bukhara. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the afternoon/evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Bukhara – Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5-6 hours):

- 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;

- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);

- 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 even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;

- 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 where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.

12:00 Standard check out.

15:00 Transfer to the railway station in Bukhara.

15:50 Departure for Samarkand by high-speed train "Afrosiyob"/ " Sharq".

17:20 Arrival in Samarkand.

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

Day 7

Samarkand – Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby.

Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (6-7 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, the ensemble of 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 15th Century;

- Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of the 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.

16:30 Transfer to the railway station in Samarkand.

17:28 Departure for Tashkent by high-speed train "Afrosiyob"/" Sharq".

19:44 Arrival in Tashkent.

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

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide and driver at the hotel's lobby.

Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5-6 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:

- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994, after 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 theaters in the world that 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 the 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). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts pilgrims and visitors all over the world.

- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four water”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of the old city in the bazaar where people come for trades. The bazaar beautiful blue dome, built in traditional style after the Tashkent earthquake, is often depicted in postcards and international magazines and became one of the major sights of interest both for locals and guests – one can see oriental tiled bazaar from different souvenir shops with ceramics, handicraft works, carpets and jewelry, the whole pavilion full of delirious fruits to the finest textiles and colorful fabrics.

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

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
The evening departure flight from Tashkent.

End of the tour.

Tour Price (PER PERSON):

Person in group	Standart	Comfort hotels
1	$2645	$2945
2-3	$1715	$1880
4-5	$1460	$1620
6-12	$1345	$1510
Single supplement	$270	$375

Book it!

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

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

- Accommodation in standard double/twin rooms;

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

- English-speaking professional licensed local guides in Uzbekistan (4 standard excursions), escorting guide in Turkmenistan;

- Meals: breakfast at hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza camp;

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

- Train tickets Bukhara – Samarkand, Samarkand –Tashkent by tourist train “Afrosiab” or “Sharq” (economy class).

- Tourist tax per person.

- International flights to/from Tashkent;

- E-visa/visa to Uzbekistan (if required); Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent) and migration tax 10+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent);

- Photo/video fees (professional camera);

- Uzbekistan: transport for walking tours in Khiva and Bukhara; guide/transport service for free time after the standard city tours;

- Meals: lunches 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;

- Please note yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer homemade/camp-style traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions.

- 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;

- 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

Cities	STANDARD	COMFORT
Ashgabat	Ak Altyn / Bagt Koshgi	Sport hotel
Darvaza	Tent / yurt camp	Tent / yurt camp
Khiva	Minor Boutique/ Muso Turo/ Arkanchi/ Malika Kheyvak	Zarafshon Boutique/ Asia Khiva/ Orient Star/ Erkin Palace
Bukhara	AnNur / Devon / Devon Begi/ Amulet /Safiya	Mercure Bukhara/ Wyndham / Paradise Plaza/ Sahid Zarafshon
Samarkand	Shaxzoda Elite / Shahdil / Malika Prime / Zilol Baxt / City	Dilimah/ Emirhan/ Zarafshan Parkside/ Sultan / Grand Samarkand Superior
Tashkent	Milan/ Gabrielle/ Elements/ Uzbekistan	Ateca / Panarams / Mirzo Buutique / Ichan Qala