Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

G Adventures · 13 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
13 Days
From AUD $3849
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

G Adventures · 13 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Cross two 'stans off your travel map with a 13-day tour through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Aydar Kŭl Camp
  • Amir Timur Mausoleum Visit
  • Samarkand City Tour
  • Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square
  • Free time in Samarkand
  • Chashma Complex and Holy Spring Visit
  • Fortress of Alexander the Great Visit
  • Aidarkul Lake
  • Authentic Uzbekistan dinner
  • Evening Kazakh singing show
  • Overnight in a Yurt
  • Free time in Bukhara
  • Bukhara City Guided Tour
  • UNESCO-listed Khiva Ancient City Exploration
  • Free time in Khiva
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site Kunya Urgench
  • Guided tour of Dashoguz City
  • Gorogly Monument
  • Dashoguz Wedding hall
  • Kara-Kum desert
  • Fiery Darvaza gas crater, "Gates of Hell”
  • Mud Crater Visit
  • Sand Dunes of Karakum Desert
  • Ashgabat City Tour
  • Monument of Independence
  • National Museum of History and Ethnography
  • Arch of Neutrality
  • Gulistan market
  • Ancient Settlement of Nisa
  • Free time in Ashgabat

Accommodation

  • Hotels (10 nts), yurt (2 nts).
  • 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicle, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

  • Bargain your way through traditional bazaars
  • Stay overnight in a local yurt camp
  • Visit the desert community of Erbent
  • Marvel at the Darvaza crater (known as the "Door to Hell")
  • See the city treasures of Ashgabat
Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Trip Details

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Finishes

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Tashkent

Arrive at any time.
Welcome to the eclectic capital of Uzbekistan, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Harris Hotel
2

Day 2: Tashkent/Samarkand

Travel on to Samarkand, known for intricately beautiful mosques and mausoleums, situated on the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood before embarking on a city tour, visiting Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square. We'll also visit the famed Amir Timur Mausoleum, dedicated to the famous conqueror who once hoped to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Activity - Amir Timur, known as Tamerlane, is an important figure to the city of Samarkand. He was a conqueror in the 14th century hoping to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan and is considered the last of the great conquerors of the Eurasian steppe. Visit his mausoleum and learn more about his life and contributions.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Visit the important sights of the city with a local guide. See the Shaki Zinda complex, Samarkand bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square.Accommodation - Karvon Hotel Samarkand
3

Day 3: Samarkand

With a free day in Samarkand, continue exploring the amazing sights, have a cuppa in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Opt to explore the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Head out and discover more of Samarkand.Accommodation - Karvon Hotel Samarkand
4

Day 4: Samarkand/Aydar Kŭl Camp

Travel out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, Juma mosque, a bath-house, and the ancient Panjvakta mosque. All of this, hiding a holy spring believed to heal diseases. After exploring the complex, head to Aidarkul Lake and opt for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp. Enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The Chashma Complex in Nurata contains multiple important Islamic sights including the Juma Mosque and spring. The spring is believed to heal diseases and attracts many visitors.Activity - The city of Nurata was founded by Alexander the Great in 327BC and the remains of his fortress are still standing. The area is mentioned in many historical texts as being of strategic importance.Activity - Stay in traditional felt yurts and experience the way of life in the remote reaches of Uzbekistan.Accommodation - Yurt Camp Stay Aidarkul
5

Day 5: Aydar Kŭl Camp/Bukhara

Travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in the country, and get your bearings on an orientation walk. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked by a local family, visit a hammam (bathhouse), or just relax in the pleasant atmosphere of this Silk Road city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend the afternoon wandering and get to know the city.Accommodation - Hotel As-Salam
6

Day 6: Bukhara

Explore Bukhara on a half-day guided walking tour around the beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets, or trading domes, that make up the Old City. A centre for pottery, cloth, and carpets, Bukhara is centered around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Wander the artisan shops and narrow twisting streets and alleyways, or sit at a café table and let the evening drift by. Opt to watch a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai, or indulge in a rejuvenating hammam bathhouse.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - This is the perfect city for shopping or enjoying tea and snacks at a chaykhana.Activity - Join a local guide to visit the the Samanid Mausoleum, the Ark Citadel, and the Poi-i-Kalon complex. Wander around beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets that make up the Old City.Accommodation - Hotel As-Salam
7

Day 7: Bukhara/Khiva

Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert on a full day's journey to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva, well worth the arduous drive. Get to know this peaceful, picturesque city on a late afternoon orientation walk, and pick your favourite spots to explore more in-depth tomorrow.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Accommodation - Hotel Muso To'ra
8

Day 8: Khiva

Before exploring this historic town on your own, enjoy a guided tour to learn about local life here. Wander through the narrow labyrinth mudbrick alleyways of old town, bargain with locals at the bazaar, admire the madrassas, mosques, and blue mosaic domes, climb up towering minarets, and venture into the dark dungeons Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Explore the inner walls of Ichon-Qala, and enjoy spectacular sunset views on the sand-coloured buildings.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Khiva feels like a museum city, with well-preserved city walls and ancient monuments. Wander the city on a guided tour, learn about life here and its important place in history.Free_time - Continue exploring this historic town.Accommodation - Hotel Muso To'ra
9

Day 9: Khiva/Dashoguz

Say goodbye to Uzbekistan this morning as we drive to the Uzbek-Turkmen border and continue to Dashoguz, Turkmenistan. Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kunya Urgench to visit the ancient capital of the Khorezmian Empire.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Cross the border on foot and enter Turkmenistan.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town was abandoned in the 1700s and has remained untouched ever since. Visit the series of monuments built between the 11th and 16th centuries including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums, and a 60 meter high minaret.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Dashoguz
10

Day 10: Dashoguz/Darvaza

Enjoy a morning tour of the city of Dashoguz. This evening, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner then we head out to witness the fiery Darvaza gas crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell." Venture through the Kara-Kum desert and spend the night camping under the stars at a yurt camp.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the city of Dashoguz, an important center of commerce and culture for Turkmenistan, on a tour today! Visit the Gorogly Monument, the main flag pole, the city square and the Dashoguz Wedding hall.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Often referred to as the 'Gates of Hell', this gas crater was originally constructed to support a drilling rig but collapsed. As residents discovered the natural gas leak, it was set on fire to burn off over the course of several weeks. Decades later it continues to burn.Accommodation - Darwaza Camping
11

Day 11: Darvaza/Ashgabat

After breakfast, begin the journey to the capital of Turkmenistan - Ashgabat. On the way, stop and admire its golden sand dunes that stretch out to the horizon. On arrival in Ashgabat, spend the evening at leisure. Opt to visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, also known as Gypjak Mosque, and capture the sun setting on the symmetrical minarets and golden domes.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the otherworldly mud crater just outside of Darvaza. About 30 meters deep, you'll see a beautiful turquoise pond at the bottom. Grab your camera and enjoy some time to visit this interesting place.Activity - Walk across the ancient sands of the central Karakum Desert. Keep your camera handy - the Karakum dunes are a stunning landscape any time of year.
12

Day 12: Ashgabat

Spend the day exploring bustling Ashgabat. Enjoy a tour of the city in the morning, visiting several city treasures such as the Monument of Independence and the National museum or Neutrality Arch. Afterward, we'll venture to the ancient ruins of Nisa to explore the ruins. Enjoy the afternoon free to continue exploring Ashgabat.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Start the day exploring the Monument of Independence followed by the National Museum of History and Ethnography. Next, visit the Arch of Neutrality and end the tour at the Gulistan market.Activity - Pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nisa. This ancient settlement was once the capital of the Parthian Empire from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Explore the ruins and learn about the history of this amazing place.Free_time - Enjoy some free time today to explore the sights or relax in the city.
13

Day 13: Ashgabat

Depart at any time. Departure transfer is included.

Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,849
(Tour only)
Per Person Standard

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Cross two 'stans off your travel map with a 13-day tour through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Oct 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Lee B.
Traveled, October 2023

10/25/2023

Good balance of tour group time with a little free time. Guides were enthusiastic and keen to impart their knowledge of the culture and history of the countries visited. Schedule got us up and out early. Places to eat were decent and covered a lot of local food. Felt well organized.

4.0
Miranda J.
Traveled, October 2023

10/21/2023

It was a great experience, but with slight reservations about group travel.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990