Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 13 Day Best of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Cross two 'stans off your travel map with a 13-day tour through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This well-rounded tour takes you through bustling bazaars and beautiful city mosques in Samarkand and Bukhara, as well as bucket-list natural landscapes like the Darvaza gas crater known affectionately as the Door to Hell. Destinations less-ventured can be challenging to visit on your own, but with a skilled Chief Experience Officer (CEO) leading the way, you'll have incredible experiences without sacrificing read more safety or your sense of adventure.
Trip Length
13 Days
Trip Starts
Tashkent
Trip Ends
Ashgabat
Departures
Jun 2026 to Nov 2028
Countries Visited:
Uzbekistan Turkmenistan
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AUTA
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
Harris Hotel
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: 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.
Optional Experiences
- Welcome Dinner: You've arrived! Why not share a meal and a drink with your new travel mates?
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.
Accommodation:
Shahristan Hotel Samarkand
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Orientation With CEO: 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.
- Amir Timur Mausoleum Visit: 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.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Samarkand City Tour: Visit the important sights of the city with a local guide. See the Shaki Zinda complex, Samarkand bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square.
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.
Accommodation:
Shahristan Hotel Samarkand
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Head out and discover more of Samarkand.
Optional Experiences
- Lunch and Silk Paper Making Workshop at Konigil Village: Visit the Village of Konigil, on the banks of the ancient Siab Canal. Here you can learn about and witness some of the historic traditions of Uzbekistan. Pay a visit to the old Silk Paper Workshop and learn for yourself how to make paper in this ancient method before an included lunch.
- Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel Visit: Enjoy a visit to the Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions. A legend says that his body grows by half an inch every year!
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.
Accommodation:
Yurt Camp Stay Aidarkul
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Chashma Complex and Holy Spring Visit: 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.
- Fortress of Alexander the Great Visit: 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.
- Overnight in a Yurt: Stay in traditional felt yurts and experience the way of life in the remote reaches of Uzbekistan.
Optional Experiences
- Kazakh Singing: Sit back and enjoy some local culture with a Kazakh singing performance.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel As-Salam
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend the afternoon wandering and get to know the city.
Optional Experiences
- Bukhara Hammam Visit: There are a few hammam choices in the city and they are often gender specific - Hammam Kunjak for ladies and Bozori Kord Hammam for gentlemen. Depending on the day of the week and when you want to go, your CEO can advise you on some options.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel As-Salam
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: This is the perfect city for shopping or enjoying tea and snacks at a chaykhana.
- Bukhara City Guided Tour: 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.
Optional Experiences
- Bukhara Hammam Visit: There are a few hammam choices in the city and they are often gender specific - Hammam Kunjak for ladies and Bozori Kord Hammam for gentlemen. Depending on the day of the week and when you want to go, your CEO can advise you on some options.
- Carpet Museum: The Magok-i Attari Mosque (Museum of Carpets) offers information about the art of carpet making and some fine examples to boot. Perhaps more impressively, the building the museum is located in was once used for Jewish, Muslim, and Christian services, demonstrating the diversity and open-mindedness of this intriguing city.
- Chor-Bakr Complex: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the burial site of Abu-Bakr-Said, one of the four descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Wander around the necropolis of family tombs and enclosed courtyards while admiring the simple, yet intricate beauty.
- Jewish Area and Synagogue Visit: Bukhara has a fascinating Jewish history, with Bukharan Jews speaking a Turkic-Persian dialect with a Hebrew script. The city once was home to 40,000 Jews and now has a community of about 25-30 families. The synagogue is well worth a visit (donation expected) and houses a Torah that is roughly 1,000 years old. Please note that on Friday evenings and Saturday, the Synagogue is usually closed for Shabbat.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Muso To'ra
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Orientation With CEO: 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.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Muso To'ra
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Khiva Ancient City Exploration: 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.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Dashoguz
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Border Crossing (Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan): Cross the border on foot and enter Turkmenistan.
- Kunya-Urgench City Visit: 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.
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.
Accommodation:
Darwaza Camping
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Guided tour of Dashoguz City: 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.
- Darvaza Gas Crater Visit: 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.
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Mud Crater Visit: 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.
- Sand Dunes of Karakum Desert: 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.
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Ashgabat City Tour: 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.
- Ancient Settlement of Nisa: 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.
Optional Experiences
- Ertugrul Gazi Mosque: With four minarets and a central dome, this mosque honours the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman I. Here, find a lavish interior and stained glass windows.
Depart at any time. Departure transfer is included.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- 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
- Private vehicle, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (10 Nights), Yurt (2 Nights)
- 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Friday
01 May 2026
01 May 26
Tashkent
Wednesday
13 May 2026
13 May 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
04 May 2026
04 May 26
Tashkent
Saturday
16 May 2026
16 May 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
08 May 2026
08 May 26
Tashkent
Wednesday
20 May 2026
20 May 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
11 May 2026
11 May 26
Tashkent
Saturday
23 May 2026
23 May 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,149
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
15 May 2026
15 May 26
Tashkent
Wednesday
27 May 2026
27 May 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
18 May 2026
18 May 26
Tashkent
Saturday
30 May 2026
30 May 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
20 May 2026
20 May 26
Tashkent
Monday
01 Jun 2026
01 Jun 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
22 May 2026
22 May 26
Tashkent
Wednesday
03 Jun 2026
03 Jun 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
25 May 2026
25 May 26
Tashkent
Saturday
06 Jun 2026
06 Jun 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
27 May 2026
27 May 26
Tashkent
Monday
08 Jun 2026
08 Jun 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
29 May 2026
29 May 26
Tashkent
Wednesday
10 Jun 2026
10 Jun 26
Ashgabat
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
