Treasures of Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan

After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Begin with the Khast Imam Complex, home to the Barakkhan Madrasah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and the library of Islamic Literature which preserves the 7th-century Holy Koran. Continue to the lively Chorsu Bazaar before exploring the modern part of the city by metro, visiting Amir Timur Square, the Applied Art Museum, the Earthquake Memorial, and Independence Square. Overnight in Tashkent.

This morning, transfer to the Oybek border, complete customs formalities, and cross into Tajikistan. Meet your local guide and drive to Khujand. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Republican Historical-Ethnographic Museum, Timur-Malik Fortress, Archaeological Museum, the Mosque and Madrasah of Shaikh Muslihiddin, and the bustling Panjshanba Bazaar. Overnight in Khujand.

After breakfast, travel to the ancient settlement of Mug Tepa in Ura-Tube, followed by a visit to the Khazrati Shoh architectural complex which includes mausoleums, mosques, and a 19th-century cemetery. Explore the colorful oriental bazaar before continuing the journey to Dushanbe. On arrival, take a short evening tour visiting Rudaki Park, the Samani Monument, the grand national flagpole, and Istiqlol Park. Conclude the day with a walk through the local bazaar. Overnight in Dushanbe.

In the morning, visit the impressive Gissar Fortress dating back to the 7th–17th centuries, before driving onward to Penjikent, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, often called the “Central Asian Pompeii.” Here, visit the Museum of Abu-Abdullo Rudaki, the father of Tajik-Persian poetry, explore the archaeological site of Old Penjikent, and wander through the local bazaar. Overnight in Penjikent.

Today’s journey takes you to the scenic Seven Lakes of the Fann Mountains, each displaying a unique shade from turquoise to purple. Enjoy a picnic at the last lake, Khoazorchashma, before driving to the Jartepa border and visiting the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sarazm en route. After border formalities, cross back into Uzbekistan and continue to Samarkand. Overnight in Samarkand.

Begin your day in Samarkand with visits to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the spectacular Registan Ensemble with its three madrassahs, and the grand Bibi Khanum Mosque before exploring the vibrant Siab Bazaar. In the afternoon, continue to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Ulugbek’s Observatory, Saint Daniel’s Tomb, and the Konigil Paper Mill where traditional silk paper is made. In the evening, board the night train to Bukhara and transfer to your hotel on arrival. Overnight in Bukhara.

Spend the day discovering the Holy City of Bukhara on a walking tour. Highlights include the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani, Chashma-i-Ayub Mausoleum, the Bolo-Hauz complex, and the Ark Fortress with its imposing walls. After lunch, visit the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, the madrassahs of Ulugbek, Abdulaziz, and Miri-Arab, as well as the trading domes of Toqi Zargaron, Toqi Telpak-furushon, and Toqi Sarrafon. End the day at Lyab-i-Hauz, a picturesque plaza surrounded by madrassahs and a khanaka, and visit the ancient Magok-i-Attari Mosque. Overnight in Bukhara.

After breakfast, transfer to the Turkmenistan border and complete customs procedures before meeting your local guide. Drive onward to Merv, once known as the “Queen of the World” and one of the most important capitals of the Islamic world, alongside Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus. Explore its impressive archaeological remains, including the Greater and Lesser Kyz Gala fortresses, the Complex of Askhabs, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, the Hoja Yusup Hamadani complex, the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, and the Muhamed Ibn Zeid Mausoleum. After sightseeing, continue to the nearby city of Mary. Overnight in Mary.

This morning, drive along the modern highway from Mary to Ashgabat, the Turkmen capital, famously listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the “white marble city.” Sightseeing highlights include the Presidential Palace, Ruhyyet Palace, Wedding Palace, Constitution Monument, Arch of Neutrality, Independence Park and Monument, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque, and memorials dedicated to the victims of earthquakes and World War II. Later, visit the UNESCO-listed Nissa Fortress, once a capital of the Parthian Empire, followed by the grand Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque in Kipchak – the largest mosque in Central Asia. Overnight in Ashgabat.

After breakfast, visit the bustling Gulistan Bazaar for a taste of local life before setting out across the Karakum Desert to the legendary Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the “Door to Hell.” En route, stop at the desert village of Erbent to experience rural life. In the evening, marvel at the fiery glow of the vast crater, which has been burning since 1971 when geologists ignited escaping natural gas. Enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars beside the crater before returning to Ashgabat for the night.

Today’s excursion begins with a visit to Kowata, an underground thermal lake located in a vast limestone cave. Swim in its warm, emerald waters, naturally heated to 33–37°C year-round. Continue to the historic Gokdepe Fortress, the site of the famous 1880 battle against the Russian Empire, and visit the Saparmyrat Hajy Mosque, noted for its turquoise domes and white marble. Explore the Gokdepe Museum, which details the battle and local heritage, before driving to a horse farm to see the majestic Akhal-Teke horses, a rare and ancient breed unique to Turkmenistan, treasured since the time of Alexander the Great. Return to Ashgabat for overnight.

After breakfast, transfer to Ashgabat International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable journey across Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.