Discover the Timeless Wonders of the Silk Road !
Embark on a 12-day adventure through the heart of the ancient Silk Road, exploring the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. From the grand monuments of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva to the surreal Darvaza Gas Crater, this journey offers an unparalleled blend of history, architecture, and local traditions.
🚄 Experience high-speed train travel between legendary cities.
🏰 Step back in time at UNESCO-listed sites like Registan Square and Ancient Merv.
🕌 Marvel at intricate mosques, madrasahs, and fortresses dating back centuries.
🔥 Camp near the mesmerizing "Gates of Hell" in Turkmenistan.
🎭 Immerse yourself in local culture, from artisan workshops to traditional cuisine.
This is more than just a trip, it's a journey through history, culture, and adventure!
2 Oct - Day 1 : Arrival Tashkent
Explore Tashkent's old town. Today, we will visit Barak Khana Seminary, Tila Shaikh mosque, and archives known for exhibiting a rare copy of the Quran written by the third Caliph Othman. We will also visit Chorsu Bazaar, Kukeldash Madrassah. Visiting the ceramic workshop of Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov – this is a unique place, a paradise in the old city part of Tashkent. Later, visit the Museum of Applied Arts, go on an excursion to Independence Square, and Amir Temur Square.
Overnight in Tashkent.
3 Oct - Day 2 : Tashkent – Samarkand (Speed train Afrosiab 07:30-09:40)
In the early morning, we will take the train to Tashkent. After arrival, we will visit Gur Emir - the mausoleum of Great Tamerlane, Registan Square, which was the heart of Samarkand for many centuries. Visit Hunarmand Artisans Center to see the artisans at work. We will also visit the grandest structure of Amir Temur's times, Bibi-Khanum, Silk Road bazaar, and Shahi Zinda necropolis. Overnight in Samarkand
4 Oct - Day 3 : Samarkand
We will visit the paper making workshop in Konigil village (10 km from Samarkand). Later, we will see the Afrosiab museum and excavations, Ulugbek's observatory, and the Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniil. Overnight in Samarkand
5 Oct - Day 4 : Samarkand – Bukhara (speed train Afrosiab 09:50-11:20)
Transfer to the railway station of Samarkand to take the train to Bukhara. Sightseeing tour of Bukhara: Visit – Lab-i-khauz ensemble, the pool and chaikhana of which is the modern centre of traditional Uzbekistan: Madrassah Nadirkhon Devanbegi, Khanaga, Mogaki Attari mosque, Poi Kalon minaret and mosque, Madrassahs Aziz Khan and Ulugbek. Visit Ark Fortress, Balakhauz mosque, mausoleum of Ismail Samanid, Chashma Ayub. Overnight in Bukhara
6 Oct - Day 5 : Bukhara
Continue an out-of-town sightseeing tour to visit the Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former emir of Bukhara. Excursion to Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, famous Sufi spiritual leader of this region in the 14th century. Return to Bukhara to visit different workshops near Lyabikhauz. We see block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery, carving, and miniature painting. Overnight in Bukhara.
7 Oct - Day 6 : Bukhara - Khiva (480 km)
Morning drive to Khiva by the famous Kizil Kum desert (Red sands). See desert flora and fauna: unique saksaul trees, other desert vegetation, and different mammals. Stop at Amudarya River Bank. Overnight in Khiva.
8 Oct - Day 7 : Khiva
Upon arrival in Khiva, check in to the hotel. Later, we will go on a walking tour to visit Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark, Madrassah Rakhimkhon, and the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud. Enjoy the view of the completely ancient Khiva, Friday mosque, and Tashauli Palace/harem. Overnight in Khiva.
9 Oct - Day 8 : Crossing to Turkmenistan via Shavat border (60 km) - Darvaza
Morning transfer to the Uzbek-Turkmen border point Shavat. Complete border formalities and drive to Turkmenistan. After completing all the formalities, we will drive for the overnight stay near the gas crater Darvaza. See the flaming crater and take some photos, have a picnic dinner, and camp close to the Dervaza. Overnight in Darvaza.
10 Oct - Day 9 : Darvaza – Ashgabat
We will leave early and drive to Ashgabat. We will stop at Yerbent, which can give us an idea of what desert life looks like. After Yerbent, we visit the Village of Bokurdak, about 105 km before Ashgabat. Visit a local family's home and see the traditional activities: embroidery, pichi (traditional bakery), and baking bread. Have lunch cooked by this family members. Continue driving to Ashgabat. Overnight in Ashgabat.
11 Oct - Day 10 : Ashgabat
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the famous Tolkuchka Sunday Bazaar. This vibrant market attracts people from all over the country, who come to buy and sell camels, cattle, poultry, amulets, carpets, jewelry, and many other items. We'll continue the tour and visit the Ferris Wheel, the Kipchak Mosque, the Arch of Neutrality, and the Monument of Independence. We will also visit the National Carpet Museum. The museum showcases a rare collection of extraordinary handmade carpets and exquisite carpet articles. Overnight at the Diwan Hotel.
12 Oct - Day 11 : Ashgabat – Mary
Start your day at the Fortress of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first capital of the Parthian Empire. Next, visit the Spirituality Mosque, the largest in Turkmenistan, built between 2002 and 2004 as a mausoleum for the first President. Then, explore the remains of the Ancient Fortress of Gokdepe, constructed in 1869, significant in Turkmenistan's history against Imperial Russia. Afterwards, visit a local private stud farm where you can see horses and take a cooking class. You'll learn to make gutaps, a type of pie, and dograma, a traditional broth dish.
Finally, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mary. Overnight in Mary.
13 Oct - Day 12 : Merv
We will visit Bayram-Ali, a modern reflection of the historic suburb of Ancient Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Merv is a key archaeological site in Central Asia that has played a significant role in the Silk Road for over 2,000 years. The archaeological park spans 1,200 hectares, allowing us to explore the main features of this "wandering city." After our visit, we will drive back to Ashgabat and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Recommended flight:
Fly Dubai 14 October 2025, 05:20 AM Tuesday (Flight number FZ 732) Ashgabat to Dubai
Arrival: Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport
Departure: Ashgabat International Airport
Cost BHD 250 non refundable deposit to be be upon registration
BHD 1450 per person in a double room
BHD 1730 per person in a single room
Registration deadline: 1 Sept 2025
Includes:
- Accommodation (breakfast included)
- Transportation as per the itinerary
- Invitation letter, visa assistance
- Only meals mentioned in the program
- Mineral water daily
- Entrance fees
- English speaking local guide
Excludes:
- International flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Photo and video camera fees at sites
- Personal expenses
- Any meals not mentioned
- Tips for guide and driver
Cancellation policy: In case of cancellation, the balance will be given as a credit voucher for future trips in the applicable percentage.
All cancellations must be made in writing and will only be effective upon its acknowledged receipt by the company. The following cancellation fees will apply in the event of full cancellation by the clients.
Between 60 and 45 days prior to departure 10% of full amount.
Between 45 days and 35 days prior to departure 30% of full amount.
Between 34 days and 20 days prior to departure 50% of full amount.
Less than 19 days to departure 100% of full amount is not refunded.
No shows will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
In certain instances, stricter cancellation conditions and fees will apply.
In case of failure to pay according to the payment terms we reserve the right to cancel the participation of the traveler while withholding the nonrefundable amounts according to the cancellation policy.
