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Upon arrival in Ashgabat, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Before starting your Silk Road adventure, enjoy some leisure time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Spend the night at the hotel, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.
Stay in Ashgabat
In the morning, transfer to the domestic airport. Catch the morning flight to Mary. The flight takes around 40 minutes. Once in Mary, start to explore the ancient city of Merv. UNESCO designated Merv as a World Heritage Site. It was a key hub for international trade and handicrafts on the Silk Road in the past.
After exploring Merv, head back to Mary. Next, visit the History museum of the region. Learn more about local history and culture there. When evening comes, go to the airport. Board the flight back to Ashgabat. When you arrive in Ashgabat as scheduled, our driver will take you to the hotel. Stay there for the night and get ready for more adventures.
B, L, D, Stay in Ashgabat
Start your day with a sightseeing trip in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital. Ashgabat got into the Guinness Book of World Records. It has more white marble-clad buildings than any other city in the world. During the city tour, first explore Old Nisa. It’s an archaeological site on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Old Nisa has lots of historical and cultural importance.
Next, visit the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. It’s one of Central Asia’s largest mosques. The architecture is impressive and the atmosphere is peaceful. The tour also stops at the National Museum of History. You can learn about Turkmenistan’s past through different exhibits. The Monument of Neutrality is another interesting place. It stands for the country’s stance. Explore the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. Admire Independence Park, which is newly built. If it’s Sunday, visit the busy bazaar. A special stop is at the Akhalteke horse stables. You can see beautiful, prized horses there.
In the afternoon, drive 280 kilometers. It takes about 4 hours. Head to the Darvaza gas crater in the Karakum desert. When you reach the crater, set up camp. As the sun goes down, enjoy a delicious, fire-cooked meal by the burning gas crater. It’s a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Sleep in tents, with the wide desert all around.
B, L, D, Stay in Darvaza
In the morning, leave the Gas crater. Start driving to Kunya-Urgench. During the visit, explore mausoleums. These include Turabek-Khanym’s, Sultan Tekesh’s, Sultan Il Arslan’s, Najmuddin-Kubra’s, and Sultan Ali’s. Discover the Kutlug Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla Hill. Each has unique historical and architectural value.
After lunch, go to the Shavat-Dashoguz border point. It’s between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. When you arrive, do the border formalities. Pass through customs and passport control at both checkpoints. Then, walk to the exit of the border control area. There, our guide or driver will wait for you. They’ll hold a sign with your name on it. Meet your Uzbekistan-based driver. Start a 60-kilometer trip. It usually takes about 1 hour to reach Khiva. Once in Khiva, the driver will take you to the hotel. You can relax and start exploring this new place.
B, L, D, Stay in Khiva
Have breakfast. Then start sightseeing in Khiva. The main place to visit is the Ichan-Qala Fortress. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter the Ichan-Qala Fortress. Visit many remarkable landmarks. First, go to the Sayeed Alauddin Mausoleum. It’s important for history and religion. Next, explore the Arab-Mukhamadkhan Madrasah. It has unique architecture and educational heritage. Then, visit the Oq-Masjid Mosque. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place to worship. Also visit the Madrasah of Hodjan Berdi-biya, Shirgazikhan Madrasah, Abdullakhan Madrasah, Juma Mosque, and Allakulikhan Madrasah. They show the region’s Islamic education and architecture. See the Tosh-Khovli Palace. It shows past opulence. Don’t miss the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. It’s of great cultural significance. And see the Minaret of Islom-Khoja. It’s a tall symbol of the area.
After a great day in Khiva, drive to the domestic airport. Catch an evening flight to Bukhara. When you land in Bukhara, a local driver will take you to the hotel. Rest there and get ready for more adventures in this historic city.
B, L, D, Stay in Bukhara
Following breakfast, start a walking tour for sightseeing in Bukhara. First, go to the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble. It’s a remarkable complex with unique charm. Next, visit the Magoki-Attori Mosque. It’s a place of deep religious importance. Then, see the Chor-Minor Madrasah. It has distinct architecture. Check out the trade domes. They show the city’s historical commercial activities. The Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque are iconic landmarks. Explore the Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs. They are important educational and cultural sites.
Don’t miss the Ark Fortress. It has great historical value. Also visit the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. To add a cultural touch, attend a National Show at the Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah. Experience local performing arts and traditions there.
B, L, D, Stay in Bukhara
After enjoying breakfast, then start the exploration. First, go to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa. It was the summer home of Bukhara’s final emir. It’s a unique place. It blends Oriental and Russian architectural styles well. Next, visit the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi. Also visit the Chor-Bakr Necropolis. These sites are full of history and cultural importance.
In the afternoon, leave Bukhara. Start a 470-kilometer drive to Samarkand. The drive usually takes 4 to 5 hours. Once you get to Samarkand, check into the hotel. Spend the night there. Get ready for more adventures in this ancient city.
B, L, D, Stay in Samarkand
Have breakfast. Then start your Samarkand sightseeing tour. First, go to Registan Square. It’s awe-inspiring and the focal point of the city’s historical and architectural grandeur. Next, head to the Gur Emir Mausoleum. It holds the tomb of great Amir Timur. After that, visit the ruins of the Bibi Khanum Mosque. It once showed the city’s past glory. Also, explore the busy Siab Bazaar. Soak up the local atmosphere there. Maybe buy some unique souvenirs. Another highlight is the Ulugbek Observatory. It’s a remarkable scientific site from the past.
In the afternoon, you have free time. You can relax, explore by yourself, or enjoy Samarkand’s charm at your own speed.
B, L, D, Stay in Samarkand
After breakfast, continue your Samarkand sightseeing. First, visit the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis. It’s full of history and religious importance. Next, explore the Afrasiab Museum. It has many artifacts showing the region’s past. Stop at the Tomb of Saint Daniel. It gives a look at local religious and cultural heritage. Then, go to Konigil village. Discover how to make Samarkand paper from mulberry there. It’s a unique chance to see an old art. After that, have a farewell lunch in Samarkand. Taste the local food one more time.
In the afternoon, do what you like. Relax, do last-minute shopping, or enjoy the city’s atmosphere. Finally, go back to the hotel. Stay there for the night and think about the day’s experiences.
B, L, D, Stay in Samarkand
In the early morning, transfer to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border at Jartepa. The journey is 50 kilometers. It takes about 1 hour. Arrive at the border. Go through customs and passport control on both sides. Then head to the exit of the border control area. Our guide or driver will be there, holding a sign with your name. Meet your Tajik local guide and driver. Start the trip to the Seven Lakes. The distance is 80 kilometers. The drive usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The highlight is HafKul. It means seven lakes in Persian. The lakes are in the mountains of Tajikistan. They’re famous for their different colors. There are Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nophin lakes (2139 meters above sea level), Khurdak, Marguzor, and Hazorchashma lakes (2400 meters above sea level). Have a picnic by the lake.
After lunch, keep driving to Penjikent. Once in Penjikent, start a sightseeing tour. Visit the Museum of Rudaki. It’s for the man called the father of Persian Poetry. Also, explore ancient Penjikent. It’s the ruins of an old Sogdian town. The town was set up in the 5th century and deserted by the Arabs in the 8th century. In the ruins, see the house foundations, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples, and the remains of the city bazaar. Finally, stay at the hotel for the night. Rest after a day full of exploration.
B, L, D, Stay in Penjikent
Start driving to Dushanbe. Make a stop at Iskanderkul Lake on the way. There is a legend. Iskanderkul Lake got its name from Alexander the Great. In the East, Alexander the Great is called Iskander. There is a story. Alexander the Great passed by this lake on his way to India. Have lunch at the traditional homestay “Dilovar”.
After lunch, take a slow walk around the lake. When exploring, visit five springs. Also visit Zmeinoe (Snake) Lake. Then, go to a 38-meter-high waterfall. Local people compare this waterfall to Niagara Falls. They lovingly call it Fanskaya Niagara (Niagara of Fan). Finish your exploration. Start driving to Dushanbe again. When you arrive in Dushanbe, check into the hotel. Stay at the hotel for the night. Rest after a day with beautiful scenery and interesting adventures.
B, L, D, Stay in Dushanbe
Begin your sightseeing in Tajikistan’s capital city. First, go to the Botanical Garden. It’s a very beautiful garden. It has many ancient trees. The Tajik people love this place. Next, visit the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan. (It’s closed on Mondays.) Inside, there are different exhibits. They are about history, natural history, and art. One of the most precious things in the museum is the Buddha in Nirvana exhibit.
After that, explore the Ismail Somoni Monument. It’s an important symbol. Then, look at the Building of National Spirit. It shows the nation’s cultural essence. Walk along Rudaki Prospect. It’s a lively street with its own charm. Finally, visit the Main Mosque of Dushanbe. It’s a place with religious importance and architectural beauty. At the end of the day, go back to the hotel. Stay there for the night. Think about the day’s exploration of Dushanbe’s main attractions.
B, L, D, Stay in Dushanbe
Before noon, complete the hotel checkout process. Then, we drive you to the airport for your next journey or home. This marks the conclusion of this Central Asia Silk Road Tour.
B, Depart from Dushanbe
Yes. We provide visa invitation letters for Turkmenistan and Tajikistan; Uzbekistan offers e-visas for most nationalities.
April-May or September-October for mild weather (15–28°C) ideal for desert and mountain visits.
Moderate fitness required for walking tours (e.g., Samarkand’s Afrasiyab Museum) and uneven terrain at Old Nisa.
Yes, we offer options to extend your stay or include additional activities. Please inquire when booking for more details.
Traditional Central Asian cuisine, with a variety of options to suit different dietary preferences. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.
Beijing - Lanzhou - Xiahe - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Tashkent - Khiva - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent
Almaty - Saty Village - Karakol - Bokonbaevo - Songkul - Bishkek
Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan
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Perfect Mix of Culture and Fun
Nattapong S –
Loved the Almaty city tour in Kazakhstan—especially the Zenkov Cathedral (so colorful!). But the best part was Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Swam in freezing water, laughed so much with the group. Guides were hilarious and knew all the best photo spots.
Our Dream Tour Of The Silk Road
Barbara –
For years, my husband and I dreamed of exploring the enchanting Silk Road cities—Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Thanks to Asia Silk Road Tours, that dream became a reality for us and our friends. Despite our limited timeframe, they crafted a seamless journey tailored to our needs, offering expert advice for every request and flawlessly organizing transfers and activities. Their team was attentive, responsive, and deeply committed to ensuring a meaningful experience, staying connected throughout to guide us in uncovering the rich history and beauty of this timeless region. Zukra and Asia Silk Road Tours team didn’t just plan a trip—they brought magic to life. A heartfelt thank you for an unforgettable adventure!
Don’t bother booking with another tour company, Asia Silk Road Tours is THE BEST
Bani –
My experience with Asia Silk Road Tours was incredible! Their guides are exceptional—they’ve explored Turkmenistan more than 60 times and are deeply devoted to the country’s culture, even sharing a personal connection: they got engaged at the Gates of Hell and chose a name inspired by Turkmenistan’s founding leader for their daughter. Their expertise offers an authentic, insider perspective you simply won’t find elsewhere.
While most fellow travelers were primarily in their 30s and 40s, and the accommodations were basic, the trip’s focus is squarely on the adventure—and it delivers flawlessly. The unique insights and unforgettable moments made every second worthwhile. I enjoyed it so much that I’m already eyeing future tours with Asia Silk Road Tours. An absolute must for anyone seeking a genuine, off-the-beaten-path journey!
Crazy adventure!!
Luca Rossi –
Turkmenistan’s Ashgabat like a sci-fi city—all white marble, zero humans?? ? Uzbekistan’s Registan Square at sunset… I cried. Guides fixed dodgy visas (Turkmen visa = nightmare). Slept in yurts in Tajikistan mountains—no WiFi but stars like diamonds ✨ Food? Laghman noodles TOP. Bring USD cash, ATMs dead in Tajik villages. DO IT BUT PACK PATIENCE!
History + raw beauty.
Raj Menon –
Unreal sia!! Samarkand’s mosques blew my mind—better than Instagram. Guides handled EVERYTHING, even Tajikistan’s bumpy roads.