Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) | Bukhara (Uzbekistan) | Khiva (Uzbekistan) | Samarkand (Uzbekistan) | Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
The following are Journeys: Stories Of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
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Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. This evening, gather for a welcome meeting before a festive three-course meal paired with a lively folk show that brings Uzbekistan's music and dance traditions to life.
Enjoy a delicious local meal paired with an incredible traditional Uzbek folk show. The performance boasts unique characteristics like expressive hand gestures, specific footwork, and distinct regional styles.
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. 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.
Set out on a guided tour of the State History Museum of Uzbekistan, where ancient artifacts and exhibits trace the region's evolution-from early civilization to Silk Road empires, then Soviet rule. After, step into the spiritual heart of the city at the Religious Center of Tashkent, home to the beautifully restored Hasti Imam complex and the revered Museum of the Koran to see one of the world's oldest Qurans. Then, wander through the vibrant lanes of Chorsu Bazaar, where local life rushes around the mounds of spices, fresh produce and handwoven goods. At the bazaar, sample honim, a beloved Uzbek dish of steamed dough filled with spiced vegetables.
Wander through the colourful stalls in Central Asia's biggest and most historic bazaar. Try some local fruits and nuts while enjoying the fragrant smells and bustling atmosphere. Indulge in the local Honim for lunch, a traditional Uzbek wrapped dumpling with potato.
In the old town of Tashkent, visit the Religious Centre of Tashkent to see the Hasti Imam & Museum of Koran.
Step back in time with a visit to the State History Museum of Uzbekistan with artifacts that date all the way back to the Stone Age, including a collection of historic Buddhist motifs and a Muslim section.
Travel this morning through the Uzbek desert on a high-speed train to Samarkand-one of the Silk Road's most legendary cities. Upon arrival, take a guided tour beginning at Ulugbek Observatory. We'll hear the story of its namesake, the 15th-century astronomer and ruler who mapped the stars with astonishing precision, leaving behind one of the Islamic world's most important scientific legacies. Continue to the Afrosiob Museum, positioned on ancient Samarkand. Here, we'll meet with the head archeologist who will share insights into the city's ongoing excavations. This evening, join a local family to try the nation's signature rice pilaf dish, plov. As you learn how the meal is prepared, the family will also explain its symbolism.
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Take a guided tour of the historic city of Samarkand, visiting famous spots like the Ulugbek Observatory and Shakhi Zinda Complex.
Visit the the Afrasiab Museum, located on the historic settlement of Afrasiab, one of the largest archeological sites in the world. Hear an introduction lecture from the head archeologist of the University of Samarkand, who participates in excavation works at Afrasiab and other ancient Sogd sites.
Visit a local family and learn how to make Plov, a traditional dish found all throughout Central Asia that varies from country to country and household to household. In Uzbekistan, it's most often a combination of rice, carrots, onions and lamb cooked in a massive cast iron, wok-like pan. Enjoy the delicious results for dinner.
Continue exploring Samarkand with a guided visit to two of the city's most iconic landmarks: Guri Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur, the great conqueror, and the beautiful Registan Square, where madrasas showcase some of the finest Islamic architecture in the world. The afternoon is yours to explore this amazing city at your own pace. In Samarkand, your options for cultural exploration are endless. Maybe head to the peaceful Konigil Village to visit the Meros Paper Mill, where artisans use traditional, centuries-old silk paper making techniques. Or take a trip out to the Mausoleum of St Daniel. Wander the colorful stalls of Siyab Bazaar or this evening, experience a performance at the El Merosi Theatre of Historical Costumes, where centuries of Uzbek dress and dance come to life.
Enjoy a free afternoon in historic Samarkand.
Persian for "Tomb of the King", the Guri Amir mausoleum was started in the 14th century. Explore the foundations, portal, and minaret that remain intact and walk amongst the tombs of Tamerlane, the Asian conqueror, and his descendants.
Explore the mosaic-covered medressas and open spaces of the spectacular Registan, once the heart of Uzbek learning. The city blossomed under Amir Timur, a tyrannical 14th century ruler. A lover of art, Timur was responsible for the colourful domes and exquisite minarets that now form the city's evocative skyline. The spectacular Registan, one of the city's most impressive works of art, is an impressive collection of buildings and probably the most recognizable of all of Central Asia's monuments.
Climb aboard the high-speed train as we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage destination, Bukhara. This city is known as one of the most culturally rich and ancient places along the Silk Road and was a battle zone for conquerors like Genghis Khan, the British Empire and Russian Bolshevik troops. Head into the Old Town, where over 2,500 years of history thrive to this day. Start at Ismail Samanid Mausoleum, an Uzbek icon from the 10th century and one of the oldest Islamic monuments in all of Central Asia. The next stop is Ark Fortress, a towering symbol of Bukhara's political and spiritual power. End the tour at the Kalyan Minaret, a nearly 900-year-old brickmade watchtower. This evening, we head to a local restaurant to learn to make the famous Uzbek dumplings, manti.
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Explore the neighborhood of Bukhara alongside your group to get a lay of the land.
Visit a local restaurant and learn to make Uzbek manti, traditional dumplings. Use pureed vegetables to color the dough. Then enjoy your delicious creations for dinner.
Today begins with a visit to the Naqshbandi Mausoleum, a place dedicated to Central Asia's most revered Sufi scholars and a historic pilgrimage site. Meet with a local expert in Sufism to learn about its spiritual philosophy and lasting influence on the region's culture and identity. Continue to the opulent Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, once the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara, now a striking display of Russian and Persian architecture. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Choose to visit an 18th-century hammam or do some shopping along the ancient trading domes of the old Caravanserai. This evening, gather in the stunning Madrasah Nadir Devon Begi for a traditional dinner and a folklore show that puts Uzbek heritage on full display.
The afternoon is free to explore Bukhara.
Visit the famous Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah Monument in Bukhara Old Town. Enjoy a local dinner inside the monument paired with a folklore show.
Visit the Naqshbandi Mausoleum, one of the most important shrines in Sufism. The birthplace and burial site of Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari, the founder of the Naqshbandi order - one of the most influential ancient Sufi orders in Central Asia, and often considered Bukhara's 'patron saint.' Meet a local Sufi expert at this historic place for a lecture and discussion about religious pluralism and its influence on Central Asia.
Sitorai Mokhi Khosa is beautiful inside and out. Once the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara in the early 1900's, admire the architecture and learn of its unique history.
Drive through the Kyzylkum desert toward the ancient city of Khiva. See the everchanging sand dunes, once crossed by travellers on the Silk Road carrying goods from the far corners of the world. Gaze upon the distant mountain peaks before arriving at the ancient walled city of Khiva, a living museum, with some of the best-preserved Islamic architecture in the world.
Explore a bit of Khiva alongside your group on an orientation walk.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Explore Khiva, an ornate and beautiful ancient city that makes you feel like you've been transported back in time to the Silk Road over 2,500 years ago. Within the Ichan-Qala, the inner walled town of Khiva, you'll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of colourful alleyways, tiled mosques, historic madrasas and towering minarets. Khiva is a town so steeped in preservation as Sophie Ibbotson explains in her "6 reasons to visit Khiva, the tourist capital of the Islamic world for 2024" National Geographic article. Together we'll wander its paths, hearing the stories of traders, scholars and historic explorers and adventurers. This evening, explore Khiva culture at a Khorezmian dinner celebrating the region's historic music and dance.
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Khiva.
Listen to and watch the traditions of Khiva come to life at a Khorezmian music and dance show. Unique instruments like the dutar and tanbur will accompany performers during the Khorezm classical and folk show.
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.
This morning, cross the border into Turkmenistan, a unique country rich with historic traditions still alive to this day. Our first stop is at the beautiful and haunting ruins of Kunya Urgench. Once a rich and lively center for Islamic scholars, it is now full of crumbling minarets, sacred tombs and mausoleums. After a visit at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to Dashguz to board an evening flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital city.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cross the border on foot to enter Turkmenistan. You may need to roll your luggage approximately 300 meters through border and customs formalities; once clear of the border zone, our team will be on hand to assist with your bags.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Head out to Old Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian Empire from 200 BCE.. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important archaeological location full of ruins and well-preserved artifacts. Take in the remnants of mudbrick royal complexes and fortresses through remains of a civilization that once rivaled Rome. Fast forward from the past to the present as we head to the futuristic Alem Centre, a chance to admire its incredible architecture. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner in the city and reminisce about the incredible journey we've had through the Stans.
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.
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.
Depart at any time.
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Journeys: Stories Of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan tour:
Hakikat st 53
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Mehnat Guli 29, Kalta Minar District
Khiva, Uzbekistan
St. Kosh Khavuz 40
Samarkand, Uzbekistan-140100
Avliyoota Street 126
Tashkent, Uzbekistan-100015
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Journeys: Stories Of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan tour:
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Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Archeologist Guided Afrasiab Museum Visit, SamarkandYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Naqshbandi Mausoleum Sufism Experience, BukharaYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and GroupYour Local Living Moment: Plov Cooking Class and Dinner, SamarkandYour Hands-On Moment: Manti Making, Bukhara. Arrival Transfer. State History Museum of Uzbekistan. Religious Center of Tashkent. Chorsu Bazaar. Guided Tour of Samarkand. Archeologist Guided Afrasiab Museum Visit. Plov Cooking Demonstration and Dinner. Guri Amir Mausoleum Visit. Registan Visit. Free time in Samarkand. Bukhara Orientation Walk. Manti Making. Naqshbandi Mausoleum Sufism Experience. Sitorai Mokhi Khosa. Free time in Bukhara. Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah Monument Dinner. Khiva Orientation Walk. Khiva Ancient City Exploration. Free time in Khiva. Khorezmian Music and Dance Show. Kunya-Urgench City Visit. Ancient Settlement of Nisa. Ashgabat City Tour. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Explore the ancient ruins of Old Nisa-a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the capital of the Parthian Empire, Wander the remarkably preserved Silk Road city of Khiva, Learn to make Uzbekistan's signature dish with a welcoming local family, Experience the warmth of Uzbek hospitality in homes filled with tradition and generosity
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Samarkand- Lunch and Silk Paper Making Workshop at Konigil Village- Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel Visit (3USD per person)- El Merosi Historic TheratreBukhara- Bukhara Hammam Visit (38 per person)Khiva- Islam Khoja Minaret- Ichan-Qala (Itchan Kala) VisitAshgabat- Carpet Museum
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Hotels (10 nts)
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
National Geographic Expedition Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leader. The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Private Vehicle, Plane, Walking, Train.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Central Asian dress is quite conservative. Plan to pack loose-fitting light clothing appropriate for hot weather and plan to cover knees, shoulders and chest. For women, a hair scarf is recommended, though they are easy to buy in country.
Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketConservative Dress:o Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)o Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures travellers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
In Central Asia It is not customary to tip service providers such as waiters, but it is very appreciated, depending on the service we recommend 3-5%. Tipping shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Expedition Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$4 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your Expedition Leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $4-7 USD per person, per day can be used.