Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III - 1
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III - 2
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III - 3
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III - 4
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III - 5
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III - 6
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III - 7
1 / 7

Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III

May 18th, 2024 May 25th, 2024

8 days · 7 nights

Wander Expeditions

Wander Expeditions

Verified Organization

5+ years group traveling

Turkmenistan, hailed as the weirdest country in the world, is once again welcoming visitors after several years of closed borders. We have the privilege of being among the first to set foot in this fascinating land, and we are eager to explore its capital, Ashgabat, with its lavish buildings of gold and marble, exuberant landmarks, and bizarre monuments. With 80% of the country covered by desert, we look forward to savoring the beauty of its vast and arid landscapes. And, of course, the highlight of our trip is spending a night at the Gates of Hell! Rumors say that Darvaza Crater, the fiery crater of natural gas, may be closed to visitors soon, making this a rare opportunity to witness its blazing spectacle up close. We'll cross overland and not only save a lot on expensive flights, but also have the chance to explore Uzbekistan's Silk Road gems! Would you really want to miss such a once-in-a-lifetime experience? IMPORTANT: This expedition has been designed in combination with our Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan itinerary to give you the opportunity to explore all Stans countries. You can combine this expedition with the Stans Expedition the following week!  

Itinerary

Day 0: Khiva (Uzbekistan)

  • We meet in Khiva, the hidden gem of Uzbekistan's three main Silk Road cities. You can easily reach by taking an affordable domestic flight from Tashkent. Expedition starts on  the 18th of  May. Our first days are usually a full day, starting from the early morning. Therefore, you need to arrive in Khiva at any time on May 17th. Overnight in Khiva. The expedition will start early next day, 18th May.

Day 1: Darwaza Crater.(Turkmenistan)

  • Today, we embark on a remarkable adventure, crossing the Uzbek-Turkmen border from Dashoguz. Before heading to our next destination, we'll make a brief stop in a local town for food and necessary facilities.
  • The highlight of the day is a 4-hour drive to the legendary Darwaza Crater, famously known as the "Gates of Hell." As evening falls, you'll witness the surreal flames of this natural wonder, creating an otherworldly ambiance. We'll spend the night right beside this mesmerizing spectacle.

Day 2: Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque - Old Nisa

  • Early in the morning, we continue our journey to the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. On our way, we will visit the Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque. Next, we will explore the ancient history of the region with a tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Nisa archaeological site. Concluding our day, we'll retire to Ashgabat for a relaxing evening at the hotel.
  • Overnight in Ashgabat

Day 3: Ashgabat

  • We will explore this modern city, where shiny futuristic buildings mix with its rich history and culture. Immerse yourself in the dynamic blend of modernity and tradition as we explore Ashgabat.
  • Overnight in Ashgabat

Day 4: Mary & Merv

  • In the morning, we'll drive to Mary, where history comes alive amidst ancient ruins and storied sites as we explore its historical treasures, culminating in an unforgettable visit to the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Overnight in Mary

Day 5: Mary - Bukhara (Uzbekistan)

  • We will wake up early to explore any missed sites from the previous day before driving to the Farab Border, ensuring a timely exit from Turkmenistan before its closure.
  • Overnight in Bukhara, Uzbekistan.

Day 6: Bukhara

  • Today is dedicated to the city of Bukhara, a place steeped in history and culture. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of this historical gem before an evening train ride to the iconic city of Samarkand.
  • Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Day 7: Samarkand.

  • This expedition culminates with a full day in Samarkand, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this legendary city.

Day 8: Good Bye

  • After breakfast, the worst moment of every Expedition: we say goodbye.  At your convenience, you can choose to return to Tashkent and depart for your next destination or continue in our next expedition in  Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

 

What this expedition offers

Hotels. Shared rooms in 3star & 4star hotels when available. Camping in Darvaza crater.
Transport. Private van, or 4WD and driver.
Domestic Trains and Flights within Turkmenistan. All local transportation within Turkmenistan and up to Samarkand is included. (The Expedition ends in Samarkand).
Entrance Fees. All entrance fees to sites on your itinerary.
Permits, Clearances and Visa Approval. We'll apply for your tourist visa so you can pick it up on arrival, as well as all the necessary permits and clearances for your visit.
Meals . All breakfasts are included.

Things to know

5.0·123 reviews
L
Lucas
🇵🇹Portugal·1 expedition
·Stans VIII·8 days ago

This was my first time joining a group trip, and it turned out to be an unforgetable experience! The group was fantastic, which made the journey even better. The itinerary offered a perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. Looking forward to repeat the experience in other destinations.

M
Mar "Cali"
🇪🇸Spain·2 expeditions
·Ghana, Togo & Benin IV·10 days ago

I think it is one of the best expeditions that you can do !

J
Jasmin
🇩🇪Germany·1 expedition
·Pakistan IV·11 days ago

Joined the Pakistan WE and it was awesome! The itinerary and of course the group made it to an incredible experience

T
Tahlia "Ouadane"
🇦🇺Australia·10 expeditions
·Antarctica I·16 days ago

I never imagined my Antarctica experience to be anything like this. I wouldn’t change a thing! Great itinerary, great boat and AMAZING group! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

S
Stef
🇳🇱Netherlands·1 expedition
·Socotra II·23 days ago

Incredible expedition! The itinerary was excellent, gorgeous hikes, incredible beaches, local experiences, you name it! We had a wonderful group which elevated the experience even further. Not a day goes by where I don't think about our time in Socotra. I'm really looking forward to joining another expedition in the future

C
Cristina
🇮🇹Italy·2 expeditions
·Eritrea & Djibouti I·24 days ago

My first expedition...great people, lot of fun and Alvaro was an amazing leader. Can't wait for the next expedition!

Wander Expeditions
Verified

Wander Expeditions

Details

Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.

To help protect your payment, always communicate and make payments through our official channels.