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Expedition
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan III
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!
- Trip dates: May 18th - May 25th 2024
- 8 days
- 7 nights
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)
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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.
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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.
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.International Fights
You will be likely flying to and from Tashkent and then connecting to Khiva, where our Expedition starts and from Samarkand, , where we will be finishing. This itinerary saves you hundreds on dollars by crossing in and out of Turkmenistan overland vs flying in (return tickets to Asghabat from Istanbul are around 800 euros). This is a great opportunity to do Turkmenistan affordably!Travel Insurance
You will need Travel Insurance for Turkmenistan.Meals
In general, meals are not included. Food in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is affordable and thus, we'll have more flexibility to each choose from the different options. Some meals where we don't have any other options will be included for our ease: dinner in Darvaza.Visa Fee
Payable on arrival (depends on nationality).Our Selection Process takes only 10 minutes and it helps us create the best travel family!
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