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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

5.0·113 reviews
U
Ulyana
🇺🇸United States·2 expeditions
·Central America II·18 days ago

Absolutely unforgettable. Traveling through Central America was so much more than a trip. It was an experience built around connection and shared adventure. From volcano hikes to pyramid sunrises, every destination was stunning, but what truly made it special was the group I shared it with. I’ve come home with a head full of memories, several crazy stories, and a few friends for life.

S
Sokratis "Lefkosia"
🇨🇾Cyprus·4 expeditions
·Ghana, Togo & Benin IV·18 days ago

The best introduction to this part of the world. West Africa is sometimes called "Africa for beginners". I can see it. Mostly laid back, beautiful coast, incredible sightseeing and smiley locals. Add in the mix the Vodun culture, the colourful dances and thrilling rituals and you have an adventure to remember. Benin has quickly rose to being one of my favourite countries and the expedition family some of my favourite people.

N
Nichelle "San Pedro Sula"
🇺🇸United States·4 expeditions
·Libya I·19 days ago

History, history, history! Wow, is all I can say. Libya's recent history has created an isolation from tourism, and made this a relatively untouched Mediterranean gem. The Roman and Phoenician ruins are just mind-blowing. The trip out to the Algerian-Libyan border of The Sahara Desert is long, but well worth it to see Ghadames. Definitely say, "Yes"!

N
Nichelle "San Pedro Sula"
🇺🇸United States·4 expeditions
·Pamir Highway·19 days ago

What a hilarious group of explorers who made the long drives fun! The guys were great dancers,too, when faced with rejection by the local females at the bar/dance hall, they had no problem dancing with themselves! Music, song and "car dancing" kept the mood going the whole time. Views were outstanding in The Pamir region.

N
Nichelle "San Pedro Sula"
🇺🇸United States·4 expeditions
·Afghanistan X·19 days ago

I really cherish the people I met on my 1st "YES", I said to Afghanistan. It was a small group of very empathetic and adventurous people. We were all nervous at first, until we settled into the pace of our Expedition led by Elena. The people, the lead, the guide and drivers, and the shop keepers were so welcoming and professional. Kindest and most generous people I've met in recent years. I highly recommend everyone visit Afghanistan.

A
Alexander "Canggu"
🇦🇺Australia·3 expeditions
·Patagonia·19 days ago

Such a beautiful place with very beautiful people. Patagonia is a very unique and must see place. The crew is what makes it happen.

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