Central Asia

Essential Central Asia

Photo credit: Ana Filonov

Duration

13 Days

Price

From $4,995

Trip Type

Private

Group Size

Your choice

Activity Level

1 2 3 4 5

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Markets & Minarets of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Overview

Experience the highlights of Central Asia both old and new on this tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. After visiting the bustling metropolis of Tashkent, the Uzbek capital, take a step back in time to the legendary Silk Road oasis cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva – all distinguished by their monumental architecture. Then cross into Turkmenistan and experience the shock of the new in its capital, Ashgabat, where natural gas and oil wealth have funded opulent modern buildings clad in glowing white marble.

Travels to: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Performance of folklore show in Registan Square, Samarkand/Ubekistan. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta

Map

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
The trip begins in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital and largest city. Spend a day wandering through its main market, Chorsu Bazaar; touring its most noteworthy sights, including Independence Square and Kukeldash Madrassah; and paying a visit to the studio of a ceramics master.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Tashkent’s park-like Independence Square, formerly Lenin Square, rechristened and adorned with a new monument following Uzbekistan’s 1991 liberation
- The monumental 16th century Islamic architecture of Tashkent, including Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, and Barak-Khan Madrassah
- A visit with a ceramics master dedicated to the use of ancient techniques
Days 2-4: Samarkand
On your third morning, travel to the world-renowned Silk Road Oasis city of Samarkand, the conqueror Tamerlane’s ancient blue-tiled capital, hailed by UNESCO as “the crossroad of cultures.” Visit massive Bibi Khanum Mosque, Ulug Bek’s incredible observatory, and gracefully proportioned Registan Square.

HIGHLIGHTS
- UNESCO-listed Samarkand’s Registan Square, bordered by three beautiful madrassahs
- The 14th century conqueror Tamerlane’s architectural legacy in Samarkand, including Bibi Khanum Mosque, the largest of its day, and Ulug Nek Observatory
- A meal with a family in a Samarkand home
Days 5-7: Shahrisabz, Bukhara
On the road to Bukhara, make a stop at Tamerlane’s hometown, UNESCO-listed Shahrisabz, to see the remains of his Ak Saray (White Palace). Then dedicate two days to Bukhara, Central Asia’s most ancient living city and another Silk Road oasis. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town encompasses more than 140 protected monuments, including the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza at the heart of the city and the Ark Citadel, Bukhara’s original fortress.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Shahrisabz’s Ak Saray, a monumental palace complex that was one of Tamerlane’s most ambitious architectural undertakings
- Old Bukhara’s ageless domed bazaars and its central Lyab-i-Hauz Plaza, adorned with a reflecting pool
- Ark Citadel, Bukhara’s giant ancient fortress
- Kalon Mosque and Minaret, towering over the Old Town
- Dinner and a cultural performance at a madrassah
Days 8-9: Khiva
Head northwest through the Kyzyl Kum Desert to Khiva, the last great oasis on the northern caravan route. Wander through the winding alleys of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a living museum filled with minarets, cobbled alleys, mosques, and the beautifully preserved Kunya Ark, the original residence of the ruling khans.

HIGHLIGHTS
- The drive through Kyzyl Kum Desert, following the path of Silk Road caravans
- Khiva’s evocative Old Town (Ichon-Qala in Uzbek), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Tash-Hauli Palace, built in the 19th century for the khan and his four wives
- Dzhuma Mosque, famous for its carved wooden pillars
- Kunya Ark, the original residence of the khans
Days 10-13: Dashoguz (Turkmenistan), Ashgabat
Cross the border into Turkmenistan and fly from the town of Dashoguz to the capital, Ashgabat. There, explore the flamboyant gilded architecture that has sprung from the rubble of a massive 1948 earthquake, gain insight into the country’s history and culture at the beautifully situated National Museum, and shop among the locals at the Altyn Asyr Oriental Market and the Russian Bazaar. A trip outside of town takes you to the ruins of the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the center of the Parthian Kingdom

HIGHLIGHTS
- The opulent modern architecture of Ashgabat, which holds a Guinness record for the highest density of white marble buildings in the world
- Learning the story of Turkmenistan at the National Museum, where the collection includes Stone Age tools, drinking horns used in Zoroastrian rituals, and beautifully crafted amulets
- The ruins of Nisa’s two fortresses, which show influences of ancient Greek and Roman culture

Detailed Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Please note:

Private trip prices vary by season and are subject to hotel availability for your travel dates.
Listed prices below are based on double occupancy and a 2 traveler minimum.
Hotel upgrades, additional nights, and solo traveler prices are available on request.

Land tour price, per person, starting from:

What's Included

Activity Level

Level 2: Moderate, but Customizable

Gallery

1/10 Ak Saray Palace in Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan. Michel Behar
2/10 Local men in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Michel Behar
3/10 Vegetable vendor in bazaar, Uzbekistan. Michel Behar
4/10 Independence Park in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Douglas Grimes
5/10 Statue of Amir Timur in Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan. Kristin Anne Carideo
6/10 Performance of folklore show in Registan Square, Samarkand/Ubekistan. Martin Klimenta
7/10 The Samanid mausoleum, built in the 10th century. Bukhara/Uzbekistan. Martin Klimenta
8/10 Local boys in Khiva, Uzbekistan. Ana Filonov
9/10 Madrassah in Khiva's Ichan Kala - UNESCO-listed Old Town. Uzbekistan. Ana Filonov
10/10 Khiva - UNESCO-listed Old Town. Uzbekistan. Martin Klimenta

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Detailed Itinerary Contact Us

Traveler Reviews

"The trip was fantastic, the people were friendly and always eager to see us. Would recommend MIR to anyone going to Central Asia. So many beautiful things to see. The people of Uzbekistan are so friendly and happy. It is the cleanest country we have ever been to."

N. & K. Bishop

Westbrook, CT
"This trip to Central Asia was superb and outstanding in every way; warm and friendly people, exotic sights (monasteries, minarets, mosques, colorful markets) all great for photographers, like myself. Very decent food too, very moderate political and religious views. A truly enjoyable part of the world in every way."

L. Lapidow

Levittown, NY

Essential Central Asia