13-Day Central Asia Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

13 Days | Multi-Country Tour | Ashgabat – Merv – Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Seven Lakes – Panjakent – Iskanderkul – Dushanbe

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Experience three distinctive Central Asian countries on a 13-day journey through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The route combines desert landscapes and ancient Silk Road cities with monumental architecture, mountain lakes and local cultural experiences.

Begin in Ashgabat before discovering ancient Merv and spending a night beside the Darvaza Gas Crater. Continue through historic Kunya-Urgench and cross into Uzbekistan, where Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand reveal some of the finest architecture of the Silk Road.

The final part of the journey leads into Tajikistan. Explore the Seven Lakes and ancient Panjakent, travel through spectacular mountain scenery around Iskanderkul, and finish in Dushanbe.

This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to combine three countries in one well-structured journey, with organised cross-border transfers, local guides and a mixture of cultural landmarks, historic towns and natural scenery.

13-Day Central Asia Tour Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Ashgabat

Arrive in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
Upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, meet your local driver and transfer to your hotel.
After check-in, enjoy free time to rest after your journey or explore the nearby area independently.
There is no scheduled sightseeing programme on this day, allowing you to settle in comfortably before the start of the tour.
Overnight: Ashgabat hotel.

Day 2 — Ashgabat to Mary & Ancient Merv

After breakfast, meet your group and transfer to Ashgabat Domestic Airport.
Take a morning flight to Mary, with an approximate flight time of 40 minutes.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and continue towards the archaeological site of Ancient Merv, one of the most important historical centres of Turkmenistan.
Merv was once a major city on the Silk Road and played an important role in international trade, culture and craftsmanship. Today, its vast archaeological area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the principal remains of the ancient settlement and learn about the different historical periods represented across the site.
After the visit, return to Mary and continue to the Regional History Museum, where archaeological finds and cultural exhibits provide additional context about the history of Merv and the surrounding region.
Later, transfer to Mary Airport for the evening return flight to Ashgabat.
The scheduled departure is around 19:00, with arrival in Ashgabat at approximately 20:00, subject to the confirmed flight schedule.
Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer back to the hotel.
Flight: Ashgabat → Mary → Ashgabat
Approximate flight time each way: 40 minutes
Overnight: Ashgabat hotel.

Day 3 — Ashgabat City Tour & Darvaza Gas Crater

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin a sightseeing tour of Ashgabat.
Explore the city’s distinctive architecture, monumental avenues and cultural landmarks.
Start with a visit to Old Nisa, an archaeological site associated with the Parthian Empire and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Continue to the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum, one of the major religious complexes in the country.
Visit the National Museum of History, where collections introduce the archaeological and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan.
Continue to the Monument of Neutrality, one of Ashgabat’s most recognisable landmarks.
Visit the beautiful Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and continue to Independence Park.
If the day falls on Sunday and the market is operating, the programme may also include a visit to the local bazaar.
The city tour also includes a stop at Akhal-Teke horse stables, where you can see Turkmenistan’s famous horse breed and learn about its importance in local culture.
In the afternoon, leave Ashgabat and drive north through the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater.
Ashgabat → Darvaza: approximately 280 km / 4 hours.
Upon arrival, settle into the desert camp and enjoy time to walk around the area and photograph the crater.
As evening falls, experience the dramatic view of the burning crater after sunset.
Enjoy a freshly prepared camp-style dinner near the crater.
Spend the night in the desert.
Driving: approx. 280 km / 4 hours
Dinner: Included
Overnight: Tent camp at Darvaza.

Day 4 — Darvaza to Kunya-Urgench, Border Crossing & Khiva

After breakfast, leave the Darvaza area and travel north towards Kunya-Urgench, one of Turkmenistan’s most important historic cities.
Upon arrival, begin sightseeing at the monuments of ancient Kunya-Urgench.
Visit the Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, known for its elegant proportions and decorative interior.
Continue to the Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum and the Sultan Il Arslan Mausoleum, both associated with the rulers of the Khorezm region.
Visit the Najmuddin Kubra Mausoleum, an important religious site, followed by the Sultan Ali Mausoleum.
Continue to the impressive Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of the tallest surviving medieval minarets in Central Asia.
Also explore Kyrk Molla Hill, an archaeological area connected with the long history of Kunya-Urgench.
After the sightseeing programme and lunch, continue towards the Shavat–Dashoguz border crossing.
Complete exit formalities on the Turkmenistan side and entry procedures on the Uzbekistan side.
The neutral zone between the two border checkpoints is approximately 1.5 km, and transport may not always be available within this section.
After crossing into Uzbekistan, meet your local Uzbek driver.
Continue by road to Khiva.
Border → Khiva: approximately 60 km / 1 hour.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.
Overnight: Khiva hotel.

Day 5 — Khiva Old City Tour & Flight to Bukhara

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin a full sightseeing tour of Khiva.
Explore Itchan Kala, the historic walled inner city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begin at Kunya Ark, the former citadel of the Khiva khans.
Continue to the Said Alauddin Mausoleum, one of the old city’s important religious monuments.
Visit the Arab Muhammad Khan Madrasah, followed by Oq Masjid Mosque.
Continue to the Khoja Berdibiy Madrasah, Shergazi Khan Madrasah and Abdullah Khan Madrasah.
Visit the historic Juma Mosque, known for its distinctive interior supported by numerous wooden columns.
Continue to Allakuli Khan Madrasah and the impressive Tash Khovli Palace, once a royal residence.
Visit the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, one of Khiva’s most important spiritual and architectural landmarks.
Complete the tour with the Islam Khoja Minaret and complex, one of the most recognisable features of the Khiva skyline.
After sightseeing, enjoy some free time before your evening transfer.
At approximately 19:00, transfer to the domestic airport.
Take the scheduled flight to Bukhara at approximately 21:00, with arrival around 22:00, subject to the confirmed flight schedule.
Upon arrival in Bukhara, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Bukhara hotel.

Day 6 — Bukhara Old City Walking Tour

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin a full-day walking tour through the historic centre of Bukhara.
Start at the atmospheric Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, one of the most popular areas of the old city.
Continue to the Magoki Attori Mosque, one of the oldest surviving religious buildings in Bukhara.
Visit the unusual Chor Minor Madrasah, known for its four decorative towers.
Walk through Bukhara’s traditional Trading Domes, once used by merchants and craftsmen during the Silk Road era.
Continue to the monumental Kalyan Minaret, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Visit the Kalyan Mosque and see the Miri Arab Madrasah, forming part of the impressive Poi Kalyan ensemble.
Continue to the Ulugbek Madrasah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, which represent different periods and styles of Islamic architecture.
Visit the Ark Fortress, the former residence and administrative centre of Bukhara’s rulers.
Nearby, continue to the elegant Bolo Hauz Mosque.
Later, visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one of the most important examples of early Islamic architecture in Central Asia.
Finish with the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum.
In the evening, enjoy the scheduled farewell dinner in Bukhara.
Overnight: Bukhara hotel.

Day 7 — Bukhara Surroundings & Train to Samarkand

After breakfast, continue exploring several important sites located outside Bukhara’s historic centre.
Visit Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the former summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir.
Explore the palace complex and its interiors, where traditional Oriental decorative styles are combined with Russian architectural influences.
Continue to the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex, an important pilgrimage and spiritual site associated with one of the most influential Sufi traditions in Central Asia.
Later, visit the Chor Bakr Necropolis, a large historical and religious complex located outside the city.
In the afternoon, transfer to Bukhara railway station.
Take the high-speed Afrosiyob train to Samarkand, according to the scheduled service around 15:52–17:20, subject to availability.
If the high-speed train is not available, an overland transfer may be arranged instead.
Upon arrival in Samarkand, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.
Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Samarkand hotel.

Day 8 — Samarkand City Tour: Registan & Timurid Monuments

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin a full sightseeing programme in Samarkand.
Start at magnificent Registan Square, the architectural heart of the city and one of the most famous landmarks in Central Asia.
Admire the monumental madrasahs surrounding the square and learn about their historical role in education, religion and public life.
Continue to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the burial place of Amir Temur and members of the Timurid dynasty.
Visit the remains of the impressive Bibi Khanum Mosque, once one of the grandest religious buildings of the Timurid era.
Continue to Siyab Bazaar, where local residents shop for bread, fruits, vegetables, sweets, spices and other regional products.
Later, visit the Ulugbek Observatory, one of the most important scientific sites associated with medieval Samarkand.
Learn about Ulugbek’s astronomical achievements and the role of Samarkand as a centre of science and scholarship.
After the guided programme, enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Overnight: Samarkand hotel.

Day 9 — Shah-i-Zinda, Afrasiab, Saint Daniel & Konigil Village

After breakfast, continue exploring Samarkand.
Begin with a visit to the spectacular Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a complex of beautifully decorated mausoleums famous for its blue and turquoise tilework.
Continue to the Afrasiab Museum, which presents archaeological finds from the ancient settlement of Afrasiab, the predecessor of modern Samarkand.
Visit the Tomb of Saint Daniel, an important religious site associated with several faith traditions.
Later, travel to Konigil village, located near Samarkand.
Visit a traditional workshop and discover how famous Samarkand paper is made from mulberry bark using historic production techniques.
Observe different stages of the paper-making process and learn how this craft has been preserved and revived.
After the visit, enjoy the scheduled farewell lunch in Samarkand.
The rest of the afternoon is free for independent exploration or relaxation.
Overnight: Samarkand hotel.

Day 10 — Samarkand to Tajikistan, Seven Lakes & Panjakent

Depart Samarkand early in the morning and travel towards the Jartepa border crossing.
Samarkand → Jartepa border: approximately 50 km / 1 hour.
Complete Uzbekistan exit procedures and Tajikistan entry formalities.
After crossing the border, meet your local Tajik guide and driver.
Continue towards the spectacular Seven Lakes, also known as Haft Kul.
Border → Seven Lakes: approximately 80 km / 1.5–2 hours.
The Seven Lakes are located in the mountains of western Tajikistan and are famous for their changing colours and dramatic scenery.
The lakes include:
Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nophin, Khurdak, Marguzor and Hazorchashma.
Some of the upper lakes lie at elevations above 2,000 metres, with Hazorchashma reaching approximately 2,400 metres above sea level.
Enjoy a picnic lunch near the lakes.
After lunch, continue to Panjakent.
Begin sightseeing with a visit to the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the celebrated Persian poet Rudaki.
Continue to Ancient Panjakent, the archaeological remains of a Sogdian city founded around the 5th century.
Explore the remains of residential buildings, a citadel, Zoroastrian fire temples and the former city bazaar.
After sightseeing, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Panjakent hotel.

Day 11 — Panjakent to Iskanderkul & Dushanbe

After breakfast, depart Panjakent and travel towards Dushanbe, with a scenic stop at Iskanderkul Lake.
Iskanderkul is one of Tajikistan’s most famous mountain lakes and is surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Fann Mountains.
According to local legend, the lake was named after Alexander the Great, known in the region as Iskander.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional local homestay.
After lunch, explore the area around the lake on foot.
Visit the Five Springs and continue to Zmeinoe, or Snake Lake.
Take a walk to the nearby waterfall, approximately 38 metres high, which local residents sometimes refer to as the Niagara of the Fann Mountains.
After enjoying the natural scenery, continue the journey towards Dushanbe.
Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Dushanbe hotel.

Day 12 — Dushanbe City Sightseeing

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin exploring Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
Start with the Botanical Garden, one of the city’s most peaceful green spaces and a popular recreation area for local residents.
Continue to the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, subject to its opening schedule.
The museum contains important collections related to the history, archaeology, art and cultural heritage of Tajikistan.
One of its best-known exhibits is the Buddha in Nirvana.
Continue to the impressive Ismail Somoni Monument, dedicated to one of the most important historical figures associated with Tajik statehood.
See the Building of National Spirit and continue along Rudaki Avenue, one of the main streets of Dushanbe.
Visit the Main Mosque of Dushanbe.
After the sightseeing programme, return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Dushanbe hotel.

Day 13 — Departure from Dushanbe

Enjoy your final morning in Tajikistan.
Check out from the hotel by approximately 12:00, according to standard hotel policy.
Depending on your departure time, enjoy free time before the airport transfer.
At the agreed time, meet your driver and transfer to Dushanbe International Airport.
Departure.
End of the 13-Day Central Asia Tour through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan.

Price included:

Accommodation throughout the tour based on double/twin room sharing
Daily breakfast at the scheduled hotels
Local English-speaking guides during the sightseeing programme
Ground transportation and scheduled transfers according to the itinerary
Airport and railway station transfers
Entrance fees to attractions included in the programme
Economy-class domestic flights Ashgabat–Mary–Ashgabat
Domestic transport connection between Khiva/Urgench and Bukhara, according to the confirmed schedule
Economy-class train ticket Bukhara–Samarkand, subject to availability
Camping equipment at Darvaza, including sleeping equipment and camp furniture
Dinner and breakfast at the Darvaza camp
Special dinner in Bukhara
Special lunch in Samarkand
English-speaking tour leader during the Tajikistan section
Full-board meals during the Tajikistan section
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan visa-support documentation when required
Turkmenistan hotel tourism tax listed in the source package

Not included:

International flights before and after the tour
Lunches and dinners outside the meals specifically listed as included
Full-time tour leader accompanying travellers throughout the Uzbekistan section
Visa consular fees
Turkmenistan migration fees
Personal travel insurance
Hotel extras and personal expenses
Camera or photography fees where charged separately
Tips and gratuities
Additional services not specifically listed in the confirmed programme

Prices, per person

Group size	Price per person
1 person	US$ 2,745
2 persons	US$ 1,992
3 persons	US$ 1,743
4 persons	US$ 1,494

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Why Choose This 13-Day Central Asia Tour?

This 13-Day Central Asia Tour is ideal for travellers who want to experience three very different countries within one carefully organised itinerary. The route combines Turkmenistan’s desert landscapes and archaeological heritage, Uzbekistan’s legendary Silk Road cities and Tajikistan’s spectacular mountain scenery.

Cross-border transportation, local guides, domestic connections and selected meals are arranged as part of the programme, allowing travellers to focus on the experience while exploring Ashgabat, Darvaza, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, the Seven Lakes, Iskanderkul and Dushanbe.