Skip to main content
JourneyDates & PricesFAQContactWhatsApp
FITUR, ITB, WTM Exhibitor
Operating since 1996
Licensed in Turkmenistan + Uzbekistan
24/7 On-ground Support

Turkmenistan – UzbekistanSilk Road Journey

A rare journey into the heart of Central Asia where ancient empires, burning craters, and timeless cities await.

13 Days
6 UNESCO Sites
2 Countries
Inquire via WhatsAppDownload Itinerary

$3,690 per person • Twin share

A rare and immersive journey across two of Central Asia's most fascinating countries. This carefully crafted itinerary combines the mystery and raw authenticity of Turkmenistan with the timeless elegance of Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities. Designed for culturally curious Western travelers, this tour balances history, human encounters, comfort, and adventure — without rushing or superficial sightseeing.

Highlights

  • •Visit two Silk Road countries rarely combined in a single, seamless itinerary
  • •Explore 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • •Encounter the legendary Akhal-Teke horses
  • •Spend a night beside the iconic Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert
  • •Travel through deserts, ancient capitals, and living bazaars
  • •Small-group experience with expert local guides
  • •This is not a checklist tour — it is a journey into the heart of Central Asia.
Ashgabat – The Marble Capital of Central Asia

Ashgabat – The Marble Capital of Central Asia

The Legendary Akhal-Teke Horses

The Legendary Akhal-Teke Horses

Ancient Merv – "The Queen of Cities"

Ancient Merv – "The Queen of Cities"

Bokurdak – Desert Village Experience

Bokurdak – Desert Village Experience

Overnight at Yurt Camp in Darvaza

Overnight at Yurt Camp in Darvaza

Kunya Urgench – The Capital of Khorezm Empire

Kunya Urgench – The Capital of Khorezm Empire

Khiva – An Open-Air Museum City

Khiva – An Open-Air Museum City

Bukhara – Silk Road Trading Hub

Bukhara – Silk Road Trading Hub

Samarkand – Jewel of the Silk Road

Samarkand – Jewel of the Silk Road

Tashkent – The Largest City of Central Asia

Tashkent – The Largest City of Central Asia

At a Glance

Price

$3,690

(shared)

Single supplement: $580

Duration

13 days

12 nights

Start / End

Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)

Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

Group Size

6–12

guests

Activity Level

Moderate

Long drives and daily walks up to 3-5 hours

Style

Cultural

+ History

Group Leader

Fully accompanied by a licensed tour guide

Suitable For

Culturally curious travelers aged 35–70 with moderate fitness

Your Journey

Map and Route

Route

Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Kunya Urgench – Dashoguz – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent

Route Map of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
View Full Map
Route Map

Transport Modes

Domestic Flight
Solid Red
4WD Desert
Dashed Green
Road / Minibus
Solid Blue
Train
Solid Orange

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

13 days of discovery through ancient cities, burning craters, and timeless landscapes

Download Full Itinerary (PDF)

Why Travel With Us

Ayan Travel

Your trusted local partner for authentic Central Asian experiences since 1996

Operating Since 1996

Nearly 30 years of expertise in Central Asia. We know every corner of the Silk Road.

FITUR & ITB Exhibitor

Recognized at the world's leading travel trade shows in Madrid and Berlin.

Licensed Operator

Fully licensed and registered tour operator in both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

English-Speaking Guides

Professional, knowledgeable guides who bring history to life in your language.

Small Groups Only

Maximum 12 guests ensures personalized attention and authentic experiences.

End-to-End Service

From visa letters to airport transfers – we handle every detail of your journey.

FITUR

Madrid

ITB

Berlin

30

Years Experience

What to Expect

What Is Included

Transparent pricing with no hidden surprises

Included in Tour Price

Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour depending on the group size
–Minibus or coach for cities and highways
–4WD SUVs for desert and remote regions (Karakum / Darvaza)
Domestic flight (economy class): Ashgabat → Mary
Train journey (economy class): Samarkand → Tashkent
Hotel accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis, shared twin rooms
–3 nights – 5* hotels (Ashgabat)
–5 nights – 4* hotels (Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent)
–1 night – boutique hotel (Khiva)
–2 nights – 3* hotels (Mary, Dashoguz)
–1 night – yurt camp at Darvaza (2 guests per yurt)
English-speaking professional guide throughout Turkmenistan (Turkmen guide continues as a tour leader till Tashkent)
English-speaking professional guide throughout Uzbekistan
Licensed drivers experienced on desert and long-distance routes
24/7 local operational support during the entire journey
Mandatory tourist registration in both countries
Entrance fees to all sites and museums listed in the itinerary
Guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Cultural experiences, village visits, and desert activities as described
Meals as specified in the itinerary: 13 breakfasts / 12 lunches / 12 dinners
Official Letter of Invitation (LOI) for Turkmenistan tourist visa
Assistance and guidance for Uzbekistan visa or visa-free entry (if applicable)
Bottled drinking water during excursions and long drives

Not Included

  • Turkmenistan visa fee on arrival: USD 85 (cash, USD only)
  • Mandatory rapid COVID-19 test on arrival in Turkmenistan: approx. USD 31 (cash, USD only)
  • Turkmenistan migration tax: USD 14 (cash, USD only)
  • Uzbekistan visa fee (only if required for your nationality)
  • International flights to Ashgabat and from Tashkent
  • Single room supplement - USD 580
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guides and drivers (customary and recommended)
  • Personal expenses and hotel extras (mini-bar, laundry, etc.)
  • Photo or camera fees at certain museums and historical sites

Note: Arrival payments in Turkmenistan (approx. $130 total) must be paid in cash USD only.

Accommodation

Handpicked for comfort & location

  • AshgabatDivan Hotel(or similar)
  • MaryMargush or Mary Hotel(on availability)
  • DarvazaYurt camp
  • DashoguzDashoguz Hotel(best available)
  • KhivaZaravshon Boutique(or similar)
  • BukharaShahriston Hotel(or similar)
  • SamarkandContinental(or similar)
  • TashkentRamada by Wyndham Tashkent(or similar)

Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only.

Note: In the event of government-level events or official delegations, hotels may be required to prioritize state guests. In such cases, our company reserves the right to replace the confirmed hotel with an alternative property of the same official category and similar standard.

Book Your Adventure

Dates & Prices

Small groups departing in Spring and Fall – the perfect seasons for the Silk Road

Group Size

6-12 guests

Deposit Required

10% at booking

Application Deadline

60 days prior

Guaranteed departures with minimum group size of 6 pax. Prices exclude international flights.

2026 Departures

Twin shared: $3690|Single supplement: $580

Spring 2026

March 21 – April 2
Inquire
April 4 – April 16
Inquire
April 18 – April 30
Inquire
May 2 – May 14
Inquire
May 16 – May 28
Inquire
May 30 – June 11
Inquire

Fall 2026

August 29 – September 10
Inquire
September 12 – September 24
Inquire
September 26 – October 8
Inquire
October 10 – October 22
Inquire
October 24 – November 5
Inquire
November 7 – November 19
Inquire

2027 Departures

Twin shared: $3840|Single supplement: $610

Spring 2027

March 21 – April 2
Inquire
April 4 – April 16
Inquire
April 18 – April 30
Inquire
May 2 – May 14
Inquire
May 16 – May 28
Inquire
May 30 – June 11
Inquire

Fall 2027

August 29 – September 10
Inquire
September 12 – September 24
Inquire
September 26 – October 8
Inquire
October 10 – October 22
Inquire
October 24 – November 5
Inquire
November 7 – November 19
Inquire

Can't find a date that works? Contact us for private departures or custom dates.

Request Custom Dates

Traveler Stories

What Our Guests Say

Real reviews from travelers who've experienced the Silk Road with us

Verified on TripAdvisor|15 Reviews|

"I had an absolutely amazing experience booking my trip to Turkmenistan with Ayan Travel. Muhammet was amazing and was always quick to respond to emails. After another company told me they didn't operate in December, Ayan made it happen!"

J

Joe M🇺🇸

Turkmenistan Tour • December 2025

"Me and my wife have been world travelers since 1998 and we have met lots of tour guides however our tour guide Ellie was one of the best tour guides we have ever met. She was very professional, very friendly, considerate and adaptable."

J

Jorge Villanueva🇺🇸

Turkmenistan Tour • September 2025

"From the time I stepped off the ferry at Turkmenbashi until I was guided over the border to Uzbekistan I was looked after wonderfully. The guide, Joseph, was knowledgeable and fun, and the arrangements made by Ayan were exemplary."

D

David G🇬🇧

Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan Tour • March 2025

"We spent 10 days in Turkmenistan on a private tour. The country has a rich history and interesting customs. Our guide Yusup deserves all the praise - he was our wonderful guide into this fascinating world."

M

Maria🇨🇿

Turkmenistan Tour • April 2025

"My wife and I enjoyed our 4 night stay from Farap to Shavat-Dashoguz passing through the capital and sleeping in a yurt in the desert. Unforgettable experience with two Spanish-speaking guides and three experienced drivers."

C

Cris S🇪🇸

Turkmenistan Tour • August 2025

"Wonderful experience knowing one of the most hermetic countries in the world. Our guide Jose made our visit very pleasant and safe. He even explained everything in Spanish - a great surprise! Recommended 100%."

P

Paloma G🇯🇵

Turkmenistan Tour • December 2025

"We were struck by Turkmenistan and how difficult it was to access. The agency did wonderful - all clear and simple. Our guide Jose made us feel comfortable and safe. A tremendous experience, very well organized. 10/10"

S

Sebastian R🇨🇱

Turkmenistan Tour • December 2025

"Had a great experience with Ayan! We saw amazing parts of Turkmenistan, were well served, and the tour guide spoke great English and was super knowledgeable. We were transferred at the Farap border seamlessly. Highly recommend!"

J

Josh W🇺🇸

Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan Tour • September 2025

"My wife and I had a tour in Turkmenistan. We enjoyed the country and we were grateful to Ayan Travel for organizing and providing it on the high level. We visited everything we planned."

V

Valentin S🇺🇸

Turkmenistan Tour • October 2025

"Thank you so much to all the Ayan team for treating us so well. The attention from Ella was excellent from the start. During the trip, our guides Serdar and Yusup were great - they speak Spanish very well."

N

Noel🇪🇸

Turkmenistan Tour • October 2025

"Turkmenistan - a wonderful surprise! A very well organized tour with quality services. We loved everything, but above all being able to deal directly with the people: lunch with a family, visiting a horse farm..."

J

J B🇫🇷

Turkmenistan Tour • October 2025

5.0 Average Ratingfrom verified travelers
Read all 15 reviews on TripAdvisor

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your Silk Road adventure

Still have questions? We're here to help!

Contact us directly →

The Silk Road is Calling...

From the burning crater of Darvaza to the turquoise domes of Samarkand, this journey will stay with you forever. Limited spaces available – start your adventure today.

Inquire via WhatsApp
info@ayan-travel.net(+99312) 22-70-05
Visit our main website
Chat with us