About this trip
An 11-day overland route through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, tracing Silk Road history through desert landscapes that see few outside visitors.
You'll watch the sun set over Khiva's tiled minarets, stay in a secluded mountain village to learn about Turkmen rural life, and visit a horse breeder's farm to see how Akhal-Teke horses are kept and fed.
The trip pushes further into the ancient ruins of Merv, the burning Darvaza gas crater, and the marble futurism of Ashgabat — this is genuinely off the beaten track, guided throughout by locals with deep knowledge of the region.
What you'll do
- Watch sunset over the minarets of Khiva
- Stay in a secluded mountain village to learn about Turkmen rural life
- Visit a horse breeder's farm to see how Akhal-Teke horses are cared for
- Wander the ancient Silk Road ruins of Merv
- Watch sunset over the Darvaza gas crater, known as the Gates of Hell
- Explore the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat
- Turkmenistan requires a Letter of Invitation arranged in advance to apply for your visa on arrival, and guides tend to be protective of what tourists see
- Long travel days, heat, dust and plenty of time on your feet mean you'll want good general fitness to enjoy this trip
- A couple of nights are in multi-share rooms with outside, shared facilities — in the yurt stay and the guesthouse in Nohur Village
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Aug is cheapest — from £2,015, about 15% below the priciest month (Apr).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Tashkent · 29 Aug – 30 Aug
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