Silk Road Secrets | Eid Journey Across Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

This Eid we invite you to join us for a journey across most mysterious and the least explored of Central Asia stans, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, combined into one trip. We will discover both of them over a week travel across their deserted lands by plane, train and 4WDs.

Turkmenistan has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. In medieval times, Merv was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road, a caravan route used for trade with China until the mid-15th century. Annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881, Turkmenistan later figured prominently in the anti-Bolshevik movement in Central Asia. In 1924, Turkmenistan became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic became independent in 1991.

Uzbekistan
The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. In terms of sights alone, Uzbekistan is Central Asia's biggest draw and most impressive showstopper.

In a brief:

- Direct flight to Turkmenistan,
- Ashgabat,
- Darvaza - Doors to hell,
- Geok Depe + Kow Ata,
- Domestic flight to Dashoguz
- Konye - Urgench,

Border crossing to Uzbekistan,

- Nukus,
- Domestic flight Nukus - Tashkent,
- Tashkent
- Bullet train Tashkent - Bukhara,
- Bukhara,
- Bullet train Bukhara - Samarkand,
- Samarkand
- Return flight to Dubai.

Let's go!

DAY 0 // MON // MAR 24 :: Departure

Meeting at 22.00 at Terminal 2 for a flight at 00.20.

DAY 1 // TUE // MAR 25 :: Ashgabad + Darvaza

Arrival, immigration procedure, check in to our lavish, white marble hotel and short rest. Foreign passport registration procedure. Quick look at majestic statues of Ashgabat and few other landmarks of the city.
In the evening departure to Darvaza. On the way stop at two other craters with water and sulfur mud, both seeping with gas from the underground."A little party never killed nobody" themed BBQ dinner near the main crater. Unforgettable sunset over the gas burning spectacle (camping).

DAY 2 // WED // MAR 26 :: Geok Depe + Kow Ata

After picnic breakfast we will head to Geok Depe to visit a private Arkadash stud farm, home of the famous Akhal-Tekke horses. Next we will head to Saparmurat Haji mosque, built within a former Tekke stronghold. Return towards Ashgabat, swim at volcanic underground lake of Kow-Ata. Come back to sci-fi scenery and indulge into neon lit up streets with white marble decorations.

DAY 3 // THU // MAR 27 :: Ashgabat

Morning souvenir shopping at Tolkuchka market, largest in Turkmenistan. Visit UNESCO site Old Nissa, Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque, Independence square and statues of famous national heroes.

DAY 4 // FRI // MAR 28 :: Konye Urgench - Hojeili border crossing to Uzbekistan - Nukus

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Dashoguz. On arrival, drive to Konye Urgench (Unesco site), sightseeing and Hojeili border crossing. Bye bye Turkmenistan! Bye bye Turkmenistan!

Welcome to Uzbekistan!

Quick look at Nukus and domestic flight to Tashkent.

DAY 5 // SAT // MAR 29 :: Tashkent

Whole day of exploration Uzbekistan's capital city.

DAY 6 // SUN // MAR 30 :: Bukhara

Morning speed train to Bukhara and start discovery of magical monastery-city - place of education and pilgrimage, called often a living museum! Stroll along the Lyabi Khauz Place – one of the most famous places of Bukhara; trading domes; Abdul-Azizkhan and Ulugbek madrassahs.

DAY 7 // MON // MAR 31 :: Bukhara

Continue exploration of Bukhara, splendid Poi-Kalyan place, with its Kalyan minaret, the main symbol of Bukhara, serving in former times as a lighthouse for caravanneers; Chor-Minor madrassah; Chor-Bakr Necropolis, an asylum of 4 hermits, relatives of Prophet Mohammed; Ark citadel; Royal mosque Bolo Khauz; Ismail Samani mausoleum – the oldest building in the Central Asia, the pearl of the world architecture.
In the afternoon bullet train to Samarkand.

Check in to hotel, its time to discover Registan Square at night!

DAY 8 // TUE // APR 01 :: Samarkand

In the morning sightseeing in the capital of Tamerlane’s powerful empire: Gur-Emir mausoleum – the burial place of the Tamerlane and his dynasty (XIV-XV c). Start with Registan Square, Ulugbem Observatory, free time in the afternoon. Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand with its three madrassahs – representatives of the great past of this city; Samarkand secrets: ancient observatory, paper factory and uzbek local life. Optional visit in local hammam.

DAY 9 // WED // APR 02 :: Return to DXB

Early morning flight back home with pockets full of memories!!

Activities: trekking, swimming, sightseeing, getting amazed with burning gas crater, cultural immersion.
Accommodation & meals: atmospheric 4 star hotels double sharing + 1 night camping, local meals included.

Cost: 10,350 AED all incl flights and visa pre-approval for Turkmenistan. Cost valid until MAR 07th.

Visa:
Turkmenistan - based on pre-approval. Approx. 100 USD, 2-3 weeks.
Uzbekistan - most of passports and UAE residents visa free, otherwise E-visa.

See yah at Silk Road x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 - 4848238 / info@trekkup.com