UZBEKISTAN & TURKMENISTAN

DIFFICULTY 2.5/5 | FITNESS 2/5 | ADVENTURE 4/5 | CULTURE 4.5/5

dates

SDP

2 - 14 JUne
2026

group

SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION

11 pax

A 13-day journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, weaving together timeless Silk Road cities and awe-inspiring desert landscapes.

Travel back in time along the main ancient cities of the Silk Road, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, and their awe-inspiring architecture and food. Feel the true village life as you trek through the hills of Central Uzbekistan. Marvel at the infamous Gates of Hell and Ashgabat city in Turkmenistan. The journey is rich in cultural encounters, nostalgic sleeper trains, desert landscapes, historic fortresses and visits to some of the most unknown corners of our world.

$2490 USD

A woman standing in front of a large, ornate brick wall with intricate geometric green and beige tile patterns.
A white background with orange, purple, black, pink, yellow, and red flowers with green leaves arranged in decorative patterns.

Itinerary AT A GLANCE

This itinerary takes you on a captivating journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, beginning in the vibrant capital of Tashkent before venturing deep into the iconic Silk Road city of Khiva. Crossing into Turkmenistan, the adventure continues with visits to the dramatic Darvaza gas crater, the futuristic capital of Ashgabat, and a memorable meeting with the rare Akhalteke horses.

Bukhara and Samarkand await upon your return to Uzbekistan with majestic Islamic architecture like Registan Square. Wander amidst ancient necropolises, bustling bazaars in villages nestled in the Nuratau Mountains, where you will also contribute to local development projects.

  • Arrive in Tashkent and explore the heart of the capital
    Evening arrival in Tashkent. Meet your guide and your Far Corners Tribe, and enjoy an introductory city tour featuring Amir Temur Square and Independence Square before a welcome dinner and drinks in Tashkent's bustling centre.
    Overnight: Tashkent (hotel)

  • Discover Tashkent’s old town en route to Khiva
    Tour Tashkent's metro, the Monument of Courage, and the Khast Imam complex housing the 7th-century Koran of Khalif Osman. Wander Chorsu Bazaar before catching the nostalgic overnight sleeper train to the hidden gem of the Silk Road, Khiva.
    Overnight: Train carriage


  • Explore your first Silk Road city: Khiva
    Arrive in the quiet splendour of old town Khiva. Wander through Ichan Kala fortress, exploring mosques, palaces, and madrassahs that date back to the 10th Century as you enjoy free time in this preserved masterpiece.
    Overnight: Khiva (hotel)

  • Scale Khiva’s walled city for a sunset to remember
    Continue to be surprised by the dozens of historical and cultural beauties packed into the narrow streets of this UNESCO walled city including Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum and Juma Mosque. Ascend the fortifications for a view of the sun bathing the minarets as the call to prayer rings out.
    Overnight: Khiva (hotel)

  • Transfer to Turkmenistan border at Dashoguz
    After breakfast, transfer to the Dashoguz border crossing into Turkmenistan. Visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Kunya-Urgench before heading to the fiery Darvaza gas crater,‘the Gates of Hell’ . Enjoy dinner beside the flaming pit.
    Overnight: Karakum Desert (traditional yurt).

  • Explore craters, desert villages & the city lights of the capital, Ashgabat
    Travel through the desert via mud and water craters with a stop in Yerbent village. Arrive in Ashgabat and explore the National Museum, Artogrul Gazi Mosque, and the Russian Bazaar. Take a night time city tour including the Neutrality Arch and Olympic Village.
    Overnight: Ashgabat (hotel)

  • Wander Nisa fortress, war memorials & ride rare Turkmen horses
    Visit the Parthian fortress of Nisa, the State Carpet Museum, and battle sites from the 1879–81 Turkmen-Russian war. Meet Akhalteke horses at a private stable and stop at Ruhy Mosque and the Mausoleum of the first Turkmen president before stopping in Arkadag en route back to Ashgabat. Transfer to Ashgabat train station for the 8pm sleeper train to Turkmenabat. Dinner and overnight on the train.
    Overnight: Train carriage

  • Pamper yourself in the historic heart of Bukhara
    Arrive in Turkmenabat at 9am and transfer through Farap border to Bukhara. Treat yourself to a traditional hammam spa treatment and free time to wander the markets of this transportive and iconic city.
    Overnight: Bukhara (hotel)

  • Dive deeper into Bukhara and understand Silk Road crafts en route to Nuratau
    Take a stroll through Bukhara’s old town, pass the Ark Citadel, Kalyan Minaret, Silk Road tea house, and Lyabi-Hauz complex. In the afternoon, drive to Ukhum village with stops at Malik Sardoba and a traditional pottery workshop in Gijduvan.
    Overnight: Ukhum village (homestay)

  • Ascend into the Nuratau Mountains
    Wake up in the pristine Nuratau mountains and enjoy a morning hike to ancient petroglyphs. Take part in the installation of solar panels for our local guesthouses in Ukhum as part of our social development project. Tuck in to a delicious home-cooked dinner made by your hosts.
    Overnight: Ukhum village (homestay).

  • Marvel at Samarkand’s iconic Islamic architecture
    Descend from the mountains to the jewel in the Silk Road crown, Samarkand. Visit Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the grand Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and the Afrasiyab Museum on a deep dive into Samarkand’s Silk Road legacy.
    Overnight: Samarkand (hotel)

  • Be surrounded by sacred shrines and fascinating history
    On the final full day, tour the wonders of Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Ulugbek Observatory, and Konigil village to see the traditional art of paper-making in action. Soak up the Registan lightshow and final farewell dinner and drinks in this enchanting open air museum.
    Overnight: Samarkand (hotel)

  • Return to Tashkent and departures
    Enjoy a final breakfast together before transfers to Tashkent airport for departures or onwards travel to Central Asia III itinerary. 

WANT A HAND GETTING TO THE START LINE?
OUR FAR CORNERS CREW ARE HAPPY TO HELP!

Silhouettes of two people standing on a ledge at night, overlooking a landscape illuminated with red light.

  • ✓ LOI for Visa on Arrival at Dashoguz border

    ✓ Accommodation in twin share 3/4* rooms (where available), or eco-accom (e.g., yurts)

    ✓ Breakfast every day in Uzbekistan; All meals in Turkmenistan

    ✓ All entrance and permit fees

    ✓ All ground transportation and driver costs

    ✓ FCT guide and local English-speaking guides in each country

    ✓ Welcome and farewell dinners and drinks

    ✓ Visa support, if necessary

    • International flights to and from Tashkent

    • Visa fees + PCR test ($106 USD cash for Turkmenistan)

    • Other meals in Uzbekistan

    • Travel insurance

    • Spending money

    • Tips for guides

Ancient mud-brick structure with vertical ridges, located in a desert landscape, under a clear sky.
A large, white government building in Baku, Azerbaijan with a golden statue on top, surrounded by wide paved open space and lamp posts, with a few people walking.
A large, ornate building with a spherical structure enclosed in a geometric frame at its top, windowed tiers, and decorative accents, set against a greenish sky.
Two women walking along a winding stone path in a barren, desert-like landscape with distant hills and a few trees under a clear sky.
A city street lined with tall buildings and a row of evenly spaced cypress trees on the sidewalk. The street has a few cars and pedestrian crossing signs. The sky is hazy.
Lava flowing along a lava river in a volcanic crater at night
Silhouetted camels walking in a desert landscape at sunset.
Close-up of traditional Islamic architectural domes and archways with intricate tile work and brick patterns.
Night view of a historic building with illuminated intricate architecture, geometric patterns, and archways, possibly a mosque or palace, with people silhouetted in front.
Two men sitting on a bamboo bench against a brick wall, engaging in conversation, with a decorative pot and a small round table beside them.
A woman dressed in a patterned outfit and headscarf walking along a rooftop with an illuminated brick building in the background.
A narrow street with historic brick buildings and two tall striped towers in the background, illuminated by warm sunlight.
View of traditional Middle Eastern architecture with a large green minaret and other buildings with domed roofs, seen from a covered outdoor seating area with a table and chairs.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.

A cornerstone of Far Corners vision is the provision of sustainable support to locals. These social development projects aim to improve the living standards of the communities that make up the foundation of our tours.

This expedition gives back through the delivery and installation of solar panels in the villages of the Nuratau mountains. As part of our itinerary, we will be staying with the direct beneficiaries of your contributions to see the SDP in action.

Group of five people sitting on a hilltop during sunset with a clear sky.

FAQs

  • 94 nationalities do not require a visa to Uzbekistan (check if you do here). Nationals that require an eVisa can apply here in advance. All nationalities require a visa to enter Turkmenistan. With the required LOI, we can acquire a Visa On Arrival at the land border with Uzbekistan. Turkmen visas, taxes and PCR tests will be paid in cash at the border and cost $106USD in total.

  • Turkmenistan is renowned as one of the most difficult countries in the world to enter. LOIs need to be applied for well in advance and can take a long time to be approved. LOIs must be applied for at latest one month before the trip begins. Our team on the ground are experts at securing the LOIs for guests but please do not book flights until you have received your LOI.

  • Absolutely, we have planned out the tours so the dates align enabling you to be able to jump from one tour to the next. Although we don’t cover travel between each tour we can advise the best way to get from one tour to the next if you do choose to book more than one tour! Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is the 2nd stop on our Central Asia route followed by Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan which you can book here.

  • To get to Tashkent you’ll either be coming from our Central Asia I tour in AFGHANISTAN & TAJIKISTAN or flying in to meet us. Tashkent is very well connected by air from all over Europe, Middle East and Asia. We recommend arriving in the morning on the 2nd of June or the night before to ensure a smooth start to the trip. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have received your LOI for Turkmenistan.

  • Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are some of the safest countries to travel in when it comes to tourist safety (ranking higher than places like France on Global Peace Index). At the same time, our local partners are experts in guiding clients and are constantly monitoring the situation to respond accordingly to any safety issues. Safety is our number one priority and therefore we reserve the right to adapt the itinerary if necessary.

  • Yes, all adventurers that join us on our Far Corners expeditions are required to have comprehensive travel insurance. Given some of the destinations we visit, it can prove difficult (or very expensive!) to have travel insurance that covers you. At Far Corners we have used Safetywing for our personal and business travels for years and the best part is they don’t break the bank.

  • We choose to run our Far Corners tours during the prime season to ensure all activities are available. We will visit diverse landscapes (mountains, lakes, canyons, cities) so temperatures will fluctuate. Given the mountainous nature of these two countries, cooler temperatures/snow are the most likely adverse conditions we will have to deal with. Given the low-lying nature of these two countries, hot temperatures are the most likely adverse condition we will have to deal with.

  • This tour specifically does not have as much strenuous activity as some other Far Corners offerings. However, the pace of travel will be quite intense and an ability to walk for most of the day will be required although multi-day trekking experience is not needed.

  • Yes, a non-refundable deposit of $1000USD is required upon booking. Alternatively, you can also pay the full amount at booking.