The Great Cities of Central Asia’s Silk Road

Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan & Karakum Desert

Best time to travel

May – Sep

Ideal length

14 nights

Perfect for

Couples

From (incl flights)

€5,289 pp

At a glance

International flights from Dublin to Tashkent and home from Ashgabat.
Meet & Greet on arrival in Tashkent, all private transfers & express rail tickets.
14 nights’ accommodation in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Nukus, Darvaza and Ashgabat.
Marvel at the madrasas & mosques with guided tours of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Ashgabat.
Venture into rural Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and visit traditional villages, spend time in local family homes and experience the Darvaza Gas Crater.

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Introduction

Connecting the East and West, the Silk Road is rich with ancient cities beckoning exploration. On this suggested itinerary, discover the lesser-explored Great Silk Road cities of the nations of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as you venture from Tashkent to Ashgabat. On your journey, explore some of the world’s oldest cities and admire their ancient mausoleums, monuments and minarets. Between cities, get to know the traditional way of life as you visit the villages of rural Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, with a journey into the vast Karakum Desert in between.

Not often frequented by tourists, the collection of destinations in Central Asia can be difficult to navigate, but highly rewarding when you journey on a luxury holiday with OROKO by your side. Not only do we offer excellent value, but our expertise, 24/7 support and local representatives ensure a seamless luxury experience throughout Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. We’ll be with you every step of the way, introducing you to destinations we have explored numerous times and have awarded the OROKO luxury seal of approval.

View all of our luxury holidays to Central Asia.

Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to Tashkent.

Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your luxury hotel where you’ll spend two nights. The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is famed for its many museums and its mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture.

Embark on a privately guided tour of Tashkent.

One of Uzbekistan’s oldest cities, its capital has an abundance of important sites. Discover the city’s rich history as you stop by Independence Square, Courage Monument, Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theater, the Old Town and many other age-old gems.

Transfer by high-speed rail to Samarkand.

Spend two nights in this Silk Road city, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided city tour visit Registan Square, Gur-E-Amir Mausoleum, Siab Bazaar and more. Spend a morning discovering traditional crafts at the labyrinthine Urgut Market in the neighbouring town.

Discover rural life in Uzbekistan.

Depart to the foothills of the Gissar Mountains. After a hike through the sheep herder trails, pay a visit to Ohalik, a mountain village nestled in the range. Visit a local family in their home and learn about life in the village. Continue to Bukhara for a three night stay.

Explore Central Asia’s most ancient city.

On a privately guided tour, discover the highlights of Bukhara including Bolo Hauz Mosque, Ark Citadel and Zindan Prison. Visit a private studio to learn the process of creating traditional Uzbek puppets from a master marionette-maker. Attend a traditional music and dance performance.

Journey to the Old Town of Khiva.

You’ll spend two nights here. Enjoy a privately guided tour of Khiva’s Ichan Kala (walled inner town) which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Juma Mosque, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Tash-Hauli Palace and Kunya Ark.

Visit Nukus for an overnight stay.

This small city is home to the Karakalpak people. Visit the Savitsky Art Museum and observe the collection of avant-garde Soviet art banned from the USSR. Enjoy a performance of Karakalpak throat singing before dining with a local family at their home.

Cross the Karakum Desert into Turkmenistan.

At the heart of the desert, visit the unusual Darvaza Gas Crater. A natural gas field collapsed into a cavern which was set alight by Soviets, the crater has been burning continuously since 1971. Spend the night in a yurt camp by the crater.

Head to Turkmenistan’s capital of Ashgabat for a three night stay.

Explore the contrasting day and nightlife of the city. Be in awe of the rainbow of lights that shine across the white marble buildings, fountains and boulevards during your city tour by night. On your guided day tour, visit Independence Park, the Arch of Neutrality and more.

Discover rural life in Turkmenistan.

Venture into the countryside to Nokhur Tribal Village. The tiny alleyways of the villages are lined with houses made of stacked stone and ornamented with carved timbers found nowhere else in Turkmenistan. Visit Geok Depe Fortress and Mosque and Kow-Ata Lake.

Transfer to the international airport for your flight home.

Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

Let's plan your trip!

Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace

Originally built in 1958 and neighbouring several cultural landmarks in the heart of Tashkent, experience unparalleled luxury during a stay at this palatial hotel. Spacious, elegant rooms boast ornate textiles and glossy, dark wood furniture.

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Hotel Dilimah

Conveniently located right by Samarkand’s timeless Registan Square, with plenty of nearby restaurants and shopping areas, Hotel Dilimah offers premium luxury and convenience along the Silk Road. First-class facilities include indoor and outdoor pools.

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What people are saying

“The OROKO experience was genuinely special. Hotels and experiences were very carefully chosen to match our expectations and tastes. Ten out of ten to all concerned.”

Aidan and Eileen – Puglia, May 2018