Samarkand & Tamerlane's Testament Asia Overland Journey

A spectacular overland journey to the heart of Central Asia.

Strategically positioned along the Silk Route, the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva were famed trading centres for the caravans that passed this way in ancient times.

On this trip we follow in their footsteps, discovering magnificent architecture and bustling bazaars that have changed little since the rule of Tamerlane.

We'll stay with nomads in the Kyzylkum Desert, explore the imposing Oxus Valley, tour the wonders of Samarkand and head into the markets of Ashgabat to practice our bargaining skills.

Kitty Payment

This is an Overland trip and has a Kitty Payment, which is paid locally in US$.

The kitty covers accommodation, meals while camping, and entry fees and excursions where the whole group participates. It is administered by a member of the group, and if there’s any left over at the end of the trip, it is refunded.

The kitty rate is from US$460, please call for final kitty price.

Please note, as prices fluctuate considerably in many of the countries we travel through, the kitty amount is not finally specified until two weeks before departure.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Day 1

Start Ashgabat, a bizarre modern city. Explore, shop and haggle at the vast Tolkuchka Sunday Market,

Day
2 - 3

Overland across the Karakum desert to the green Oxus Valley and the ancient ruined city of Kunye Urgench

Day 4

Explore Kunye Urgench, drive to Khiva.

Day 5

Day to explore mystical Khiva, and its many beautiful buildings.

Day 6

Drive to Bukhara.

Day
7 - 8

Guided tour of the many sights of fabled Bukhara, and a free day to explore at leisure.

Day 9

Morning drive to Nurata in the Kyzylkum Desert. Afternoon optional camel rides. Overnight in a desert yurt camp amongst the dunes.

Day 10

Morning exploring the Nurata Hills with the option of taking a dip in Lake Ajdar Kul. Afternoon drive to Samarkand.

Day
11 - 12

Two days to fully appreciate the majestic capital of Tamerlane.

Day 13

Drive to Tashkent.

Day 14

Free day to explore Uzbekistan's capital.

Day 15

End Tashkent.

Want to see more?

Trip Notes contain all the detailed information you need. A full day by day itinerary, accommodation details, guides and other practical information. Download Now

Then Check Availability and Book Online

Images from SAMARKAND & TAMERLANE'S TESTAMENT

Note: Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

$Group of Uzbeks visiting Timur\'s Tomb, Samarkand$

Taking photograph over roofs of Khiva Juma Mosque and Minaret

Women selling scarves inside palace, Khiva

$Butcher\'s shop, Bokhara$

Registan Square, Samarkand