Turkmenistan & Tajikistan:
Mountains, Lakes, Sand & Marble
2 - 14 May 2025 (Full)
6 - 18 September 2025
Description:
Begin your adventure in the heart of Tajikistan, where the rugged beauty of the mountainous terrain awaits. Every turn reveals breathtaking vistas—towering peaks that touch the heavens, lush valleys teeming with life, and pristine turquoise lakes that mirror the untouched splendor of nature.
Next, venture into the enigmatic and rarely seen world of Turkmenistan, a land where history and mystery intertwine. Explore the gleaming white marble city of Ashgabat, a capital that dazzles with its unique charm, and step back in time at the ancient Silk Road-era UNESCO sites. Experience the warmth of rural Turkmen life with a homestay in the secluded village of Nohur, where tradition thrives. As night falls, witness the otherworldly glow of the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Door to Hell," beneath a sky blanketed with stars -- all from the comfort of a traditional Turkmen yurt.
Countries: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
Duration: 13 days
Cost: USD2425 (Approximately SGD3275, MYR11100, EUR2230)
Start & End city: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Max. Capacity: 6 travelers
What's included in the price:
Accommodation (Twin-sharing)
Homestay experience
Yurt Stay
Transportation (Trains, private-hire vans, intra-city transport)
Guide fee
Rental of camping equipment
Tickets to places of interest (Historical sites, national parks)
Domestic flight (Urgench to Tashkent)
Overnight train (Merv to Ashgabat)
Breakfast at guesthouses
What's not included in the price:
Travel insurance
Meals (Lunch & dinner on most days)
Visa (If applicable)
Flight tickets to and from home country
Migration tax for Turkmenistan (USD 30)
PCR test
Jacklyn Lam (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
signed up for the Silk Road and 3 Stans tour last minute and have absolutely no regrets! This has definitely been my top 2023 highlight!
Huge shoutout to the guides (Mikhael, Majorna) - they have done an incredible job ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. Their enthusiasm for sharing local stories added an unforgettable dimension to the journey.
Wendall Lai (Singapore)
I went on a trip with TUD and it was SUPERB! The itinerary was a good mix of outdoor activities, mosque/museum-hopping, learning about the region’s rich history and culture and getting a glimpse of local life. A big shout-out to Mikhail & Marjona (our guides-turned-friends)
Day 1: Khujand, a bustling cultural tapestry
Plunge yourself into the hustle and bustle of life in Khujand, Tajikistan's second largest city. Nestled along the banks of the Syr Darya River and surrounded by the majestic Fergana Range, Khujand boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day 2: Sword makers & the Capital
We will head south towards Dushanbe, the Tajik capital. On the way, we will stop at the fame Bozor-e-kord, a site where bladesmith still craft sword using millennia-old techniques.
Then, we will continue towards the capital, home to an interesting mix of modern-day skyscrapers, soviet-era apartment blocks, and neighborhoods of haphazardly-built dwellings.
Days 3-5: Mountains & Lakes
Travel to the breathtaking Iskandarkul Lake, where you'll immerse yourself in nature with invigorating hikes and mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.
Then drive down serpentine country road that hug majestic and rugged Fann Mountains. Nestled in their shadows are the Seven Lakes, a series of interconnected mountain lakes renowned for their constantly changing hues.
Get the ultimate local experience by indulging in the delicious cuisine and spending nights in a homestay.
Day 6: Explore
centuries-old alleyways
Take a stroll down the timeless back alleyways of the Silk Road city of Bukhara. Bukhara was a major town along the Silk Road, and centuries-old markets, mosques, schools and buildings dating back to that era are preserved in pristine condition.
Day 7: Welcome to Turkmenistan
Our journey begins with a border crossing into Turkmenistan, a notoriously secluded and inaccessible state for many.
Driving through the vast expanse of the Karakum desert, our morning is dedicated to reaching the historic city of Merv, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will spend the afternoon exploring this ancient city which was a significant hub during the heyday of the Silk Road.
Night 7: Travel like a local
After exploring Merv for the day, spend the night on board a sleeper train that will whisk you across the country’s vast desertscape. Travelling on platskart class (6 bunk beds a compartment) is an experience in itself, where you get to be up close with Turkmens from all walks of life, such as cross-country traders, farmers visiting a neighbouring village for a wedding ceremony, students returning home for the semester, and hawkers peddling their goods on board.
Day 8: Wander down enigmatic boulevards
Explore Ashgabat's dazzling white marble capital, known as "the Strangest City on the Planet."
Wander its expansive but empty boulevards, lined with colossal palaces boasting intricate white and golden facades that gleam in the sunlight. Experience the unique blend of modernity and tradition as ancient motifs intertwine with contemporary designs, creating a mesmerizing architectural landscape that invites exploration and discovery at every turn.
Day 9: Live like a Turkmen
Start your day with a visit to a private horse farm in Gokdepe, home to the renowned Akhal Teke breed. Then, dip in the waters of the natural underground lake of Kov-Ata before heading to the village of Nohur.
Nohur, a picturesque Turkmen village nestled in the rolling hills near the Iranian border, will be your home for the next two days. Enjoy a homestay with a local family to experience life in the rarely seen rural Turkmen countryside.
Day 10: A canyon & a touch of mysticism
Embark on an adventure deep into the Turkmen hinterland to the mesmerizing Yangikala Canyon. With its vibrant bands of pink, red, and yellow rocks decorating the steep canyon walls, this natural wonder is a true feast for the eyes. From the peak, take in the awe-inspiring views of the desert landscape, a hidden gem known to only a few.
As the day winds down, head back to your cozy homestay in Nohur. Along the way, explore ancient pre-Islamic shrines dedicated to long-forgotten deities.
Day 11: Knock on the Door to Hell
Spend the night in the cosy comfort of a traditional nomadic yurt erected in the middle of a lush and green valley.
At night, sit out for a while, with a cup of hot tea in hand, and share stories with your travel mates. Or look up and marvel at the beauty of the sky filled with bright stars and, possibly, the Milky Way.
Get up just in time for sunrise to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Day 12: Visit Millenia-old ruins
Journey to Konye-urgench, our final stop in Turkmenistan. Explore its ancient wonders, from towering minarets to ancient ruins. Immerse in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where echoes of the past whisper through time.
Day 13: Return to Tashkent
We'll cross the Turkmen-Uzbek border in the morning via the Dashoguz border crossing.
Then we'll catch a domestic flight from Urgench to Tashkent, the Uzbek capital where the trip ends.
Return home a learned traveler and eagerly share the memories of this remarkable journey with loved ones and anyone eager to listen.
