Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment and Dinner - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Tashkent
Signature Moment: After-Hours at the Guri Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand
Your Local Living Moment: Plov Cooking Class and Dinner, Samarkand. Arrival and Departure Transfer. Historic Tashkent City tour & Sacred Sites Visit. Chorsu Bazaar Visit. Rakhimov Family Art Studio Visit. Free time in Tashkent. Guided Tour of Samarkand. Architectural Wonders of Samarkand. Tersak Village Visit. Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand Visit. Guided Exploration of Bukhara's Icons. Naqshnabdi Mausoleum Visit. Sitorai Mohi-Khosa Visit. Free Time in Bukhara. Bukhara Old Town visit. Caravanserai dinner. Old Town Exploration in Khiva. Guided Tour of Khiva. Free Time in Khiva. Khorezmian Music and Dance Show. Dashoguz Local Market. Ancient Settlement of Nisa. Free Time in Ashgabat. City Tour of Ashgabat. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Enter Tamerlane’s mausoleum after hours for a private talk on the Timurid legacy, Walk the ruins of the Parthian capital with a specialist to uncover its ancient power, Learn the history of Uzbekistan’s national dish in a hands-on workshop with a chef, Bake bread and samsas with a local family before sharing a home-cooked meal, Stand in the centre of the Silk Road, surrounded by the colossal madrasahs of Samarkand.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

CULTURE
Central Asia is a region which may be very different to anything you have experienced before. Mixture of Soviet heritage and Islam, summer heat and winter cold, religious conservatism, traffic and crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge.

DRESS CODE
Though you can see lots of people in traditional clothes, Central Asia has adopted western style clothing as well. Don't hesitate to pack your usual travel clothes: in summer it can be shorts and t-shirts, sandals etc. We recommend not to bring tank tops/singlets and any types of clothes with bare shoulders and backs - it is unacceptable in most areas, even in bigger cities. Our tour takes us to many religious sights, where dress code is very strict. We recommend women to have a headscarf in their day bags to cover up when going inside mosques (it's also a great help in the heat in summer). Best things to pack for the hot Central Asian climate is loose, long clothing - long trousers and sarongs or long skirts for women. In colder months (from the end of October through the end of April) it can rain and snow - bring warm clothes, jackets and comfortable warm shoes for walking.

ALTITUDE CONSIDERATIONS
This trip operates at altitudes over 800m (max altitude 3016m at Song Kul). Whilst we travel slowly allowing plenty of time to acclimatize you may experience headaches, nausea, lethargy, especially when visiting Song Kul & Iskanderkul. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one's tolerance especially on long driving days.

MONEY
Due to the restrictions on changing money in Central Asia region, only notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition will be accepted for exchange. Usually 50 and 100 USD/EUR notes get better exchange rate. We recommend to bring smaller denominations as well - many vendors accept them if you don't have local currency.

INTERNET
The phone network and internet are heavily regulated by the government in Turkmenistan. E-sims, roaming, and apps like WhatsApp, etc. are not available.

RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026 and Feb 7th - Mar 8th 2027. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

Please note, Turkmenistan have strict advisories on prohibited medications which can be taken into the country.
If you require further details, please reach out to our Sales team who will be able to advise further.

IMPORTANT: if you are extending your stay in Turkmenistan, G Adventures CANNOT grant the additional days to your LOI unless the services are booked directly through our Local Supplier. If you have any questions or require more information to extend your stay, please reach out to our Sales team. Turkmenistan trip extensions MUST be booked and confirmed through our Local Supplier no later than 40 days before the start of your tour.

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.