Divergent Central Asia
14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS
JUNE 14 – 27, 2026
Price from $3,500
“An epic Silk Road Adventure“
Join Divergent Travel Trips for an incredible adventure along the Silk Road in Central Asia! This will be our fourth visit and we can’t wait for you to join us.
Spend 14 days of full immersion in the natural, and cultural wonders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan with us on this custom-built itinerary you will not find elsewhere.
Our trip will be operated in partnership with one of the leading local tour companies. This means we’ll have access to some of the best guides in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
We have worked closely with them to develop this special custom itinerary so you can experience the best this country has to offer.
The highlights of this trip include many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, incredible food, vibrant culture, epic natural wonders, and plenty of surprises along the way.
Daily activities include sightseeing, hiking, cultural experiences, and plenty of photo stops.
Something to note: While every trip we offer provides a photographic element, you do not need to be a photographer to join this trip. But, if you want to take photos, we’ll have amazing opportunities to do so.
If all you have is an iPhone, no worries! We can help you take great photos with it.
If photography is of no interest to you at all, that’s ok too.
Trip Itinerary
Welcome to Uzbekistan!
When you arrive at the Tashkent International Airport, you will be met by our ground team. You will then transfer to the hotel for free time before joining our welcome dinner.
Overnight: Beautiful 3* Boutique Hotel in Tashkent
Tashkent – Samarkand
We’ll enjoy breakfast and than set off an a full day city tour of Tashkent. We aim to visit Hasti Imam complex, Chorsu bazaar with its famous street food section, Friendship Square, Applied Art Museum, try some Underground stations (Uzbek Underground is well-known for its unique architectural designs and cleanness), come out from Independence station and visit Independence Square, Romanov’s Palace, and Alisher Navoi Theatre complex.
In the evening, we will transfer to the Tashkent railway station for an evening Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Beautiful 4* Hotel in Samarkand (B)
Full Day in Samarkand
After breakfast, we set off on a full day excursion program in Samarkand. We plan to visit Observatory of Ulugbek, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Bibi-Khanum Mosque – the largest mosque in Central Asia, oriental bazaar Siyab, Registan Sqaure (Sherdor Madrassah, Tilla Kari Madrassah and Ulughbek Madrassah) & Guri-Emir mausoleum, and Koni Ghil Silk ancient paper making center.
Overnight: Beautiful 4* Hotel in Samarkand (B)
Samarkand – Aydar Kul – Yangikazgan
We will start our day by leaving Samarkand and driving to Aydarkul lake. Here, we will enjoy the lake view, have an option to swim and enjoy a picnic lunch (menu: pike perch from the lake). Afterwards, we will drive to Yangikazgan village (where Kazakh-Karakalpak shepherdsmen live). We will get acquainted with local traditions, bread baking, visit a local school and drive to the yurt camp. Our day will end with a traditional dinner along the fire accompanied by an Akyn singer performance.
Overnight: Traditional Yurt Camp! (B-L-D)
Yangikazgan – Bukhara
After breakfast we will drive to Nurata. Here, we will visit Chashma Ayub, Namozgokh mosque (belongs to X c.), and the ruins of Nur Fortress (founded by Alexander the Great in IV BC.).
Continuing on towards Bukhara, we will also visit “Rabat Malik” caravansaray and “Sardoba” water reservoir in Karmana, famous ceramist-Mr. Nazrullaev’s workshop in Gijduvan and Vabkent Minaret (XI c.) in Vabkent.
Overnight: Beautiful 4* Hotel in Bukhara (B)
Bukhara
Today, we’ll spend a full day exploring Bukhara. We plan to visit Samanids’ Mausoleum, Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo-Khovuz mosque, Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyon complex (Kalyan mosque and minaret, Miri Arab madrassa), Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrassas, Magoki Attori mosque, Trade Domes (Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Telpakifurushon and Toki-Sarrofon), and Labi Khovuz complex.
In the evening, get ready to be entertained with a traditional Folk show.
Overnight: Beautiful 4* Hotel in Bukhara (B)
Bukhara – Khiva
After breakfast, we we will set off to Khiva through the Kizil-Kum Desert. En route, we will stop near Amudarya river for photos. Upon arrival in Khiva, transfer to hotel and free time.
Overnight: Beautiful 3* Boutique Hotel in Khiva (B)
Khiva
Today we’ll spend the full day exploring the beautiful ancient city of Khiva– “Ichan-Kala architectural ensemble”. This will include the “Museum under the open sky”: Ota-Darvaza (main gate), Madrassah of Mukhamad Amin-Khan, Kalta-Minor Minaret, Kunya-Ark complex, Madrassah of Mukhammad Rakhimkhan, Mausoleum of Said Alautdin, Juma Mosque and Minaret, Tosh-Hovli Palace (Harem), Karavan-Saray, Palvan-Darvaza Gate, Medrese of Abdulla-Khan, Minaret and Mosque of Khodja-Islam, Madrassah of Shergazi-Khan, Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud.
Overnight: Beautiful 3* Boutique Hotel in Khiva (B)
Khiva – Border Crossing – Dashauz
We will leave Khiva and head for the border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. We will spend several hours at the border, completing paperwork, and passing customs and crossing into Turkmenistan. All paperwork, LOI, and visa support is provided for this trip.
Welcome to Turkmenistan!
We have entered the second most isolated country on earth and are onwards to the next part of our adventure. After crossing the border, we will be met by our Turkmenistan ground team and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: 4* Hotel in Dashauz (B)
Dashauz – Kunya Urgench – Darvaza
After breakfast we will start our excursion to Kunya Urgench (UNESCO), the ancient capital of Khorezm Empire. During 1221 this beautiful and romantic part of the world was ruined by Mongols. The most famous monuments are Arslan and Tekesh mausoleums (12th c.), Turabek –Khanum mausoleum (12th c. mausoleum of Sufi Dynasty), Kutlug Timur minaret, Mamun II minaret, Sultan Ali mausoleum, Ibn Khadgib mausoleum (14th c.), and Nadjmetdin al –Kubr Khanaka.
In the afternoon, we head deep into the desert! Our destination? The famous Darvaza Gas Crater! We will arrive with plenty of time to explore, have dinner and then camp next to the crater.
Overnight: Darvaza Yurt Camp (B-D)
Darvaza – Ashgabat
We’ll enjoy breakfast at the Darvaza Gas Crater before setting off into the desert again to visit the water and clay craters. We will then put the desert behind us and head for the fabled white marble capital of Ashgabat. Upon arrival, we’ll set off on a city tour to the Neutrality Arch, Independence Park, Earthquake Memorial Complex, Ertogryl Gazi Mosque, Presidential Palace, and National Museum of History.
Overnight: Beautiful 5* Hotel in Ashgabat (B)
Ashgabat
Our exploration of Ashgabat continues today with a trip to a farm in Geok Depe, about 50 km from Ashgabat, to the Akhal-Teke stable to see the famous Turkmen horses called Akhal-Teke. On arrival at the farm there will be a horse show (snacks and drinks will be offered).
On the way back to Ashgabat we will pass by the impressive complex in the village of Kipchak, consisting of the largest mosque in Turkmenistan and the family mausoleum of the first president of Turkmenistan.
In the afternoon, we will visit the fortress of Ancient Nissa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the first of the capitals of the Parthian Empire (3rd century BC – 3rd century AD).
Overnight: Beautiful 5* Hotel in Ashgabat (B)
Ashgabat – Mary – Ashgabat
Early in the morning, we’ll transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Mary. We will be on a full day excursion to the ancient and glorious city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our time will be spent exploring the well-preserved ruins of this once-thriving city, which was a major center of trade and culture along the Silk Road.
Marvel at the impressive structures, including the remains of fortresses, palaces, mosques, and mausoleums, which attest to Merv’s rich history and importance in the region. Afterwards, we’ll transfer to Mary to visit the museum of ethnography and history.
After the excursion, we will take the evening flight back to Ashgabat.
Overnight: Beautiful 5* Hotel in Ashgabat (B)
All good things must come to an end, and this morning marks the official end of our amazing time in Central Asia together. Airport transfers will take you to the Ashgabat airport for onward travel.
(B)
Additional Trip Information
What’s Included:
- Airport transfers – Arrival & Departure
- Domestic Flight – Ashgabat-Mary-Ashgabat
- Train ticket – Tashkent to Samarkand
- 11 nights at handpicked hotels
- 2 nights at Yurt Camps
- 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners
- All entrance fees (HUGE value)
- All Daily activities (including extras)
- Bottled water (1 per person, per day)
- Local guide in Uzbekistan
- Local guide in Turkmenistan
- Private group transport throughout the trip
- Turkmenistan Visa Support
- Photography instruction
- Welcome gift
- Your hosts (us)!
What’s Not Included:
- International airfare to Uzbekistan
- International airfare from Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan Visa
- Turkmenistan Visa
- Video and Camera Fees in museums/sights
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Any meals not listed
- Gratuities for our amazing local guides
- Personal Expenses
- Single Supplement (if requested)
Trip Perks
If you’re looking for a trip to Central Asia that includes all of the highlights of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, along with some lesser-known gems, this itinerary is for you.
Our trips include ALL extra activities, day trips, and entrance fees. We’ve also hand-selected lovely hotels.
Diverge & Join This Adventure!
The dates of this trip are June 14-27, 2026.
The cost is $3,500 per person for a shared room.
This price is exclusive to our group and includes hand-selected hotels, yurt camp stays, private local guides, all activities, all transportation on arrival, a welcome gift, and photography help from us, if you want it.
We’re offering you a custom-built trip that includes all the day trips, sightseeing, entrance fees, and extras at an insanely good price.
Additionally, this will be a small, private, and intimate group.
Solo-Share Option: If you are traveling solo and select the shared room option, we will do our best to pair you with someone of the same gender. If you sign up for a shared room and we are unable to pair you with another solo shared traveler before the trip starts, your booking may become a solo-private booking. If this happens, we will notify you and the single supplement will apply.
Solo-Private Option: If you are traveling solo and wish to have a private room, this is possible. The cost to have a solo private room for the whole trip is an additional $1000.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot, and the remaining balance is due 120 days before departure. Payment plans are also available upon receipt of your deposit.
Departure is not guaranteed until the minimum number of guests is met. Please do not book flights or other non-refundable travel until we guarantee departure.
If the trip is full, email [email protected] and we will add you to the waiting list — also follow Divergent Travel Trips on Instagram to be the first to know when future trips are announced.
