Silk Road Wonders: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan - 12 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include wandering Ashgabat's surreal marble streets and uncovering Old Nisa's ancient past, spending a night in a desert yurt beside the blazing Darvaza Crater, riding trains through open steppe and watching the Silk Road unfold, crossing into Tajikistan for the Seven Lakes and a home-cooked village meal, and ticking off the legendary cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation consists of standard hotels/guesthouses for 10 nights and yurts for 1 night. Please note that shared bathroom facilities will be available when staying in the yurts.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 11 breakfasts and 2 dinners.

• What is the maximum and average group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 14.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation on this trip includes private vehicles, trains, and walking.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will be with the group throughout the tour.

• Are there any optional activities available on this tour?

  Yes, optional activities include a Welcome Dinner in Ashgabat, a Bukhara Hammam Visit (approximately 35 USD per person) and an Uzbek Cooking Class in Bukhara, and a hike to Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7 in Marguzor.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan?

  Visa requirements are the individual traveller's responsibility. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the departure date and have at least two blank pages per country. Uzbekistan may require a Letter of Invitation (LOI). For Tajikistan, British and other non-visa-exempt nationals need an e-Visa, and an LOI may also be required, with specific application timelines. For Turkmenistan, all nationalities need a visa; an LOI must be applied for through the tour operator at least 40 days prior. Upon arrival in Turkmenistan, travelers must print a good condition LOI copy, pay a visa fee (approx. USD 100-120 cash), and a mandatory COVID-19 rapid antigen test fee (approx. USD 42 cash). Only new, clean, undamaged USD notes issued after 2009 are accepted. A positive COVID test will result in denied entry, with arrangements for a return flight to Tashkent at the traveler's expense.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required; consult your travel doctor. It is recommended to carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Be aware that medical facilities can be remote. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering drugs. Turkmenistan has strict advisories on prohibited medications. The tour operator reserves the right to exclude travellers unable to complete the itinerary safely.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange in Central Asia during the tour?

  Central Asia is generally a cash-operating region, and traveller's cheques are not recommended. Only banknotes printed after 1996 and in good condition can be exchanged. It's advisable to bring about 70 USD in small denominations. In Uzbekistan, ATMs dispense local currency (UZS), and banks exchange USD or EUR. In Tajikistan, the somoni is the preferred currency; credit cards are rarely accepted, and ATMs are mostly in Dushanbe. Always have access to an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

• What is the recommended dress code for this tour to respect local customs?

  Central Asian dress is quite conservative. Pack loose-fitting, light clothing that covers knees, shoulders, and chest. Women are recommended to carry a headscarf for visiting religious sights and for protection from the sun. Avoid tank tops, singlets, or clothes with bare shoulders and backs, as these are generally unacceptable in most areas.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have a minimum medical coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Proof of insurance will be required by your CEO.

• What should I know about safety and security on this trip?

  We recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving valuable jewellery at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. Your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel parts of the itinerary for safety reasons. During free time, use your judgment for optional activities. In cities, especially at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis. Avoid protest areas. Water-based activities should only be undertaken with a guide, and swimming is at your own risk.

• What is the tipping etiquette for guides, drivers, and service providers?

  While not always customary for service providers like waiters, tipping 3-5% is appreciated. For local guides and drivers, a recommendation is $3-$4 USD per person per day. For your CEO, a guideline of $4-7 USD per person per day is suggested, based on your satisfaction.

• Can I get my own room on this tour, and are there any exceptions?

  If you have booked the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the exception of the yurt camp (1 night) and the guesthouse (1 night), where shared bathroom facilities are common.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating positive impact through travel. They connect underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting community-owned businesses, empowering Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protecting the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, ensuring 100% of your donations directly support their projects.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, any local flights mentioned in the tour operator's itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services. Flight tickets are provided by the tour operator during the tour.