Embark on a captivating 17-day journey through Uzbekistan, an adventure designed for those eager to experience the full spectrum of this Central Asian gem. This extensive tour offers an immersive exploration of Uzbekistan’s historical, cultural, and architectural marvels, covering the entire country from its eastern landscapes to its western treasures. It is an ideal itinerary for travelers who wish to delve deeply into the nation’s rich heritage and stunning diversity.
Your journey begins in Tashkent, the vibrant capital city, where you’ll be greeted with a warm Uzbek welcome. Here, you’ll discover the city’s blend of modernity and history, from the ancient Khast-Imam Complex to the bustling Chorsu Bazaar. Following Tashkent, your adventure takes you east to the Fergana Valley, renowned for its traditional crafts. In the towns of Kokand and Rishtan, you’ll visit historical landmarks and meet local artisans who create beautiful ceramics and textiles. The day concludes in Fergana, where you’ll overnight and soak in the region’s rich cultural ambiance.
The tour continues with a return to Tashkent before flying to Nukus, an often-overlooked gem in the Karakalpakstan region. Here, you’ll explore the haunting remnants of the Aral Sea‘s former glory, including the “Cemetery of Ships” in Muynak and the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum, known for its avant-garde Russian art collection.
From Nukus, you’ll travel to Khiva, a city that embodies the essence of the Silk Road with its well-preserved Itchan-Kala fortress. Spend a full day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring its magnificent architecture and intricate historical sites.
Next, venture through the Kyzylkum Desert to Bukhara, a city steeped in history with its stunning blue domes and ancient mosques. Bukhara offers an enriching experience with its diverse monuments, from the Ark Fortress to the Bolo-Khauz Mosque. A unique highlight is the yurt camp stay in the Kyzylkum Desert, where you can experience the nomadic lifestyle and enjoy a camel ride across the dunes.
Following your desert adventure, you’ll head to Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road. This city boasts some of Uzbekistan’s most iconic landmarks, including Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and the Gur-Emir Mausoleum. Explore the intricacies of Samarkand’s history and culture, and visit Konigil village to witness traditional paper-making processes.
The journey then takes you to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane, with its impressive ruins and historical sites. From there, you’ll drive to Termez, an ancient city with significant Buddhist heritage. Discover the archaeological wonders of Zurmala Tower, Fayaz-Tepe, and Kampyr-Tepe, reflecting the city’s historical role as a major Buddhist center.
Your tour concludes with a return to Tashkent, where you will revisit key sites and enjoy some final leisure time before your departure. This grand tour offers a comprehensive look at Uzbekistan’s past and present, combining must-see landmarks with off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Throughout the tour, you will experience Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes, from the bustling cities and historic sites to the serene desert and lush valleys. This journey promises to leave you with lasting memories of a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Welcome to Tashkent, the vibrant capital city of Uzbekistan. Upon your arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and settling into your accommodation, the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore or rest. Overnight stay at the hotel.
At the break of dawn, transfer to Tashkent’s train station to catch an early train to Kokand. The train departs at 08:05 and arrives in Kokand around 12:16. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver to begin a fascinating tour of the Fergana Valley. Discover the historical Khudoyar-Khan Palace, the Jami Mosque, and the Norbut-biy Madrasah. Next, travel to Rishtan, where you will visit the renowned ceramic master Rustam Usmanov. Witness the intricate pottery-making process and explore a stunning collection of local ceramics. Continue your journey to Fergana city, where you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Alternative transportation option: Drive by car through the picturesque Kamchik Mountain Pass, which takes approximately 4 hours.
Begin your day with a visit to Akhmad Al Fergani Park, a serene spot to start your exploration. Drive to Margilan to visit the Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah, a center renowned for its skilled craftsmen who produce exquisite handmade carpets and silk. Enjoy a stroll through the traditional market and visit the Yodgorlik Silk Factory to observe the traditional silk weaving process and Ikat patterns. If your visit coincides with a Thursday or Sunday, you may explore Kumtepa Bazaar, the largest market in the Fergana Valley. Return to Tashkent in the afternoon (a 5-hour drive covering 320 km), where you will be dropped off at your hotel for an overnight stay.
This morning, board a flight to Nukus, which takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, drive to Muynak, a town once situated on the shores of the now-diminished Aral Sea. En route, stop at the Mizdakhan archaeological complex. In Muynak, explore the eerie “Cemetery of Ships,” where abandoned vessels lie stranded in the sand. Visit the Local History Museum to learn more about the Aral Sea’s dramatic history. Return to Nukus in the afternoon and check into your hotel for the night.
Start your day with a visit to the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum, famous for its impressive collection of Russian avant-garde art and Karakalpak applied arts. Explore the city center of Nukus, including landmarks like the statue of Karakalpak poet Berdakh, Nukus City Hall, and the Drama Theatre. In the afternoon, travel to Khiva (200 km, approximately 4-5 hours), stopping en route to visit significant archaeological sites such as Chilpyk, a Zoroastrian dakhma, and Toprak-Kala, the ancient capital of Khorezm. Arrive in Khiva and check into your hotel.
Note: The Savitsky Museum’s collection is partially on loan to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence until the end of October 2024, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
Dedicate a full day to exploring the historic Itchan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as an open-air museum. Enjoy a walking tour through Khiva, visiting the Tash-Khovli Palace, Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and the Minaret of Islam-Khoja. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring more of Khiva or relaxing. Overnight at your hotel.
Early in the morning, set off on a drive to Bukhara (480 km, approximately 7-8 hours), traversing the Kyzylkum Desert. This route was historically used by Silk Road caravans transporting goods. Arrive in Bukhara by late afternoon and check into your hotel. The evening is free for rest or exploration. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Note: Some parts of the road may be in less than ideal condition, and local dining options are basic, so consider packing a lunch.
Enjoy a comprehensive walking tour of Old Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit key sites including the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, various trade domes, the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Miri-Arab Madrasah, and the madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan. Explore the Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Begin the day with a visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, featuring a unique blend of Oriental and Russian architectural styles. Proceed to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and the Chor-Bakr Necropolis. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, exploring more of Bukhara or relaxing at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Depart Bukhara in the morning for a scenic drive to the Kyzylkum Desert yurt camp (230 km, approximately 4 hours). En route, stop at the Gijduvan pottery workshop to observe local craftsmanship, visit the Nurata local mosque with its sacred spring, and view ancient petroglyphs at Nurata Pass. Arrive at the Yurt Camp, where you will stay in traditional yurts. Enjoy a camel ride and leisure time. After dinner, gather around a campfire and listen to traditional Kazakh folk songs performed by a local akin. Overnight in the yurt.
Note: While meals are provided, it is recommended to bring additional food supplies as there are no shops nearby.
After breakfast, visit Aidarkul Lake in the desert. Choose between two options: a camel ride to the lake (8.5 km, 3 hours) and enjoy lunch there, or a shorter camel ride to the nearby village of Dungalak (1.5 km, 30 minutes) to experience traditional bread baking. Return to the yurt camp, then drive to Samarkand (270 km, approximately 5 hours). Check into your hotel upon arrival and relax for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch or picnic.
Meet your guide and driver for a full-day tour of Samarkand. Explore the magnificent Registan Square, the remains of the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Siab Bazaar, the Ulugbek Observatory, the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, and the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur, the Turco-Mongol emperor. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Continue exploring Samarkand with visits to the Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Drive to Konigil village to see the traditional method of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy some free time with your car and driver at your disposal before returning to the hotel for the night.
Depart Samarkand in the morning and head to Shakhrisabz (90 km, approximately 2 hours). Discover the Mausoleum of Jakhongir within the Dor-us Siodat Memorial Complex, the remains of the Ak-Saray Palace, and the Dor-ut Tilavat Ensemble with its Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and Tamerlane’s father’s burial vault. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Termez (290 km, approximately 5 hours). Check into your hotel upon arrival and rest for the night.
Begin a comprehensive tour of Termez, an ancient city with rich Buddhist heritage. Visit Zurmala Tower, a Buddhist stupa; the Mausoleum of Al-Hakim at-Termezi; the Buddhist archaeological site of Fayaz-Tepe; and Kampyr-Tepe, a Greco-Bactrian fortress. Return to Old Termez to explore the Kyrk-Kyz Fortress, Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, and the Sultan Saodat Ensemble, a summer residence of the Samani rulers. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Archaeology Museum, which houses artifacts from Termez and its surroundings. Enjoy some free time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Fly back to Tashkent in the morning and begin a city tour of Uzbekistan’s capital. Visit the historic Khast-Imam Complex, home to the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman. Wander through Chorsu Bazaar, ride the Tashkent Metro, and explore the Applied Arts Museum. Stroll through Navoi Theater and Amir Timur Square. After a comprehensive tour, spend the afternoon at your leisureor in a free time to relax or explore Tashkent further on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.
On the final day of your grand adventure, enjoy your last moments in Tashkent. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Your journey through Uzbekistan has come to an end, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories from the Silk Road’s historical cities, cultural treasures, and breathtaking landscapes.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist * | $5280 | $3050 | $2700 | $2400 | $2250 |
* rates based on 4* hotel accommodation. Rates based on 3* hotels will be around $200 less of the rates above. Rates based on 5* hotels will be around $350-$400 more of the rates above.
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with a local guide in each city Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Hotel accommodation (shared double/twin room) Ticket for high-speed train Tashkent-Kokand Economy class ticket for flights Tashkent-Nukus and Termez-Tashkent
Tour leader to accompany travellers for the whole period of the tour Consular fees for Uzbekistan tourist visa Any Private Expenses Lunches, Dinners Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance
