Timeless Journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan

Welcome to Tashkent! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Shahina Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is available from noon. Begin your adventure with a guided tour of Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, the largest city in Central Asia. Start in the Old City and explore the Khast-Imam Complex, which houses the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman. The complex also includes the Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Visit the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, then enjoy a ride on the historic Tashkent Metro to the city center. Stop at the Museum of Applied Arts before strolling through Navoi Theater Square and Amir Timur Square. Overnight in Tashkent.
(Sightseeing duration: 5-6 hours)

Start your day with an early transfer to the airport for a flight to Urgench (1093 km, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes). Upon landing, enjoy a scenic transfer to Khiva (30 km, 35 minutes). Spend the day exploring the Ichan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encapsulates the charm of ancient Khiva. Key sites include Mukhammad Amin-Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahim-Khan Madrasah, Kalta Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and the Minaret of Islam Khodja. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to wander at your leisure before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Sightseeing duration: 5 hours.

Depart Khiva and embark on a scenic drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7–8 hours). Trace the ancient Silk Road as you pass through the vast Kyzylkum Desert. Stop along the way to admire views of the Amudarya River and the arid desert landscapes. Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon and check in to your hotel for a restful evening.
Note: Consider packing a lunch, as dining options en route are limited.

Experience the rich history of Bukhara on a guided walking tour through its Old City. Visit the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, the Magoki-Attori Mosque, and the stunning Chor-Minor Madrasah. Explore the Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, and continue to the Miri-Arab Madrasah. Visit Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, and take a step back in time at the Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Duration of sightseeing: 6-7 hours

Spend the morning visiting the Sitorai-Mokhikhosa, a summer palace blending Oriental and Russian architectural styles. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhoutdin Naqshbandi and the Chor-Bakr Necropolis. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bukhara at your own pace before retiring to your hotel.
Sightseeing duration: 3–4 hours.

Travel to Samarkand (280 km, 4 hours), stopping en route to visit the 11th-century Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and start exploring the breathtaking Registan Square, the remains of Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and the vibrant Siyob Bazaar. Overnight at your hotel.

Continue exploring Samarkand’s treasures with visits to Ulugbek Observatory, a key scientific landmark, and the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, where you’ll see a stunning array of mausoleums. End your tour at the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the great Tamerlane. Learn about the history of ancient Samarkand at the Afrosiab Museum. In the afternoon, travel to Konigil village to witness the traditional mulberry paper-making process. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure with a car and driver available for your use. Overnight at the hotel.
Sightseeing duration: 6–7 hours.

Cross the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border at Jartepa (60 km, 1 hour). After customs clearance, meet your Tajik guide and driver. Visit Sarazm, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site, before arriving in Penjikent. Explore Rudaki Museum and the ruins of an ancient Sogdian town with its Zoroastrian fire temples and marketplaces. Overnight in Penjikent.
(Sightseeing duration: 3-4 hours)

Drive into the Fann Mountains to visit the Seven Lakes, a series of stunning alpine lakes of varying colors. Enjoy a picnic by the lakeside and soak in the natural beauty. Return to Penjikent for an overnight stay.
(Distance: 160 km round trip)

Travel to Dushanbe via Iskanderkul Lake (305 km, 6-7 hours). Renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Asia, Iskanderkul is steeped in legends of Alexander the Great. Arrive in Dushanbe for an overnight stay.

Explore Tajikistan’s capital with visits to the Botanical Garden, National Museum (home to the iconic “Buddha in Nirvana”), Somoni Monument, Rudaki Avenue, and the Main Mosque. Overnight in Dushanbe.
(Sightseeing duration: 5-6 hours)

Drive to Khujand (250 km, 5–6 hours) through the Anzob and Shakhristan tunnels, stopping in Istaravshan to visit its bustling bazaar, the Hazrat Shah architectural complex, and Mug Teppe. Arrive in Khujand in the evening. Overnight at your hotel.
Sightseeing duration: 1.5–2 hours.

Visit Khujand’s Museum of Archaeology and Fortification, Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque, Panjshanbe Bazaar, and Arbob Palace. Transfer to the Oybek border, cross into Uzbekistan, and drive to Tashkent (100 km, 1.5 hours). Overnight in Tashkent.
(Sightseeing duration: 4-5 hours)

Check out by noon and enjoy free time until your transfer to Tashkent International Airport, marking the end of your incredible 14-day journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.