Discover the profound spiritual heritage of Uzbekistan on a captivating 12-day journey that delves into the ancient religions of Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. This meticulously crafted tour takes you beyond the well-trodden paths, unveiling the rich tapestry of religious history that has shaped this fascinating region of Central Asia.
Uzbekistan, with its strategic location at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, has long been a melting pot of diverse cultures and beliefs. Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions, is thought to have roots in the lush oases of Khorezm. This ancient faith, founded by the prophet Zoroaster, has left a lasting imprint on the region’s cultural landscape. Buddhism also played a pivotal role in Central Asia, particularly during its golden age from the 1st to the 7th centuries AD, with Termez emerging as a vibrant center of Buddhist learning and practice.
Your journey begins in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s bustling capital, where you will explore key sites such as the History Museum, which houses a fascinating array of artifacts from the Zoroastrian and Buddhist periods. The tour then takes you to Termez, an ancient city that was a significant Buddhist hub. Here, you will visit monumental sites like the Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, the impressive Fortress Kyrk-Kyz, and the Zurmala Tower, which stands as a testament to the region’s Buddhist past.
From Termez, the tour proceeds to Samarkand, an iconic city steeped in history. You’ll marvel at architectural wonders like the Gur-Emir Mausoleum and the majestic Registan Square. The journey continues to Bukhara, where you will explore the old city’s vibrant heritage, including the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, a revered Sufi saint.
The adventure does not end there. You will traverse the stunning landscapes of Khiva and the ancient Khorezm region, visiting historic fortresses such as Toprak-Kala and Ayaz-Kala. Finally, a visit to Nukus introduces you to the unique Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of avant-garde art.
Throughout this tour, you will gain deep insights into the religious and cultural evolution of Uzbekistan. From ancient Zoroastrian fire temples to Buddhist stupas and beyond, this tour offers a profound exploration of the spiritual legacy that continues to influence the region today.
Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel. After checking in around noon, embark on a guided exploration of Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital. Begin with a visit to the History Museum, where you will delve into a fascinating collection of artifacts from the Zoroastrian and Buddhist eras that shed light on the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Next, explore the archaeological site of Ming Urik, a significant historical landmark. Stroll through Tashkent’s Old City, visiting the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, the grand Independence Square, and the prominent Amir Timur Square. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing: Approximately 5 hours
Transfer to the local airport for a morning flight to Termez, situated 661 kilometers away. On arrival, a guide and driver will greet you. Start your journey in Termez, an ancient city renowned for its Buddhist heritage. Explore the Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, the Fortress Kyrk-Kyz—once the summer residence of the Samanid rulers—and the Sultan Saodat Ensemble. Visit the Zurmala Tower, a notable Buddhist stupa. Continue your exploration with visits to the Buddhist archaeological sites of Kara-Tepe and Fayaz-Tepe, as well as the Mausoleum of Al-Hakim at-Termezi, a significant figure in the region’s spiritual history. Enjoy the evening at your leisure and stay overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing: Approximately 4-5 hours
Continue your exploration of Termez with a drive northeast to Kampyr-Tepe, a fortress from the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. Next, visit the Jarkurgan Minaret, a historic structure situated 30 kilometers away. Return to Termez, where you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Surkhan oasis and the Friendship Bridge connecting Uzbekistan with Afghanistan. Conclude your day with a visit to the Archaeology Museum, which showcases exhibits from Termez and its surrounding areas. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing: Approximately 6-7 hours
In the morning, depart Termez and journey to Samarkand, a distance of 375 kilometers. Arrive in Samarkand by late afternoon and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the city at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Begin your day with visits to some of Samarkand’s most iconic landmarks, including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, and the Bibi Khanum Mosque. Continue to the Afrasiab Museum and archaeological site, where ongoing excavations reveal the ancient city’s history. The site, encompassing 212 hectares, includes fascinating artifacts such as pottery, weaponry, and a remarkable 7th-century mural painting. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing: Approximately 5-6 hours
Depart Samarkand in the morning for Bukhara, located 280 kilometers away. En route, make a stop at the Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik, a historical site dating back to the 11th century. Arrive in Bukhara by late afternoon and visit the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, an important Sufi shrine. Check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing: Approximately 2-3 hours
Explore Bukhara’s Old City on a guided walking tour. Visit the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, the Magoki-Attori Mosque, and the Chor-Minor Madrasah. Discover the trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Explore the Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs, the Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and the Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing: Approximately 6-7 hours
In the morning, travel from Bukhara to Khiva, a distance of 480 kilometers. Enjoy views of the Amudarya River and the surrounding desert en route. Arrive in Khiva by late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Due to basic amenities along the route, you may want to arrange a packed lunch the day before.
Spend a full day exploring the Ichan-Kala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit prominent landmarks such as the Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta-Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and the Minaret of Islam-Khoja. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to further explore or relax. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing: Approximately 5 hours
Embark on an excursion to Ancient Khorezm. Visit the fortress of Toprak-Kala, the Gyaur-Kala, and Koykirilgan-Kala. Continue to Ayaz-Kala, one of the largest and most significant fortresses of Ancient Khorezm from the 2nd century AD, representing the peak of Kushan Empire’s fortification efforts. Return to your hotel in Khiva for an overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included
After breakfast, drive to Nukus, stopping at Chilpyk, the Zoroastrian dakhma or «hill of silence,» en route. In Nukus, visit the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum*, which houses the world’s second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art along with Karakalpak applied arts. Take a brief tour around Nukus, viewing the statue of poet Berdakh, City Hall, and the Drama Theatre. In the evening, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Tashkent. Arrive in Tashkent and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast included
Note: The Savitsky Museum is currently closed for renovations, with some exhibitions unavailable. The reopening date will be announced later.
Check out of your hotel by noon. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your enriching tour of Uzbekistan.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist * | $3820 | $2300 | $2000 | $1720 | $1630 |
* rates based on 4* hotel accommodation. Rates based on 3* hotels will be around $150 less of the rates above. Rates based on 5* hotels will be around $200 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 11 nights hotel accommodation (shared double/twin room) Economy class ticket for flights Tashkent-Termez, Nukus-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
This 2 weeks Zoroastrianism & Buddhism Tour was an eye-opening experience. The journey through Uzbekistan was seamlessly organized, offering a deep dive into its ancient spiritual heritage. From the Zoroastrian ruins of Chilpyk to the Buddhist stupas in Termez, every site had its own unique story. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, providing rich historical context that brought each location to life. Highlights included the Afrasiab Museum’s stunning murals and the mesmerizing Khiva fortress. The itinerary was well-balanced with a mix of historical exploration and cultural immersion. Accommodations were comfortable, and the travel arrangements smooth. This tour is perfect for anyone interested in the ancient spiritual traditions of Central Asia.
Our 12-day tour exploring Zoroastrianism and Buddhism in Uzbekistan was truly memorable. The blend of ancient history and spiritual exploration was fascinating. Termez was a standout, with its ancient Buddhist sites and the impressive Zurmala Tower. The journey through Bukhara and Samarkand added layers of Islamic architecture and history that complemented the spiritual theme of the tour. The highlight for me was visiting the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum in Nukus, despite its temporary closures. The local guides were exceptional, and the logistics were handled flawlessly. The drive through the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva was an adventure on its own. Highly recommend this tour for anyone passionate about ancient cultures and religions.
The Zoroastrianism & Buddhism Tour exceeded my expectations in every way. The thorough exploration of Zoroastrian and Buddhist heritage was both enlightening and engaging. Tashkent’s History Museum provided an excellent introduction, while the Buddhist ruins in Termez offered an immersive experience into ancient practices. The travel from Bukhara to Khiva was scenic, and visiting ancient Khorezmian fortresses was like stepping back in time. Each stop, from Samarkand’s Gur-Emir Mausoleum to the vibrant Ichan-Kala Fortress in Khiva, was well-curated. Despite some delays at the Savitsky Museum, the rest of the tour more than made up for it. The tour was well-organized with comfortable accommodations and informative guides. A must-do for history enthusiasts!