Silk Road Cities & Villages of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

Get under the skin of Uzbekistan's towns and villages

11 days £1,995 pp This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Hit the Old Silk Road on a dualistic journey into two Uzbekistans: town and country. We take you off-the-beaten-track to try better to uncover what really embodies this vast and distant land. Venture deeper into village life, while supporting community-based, agro and ethno-tourism in rural Uzbekistan.

This novel tour takes a different route into the heartlands of this endlessly fascinating country. Along the way, we'll dabble in arts & crafts with skilled artisans. We'll meander through the mountains, seeing village life at first hand, as well as the realities of nomadic life. The tour rounds off with visits to the UNESCO-listed Bukhara and Samarkand: both of them glittering jewels on the necklace of medieval trade, which is the Silk Road.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The sacred site of Chashma Ayub
  • Magical UNESCO Silk Road city of Bukhara
  • Participate in arts, cooking and crafts with local Shirin artisans.
  • Ancient fortress town of Nurata
  • Feel the arid air of the Kizil Kum Desert
  • Live village life on the hiking trail through the Nurata Mountains
  • The sublime architecture of the UNESCO-listed city of Samarkand

Places Visited

Tashkent - Bukhara - Shirin - Nurata - Kyzylkum Desert - Aydarkul Lake - Hayot Village - Samarkand

What's Included

Double / Twin accommodation in hotels.
2-4 persons accommodation in guest house and yurts
Full board according to the program. 
English speaking escort guide all over the tour.
All transfers as indicated on the program by A/C vehicle.
Train tickets from Tashkent to Bukhara, and from Samarkand to Tashkent on economy class
Entrance fees to monuments and museums.1L of mineral water per day per person.  

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival

Early morning arrival to Tashkent on an overnight, direct flight from London to Tashkent on Uzbekistan Airways. Airport transfer provided by Travel the Unknown representative. Check in early to your hotel and catch up on some rest after your night flight.

After lunch, we'll take you on an excursion around venerable sites in the old quarters of this city. Excursions cover Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, and Barak Khan Madrassah in the Hazrati Imam Complex, as well as Chor-Su bazaar, famed for its skilled handicrafts.
 

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The historic Kukeldash Madrasah in Tashkent was built in 1570 by rulers of the Shaybanid Dynasty. The historic madrasah was built in a traditional style around an inner courtyard and garden. Many earthquakes in the region left the building in ruins. It has since undergone significant restoration efforts and was converted into a caravanserai during the 18th century. It was used as a barracks in Soviet times and even once served as a venue for public executions of unfaithful women.

The Harzat Imam Complex is the heart of old Tashkent. It includes several important buildings, including the lovely 16th-century Barak Khana seminary, the 19th-century Tila Shaikh mosque and Hazrat Imam mosque. The latter was built in 2007 with Indian sandalwood columns that were carved by masters from all 12 of Uzbekistan’s regions. The marble was brought in from Turkey and the blue-tiled domes decorated with real gold leaf. Finally, the Muyi Moborak library contains the oldest Qur'an in the world, created only 19 years after Mohammed’s death.

The traditional Chorsu bazaar can be found at the heart of Tashkent’s old town, near the famous Kukeldash Madrasah. Dating back over one hundred years, the bazaar sits beneath a large, blue-domed roof that is designed to keep out heat and dust. The bazaar serves up an abundance of fruits, nuts, meat, spices, fresh bread, as well as various handicrafts.

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Day 2 : Tashkent - Bukhara

After breakfast we board the bullet train to Bukhara. This high-speed train delivers us to the UNESCO-listed city of Bukhara in under 3 hours. Once there check in to your accommodation, and grab lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we'll go exploring this world-class city on the old Silk Road. Dedicated to discovering just why UNESCO considers Bukhara the most complete surviving example of a Medieval central Asian city, we'll wander on foot around awe-inspiring architecture to reveal an priceless urban fabric.

From our starting point near the park, the walking tour covers the following sites: The 10th century mausoleum of Ismail Samani; the vault of Bukhara's Karakhanid ruling dynasty; the 14th century Chashma-i-Ayub Mausoleum (The well of the old testament prophet Job); the 18th century Bolo-Hauz complex, consisting of minaret, khauz (pond), and the mosque where Bukhara emirs used to pray; plus, the impressive Ark fortress, a citadel started around the 5th century AD.

End an exhilarating day dining in a restaurant.
Overnight in hotel. 

Overnight in Paradise Plaza, Bukhara

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

UNESCO-listed Bukhara was a key staging point on the Silk Road. According to myth the city was founded by a Persian prince who escaped his wicked stepmother across the Oxus river in search of new fortunes . The city today is home to over 140 largely intact architectural monuments. Constructed on an artificial hill in the 5th century BC, the Ark Fortress is Bukhara’s oldest building. The former military structure became the winter residence of Bukhara’s emirs before it fell under rule of Russia in 1920. Besides an edifying visiti to the Ark Museum, the Fortress houses the former Russian Embassy, the former home of a progressive vizier named Kush Begi, and the throne room, where emirs were coronated and coins were minted.

One of the most important Islamic sites in Nurata, the Chashma Complex is visited by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. At the centre lies a holy spring (or "chashma"), believed to heal all diseases and mental ailments. It has a constant temperature of 19.5 degrees celsius and a variety of minerals, including gold and silver. Within the complex also lies the Juma Mosque, located directly above the spring, and Nurata cemetery

The Ark Fortress is Bukhara’s oldest building, constructed on an artificial hill in the 5th century BC. The former military structure became the winter residence of Bukhara’s emirs, before it fell under rule of Russia in 1920. Today, the Ark is home to a museum that depicts its history and you can visit the former Russian Embassy, the former home of a progressive vizier named Kush Begi, and the throne room, where emirs were coronated and coins were minted.

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Day 3 : Bukhara

Today is a full day of guided excursions to a number of key historical sites. After breakfast your sightseeing tour of Bukhara begins with an outing to the Bahouddin Naqshband architectural complex, a 'cult ensemble' located in a suburban area of ​​Bukhara. Serving as a centre for the Dervish order during the middle ages, this ensemble comprises Khazira (Dahma), a madrasah, two mosques and a minaret. The complex also features the last Emir's summer palace.

After lunch, we continue to another of Bukhara's skyline icons, the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble. Situated at the foot of the wondrous Kaylan minaret in Registan Square, this complex spotlights two late medieval madrassahs, among other civic landmarks.

Near Poi-Kaylan we turn our attentions to fascinating domed bazaars dating from the late middle ages. Among them, the Toqi Zargaron, the Toqi Saffaron, and the Toqi Telpak-furushon, where jewels, money and furs were traded. 

We'll see more of the medieval quarter, in particular the fascinating Sufi hospice known as Khanaqa. The day ends on a creative note, by attending a drawing class at Davlat Toshev’s art gallery

Dinner served at the Art Gallery. Overnight at hotel. 

Overnight in Paradise Plaza, Bukhara

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

UNESCO-listed Bukhara was a key staging point on the Silk Road. According to myth the city was founded by a Persian prince who escaped his wicked stepmother across the Oxus river in search of new fortunes . The city today is home to over 140 largely intact architectural monuments. Constructed on an artificial hill in the 5th century BC, the Ark Fortress is Bukhara’s oldest building. The former military structure became the winter residence of Bukhara’s emirs before it fell under rule of Russia in 1920. Besides an edifying visiti to the Ark Museum, the Fortress houses the former Russian Embassy, the former home of a progressive vizier named Kush Begi, and the throne room, where emirs were coronated and coins were minted.

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Day 4 : Bukhara - Shirin

After breakfast, the tour takes a interesting detour. We'll drive to the village of Shirin, an artisanal community some 25km from Bukhara. Accommodation is provided in a local family house. Cooking and crafts classes are offered here. Feel at home wandering your surrounds on this relaxing day.

Dinner and overnight with a local family.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Shirin is an ethno-artisinal and agro-tourism village some 25km from Bukhara. 

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Day 5 : Shirin – Nurata – Kyzylkum Desert Camp

Following breakfast, we set out on our drive  to your yurt camp in the Kyzylkum desert. We'll stop en route in Gijduvan to visit ceramic and suzani textile workshops. Subsequently, we stop in Nurata to visit the shrine of Chashma and the notable ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress of Nur.

Lunch in provided in a home stay, after which the journey continues to the Yurt camp. On arrival you'll be accommodated in yurts (4 pax per yurt). Once there, you're free at leisure to wander the campsite. Camel riding (15min) included. Dinner in the yurt camp.

Overnight in the camp.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Shirin is an ethno-artisinal and agro-tourism village some 25km from Bukhara. 

The small town of Nurata is nestled in the foothills of the Nurata Mountains. The origins of the town are unknown - some associate this with the construction of fortress Nur by Alexander the Great in 327 BC, whilst archeological excavations suggest that humans have inhabited the region for forty thousand years. Today, Nurata is the administrative and cultural centre of the mountainous Navoi region.

The Kyzylkum Desert is located in Central Asia, between the Amu Darya (Oxus) and Syr Darya rivers. “Kyzyl Kum” means “Red Sands” in Uzbek. As you can infer, this desert has many red sand dunes and clay takirs, which are also known as salt flats. Animals found in the desert include the Russian tortoise and the large Transcaspian lizard. The historic Amu Darya river (formerly Oxus river) is one of the longest rivers in Central Asia. Until relatively reaching into the Aral Sea, the Oxus flows a total length of 2,400 kilometres from its source in Afghanistan through to Uzbekistan. Intensive irrigation of the river that began under Soviet Rule to enable extensive cotton farming in the lower basin of the river has taken a devastating effect on those that relied on the river and the Aral Sea.

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Day 6 : Kyzylkum Desert Camp – Aydarkul Lake – Hayot Village

After breakfast, we drive to Aydarkul lakeside, where you are encouraged to walk on the beach and swim, if the conditions are right. Enjoy a picnic in the lakeside.

After lunch, the road takes us 100kms to the Nurata Mountains. On arrival at Hayot village, your guesthouse awaits you.

Take time to rest and relax in the garden of the guesthouse. Dinner and overnight there.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Aydarkul Lake can be found in the Kizil Kum Desert. The lake is a byproduct of Soviet irrigation (1960s and 1970s), whereby irrigation and damming led water from the Chardarya Reservoir to flow into the Arnasay lowlands. Aydarkul Lake was subsequently formed, and has since become the second largest lake in the region after the Aral Sea.

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Day 7 : Hayot village

After breakfast, take a 6km journey on foot to the ancient prehistoric petroglyphs in the Tykchasay valley. There we'll have a picnic (dry snacks), before turning back to the village.

In the afternoon we'll observe the rare Severtsev, a sheep listed in Uzbekistan's Red Book of rare flora & fauna.

Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Hayot is a small stone village located along the walking trail through the Nurata Mountains. A microcosm of rural life in the mountains of Uzbekistan

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Day 8 : Hayot - Samarkand

The morning sees us journey onward to Samarkand. Once there, check into your hotel and lunch in a restaurant.

In the afternoon, we go on a sightseeing tour of Samarkand. Sites visited within the Registan Ensemble include the UNESCO-listed 15th century observatory of Ulugh Beg, the beautiful 17th century Sher Dor and Tilla Kari madrassahs.

Back at the hotel, rest & relax until dinner. Overnight at hotel. 

Overnight in Grand Samarkand, Samarkand

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Samarkand is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia, with evidence of human activity stretching back over 40,000 years to the late Paleolithic era. The city itself is 2,700 years old. Falling variously under Greek, Persian, Arab, Turkic and Mongol rule throughout its history, it prospered greatly as a key junction on the Silk Road and reached its golden age under the rule of Timur. The city's backdrop of madrassas, mosques and mausoleums highlights its rich medieval history. Today it is Uzbekistan's second largest city and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001.

Registan Square lies at the heart of the city of Samarkand. Three of the square’s four sides are framed by grand madrassa buildings that were built between the 14th and 16th centuries, each with a unique design that displays traditional oriental architecture. All were active until the 1920s, when the Soviets shut them down. Registan translates to “sandy place”, as the central square was covered by sand and functioned largely as a trading market before the three madrassas were built.

The Ulug Beg Observatory was built by Ulug Beg, Timur's grandson, in 1420. Often referred to as the "Astronomer king" Ulug Beg was often more interested in science than ruling. A progressive and advocate for education for all, he built this observatory to observe and measure time, distances and more, with astonishing accuracy. His measurement of the calendar year was out by less a minute. Assassinated by order of his son, religious fanatics destroyed much of the observatory which was only found again in 1908 by a determined Russian general and amateur archaeologist,  V. L. Vyatkin.
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Day 9 : Samarkand

A full day of excursions around the old city lies in store. We start by seeing the 15th century Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. Next on the itinerary is a 'Stars Above Samarkand' tour, enhancing your experience of the Ulugh Beg Observatory. Lastly before lunch is a visit to the oldest remains of settlement in Samarkand, the Afrasiyab (Afrosiyob). Occupied between the 5th century BC and the middle ages, this now ruined site was laid waste by the armies of Genghis Khan in 1220.

After lunch, discover the city in greater depth at the Bibi Khanum mosque, and latterly to the bustling Samarkand bazaar.

Dinner served in a restaurant. Overnight in hotel. 

Overnight in Grand Samarkand, Samarkand

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Siyob Bazaar is located next to the Bibi Khanom mosque and has been a market for over 800 years. It is still a popular place to buy fruit, nuts, spices, and sweet treats.  

Built in 1399 by Timur to commemorate his conquest of India and named after his favourite wife, the Bibi Khanum mosque was the largest mosque in the world until the Blue Mosque in Constantinople eclipsed it in the early 15th century. Earthquakes and weathering caused it to fall to ruins, but it has undergone extensive reconstruction efforts, which are still ongoing. The restored main chamber and minarets feature beautifully ornate details and decorative mosaics, whilst just outside visitors can see the symbolic statue of a Koran stand.

The Shah i Zinda mausoleum contains some of the most spectacular tilework in the world. Here you can find the tombs of several female relatives of Timur. It is also believed that Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed who  brought Islam to the area, was also buried here. For this reason the site draws many pilgrims. The site has been heavily, and controversially, restored. The Shodi Mulk Oko Mausoleum, a niece of Timur, is a sublime exception.

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Day 10 : Samarkand – Tashkent

Before we have to leave this incredible Silk Road city, we pay our final respects to all that Samarkand has to offer by visiting the Gur-e-Emir Mausoleum. Before boarding the late afternoon train to Tashkent, we pay a fitting tribute to Uzbekistan's artisanal genius by going to the Meros silk paper workshop in Konigil village We end with a paper-making class.

On early evening arrival by bullet train into Tashkent, transfer to a restaurant for dinner, before checking in to your hotel.

Overnight in hotel.

Overnight in Inspira-S, Tashkent

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, has had a long and turbulent history. Early on, it fell under first Sogdian, then Turkic, and then Islamic rule before being destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1219. Tashkent rose again as it profited from its position on the Silk Road, but was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1966, after which it was largely rebuilt again by the Soviets.

Gur-e-Amir is the mausoleum of Timur (a.k.a. Tamarlane) and his male ancestors. The tomb was built in 1403 for Timur’s favorite grandson, Mohammad Sultan, but also became his own, after he died suddenly of pneumonia on his way to conquer China at the age of 69. The grand entrance to the mausoleum features ornately carved bricks and mosaics, whilst the interior displays a high-domed chamber decorated with hand-painted niches and archways. Stalin dug up Timur’s bones in 1941 to prove it was indeed him, despite Timur’s warnings to those who would disturb him. The next day Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union!

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Day 11 : Tashkent - Departure

Have breakfast in the hotel, before transferring to Tashkent airport for your flight home. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Paradise Plaza

Bukhara (2 nights)

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Grand Samarkand

Samarkand (2 nights)

The Grand Samarkand hotel is part of the Grand Samarkand Superior hotel. Situated in the centre of Samarkand, the hotel offers a restaurant serving European and Uzbek cuisine, a garden and free Wi-Fi in public areas. 
Each room has satellite TV, a minibar and a work desk. They are all decorated in a traditional Uzbek style, and include a private bathroom with a hairdryer.

Visit hotel's site
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Inspira-S

Tashkent (1 night)

Hotel Inspira-S Tashkent is a combination of elegance, sophistication, modern design and the latest Japanese technology. Immediately at the entrance, you will be met by the first concierge robot in Tashkent, which will provide guests and residents of the capital with complete information about the hotel, the most famous sights of the capital, and will also try to answer all your questions. The hotel is located near the city center, within walking distance from large shopping centers, places of recreation and entertainment, exhibition centers, a new modern park of culture and recreation Tashkent City, the famous Tashkent bazaar Chorsu. Also close to the hotel is located the Institute of Islamic Civilization, very beautiful building, which is now under construction. The distance from the hotel to the international airport named after I.A. Karimov is about 8 km, which takes only 15 minutes by taxi. From the hotel you can conveniently and quickly get to any point of the city.

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Uzbekistan Extension Ideas (8 days)

Extend your trip in Uzbekistan

Culinary Uzbekistan

Enrich your taste buds and culinary skills

Navoi Extension (5 days)

Discover petroglyphs and valleys on this extension.

Village Walks in Tajikistan (5 days)

Village walks around the Fann Mountains

The Fergana Valley (2 days)

Silk Road wares and the fertile Fergana.

The Aral Sea Extension

See what became of this vast freshwater lake.

Five Stan Odyssey (along the Silk Road) (30 days)

Get under the skin of all five 'Stans'

Silk Road Secrets of Uzbekistan with Sophie Ibbotson (14 days)

Discover ancient sites and traditions in Uzbekistan

The Silk Roads of Uzbekistan & Tajikistan (14 days)

Desert Highways & Mountain Lakes.

Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan Explorer (14 days)

From desert citadels to alpine lakes.

Silk Road Cities & Villages of Uzbekistan (11 days)

Get under the skin of Uzbekistan's towns and villages

Uzbekistan Odyssey (11 days)

Ancient cities, spell-binding architecture and stunning landscapes

Essential Uzbekistan (8 days)

Connecting Classic Silk Road Cities.

Ski The Silk Road (7 days)

Silk Road sites and ski slopes

Reviews

A well-planned trip, allowing us to see some of the amazing rich history of Uzbekistan, and giving us a chance to see some of the excellent craftspeople who still produce gorgeous handmade items.

Deborah Conway-Read , Uzbekistan Odyssey

The Uzbekistan Odyssey was a well constructed and executed tour of Uzbekistan. We saw so much of the country, including towns, cities, deserts and mountains, and experienced the wonderful architecture, the turbulent history and the beautiful arts and crafts of the country. And all that with the background of the romance of the Silk Roads!

Doreen Hutchings , Uzbekistan Odyssey

We spent a memorable month in Central Asia, travelling through four 'Stans. The long history of ethnic diversity and exchange of cultural ideas make it a fascinating place. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the people unforgettable.

Dave Every , Tailormade 'Stans'

The Silk Road trip is the second tailored tour we have made with Travel the Unknown. The itinerary was well-planned and we found every guide knowledgeable and good company. Thank you.

Tony & Chris Cram , Tailormade Uzbekistan

Travel The Unknown proved to be knowledgeable, efficient and flexible. An extensive and packed itinerary ran like clockwork. The quality of accommodation, food, guides and the friendliness of all the people of Central Asia were all surprisingly good and better than anticipated. An excellent trip!

Peter & Janice Lacey , Tailormade Five Stans

The itinerary and arrangements for our trip to Uzbekistan were perfect. The local guide, Shovkat, was helpful and knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome.

David York , Tailormade Uzbekistan

Our trip to Uzbekistan with Travel the Unknown was our first visit to a Central Asian country. Our guide Alisher was excellent in all respects and Sophie was a wonderful tour leader. The local people were incredibly friendly and our visit to Termez and the lack of international tourists there especially made it feel like we were doing what was on the tin, travelling the unknown. As returning clients to Travel the Unknown, the trip was another great success and a hugely interesting experience.

The Clarkes , Silk Road Secrets of Uzbekistan with Sophie Ibbotson

I have always wanted to go to Uzbekistan and this tour was recommended to me by a friend after Covid cancelled my previous plans. Travel the Unknown was certainly the theme of our Silk Road trip to Uzbekistan, exploring remote regions with extraordinary ancient sites under expert guidance. The archeological finds near Termez were a highlight and it was great to get off the beaten track.

Joanna , Silk Road Secrets of Uzbekistan with Sophie Ibbotson
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