Ski The Silk Road

Uzbekistan

Culture | Activity | Silk Road

Silk Road sites and ski slopes

7 days £1,695 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

Uzbekistan is not usually the first place people consider as a ski destination, but it offers some of the least crowded and sublime ski slopes in the world. The Amirsoy Mountain Resort boasts a world-class all-season resort with modern facilities and charming chalet accommodation.

Which other country can also combine this with the legendary history and sites of the ancient Silk Road, in Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent? Our tailor-made itinerary takes you to all of these places. This is just a suggested itinerary and can be modified and extended as required.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Tashkent's historic area and Harzat Imam Complex
  • Amirsoy Ski Resort - 15km of slope trails
  • Sublime monuments in Samarkand, World Tourism Capital 2023
  • UNESCO Silk Road city of Bukhara

Places Visited

Tashkent - Amirsoy - Samarkand - Bukhara

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Train tickets  (Economy Class)
Accommodation
Meals on a B&B basis (refer to itinerary for meal plan) 
English-speaking guides
Ski pass
Entrance fees to sites, monuments & parks

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival

Early morning arrival into Uzbekistan's capital.

Once you've been transferred from the airport to your hotel for an early check-in, eat breakfast and freshen up before heading into the city for a tour of cultural and historical artifacts rightfully regarded as internationally important. Among a host of landmarks dear to the Islamic world, we'll take you into the Imam Complex which holds many places of import including the Mui Muborak Madrassah, which contains the original Qur'an of the 3rd Khalifa Othman, dating from the 7th century. Remarkably, this represents the oldest-surviving Muslim holy scripture anywhere. 

Return to your hotel later in the day, making your own dinner arrangements. 

Overnight in Inspira-S, Tashkent

Meal plan: Breakfast

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.

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Day 2 : Tashkent - Amirsoy

Have breakfast at your Tashkent hotel and head off to Amirsoy Ski Resort, settled along the Chatkal Ridge of the Tian Shan Mountains. Upon arriving, gear up and head out onto the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding at your leisure. Nestle up in your cosy chalet for the evening.

Overnight in Amirsoy Mountain Resort, Amirsoy

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 3 : Amirsoy

Spend a full day winding through some of Amirsoy's 15 kilometres of slopes on ski or snowboard. Alternatively, you might want to spend the day lounging around in your chalet enjoying stunning views, or head to the spa for some rest and relaxation.

Overnight in Amirsoy Mountain Resort, Amirsoy

Meal plan: Breakfast

Nestled along the Chatkal Ridge in the Western Tian Shan Mountains, just 65 killometres from Tashkent, lies Amirsoy Mountain Resort. The largest ski resort in Central Asia, it boasts over 15 kilometres of slopes, a long ski season, and ultimately a wonderful getaway into less-visited mountains. Amirsoy beckons adventure seekers and snow enthusiasts to experience the perfect blend alpine scenery, world class winter sports, and modern comforts. 

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Day 4 : Amirsoy - Samarkand

Spend your last morning and afternoon on the slopes before heading to the railway station to catch the bullet train to Samarkand in the evening. Transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Hotel Royal, Samarkand

Meal plan: Breakfast

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.

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Day 5 : Samarkand - Bukhara

Elected by the UN as World Tourism Capital of 2023, Samarkand has what it takes to knock your socks off. Stand in awe at holy monuments, like 15th century Gur-Emir Mausoleum & Registan Ensemble, 17th century Shir Dor, and the iconic Bibi Khanum Mosque. For sheer vitality and the buzz of old-fashioned barter, visit one of the biggest oriental bazaars, Siab market. One of the more dynamic stops in the afternoon is a visit to Samarkand's Silk Paper workshop. Another fascinating encounter is the Ulug Bek observatory.

After taking your pick from the city's many dining spots for dinner, catch a late evening train to Bukhara. Transfer to your hotel. 

Overnight in Paradise Plaza, Bukhara

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 6 : Bukhara - Tashkent

Uncover the layers of the venerable city of Bukhara today as you walk among a cluster of historical monuments that date from between the 9th and 17th century. Highlights include the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani, the Chashma-i-Ayub Mausoleum (Job’s well), and the Royal Fortress Ark and its mighty fortifications.

In the afternoon you'll head to the railway station to catch the bullet train back to Tashkent for your final evening. Transfer to your hotel. 

Overnight in Inspira-S, Tashkent

Meal plan: Breakfast

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 7 : Departure

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight home. Or, if you so please, stay longer in Central Asia. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

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

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Inspira-S

Tashkent (2 nights)

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
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Amirsoy Mountain Resort

Amirsoy (2 nights)

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Hotel Royal

Samarkand (1 night)

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Paradise Plaza

Bukhara (1 night)

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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