Uzbekistan Extension Ideas

Uzbekistan

Culture | Silk Road

Extend your trip in Uzbekistan

8 days Ask us for pricing 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

Please see itinerary for some suggested extension options in Uzbekistan

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The ghost town of Muynak
  • Ancient ruins of Fayaz-Tepa
  • Silk Road port city of Kampyr Tepe
  • Striking views from mountain peaks and valleys
  • Hike through Ugam-Chatkal National Park

Places Visited

Muynak - Nukus - Gyaur-Kala - Mizdahkan - Aral Sea - Ustyurt Plateau - Tashkent - Termez - Fayaz Tepe - Kampyr Tepe - Kumbel Mountain Peak - Chatkal Mountain Ridge - Chimgan - Yangikurgan Village - Charvak Water Reservoir - Ugam-Chatkal National Park

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights 
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Day trip to Muynak from Nukus

Travel to Muynak, where you will see the "cemetery of ships" and learn the history behind the former port town in the local museum. Overnight stay in Nukus.

Meal plan: Breakfast

The desolate former city of Muynak once stood at the bank of the Aral Sea. Today, 100km of desert land stands between Muynak and what remains of the Aral Sea. The lake, which was called a sea for its beaches and abundance of fish, has now retreated and turned the once a prosperous port city into a ghost town. Shipping ceased in 1970 as the Aral Sea began to dramatically reduce in size. Today it is known as the "cemetery of ships", where great rusting boats lie abandoned in the desert.

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Day 2 : 2 day trip to the Aral Sea from Nukus (day 1)

Drive to the Aral Sea, stopping en route at the Mizdakhan and Gyaur-Kala. Continue on the Ustyurt Plateau to the Aral Sea, seeing ancient burials and the former Light House along the way.  Arrive at the campsite by the banks of the Aral Sea, where you will stay overnight. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

The fortress of Gyaur-Kala dates back to the 4th century BC. The community resisted Muslim invaders in 712 - giving it the name "Gyaur-Kala", meaning "fortress of the unfaithful". In 1220, the army of Khan Juchi - Genghis Khan's son - invaded and destroyed Gyaur-Kala. Excavations have revealed the remains of fabrics, cowry shells from the Indian Ocean and coral beads, which all indicate the significance of this settlement as a trading centre of the Silk Road. 

Mizdahkan is an ancient necropolis that was founded over 2,000 years ago. Medieval Mizdahkan was known as a prosperous craft and trading centre of the Silk Road. The city was destroyed and rebuilt several times through history, suffering from Mongol invasion during the 13th century. 

The Aral Sea was the fourth largest lake in the world, covering an area of 68,000 square km. The rivers that fed into the Aral Sea were diverted during the 1960s by Soviet irrigation projects for cotton cultivation, which led to its dramatic decline in size. By 2007 - it had shrunk by 10%, splitting into 4 separate lakes. By 2014, the eastern basin of the Aral Sea had completely dried up and has since been known as the Aralkum Desert. There have been ongoing efforts in Kazakhstan to save the North Aral Sea. Documents surrounding this environmental disaster have been added to the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

The Ustyurt is a Central Asian Plateau in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan that lies between the Aral Sea in the east, and the Manyushlak Plateau in the west. The plateau has an average elevation of 150 metres and, at points, rises as high as 370 metres. The Ustyurt is home to nomadic communities who live in traditional yurts and raise sheep, goats and camels. 

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Day 3 : 2 Day trip to the Aral Sea from Nukus (day 2)

Rise early to enjoy the sunrise over the Aral Sea, before beginning the journey back to Nukus. Stop en route in Muynak to see the "cemetery of ships" and learn the history behind the former port town. Continue your journey back to Nukus. Overnight in Nukus. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

The desolate former city of Muynak once stood at the bank of the Aral Sea. Today, 100km of desert land stands between Muynak and what remains of the Aral Sea. The lake, which was called a sea for its beaches and abundance of fish, has now retreated and turned the once a prosperous port city into a ghost town. Shipping ceased in 1970 as the Aral Sea began to dramatically reduce in size. Today it is known as the "cemetery of ships", where great rusting boats lie abandoned in the desert.

The city of Nukus is surrounded by the Kara Kum, Kizil Kum and Ustyurt deserts. The former village of Nukus became the site of a large military fort during Soviet rule in the 19th century. The village began to expand in size around this fortress and later became the economic, administrative, political and cultural centre of the autonomous province of Karakalpakstan. 

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Day 4 : Day trip to Termez from Tashkent

Transfer to the airport for flight to Termez. On arrival, visit Termez Archaeology Museum, Mausoleum of Al-Hakim Al-Termizi and the Fayoz-Tepa. If time permits, see the Zurmala temple before catching your return flight to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent.  

NOTE: If you have time we strongly recommend the 2-day Termez tour over the single day tour which misses some key highlights and will feel quite rushed.

Meal plan: Breakfast

The city of Termez lies near the Hairatan border to Afghanistan in the south of Uzbekistan, the hottest part of the country. Termez is one of Central Asia's ancient cities that later became a significant Buddhist centre. The old city was destroyed in 1220 - by Genghis Khan - following the cities refusal to surrender peacefully. A new city was later built not far from these medieval ruins.

Termez Archaeological Museum was opened in 2002 in commemoration of the 2,500th anniversary of Termez. The museum exhibits archaeological remains that range from the Stone Age to the times of the Khanates. This consists of over 27,000 exhibits, including household pieces, paintings, sculptures and statues. 

The Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-Termizi is that of the 9th century Sufi philosopher and the patron saint of Termez. A modest tomb was originally constructed using baked bricks, before more elaborate and ornate mausoleums were later constructed during the 14th century. 

The ancient ruins of Fayaz Tepe lie in the heart of old Termez. The Buddhist temple was constructed during the 1st century AD and destroyed during the Sassanid invasion of the 3rd century BC. The temple complex was rediscovered in 1963, when excavations revealed rich paintings and well-preserved sculptures. Today, Fayaz Tepe is also home to a museum, where further research and restoration efforts are ongoing. 

Zurmala is a Buddhist stupa that was constructed during the Kushan era (around the 1st and 2nd century BC). Originally 16 metres tall and painted red, the tower once held Buddhist scriptures, statues and relics. The stupa has since suffered from weathering and has become almost unidentifiable. 

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Day 5 : 2 day trip to Termez from Tashkent (day 1)

Transfer to the airport for flight to Termez. Visit key sights in Termez, including the Archaeology Museum, Mausoleum of Al-Hakim Al-Termizi, Fayoz-Tepa and the Zurmala temple. Overnight in Termez.

Meal plan: Breakfast

The city of Termez lies near the Hairatan border to Afghanistan in the south of Uzbekistan, the hottest part of the country. Termez is one of Central Asia's ancient cities that later became a significant Buddhist centre. The old city was destroyed in 1220 - by Genghis Khan - following the cities refusal to surrender peacefully. A new city was later built not far from these medieval ruins.

Termez Archaeological Museum was opened in 2002 in commemoration of the 2,500th anniversary of Termez. The museum exhibits archaeological remains that range from the Stone Age to the times of the Khanates. This consists of over 27,000 exhibits, including household pieces, paintings, sculptures and statues. 

The Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-Termizi is that of the 9th century Sufi philosopher and the patron saint of Termez. A modest tomb was originally constructed using baked bricks, before more elaborate and ornate mausoleums were later constructed during the 14th century. 

The ancient ruins of Fayaz Tepe lie in the heart of old Termez. The Buddhist temple was constructed during the 1st century AD and destroyed during the Sassanid invasion of the 3rd century BC. The temple complex was rediscovered in 1963, when excavations revealed rich paintings and well-preserved sculptures. Today, Fayaz Tepe is also home to a museum, where further research and restoration efforts are ongoing. 

Zurmala is a Buddhist stupa that was constructed during the Kushan era (around the 1st and 2nd century BC). Originally 16 metres tall and painted red, the tower once held Buddhist scriptures, statues and relics. The stupa has since suffered from weathering and has become almost unidentifiable. 

Read more
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Day 6 : 2 day trip to Termez (day 2)

Spend the day exploring Termez. Visit Kampyr Tepe, Jarkurgan Minaret and the Mausoleum of Sultan Saodat. Transfer to the airport for return flight to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

The ruins of Kampyr Tepe lie on the banks of the Amudarya River. The city was founded at the end of the 4th century B.C - making it one of the oldest archeological sites in Uzbekistan.

Jarkurgan Minaret was constructed in 1109 in the medieval village of Charmangan. The minaret stands at just over 10 metres tall, displaying unique carvings and elaborate patterns that are similar to minarets of Northern India and Khorasan. 

The Mausoleum of Sultan Saodat was constructed between the 11th and 17th centuries. It is home to the burial sites of the Sayyid dynasty of Termez, who are believed to be direct descendants of Muhammad (the Islamic prophet). The complex includes grand mausoleums and ornate mosques.

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Day 7 : 2 day trip to Chimgan Mountains from Tashkent (day 1)

Travel to Chimgan Mountains. Ride a cable car up Kumbel Mountain  for a 40 minute gentle hike to the mountain's peak, where you can enjoy the views across the Chatkal Mountain Ridge, Kyzylnura Mountain and Nurekata River Valley. Descend by cable car - with the option of returning on horse back. Overnight in Chimgan.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Kumbel translates to "sand ridge" and refers to the arid topography of the mountain peak. The southern slopes face the Terbutak force, whilst the northern slopes border the Gorelnik gorge. The Kumbel mountain peak provides scenic trekking opportunities to visitors exploring the region. 

Chatkal Mountain Ridge is the western branch of the Tien Shan mountain range which crosses Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan and Uzbekistan. The main peaks along the ridge exceed 3000 metres and provide striking views across the surrounding landscape.

Chimgan is ski resort on the slopes of the Chimgan Mountains that forms part of the Chatkal range of western Tian Shan. The valley of Chimgan is situated at a height of between 1,200 and 1,600 metres above sea level. Chimgan translates to "green valley" after its picturesque forests and mountains - which have also become known as "Uzbek Switzerland".

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Day 8 : 2 day trip to Chimgan mountains (day 2)

Drive to Yangikurgan Village and see Charvak Water Reservoir. Visit Ugam-Chatkal National Park for 3.5 hours of light hiking to the Gulkamsai and Aksai Waterfalls. Later, drive back to Tashkent. Overnight stay in Tashkent. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Yangikurgan Village is located beside Charvak Water Reservoir in Tashkent. The small village displays a traditionally rural Uzbek way of life, along with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Charvak Water Reservoir can be found in the Bostanliq District of Uzbekistan. It forms the largest of the 3 reservoirs that have been created along the Chichiq River. The reservoir was created following the construction of a dam along the river (which was completed between 1964 and 1970). It is thought that around 150 archeological sites were submerged when the reservoir was created. 

Ugam-Chatkal National Park is situated at the Chatkal ridges of the western Tien Shan mountains. It was established in 1992 and stands as the largest nature protection complex in Uzbekistan. Research and preservation efforts are ongoing within the national park - particularly of the Tien Shan brown bear and endemic bird species. 

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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'

Hidden Treasures of Uzbekistan (16 days)

Discover the heart of the Silk Road and beyond

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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