Uzbekistan Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
Uzbekistan has long considered itself different from the rest of Central Asia. These rich lands were settled as early as the 6th century and led to a less nomadic existence compared to its neighbours – an ancient past that is etched into the very stone of Khiva and Bukhara’s towering fortresses.
Scythians settled ...
Uzbekistan has long considered itself different from the rest of Central Asia. These rich lands were settled as early as the 6th century and led to a less nomadic existence compared to its neighbours – an ancient past that is etched into the very stone of Khiva and Bukhara’s towering fortresses.
Scythians settled here in the Bronze Age and built giant burial mounds for their kings, Alexander the Great briefly brought the area under control during his march eastwards and the armies of Islam were spreading Muhammad’s message through its valleys and cities as early as 700AD. However, it was under the reign of Tamerlane in the 14th century that Uzbekistan experienced its Golden Age, seen today in the breathtaking splendour of Samarkand’s Islamic architecture, most notably Registan Square and Gur-e-Amir – Tamerlane’s tomb. All of these different civilizations, migrations and conquerors have left their mark on the country we see today, physically, culturally and spiritually.
The cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva offer a glimpse into the country’s glittering past with their impressive architecture, intricately tiled domes, thriving bazaars, tea houses and alleyways. Here, you can also witness the ancient techniques of silk production and other crafts for which Uzbekistan has been renowned for centuries, such as carpet weaving and colourful ceramics. For more modern artistry, the city of Nukus is home to a huge collection of avant-garde Soviet art, much of it smuggled out of Russia in the 1930’s.
Although it is rightly renowned for its cities, we believe there is more to Uzbekistan than its Silk Road heritage. As always with Wild Frontiers, we like to get off the beaten track by leading our Uzbekistan trips into the countryside where to experience the country’s rugged natural beauty and friendly rural culture. From the verdant slopes of the Ferghana Valley to the arid, parched landscapes of the Aral Sea, this is a land whose beauty has long lived in the imagination of the west.
Take a Wild Frontiers group tour or tailor-made adventure in Uzbekistan to learn the legacy of the Silk Road through the impressive mosques, minarets and bazaars of Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara; or explore the country’s natural beauty and rural charm with our Uzbekistan holidays and tours.
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Uzbekistan with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
Uzbekistan: Land of Silk Road Treasures
Combine the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara with the incredible art museum of Nukus and time enjoying rural Uzbeki life in the Nuratau Mountains.
Uzbek & Turkmen: Cities of the Silk Road
Take in the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, and the art museum of Nukus in Uzbekistan, and ancient Merv, Gonur Depe, Ashgabat and the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan.
Silk Road: The Five 'Stans of Central Asia
Explore the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in Uzbekistan, enjoy homestays in the mountains of Tajikistan, the breathtaking scenery of Kyrgyzstan, ancient sites in Turkmenistan and Almaty in Kazakhstan.
Silk Road Odyssey
An epic Silk Road travel tour through Central Asia’s most spectacular mountains and lively bazaars through Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan & Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan - Mountains and Cities of the Silk Road
Stay in yurts by beautiful lakes, watch a game of Kok-Boru and enjoy a slice of semi-nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan, before discovering the Silk Road treasures of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan.
The Great Silk Road Adventure: Xi'an to Istanbul
Travel the full length of the Silk Road from Xian to Istanbul on this once-in-a-lifetime trip, taking in iconic sights like Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, Samarkand’s Registan Square and Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Classic Uzbekistan
Our most popular route covers all the highlights of this Central Asian crown jewel. Be taken on a historical journey from medieval Khiva, to the Silk Road centres of Bukhara and Samarkand and the present-day capital
Complete Uzbekistan
For those with an interest in what the country has to offer beyond the glamourous draws of the Silk Road cities, this itinerary combines its highlights with a look at Uzbekistan's more recent past and present
Classic Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
One for the history buffs, this itinerary focuses on the rich past of two of the countries. Expect a lot of ancient buildings, ruined cities and antique relics from the Silk Road, the Bronze and Medieval ages and beyond
Classic Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
This itinerary offers the perfect harmony between Uzbekistan's rich collection of historical architecture and Kyrgyzstan's untouched, natural beauty; providing superior examples of what the region is renowned for
Complete 'Stans of Central Asia
Travel to all five 'Stans' of Central Asia in this epic journey through these neighbouring countries that share so much of their culture and history; and be pleasantly surprised by the different experiences they offer
Classic Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan
The 15-day trip explores three of Central Asia’s most alluring countries and their most emblematic cities, towns and landscapes, providing a mixture of cultural, historical and natural insights and attractionsHIGHLIGHTS OF UZBEKISTAN
BEST EXPERIENCES
Explore the history of Tashkent
See the main sights via the city's metro with its richly decorated stations. Visit the central square Amir Timur Maydoni, the statue of Tamerlane on horseback, the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Applied Arts Museum and the Old Quarter of the city.
Visit the last emir’s summer palace
Visit the summer palace of Bukhara's last Emir. The palace is an eclectic mix of Oriental and European design and contains a good collection of suzanis (traditional embroidery) and Chinese porcelain brought to Bukhara by camel caravan in the 19th century.
Marvel the Majesty of the Registan
Explore Samarkand's most impressive sight, Registan Square 'Sandy Place' in Persian. Surrounded on three sides by blue tiled madrassahs, it is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and no picture can convey the magnificence of this square.
Discover the Desert Citadels
Enjoy the remote ancient desert citadels, located on the fringes of the Kyzyl-Kum Desert. Explore the imposing Toprak Kala, which was settled in the 1st century BC and later flourished in the 3rd century AD as the capital of the Khoresmshah Dynasty.
Hike between Nurata guesthouses
Hike through the Nurata Mountains to your next guesthouse. Enjoy a lovely walk, surrounded by mountainous views. Your lunch will be either a picnic along the way or will be enjoyed at the next guesthouse, depending on how long your walk is.
Enjoy an opera and ballet show
Music is vital to the Uzbek soul. An evening at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre in Tashkent, with its glittering fountains and finely mosaicked interiors, is to touch an artistic quality that is beginning to achieve international recognition.
Visit Khovrenko wine cellar
Taste the secret wines of Khovrenko Wine Cellar. Kept a secret for many decades, passed between friends and finally revealed in 1968, Mr Dmitry Filatov had been producing wines and filled a cellar with wines from Samarkand, many of which are now auctioned off.
Take in views of Aydarkul Lake
Visit Aydarkul Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Uzbekistan. The lake was accidentally created after Chardarya reservoir in the Syrdariya river burst in 1969. Although manmade, the lake is important to many migratory birds’ species, as well as native fish.TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Bukhara
Bukhara was a major staging point on the Silk Road. By about 500BC, it was already an important centre, defended by a citadel that has stood in one form or other ever since. Today it is the site of ...
Khiva
Khiva is a fascinating medieval desert town which has been perfectly preserved. It came to prominence in the 16th century as the capital of the Khans of Khiva whose territory stretched from the Caspian ...
Nurata Mountains
The Nurata mountain range is home to the Nurata Nature Reserve and many lush green river valleys, as well as the ancient town of Nurata, founded by Alexander the Great. Rural Tajik and Uzbek villages ...
Samarkand
Samarkand is the evocative, mythical name of one of the key trading cities of the ancient Silk Road. With a history dating back 2,700 years, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state ...
Tashkent
Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, has a population of more than two million and is the major economic, political and cultural centre of the republic. Its history spans over two millennia, although ...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Bibi-khanym Hotel, Bukhara
Deep in the old city, a five-minute walk to the Lyabi Khauze complex, is this beautifully restored 17th century house. Rooms have preserved their history with traditional decoration and, despite the…
Hotel Bibikhanum, Samarkand
The Bibikhanum in Samarkand is set right in the heart of the historic town, only a short walk to Bibi Khanum Mosque, Registan Square and Siyab bazaar. The towering and impressive sights of Samarkand…
Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara
The Minzifa is a small, stylish guesthouse located in the old town. Built in traditional Uzbek style around a central courtyard, this friendly charming hotel features the most refined Bukharan. When…
Mirzo Boutique Hotel, Tashkent
The Mirzo Boutique Hotel, located in an old Islamic building in the Old Town, is a five-minute walk from the Khast Imam Complex and Chorsu Bazaar making independent exploration and multiple visits…
Orient Star Hotel (Khiva Madrasah), Khiva
Contained inside the 19th century Mukhamed Aminkhan Madrassah, the Orient Star enjoys a faultless location within the walls of Ichan Qala, the medieval citadel in the heart of Khiva. Only a short walk…
Sasha & Son, Bukhara
Constructed in the national style, Sasha & Sons was a 16th century Jewish merchant’s house renovated and converted into a boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Bukhara and within walking distance…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Khiva
Tashkent
Samarkand
INSPIRATION
Meet the expert, Clem
Clem is our Uzbekistan expert, who has travelled extensively in the country.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Uzbekistan though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Uzbekistan, the official unit of currency is the Sum.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
The first thing to say about travelling in Uzbekistan is that most areas, particularly the cities and towns, have a much more laid-back approach to Islam than other countries to the south. In places such as Tashkent and Samarkand you won’t believe the length of some women’s skirts! However, it should also be remembered that it is technically a Muslim region and therefore some caution and respect should be applied. T-shirts are fine for both sexes, as are vest tops and skirts for women, but if visiting the active mosques and mausoleums of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand, women should cover their shoulders and both men and women should wear trousers/ skirts that fall below the knee.
Language & Religion
Uzbek is the only official state language in Uzbekistan, although the Tajik language is widespread within Bukhara and Samarkand due to the large population of ethnic Tajiks. Russian is the main language for 14% of the population and in the cities, it is an important language for inter-ethnic communication.
95% of the population are Muslim with about 5% following Russian Orthodox Christianity. Over the years there have been many versions of the Islamic faith practiced in Uzbekistan
Time
Uzbekistan is 5 hours ahead of GMT A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
The food in Uzbekistan is not particularly varied and is based around meat and rice, although the salads on offer are very tasty. Your guide will ensure you experience the delicacies of each region, which often overlap with the cultures that have lived and moved around Central Asia over the centuries.
Regarding alcohol, the choice is limited to vodka, beer or rather filthy local brandy so anyone wanting something different - Scotch or Gin for example - should buy it duty free and bring it with them. However, be advised that mixers, like tonic water, are extremely difficult to find! There is also some quite acceptable local wine generally available, although rarely sold by the glass!