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
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS 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
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
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WHEN TO GO
Khiva
Tashkent
Samarkand
INSPIRATION

THE SILK ROAD IN 60 SECONDS
The Old Silk Road goes through some of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountains, lively bazaars and ancient towns. Following the ancient trade route between Asia and Europe. Traversing parts of Kyrg…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!
UZBEKISTAN REVIEWS

Diana Henderson
I am delighted to find an adventure travel company that ticks all the boxes

Sue Fisher
Travelling with you on the Silk Road was everything I dreamed of and so much more. Your passion for Central Asia and…

Nicki Cockell
What a completely magical three weeks! It really was the most amazing adventure and an incredible journey packed full of…

Pam Creed
It was a fascinating experience on so many levels-the history, the extremes of culture, geography, temperature, food,…

Martin and Barbara Rickett
What a joy to experience the lives of other people in wild and distant places so far unspoilt by the Western World.

Iona Joy
I can recover a sense of time and space, rediscover the pleasures of conversation with likeminded travellers and wonder…

Peter and Olga Scott
We cannot rate WILD FRONTIERS too highly, the organization and attention to detail were outstanding.

Susie Dowdall
Every day of the trip was a revelation... and wherever we went we were welcomed warmly by people Jonny has made friends…

Catherine Daly
Travelling through Central Asia with WILD FRONTIERS truly ranks as one of my most memorable trips ever

Brian Perkins
No matter how many photographs you may see there is no substitute for first hand experience. That was true of the…

Louisa Thompson
It's difficult to say which part of the Silk Road was my favourite as it was all so amazing

Helen & Steve Mace
If you want a holiday full of variety & total contrast, love mountains, walking & monuments, look no further than the…

Suzie Mader
I always dreamt of seeing Samarkand. The sound of the word is so seductive and dreamlike. Finally seeing these…

Andrew Simmonds
The trip includes a visit to the Aral Sea which is a frightening realisation of what man can do to the environment in a…

Katie Coates
The Cities of the Silk Road tour proved to be one of the most fascinating trips I have ever had the pleasure of taking...…

Anne Watkinson
A truly amazing trip that far exceeded my expectations

Rebecca Weaver
Samarkand and Khiva give a taste of the old Silk Road and its beauty

Eileen Reid
The Cities of the Silk Road is a tour of contrasts

Jenny Rawlins
A unique trip contrasting the fabulous monuments and architectural glories of the Silk Road cities

Jane Wills
I have always been an independent traveller and and this was my first organised tour....

Eunice Chang
There are so many unforgettable places and events on this trip, and the tour-leader Jude was superb

Michelle Skelton
A fascinating and very beautiful part of the world to travel in

Rob Adams
This was my first experience of travelling in Central Asia and with Wild Frontiers. Neither disappointed!

Graham Hooker
We were impressed by in-depth knowledge from the Wild Frontiers office, and receptive attitude taking on board all our…

Chris Sherwood
I can wholeheartedly recommend Wild Frontiers. The Cities of the Silk Road was my first organised group tour and I can…

Hallie Swanson
Thanks to a brilliant guide the pleasures of Uzbekistan were revealed to be many.

Janice Usher
A great group sharing the joy of culture and adventure made this an experience never to be forgotten. Our guides were…

Jayne Wright
The tour was well organised, packed with things to see, which were very varied.

Vicky Allitt
Uzbekistan is a fascinating country, amazingly varied with friendly people and a wonderful cultural heritage and history.…

Benedict Allen
Thanks so much helping me explore the history of the Silk Road. My journey... was both enlightening and surprising.

Burkey
We were not easy clients. Our small group of very experienced clients was quite demanding…in the planning phase and…

Catherine Wilkinson
My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other…

Katy Blunt - Cities Of The Silk Road
The itinerary was fantastic, varied and really gave an insight into these incredible countries.