Complete Uzbekistan

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

An in-depth journey through one of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations, this comprehensive trip provides a unforgettable insight into the history, culture and natural majesty of Uzbekistan. Beginning in Tashkent, you’ll take in Silk Road cities and desert castles, travel to the shores of the Aral Sea and hike through the beautiful Nurata Mountains.

A journey to remote Nukus will introduce you to one of the world’s finest collections of Soviet avant-garde artwork,...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE TASHKENT: CITY TOUR

Day 1 ARRIVE TASHKENT: CITY TOUR

Upon arrival into the capital your guide will be waiting to meet you and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, this afternoon may be spent visiting Tashkent’s main sights with your guide including the central square (Amir Timur or Tamerlane's Square), the Alisher Navoi Opera Theatre, the Chorsu Bazaar and the old town's mosques and madrassahs. In the evening, you will then be taken to enjoy a performance at the intricate Alisher Navoi Opera Theatre, after learning about its historic significance earlier in the day.

Mirzo Boutique Hotel
Breakfast

Day 2 TASHKENT - SAVITSKY MUSEUM - NUKUS

Day 2 TASHKENT - SAVITSKY MUSEUM - NUKUS

Today, fly to Nukus where you have the rest of the day to visit its main highlight, the Igor Savitsky Museum. The museum hosts one of the world's finest collections of Soviet avant-garde art from the 20s and 30s, which only escaped from Stalin's efforts to destroy all art of this period due to its remote location, along with folk art and Russian icons. The city also offers a museum of local natural history, clothes and jewellery.

Jipek Joli Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3 NUKUS: ARAL SEA EXCURSION

Day 3 NUKUS: ARAL SEA EXCURSION

The diverting of the Amu-Darya River to the cotton fields of the surrounding area has had a disastrous impact on the Aral Sea. Learn more about the ecological and environmental implications of this as you spend the day visiting the town of Moynak, once a thriving port that was located on the edge of the sea and is now a desert town located more than 150km from the sea's shore. The only reminders of the once thriving fishing industry are the rusting hulks of ships and an ancient fishing plant. Return to Nukus in the afternoon.

Jipek Joli Hotel
Breakfast

Day 4 NUKUS - DESERT CITADELS

Day 4 NUKUS - DESERT CITADELS

Driving south from Nukus, you will head to the ancient desert citadels on the fringes of the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, dating from 2300 BC and in various states of ruin. A small amount of uphill scrambling is necessary to get up to the castles but once there, you can admire the mud brick structures and the views out across the desert. This evening you will stay in a yurt camp which lies at the foot of Ayaz Kala, one of the most impressive of the desert castles.

Ayazkala Yurt Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 DESERT CITADELS - KHIVA

Day 5 DESERT CITADELS - KHIVA

After sunrise and breakfast at the yurt camp, head towards the border with Turkmenistan to the walled city of Khiva. The Ichen Kala or old city is surrounded by thick walls up to 1,500 years old and is home to an array of palaces, mosques, madrassahs and winding alleyways dating mainly from medieval times. A tour around the old city will take in the main palaces and madrassahs and also give you the chance to see some traditional weaving and silk making in the ancient houses.

Muso To'ra Hotel
Breakfast

Day 6 KHIVA - BUKHARA

Day 6 KHIVA - BUKHARA

This morning, board your five-hour train to Bukhara through the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Upon arrival, afternoon arrival you will be taken to your hotel to check in, freshen up and have some time for lunch. This afternoon includes a walking introduction to Bukhara’s highlights such as the Ark Citadel, the Royal Fortress Palace and Zindan Prison.

Bibi-khanym Hotel
Breakfast

Day 7 BUKHARA: CITY TOUR

Day 7 BUKHARA: CITY TOUR

Continue your exploration of this fabulous city, starting with its rich Jewish history by visiting the Kanesoi Mullah Mani, the oldest synagogue in the quarter; New Mahalla, which dates back to the early 1800's; and Fayzula Hodjaev, the house of a rich Jewish merchant. Your guide will no doubt explain the, sometimes dark, history of the city’s beautiful architecture including the Bolo-Khauz Mosque with its carved wooden pillars and Kalyan Square’s great minaret, from the top of which the town's criminals used to be thrown. The narrow streets of the old town are packed with mosques, madrassahs and mausoleums and as you traverse them, there will also be time for a stop at the handicrafts market, housed in the 11th century trading domes, and a local teahouse to indulge in the locals’ favourite pastime, sipping tea. This evening, you will be taken to a local Bukharan’s home for a plov cooking demonstration where you can learn how this iconic dish is made before tucking into it for dinner.

Bibi-khanym Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 BUKHARA - LAST EMIR'S SUMMER PALACE - GIJDUVAN - NURATA NATURE RESERVE

Day 8 BUKHARA - LAST EMIR'S SUMMER PALACE - GIJDUVAN - NURATA NATURE RESERVE

This morning you depart from the bustling Silk Road city towards the Nurata Nature Reserve. The first stop during the day’s drive will be at the last emir’s summer palace, an eclectic mix of European and Oriental design containing a good collection of suzanes (traditional Uzbek embroidery) and Chinese porcelain. Then, head further out of the city along the Golden Road to pay a visit to the shrines and tombs of Vabkent and the potters of Gijduvan. From the main road up into the mountains, the route passes through many small towns before reaching your first village. This afternoon could be spent at the guesthouse getting to know the owners or taking a walk through the village to visit the local mosque and meet some of the villagers before having dinner back at home with the family.

Nurata Guesthouse (Sentyab Village)
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 NURATA NATURE RESERVE EXCURSION

Day 9 NURATA NATURE RESERVE EXCURSION

Today there are a variety options to keep you busy including watching local handicrafts being made and having a go yourself; helping bake the bread in traditional ovens; driving out Lake Aydur for a relaxing swim; or heading out into the mountains with your guide. There are some wonderful trekking routes around the area of varying lengths and gradients taking you up mountains, between villages, or ruined fortresses.

Nurata Guesthouse (Sentyab Village)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 NURATA NATURE RESERVE VILLAGE HIKE

Day 10 NURATA NATURE RESERVE VILLAGE HIKE

Saying goodbye to your host family you will set off by foot through the Nurata Mountains on a fantastic hike with your guide to the next village, enjoying a picnic lunch en route, as you make your way to your rural guesthouse where you will settle for the night.

Nurata Guesthouse (Hayat Village)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 NURATA NATURE RESERVE - SAMARKAND

Day 11 NURATA NATURE RESERVE - SAMARKAND

Leaving the villages and mountains behind you will hit the road again after breakfast, returning to the historic sites of the Silk Road as you reach the grandest city of them all, Samarkand. This wide-avenued city is home to some of Tamerlane's finest pieces of architecture which you can spend the next few days exploring. This afternoon, head out to the show-stopping Registan Square, undoubtedly one of the most important and iconic trading posts of ancient Silk Road and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. There may also be time to see a few of the other nearby points of interest such as the Bibi Khanum mosque and the local market before the day is done and you have the opportunity to return to the square to see the Registan lit up at night.

Malika Prime Hotel
Breakfast

Day 12 SAMARKAND: CITY TOUR

Day 12 SAMARKAND: CITY TOUR

Sightseeing around this impressive city brimming with historic, architectural and cultural delights continues today during a tour with your private guide. Must-see places include the tomb of Tamerlane, also known as Amir Timur or Gur-e-Amir; Ulugbek's Observatory and the ruins of Afrosiab, Samarkand’s original location, to the north of the city; and the peaceful Shahi-Zinda mausoleum complex. For some variation, why not stop at the Khovrenko Wine Cellar and learn about how its existence was finally made public in 1968.

Malika Prime Hotel
Breakfast

Day 13 SAMARKAND: SHAKRISABZ AND URGUT EXCURSION

Day 13 SAMARKAND: SHAKRISABZ AND URGUT EXCURSION

This morning, your guide will take you around an hour out of Samarkand to the small town of Urgut to visit its local market. Although not as traditional as it once was after having modernised somewhat, the visit is still worth it, particularly for those interested in suzannes. There will also be a chance to through the old sycamores in the Chor-Chonor garden, the mosque and the spring before continuing to Shakrisabz. The birthplace of the great leader, here you can see the remains of what was once a major Central Asian city.

Malika Prime Hotel
Breakfast

Day 14 SAMARKAND - TASHKENT: DEPART

Day 14 SAMARKAND - TASHKENT: DEPART

After checking out of your guesthouse, you will be driven through cotton plantations and countryside back to Tashkent International Airport in time for your onward flight, where your tour ends.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED

14 days from £3,555

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 6518 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

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

In Samarkand, go for a stroll in the Afrosiyob Hills for a great view of Registan Square with none of the crowds.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN UZBEKISTAN