Complete Uzbekistan
Suggested Itinerary
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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,...
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, before visiting the shores of the Aral Sea and the desert castles that lie along the road to Ayaz Kala, where you will spend the night at a traditional yurt camp.
The adventure will also take in the iconic Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, as well as the beautiful landscapes of the Nurata Nature Reserve. Here, you can trek in the Nurata Mountains and spend some time delving into rural life in Uzbekistan, away from the glitz and glamour of the historic Silk Road attractions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Ayazkala Yurt Camp, Ayaz Kala
Located a short walk from Ayaz-Kala, the yurt camp has grand views out across the desert and is perfectly situated to watch the sunrise and sunset over the old fortress walls. The camp consists of around ten traditionally decorated sleeping yurts which can accommodate six to nine people each. Meals are had communally in the central dining yurt and consist of delicious meat and veg based homecooked meals. There are basic, but clean, solar powered western toilet and shower facilities in a small separate block. Enjoy the friendly and welcoming company of the local family that run the camp alongside their many dogs.
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 age of the building, offer modern bathrooms, plenty of space and standard amenities. A central courtyard provides a lovely space for relaxing and breakfast is served in the little dining room or on the terrace which gives great views of the nearby mosque.
Jipek Joli Hotel, Nukus
Meaning Silk Road in Uzbek, we consider the Jipek Joli to be the best hotel in Nukus. A small, simple property located a short ten-minute drive from Nukus airport. The rooms are decorated in traditional Karakalpak style with local fabrics, wooden beds and each featuring a sitting area and television. There is a spacious dining room where an Uzbek or European breakfast can be had, as well as other meals on request. The Nukus Amphitheatre is a ten-minute walk away and a little further by foot you will reach the local bazaar, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Malika Prime Hotel, Samarkand
The Malika Prime Hotel enjoys one of the best locations in Samarkand, just by the Gur Emir Mausoleum and within walking distance of Registan Square. Built in traditional style, this charming hotel is an ideal place to stay in Samarkand. The marble entrance and stairs lead up to a huge terrace which serves as a summer restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a drink and magnificent views of the blue domes of Samarkand. There is also an air-conditioned restaurant downstairs. The 22 ensuite rooms are on the smaller side but spotlessly clean, with wooden floors and air-conditioning.
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 around the area nice and easy. The small, boutique hotel offers 13, soundproof rooms with mod cons such as a flat panel LCD TV and Wi-Fi, as well as standard hotel amenities. Rooms are smaller than in the larger hotels outside the old town but offer a cosy stay with simple, modern furniture and light-coloured decor. Bathrooms too are simple with modern facilities and walk-in showers. A traditional Uzbek breakfast can be served in the open courtyard in the summer or within the traditional architecture of the dining hall.
Muso To'ra Hotel, Khiva
Located a short drive from the city centre, the Muso To'ra Hotel offers just 16 spacious rooms in a wonderful building with architecture typical of the madrasas found in the city. Rooms throughout the hotel are bright, spacious and simply furnished including air-conditioning and high ceilings. Some also have the addition of a terrace. The hotel features everything you would expect from a mid-range hotel including a restaurant, serving local cuisine, a garden, a bar, room service and free Wi-Fi. Built around a central courtyard, this communal space provides a welcome retreat and a lovely spot in the sun to rest and enjoy a cup of tea after a day of sightseeing and exploring. The hotel’s decor has an understated Uzbek style of white walls dotted with colourful Uzbek tiles or plates and artwork found throughout the property really sets the scene, providing an authentic experience combined with modern comfort.
Nurata Guesthouse (Sentyab Village), Nurata Mountains
The Nurata Guesthouse Association is comprised of seven guesthouses across five villages in the Nurata mountains. At each of the guesthouses you will live with the family and be able to observe and join in with their daily lives as well as explore the area on foot or by donkey. The guesthouses are very simple, and bedrooms are usually decorated with rugs and feature kurpacha mattresses. In the winter the guesthouses can become quite cold and are heated with hot coals, whilst in the summer, it is possible to sleep outside. Outdoor bathroom facilities include showers, western flush toilets and running water. Home cooked meals are taken with the family with the ingredients often coming from the guesthouse’s own vegetable gardens and animals.
Nurata Guesthouse (Hayat Village), Nurata Mountains
The Nurata Guesthouse Association is comprised of seven guesthouses across five villages in the Nurata mountains. At each of the guesthouses you will live with the family and be able to observe and join in with their daily lives as well as explore the area on foot or by donkey. The guesthouses are very simple, and bedrooms are usually decorated with rugs and feature kurpacha mattresses. In the winter the guesthouses can become quite cold and are heated with hot coals, whilst in the summer, it is possible to sleep outside. Outdoor bathroom facilities include showers, Western flush toilets and running water. Home cooked meals are taken with the family with the ingredients often coming from the guesthouse’s own vegetable gardens and animals.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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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.
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Clem is our Uzbekistan expert, who has travelled extensively in the country.
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