Complete Uzbekistan
Example Itinerary
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Overview
An in-depth journey through one of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations, this comprehensive two-week trip provides unforgettable insight into the history, culture and natural majesty of Uzbekistan. Beginning with a tour in Tashkent provides a good overview of the country’s history and culture before a deep dive in....
An in-depth journey through one of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations, this comprehensive two-week trip provides unforgettable insight into the history, culture and natural majesty of Uzbekistan. Beginning with a tour in Tashkent provides a good overview of the country’s history and culture before a deep dive in.
A journey to Nukus, the remote capital of the autonomous state of Karakalpakstan, provides the unique opportunity to browse one of the world’s finest collections of Soviet avant-garde artwork, before witnessing first-hand the devastation caused in the Aral Sea. Wander through the Kyzyl Kum Desert passing the ruins of ancient castles and taking shelter at a yurt camp by one of the most impressive, Ayaz Kala. A couple of nights at a madrassah within the inner walls of medieval Khiva will take you back in time as you amble around its historic streets and buildings. Then, briefly transitioning from the country’s Silk Road history to its Soviet era, you’ll board an old sleeper train to Bukhara to enjoy its distinct architecture and the chance to feast on plov in a local Bukharan home. A few nights hiking and lounging in the Nurata Mountains offers a break from the busy cities and a glimpse into rural life as you get to know the families at your guesthouses.
The incredible adventure is finally capped off at a boutique hotel in the legendary city of Samarkand, exploring its mesmerising buildings, captivating history and famed trade and craft. The modern, highspeed train then brings you back to the capital for a final evening before your flight.
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Tashkent: The Capital’s Highlights
Upon your early arrival into the capital, your guide will be waiting at the airport to welcome you to Uzbekistan and take you straight to your hotel where an early check-in has been arranged. Using the rest of the morning to rest, refreshed this afternoon you’ll be picked back up for a tour of the city’s highlights including the central square (Amir Timur or Tamerlane's Square), the Soviet-era Alisher Navoi Opera Theatre, the busy Chorsu Bazaar and the mosques and madrassahs of the old town's Khast Imam Complex.
Day 2 Tashkent – Nukus: The Aral Sea
Take the short flight to Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan (technically Central Asia’s 6th 'Stan’), and depart straight toward the town of Moynaq, once on the edge of the receding Aral Sea. A brief stop at the Mizdakhan necropolis offers the chance to walk around thousands of ancient tombs, mausoleums and shrines, some of which pre-date the arrival of Islam to the country. Once at solemn Moynaq, you’ll learn of the unhappy fate of the Aral Sea, no more poignantly demonstrated than the showcase of fishing ships that now sit on the former lakebed, known as the ship graveyard, which you’ll visit. Head back to Nukus for the night.
Day 3 Nukus – Kyzyl Kum Desert: Savitsky Art Gallery & Desert Castles
Take the morning to visit the fascinating Savtisky Museum, an art gallery housing Karakalpak folk art as well as one of the largest collections of Soviet avant-garde artwork that was hidden from the authorities (and the world) for so long. Then, travel through the Kyzl Kum Desert stopping to inspect a few of the better-preserved desert castles that remain standing, solitary and abandoned in the middle of the desert. The still visible plan of the imposing Toprak Kala helps to picture how the fort would have looked all those centuries ago. Spend this evening in a yurt camp beside Ayaz Kala, the largest of the desert citadels.
Day 4 Kyzyl Kum Desert – Khiva: Wander Medieval Streets
A mid-morning arrival at your historic madrassah hotel, located within the walled city of Old Khiva, offers the rest of the day to enjoy a walking tour of medieval Khiva’s 19th-century streets and Islamic buildings. Wandering through the maze of twisting alleyways, you’ll stop to enter the ancient city’s most notable palaces, madrassahs and mosques to hear about the lives of the imams, khanates and harems that occupied them. A living museum, many of the local residents still live and work inside the walled fortress city, so there’ll be chances to pop into the shops of local business owners and to swing by a local restauranteur’s establishment to help bake some fresh Uzbek bread, perfect for a pre-dinner snack during the tour.
Day 5 Khiva – Bukhara: Soviet Sleeper Train
A free morning in this romantic city, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch in its old quarters before being taken to the train station in the afternoon to board an old Soviet-era train. Upon your late arrival into Bukhara, you’ll be taken straight to your boutique hotel set in a historic, Jewish merchant’s home.
Day 6 Bukhara: History Tour & Homecooked Plov
The walking tour begins this morning by navigating the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter around your hotel, stopping at one of the country’s oldest synagogues and the old house of a wealthy 19th-century merchant. Moving on to the Islamic heart of the city is the central Lyabi Hauz, a serene complex of madrassahs built around a 17th-century pool. Within walking distance are also the massive Ark Citadel and Zindan Prison and the Kalon minaret and ensemble. After a break at a typical tea house, you’ll then continue on to the historic trading domes for a lesson in Silk Road trade, and perhaps the chance for some shopping at one of the stalls. Enjoy some downtime at the hotel before heading to a local Bukharan’s home this evening for a cooking demonstration and homecooked plate of the national dish, plov.
Day 7 Bukhara – Nurata Mountains: Summer Palace & Local Pottery
This morning you depart from the bustling Silk Road city towards the Nurata Nature Reserve. The first stop on today’s drive will be the last emir’s summer palace, displaying an eclectic mix of European and Oriental design and housing 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 to visit the local mosque and meeting some of the villagers before having dinner back at home with the family.
Day 8 Nurata Mountains: Rural Life Activities
Today there are a variety options to keep you busy including learning how handicrafts are made and having a go yourself, helping bake the bread in traditional ovens, driving out to Lake Aydur for a relaxing swim or heading 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 to ruined fortresses.
Day 9 Nurata Mountains: Hiking Between Villages
Set off from your guesthouse 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 second rural guesthouse where you will settle in for the night after dinner.
Day 10 Nurata Mountains – Samarkand: The Registan
Saying goodbye to your host family after breakfast, this morning you’ll drive to the famed Silk Road city of Samarkand. Arriving in time for some lunch in the historic city, you’ll later enjoy a tour of Samarkand’s most important historical site (and perhaps the country’s most photographed sight) the Registan. Exploring the buildings of this architectural masterpiece, surrounded by blue tiled madrassahs on three sides, the tour finishes in time to catch the evening light show where Uzbek families and tourists alike gather on the viewing platforms to see the iconic monument in a completely different light, quite literally.
Day 11 Samarkand: Islamic Architectural Gems, Silk Carpets & an Evening Performance
One of the key trading cities of the ancient Silk Road, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state created by Tamerlane. Spend the morning exploring some of the city’s other historic sites with your guide, begin by walking around Tamerlane's Tomb, the giant Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis to get lost in its mini cyan city of blue mausoleums. After a stop for lunch, delve deeper into the commodity that started it all, silk. Touring a silk carpet factory, you’ll learn all about the fabric that interwove ancient routes and geopolitics for centuries. Take advantage of a free afternoon to relax, before enjoying a beautiful dance and theatre performance this evening, chronologically showcasing the exquisite dress of Uzbekistan through the years.
Day 12 Samarkand: Crafts at a Paper Mill
Taking a break from ancient architecture, this morning you’ll be taken to a serene oasis located at a paper mill on the outskirts of the city. Here, you’ll be transported back in time browsing the old wooden machinery that still makes paper, amongst other products, using running water from the peaceful canals that flow through the grounds. The humble factory also produces oils, knives and freshly baked bread, which you can enjoy with some tea. The afternoon is left at leisure.
Day 13 Samarkand – Tashkent: High Speed Train
After a leisurely morning, you’ll head to the train station to board the swish, high-speed train back to the capital. With a final free evening you may want to relax before your return flight home tomorrow and perhaps sample some of the capital’s international restaurant options, taking a break from hearty plov.
Day 14 Depart Tashkent
Check out after breakfast for a private transfer back to the airport in time for your flight, where your Silk Road journey concludes.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
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.
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.
Ayaz kala 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.
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.
Arka Boutique Hotel, Samarkand
Boutique Hotel Arka is a charming new property in Samarkand, offering a warm welcome with it's exposed brick interior and friendly staff. Offering two categories of room, standard and lux, both with ample space and the expected amenities. The front desk operates 24-hours and there is an on site restaurant where breakfast is served and lunch and dinner arranged on request. Bicycles can be hired for those wanting to explore actively and Registan Square is a 20 minute walk away.
Nurata Guesthouse (Asraf 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 often coming from the guesthouse’s own vegetable gardens and animals.
*Please note that the association is in charge of allocating visitors to guesthouses so images and information are provided as a reference and may be different during your visit. Between October and April, temperatures in the mountains can become much colder in the evenings and appropriate clothing should be brought.
Hotel Polvon Qori Boutique, Khiva
Opened at the start of 2020, Polvon Qori is set in a converted madrassah just outside the eastern gate of old Khiva. The hotel is owned and run by a local history teacher who went to great lengths to retain its historical legacy, with the original door of the madrassah (that all the doors in the hotel are modelled on) proudly on display in the front courtyard. With only 16 rooms, Polvon Qori is akin to a boutique heritage property. Rooms only come in Standard category and are set around the quaint inner courtyard, apart from the one larger Family Suite on the second floor which boasts an incredible terrace and views over the walled city. Rooms are quite compact, set within the protected former madrassah rooms, but all have ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs, basic amenities and, uniquely, a personal Wi-Fi router. Out front is the madrassah’s historic minaret, which can be climbed with special permission for an impressive view over old Khiva, as well as the restaurant and some daybeds. At the reception guests can also buy tea, coffee and a few local products such as dried fruit and cotton.
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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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WILD MILES
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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
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.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
OTHER ITINERARIES IN UZBEKISTAN
Check out our group tours in Uzbekistan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Uzbekistan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Uzbekistan