The Silk Road of Uzbekistan
The Silk Road of Uzbekistan
The Silk Road of Uzbekistan
11 Days Starting and ending in Tashkent
Visiting: Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Yangikazgan, Samarkand
Tour Overview
Travel along the fabled Silk Road past ancient caravanserais and across the remote Central Asian landscape on this trip that takes in the highlights of Uzbekistan. Marvel at incredible Islamic architecture and learn about a history that crosses cultures and spans millennia.
Khiva - Step back in time as you walk the streets of this 'open air museum'
Yurt stay - Sample nomadic life with when sleeping in a traditional felt tent
Samarkand - Discover Timur's city, where Registan Square lies as its stunning blue mosaicked centrepiece.
Navruz Festival departure - Book your space on the 15 March 2025 to join in with the Uzbek people during the Persian New Year Festival.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip Tashkent. Afternoon Exploring The Uzbek Capital
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Panarams by Radisson Individuals
Arrive in Tashkent, the fusion city of Uzbekistan. For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 1pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on the afternoon sightseeing tour. We head out to explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, which has been on this site for over 2000 years. Our sightseeing tour includes various points of interest around the city, like the Independence Square, Old City and the Earthquake Monument. We also take a ride for 2-3 stops on the Tashkent Metro, which boasts some ornately decorated stations. The tour ends in Timur Square, just opposite from our hotel.
If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS), which is 20 minutes' from the hotel. For those arriving on flights in the early hours of this morning, we'll arrange for your hotel room to be available immediately upon your arrival. For anyone wishing to arrive before today and recharge before the tours starts, please contact us to book additional nights accommodation.
Please note that if you wish to join the afternoon sightseeing tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 1pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least 75 minutes' to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes' drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 10.30am.
Day 2: Fly To Urgench And Take A Walking Tour Of The Ancient City Of Khiva
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Musa Tura
Meals Included: Breakfast
We rise early this morning for our flight to Urgench. A further 40-minute bus journey will take us to the remarkable ancient city of Khiva, which will be our base for the next two nights.
The early history of this area is sketchy. We do know that, by the time the Arabs arrived in the 8th century, Khiva was one of three important cities which dominated the region. The city's strategic location on the Volga branch of the Silk Route made it a much sought-after imperial asset, with the British and Russians vying for sovereignty throughout the 19th century as part of the 'Great Game'. In 1873, it fell to the Russians as both Samarkand and Bokhara had already done. A 1970s Soviet conservation programme restored much of the city, turning it into what is effectively an open air museum.
On this afternoon's walking tour, we may well feel like we are stepping into a scene from the film 'Arabian Nights' as we explore the majestic Old Citadel. This 12th century fortress dominated the city before a palace, harem, barracks and mosques were constructed.
Day 3: In Khiva, Free Day To Explore The Old Citadel Or Optional Tour To Desert Castles
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Musa Tura
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today has been left free to explore the mosques, tombs, palaces, madrassahs, mausoleumns, craft workshops, city walls and museums of this well-preserved city, which has hardly changed since ancient times. This evening, you may choose to explore a bit more of the city after dark, when magical moonlit silhouettes make it even more spectacular.
There is also the option to take a half day trip to the desert castles of Toprak Qala and Ayaz Qala, part of UNESCO's Golden Ring of Ancient Khorezm, located in the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan
Day 4: Scenic Drive Through The Vast Plains Of Central Asian Plateau To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Bukhara Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's drive to the fabled city of Bokhara will take up the day, but is broken up with stops as we cross the Oxus (Amu-Darya) River and travel through the expansive plains of the Kizilkum Desert.
As home to the famous Islamic poets, Firdausa and Rudaki, Bokhara is considered by some to be the 'Bastion of Islam'. The town retains much of its Uzbek character and has more than 140 unique monuments. We will take a short stroll to picturesque Lyabi Khauz, a water-filled stone pool flanked by chaikhanas (tea houses), cafes and restaurants, popular with newlyweds taking wedding photographs.
Day 5: In Bukhara, Discover Blue-Tiled Domes And Minarets; Learn About The City's History
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Bukhara Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's day of sightseeing starts off by bus before we continue on foot. Highlights include the Bolo Khauz mosque, the Samanid mausoleum (a place of pilgrimage where the founder of the Samanid dynasty is buried)the 9th century Magoki Attar mosque and the Poi Kalyan complex (a simple square frsamed by some spectacular buildings - the Mir-i-Arab Madrassah, the Kalyon Juma mosque and the majestice 11th century Kalyon ~Minar, one of the few buildings in the city to pre-date Genghis Khan's invasion), from where we will see the Kalyan minaret.
We also visit the Ark - a massive citadel which was used as a fortress from the 5th century until its fall to the Russians in 1920. Today it houses several small museums connected with Bokhara's history. Bukhara was the site of the imprisonment for two British soldiers during 'The Great Game' - an epic battle fought between Victorian Britain and Tsarist Russia across the vastness of Central Asia.
This afternoon we plan to visit the summer palace of the Emirs of Bokhara, which is known as the 'Palace of Moon-like Stars'. Here, we will see the famous White Hall, which took 30 architects two years to construct. Finally, we will take in the Char Minar Mosque - the impressive entrance to a now-demolished madrassah, and wander the backstreets of the old town maybe stopping off at a 'chaikhana', a local tea house.
Day 6: Free Day To Explore Bukhara's Sights Further
Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Bukhara Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today has been left free for you to spend as you wish.
You may wish to explore the Taqi-Sarrafon market - one of the four domed bazaars in Bokhara. Used as a money exchange during the height of the Silk Road, it is now home to plenty of souvenir shops.
Day 7: Drive To Desert Yurt Camp Via Nurata; Optional Camel Ride
Location: Yangikazgan
Accommodation: Yurt
Accommodation Name: Kyzyl-Kum Safari Yurt Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we will drive a short distance to Gijduvan - a town celebrated for its crafts and trade since the 10th century. Here, we will visit the famous ceramic centre. Our next stop is Karmana, where we plan to visit the 10th century Mir-Said Bakhram Mausoleum. Heading off the main highway, we continue our journey north across the desert to Nurata. Famous for its sacred Chashma Spring, the town attracts visitors from across the Islamic World. According to legend, this healing spring, containing gold, silver and bromide, was formed by a meteorite hitting the ground. Whilst in Nurata, we plan to have lunch in a local house and see the remains of Alexander the Great's Karazy Fortress, affording excellent views of the desert landscape.
This afternoon, we head to our overnight base in the desert and o n the journey we may see camels wandering through the desert as well as sheep herds. Once we arrive and settle in we have the opportunity to go on a short optional camel ride, or simply relax and take in the remote surroundings.
In the early evening we climb the sand dunes to watch the sunset then after dinner, sit around the campfire listening to a local Kazakh musician
Tonight's desert camp accommodation is in yurts, typical of those used by the nomadic people of Central Asia. Yurts are circular dwelling structures made from felt and insulated with sheepskins, traditionally made to be portable.
Day 8: Drive To Samarkand; Afternoon Exploration Of The City's Monuments Including Registan Square
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Minor
Meals Included: Breakfast
We spend this morning driving to Samarkand, through plenty of small towns and past cotton fields, giving a glimpse into rural life in Uzbekistan. Stormed by Alexander the Great and reduced to ashes by Genghis Khan, Samarkand was nevertheless transformed into the most glittering city in Transoxiana by Tamerlane, who made it his capital in the 14th century. Even today, the monumental scale of the buildings overwhelms visitors. This afternoon, we will visit Registan, a majestic square framed on three sides by huge blue tiled madrassahs. We will also visit the Gur Emir, the gold-ceilinged tomb of Tamerlane himself.
Day 9: In Samarkand, Discover Magnificent Mosques And Mausoleums; Free Afternoon To Explore Further
Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Minor
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning's sightseeing takes us to the Shah-i-Zinda - a beautifully-tiled necropolis of tombs, mosques and mausoleums belonging to Tamerlane's family, friends and the prophet Mohammad's cousin. We will also visit the Ulug-Beg Observatory, considered to have been one of the finest observatories in the Islamic World. It was here that Ulug-Beg, the great medieval astronomer, built his gigantic sextant which enabled him to calculate the length of a year to within just 10 seconds. We see the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once the largest in Central Asia; it was built by Tamerlane with loot from Indian campaigns and named after his favourite Mongolian wife.
This afternoon has been left free to explore more of the city at your own pace. You may choose to visit ancient Afrosiab - the original site of the town in north east Samarkand, dating back to the late Stone Age.
Day 10: In Samarkand, Free Morning; Afternoon High-Speed Train To Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Panarams by Radisson Individuals
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, there is more free time for further exploration. Later this afternoon, we transfer to the train station for our modern high speed train back to Tashkent. Arriving just after 7pm, we will have time to enjoy our last evening of the tour.
Day 11: Tour Ends In Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tashkent.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Tashkent at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS), which is 20 minutes drive from the hotel.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights comfortable hotel
1 nights simple yurt -
Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 10
Lunch: 1
Dinner: 1 -
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Train Tickets
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Why Book this Tour
This tour takes you on a classic journey along part of the iconic Silk Road through ancient exotic cities and epic landscapes. Not only will you learn about the history and culture of Uzbekistan but you will also spend the night in a traditional nomadic yurt, a highlight for many. Uzbekistan has been named as one of the top emerging destinations of 2015.
Meals
Breakfasts: 10
Lunches: 1
Dinners: 1
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Transfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
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Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for the yurt?
No. The yurt camp consists of 20 traditional felt yurts, each accommodating four people. Single rooms are not available. Mattresses, pillows, linen, blankets and towels will be provided.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
18
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
7 nights comfortable hotel
2 nights simple hotel
1 nights simple yurt
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.