Uzbekistan: Land of Silk Road Treasures
Uzbekistan: Land of Silk Road Treasures
11 Days Starting and ending in TASHKENT
Visiting: Tashkent, Khiva, Urgench
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LST
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Uzbekistan has been at the crossroads of cultures and customs for over two millennia. Located halfway along the Silk Road, its cities and monuments pay glorious testament to the wealth and commerce that passed through the region. Uzbekistan has a rich history from the legend of Tamerlane to the Emirate of Bukhara, and some of the finest mosques and mausoleums found anywhere in Central Asia.
This exhilarating adventure begins in Tashkent, where we’ll have time to explore some of the highlights of the Uzbek capital before moving on to Khiva. There, we take time to discover the madrasahs and monuments of its historic heart, before following the ancient Silk Road on to Bukhara, considered to be the most complete medieval city in Central Asia.
After taking in Bukhara’s UNESCO treasures, we turn our attention towards the mountains, where we enjoy the hospitality of village life around the Nuratau Reserve. The final leg of our adventure then takes us on to historic Samarkand, a fitting end to a journey steeped in the legends and legacy of the Silk Road.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Tashkent
Location: Tashkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City Palace Hotel or similar
Rooms will be available in Tashkent from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Day 2: Tashkent: City Tour Including Bazaar & Opera House
Location: Tashkent, Khiva, Urgench
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tashkent is Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital which sat at the heart of the old Central Asian trading routes, gaining prominence under the Mongols and the Shabanids, before finally being absorbed by the expansionist policies of the Russian empire during the 19th century. Flattened by a devastating earthquake in the mid-1960s, the city was reinvented by the Kremlin to represent the very epitome of the socialist ideal. After our morning briefing, we will head out and see some of the capital's highlights - including the Khast Imam Complex, the stunning edifice of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Chorsu Bazaar, a vast open-air market that sits in the heart of the old part of the city.
Day 3: Tashkent – Nukus/ Urgench - Khiva: Kyzyl-Kum Desert, Ayaz Kala & Toprak Kala
Location: Khiva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we take an early flight to Nukus or Urgench, and then drive to the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, to explore Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala. Ayaz Kala, an impressing mudwalled hilltop fortress dating from the 2nd century has magnificent views over the nearby lake. From there, we continue to Toprak Kala which flourished in the 3rd century AD as the capital of the Khoresmshah Dynasty. Later this afternoon, we'll travel by road to Khiva where we can enjoy an evening walk around the incredibly well-preserved old town.
Day 4: Khiva: Full Day Exploring The Many Historic Monuments
Accommodation: Sasha & Sons Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Orient Star Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Considered a pearl of eastern architecture, Khiva is one of the oldest cities of ancient Khorezm. Legend has it that is was founded by Shem, the son of Noah, and archaeological records can trace its origins back to the 4th or 5th century BC. We will spend today exploring its madrasahs and museums, wandering the narrow streets of the Ichan Kala (inner city) and enjoying the atmosphere and sights of a city that can boast some 50 historic monuments.
Day 5: Khiva – Bukhara: Afternoon Walk & Dinner
Accommodation Name: Sasha & Son Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continuing our journey down the old Silk Road, we will make our way to Bukhara. More than 2,000 years old and home to some 140 architectural monuments, the historic centre has been described by UNESCO as the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia. Upon arrival later this afternoon, we will take a stroll around the old city before dinner. Driving distance 480km, 7-8 hours approx.Â
Day 6: Bukhara: Cultural Highlights, Plov Demonstration & Free Time
Accommodation Name: Sasha & Son Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Considered to be Central Asia’s holiest city, Bukhara is liberally sprinkled with an architectural legacy that spans a thousand years of history. A centre of trade, culture and scholarship for centuries, under the Samanids the city became a major intellectual centre of the Islamic world. Today we’ll take in some of its highlights, with visits planned to the imposing Ark of Bukhara, the Kunya Ark Complex and the Samanids Mausoleum, the Friday Mosque and Lab-i Hauz, home to the 16th century Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest in the city. Lunch will consist of a plov cookery demo, so that we can see how the national dish of Uzbekistan is made before sampling the results. We will then have the remainder of the day free for shopping and generally relaxing in this most characterful of the old Silk Road towns.
Day 7: Bukhara – Yangikishlak: Experience Village Life
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing Bukhara this morning our next stop is the village of Yangikishlak, located between Lake Aydarkul and the Nurafshan Mountains. Occupying a fertile valley that forms part of the Nuratau-Kyzyikum Bio-Reserve, this area is home to a number of traditional villages, unique plant life and the highly endangered Severtzov wild sheep. On arrival we will have a chance to settle into our family guesthouse, before enjoying an afternoon’s introduction to the family and to village life. If we’re lucky, we may be able to enjoy some of the region’s traditional music and dance - a wonderful way to learn more about local folklore and legends. Total driving distance and time: 320km, approx. 5hrs.Â
Day 8: Yangikishlak – Samarkand: Nuratau Nature Reserve & Evening In Registan Square
Accommodation Name: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will visit the Nuratau Reserve by walking through some of the local villages. Offering up a mix of natural and cultural highlights, the area is home to an array of unique plant life and some 160 species of birds. After a delicious lunch prepared by our host family, we journey east towards one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Central Asia. Once one of the greatest cities on earth, Samarkand is a name that resonates with the commerce and colour of the old Silk Road. We will aim to arrive by evening at the Registan, a sublime combination of three magnificent madrassahs overlooking a square for which this ancient city is so famous.
Day 9: Samarkand: Monuments, Bazaars & Wine-Tasting
Accommodation Name: Malika Classic Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our tour of the city continues today with a visit to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Tamerlane, the founder of the Timurid Empire. We’ll also take in the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis and the 15th century Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once considered one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. After a chance to explore the bustling Siyob Bazaar, there will be some free time before we set out for wine-tasting at the Khovrenko Winery.
Day 10: Samarkand – Tashkent: Konigil Meros Paper Mill, Train To Tashkent
Accommodation Name: City Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will visit to the fascinating Konigil Meros Paper Mill to see the famous Samarkand paper production process before some time at leisure. Bidding farewell to this famed city, we will take an afternoon train back to Tashkent for the last night of the tour. Full circle, we’ll reminisce about our journey through such a hospitable and vibrant country.
Day 11: Tour Finishes In Tashkent
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning after breakfast.
What's Included
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MEALS
10 x Breakfasts9 x Lunches7 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Buses, domestic flights and trains.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
3 nights x Premium
6 nights x Superior
1 night x Simple -
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.comÂ
Before departure UK passport holders do not currently require visas for Uzbekistan in advance; your passport is simply stamped on arrival at the airport.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/ embassy for up to date visa information.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. For instance, you can opt out of the walks in the Nuratau Mountains if you would prefer to focus your attention on village life.
There are some long drives on bumpy roads involved in this tour due to the distances we need to cover, but the changing scenery should make these an interesting aspect of the trip.Â
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be more limited.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.Â
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except for the guesthouse in Yangikishlak.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
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Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Before departure UK passport holders do not currently require visas for Uzbekistan in advance; your passport is simply stamped on arrival at the airport.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/ embassy for up to date visa information. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
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