The heart of the ancient silk route, Uzbekistan is the region’s cultural capital with its mesmerizing display of mosques, madrassahs, mausoleums, minarets and Registans (trading centres). The ancient cities of Tashkent, Samarkhand, Bukhara and Khiva are living museums representing the rich traditions of Central Asia for more than two millennia. Its riches attracted conquerors like Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan and this region was home to Timur the great and the birthplace of Babur – the founder of the Indian Mughal dynasty.
Beyond the dazzling architecture and beautiful tilework, the region has a lot more to offer: live the simple nomadic life in the desert yurts, listen to local folklore and watch the traditional performances, sample the traditional food – with roots in Iranian, Persian, India and Chinese cuisines, learn more about the making of silk, steel swords/knifes (of Damascus steel), silk carpets, silk paper, miniature paintings, Suzanne – the traditional Bukharan embroidery.. the list goes on!
One of the safest countries in the world (Gallup poll – 7th safest) and the “Country of the year according to Economist “(Dec 2019) and the CNN Travel destination of 2020, Uzbekistan is the most fascinating country you’ve never been to! (The Telegraph, July 2018)
Cost on request
Trip Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO World heritage cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
- Get mesmerized by the beautiful tilework and colourful mosques, madrassahs and minarets.
- Walk along the ancient crossroads or the Registans of the Silk Route cities.
- Stay in a traditional house of the nomads – in a “yurt” camp located at the shore of the Aydarkul Lake.
- Taste traditional local food on in local homes / traditional restaurants throughout your trip; participate in cooking ‘Pilov’ – the national Uzbek dish, in a local Uzbek home.
- Watch a traditional folklore and fashion performance at the open theatre of Nodir Divan Begi madrassah in Bukhara.
- Participate in / watch traditional arts including a Ceramics workshop, miniature paintings, ‘Suzanne’ – the traditional Bukharan embroidery, Silk Carpet factory, sword / knife workshop (of Damascus steel fame) and a handmade silk paper centre (Meros).
- Bargain in the markets of all the cities – whether you buy anything or not, it is a virtual feast for the eyes.
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: - Tashkent – Where the modern and tradition meet
Arrive at Tashkent airport and get transferred to your hotel. Explore the capital of Uzbekistan.
Day 2: - Explore Tashkent
Continue the city tour. Head to the Ceramics workshop “Usto-Shogyrd” and Chorsu bazaar. Late evening fly to Urgench and then onwards to Khiva for the night.
Day 3: – Khiva – The open–air museum
Head out for a tour of Ichan Kala. Visit the most important monuments of the city.
Day 4: – Bukhara - the holy city of Turkestan
Embark on a train journey to Bukhara across Karakum desert. Upon arrival check in to your hotel and head out for a city tour.
Day 5: – Bukhara
Continue to explore the city – Visit the Fortress Ark (citadel), Chor Minor, Samanids Mausoleum & the Poi Kalyan complex.
Day 6: – Crossing the deserts of the Silk Road; Yurt Camping
Proceed to the Yurt camp located at the shore of the Aydarkul Lake. Enroute visit Gijduvan & the small town of Nurata.
Day 7:– Lake & Steppe, desert & camel
Spend the morning at leisure, enjoy a short camel ride or simply take a walk in the remote surroundings of steppes and dunes. Later, drive to Samarkand.
Day 8: – Samarkand – Crossroads of Culture
Explore Timur’s capital – Samarkand.
Day 9: – Samarkand – Train to Tashkent
Continue your city tour of Samarkand. In the evening, take a high-speed express train ‘Afrosiyab’ to Tashkent.
Day 10:– Departure
Spend the morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation on Double sharing basis
- Half board basis: Breakfast and lunch on all days (except where specifically mentioned)
- Domestic flight: Tashkent – Urgench on Day 2
- Train tickets: Khiva -Bukhara & Samarkand – Tashkent
- A/C transportation for all transfers, drives & city tours
- English speaking guide for all excursions
- All excursions & entrance fees to monuments as indicated in the itinerary
Exclusions
- Taxes as applicable – Currently GST is at 5%
- International Airfare
- Visa fees & Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc & tipping
- Dinner on all days except Day 6
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