As seen on
The undiscovered Silk Road of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
10 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Explore the myriad historical sights of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand & Tashkent
- Sleep in a nomadic yurt camp at Aydarkul (Aydar Lake)
- Dine with a local Tajik family and learn about their culture
- Visit a hand-made paper workshop from mulberry wood in Konigil village
- Learn how to make 'Plov', Uzbekistan's signature rice-based dish
- Sample Uzbek wine after a tour of the beautiful vineyard
Explore the wonders of Uzbekistan
A truly magical adventure following the ancient Silk Road to discover jaw-droppingly beautiful turquoise-tiled madrassas, ornate palaces with hidden haram courtyards, desert cities, bustling bazaars and the traditional yurts of this trading nation.
Uzbekistan, deep in the heart of Central Asia, flourished in prosperity, culture, trade and religion as a vital section of the ancient Silk Road linking China to Europe. Tamerlaine founded the Timurid Empire in the 14th Century, which brought an architectural magnificence (and also later via the Timurid Renaissance) seldom rivalled, especially in Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva and Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and in many of the ancient cities of Iran.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
High minarets scratch the blue sky above blazing glazed domes flashing in the sunlight. Complex geometrical designs on brightly coloured tiles decorate enormous yet perfectly balanced edifices on a truly staggering scale: Mosaics of lions, tigers, deer, and human faces adorn mosques and lecture rooms as symbols of power according to the traditions of Islam.
Grand portals and elegant decorated pillars await you at the gold-covered Tilya-Kori Madrasa in Samarkand; the largest and most glorious structure of the Registan Square with minarets at each corner emanating a feeling of strength. Nearby one of the greatest monuments of Uzbek architecture, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, towers up to heaven in a multitude of marble and terracotta high portals, souring minarets, 400 cupolas decorated with mosaics, blue-gold frescoes and gates made of seven different metals. It is wonder to be seen.
If you would like to learn more about Samarkand, please read our Journal post here.
Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
4 star hotel
Welcome to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital since 1930 and one of the oldest and largest cities in Central Asia. It’s known for its wealth of Soviet and post-Soviet architecture. On arrival to the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you have some time to relax and unwind from the flight.
This afternoon you will meet your guide for a chance to explore the city, starting first at the Old Town. Here you can see Barak Khana Seminary and Tillya Sheikh Mosque, home to the oldest version of the Koran written by the third Caliph Osman. After admiring the beautiful architecture in this religious complex, continue to Chorsu Bazaar, which is the oldest market in the city. You can browse a range of traditional gifts nestled under the blue domes of the building.
Your final visit will be Kukeldash Madrasah located close to the market and dating back to medieval times. It's a place of religious learning for students and is built of yellow brick with serene gardens and beautiful traditional architecture. After your visit, the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy.
Arrive in Tashkent by Uzbekistan Airways (HY-202 at 05:50 am)
Overnight in Ichan Kala Hotel
Day 2: Urgench – Khiva
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This morning you will transfer to the airport to catch a short flight to Urgench, the city that is the gateway to Khiva, a remarkably wonderful desert city that basks in natural light. It is the most intact city of the Silk Road. It is a destination that is made for walking and today you can enjoy a tour of the citadel, known as Ichan Kala, home to over 50 historical monuments.
Some clients may prefer to take the overnight train from Tashkent to Urgench - it is a very long ride of approximately 15 hours on an old locomotive, but sleeper cabins are available. If this is something you would like more information about please contact us directly.
Discover the glittering Kalta Minor Minaret famous for its stunning turquoise tiles, arguably one of the most architecturally beautiful minarets in Central Asia. You will also see Kunya Ark, the former fortress of the Khiva rulers and Islam Khodja Minaret which offers wonderful views of the town and the desert beyond.
Walking around Khiva is comparable to an open-air museum. Soak up the history, some of which dates back more than 2000 years. This afternoon visit the Friday mosque and Tash Khauli Palace built by Alla-kuli Khan as a harem for his wives. It is a spectacular structure, with unique architecture and hidden hallways for the Khan to visit his female companions.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure to fully explore the magic of Khiva.
Overnight in Zerafshon Hotel / Malika Kheivak Hotel
Day 3: Journey to Bukhara via the Silk Road
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, it's time to venture across Kyzylkum (Red Desert), known as Red Sands. It is a lengthy but very scenic drive following the route of the ancient Silk Road.
On the way, there are several stops to get photos of the beautiful desert and its local flora and fauna. There will also be a visit to the banks of the Amu Darya, known by the Ancient Greeks as the River Oxus.
We will arrive in Bukhara, an ancient city and an important trading stop on the Silk Road route.
Overnight in Royal Bukhara Hotel / Minzifa Hotel / Sofia Hotel
Day 4: Bukhara
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Today you can enjoy a full day soaking up the sights of Bukhara. It is the most preserved medieval city in Central Asia with a huge amount of UNESCO listed monuments. We will visit a number of these including the mausoleum of Ismali Samanid which boasts the best surviving 10th-century architecture in the Arabic world. You will also visit the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble which is famous for its hauz pool as well as the biggest madrassah in the city. Other sights which won’t be missed include the Poi Kalon Minaret and Mosque, and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah.
Lunch will involve a cookery class. You will visit a local and learn how to make Uzbekistan's signature dish plov, a wholesome rice based dish infused with spices and flavour.
After lunch, there will also be a visit to the Ark Fortress and the Hunarmand UNDP Assisted Workshop where you can see a number of traditional art methods including suzani embroidery, gold embroidery and block printing.
Overnight in Royal Bukhara Hotel / Minzifa Hotel / Sofia Hotel
Day 5: Bukhara
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Today explore the outskirts of Bukhara with a visit to the Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of the former emir of the city. Here you will discover a unique mixture of traditional Russian architecture blended beautiful with local oriental traditional art. Discover the lavish interiors including the White Hall which has a number of furniture items brought in from Russia.
The palace also used to have a 2-storey harem, a pool and even a zoo. It is a building showcasing rich opulence in abundance. After your visit, continue to the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum, built for the famous Sufi spiritual leader in the 14th century. Bahauddin Naqshband’s cult was highly revered and his mausoleum reflects this.
Later, return to the city for a visit to a traditional bazaar and enjoy some free time before being whisked off for dinner at Bukhara's famous Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasahfolk folklore show. It may be a little touristy (bearing in mind Uzbekistan is still very much off the beaten track), but word on the street is that it's well worth it: held in the beautiful courtyard of this 17th century historical monument, it's a fun way to acquaint yourselves with the age-old dance and music traditions of Uzbekistan.
Overnight in Royal Bukhara Hotel / Minzifa Hotel / Sofia Hotel
Day 6: Aydarkul (Aydar Lake) Yurt Camp via Sarmysh Gorge
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
After breakfast, drive 130km to the beautiful Sarmysh Gorge where you will see some of the 10,000 petroglyphs from the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages.
After the visit, continue the remaining 150km to the Aydarkul (Aydar Lake) Yurt Camp which will be your home for the evening. The camps are situated near the Aydarkul and spending the evening here will give you a wonderful taste of nomadic life.
Overnight is Aydarkul lake Yurt Camp
Day 7: Aydarkullake - Majrum village - Ukhum village
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
After breakfast, drive to the nearby mountain villages. Visit Majerum Village, home to the biggest tree in the Nuratau Nature Reserve. The Biota Tree is over 1000 years old and has a trunk which reaches 8.5m circumference and has a wealth of legends and traditions associated with it. Locals believe that the tree was planted by Alexander the Great in honour of one of his favourite commanders.
You will also see the ruins of an ancient mosque, also considered sacred and Majerum Qala, the ruins of a small fortress. The latter is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Nuratau Mountains, located 100m above the village of Majerum. The fortress is located on the top of a large oval-shaped hill rising in a narrow part of the valley. After exploring, drive to the village of Ukhum to spend the night at a local guest house.
Overnight in Uhum Village Guest House
Day 8: Drive to Samarkand (220 km)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Today you are heading to Samarkand, 220km away, but the journey will be broken up with some interesting stops. After breakfast, visit the Severcev Sheep Nursery which is home to one of the rare species of Wild Argali sheep, added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species in 2020.
You will also visit ruins of an ancient village and mosque and hike to Karaul Mountain for a picturesque view of the valley below. Lunch will be served at a local family's house. They are ethnic Tajiks; you will have a unique opportunity to hear the regional language and learn about day to day life in the village. The food served is prepared from natural products only made in the village including delicious butter and other dairy items.
After lunch continue to the ancient city of Samarkand. It is one of the oldest existing cities in the world and certainly the oldest of Central Asia. It was built on the site of Afrosiab, which dated from the 3rd or 4th millennium B.C. Samarkand was known to the ancient Greeks as Marakanda and ruins of the old settlement remain north of the present city.
Overnight in Arba Hotel / Rabat Boutique Hotel
Day 9: Samarkand
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Today there is a full-day city tour of Samarkand to visit Registan Square which was for many centuries the heart of Samarkand. The word "Registan" means "a sandy place", and is derived from the sand left behind after a river running through the region had dried up.
You will visit the three beautiful madrasahs: the Ulug-Bek Madrasah (15th c); the Tillya-Kori Madrasah (17th c) and the Sher-Dor Madrasah (17th c). Later, visit Gur Emir - another famous sight in Uzbekistan. The name means "Tomb of the King" and is the mausoleum of the Asian conqueror Tamerlane and his descendants.
Next discover the grandest structure of Amir Temur’s times - the chief Friday Mosque called Bibi-Khanum, one of the most magnificent looking mosques in the world. You will also visit the Siab bazaar offering an authentic market experience as well as the jaw-droppingly beautiful Shahi Zinda necropolis, a mausoleum with rich tileworkNext discover the grandest structure of Amir Temur’s times - the chief Friday Mosque called Bibi-Khanum, one of the most magnificent looking mosques in the world. You will also visit the Siab bazaar offering an authentic market experience as well as the jaw-droppingly beautiful Shahi Zinda necropolis, a mausoleum with rich tile-work and an important religious site in the country.
All that exploring is thirsty work, so we will visit the Bagizagan Winery including a tasting to sample traditional Uzbek wine.
Overnight in Arba Hotel / Rabat Boutique Hotel
Day 10: Tashkent
Train
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This morning, visit Ulugbek’s observatory, constructed by Ulugbek (Grandson of the Great Amir Temur) in 1428-1429. Later, visit the ancient settlement of Afrosiab, which is situated on the spurs of Chupan-Ata hills to the northeast of present-day Samarkand. According to the legend, it was here, on the banks of the river Siab, that the Turanian king and hero Afrosiab, a character of the folk epic ‘Shahnama’, founded the town that became the capital of Sogdiana.
Later, head out to the village of Konigil (10 km from Samarkand) to visit a paper-making workshop. For a long time, Samarkand has been famous as a centre of high-quality paper manufacture. In the workshop, led by a talented master, you will see how the rind of the mulberry tree turns into paper. Here you will be able to take part in the unique process of hand-made paper production: cleaning tree branches from the bark, polishing paper with a stone and painting it.
This afternoon, head to the railway station to catch your train to Tashkent. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for your final night in this wonderful country.
Overnight in Ichan Kala Hotel
Day 11: Depart Tashkent
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home filled with an Aladdin's Cave of delightful memories and perhaps an authentic souvenir.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Please note there is no single accommodation available in yurts and homestays.
We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is not available to book for part of the trip where it would have been possible.
Pre/Post Tour night for 2 people B&B
Stay at Ichan Kala Hotel or a similar hotel on a bed and breakfast basis before or after your adventure. Please note that if this hotel is unavailable, we may need to book an alternative property, so the rate provided is an estimate only.
Pre/Post Tour night for 1 person B&B
Stay at Ichan Kala Hotel or a similar hotel on a bed and breakfast basis before or after your adventure. Please note that if this hotel is unavailable, we may need to book an alternative property, so the rate provided is an estimate only.
Private Transfer - One Way Arrival (1 to 2 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for timings), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Private Transfer - One Way Departure (1 to 2 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for timings), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Contents
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Tashkent.
Airport & Arrival and Departure Info
Tashkent International Airport is the main international airport in Uzbekistan, 12km from the city.
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible Tourism, using accommodation run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a a great trip.
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Some hotels will be basic, and in modern buildings and or in towns. Wherever we can, we will choose smaller more characterful, individual options, but in areas where tourism is still developing, this may not be available.
An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which is exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting.
The accommodation on this adventure involves both hotel, guest house and yurt stays. Where accommodations are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation prior to departure on your adventure.
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced and knowledgeable local, English speaking guide. This ensures you access to information on the country and culture of Uzbekistan, as well as directly supporting local trade and tourism.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General information on Uzbekistan
For information on Uzbekistan, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Please take into consideration the time of year when you are travelling before making your final packing decisions.
Unless your itinerary includes camping or stays in Yurts, towels and other basic amenities are provided.
Please bring a full first aid kit and any prescription medication with you. Consult your doctor regarding advice around inoculations and the prevention of disease contraction.
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- Passport & insurance documents
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Credit / Debit card for ATMs in town
- Phone & charging cables / plugs / adaptors
- Antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape). anti-diarrhoea tables - we recommend getting hold of some Ciprofloxacin (a quinolone antibiotic) ahead of the trip. It’s great for traveller's diarrhoea
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream
- Hand gel
- If applicable, feminine hygiene products
- Washbag & usual contents
- Money belt
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Warm jacket & fleece - even in the summer temperatures can be low in the evenings. Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended - they pack small too!
- Walking trousers for trekking. Soft shell fabric is ideal.
- Shorts for warmer days
- Sandals or trainers - worn in please!
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- General socks / underwear
- Suitable clothes/pjs for sleeping in
- Some “smarter” outfits for evenings out
Optional
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection
- For women: Light scarf useful for covering neck & shoulders in respect of religious spaces
- Flask, if you enjoy hot drinks on the go
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Spare ziplock bags for dirty clothes, waterproofing phones, rubbish & general organising
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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