Uzbekistan
From
Entry Level
Cultural
Transfers
11 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
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.
Please note: If you are visiting Uzbekistan between the 3rd of September and the 21st of November 2027, it is a particularly exciting time to explore Bukhara, as the city hosts its international Biennial of contemporary art and culture. Expect a vibrant programme of art installations, traditional crafts, performances and cultural events, bringing a fresh creative energy to Bukhara’s historic Silk Road streets and buildings. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience another side of this fascinating city. Festival events and the programme are subject to change.
(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.
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Arrive in Tashkent, where we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Early check in is included, giving us time to settle in and rest after our journey.
The morning is at leisure before meeting our local guide in the afternoon to explore the Uzbek capital.
We head into the old town, where traditional neighbourhoods and historic religious buildings offer a glimpse of Tashkent's past. Our visits include Barak Khan Madrasah and Tila Shaikh Mosque, as well as the Centre of Islamic Civilisation, subject to confirmation. The centre houses the famous Qur'an of Uthman, a manuscript traditionally associated with the third Caliph.
We continue to Chorsu Bazaar, one of the city's best known traditional markets, where traders sell everything from fresh produce and spices to bread and household goods. Nearby is Kukeldash Madrasah, another important landmark of the old town.
Accommodation: Baden Baden or similar
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
An early morning transfer takes us to the airport for our flight to Urgench (HY0051, 07:50 to 09:30). On arrival, we continue by road to Khiva, approximately 30 km away.
Khiva is one of the best preserved historic Silk Road cities in Central Asia. Its walled inner town, known as Itchan Kala, is a remarkable collection of madrasahs, mosques, minarets and traditional houses, with much of the old urban layout still intact.
We explore the old town on foot, beginning with Kalta Minor, the striking turquoise tiled minaret that has become one of Khiva's most recognisable landmarks. We also visit Kunya Ark, the former residence of the Khivan rulers, and the Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah.
The tour continues to the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Mahmud, an important poet, philosopher and wrestler who became the patron saint of Khiva, and the Islam Khoja Minaret, from where there are wonderful views across the old town and surrounding desert.
Later, we visit Juma Mosque, known for its remarkable forest of carved wooden columns, and Tash Hauli Palace, including its former harem quarters.
Accommodation: Zerafshon or similar
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Leaving Khiva behind, we head out into the surrounding desert landscape to explore some of the ancient fortresses of Khorezm.
Our first stop is Toprak Kala, an extensive archaeological site dating from around the 1st to 5th centuries AD. Once an important settlement in the ancient kingdom of Khorezm, its excavated remains offer an insight into life in this part of Central Asia many centuries ago.
We also visit Ayaz Kala, a group of three desert fortresses situated on the edge of the Sultan Uvays Dag mountains. Built across different periods, from around the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD, these impressive mud brick ruins once formed part of the region's network of defensive settlements.
The surrounding landscape is wonderfully open, with the remains of the fortresses rising above the desert plain.
We return to Khiva in the afternoon, with time to rest or enjoy another wander through the old town.
Accommodation: Zerafshon or similar
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Today we make the long journey east to Bukhara, crossing the Kyzylkum Desert, whose name translates as Red Sands.
The drive covers approximately 470 km and takes around six to seven hours, depending on stops and road conditions. This is an interesting journey in its own right, following a route through the landscape that has connected Khiva and Bukhara for centuries.
The Great Silk Road once crossed this region, carrying merchants, travellers and their goods between the great trading cities of Central Asia. Our modern road follows a broadly similar route.
We make several stops along the way to take in the desert landscape and look out for its hardy plant and animal life. We also stop beside the Amu Darya River, known in antiquity as the Oxus, one of Central Asia's most important waterways.
On arrival in Bukhara, we check in to our hotel and have the remainder of the day to relax.
Accommodation: Doston Boutique or similar
Breakfast
Lunch
4 star hotel
Bukhara is one of the great historic cities of the Silk Road, with more than 2,000 years of history and an exceptionally well preserved old town. Its streets and squares are lined with mosques, madrasahs, trading domes and courtyards, many of which have changed surprisingly little over the centuries.
We spend the day exploring the historic centre, visiting some of its best known landmarks alongside lesser known corners of the city.
Our walk takes in the Lyabi Hauz ensemble, a much loved gathering place centred around a historic pool, surrounded by traditional buildings and shaded by old mulberry trees. Nearby, we visit the Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah and Khanaka, as well as the Magoki Attori Mosque, one of the city's oldest surviving religious buildings.
We also see the magnificent Poi Kalyan ensemble, dominated by its impressive minaret, and the madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan.
Following lunch, we continue to the Ark Fortress, once the residence of Bukhara's rulers, and visit Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum and Chashma Ayub.
There is also an opportunity to visit the Hunarmand workshops, an initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme, where local craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills including block printing, metal chasing, suzani embroidery, wood carving, miniature painting and gold embroidery.
Optional cooking experience: We also have the opportunity to join a cooking class at Rahmon's house, learning about traditional Uzbek cooking and the preparation of local dishes.
Accommodation: Doston Boutique or similar
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Today we head beyond the historic centre to explore two important sites connected with Bukhara's religious and royal history.
First, we visit Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, the former summer residence of the last Emirs of Bukhara. Built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace is an unusual blend of local craftsmanship and Russian European architectural influences. Its richly decorated rooms, carved plasterwork and ornate interiors offer a fascinating contrast to the traditional architecture of the old town.
We then continue to the memorial complex of Bahauddin Naqshband, one of the most influential Sufi spiritual leaders of Central Asia. Born in the 14th century, he founded the Naqshbandi spiritual order, which became influential throughout the Islamic world. The complex remains an important place of pilgrimage.
Returning to Bukhara, we visit a traditional local bazaar, where there is time to browse the stalls and observe everyday trading life.
The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore independently, perhaps returning to a favourite part of the old town or finding a quiet courtyard for tea.
In the evening, we attend a traditional folk performance at the Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah.
Accommodation: Doston Boutique or similar
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Today is dedicated to the Bukhara Biennial, an international contemporary art event that returns to the city every two years.
Taking place from 3 September to 21 November 2027, this second edition brings together international artists and Uzbek craftspeople, creating new works in conversation with the city's architecture, history and living traditions.
Rather than being confined to a conventional gallery setting, the Biennial uses Bukhara itself as its exhibition space. Historic buildings, courtyards and other architectural settings become places for contemporary art, offering an interesting way to experience the city beyond its familiar monuments.
We have the day at leisure to explore the exhibitions at our own pace, allowing time to discover the installations and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic city.
Accommodation: Doston Boutique or similar
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
Leaving Bukhara, we travel towards Sarmysh Gorge, an important archaeological site in the Navoi region, known for its extensive collection of ancient rock carvings.
The gorge contains around 10,000 petroglyphs, depicting animals, people and scenes from everyday life. Created across several different periods, including the Stone Age and Bronze Age, these carvings offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the people who inhabited this landscape thousands of years ago.
We spend time exploring the site and learning more about the carvings before continuing towards Aydarkul Lake.
Aydarkul is a large lake set within the arid landscape of central Uzbekistan, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding desert. On arrival at our accommodation, there is time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Lunch is planned for around 15:00, followed by free time around the camp.
Accommodation: Aydarkul Lake Yurt Camp
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
4 star hotel
From the desert landscape around Aydarkul, we head towards the villages of the Nuratau Mountains, where traditional ways of life remain closely connected to the surrounding countryside.
Our visit includes the Severtsov's argali sheep nursery, where we learn about this rare wild mountain sheep, which is protected in Uzbekistan.
We also explore the remains of an ancient village and mosque before walking through the Khayatsai mountain valley. For those who wish to stretch their legs a little further, there is the opportunity to hike towards Karaul Mountain, with views across the valley.
We also spend time with a local family in the village of Ukhum. Our hosts are ethnic Tajiks, offering an opportunity to learn about the region's cultural and linguistic diversity. We can enjoy home cooked specialities and hear about everyday life in the mountains.
The family keep livestock including sheep, cattle and goats, and make their own dairy products such as butter and yoghurt. These homemade ingredients feature in the food prepared for guests.
After lunch, we continue by road to Samarkand, one of Central Asia's most celebrated historic cities.
Accommodation: Kosh Havuz or similar
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Samarkand has been an important centre of trade, culture and learning for more than two millennia. Its position along the ancient Silk Road brought together merchants, scholars and travellers from across Asia, while the city reached particular prominence during the reign of Amir Temur and his successors.
We begin our exploration at Registan Square, the historic heart of Samarkand and one of the finest architectural ensembles in Central Asia.
The square is framed by three magnificent madrasahs: Ulugbek Madrasah, dating from the 15th century, and Sher Dor and Tillya Kori Madrasahs, both built during the 17th century. Their elaborate tilework, monumental entrances and richly decorated interiors reflect the wealth and artistic achievements of the city.
We continue to Gur Emir, the mausoleum of Amir Temur and several members of his family. Its magnificent blue dome and intricate interior decoration make it one of Samarkand's most important historic buildings.
Later, we visit Bagizagan Winery for a tasting of regional wines, offering a different perspective on the food and drink traditions of Uzbekistan.
Accommodation: Kosh Havuz or similar
Train
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
We continue exploring Samarkand, with time to visit some of the city's other important historic sites.
Our sightseeing includes Bibi Khanum Mosque, once among the grandest mosques of the Timurid period, and Siab Bazaar, where local traders sell fresh produce, spices, dried fruit, nuts and traditional Uzbek bread.
We also visit Shah i Zinda, an extraordinary avenue of mausoleums decorated with intricate blue and turquoise tiles. The complex developed over several centuries and is one of the most atmospheric places in the city.
Later, we head towards the ancient settlement of Afrosiab, the archaeological site of early Samarkand. Excavations have revealed remains of the ancient citadel, fortifications, residential areas and important wall paintings.
We also visit Ulugbek's Observatory, built in the 15th century by the astronomer and ruler Ulugbek. His work helped advance the understanding of astronomy in the medieval Islamic world.
Our final stop is the village of Konigil, where we visit a traditional paper making workshop. Samarkand was once famous for its high quality paper, made using the bark of the mulberry tree. At the workshop, we see how the bark is processed, cleaned and transformed into paper using traditional techniques. There may also be an opportunity to take part in some of the process.
Later, we transfer to the railway station for our Afrosiyob express train to Tashkent, scheduled to depart at 17:30 and arrive at 19:40.
On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Accommodation: Baden Baden or similar
Transfer
Breakfast
Our journey through Uzbekistan comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.
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.
Optional excursion today to the mud-brick fortress ruins of Toprak-kala and Ayaz-Kala outside of Khiva in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan region, dating back to the Khorezm Civilization (roughly 1st–7th Century). Toprak-kala served as the royal capital and palace, whilst Ayaz-Kala the impressive three-fortress complex on a hilltop overlooking the Kyzylkum Desert, provided strategic defence. Cost is USD$60 per person with the drive approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
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.
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Tashkent.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
For information on Uzbekistan, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Christine J
This company goes the extra mile
This company employs staff who go the extra mile to ensure you have a memorable trip. Their attention to detail is exemplary and their availability when responding to queries is instant. They must have staff on duty 24hrs a day.
The in- country guides (Uzbekistan) are very knowledgeable and have a genuine desire to ensure everyone is looked after and able to get the most from the tour.
We were taken to many interesting and off the beaten track places which made the trip very special.
Although the temperature in Uzbekistan was dropping after their scorching summer, it was still very hot by UK standards and a little more down time in the heat of the day would have got our vote. High quality hotels were used and we appreciate the company using local and family run hotels rather than the international chains. Excellent choice of restaurants and I appreciated Kamol’s efforts to find me vegetarian options. Would absolutely use YellowWood Adventures again. Thank you team
The undiscovered Silk Road of Uzbekistan September 2025
David Batchelor
Trip to Uzbekistan
Very well planned small group tour to Uzbekistan. Accommodation and food was excellent - including a night in a yurt. I booked a single spot and was very well looked after. Our drivers and guide were excellent. Hope I get another chance to book with YellowWood
The undiscovered Silk Road of Uzbekistan September 2025
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.
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
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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 Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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