Uzbekistan tours

Tashkent – Kokand – Rishtan – Fergana

Transfer to the station to catch train Tashkent–Kokand (08:10–12:28). Pick up in Kokand, meet the guide, and visit the impressive Juma Mosque and the Khudoyar-Khan Palace.

We’ll drive and continue to Rishtan town, famous for ceramic production. Continue to Fergana.

Overnight at hotel in Fergana.

Fergana – Margilan – Tashkent

As far back as the 10th century, Margilan – the largest city in the Fergana Valley – was known for its craftsmen of silk fabrics. We’ll drive to the town and visit Yodgorlik Silk Factory where we can witness how silk is woven with traditional ikat patterns.

Transfer to the station to catch train Margilan – Tashkent (16:03–21:17). Pick up in Tashkent.

Overnight at hotel in Tashkent.

Tashkent

Sightseeing tour: Khast Imam Square, Chorsu Bazaar, Independence Square, Square of Amir Temur, ride by Metro.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Tashkent – Nukus – Aral Sea

Flight: Tashkent – Nukus UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS HY11 TAS NCU 07:15 08:55

Flight to Nukus, pick up at the airport and drive to Aral Sea (8h). We’ll start driving into the hinterland and to the Ustyurt Plateau. The drive takes us via Kungrad district, which used to be one of the trading centres on the Silk Road.

Arrive in Muynak, to the “cemetery of ships” where the husks of rusting ships lie stranded in the sand of this dry sea bed. We’ll visit the museum to learn more about this disaster and have lunch in the guesthouse.

On arrival at the ever-shrinking Aral Sea, we’ll have dinner under the starry desert sky and then retire for the night to our cozy yurts amid the surreal moon-like surroundings.

Overnight in the yurt.

Aral Sea – Nukus

Let’s set our alarms as it’s worth the early start to watch the sunrise over this incredible landscape. Visit Kurgancha-Kala (XIII c), an old caravanserai and fortress from the great Silk Road period hidden in the hills.

Drive 40 km further along the edge of Ustyurt Plateau, on the way stop at the ancient cemetery of nomads, walk down to the canyons and take pictures of the beautiful canyons and collapsed lands.

We’ll then drive to settlement “Komsomolsk” on the Ustyurt Plateau. There you can see the abandoned airport of the Gas Compression Station. It was used as an emergency landing place for planes. There you can take pictures of camels and horses, and drink fresh camel milk.

After we’ll drive to the Lake Sudochie. Upon arrival we’ll stop at the ancient Light House hill. You can see the ruins of the hospital, cane houses and ancient Fish Factory, and watch the different kinds of birds. Talk to fishermen, who currently do the fishing.

Have late lunch at the local restaurant. On hills near Khodjeli city we’ll find the Mizdakhan necropolis – an ancient cemetery; and the ruins of the Gyaur-Kala fortress. Arrive in Nukus by 6pm.

Overnight at hotel in Nukus.

Nukus – Khiva

Drive to Khiva (4h) and visit ancient Khorezm fortresses on the way: Chilpik Dahma, Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala. No guide service.

Overnight in Khiva.

Khiva

Guided tour of Ichan Kala – ancient inner walled city: Islam Khoja complex, Kalta-Minor, Kunya-Ark Citadel, Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, Muhammad Amin-khan Madrasa, Tash-Khovli Palace.

Overnight in Khiva.

Khiva – Bukhara

Drive from Khiva to Bukhara (6–7h). Time at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Bukhara.

Bukhara

Sightseeing tour: Mausoleum of Samanids, Bolo Hauz Mosque, The Ark Citadel, Poi Kalon Complex, trading domes, Lyabi Hauz Square.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Bukhara – Samarkand

Today we’ll drive outside Bukhara: Chor Minor Madrassah, Sitorai Mokhi Khosa – summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, Bahauddin Complex – which was the center of dervish order Nakshbandiya.

Transfer to the railway station for train Bukhara–Samarkand (16:11–18:00). Pick up in Samarkand, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Samarkand

Sightseeing tour: Registan Square, Mausoleum of Amir Temur, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Bibi Khanim Mosque, Siab Bazaar.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Sightseeing tour: Afrosiab Museum, Ulugbek Observatory, Tombstone of Saint Daniyar, Paper Mill. Transfer to the railway station for train Samarkand–Tashkent (16:51–19:17). Pick up in Tashkent.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Departure from Tashkent

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

End of the tour.