10 days
Tailor-made
1 - 6 people
English
You may know that the Silk road is a famous route that was used by traders to transfer their goods to the west in old times. Located in the middle of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan is one of the most captivating countries in Central Asia. It’s also home to rich variable cultural and traditional attractions, including four significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Neighboring Uzbekistan, Tajikistan is also another former Soviet Union country that lies in the heart of Asia. This country is a destination visited by many tourists every year because of both tangible ad intangible attractions. On this tour, you can see both countries’ highlights in 10 days.
Free Cancellation :
You can easily cancel this tour based on the policies mentioned in the following sections down below.
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Today, you’ll arrive at Dushanbe International Airport. After doing the paperwork and formalities, you’ll meet your guide. You’ll have a transfer to your hotel and get ready for your first-day city tour in Dushanbe. You’ll start the visits with the Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with the biggest Buddha in Nirvana. Then, you’ll explore the main square of Dushanbe and walk to the monument of Ismaili Somoni. After, you’ll enjoy the real vibe of Tajikistan in Mehrogon's local market.
Accommodation: Almaz Guest House
After having breakfast, you’ll head to Khujand, the furthest point Alexander the Great reached in Central Asia. Khujand is also located alongside the Silk Road. You’ll start today’s excursion by visiting Pushkin square and Kamoli Khudjandi Square. Then you’ll continue to visit Timur Malik’s fortress and Sughd museum, Muslihiddin memorial complex, and Thursday Market which appears to be the biggest bazaar in Tajikistan., The last visit is to Arbob Palace.
Accommodation: Parliament Palace Hotel
Today you’ll leave Dushanbe to Panjikent and en route, you’ll visit the charming city of Istaravashan, located in the northern foothills of the Turkistan Mountain range. As a boarding fort of the Achaemenid era, the previous name of this city was Cyropolis because it was founded by Cyrus the Great. At the time of the Soviet era, the town was called Ura. You’ll visit the Mazori Sharif mausoleum, Kog Gumbaz Madrasa, and the ruins of ancient, Kuhi Mug.
You’ll arrive in Panjikent in the evening, check-in at the hotel, and rest.
Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza
Your Pankikent city tour will start after breakfast. The first visit is to the ancient city of Sarzam which is located in the northwest of Tajikistan, over the border, close to Samarkand. You’ll visit the archeological site of the oldest city of Central Asia and excavated sections. Sarazm ancient town is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Panjikent is the birthplace of the great Persian poet, singer, and musician, Rudaki. You’ll visit the museum of Rudaki which is the host of a considerable collection of artifacts. You can also get to know about Tajikistan’s fauna represented as the taxidermized animals in one of the museum’s halls. After having a traditional meal for lunch, you’ll cross the border and enter Uzbekistan. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Samarkand, check in to the hotel, and rest.
Accommodation: Caravan Serail
On your first day in Samarkand, you’ll have a full-day city tour with your guide. You’ll start with Gur Emir Mausoleum, it’s the tomb of the former king of Uzbekistan. This complex is one of the most notable architectural ensembles of the medieval East. You’ll enjoy the Persian-style decoration of colorful tiles and also the unique Islamic architecture. You’ll proceed to the famous Registan square, the heart of the Timurid dynasty and the main square of current Samarkand. You’ll visit Ulughbek Madrassa, Sherdor Madrassa, and Tilla Kori Madrassa. Then it’s time to visit the Bibi Khanim Mosque which is the largest in Central Asia, able to hold about 10,000 worshipers. Your next visit is to the burial place of royal persons and nobles, Shahi Zinda Necropolis. Then you’ll have free time in Siyab bazaar to explore, buy souvenirs, and socialize with locals before transferring back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Caravan Serail
Today you’ll have a short drive to Bukhara. But en route, you’ll have a chance to visit Shahrisabz. You’ll visit the historical Ak-Saray Palace dates back to the time of the Timurid dynasty. You’ll also visit Kok Gumbaz Mosque, meaning “Blue Dome”. After visiting the Mausoleum of Gumbazi-Seyidon in Shahrisabz, you’ll continue to Bukhara and check in to your hotel.
Accommodation: Amulet hotel
Today, you'll enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour with your guide in the old neighborhoods of Bukhara and visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, trade domes, Kalyan Mosque and Minaret, Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek, and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs. In addition, you can explore Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani, and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Then, you'll have free time to enjoy the evening by yourself.
Accommodation: Rangrez 4*
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the train station, you’ll take a 7-hours train to Khiva. You’ll be transferred to your hotels upon arrival and enjoy your free time in Khiva whether for resting or exploring the wonderful city leisurely.
Accommodation: Old khiva hotel
You’ll meet your guide at the hotel after breakfast and start an amazing walking excursion in an open-air museum, Khiva ancient city. Itchan Kala would be the first visit. Located in the heart of Khiva, the largest remaining walled city in Central Asia has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ata Darvaza, Kunya Ark, Muhammad Rahim Khan, and Muhammed Aminhan Madrassahs, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan, Tash Hauli, Allakulihan Caravanserai, and Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum are some of the historical attractions you’re going to visit. You’ll have free time to go to the bazaar and enjoy the vibe of the fantastic Khiva on your own in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Old khiva hotel
After Breakfast, you’ll have a drive to Urgench airport to take a flight to Tashkent. You’re going to visit the capital today. The first visit is to the Ensemble of Hazret Imam in which you can find the oldest manuscript of Uzbekistan. Kukeldash Madrasah is our next visit. This monument was built during the reign of the Sheibankhan dynasty. Then, you’ll head to the Chorsu Bazaar, a wholesale bazaar where you can buy local souvenirs and taste some traditional sweets and snacks. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to the airport based on your departure flight
To enter Uzbekistan, visitors should have a visa (except for the 16 countries with a visa-free regime). To receive the visa, you should apply for visa support (letter of invitation) from a tour agency with a license from Uzbektourism. There are 51 countries with a simplified visa application procedure, meaning they do not need visa support to apply for a visa.
It is possible to obtain a visa at the international arrivals lounge of Tashkent International Airport if both of the following conditions are met: There is no Uzbekistan Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are originating your flight to Uzbekistan. Connecting flights to Uzbekistan, where Uzbekistan Embassy or Consulate exists, does not provide enough time to obtain a visa.
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are generally the most pleasant time to travel. The weather at this time is clear; in April, you will enjoy a colorful yet short spring in the desert. Autumn is harvest time, and the markets are full of fresh fruit. June and August are the best times for those who enjoy hiking because of the dry summer. In winter, the temperature usually varies between -5 and +5 (all temperatures are in Celsius), snow is usual for Uzbekistan, but there are sunnier than cloudy days. Coats, hats, gloves, and sweaters are recommended. In spring, the weather is mild; day temperature fluctuates between +15 and +25, reaching +30 - +35 close to summer. Casual, lightweight clothing for daytime and a light jacket or cardigan for the evening is suggested. If you plan to visit Uzbekistan in the summer, expect +36 - + 42. T-shirts and shorts will work best. It is highly recommended to wear a hat or a cap or to use a parasol. Early autumn is like spring; T-shirts for daytime and a light jacket might be needed occasionally for evening time. Mid-October and November are relatively calm; you will need light jackets during the day and a raincoat sometimes. Weather temperature decreases from 35 to 15 degrees from early to late autumn.
Generally, there are no strict limitations on clothing, especially in Tashkent and other major cities, where particularly young people enjoy full liberty with clothing. You can frequently encounter young ladies wearing traditional Islamic covers, but this is a personal preference rather than a must. In some provinces, however, such as Ferghana Valley, it would be better to avoid wearing shorts. The same rule is applied when visiting religious places, mosques, mausoleums, etc. Also, ladies should cover their shoulders and chest and preferably wear a hat or a headscarf. In the summertime, it would be advisable to follow the above recommendation to protect yourself from the sun. Also, sun protection lotions can be used.
Below we give distances between the main tourist cities. Cities Distance, km Tashkent-Samarkand 315 Tashkent-Shakhrisabz 390 Tashkent-Fergana 315 Tashkent-Bukhara 575 Tashkent-Khiva 1015 Samarkand-Shakhrisabz 90 Samarkand-Bukhara 265 Samarkand-Fergana 560 Samarkand-Khiva 710 Bukhara-Khiva 445 Bukhara-Fergana 825
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Pax | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | 2 Pax | 2 | 2 | 38 |
| 3 | 3 Pax | 3 | 3 | 46% |
| 4 | 4 Pax | 4 | 4 | 51.5% |
| 5 | 5 Pax | 5 | 5 | 55.2% |
| 6 | 6 Pax | 6 | 6 | 57.66666 |
Shanti