Uzbekistan Odyssey

Uzbekistan

Culture | Silk Road

Ancient cities, spell-binding architecture and stunning landscapes

11 days £1,995 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Enjoy a journey around Uzbekistan taking in its ancient Silk Road cities - visit the madrassahs and vibrant Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, the ancient fortresses in Khiva, the sacred sites and mausoleums in Bukhara and the spell-binding architecture of Samarkand's Registan Square. You will travel through some of the best scenery in Uzbekistan, including the Kizil Kum Desert, the Amu Darya river and the Nurata Mountains and Nature Reserve.

The tour has been purposely crafted with a sustainability focus where you will immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy meals with local families, learn about traditional silk paper production, stay in a rural guesthouse in the mountains and see endangered jeyran in a responsibly-managed conservation area.

Should you wish to extend your stay, contact us for more options in Uzbekistan or elsewhere in the Stans.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Tashkent's historic area, Harzat Imam Complex
  • Savitsky Museum's Russian avant garde art
  • UNESCO-listed Ichin Kala in Khiva
  • The historic clay fortress of Ayaz Kala
  • The UNESCO heritage city of Bukhara
  • See endangered jeyran at a conservation area
  • Stay at a guesthouse in the Nurata Mountains
  • Sublime monuments in Samarkand
  • Watch traditional silk paper production

Places Visited

Tashkent - Nukus - Khiva - Bukhara - Kyzylkum Desert - Nuratau Mountains & Nature Reserve - Samarkand

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent Airport, where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Morning at leisure to rest and relax after your flight. Spend the rest of the day exploring the iconic sights of the city, including: the Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah, Harzat Imam Complex and the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar. Return to hotel in the evening.

NOTE:  Clients travelling from the UK with Uzbekistan Airways would have to depart the night before.

Overnight in Manor Hotel, Tashkent

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, has had a long and turbulent history. Early on, it fell under first Sogdian, then Turkic, and then Islamic rule before being destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1219. Tashkent rose again as it profited from its position on the Silk Road, but was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1966, after which it was largely rebuilt again by the Soviets.

The traditional Chorsu bazaar can be found at the heart of Tashkent’s old town, near the famous Kukeldash Madrasah. Dating back over one hundred years, the bazaar sits beneath a large, blue-domed roof that is designed to keep out heat and dust. The bazaar serves up an abundance of fruits, nuts, meat, spices, fresh bread, as well as various handicrafts.

The Harzat Imam Complex is the heart of old Tashkent. It includes several important buildings, including the lovely 16th-century Barak Khana seminary, the 19th-century Tila Shaikh mosque and Hazrat Imam mosque. The latter was built in 2007 with Indian sandalwood columns that were carved by masters from all 12 of Uzbekistan’s regions. The marble was brought in from Turkey and the blue-tiled domes decorated with real gold leaf. Finally, the Muyi Moborak library contains the oldest Qur'an in the world, created only 19 years after Mohammed’s death.

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Day 2 : Tashkent - Nukus - Khiva

Morning flight to Nukus. Visit the famous Savitsky Museum, known for its impressive avant-garde collection of Russian art. After lunch drive out to visit some of the ancient desert fortresses including Kizil Kala, Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala. Continue to Khiva for overnight.

Overnight in Zarafshon Boutique Hotel, Khiva

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Savitsky Museum is one of the key sights in Nukus. This art museum was opened in 1966 - and houses a collection of over 82,000 items. These include folk and fine art, along with the second largest collection of Russian avant garde in the world. The museum is named after its founder, Igor Savitsky, who was a Russian painter, archaeologist and collector.

Ayaz Kala is one of the largest castles of ancient Khorezm, consisting of a lower, middle and upper fortress. These clay frontiers are believed to have been constructed between the 4th century BC and 7th century AD to protect against nomadic raids. It is estimated to have remained in use until the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

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Day 3 : Khiva

Spend the day exploring Khiva, including the sights of Ichin Kala, the Friday Mosque and Tashauli Palace. Enjoy a demonstration at a UNESCO silk workshop, where you will also have the opportunity to weave your own silk pieces. In the evening you will join a local family for dinner at their home. Overnight stay in Khiva. 

Overnight in Zarafshon Boutique Hotel, Khiva

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Khiva is a city located in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. Its history stretches back to at least the 6th century BC, though possibly much longer. Khiva is made up of an outer town (Dishan Kala) and inner town (Ichin Kala), which are surrounded by fortified brick walls that date back to the 10th century. Ichin Kala was the first site in Uzbekistan to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 

Tashauili Palace was built within the walls of Ichin Kala during the 1830s to house the Khivan ruler, Allah Kuli Khan. Tashauili means 'stone house' and seems to accurately conjure up images of the labyrinth of stone passageways within and surrounding the palace complex. The outer walls of the palace are decorated with colourful murals, whilst inside there are ornate pendant ceilings, stone carvings and delicate inscriptions.

Kalta Minar, meaning "short minaret", has become a symbol for the city of Khiva. Construction started  in 1853 by the Khiva ruler, Muhammad Amin Khan. It was intended to be over 70 metres tall, but in 1855  he was killed and the construction halted at a mere 26 metres. The wide foundation of the minaret indicates the intention to build an imposing tower, supposedly so he could see all the way to Bukhara. It is covered with original glazed tiles and majolica.

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Day 4 : Khiva - Bukhara

Depart Khiva, driving through the Kizil Kum desert to Bukhara. You will break the journey en-route for lunch and also stop off at the scenic banks of the Oxus river (aka Amu Darya river). Overnight stay in Bukhara.

Overnight in Sahid Zarafshon, Bukhara

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Kyzylkum Desert is located in Central Asia, between the Amu Darya (Oxus) and Syr Darya rivers. “Kyzyl Kum” means “Red Sands” in Uzbek. As you can infer, this desert has many red sand dunes and clay takirs, which are also known as salt flats. Animals found in the desert include the Russian tortoise and the large Transcaspian lizard. The historic Amu Darya river (formerly Oxus river) is one of the longest rivers in Central Asia. Until relatively reaching into the Aral Sea, the Oxus flows a total length of 2,400 kilometres from its source in Afghanistan through to Uzbekistan. Intensive irrigation of the river that began under Soviet Rule to enable extensive cotton farming in the lower basin of the river has taken a devastating effect on those that relied on the river and the Aral Sea.

The historic Amu Darya river (formerly Oxus river) is one of the longest rivers in Central Asia. It flows a total length of 2,400 kilometres from its source in Afghanistan through to Uzbekistan, and it once flowed into the Aral Sea. Intensive irrigation of the river began under Soviet Rule to enable extensive cotton farming in the lower basin of the river, which has had a devastating effect on those that relied on the river and the Aral Sea.

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Day 5 : Bukhara

Today is a full day exploring the main sights in and just outside Bukhara. These will include the: Ark Fortress and Bolo-Hauz complex, ancient Ulug Beg and Abdul Aziz madrassahs, the mausoleums of Chor-Minor, Ismael Samani and Chashma Ayub. Later, you will also visit the impressive Bakhauddin Nakhshbandi Ensemble, considered to be one of the most important and sacred sites in Central Asia.

In the evening, enjoy dinner in an ancient madrassah accompanied by traditional music.

Overnight in Sahid Zarafshon, Bukhara

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

UNESCO-listed Bukhara was a key staging point on the Silk Road. According to myth the city was founded by a Persian prince who escaped his wicked stepmother across the Oxus river in search of new fortunes . The city today is home to over 140 largely intact architectural monuments. Constructed on an artificial hill in the 5th century BC, the Ark Fortress is Bukhara’s oldest building. The former military structure became the winter residence of Bukhara’s emirs before it fell under rule of Russia in 1920. Besides an edifying visiti to the Ark Museum, the Fortress houses the former Russian Embassy, the former home of a progressive vizier named Kush Begi, and the throne room, where emirs were coronated and coins were minted.

The Ark Fortress is Bukhara’s oldest building, constructed on an artificial hill in the 5th century BC. The former military structure became the winter residence of Bukhara’s emirs, before it fell under rule of Russia in 1920. Today, the Ark is home to a museum that depicts its history and you can visit the former Russian Embassy, the former home of a progressive vizier named Kush Begi, and the throne room, where emirs were coronated and coins were minted.

Poi Kalyan is a religious site that encompasses Kalan Minaret, Kalan Mosque and the Mir-i- Arab Madrassah. Kalyan Minaret, which stands at around 46.5m high, was built in 1127. It’s often called the "Tower of Death", as during the reign of Emir Nasrullah – the Butcher of Bukhara - many of those sentenced to death were thrown from the top. Kalyan Mosque was built during the 1500s, on the site of a former mosque that had been destroyed by Genghis Khan. Modelled on Naqsh-e-Jahan square in Isfahan in Iran and built by Persian craftsmen, it served as a warehouse during Soviet rule. The ornate Mir-i Arab Madrassa was built by Ubaidullah-khan in honour of his spiritual mentor, Sheikh Abdullah Yamani of Yemen. A great blue dome stands above the intricate murals that adorn the great entrance. 
 

The Lab-i-Khauz Ensemble means "by the pond" in Persian. It is the name given to the architectural monuments that surround one of the few remaining ponds in the city of Bukhara. Many others were filled during the Soviet era due to fears of spreading disease. This one remains and is the centerpiece of a remarkable architectural ensemble including the Kujeldash Madrassa (built in 1568-1569), the Nadikhon Devanbegi Madrassa (1620) and Khana (1622). There has been a tea house beside the pond since the 16th century and Bukhara’s Jewish quarter abuts this area.

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Day 6 : Bukhara - Jeyran Eco Center - Bukhara

In the morning visit the Jeyran Eco Center, approximately 40km south of Bukhara. This nature reserve was set up to breed endangered species of goitered gazelles (jeyrans). Learn about the conservation work being done here and then return to Bukhara. Afternoon and evening free at leisure.

Overnight in Sahid Zarafshon, Bukhara

Meal plan: Breakfast

Located 40km from Bukhara, the Jeyran Eco Centre was set up in 1977 to protect and breed the endangered jeyran (goitered gazelles). Covering an area of almost 20,000 hectares, this conservation area has helped to create viable populations for jeyran (now numbering over 700) as well as other endangered species, including onagers, Przewalski"s horses and rare species of fish, birdlife and other invertebrates.

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Day 7 : Bukhara - Nurata Mountains

Early morning set off for the Nurata Mountains, stopping off to see the ruins of Alexander the Great's Fortress and ancient petroglyphs. Arrive for lunch at your guesthouse in the mountains. Enjoy the rest of the day with the family and local area, learning about rural life in this remote part of Uzbekistan. Make traditional Uzbek bread with your hosts and enjoy dinner at the guesthouse. Your stay there contributes to their income and also employ local people.

Note: bathrooms in the guesthouse are on a shared basis.

Overnight in Nurata Guesthouse , Hayot Village

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The small town of Nurata is nestled in the foothills of the Nurata Mountains. The origins of the town are unknown - some associate this with the construction of fortress Nur by Alexander the Great in 327 BC, whilst archeological excavations suggest that humans have inhabited the region for forty thousand years. Today, Nurata is the administrative and cultural centre of the mountainous Navoi region.

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Day 8 : Nurata Mountains - Samarkand

Take a morning walk in the pictureque mountain village where you will see Severtsev sheep and birdlife. After lunch at the guesthouse, drive to Samarkand.

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The small town of Nurata is nestled in the foothills of the Nurata Mountains. The origins of the town are unknown - some associate this with the construction of fortress Nur by Alexander the Great in 327 BC, whilst archeological excavations suggest that humans have inhabited the region for forty thousand years. Today, Nurata is the administrative and cultural centre of the mountainous Navoi region.

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Day 9 : Samarkand

Today you will spend the day exploring the magnificent sites in Samarkand, including the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the Bibi Khanom mosque and the Registan Ensemble. Enjoy a typical Uzbek lunch in a local restaurant and in the afternoon wander through Siyob bazaar. Evening is at leisure.

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Samarkand is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia, with evidence of human activity stretching back over 40,000 years to the late Paleolithic era. The city itself is 2,700 years old. Falling variously under Greek, Persian, Arab, Turkic and Mongol rule throughout its history, it prospered greatly as a key junction on the Silk Road and reached its golden age under the rule of Timur. The city's backdrop of madrassas, mosques and mausoleums highlights its rich medieval history. Today it is Uzbekistan's second largest city and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001.

Registan Square lies at the heart of the city of Samarkand. Three of the square’s four sides are framed by grand madrassa buildings that were built between the 14th and 16th centuries, each with a unique design that displays traditional oriental architecture. All were active until the 1920s, when the Soviets shut them down. Registan translates to “sandy place”, as the central square was covered by sand and functioned largely as a trading market before the three madrassas were built.

The Siyob Bazaar is located next to the Bibi Khanom mosque and has been a market for over 800 years. It is still a popular place to buy fruit, nuts, spices, and sweet treats.  

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Day 10 : Samarkand - Tashkent

This morning you will visit Shah i Zinda Mausoleum and the restored silk paper mill in Konigil. After lunch leave for the railway station to catch your train back to the capital Tashkent. Transfer to hotel and enjoy a traditional farewell dinner.

Overnight in Manor Hotel, Tashkent

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Shah i Zinda mausoleum contains some of the most spectacular tilework in the world. Here you can find the tombs of several female relatives of Timur. It is also believed that Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed who  brought Islam to the area, was also buried here. For this reason the site draws many pilgrims. The site has been heavily, and controversially, restored. The Shodi Mulk Oko Mausoleum, a niece of Timur, is a sublime exception.

Located in the village of Konigil near Samarkand, the Meros Paper Mill was founded by the Mukhtarov brothers. Thanks to their efforts the mill was re-opened and the ancient tradition of silk paper-making based on old Samarkand techniques was revived. Visitors can watch this manual process and admire the fine paper which is produced.

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Day 11 : Tashkent - Departure

Spend the morning at your leisure, before transferring to Tashkent airport for your onward journey. 

** Extend your stay with a short excursion to the picturesque Fergana Valley. Contact us for information. **

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Manor Hotel

Tashkent (2 nights)

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Zarafshon Boutique Hotel

Khiva (2 nights)

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Sahid Zarafshon

Bukhara (3 nights)

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Nurata Guesthouse

Hayot Village (1 night)

Charming village guesthouse along the trail through the village of Hayot in the Nurata mountains.

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Uzbekistan Extension Ideas (8 days)

Extend your trip in Uzbekistan

Navoi Extension (5 days)

Discover petroglyphs and valleys on this extension.

Village Walks in Tajikistan (5 days)

Village walks around the Fann Mountains

The Fergana Valley (2 days)

Silk Road wares and the fertile Fergana.

The Aral Sea Extension

See what became of this vast freshwater lake.

Five Stan Odyssey (along the Silk Road) (30 days)

Get under the skin of all five 'Stans'

Silk Road Secrets of Uzbekistan with Sophie Ibbotson (14 days)

Discover ancient sites and traditions in Uzbekistan

The Silk Roads of Uzbekistan & Tajikistan (14 days)

Desert Highways & Mountain Lakes.

Silk Road Cities & Villages of Uzbekistan (11 days)

Get under the skin of Uzbekistan's towns and villages

Uzbekistan Odyssey (11 days)

Ancient cities, spell-binding architecture and stunning landscapes

Essential Uzbekistan (8 days)

Connecting Classic Silk Road Cities.

Reviews

A well-planned trip, allowing us to see some of the amazing rich history of Uzbekistan, and giving us a chance to see some of the excellent craftspeople who still produce gorgeous handmade items.

Deborah Conway-Read , Uzbekistan Odyssey

The Uzbekistan Odyssey was a well constructed and executed tour of Uzbekistan. We saw so much of the country, including towns, cities, deserts and mountains, and experienced the wonderful architecture, the turbulent history and the beautiful arts and crafts of the country. And all that with the background of the romance of the Silk Roads!

Doreen Hutchings , Uzbekistan Odyssey

The itinerary and arrangements for our trip to Uzbekistan were perfect. The local guide, Shovkat, was helpful and knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome.

David York , Tailormade Uzbekistan

We spent a memorable month in Central Asia, travelling through four 'Stans. The long history of ethnic diversity and exchange of cultural ideas make it a fascinating place. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the people unforgettable.

Dave Every , Tailormade 'Stans'

The Silk Road trip is the second tailored tour we have made with Travel the Unknown. The itinerary was well-planned and we found every guide knowledgeable and good company. Thank you.

Tony & Chris Cram , Tailormade Uzbekistan

Travel The Unknown proved to be knowledgeable, efficient and flexible. An extensive and packed itinerary ran like clockwork. The quality of accommodation, food, guides and the friendliness of all the people of Central Asia were all surprisingly good and better than anticipated. An excellent trip!

Peter & Janice Lacey , Tailormade Five Stans
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