Travel to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan - 18 Days

Fixed Travel Dates

TRIP DATESOFFERPRICESPACE
2.October 2023 - 19.October 2023Available 2,225
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22.April 2024 - 9.May 2024Available 2,225
12
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13.May 2024 - 30.May 2024Available 2,225
12
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9.September 2024 - 26.September 2024Available 2,225
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7.October 2024 - 24.October 2024Available 2,225
12
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14.April 2025 - 1.May 2025Available 2,225
12
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5.May 2025 - 22.May 2025Available 2,225
12
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25.August 2025 - 11.September 2025Available 2,225
12
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13.October 2025 - 30.October 2025Available 2,225
12
Booking
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Legendary Sogdia is an ancient historical region in the centre of the Zarafshan Valley. The region lies on the territory of two present-day countries – Tajikistan (now Sogd Province) and Uzbekistan (predominantly Samarkand Province). Sogdia was already known in ancient times and was first mentioned in the holy book of the Zoroastrians – Avesta. The famous city of Marakanda – today’s Samarkand – has been the political centre and cultural hub of Sogdia since the 8th century BC. The travel to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan leads through the most famous cities of these two countries and includes visits to the most outstanding sights. The ruins of the ancient Sogdian sites in Panjakent, incredibly beautiful colourful lakes in the Fann Mountains, architectural masterpieces in Samarkand and other famous Silk Road cities – Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent. The itinerary for this tour of the two Central Asian countries combines a rich sightseeing programme of the ancient cities with easy hikes in the picturesque Pamir-Alai Mountains.

A varied itinerary along the Great Silk Road in Central Asia. It starts in Tashkent, today’s capital of Uzbekistan, and leads to the beautiful Fergana Valley, with the historic city of Kokand. Visit the family of craftsmen in the town of Rishtan and the family of pottery makers in the town of Margilan. From these towns the Silk Road continues south to the ancient cities of Khujand, Istaravshan, Dushanbe and the historic city of Panjakent. Here you can enjoy delicious Asian cuisine that is a little different from your neighbours! And the natural beauty of the mountains of Fanns with the “mirrors” of the lakes of Marguzor scattered here and there will make your cultural programme full. Fresh air, mountain peaks, easy paths – just the thing to take a break from the noise of the cities.

The route takes us to the magnificent azure city of Samarkand with its world-famous historical monuments. Bukhara, the capital of the Bukhara Khanate until 1920, was another equally famous city. The historic Ark Citadel, mausoleums, mosques, the necropolises of Bolo Khauz and Lyabi Khauz and of course the cloth-covered bazaars characterise the image of this fairytale city. Our journey continues to once prosperous Khiva, the jewel of the Khorezmia oasis with a history dating back over 2,500 years. The ochre walls of the ancient city preserve its former splendour and its rich heritage of beautiful mosques, madrasas and palaces.

Day 1: Day of Arrival

Day 2: Tashkent – where Modern and Ancient meet

Day 3: Tashkent → Kokand → Rishtan → Margilan

Day 4: Margilan → Kokand → Khujand

Day 5: Khujand → Istaravshan → Dushanbe

Day 6: Dushanbe – the capital of Tajikistan

Day 7: Dushanbe → Iskanderkul

Day 8: Iskanderkul → Panjakent

Day 9: Panjakent → Seven Lakes (Haftkul) → Panjakent

Day 10: Panjakent → Samarkand; Samarkand – on the trail of Temur’s treasure

Day 11: Samarkand – on the trail of Temur’s treasure

Day 12: Samarkand → Bukhara; Bukhara – Pearl of the Orient

Day 13: Bukhara – Pearl of the Orient

Day 14: Bukhara → Khiva: Drive through the Red Wonder

Day 15: Khiva – Open Air Museum

Day 16: Khiva – Open Air Museum; Khiva → Tashkent

Day 17: Tashkent – where modern and ancient meet

Day 18: Early morning Transfer to the Airport and Departure

Day 1
Day of Arrival (-/-/-)

Arrival in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel. Time at leisure. Overnight stay in 4-star hotel.

Day 2
Tashkent - where Modern and Ancient meet (B/-/D)

After breakfast at hotel we start our Tour in Tashkent. Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan where the history of modern and old stands side by side is located in the northeast of Uzbekistan and with circa 3 million inhabitants the biggest city in Central Asia. Along with modern hotels, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, opera, disco, oriental bazaars, the city also offers a thousand years of history. Khazrati Imam Complex consisting of Barak Khan Madrasah (16thc.), Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum (15thC.), Muyi-Mubarak Mosque – storehouse of the well-known Koran of Khalif Osman and gold hair of Prophet Muhammad, Djuma Mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali. Dinner at local city Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star Hotel.

Day 3
Tashkent → Kokand → Rishtan → Margilan (B/-/D)

After Breakfast Transfer to the Railway Station and we will drive by train to Kokand. The city of Kokand, with 251 700 (2019) inhabitants, is the junction of the Great Silk Road. Kokand was once the capital of the eponymous Khanate in the 19th century. In Kokand we will visit the Palace of Khudayar Khan, built between 1833 and 1873, with it’s about seventy-meter-wide and infinitely colorful facades. We visit Juma Mosque (1809-1812) and the Madrasah Amin Beg. In the afternoon we drive to Rishtan. We visit a ceramic craftsmen family in Rishtan. We will learn how to produce Ceramics in the traditional way. After visiting we will drive to Margilan. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star Hotel.

Day 4
Margilan → Kokand → Khujand (B/-/D)

After breakfast we will visit Margilan, one of the oldest and industrial cities of Uzbekistan. Margilan has always played an important role in the history of the Silk Road. In Margilan we will visit historical-traditional silk factory called “Yodgorlik”, which continues centuries of tradition. We will also visit the bazaar in Margilan. After that we drive to Khujand. We will visit the Archaeological Museum, Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Paishanba Market – the largest market in Tajikistan. Dinner in local restaurant. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

Day 5
Khujand → Istaravshan → Dushanbe (B/-/D)

After breakfast drive to Istaravshan and visit a local bazaar, Hazrat Shah architectural complex, the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas’s brother, Khudayar Valami mausoleum and Namazgah Mosque from the 19th century. It is believed that the city was founded by King Cyrus on the northeastern border of his empire. We will continue to Dushanbe. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in 3-star hotel (drive: 300 km, 5-6 h).

Day 6
Dushanbe - the capital of Tajikistan (B/-/D)

After breakfast we will visit National Museum, Rudaki Park, Mehrgon Bazaar. We drive to the remains of Hissar Fortress from the 18th century (30 km from Dushanbe). We visit Hissar Fortress, a local Madrasah and a Mausoleum. We will drive back to Dushanbe. Dinner in local restaurant. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

Day 7
Dushanbe → Iskanderkul Lake (B/-/D)

After breakfast we will drive to Iskanderkul Lake. According to legend, Iskanderkul Lake was named after Alexander the Great, who was known as Iskander in the East. It is said that the way of Alexander the Great to India passed by this lake. Accommodation in the guest house. Hiking at the Iskanderkul lake. Dinner and overnight at the guest house (drive: 160 km, 3-4 h).

Day 8
Iskanderkul → Panjakent (B/-/D)

After breakfast we will drive to Panjakent. The city was once the capital of the Sogdian Empire, a Zoroastrian Civilization that far preceded Islam in the region. We will visit the ruins of Sarazm, which are protected by UNESCO. More than 5,000 years old, the ruins are the remains of the first agricultural society in Central Asia. A remarkably large human skeleton called the “Princess of Sarazm” was found here along with some of her ornaments. Archaeologists also found artifacts that indicate ancient trade routes reaching as far as present-day Iran and Pakistan. We will visit the oriental bazaar of Panjakent. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in 3-star hotel (drive: 165 km, 3-4 h).

Day 9
Panjakent → Seven Lakes (Haftkul) → Panjakent (B/-/D)

After breakfast, we will drive to the Seven Lakes (Haftkul). Seven small lakes form the Haft Kul, “lakes”, in northwestern Tajikistan. According to legend, they are the tears of the daughters of a missing man. Science says they were formed after earthquakes changed the course of the Shing River. We hike along the Seven Lakes. The seven lakes are Mijgon Lake, Soya Lake, Hushor Lake, Nofin Lake (2139 m above sea level), Khurdak Lake, Marguzor Lake and Hazor Chashma Lake (2400 m above sea level). Dinner in a local restaurant in Punjakent. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel. (Drive: 120 km, 3 h).

Day 10
Panjakent → Samarkand; Samarkand - on the Trail of Temur's Treasure (B/-/D)

After breakfast we drive to Samarkand, check-in to hotel. Samarkand (353 347 inhabitants, as of January 1, 2008) has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The history of the city goes back over 2500 years. Visitors are fascinated by the walls of the legendary Afrasiyab, the capital of the ancient empire Sogd (9th century B.C.), which can still be found in the north of Samarkand today. Not for nothing Samarkand is called a jewel of the earth. Our journey in Samarkand begins at the famous Registan (sand place), whose construction was already started during the Timurid period and completed in the following three hundred years. Sightseeing of three Medressen of the Registan – the Ulugbek-Medresse (built 1417-1420), the Sher-Dor-Medresse (1619 – 1636) and the Tillo-Kori-Medresse (1646 – 1660). For lunch you will be offered traditional Uzbek dish Pilav (we guarantee halal food). Depending on your wishes you can also order something else (our recommendation: try at least once the traditional dish Pilav in Samarkand, it is only prepared for lunch). In the afternoon we visit the legendary Timurid mausoleum Guri Amir (XIV-XV century). Dinner with an Uzbek family. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

Day 11
Samarkand - on the Trail of Temur's Treasure (B/-/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Near the Siyab bazaar there is an ensemble of Shohi-Zinda (the living king, “IX.-XIV century), one of the world’s most famous group of mausoleums, which fasinate you with its beautiful architecture. Next we will visit the famous Ulugbek Observatory (1428-1429 which was built on one of the hills of Chupanata). The observatory was a unique design in his time. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

Day 12
Bukhara - Pearl of the Orient (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will drive to Bukhara (270 km). In Bukhara we will visit Poyi Kalon Ensemble consisting of Kalon Minaret (12th c.), Kalon Mosque (12th c.), Miri Arab Madrasah (16th c.), domed bazaars Toqi Zargaron (15th c.), Toqi Telpak-Furushon (16th c.) and Toqi Zaroffon (16th c.). Continue we will visit Lyabi-Khauz Complex (14-17th c.) and Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah. Dinner at Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah along with traditional folklore Program. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 13
Bukhara - Pearl of the Orient (B/-/D)

After Breakfast at hotel we will visit Citadel Ark (4th c. BC), Bolo-Khauz Mosque (beginning of the 20th c.), Samanides Mausoleum (9-10th c.), Chashmai Ayub (14th c.), Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Complex, summer residence of the last Emir (ruler) of Bukhara, Bakhouddin Naqshbandiy Memorial Complex, Chor Bakr (19th c.) and Chor Minor. Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 14
Through the Red Wonder (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will drive to Bukhara (480 km). While driving through the Desert Kysyl-Kum (Red Sand) you experience the unique expanse of desert landscape in Central Asia. The Kysyl-Kum Desert is about 200 000 square kilometres and it partly lies in the territories of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It is covered with red sand from which the Name of the Desert derives. On the way to Bukhara we make a short stop at the teahouse “Bukhoro-i-Sharif”, where you can have lunch or just relax and drink tea. Dinner at a local Restaurant in Khiva. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 15
Khiva - Museum under open air (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will visit the historical city “Ichan Qala”. Dinner with live folklore Music in the old city Ichan Kala. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 16
Khiva - Museum under open air (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will visit the historical city “Ichan Qala”. Dinner at the local restaurant. Transfer to the Airport in Urgench (35 km). Flight: Urgench → Tashkent. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 17
Tashkent - where Modern and Old meet (B/-/D)

After breakfast city tour in Tashkent. Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is located in the northeast of Uzbekistan and is the largest metropolis in Central Asia with over two million inhabitants. We will visit the modern Tasheknt City and then the Chorsu Bazaar. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 18
Early Morning Transfer to the Airport and Departure (B/-/-)

Early morning transfer to Tashkent International Airport and Departure.

Price includes services:

  • 4 Nights in 4 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
  • 11 Nights in 3 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
  • 17x Breakfast, 16x Dinner
  • Mineral water bottles during the Tour (1,5 L per person per day)
  • Folklore show program in Khiva and Bukhara
  • Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver pas per the program
  • Professional English-speaking guides from group arrival to departure
  • Domestic air tickets Urgench → Tashkent
  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sights as per the program (except photo and video charges)

Not included:

  • Visa costs and processing
  • Photo and video charges
  • International air tickets
  • Beverages
  • Meals not indicated in the program
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any personal expenses
  • Visa fees Tajikistan
  • Any services not included in the above itinerary

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Travel to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
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Trip Facts

  • TT0028
  • $ 275,00
  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 4 - 12
  • Middle
  • Uzbekistan, Tajikistan
  • Tashkent
  • Tashkent