Uzbekistan Uncovered

Take a journey down the fabled Silk Road, once braved by Marco Polo and Alexander the Great. Follow the trails of the greats into the legendary cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which were significant trading points during the Silk Road's heyday and are now living museums full of enchantment and wonder. Imagine hundreds of minarets, turquoise domes, and graceful arched portals adorning the countryside, exotic bazaars, and the vast blue sky as your backdrop. This makes one feel immersed in a scene from 1001 Arabian Nights.

Immerse yourself in centuries-old customs along the journey by dining, dancing, and meeting locals. The Silk Road's fascinating history spans majestic mountain ranges, boundless deserts, and ancient cities brimming with stunning architecture. You'll see it all in Uzbekistan!

  DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN TASHKENT 

• Arrive at Tashkent International Airport; transfer to the hotel.
• 4-5 hour city tour of Tashkent. Visit Khast-Imam Complex (home of the Quran of Caliph Uthman).
• Explore Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, and Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum.
• Visit the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.
• Walk through Chorsu Bazaar.
• Ride the metro to see Amir Timur Square and Independence Square.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

 DAY 02: TASHKENT - SAMARKAND 

• Early morning transfer to the railway station for the 08:00 high-speed train to Samarkand.
• Arrive in Samarkand by 10:10 (300 km). Check in to the hotel and relax.
• Visit Registan Square, Gur Emir Mausoleum (Tamerlane's mausoleum), and the remains of Bibi Khahum Mosque.
• Explore Siyob Bazaar, an oriental market.
• Enjoy traditional Samarkand cuisine at local restaurants.

  DAY 03: SAMARKAND 

• After breakfast, explore Samarkand with the guide.
• Visit Ulugbek Observatory and Afrosiab Museum (frescoes and artifacts from 6 BC to 13 AD).
• Explore Shah-i-Zinda, a revered site with mausoleums of Temur’s relatives and Kusam Ibn Abbas, cousin of Prophet Muhammad; the most photographed location in Samarkand.
• Evening light and sound show at Registan Square (optional dance show).

  DAY O4: SAMARKHAND - BUKHARA

• Early breakfast and transfer to the train station for a high-speed train to Bukhara (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Check in to the hotel and rest.
• Afternoon exploration of Old Bukhara: 
  • Visit Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri-Arab Madrasah.
  • Explore Magoki-Attori Mosque, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs, and the trade domes.
  • Visit the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble and Chor-Minor Madrasah.
• End the day with a traditional 16th-century hammam bath and massage.

  DAY 05: BHUKARA

• Morning visit to Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum.
• Explore Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa ("Palace of Moon and Stars"), the summer residence of Bukhara's last emir, blending Oriental and Russian architecture.
• Visit Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum.
• Afternoon leisure time: explore artisan stores, winding lanes, or relax at a café.
• Evening stroll to Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah for an optional folk music and dance show.

 DAY 06: BHUKARA - KYZYL KUM DESERT - KHIVA

• Early morning departure from Bukhara to Khiva (480 km, 7-8 hours) through the Kyzyl Kum Desert (Red Desert).
• Stop at Ayaz Kala, the largest fortress of the UNESCO-recognized Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm.
• Visit Topraq Kala, an excavated town from the 1st to 5th century AD, significant from the Kushan era.
• Enjoy views of the desert and Amu Darya River.
• Arrive in Khiva in the late afternoon, check in to the hotel, and relax.
• Explore Khiva's well-preserved monuments and buildings, reminiscent of 1001 Arabian Nights tales.

 DAY O7: KHIVA

• Visit Ichan-Qala fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Explore Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta-Minor, Juma Mosque, Tosh-Khovli Palace, and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum.
• Climb the Islom-Khoja tower, the highest in Uzbekistan.
• Enjoy panoramic views from Kunya-Ark.
• Evening transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Tashkent.

  DAY 08: ADIEU

• Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
• Bid farewell with fond memories until we meet again.
• Option to take a flight to Tashkent instead of the train (airfare not included).
• Extend your adventure by joining us in Almaty, Kazakhstan – ask for details!

Start Date: April 5, 2025 (Saturday)

End Date: April 12, 2025 (Saturday)

Pick-up/Drop-off Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (IATA: TAS, ICAO: UTTT), Tashkent.

It is recommended that you arrive a day ahead of time. Arrive no later than 10:00 A.M. on Day 01 (Airport Pick-up @ 11 A.M.) and book your return flight ticket after 6:00 P.M. on Day 08. (Airport Drop at 3 P.M.)

INR 62000 per person (for a single traveler)

INR 61000 per person (for two or more traveling together)

INR 61000 per person (for those who travelled with us before)

 *5% GST + TCS extra.  

Pay INR 10000 to Book Now. Balance to be paid 45 days before the trip start date. 

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 8 participants - Maximum of 18 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Tour Captain (if 8 or more participants join the trip). Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Even a single member can join this trip. If you're a single-member traveling alone, you'll be assigned to a room with another member of the same gender.
• Suitable for members between the age group of 18-55 years. Generally, we majorly have participants between 18-35 years.
• A stay at an additional cost may be arranged if you're arriving or departing a day earlier or later.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation in boutique hotels on double/twin sharing basis. If you're a single, you'll be assigned to a room with another member of the same gender. 
• Daily Breakfast (set menu)
• All transfers by mini-van/car/bus/train 
• Walking tours
• Entry Fees for the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
• Tons of local experiences
• Afrosiyob/Sharq High Speed Bullet Trains from Tashkent to Samarkand, Samarkand to Bukhara, and Khiva to Tashkent (Economy)
• English Speaking Local Guide, wherever required
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY, the trip captain who acts as a facilitator and a storyteller (if 8 or more participants join the trip).

EXCLUSIONS

• International flight tickets 
• e-Visa (costs US$ 20). We extend assistance in getting the visa.
• Travel Insurance 
• Lunch/Dinner/Snacks/Beverages. (Vegetarian options available as well) 
• 5% GST + TCS as applicable
• Entry tickets to dance shows
• Any tourism taxes/charges the hotels/local Government may levy
• Early check in and late check out
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’

• Pay Rs.20,000/- to book your seat now! (Non-refundable & non transferrable) 
• Balance to be paid 45 days before the trip start date. i.e., on or before February 19, 2025. You can pay in full or in parts before this date.
• Rates applicable for Indian Nationals only.
• Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you book your air ticket.