Uzbekistan
15 Days Silk Road
Uzbekistan is a captivating, off-the-beaten-path destination at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, where cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva showcase stunning Islamic architecture and centuries of history. Rich in culture, warm hospitality, and hearty cuisine, it offers an authentic travel experience without the crowds. From colourful bazaars and mosaic-covered madrasahs to desert landscapes and mountain hikes, Uzbekistan is safe, affordable, and full of surprises—perfect for curious travellers seeking something different.
Day 1 Tashkent Arrive in Tashkent and transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Day 2 Tashkent – Nukus – Muynak – Nukus Take a morning flight to Nukus. After arrival, drive to Muynak, stopping at the Mizdakhan archaeological complex en route. Explore the abandoned port and the "Cemetery of Ships" before visiting the Local History Museum to learn about the Aral Seas history. Return to
Nukus in the afternoon.
Day 3 Nukus – Khiva Visit the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum, home to a vast collection of Russian avant- garde art and Karakalpak crafts. Enjoy a brief tour of Nukus, seeing the statue of poet Berdakh and the city hall. In the afternoon, depart for Khiva (200 km, 4-5h), stopping at ancient Khorezm sites like Shylpyk-Kala and Toprak-Kala. Arrive in Khiva and check in to the hotel.
Day 4 Khiva Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ichan-Kala Fortress with a guided walking tour. Visit significant landmarks, including Kunya Ark Citadel, Toshkhovli Palace, and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon.
Day 5 Khiva – Bukhara Depart Khiva in the morning and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8h). Along the way, admire views of the Amudarya River and the Kyzylkum Desert. Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel, and rest.
Day 6 Bukhara Join a guided walking tour through Old City Bukhara. Visit highlights like the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, and Chor-Minor Madrasah, along with trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, and various madrasahs. Explore the historic Ark Fortress and admire the beautiful mausoleums of Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub.
Day 7 Bukhara Begin with a visit to Sitorai-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, featuring a unique mix of Oriental and Russian architecture. Next, explore Bakhoutdin Naqshbandi Mausoleum and the Chor-Bakr Necropolis. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon.
Day 8 Bukhara – Ashraf, Sentob, or Yangi Hayot Village In the morning, depart Bukhara for a village in the Nurata Mountains (330 km, 5-6h). Stop at Gijduvan pottery workshop and a local mosque with holy spring water en route. Continue to Nurata Pass to see petroglyphs before arriving in Ashraf or Yangi Hayot village for guesthouse accommodation. Explore the serene village surrounded by nature.
Day 9 Village Experience traditional village life in the Nurata Mountains, where customs have been preserved since Alexander the Great's time. Participate in daily activities like cooking over an open fire, weaving, and farming.
Day 10 Village – Samarkand Depart the village and drive to Samarkand (220 km, 4h). Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy some time to rest.
Day 11 Samarkand Start your city tour. Visit iconic sites including Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, and the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the authentic shrine of Tamerlane.
Day 12 Samarkand – Tashkent Check out by noon and continue your sightseeing with a visit to Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Explore Koni Ghil village to see traditional Samarkand paper-making from mulberry. After sightseeing, enjoy free time with a car and driver at your disposal. At 16:00, transfer to the railway station for the fast-speed Afrosiyob train departing to Tashkent . Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to your hotel.
Day 13 Tashkent Embark on a guided tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Visit the Old City, including the Khast-Imom Complex, home to the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman. Explore the Barak- Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Discover Chor-Su Bazaar before riding the Tashkent Metro to visit the Applied Arts Museum and Amir Timur Square. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Day 14 Tashkent Take a full-day trek in the nearby mountains with options available for your adventure.
Day 15 Tashkent Check out from the hotel by noon and enjoy free time until your transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
From NZ$5603 per person, twin share. Excludes international airfares, travel insurance, and gratuities.