Uzbekistan: Treasure Chest with Oriental Adventures

Intense Heritage Tour in Uzbekistan 2024:
from Nukus and Muynak through Samarkand and Bukhara to Tashkent

 

Countries: Uzbekistan
Tour duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Itinerary: TashkentNukus – Muynak – Nukus – Mizdakhan Necropolis – KhivaBukharaSamarkandTashkentChimgan mountainsTashkent

Uzbekistan Tour: Treasure Chest with Oriental Adventures

On this tour of Uzbekistan, you will travel along picturesque roads and see grandiose architectural heritage from the antique and medieval periods, as well as beautiful natural landscapes. You will learn about the history of ancient Uzbek traditions and crafts, taste the freshest fruits harvested by hardworking Uzbek farmers, and experience the delicious Uzbek cuisine.

This journey will reveal the brilliant pearls of Central Asia to curious travellers. The pearls are spread throughout Uzbekistan. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are ancient cities that sparkle with the mosaics of medieval domes and the majesty of tall minarets. The Chimgan Mountains shine with their main gem, the crystal-blue Charvak reservoir, while the lands of ancient Khwarezm surprise the visitor with the ruins of unique ancient fortresses.

We have attempted to gather all the pearls and put them together in a single itinerary for this tour. Discover the magic of treasure chest with oriental adventures!

  • itinerary / services & cost

  • Visa
  • Useful Information
    Route Map

 

Tour itinerary 2024:
Day 1 Arrival in Tashkent.
Meet at the International airport and transfer to the hotel. Early check-in and rest.
After breakfast start of the guided sightseeing tour around Tashkent. Visit the following sites: Khast-Imam Square, Barak-Khan Madrasah, Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, Kukeldash Madrasah; after lunch: Museum of Applied Arts, Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, Minor Mosque.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel in Tashkent.

Kow-Ata underground lake

Day 2 Tashkent – Nukus by morning flight.
Nukus – Muynak – Nukus by road, 400 km
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Nukus.
On arrival meet the local guide for making a day trip to Muynak. Visiting monument to the victims of the Second World War (now a monument to the Aral Sea), which is the highest point of the town of Muynak providing a wonderful panorama of the town and the bottom of the former sea.
Lunch in traditional guest house of Muynak. Visiting famous “Cemetery of Ships” in Muynak. Next visiting a museum at the House of Culture in Muynak, where you can familiarise yourselves with the works of artists F. Madgazin and R. Matevosyan, who used to depict the Aral Sea and the Amudarya River.
Transfer back to Nukus. Accommodation at the hotel and overnight.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Overnight at the hotel.

Darwaza gas crater

Day 3 Nukus – Mizdakhan Necropolis – Khiva by road, 200 km.
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit famous Savitskiy Museum and the great art collection there.
Further participation in a guided tour around Mizdahkan Necropolis, located in 20 km from Nukus and visit the following archeological object there: Khalif Eredjep, Djumart Kasaart Hill, Mazlum-Khan Mausoleum, Shamun Nabi.
After lunch transfer to Khiva. Accommodation at the hotel and rest.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Merv ancient city

Day 4 Khiva.
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour around Khiva. Visit the following sites of Ichan-Kala ‘inner city’ historic old city: Pakhlavan Mahmoud Complex, Kunya-Ark Fortress, Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasah, Tash Khauli-Khan Palace, Juma Mosque, Mohammad Amin-Khan Madrasah, Avesta Museum.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Bukhara

Day 5 Khiva – Bukhara by road (440 km).
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and along the Amudarya River to Bukhara. Lunch en route.
Arrival in Bukhara. Accommodation at the hotel. Souvenir shops / workshops.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Samarkand

Day 6 Bukhara.
Breakfast at the hotel. Start of the sightseeing program in Bukhara. Visit of the following sites: Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, local bazaar, Bolo Khauz Mosque, Ark Citadel with Zindan prison, Po-i-Kalyan Complex (Kalyan Minaret and others), Miri Arab madrassa, Magoki Attori mosque and Mosque Ulugbek Madrasah.
Return to the hotel. Rest and overnight.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Samarkand

Day 7 Bukhara – Shakhrisabz by road, 260 km.
Shakhrisabz Samarkand by road, 150 km
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Guided sightseeing tour around Shakhrisabz: Ak Saray Palace, Dorus Saodat Complex, Dorut Tillavat Madrasah, Kok Gumbaz Mosque.
Arrival in Samarkand. Overnight at the hotel and rest.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Penjikent

Day 8 Samarkand.
After breakfast start of the guided sightseeing tour around Samarkand: Registan Square (Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, Tilla-Qori Madrasah), Gur-e Amir Mausoleum (Tamerlane’s sepulcher); after lunch: Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Ulugbek Observatory.
Return to the hotel by the evening, rest and overnight.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Tashkent

Day 9 Samarkand – Tashkent by evening train (2 hours).
Continuation of the sightseeing tour in Samarkand. Visit Afrosiab museum and settlement, Saint Daniel’s tomb, Khujum carpet factory, Silk paper workshop and Siab Oriental bazaar.
Later in the afternoon – transfer to the railway station and further transfer to Tashkent by a high-speed train (17:30-19:40).
Accommodation at the hotel on arrial, overnight.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Kokand

Day 10 Tashkent – Chimgan mountains – Tashkent by road (100 km).
Hiking in the mounts to Gulkam canyon, 7 km, 6-7 hours
After early breakfast transfer to the mountain region for participation in hiking in the mountain of Chimgan, located in around 100 km from Tashkent. *Note: those tourists, who are not interested in trekking will be offered to visit Chimgan mountain with relaxing purpose – you will have a slight walk and ride the local cable car.
At this hiking trip to the fairy Gulkam canyon you will have a unique opportunity to admire the local Uzbek mountains and its beautiful nature, make 2 ascents and see from distance the highest point of the Tashkent region – Big Chimgan peak (3309 m).
Transfer back to Tashkent. Overnight.

Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Osh

Day 11 Departure from Tashkent.
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before 12:00.
Transfer to the International airport for departure.

Meals: breakfast.

Issyk-Kul Lake

Cost of the tour in USD per person, season 2024:

Group 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-8 pax 9-10 pax Supplement for single accommodation
Hotel 3* 2295 USD 1388 USD 1077 USD 1002 USD 998 USD 995 USD +230 USD
Hotel 4* 2678 USD 1716 USD 1440 USD 1389 USD 1385 USD 1382 USD +285 USD

Tour price includes:

  • Accommodation at the hotels, mentioned above, or in similar, but of the same category in double/twin rooms with breakfasts, including early check in on day 1 in Tashkent; check-in at other hotels - at 14:00; check-out - at 12:00;
  • Meals - breakfasts at the hotels;
  • Entrance fees to the monuments and museums listed above;
  • Services of English-speaking local guides for sightseeing;
  • Services of professional mountain guide for a hike in the mountains;
  • Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including ‘airport-hotel-airport” transfers;
  • Railway transfer from Samarkand to Tashkent on a high-speed train (economy class);
  • Bottled mineral water per day/per person

Tour price does not include:

  • The cost of international flights;
  • The cost of local flight from Tashkent to Nukus – about 80 USD (economy class ticket);
  • Meals not mentioned above;
  • Medical expenses and insurance;
  • Porters at the hotels, railway stations and airports;
  • Tips and gratitudes.

Information on the hotels

Location Hotels 3* Hotels 4*
Tashkent Sato Hotel 3*  or similar Inspira-S Hotel 4*  or similar
Nukus Jipek Joli Hotel 3*  or similar Jipek Joli Hotel 3*  or similar
Khiva Arkanchi Hotel 3* or similar Asia Khiva Hotel 4* or similar
Bukhara Devon Hotel 3* or similar Asia Bukhara Hotel 4* or similar
Samarkand Arba Hotel 3* or similar Zarafshon Parkside Hotel 4* or similar

Transportation
Depending on the size of a group the following means of transportation are used during the tour:

Group Type of transport
Group of 1-2 pax "Chevrolet Lacetti" or similar
Group of 4 pax "Hyundai Starex minivan"
Group of 6-8 pax "King Long minivan" or similar
Group of 9-15 pax "Eurise minivan" or similar

 

Visa to Uzbekistan:

Visa-free regime for up to 60 days has been established  for citizens of countries below:

  • Azerbaijan
  • Armenia
  • Belarus
  • Georgia
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Moldova
  • Russia
  • Ukraine

Visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been established  for citizens of countries below:

  • Andorra
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • The Republic of Korea
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Tajikistan
  • Turkey
  • Singapore
  • the Vatican
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

A great number of other countries can obtain an e-visa to Uzbekistan by simply visiting the governmental portal e-visa.gov.uz.

Read more about visa to Uzbekistan here »»

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it necessary to get a stay permit (temporary registration of stay) while visiting Uzbekistan?
    Any foreigner to Uzbekistan is to get a stay permit within 3 working days (consecutive or not) during his / her visit to the country. If he / she stays at an Uzbekistan hotel or a guesthouse, such a stay permit for the period of stay at it is granted automatically. (Inquire whether the hotel / guesthouse you want to stay at provides such a permit unless your accommodation is organized by a host tour operator. Also make sure you are given your stay permit certificate with the seal of your hotel / guesthouse when you check out.) If you stay at other lodging facilities during your visit, you will have to get your stay permit from a local visits registration police department.
  2. What is Uzbekistan’s currency? Where can I exchange money?
    The national currency of Uzbekistan is the som (UZS). There are 100, 200, 500, 1.000, 5.000, 10.000 and 50.000-som banknotes used currently. The banknotes are similar in size but vary in color; they depict Uzbekistan’s cultural and heritage sites.
    You can exchange money at Uzbekistan’s National Bank outlets, most of the hotels and official currency exchange offices commonly located near bazaars and at shopping centers. You will need your passport to exchange money through them.
    Note that the most common foreign currency in Uzbekistan is US dollars. The US banknotes you exchange in the country should be in good condition - without defects, bad folds, worn areas and scribbles - or it will be hard to exchange them.
  3. Can I use credit cards in Uzbekistan?
    You can use Visa and MasterCard cards mainly in Tashkent and at fewer locations in Samarkand and Bukhara for cash withdrawals through ATMs (cash machines) in their large hotels or banks. You can also make payments with these cards at some hotels, restaurants and stores in Tashkent. However, technical failures of the card handling equipment may occur, so it is advisable to always have enough cash on you.
  4. What is the difference between GMT and Uzbekistan time?
    It is GMT plus 5 hours in Uzbekistan.
  5. Can foreigners to Uzbekistan use the services of a local mobile network operator during their stays in the country?
    Yes, they can if they have a stay permit to show.
  6. Can I bring alcoholic beverages into Uzbekistan?
    A person is permitted to bring a maximum of 2 liters of alcoholic drink(s) into the country.
  7. What maximum amount of cash can I bring into Uzbekistan?
    There is no limit on the amount of cash in a currency that is foreign to Uzbekistan a person can bring into the country. If you bring in over 5,000 USD (or the equivalent in other currencies), you will be given a ТС-28 certificate. If you bring in over 10,000 USD, you will have to pay a 1% duty on this sum.
  8. What maximum amount of cash can I take out of Uzbekistan?
    The amount of cash (in a currency foreign to Uzbekistan) you can take out of the country must not exceed the sum you brought in as per your arrival customs declaration. Taking out the amount exceeding the sum you brought in is possible if permitted by Uzbekistan’s Central Bank or another Uzbekistan’s authorized bank. Note that taking out Uzbekistan soms is not permitted unless they are several souvenir coins or banknotes.
  9. Can I use a photo / video camera at the tourist sites?
    Photographing and videoing at the tourist sites is allowed unless a site has a prohibition sign. They charge fees for using cameras at most tourist attractions though. Photographing and videoing is prohibited in Tashkent metro, at the airports and railway stations. Using a camera at the functioning mosques is possible if allowed by the worshippers there.
  10. What kind of clothes should I wear in Uzbekistan? Are there any clothing requirements for women in the country?
    Clothes made of cotton and other natural textiles will be the best choice in warm and hot weather. Both men and women will feel best in T-shirts and shorts. Your footwear must be comfortable, light and strong, since you will have to walk a lot. Have sunglasses, a light headwear and sunblock lotion.
    If you travel early in spring (March to the beginning of April) or at the end of autumn (October to November), it is advisable to take a windbreaker, a sweater or a similar garment. In winter the temperature may fall to minus 10°С or so, so a raincoat, a warm coat and headwear will be necessary.
    There are no strict limits on women’s clothing in the country. However, you should be considerate towards the local traditions, culture and religion. While visiting religious places women should wear loose garments covering most of their arms and legs, and of course the cleavage. Headscarves will also be advisable to put on. Note that you will have to take off your shoes while entering some of the sacred places.
  11. What languages do people in Uzbekistan speak?
    The official language is Uzbek; it is spoken by a majority of the population. Russian is spoken by the country’s largest Slavic minority and is still used widely in business and as a lingua franca, especially in Tashkent and other major cities. Tajik is widespread in Samarkand and Bukhara for their large Tajik ethnic minorities. Karakalpak is spoken in the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan where it is an official language besides Uzbek. English is popular as a foreign language to study but there is little chance of coming across a good English speaker in the street. However, in the historic cities of Bukhara and Samarkand many young souvenir sellers dealing with foreigners speak elementary English.

Photos of the tour:

view all photos »»

Our video gallery:

Traditional cuisine of Central Asia
Cuisine of Central Asia
Tashkent Tourist Attractions
Tashkent Tourist Attractions
Uzbek fruit and vegetables
Uzbek fruit and vegetables
Lively Kyzylkum desert
Lively Kyzylkum desert

view all videos »»

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the copyright owner.

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