private The Aral Sea & Eternal Cities
Discover the Heart of Uzbekistan and the Mystery of the Lost Sea
| Country: | Uzbekistan | |
| Duration: | 11 days / 10 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Urgench – Nukus – Kungard – Ustyurt Plateau – Sudochie lake – Aral Sea – Muynak – Khodjeyli – Mizdahan necropolis – Nukus – Tashkent. | |
Follow the ancient Silk Road across Uzbekistan — from the blue domes of Samarkand and Bukhara to the silent shores of the Aral Sea. This journey blends the splendor of old caravan cities with the haunting beauty of Central Asia’s remote landscapes.
Wander through open-air museums of Islamic architecture, explore Khiva’s timeless fortress walls, and uncover the living heritage of local artisans. Then, travel north to the vast Ustyurt Plateau, where desert winds whisper over the ghostly remains of the Aral Sea. Visit abandoned ships in Muynak and witness the resilience of life in this once-thriving region.
A perfect balance of history, culture, and adventure — this unforgettable journey reveals Uzbekistan in all its contrasts: vibrant cities, serene deserts, and the enduring spirit of its people. May your vacation and adventure holidays in Uzbekistan be interesting, eventful and diverse!- Itinerary
Services & Cost - VISA
- FAQ
- Useful Information
Route Map
| Tour itinerary 2026 | ||
| Day 1. | Tashkent, arrival. Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon arrival in Tashkent, we meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in and a short rest. Our first day begins with a tour of Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital — a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and modern life. We explore Khast-Imam Square, home to the world-famous Quran of Caliph Osman, and visit the elegant Barak-Khan Madrasah and Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, one of the city’s most sacred sites. A stroll through Chor-Su Bazaar, with its colorful domes and lively market atmosphere, offers a glimpse into local daily life. In the afternoon, we discover the elegant Amir Timur Square & Independence Square, the heart of modern Tashkent. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 2. | Tashkent - Samarkand by train. After an early breakfast, we board the morning train to Samarkand — the legendary “Pearl of the East.” Upon arrival, we begin our exploration of one of the most magnificent cities of the Silk Road. We visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, resting place of Tamerlane and his dynasty, and then step into the breathtaking Registan Square, surrounded by the glittering mosaics of Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kori madrasahs. Next, we admire the majestic Bibi-Khanum Mosque, stroll through the Siab Bazaar, and visit Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning avenue of tiled mausoleums that seem to glow under the sunlight. Our day ends at the Ulugbek Observatory — where science met the stars in the 15th century. Check-in at the hotel and rest. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 3. | Samarkand - Bukhara by evening train. After breakfast, we continue exploring Samarkand. Visit the Afrosiab Museum and ancient settlement — the cradle of the city’s 2,500-year-old history. See the peaceful Tomb of Saint Daniel, a sacred site revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. We’ll also stop by the Khujum Carpet Factory to see traditional weaving in action, and the Konigil village workshop, where artisans produce Samarkand’s famous silk paper by hand. Later, transfer to the railway station and take the evening train to Bukhara, the spiritual heart of Central Asia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 4. | Bukhara. After breakfast, we set out to explore the ancient city of Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric destinations along the Silk Road. With over 900 historical monuments, this city is like a living museum — every brick here whispers stories of the past. We begin with the Samanid Mausoleum, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, and the elegant Bolo-Khauz Mosque, famous for its wooden carved columns reflected in the still pond before it. Then we visit the mighty Ark Fortress, once home to emirs and their courts — a true city within a city. In the afternoon, we admire the Poi Kalon Ensemble, where the majestic Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah dominate the skyline. Continue to the richly decorated Ulugbek and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasahs, followed by a stroll through the Lyabi-Khauz Complex, a favorite gathering place for locals, surrounded by tea houses and mulberry trees. We end the day wandering through the Trading Domes — ancient market halls that have served merchants since Silk Road times. Return to the hotel for rest. Meals: breakfast . |
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| Day 5. | Bukhara - Khiva by road, 460 km. After breakfast, we embark on a long but fascinating drive through the Kyzylkum Desert, one of the largest sand expanses in Central Asia. The road follows the path of the mighty Amu Darya River, once a lifeline for caravans traveling between oasis cities. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a local café and enjoy panoramic views of the desert landscape — endless dunes, camels grazing, and distant villages. By evening, we arrive in Khiva, a true open-air museum that seems frozen in time. Check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to stroll through the quiet streets or visit local workshops filled with handmade crafts and silk souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 6. | Khiva. After breakfast, we step back in time to explore Ichan-Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We begin with the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, dedicated to Khiva’s poet, philosopher, and national hero. Then we visit the Kunya-Ark Fortress, the oldest part of the city, followed by the elegant Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah — their intricate tilework and panoramic views are unforgettable. After lunch, we continue to the Tash Khauli Palace, where the ornate courtyards and carved ceilings once hosted royal receptions. Explore the Juma Mosque, known for its 218 carved wooden pillars, and the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, once Central Asia’s largest religious school. As the sun sets over the city’s clay walls, take in the view — Khiva glows golden in the evening light, as if still living in the Silk Road era. Return to the hotel for rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 7. | Khiva - Khorezmian fortresses - Nukus by road, 200 km. After breakfast, we leave the fairytale streets of Khiva and travel across the Kyzylkum desert toward Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan — a remote land where desert, art, and history meet. On the way, we stop to explore the ancient Khorezmian fortresses:
Later, we visit the world-famous Savitsky Museum, often called the “Louvre of the Steppe.” Its incredible collection of avant-garde art and Karakalpak folk artifacts reveals a fascinating story of creativity preserved against all odds. Return to the hotel for rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 8. | Nukus - Kungrad - Ustyurt Plateau - Sudochye Lake - Aral Sea by road, 400 km. Early breakfast and departure from Nukus. We drive north through the vast desert, passing the small town of Kungrad, once a crossroads on the Silk Road, before climbing onto the Ustyurt Plateau — an endless expanse of steppe and rocky cliffs stretching to the horizon. We stop at Sudochye Lake, a shimmering body of water that remains a refuge for migratory birds. Then we continue to Urga Village, the first Russian settlement in the Aral region, where we have lunch en route. As the landscape turns into a surreal blend of canyons and dry seabed, we finally reach the Aral Sea — or what remains of it. The view is haunting yet majestic: a reminder of nature’s fragility and endurance. We descend to the shoreline and settle into our yurt camp on the plateau. Dinner under a star-filled sky completes this unforgettable day in the middle of nowhere. Overnight in yurts. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. |
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| Day 9. | Aral Sea - Muynak - Khodjeyli - Mizdakhan Complex - Nukus by road, 400 km. After breakfast in the camp, we begin our return journey, traveling across the barren seabed where waves once rolled. The road leads to Muynak, once a thriving fishing port — now a silent witness to the sea’s retreat. We visit the Cemetery of Ships, where rusted hulls lie stranded in the desert — a haunting monument to the vanished Aral Sea. From the nearby memorial to WWII victims, we enjoy a panoramic view over the dry seabed. Next, we stop at the Muynak Museum, where paintings and photographs tell the poignant story of the sea and the lives it once sustained. After lunch at a traditional guesthouse, we continue toward Khodjeyli to visit the Mizdakhan Necropolis — an ancient burial complex with legends spanning centuries. Its key landmarks include the Mazlumkhan-Sulu Mausoleum, the Caliph Erejep Tomb, and the Shamun Nabi Mausoleum, revered by locals for generations. By evening, we return to Nukus and check in at the hotel for rest. Meals: breakfast, lunch . |
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| Day 10. | Nukus - Tashkent by morning flight. After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Tashkent. Upon arrival, meet your guide and drive to the hotel (check-in after 14:00). The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the capital at your own pace. You might take a leisurely walk through Magic City Park, a modern family-friendly area filled with fountains, cafés, and charming architecture, or visit Tashkent City Park, a beautiful green oasis in the very heart of the metropolis — the perfect place to unwind after your desert adventures. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 11. | Tashkent, departure. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your onward flight. Our unforgettable journey across Uzbekistan’s eternal cities and the lost Aral Sea comes to an end — but the memories of this land’s colors, kindness, and contrasts will stay with you forever. Meals: breakfast. |
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Tour price includes:
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Tour price does not include:
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*Tickets for a high-speed train are subject of availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance
Information on the hotels
| City | Hotel 3* | Hotel 4* | ||
| Tashkent | Human Hotel 3* or similar | Inspira-S Hotel 4* or similar | ||
| Samarkand | Arba Hotel 3* or similar | Continental Hotel 4* or similar | ||
| Bukhara | Rangrez Hotel 3* or similar | Paradise Plaza Hotel 4* or similar | ||
| Khiva | Khiva Residence Hotel 3* or similar | Asia Khiva Hotel 4* or similar | ||
| Nukus | Pana Hotel 3* or similar | Pana Hotel 3* | ||
| Aral Sea | Yurt camp | Yurt camp | ||
Information on the vehicles
| Group | Vehicle |
| 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 9-14 pax | "Eurise minivan" or similar |
Visa to Uzbekistan:
Visa-free regime for up to 60 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
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Visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
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A great number of other countries can obtain an e-visa to Uzbekistan by simply visiting the governmental portal e-visa.gov.uz.
Frequently Asked Questions
► Memo: Useful tips for tourists »»
- 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. - 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. - 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. - What is the difference between GMT and Uzbekistan time?
It is GMT plus 5 hours in Uzbekistan. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
Useful Information on Traveling to Uzbekistan
Route Map
Photos of the tour:
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