To the heart of Tamerlane`s empire
Uzbekistan Tour: Tamerlane’s birthplace and beloved cities,
monumental architecture of Timurid period
| Country: | Uzbekistan | View the route map »» |
| Tour duration: | 8 days / 7 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Tashkent - Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Bukhara - Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent | |
Scheduled arrival dates in 2023:
This exciting Uzbekistan tour package, that is considered to be one of the most attractive among Central Asia tours, will enlighten you on the history and culture of Uzbekistan and its world-famous ancient cities of Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Bukhara, and Khiva. These cities, historical and cultural reserves boasting colossal architectural masterpieces of the Timurid time and earlier historical periods, still keep traces and legacies of the trade Silk Road cultural exchange and once-great empires of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and especially Timur, better known as Tamerlane, who made Samarkand the capital of his Empire.
A military genius whose conquests shook the world in the 14th century, Timur was also a great patron of the arts. Samarkand still boasts a number of magnificent world famous architectural monuments built during the reign of his dynasty, including his mausoleum Gur-e Amir, a gem of medieval Islamic architecture, where he lies under a huge jade slab.
Central Asia Travel invites you to see the most fascinating Uzbekistan’s monuments dating from different times. During this tour to Uzbekistan you will also visit exotic bazaars, taste delicious dishes of Uzbek cuisine, travel across impressive Uzbekistan landscapes, and meet hospitable and charming locals.
Travel to Uzbekistan and explore the land of Tamerlane’s Empire!
- Itinerary
Services & Cost
Visa to Uzbekistan
FAQ- Useful Information
Route Map
| Itinerary | ||
| Day 1. | Arrival in Tashkent. Tashkent (sightseeing). Meeting at the international airport. Tashkent is the flavorful capital of Uzbekistan: it carries in itself both the modern infrastructure and the preserved cozy Old Town. Tashkent’s architecture is striking in its diversity and variety: archaeological monuments from the Zoroastrianism era that are more than 2200 years old, architectural masterpieces of the Middle Ages, monumental buildings of the late 19th century, the most beautiful underground subway in the world, and of course, the numerous contemporary buildings. At 10:00 – Sightseeing in Tashkent: Khast-Imam Square, Barak-Khan Madrasah, Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, Kukeldash Madrasah, the oldest bazaar of Tashkent “Chorsu”. After lunch visiting Museum of Applied Arts, Independence Square and Amir Temur Square. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 2. | Train to Samarkand (330 km). Samarkand (sightseeing). Train travel time: 2,1 hours Transfer to the railway station. Transfer to Samarkand by high-speed train "Afrosiab" (08:00-10:10). Meeting at the railway station and start the city tour. Samarkand is as old as Rome, it is one of the most ancient cities in the world and former capital of the great Timur empire. It is a museum city, a city which was once the heart of the caravan trade in the midst of the Great Silk Road. Samarkand conserved its unique aura of the Oriental medieval age until this very day. Sightseeing in Samarkand: the most impressive square in the entire Central Asia – the Registan Square (madrasah of Ulugbek, Sher-Dor madrasah, Tilya-Kori madrasah), Gur-e Amir mausoleum – necropolis of the Timurids. After lunch continuation of sightseeing in Samarkand: Bibi-Khanym mosque, architectural ensemble Shah-i-Zinda, Ulugbek observatory. Dinner at a local national house, a culinary master class and tasting of manti – an authentic Uzbek dish that has the form of large dumplings filled with meat and steamed in a special pot. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast, dinner . |
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| Day 3. | Road to Bukhara via Shakhrisabz (150+265 km). Shakhrisabz (sightseeing). Morning transfer to Bukhara via the hometown of the Tamerlane – Shakhrisabz (‘Green city’). On arrival – sightseeing tour in Shakhrisabz, near which Tamerlane was born on April 9, 1336. Visit Ak Saray Palace, Dorus Saodat Complex, Dorut Tillavat Madrasah, Kok Gumbaz Mosque. After lunch time proceed driving to Bukhara. On arrival – accommodation at the hotel and rest. Bukhara is another ancient city in Uzbekistan which also was part of the Great Silk Road. Medieval Bukhara used to be one of the main political, cultural, and religious hubs of the Middle East. Over 140 architectural monuments have been preserved here. The historical center of Bukhara is included in the list of World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 4. | Bukhara (sightseeing). Start of the sightseeing program in Bukhara upon arrival. 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. After sightseeing – participation in a culinary master class on cooking Bukhara plov. A professional chef oshpaz, who is specializing in cooking plov, will will reveal culinary secrets and will tell and show how an authentic Bukhara plov is made. This will be a dinner entertainment for all participants. Dinner with tasting of Bukhara plov at a national house. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast, dinner . |
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| Day 5. | Bukhara - Khiva (440 km, 7-8 hrs). Transfer to Khiva through the famous Kyzylkum desert along the Amu Darya River. We will pass along the road, where many Silk Road caravans once slowly followed. “Kyzylkum” translates as “Red Sands”, and the local sand really has a reddish tint. We will make several stops and walk along the picturesque dunes, admire the amazing panorama of the Amu Darya River from a viewing point. Arrival in Khiva, which is more than 2500 years old, is a museum-like city of the ancient Khwarazm, colorful and barely touched by humans, it is a true example of a medieval city in Middle East. Khiva is the only city in Uzbekistan nowadays where a its shakhristan (inner city), Ichan-Kala, has been preserved almost entirely in its untouched state. Leisure time. Visiting the souvenir shops and workshops. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 6. | Khiva (sightseeing). Khiva – Urgench (35 km, 40 min) – Tashkent by evening flight. Sightseeing in Khiva (Ichan-Kala historical inner city): Pakhlavan Mahmoud Complex, Kunya-Ark Fortress, Islam Hajji Madrasah & Minaret, Tash Khauli Alakuli Khan Palace, Juma Mosque, Muhammadaminkhan Minaret & Madrasah. After the city tour we make a transfer to the airport located in the city of Urgench for further flight back to Tashkent. On arrival – accommodation at the hotel and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 7. | Tashkent – Solar Furnace – Uzumfermer winery – Tashkent by road (150 km both directions). Transfer to the Parkent district of the Tashkent region, to the unique scientific site – the Solar furnace of Uzbekistan. Guided tour of the territory of the "Physics-Sun" complex: we will learn about how a solar laboratory works and why it is this region of Uzbekistan in particular that has been selected for building the famous Solar furnace – one of the two such furnaces existing in the world! We will see solar heliostats up close, which direct their rays to a giant concentrator, consisting of 10700 mirror elements. The temperature at the focus of the rays of the concentrator reaches 3000 degrees. We will take the elevator to the top floor of the concentrator, where a stunning panorama of the Chatkal Range, Parkentsai, and neighboring villages (villages) opens. Lunch at a chaykhana, tasting of the famous Parkent kebab. Visit to Uzumfermer – a private winery and farm, getting acquainted with the local technology of wine making. Wine tasting. Return to Tashkent. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast, lunch. |
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| Day 8. | Tashkent (departure) Transfer to the international airport in Tashkent. Departure. Meals: breakfast. |
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Cost includes:
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Tour price does not include:
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Information on the hotels
| City | Hotels 3* |
| Tashkent | Reikartz Xon / Sato 3* or similar |
| Samarkand | Arba 3* / Jahon Palace 3* or similar |
| Bukhara | Kabir Hotel 3* / Kavsar Hotel 3* or similar |
| Khiva | Silk Road 3* / Shokh Jahon Hotel 3* or similar |
Information on the vehicles
| Group | Vehicle |
| Group of 1–2 pax. | "Chevrolet Lacetti" |
| Group of 3-6 pax. | "Hyundai Grand Starex" |
| Group of 7-9 pax. | "Toyota Hiace" / "King Long" |
| Group of 10-15 pax. | "Eurise" |
| Group of 16-45 pax. | "Golden Dragon" |
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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Our video gallery:
 Cuisine of Central Asia |
 Pilafs in Tashkent |
 Wine-Making in Uzbekistan |
 Uzbek Fruit and Vegetables |
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the copyright owner.
Feedbacks from tourists to the tour «To the Heart of Tamerlane’s Empire».
Yukiko Higai
24.01.2020 09:58
Dear Sofia,
I would like to express my gratitude to you and your Team for organizing my unforgettable trip.
I am back to work (unfortunately) today, with lots of memories. Everything went well, and I really felt like at home in Uzbekistan.
Also thank you for a pretty gift of Uzbekistan :-)
I will definitely come back to Uzbekistan or maybe also other neighboring countries.
Thanks again and warmest regards to you and your team.
Yukiko Higai
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