Uzbekistan Eco-Tour: Folks & Crafts
The pearls of the Great Silk Road in Uzbekistan and folk traditions in Nuratau Mountains
| Countries: | Uzbekistan | |
| Tour duration: | 10 days / 9 nights | |
| Itinerary, 10 days: | Fergana – Margilan – Rishtan – Kokand – Tashkent – Samarkand – Khayat village – Bukhara – Tashkent | |
Scheduled arrival dates in 2025:
The itinerary of guided Uzbekistan tour begins in the fertile Fergana Valley – the centre of traditional crafts – and continues across the country via all the main Uzbek cities, which were key points on the Great Silk Road, as a result, were highly prosperous urban areas.
The Fergana Valley is the land of wise artisans, who have carried through centuries the secrets of skillful ancient masters specialized in producing silk and original ceramics. There you will visit a silk-weaving factory in Margilan, where the famous khan-atlas, a handmade silk, is produced following ancient technologies, and the village of Rishtan, Uzbekistan’s main pottery. Rishtan’s unique blue ceramics is highly popular among tourists, who often buy it as souvenirs.
The tour culminates in Samarkand and Bukhara – Uzbekistan’s two most famous cities, historical and cultural reserves boasting colossal architectural masterpieces of the Tamerlane's time and earlier historical periods.
We will also visit the Nuratau Mountains and immerse into the traditional life and culture. Unique folk traditions have been preserved almost unchanged there. You will see millstones for grinding grain, watch how carpets are hand-woven, try the freshest, eco-friendly products, national local dishes at homestay and enjoy freshly baked flatbread from tandoor oven. On the wild slopes of the Nurata Mountains, you can see rare animals listed in the Red Book - Severtsov’s argali, golden eagle and black vulture included in the Red Book. The locals are very open and genuinely hospitable. You cannot see anywhere else, either in Samarkand, Bukhara or any other place, the handmade souvenirs such as local people sell.
- itinerary / services & cost
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| Tour program | ||
| Day 1. |
Tashkent, arrival. Arrival in Tashkent early in the morning. Meet at the airport and further transfer to the hotel. Accommodation, rest and breakfast. 10:00 Meet the guide and start the sightseeing tour. Tashkent is the flavorful capital of Uzbekistan: it carries in itself both the modern infrastructure and the preserved cozy Old Town. Today we will visit Khast-Imam Square, Barak-Khan Madrasah, Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, the oldest bazaar of Tashkent “Chorsu”. After lunch visit Independence Square, Amir Temur Square and Tashkent metro. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 2. |
Tashkent - Margilan by morning train, 5 hours. Margilan - Fergana by road, 10 km Breakfast at the hotel and further transfer to the train station. Transfer to Margilan by train (08:20-13:35). Meet the local guide and we start exploring the Fergana Valley. In Margilan, we will visit the Silk factory of Margilan, where we will learn the process of production and coloring silk cloths; oriental bazaar and the Said Ahmad Khoji Madrasah. Transfer to Fergana, check-in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 3. |
Fergana - Rishtan - Kokand by road, 100 km. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 4. |
Samarkand, day trip to Amankutan gorge and Shakhrisabz by road, 120 km . After breakfast we will proceed to the mountain area located 30 min driving from Samarkand to enjoy the natural sights. We will visit Karatepa lake and gorgeous rocks of Teshik-Tash, Amankutan village and Sam-gu grotto. From the grotto we proceed to the national park and the abandoned camp of the “Young Guards” and visit the Lion’s (or Amankutan) cave, which is located on the nothern slope of Zeravshan mounts. In 1947 a fossil man’s femoral bone fragment and primitive tools were found here, later these findings became the most ancient evidence of the existence of a fossil man on the territory of Uzbekistan. After lunch proceed to the famous Shaytan Djiga plato via Takhtakaracha pass annd explore the region. Total lenth of hiking (easy level) is 2 hours. Further transfer to Shakhrisabz (40 min). Sightseeing in Shakhrisabz, including visiting Ak Saray Palace, Dorus Saodat Complex, Dorut Tillavat Madrasah, Kok Gumbaz Mosque. Transfer back to Samarkand afterwards. En route, on the pass stop at a small colourful bazaar with spices. Overnight at the hotel in Samarkand. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 5. |
Samarkand, day trip to Urgut region and Amankutan gorge by road (120 km in both directions). Breakfast at the hotel. 08:00 After breakfast we meet our guide and driver to start an easy hiking tour in the surroundings of Samarkand. 30 min transfer from Samarkand to Karatepa lake and visit the gorgeous rocks of Teshik-Tash. Proceed to Amankutan village (20 min driving) to visit Sam-gu grotto - 20 min walk to explore the region. From the grotto we will proceed by car (15 min driving) to the national park and the abandoned camp of the “Young Guards”. We will have a walk from the camp to the Lion’s cave (or Amankutan cave), which is located on the nothern slope of Zeravshan mounts. In 1947 a fossil man’s femoral bone fragment and primitive tools were found here, later these findings became the the most ancient evidence of the existence of a fossil man on the territory of Uzbekistan. Walking in the cave will take us about 20 min. From the Lion’s cave we will walk up to the Pinewood (30 min). Walk in the wood and decend to the car (40 min). Further transfer for lunch towards Kashkadarya (meat dishes, salads and bread available in menu). After lunch proceed to the famous Shaytan Djiga plato via Takhtakaracha pass (20 min driving). Explore the region on arrival (30 min). Transfer back to Samarkand afterwards. En route, on the pass there will be a small colourful bazaar with spices. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel in Samarkand. |
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| Day 6. |
Samarkand – Nuratau mountains – Hayat village by road, 300 km. Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide and driver, continuation of the city tour in Samarkand. Today we will visit only the fabulous Afrasiab Museum with its famous museum containing unique wall paintings, and the Tomb of Saint Daniel – one of the local shrines. After that transfer to the region of Nuratau mountains. En route stop in a small town of Nurata for visiting of the holy spring, and further transfer to the village of Hayat, located in the most authentic part of Uzbekistan, in Nuratau mountains. On arrival – accommodation at the guest house of the local residents. Participation in culinary master-class with the hosts of the family and dinner. Rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at the guest house. |
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| Day 7. |
Hayat village – Bukhara by road, 300 km Breakfast at the guest house. 09:00 A walk around the surroundings to the village of Upper Hayat. On the way we will enjoy beautiful views of the green mountains of the local mountains, get acquainted with the life of local residents, examine the ruins of the ancient village and its mills. Besides, it will be possible to visit the nursery of Severtsov's sheep, a rare endemic subspecies listed in the Red Book. Further transfer to Bukhara. Accommodation at the hotel on arrival and rest. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 8. |
Bukhara. Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Meet the guide and start exploring Bukhara. Bukhara is filled with over 900 historical monuments, here we will spend time visiting many sites and wandering amongst the old city streets. Our focus will be directed today on Samanids Mausoleum and Bolo-Khauz Mosque. Further we proceed to the Fortress Ark, the old citadel of over 20 m in height. In the afternoon we will visit Poyi Kalon Architectural Ensemble that consists of Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah; Ulugbek Madrasah; Abdul-Aziz khan Madrasah, Lyabi Khauz Complex and the Trading Domes – Coumpol Bazaar, that has been existing here from the times of the Great Silk Road. During the tour we’ll have a wonderful opportunity to walk over the narrow streets of the old city and take unique photos. Return to the hotel in the evening. Rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 9. |
Bukhara – Tashkent by a high-speed train (4 hours). Breakfast at the hotel. 10:00 Bukhara and its surroundings guided tour continuation: Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace – the "Palace of the Moon and Stars", the summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara, which is an amazing combination of Russian, Eastern, and European architecture. Nextup, we will visit the "Central Asian Mecca" – the Sufi complex of Bahautdin Nakshbandi. Nakshbandi was the spiritual mentor of Amir Timur and the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order, which soon became one of the most famous orders in the East. 14:30 Transfer to the railway station. 15:50-19:43 Transfer back to Tashkent by train. Accommodation at the hotel on arrival. Rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 10. |
Tashkent, departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out before 12:00. Transfer to the International airport for departure. The end of the tour program. Meals: breakfast. |
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The cost of the tour includes:
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The cost of the tour doesn’t include:
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Information on the hotels.
| City | Hotels 3* |
| Kokand | Silk Road Kokand Hotel 3* or similar |
| Tashkent | Huvaydo Hotel 3* or similar |
| Samarkand | Arba 3* or similar |
| Hayat village | Guest house |
| Bukhara | Rangrez Hotel 3* or similar |
Information on the vehicles.
| Group | Venicle |
| Group of 4 pax | “Hyundai Starex” minivan or similar |
| 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:
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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
| 1 |
Is it necessary to get a stay permit (temporary registration of stay) while visiting Uzbekistan? |
| 2 |
What is Uzbekistan’s currency? Where can I exchange money? |
| 3 |
Can I use credit cards in Uzbekistan? |
| 4 |
What is the difference between GMT and Uzbekistan time? |
| 5 |
Can foreigners to Uzbekistan use the services of a local mobile network operator during their stays in the country? |
| 6 |
Can I bring alcoholic beverages into Uzbekistan? |
| 7 |
What maximum amount of cash can I bring into Uzbekistan? |
| 8 |
What maximum amount of cash can I take out of Uzbekistan? |
| 9 |
Can I use a photo / video camera at the tourist sites? |
| 10 |
What kind of clothes should I wear in Uzbekistan? Are there any clothing requirements for women in the country? |
| 11 |
What languages do people in Uzbekistan speak? |
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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