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:
2024
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.
- Dates & Prices 2024
- Dates & Prices 2025
itinerary / services & cost
Visa
FAQ
| Tour program | ||
| Day 1. Thursday |
Fergana, arrival
Fergana – Margilan – Rishtan – Kokand by road (90 km). Arrival in Fergana from Istanbul by TK 260, 01:15-08:00. Upon arrival in Fergana airport, we move directly to Asia Fergana hotel for breakfast and freshen up (without accommodation). After breakfast transfer 20 km to the small town of Margilan. In Margilan we visit the famous Yodgorlik silk factory, where we will learn the process of production and coloring silk cloths and neighboring silk workshops. Proceed to Rishtan. Upon arrival - we will enter the village of Rishtan ceramists where the generations of ceramic masters live and work. Here we will visit one particular house of the Nazirovs’ family that practices and forwards its skills from generation to generation. We will meet the master and his works and the technologies of production and enjoy watching the process of ceramic dishes production. Lunch with the family. After that proceed to Kokand. Accommodation at the hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 2. Friday |
Kokand – Ok Er village – Tashkent by train (17:38-21:40). Late breakfast at the hotel. 11:00 Meet the guide and start the sightseeing tour in Kokand – the capital of the ancient Kokand Khanate (18-19 centuries). We will visit the main sites of the city: Khudoyar-Khan Palace, Jami Mosque and Norbut-biy Madrasah. Further transfer and visit to the botanical garden "MEHRIGIYO" (located in 7 km from Kokand). Olives, guava, milk thistle, kiwi, papaya, mango, lavender plantations and much more are grown here. We will have a short rest to taste tea with honey and other sweets prepared on Avicenna's recipes. Further we proceed to Ok Er village (translated as the White Land). Here we will visit a workshop where the local Kyrgyz craftsmen make folk musical instruments. 16:00 Transfer to the train station. 17:38-21:40 Transfer from Kokand to Tashkent by train. On arrival - meet at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and rest. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 3. Saturday |
Tashkent. Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Today we begin our first acquaintance with the “stone city” - that is how the name of Uzbekistan’s capital city is translated from the Turkic language. The architecture and atmosphere of the old and the new city reveals the appearance of Tashkent from different sides. A city tour in Tashkent includes the ancient Khast Imam Square with adjoining madrasah and mosque, the vast Chorsu oriental bazaar, the Independence Arch, theatrical square adorned with a great Alisher Navoi theater building. There will also be an opportunity to ride the local metro and see some of the most beautiful stations in Central Asia. Return to the hotel in the evening for rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 4. Sunday |
Tashkent – Samarkand by a high-speed train (2 hours). Early breakfast at the hotel (or breakfast boxes). 06:20 Transfer to the railway station. 07:28-09:42 Transfer from Tashkent to Samarkand by Afrosiab high-speed train. Upon arrival in the city, we start our busy day in a jewel of the ancient and modern Silk Road. There is the mysterious jade mausoleum of Gur-i-Emir, the graveyard of Tamerlane. One of the greatest treasures is Registan Square, Temur’s outstanding creation, a huge complex of minarets, mosques and madrassas. Further we move on to Bibi Khanum Mosque, the gorgeous necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, and the old observatory of Ulugbek, the greatest Muslim astronomer, and the neighboring Ulugbek museum. Accommodation at the hotel in the evening, rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 5. Monday |
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. Tuesday |
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. Wednesday |
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. Thursday |
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. Friday |
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. Saturday |
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 | Sato 3* or similar |
| Samarkand | Arba 3* or similar |
| Hayat village | Guest house |
| Bukhara | Kabir Hotel 3* / Kavsar Hotel 3* / Devon 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:
|
|
|
|
|
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
itinerary / services & cost
Visa
FAQ
| Tour program | ||
| Day 1. Thursday |
Fergana, arrival
Fergana – Margilan – Rishtan – Kokand by road (90 km). Arrival in Fergana from Istanbul by TK 260, 01:15-08:00. Upon arrival in Fergana airport, we move directly to Asia Fergana hotel for breakfast and freshen up (without accommodation). After breakfast transfer 20 km to the small town of Margilan. In Margilan we visit the famous Yodgorlik silk factory, where we will learn the process of production and coloring silk cloths and neighboring silk workshops. Proceed to Rishtan. Upon arrival - we will enter the village of Rishtan ceramists where the generations of ceramic masters live and work. Here we will visit one particular house of the Nazirovs’ family that practices and forwards its skills from generation to generation. We will meet the master and his works and the technologies of production and enjoy watching the process of ceramic dishes production. Lunch with the family. After that proceed to Kokand. Accommodation at the hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 2. Friday |
Kokand – Ok Er village – Tashkent by train (17:38-21:40). Late breakfast at the hotel. 11:00 Meet the guide and start the sightseeing tour in Kokand – the capital of the ancient Kokand Khanate (18-19 centuries). We will visit the main sites of the city: Khudoyar-Khan Palace, Jami Mosque and Norbut-biy Madrasah. Further transfer and visit to the botanical garden "MEHRIGIYO" (located in 7 km from Kokand). Olives, guava, milk thistle, kiwi, papaya, mango, lavender plantations and much more are grown here. We will have a short rest to taste tea with honey and other sweets prepared on Avicenna's recipes. Further we proceed to Ok Er village (translated as the White Land). Here we will visit a workshop where the local Kyrgyz craftsmen make folk musical instruments. 16:00 Transfer to the train station. 17:38-21:40 Transfer from Kokand to Tashkent by train. On arrival - meet at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and rest. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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|
||
| Day 3. Saturday |
Tashkent. Breakfast at the hotel. 09:00 Today we begin our first acquaintance with the “stone city” - that is how the name of Uzbekistan’s capital city is translated from the Turkic language. The architecture and atmosphere of the old and the new city reveals the appearance of Tashkent from different sides. A city tour in Tashkent includes the ancient Khast Imam Square with adjoining madrasah and mosque, the vast Chorsu oriental bazaar, the Independence Arch, theatrical square adorned with a great Alisher Navoi theater building. There will also be an opportunity to ride the local metro and see some of the most beautiful stations in Central Asia. Return to the hotel in the evening for rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 4. Sunday |
Tashkent – Samarkand by a high-speed train (2 hours). Early breakfast at the hotel (or breakfast boxes). 06:20 Transfer to the railway station. 07:28-09:42 Transfer from Tashkent to Samarkand by Afrosiab high-speed train. Upon arrival in the city, we start our busy day in a jewel of the ancient and modern Silk Road. There is the mysterious jade mausoleum of Gur-i-Emir, the graveyard of Tamerlane. One of the greatest treasures is Registan Square, Temur’s outstanding creation, a huge complex of minarets, mosques and madrassas. Further we move on to Bibi Khanum Mosque, the gorgeous necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, and the old observatory of Ulugbek, the greatest Muslim astronomer, and the neighboring Ulugbek museum. Accommodation at the hotel in the evening, rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 5. Monday |
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. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 6. Tuesday |
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. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 7. Wednesday |
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. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 8. Thursday |
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. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 9. Friday |
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. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 10. Saturday |
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. |
|
|
|
||
|
|||||||
| |||||||
The cost of the tour includes:
|
The cost of the tour doesn’t include:
|
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:
|
|
|
|
|
Visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
|
|
|
|
|
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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