Authentic Uzbekistan: Crafts & Caravan Cities

Countries:	Uzbekistan
Tour duration:	9 days / 8 nights
Itinerary:	Tashkent – Margilan – Rishtan – Kokand – Tashkent – Samarkand – Hayat village – Bukhara – Tashkent

GUARANTEED ARRIVAL DATES IN 2026:

Group #01. 18.04–26.04.2026

Group #02. 05.09–13.09.2026

Group #03. 10.10–18.10.2026

GUARANTEED ARRIVAL DATES IN 2027:

Group #01. 17.04–25.04.2027

Group #02. 04.09–12.09.2027

Group #03. 09.10–17.10.2027

Fergana Valley + Classical tour: Khiva, Samarkand, Bukhara

For centuries Uzbekistan has been the meeting point of cultures, caravans and craftsmanship along the Silk Road. From the vibrant bazaars of Tashkent to the artisan workshops of the Fergana Valley, this journey reveals the country’s living traditions.

We’ll meet master potters in Rishtan, watch silk weaving in Margilan, and share home-cooked meals with villagers in the Nuratau Mountains. Along the way, we’ll also explore the dazzling caravan cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, where blue domes and minarets still recall the golden age of the Silk Road.

This is Uzbekistan at its most authentic — a blend of iconic monuments and unforgettable encounters with local people.

itinerary / services & cost
VISA
FAQ

Tour program
Day 1.	Tashkent, arrival. This morning we arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. After settling in at the hotel, we begin exploring the city: the Khast-Imam Square with its historic madrasahs and mausoleums, the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar full of colors and aromas, and later the wide Independence Square and Amir Temur Square. We’ll also ride the famous Tashkent Metro, often called an underground museum for its ornate stations. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2.	Tashkent - Margilan by morning train, 5 hours. Today we travel by train (08:10-13:20) across the mountains into the fertile Fergana Valley. In Margilan, the heart of Uzbekistan’s silk industry, we visit the Silk factory of Margilan and see how delicate silk threads are spun, dyed, and woven into vibrant ikat fabrics. A stroll through the local bazaar and Said Ahmad Khoja Madrasah adds more color to our day. Overnight in Margilan. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3.	Fergana - Rishtan - Kokand by road, 100 km. Kokand - Tashkent by road, 240 km After breakfast, we drive to Rishtan, world-famous for its ceramics. At the workshop of a local ceramic master, we watch the process of shaping and painting pottery — and enjoy a traditional lunch in his home. Then we continue to Kokand, once the capital of the Kokand Khanate. Here we explore the grand Palace of Khudayar Khan, the Juma Mosque, and the Mausoleum of Modari Khan. In the evening we return to Tashkent, crossing the scenic Kamchik mountain pass. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast, lunch . Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4.	Tashkent - Samarkand by morning train This morning we board a train to Samarkand, the legendary jewel of the Silk Road. Our sightseeing begins with the turquoise-domed Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane. We then step into the majestic Registan Square, framed by three monumental madrasahs — the very heart of Samarkand. Later we visit the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the sacred Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and the fascinating Ulugbek Observatory. Overnight in Samarkand. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5.	Samarkand - Nuratau Mountains (Hayat Village) by road, 300 km. In the morning, we visit the Afrasiab Museum, displaying murals from ancient Samarkand, and the shrine of Saint Daniel. Then we drive to the Nuratau Mountains, stopping in Nurata to see its holy spring. By afternoon we reach Hayat Village, where we stay in a guesthouse with local families. In the evening we join a cooking masterclass and share dinner with our hosts. Overnight in Hayat Village. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 6.	Hayat village - Bukhara by road, 300 km After breakfast, we take a gentle walk around Upper Hayat Village, passing old mills, stone ruins, and meeting locals along the way. If possible, we visit the small nursery of Severtsov’s sheep, a rare and endangered species. Later we drive across the steppe to Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most atmospheric cities. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast.

Day 7.	Bukhara. Today we explore Bukhara, a living museum with more than 900 historic sites. We begin with the Samanid Mausoleum and Bolo-Khauz Mosque, then walk through the mighty Ark Citadel, the fortress of Bukhara’s rulers. In the afternoon we visit the Po-i-Kalyan Complex, the elegant Ulugbek and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasahs, and the lively Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble with its shady pond. We also stroll through the ancient domed bazaars, once busy trading hubs of the Silk Road. Overnight in Bukhara. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8.	Bukhara - Tashkent by afternoon train. This morning we visit the summer palace of the last emir, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, an eclectic mix of Russian, Eastern, and European styles. We then stop at the Bahautdin Naqshbandi Complex, an important pilgrimage site and center of Sufi spirituality. In the afternoon we board the high-speed train back to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9.	Tashkent, departure. After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our departure flight. Meals: breakfast.

COST OF THE TOUR IN USD:

Twin/double share.	1390 USD
SGL supplement	+195 USD

The cost of the tour includes:

Accommodation in the hotels listed below, or in similar hotels of the same category, in double/twin rooms with breakfast. Early check-in on Day 1 in Tashkent is included; standard check-in at other hotels is 14:00, check-out at 12:00.
Accommodation in a guesthouse in Hayat village (twin/triple sharing only; single rooms not available).
Meals: daily breakfasts, plus 2 lunches and 1 dinner as per the program.
Culinary masterclass in an Uzbek village.
Entrance fees to all monuments and museums mentioned in the program.
Services of English-speaking local guides.
Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including airport–hotel–airport transfers.
Train journey from Tashkent to Margilan on a classic train (economy class).
High-speed train travel from Tashkent to Samarkand and from Bukhara to Tashkent (economy class).

The cost of the tour doesn’t include:

International flight tickets.
Meals not specified in the program.
Medical expenses and travel insurance.
Porter services at hotels, railway stations, and airports.
Tips.

Information on the hotels.

City	Hotels 3*
Margilan	Adras House Hotel 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 size	Venicle
Group 1-2 pax	"Chevrolet Lacetti" or similar
Group of 4 pax	Hyundai Starex minivan or similar
Group 6-8 pax	"King Long" or similar
Group 9-14 pax	"Eurise" 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.

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.

Useful Information on Traveling to Uzbekistan

Route map

Photos of the tour:

View all photos »»

Our video gallery:

Cuisine of Central Asia

Pilafs in Tashkent

Wine-Making in Uzbekistan

Uzbek Fruit and Vegetables

View all videos »»

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Heritage group tours:

Adventure group tours:

•	Oriental dastarkhan (Uzbekistan)
•	Classical Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan)
•	The Aral Sea and Oasis of Ancient Cities (Uzbekistan)
•	The Pearls Of Kyrgyzstan
•	New Year Holidays in an Oriental Fairy Tale (Uzbekistan)

•	Pamir resort (Kyrgyzstan)
•	M41 Road (Kyrgyzstan - Tajikistan)
•	Three summits in the Pamirs (Kyrgyzstan)
•	Journey to Aksu and Sabakh peaks (Kyrgyzstan)
•	Lenin Peak expedition (Kyrgyzstan)

Other interesting tours:

Usefull links:

•	The Five Stans of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan)
•	The Great Silk Road tour (China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan)
•	The Disappearing Sea (Uzbekistan)
•	The Trip to the Country of Fires (Azerbaijan)
•	Treasure Chest with Oriental Adventures (Uzbekistan)
•	The Chimgan ring. Trekking (Uzbekistan)
•	Along the way of ancient caravans (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan)
•	A trip to the Baikonur cosmodrome(Kazakhstan)

•	Airline tickets
•	Visa to Uzbekistan
•	General Information on Uzbekistan
•	Hotels in Uzbekistan
•	Uzbekistan’s Tourist Attractions
•	Uzbek cuisine
•	Carpet Making in Uzbekistan
•	Suzani Tapestry Wish Message
•	Photo of Uzbekistan

info@centralasia-travel.com	- touroperators of city tours.
adventure@centralasia-travel.com	- touroperators of mountain programs and adventure types of tourism.
admin@centralasia-travel.com	- marketing and advertisement department.

Authentic Uzbekistan