Example Itinerary

Following Uzbekistan's Ancient Silk Road

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Uzbekistan

Lying at the heart of the ancient silk trading route, and bordering no less than five other countries, Uzbekistan was, and still is, a cultural and ethnic melting pot. This fascinating and inspiring country offers a vast array of attractions that can captivate even the most seasoned of travelers. Along the way through the classic cities of Khiva, Bukhara, Nurata, Aydarkul, Samarkand, and Shakhrisabz, you’ll find archeological ruins stemming back to nomadic tribes, alongside huge Persian Palaces, next to Soviet-era monuments. There really is something quite unique about this country which cannot be adequately expressed in a travel book. This 11-day tour will show you exactly why.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: This itinerary includes a impressive quartet of UNESCO-accredited sites; Khiva's Itchan Kala, Bukhara, Shakhrisyabz, and Samarkand.
  • Nomad Life: A camel ride around Aydarkul and traditional yurt accommodation offer a glimpse into the customs of nomadic cultures.
  • Silk Road Legacy: Follow the in the footsteps of historic travelers and traders on a journey across Central Asia, taking the roads well-traveled, which were established thousands of years ago for the Silk Road.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Tashkent

On your first day, you have the capital of Tashkent all to yourself. Although not world famous when it comes to its collection of tourist attractions (unlike the rest of your stops on this trip), the city does offer a certain charm. Take a stroll around the old town and get lost in the ancient mud-walled maze of houses, or head out after dark to experience some of the pulsating live shows lining the city streets.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The brand new Hyatt Regency Tashkent is exemplary of the quality for which the Hyatt name has gained its international reputation.

Location: On Navoi street, the hotel is near to numerous sites of interest in the Uzbek capital.

Service: The concierge desk and e-concierge service is on hand 24 hours a day for guests’ every need.

Read More
Hyatt Regency Tashkent Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Khiva

Enjoy a fine buffet breakfast at your luxury hotel before heading out for a more structured day of sightseeing in Tashkent. It’s off to the Museum of Applied Art and around the oldest Orthodox Church in Tashkent; both ports of call offer an excellent introduction into Uzbek culture. An evening flight takes you to Urgench, where you’ll transfer to Khiva - your next stop.

Hotel Options
About

This comfortable hotel, although relatively modern, is built and decorated tastefully in the authentic Uzbek style so that guests enjoy all the conveniences in an environment of intricate wood carvings, elaborate Khiva carpets and traditional design. Located within the crenellated walls of the Itchan Kala fortress, it sports stunning views of the skyscraping Islam Khoja Minaret and is a short walk from the mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Since 2004, the Malika Khiva hotel has been charming and enchanting its guests with its blend of old world authenticity, modern convenience and colorful, quirky decor. Situated at the very entrance of Itchan Kala at Ata Darvaza and built to look like a madrasah, it serves as a perfect doorway into the old town of ancient Khiva and boasts the very best views in the city.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Khiva
Khiva

Day 3

Bukhara

The first thing on most travelers’ to-do list in Khiva is to explore the Djuma mosque, the spiritual center of this ancient city with 212 carved wooden columns. Afterwards, your private tour will head on to several of the city’s mausoleums that all follow a stunning blue theme throughout. In the evening, it’s back to Urgench for an evening flight to Bukhara.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the heart of Bukhara, Devon Begui hotel offers air conditioning, quick access to Bukhara's main attractions, and traditional Uzbek design with wooden furnishings. All 20 rooms are simply appointed with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and ensuite bathrooms - some accommodations also have views out to the historic architecture of the capital.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Positioned in the heart of the Old City, Lyabi Khauz Hotel provides warm Uzbek hospitality in a beautifully restored 19th-century house. All 40 rooms have been refurbished in a comfortable, modern manner with traditional Uzbek accents and mod-cons such as satellite TV, air conditioning, fridge, work desk and full bathroom.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Bukhara

The beautiful city of Bukhara has long been a place of worship, pilgrimage and Islamic education, drawing in visitors from far and wide. Today, it still attracts these visitors who come in their thousands to experience the city’s rich beauty and history. On your guided tour, visit the magnificent Poi-Kalyan Square and Abdul-Azizkhan, a stunning royal mosque.

Bukhara
Bukhara

Day 5

Bukhara

Today marks a continuation of your in-depth Bukhara exploration. You’ll really sink your teeth into ancient Islamic history, visiting a good range of monuments and museums around the city. Look out for the impressive Bolo Khauz Mosque and the huge Bahauddin Nakchbandi ensemble, situated 7.5 miles outside the city and a popular place of pilgrimage.

Day 6

Nurata & Aydarkul Lake

A morning 2.5-hour trip takes you to Nurata, a town chiefly populated by Kazaks who have preserved their traditional, simple nomadic lifestyle throughout the centuries. Visit the mosque with a pool of sacred fish, which local people believe are the spirit of their ancestors. After lunch you’ll head to Aydarkul, where you’ll enjoy a camel ride through the rustic surroundings. There aren’t any five-star hotels here in the middle of nature - instead, you’ll bed down in a traditional yurt tonight.

Hotel Options
About

For the one true way to get back to nature and genuinely immerse yourself in Uzbek culture, why not stay in a traditional yurt camp? With Kizilkum Safari, it’s possible to experience a slice of nomadic life featuring everything from the camels to the communal cooking. Set in the stunning scenery of Nurata with the gorgeous turquoise waters of Lake Aydarkul and its snowy peaked mountains nearby, guests can enjoy staying in a real Kazakh yurt without giving up their creature comforts.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Nurata & Aydarkul Lake
Nurata & Aydarkul Lake

Day 7

Samarkand

Rise early to watch the stunning sun rise across the majestic Aydarkul landscape. Once fortified with a good breakfast, depart to Samarkand (143 miles/3 hours), a world-famous city which used to lie at the crossroads of the silk trading route through Europe and Asia. Take a good look round the Royal Square of Registan, which consists of three elaborately decorated madrassas (Islamic schools)

Hotel Options
About

Located in the heart of the city, the Dilimah offers convenience and comfort to visitors of this historic city. The 11 guest rooms are furnished with contemporary amenities and furnishings, and premium rooms feature a balcony.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The Hilton Samarkand Regency is a 5-star hotel and top pick in Samarkand. The property offers 233 guest rooms with dressed in contemporary furnishings and smart mod-cons including tea/coffee makers and complimentary WiFi.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Samarkand
Samarkand

Day 8

Samarkand

You’ll be treated to a full day sightseeing on this eighth day. Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of many highlights, with its ocean-blue domes and painstakingly detailed carvings. Zinda necropolis is also on the agenda; a great collection of monuments between 500 and 1000 years old, each with its own beauty and historic significance. Come evening, it’s back to the hotel for dinner and to prepare for the following day’s travels.

Day 9

Samarkand

A morning drive will take you from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz, a city famous for being built and ruled by the ancient Timur leader in the 14th century. Everything in the city seems to be connected with the great leader in one way or another, including the pristine ‘White Palace’ that you’ll get to explore. After lunch, it’s back to explore Samarkand some more.

Day 10

Samarkand

It’s your final full day and your last chance to see the remaining attractions of Samarkand. You’ll see Ulugbek observatory, the first and biggest observatory in the Central Asia. You can explore both above or below land as the site features some interesting underground passageways. There’s also time for the local paper factory - offering a fantastic insight into the traditional paper production techniques of Uzbekistan. Catch the ‘rapid train’ to make it back to Tashkent for your overnight accommodation.

Samarkand
Samarkand

Day 11

Departure

Wake up in this unique, diverse and fascinating land for one last time on this trip. Today you’ll have the chance to prepare for your flight home or grab some last minute souvenirs in the capital of Tashkent. After checking out of your hotel, private transportation will take you to the airport where you’ll catch a flight onto your next destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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