Example Itinerary

Tashkent to Samarkand via Fergana Valley: Mountains & Historic Cities of Uzbekistan

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture, Amazing Landscapes
Destinations
Uzbekistan

This fascinating journey through Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley takes you along snaking mountain roads, across desolate deserts and into ancient cities that boast unrivalled beauty on quite an epic scale. The Fergana Valley, famous for its historic trade settlements and stunning natural beauty, is spread across a large part of eastern Uzbekistan, as well as neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The region's administrative center and largest city is Fergana City, which lies 260 miles from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Although this itinerary does include both of these relatively modern cities, most of your exploration time is dedicated to the older, more popular, and simply breathtaking cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. There are also trips to the smaller, yet equally as fascinating towns of Kokand, Margilan and Rishtan.

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

  • Scenic Silk Roads: On the historic route from Tashkent to Fergana, you'll pass mountains, negotiate gorges, and cross rivers - the journey is a destination in itself.
  • Traditional Pottery: Known since ancient times as the center of ceramics in the region, Rishtan's intricate designs of turquoise and aquamarine echo Uzbekistan's blue-tiled monuments.
  • Living History: Delve deep into past conqueror Timur's "crossroad" city of Samarkand and discover why millions of pilgrims make the journey here each year.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Tashkent

After checking-in to your hotel you'll have the rest of the day to explore this ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse capital city. Just to get an idea, take walk through centuries old wall-mudded houses in the old town, which are over-shadowed by Soviet-era housing blocks towering above. Or step out into the city center at night to witness the vibrant dance, music and culture scenes, reflecting both Islamic and Russian tastes.

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

Fergana Valley

Leave in the morning by car for a long (4.5 hour), but spectacular drive to Kokand and then Fergana. The majestic mountain road is decorated with snow-capped peaks and green slopes. You'll cross the huge Kamchick Gorge, which played an important role in development of Kokand through the silk trade. There'll be time to explore Kokand itself before getting back on the road to Fergana, where you'll be spending the night.

Hotel Options
About

This comfortable hotel is perfectly situated in the center of Fergana - next to the city mayor's office and within a five minute walk of the city park, it’s ideally placed as a base for guests who want to explore the area and the beautiful scenic region beyond. Decorated in colonial style, the Asia Fergana, while not luxury accommodation, offers old-world charm and all the conveniences you could ask for.

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

This simple in Fergana city is well-placed for international travelers, located less than two miles from Fergana International Airport. What’s more, it’s just a short walk to the city park and the Alisher Navoi monument with its beautiful turquoise dome and the shrine of Sergius of Radonezh.

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.

Fergana Valley
Fergana Valley

Day 3

Fergana Valley

Both the picturesque market town of Margilan and the classic pottery town of Rishtan are close to Fergana, and today you'll be visiting them both. Margilan boasts a cute little town center which you'll be able to peruse at your own leisure - perhaps snapping up a bargain along the way in the busy local market. On to Rishtan, where you'll get to see a live demonstration of traditional pottery spinning. In the evening, it’s back to your hotel in Fergana for a second night.

Day 4

Tashkent

This morning is a chance to do a quick sightseeing trip of Fergana City, the regional capital and administrative centre of this region. The quaint city center has some exquisite restaurants and a good selection of shops. After lunch, depart to Tashkent (217 miles). On the way there's a stop-off to learn more about one of Uzbekistan's most popular exports - cotton. Take a break from the road and meet cotton growers, seeing how it's made. Check in to your hotel upon arrival back in Tashkent.

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
Tashkent
Tashkent

Day 5

Khiva

At this halfway point of your trip, you may be wondering why you're back in the capital. You're here not for a second visit, but to use its airport. In the morning, you'll fly to Urgench and then drive on to Khiva. The long trip is well worth it, and you'll have the afternoon to see why. Khiva, awash with blue-tiled mosques and monuments, is simply stunning. After a tour of the old town, enjoy dinner at the luxurious summer palace of Khiva.

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.

Day 6

Bukhara

Close to Khiva is another 'pearl' city of Uzbekistan - Bukhara. A 7-hour morning ride through the countryside (stopping off for a picnic lunch) will take you to Bukhara from Khiva. Upon arrival, you'll be blown away by yet more spectacular Persian architecture and giant mausoleums in this monastery-like city. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner as you watch the sun set over this incredible, spiritual place.

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.

Bukhara
Bukhara

Day 7

Bukhara

Bukhara's beauty really deserves a full day of your time, and that's exactly what today is for. You'll have a private city tour visiting all the best sites, including the tranquil Lyabi Khauz Plaza, Ismail Samani mausoleum – the oldest building in Central Asia, and many other ancient monuments all keeping the secrets of the past.

Day 8

Samarkand

If you're up and about early enough you'll be able to squeeze in some last visits around Bukhara and take it all in for one last time. After you've checked out of your hotel in Bukhara and had lunch, it's back on the road to Samarkand (3.5 hours) - possibly the most popular city in the whole country for both tourists and pilgrims. The city has long profited from its position at the crossroads of the ancient silk trading route from Asia to Europe. Have a look round in the evening and prepare for tomorrow's full day of touring.

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 9

Samarkand

The first stop of most sightseeing tours in Samarkand usually involves the majestic Registan Square at the heart of the city. Marvel in the gorgeous architecture and intricate tiled walls throughout. It's then on to the equally spectacular Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the burial place of the Tamerlane (Timur) leader who once ruled much of Asia 500 years ago. There's also time to squeeze in trips to Shakhi-Zinda (a mini-necropolis of mausoleums), and to the former leader Uluabek's observatory on a hill.

Day 10

Tashkent

The morning will be a continuation of the visits around the attractions of Samarkand, after all, there are so many of them that you'll need all the time you can get! See the blue domed Bibi-Khanym Mosque and visit the silk fashion studio of the famous designer Valentina Romanenko. There's also time to hit the buzzing Siyab Bazaar – a great opportunity to sample some local bread and fruit. In the evening, it's back to Tashkent by rapid train.

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
Tashkent
Tashkent

Day 11

Departure

Enjoy a final goodbye buffet breakfast at your hotel and check out. You'll head by private transportation to the international airport of Tashkent for your onward flight, marking the end of your incredible journey through the stunning Fergana Valley.

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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