Example Itinerary

Natural & Manmade Wonders of Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture, Amazing Landscapes
Destinations
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan

There’s a world of culture, history and nature waiting to be uncovered by those daring enough to be different. This two-week itinerary through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan offers exactly that. Something a little different. Take, for example, the blue-washed city of Khiva in which you will spend the day exploring and the night sleeping, or the maze of mausoleums that the monastery-like city of Bukhara so proudly boasts. After soaking up the spiritual atmosphere in the ancient Samarkand city, the final stop in Uzbekistan, the emphasis switches to the stunning natural beauty of the neighboring Tajikistan. Become blown away as you journey across this picturesque, untouched country, staying in the mountain towns of Istaravshan and Saritag, whilst visiting the famous Karakul River and Iskanderkul Lake along the way. A truly memorable 14-day trip through this fascinating yet often overlooked part of the world.

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

  • Museum City: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bukhara is home to a number of significant historic monuments, including the Ismail Samani mausoleum – the oldest building in Central Asia.
  • Samarkand: This Uzbek city is a spiritual crossroads and a destination for millions of pilgrims every year.
  • Iskanderkul Lake: Named for Alexander the Great, this body of water is famous for its brilliant turquoise, lagoon-like hue.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Tashkent

The first stop on this two-week journey through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is Tashkent, the Uzbek capital. After checking in to the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the ancient part of the city, visiting the stunning Khast Imam square, home to a library holding the oldest Koran of the Islamic world. Another top-tip is to drop by Chorsu, the largest market in the city, for a taste of traditional Uzbek lifestyle.

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.

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Hyatt Regency Tashkent Preferred Hotel

Day 2

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Khiva

A morning flight to Urgench is followed by a short onward journey to the historic city of Khiva. Famous for its classic Persian architecture and mud-walled maze of streets, this city lies hidden in the Kizilkum (red sands) desert, and is set on the banks of the Amu Darya River. With no less than 52 elegant monuments, you’ll need the rest of the day to sightsee with your own private guide. End the day with dinner in the picturesque surroundings of Khiva’s summer palace.

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

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Bukhara

A 7-hour morning journey from Khiva to the equally breathtaking city of Bukhara crosses over the Kyzyl-Kum desert and Amu Darya River. Enjoy a picnic stop for lunch with picturesque views and fresh air. There’s also a chance on the way to meet some local Karakul sheep (native to Central Asia) experts. After arrival in Bukhara, check in to the hotel, have dinner and get a good night’s rest in preparation for tomorrow’s full schedule of sightseeing.

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

Map

Bukhara

A full day of sightseeing in Bukhara takes you to Lyabi Hauz – a lovely square of water with surrounding monuments; the beautiful Poi-Kalyan, one of the main symbols of Bukhara, serving in former times as a lighthouse for travelers; and the not-to-be-missed Ismail Samani mausoleum – the oldest building in the Central Asia and one of the true pearls of the Islamic architectural world. Enjoy an evening dinner at the Nodir Divan Begui madrasah with a folk show.

Bukhara
Bukhara

Day 5

Map

Samarkand

Make a three-hour drive to Samarkand, the famous crossroads city situated at the heart of Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Road. After a quick check-in to your hotel, head out to the Royal Palace on Registan Square - consisting of three madrassas, Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tillya-Kari - this really is one of the architectural highlights of the city. Next up is the fascinating Gur-Emir mausoleum, the burial place of the Great Tamerlane and his dynasty.

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.

Day 6

Map

Samarkand

Another full day of sightseeing in Samarkand takes you to the blue-domed mosque of Bibi-Khanym and then to Shakhi-Zinda, a winding necropolis of mud-walled homes, ancient tombs and elegant mausoleums. Afrosiab museum offers a change of pace to the day, as well as an interesting insight into the complex and often baffling history of this region.

Day 7

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Tashkent

Halfway through this two-week adventure and it’s back to the capital Tashkent. The 4.5-hour overland journey goes through Bakhmal village, and it’s here where you’ll be able to discover the Uzbek tradition of cotton honey making. Arrive in Tashkent in the afternoon for lunch and some last visits around the city. Spend the night in the capital in preparation for tomorrow’s border crossing into Tajikistan.

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 8

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Khudjand

Time to depart Uzbekistan, swapping your Uzbekistani Som for the Tajikistan Somoni. After passing through Oybek, a small border town, it’s on to Khudjand, the second-largest city in Tajikistan - a journey of around 2.5 hours. A half-day sightseeing trip follows a lunchtime check-in, in which you’ll visit Temur Malik fortress, Sheikh Musliddin madrassah and the city’s central mosque.

Hotel Options
About

The newly-built Hotel Sugd in Khujand, Tajikistan offers 24 rooms and great access to the city's attractions. The comfortable European-Asian style rooms have a warm wooden theme throughout, and all have their own private bathroom, large TV, stereo system and fully-stocked mini-bar, all as standard.

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 Khudjand Grand in northern Tajikistan accommodates up to 50 people in its modern and tasteful range of single and double rooms. The location is convenient, with easy access to all the attractions such as the Opera House (which is located just a few steps away on the opposite side of the street) and the History Museum.

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 9

Map

Istaravshan

Istaravshan in the northern foothills of Tajikistan is your next destination. Get there by making a morning drive from Khudjand, passing some delightful mountain scenery on the way. You’ll arrive in good time for a tour of Muktepa (the old part of the city) taking in historic sites such as the Bobotago and Khudoyor mausoleums, Khazrati Shokh madrassah and the Chor-Gumbaz ensemble.

Hotel Options
About

The newly-built Hotel Sugd in Khujand, Tajikistan offers 24 rooms and great access to the city's attractions. The comfortable European-Asian style rooms have a warm wooden theme throughout, and all have their own private bathroom, large TV, stereo system and fully-stocked mini-bar, all as standard.

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 Khudjand Grand in northern Tajikistan accommodates up to 50 people in its modern and tasteful range of single and double rooms. The location is convenient, with easy access to all the attractions such as the Opera House (which is located just a few steps away on the opposite side of the street) and the History Museum.

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 10

Map

Pendjikent

Today you’ll drive to Pendjikent, the ancient settlement once home to the Sogdians of pre-Islamic Tajikistan. Accommodation here is at a small guesthouse and after checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the area with your own private guide. Highlights include an excavations site of ancient Sogd, Rudaki museum, Olim Dotkho Mosque and the town’s bustling market.

Hotel Options
About

There is perhaps no better example of true Tajik hospitality than at Elina Guesthouse in Pendjikent. The pretty town, steeped in history, built next to the ruins of its original site and surrounded by flora and fauna offers the best of both worlds and visitors stopping through can get a true taste of authentic local culture.

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 pretty town of Pendjikent, on Tajikistan’s westernmost tip is a popular crossing point into neighboring Uzbekistan. Aside from its advantageous location for travel, the town is a destination in itself, with fascinating museums, bustling markets and historic ruins.

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.

Pendjikent
Pendjikent

Day 11

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Saritag Village

Depart for Iskanderkul Lake in the morning. This stunning spot, situated at 7,000 feet, is surrounded by towering mountains enclosing a wonderful turquoise body of water. Walk along the lakeshore and visit the waterfall – with lunch along the way. After getting your fill of fresh air and stunning views, drive to the mountain village Saritag where you will enjoy dinner and overnight in a guest house.

Hotel Options
About

A homestay offers a fascinating window into Tajik culture where guests will feel an immediate connection with the culture and locals that can’t be found in hotels. In this humble but comfortable homestay with the basic facilities covered, guests will have a chance to live how the locals live, while having a base from which to explore remote Tajikistan.

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.

Saritag Village
Saritag Village

Day 12

Map

Dushanbe

From your accommodation in Saritag, the Karakul River is easily reached on foot. Once you arrive you’ll be greeted by some jaw-dropping views across a vast, pristine expanse of water. The views stretch right over to the stunning snowcapped mountains on the other side. After this memorable trip, lunch is served back at the national house in Saritag. In the afternoon, make your way to Dushanbe, the final city of the trip.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Within walking distance of a number of popular local attractions, and just a 15-minute drive from Dushanbe International Airport, the Hyatt Regency has a much sought after location in this Tajik city.

Services: The service here is first-class with a personalized touch and guests’ needs are met on every request.

History: The capital city of Dushanbe has a historical past that dates back over 3,000 years. A number of archaeological finds highlight the city’s unsettled history, including Greek-Bactrian ruins and a settlement from the Kushan period, dating back to the 7th century.

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Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Preferred Hotel
About

This luxury hotel in the center of Dushanbe is one of the city's more modern options. As soon as you step inside the grand lobby with its traditional Tajik features, it's clear that plenty of time and effort have gone into the hotel's design.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Dushanbe
Dushanbe

Day 13

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Dushanbe

On this penultimate day, there’s a packed schedule of sightseeing and activities. Kick off the morning with two museum trips, followed by an exploration of the central Somoni Square and the impressive Gissar. There’s also some excellent botanical gardens and markets to be squeezed in before dinner with a traditional Tajik folk show.

Day 14

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Departure

Your two weeks of culture, history and adventure have come to an end, and it’s time to depart this fascinating, beautiful part of the world. Enjoy the hotel’s buffet breakfast before being whisked off in private transportation to the international airport, and on to your next flight.

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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