10-Day Tour to Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Mountains, Samarkand, Yurts at Aydarkul, Bukhara and Khiva

The route can also be done in reverse — see the program on the next tab.

1. 1

   Day 1 Tashkent: discovering the capital

   The first day of the tour begins in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. After arrival and meeting the guide, a city sightseeing tour begins, showing both the historic and the modern side of the capital.

   The tour includes a visit to the Besh-Kazan Plov Center, where thousands of portions of the national dish are prepared daily. Next, you'll ascend the Tashkent TV Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. Also on the itinerary is the "Courage" monument, dedicated to Tashkent's post-earthquake reconstruction, and the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in an early 20th-century mansion.

   In the afternoon you will visit the Abdulkasym Sheikh Madrasa, and then head to the modern Tashkent City district. Here you will see the singing fountains, which are compared in scale and spectacle to the fountains of Dubai. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and rest.

2. 2

   Day 2 Tashkent → Institute of Solar Physics → Amirsoy → Mountains

   After breakfast, you leave Tashkent for the mountain areas of the Western Tian Shan. The first stop is the Institute of Solar Physics, a unique scientific complex that houses one of the most powerful solar concentrators in the world. The tour lets you learn about the scientific developments and see how solar energy is used in research.
   The route then continues to the Amirsoy ski resort. Here, you'll ride a cable car in modern enclosed cabins to an altitude of approximately 2,290 meters above sea level. The observation decks offer panoramic views of the mountain ranges and valleys. After the climb, you'll enjoy lunch at one of the resort's restaurants.
   In the afternoon, you'll head to the Charvak Reservoir. Depending on the weather and your group's preferences, a boat ride or paragliding is possible. In the evening, you'll arrive at your mountain hotel, check in, and relax. You'll spend the night in the mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. 3

   Day 3 Urungach Jade Lakes

   After breakfast at a mountain hotel, we depart for the village of Urungach. The minibus journey takes approximately four hours and takes us along a picturesque mountain road with panoramic views of gorges and forests. Upon arrival, we begin our hike to the Lower and Upper Jade Lakes.
   The hike is at a relaxed pace and is suitable for people with basic physical fitness. Along the way you will enjoy views of mountain slopes and the crystal-clear water of the lakes, which changes shade depending on the light. There will be a lunch and time to rest on the shore of one of the lakes, and swimming is also possible in the warm season.
   In the afternoon, the group returns to the vehicle and heads back to the mountain hotel. In the evening — rest after an active day, dinner, and an overnight stay in the mountains.

4. 4

   Day 4 Paltau Waterfall → Tashkent → Samarkand

   After breakfast at a mountain hotel, you'll head towards Paltau Waterfall. The journey takes you through picturesque mountainous terrain. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, you'll purchase entrance tickets for the national park, after which you'll begin your hike to the waterfall.

   By 12:00 you reach Paltau Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Tashkent area. There is free time here to rest, walk around and have a light snack. The waterfall is surrounded by cliffs and greenery, making it a perfect finale to the mountain part of the journey.

   After a rest, you walk back to the vehicle and drive to Tashkent, from where you continue to Samarkand. The journey is made by train or bus and takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the transport chosen. By evening you arrive in Samarkand, check into the hotel and have free time. Dinner is on your own, so you can choose a restaurant to your taste and soak up the city’s evening atmosphere.

5. 5

   Day 5 Samarkand

   After breakfast at the hotel, you'll continue exploring Samarkand, a city rightfully considered the heart of the Silk Road. This day's excursion combines architectural monuments, craft traditions, and a vibrant urban atmosphere.
   In the morning, you'll visit a Samarkand paper factory, where 12th-century technologies are still used. Here, you'll see the process of making paper from mulberry trees and learn why Samarkand paper was prized far beyond the region. Next, you'll visit a silk factory, where you'll learn about the traditions of weaving and making silk products.
   After lunch, the tour continues. You'll visit the famous Siab Bazaar, Samarkand's main market, where fruits, spices, nuts, and traditional sweets are sold. Then, you'll visit the Shah-i-Zinda architectural complex—a complex of mausoleums of Samarkand's nobility, stunning in its rich mosaics and ornamentation.
   The itinerary also includes a visit to the Mausoleum of St. Daniel, a pilgrimage site for representatives of various religions, and the observatory of Ulugbek, a renowned astronomer and 15th-century ruler. Dinner and free time in the evening. Optionally, you can attend the El Merosi Costume and Dance Theater (advance booking is recommended).

6. 6

   Day 6 Samarkand → Aydarkul (yurt camp)

   After breakfast at the hotel you leave Samarkand and head for the shores of Lake Aydarkul. Here you will have time to relax on the sandy beach and swim in the lake (water temperature permitting). It is a rare chance to unwind after busy sightseeing days and enjoy the nature of Uzbekistan at a gentle pace. Lunch is served on the shore of Aydarkul.

   In the afternoon the journey continues deep into the Kyzylkum Desert, and you arrive at the yurt camp. You stay in comfortable yurts furnished with beds and lighting. In the evening you are treated to dinner, live music, songs of an akyn bard by the campfire and an introduction to nomadic traditions. The night passes in the silence of the desert beneath a starry sky.

7. 7

   Day 7 Yurt camp → Nurata → Gijduvan → Bukhara

   After breakfast at the camp, the route passes through the town of Nurata, where you visit the mosque and mausoleums, the fortress attributed to Alexander the Great, and the sacred spring that is a place of pilgrimage. Lunch is at a traditional teahouse.

   Next comes the drive towards Bukhara. On the way there is a stop at a 13th-century sardoba, an ancient water cistern that once served Silk Road caravans and a striking example of medieval Eastern engineering. A detour to the town of Gijduvan, famous for its master ceramicists, is also possible: here you can watch pottery being made and buy authentic handmade souvenirs.

   Upon arrival in Bukhara, check into your hotel and enjoy free time. In the evening, you can take a self-guided stroll through the old town or join a guided tour to get a first taste of the city's atmosphere. Optionally, you can visit a working 16th-century hammam, where traditional treatments such as scrubs and massages are offered (recommended before or 90 minutes after dinner).

8. 8

   Day 8 Bukhara

   This day is entirely dedicated to sightseeing in Bukhara, a city that has been the region's religious, commercial, and cultural center for centuries. After breakfast at your hotel, you'll embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the historic city. In the morning, you'll visit Bukhara's key landmarks:

   • Ark Fortress — an ancient citadel and residence of the Bukhara emirs;
   • the architectural complex of Poi-Kalon, including the Kalon minaret and mosque;
   • the working Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, one of the main Islamic educational centers of Central Asia;
   • Ulugbek Madrasa, built in the 15th century;
   • 16th-century trading domes, where craft shops still operate today.

   After lunch at a restaurant in the center of the old town, the tour continues. In the afternoon, you'll see:

   • Magoki-Attori Mosque — one of the oldest in the region;
   • the workshop of a famous Bukhara puppet maker;
   • the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble with its man-made pool, a popular place for walks;
   • the monument to Khoja Nasreddin, a hero of eastern folklore.

   In the evening, dinner in one of the restaurants and the end of the excursion day.

9. 9

   Day 9 Bukhara → Khiva

   On the ninth day of the tour, you travel from Bukhara to Khiva, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Central Asia. The transfer is by train or comfortable vehicle and takes most of the day. The route runs through the Kyzylkum Desert, which lets you see the non-touristy side of the country and feel the scale of the Central Asian expanses.

   On arrival in Khiva, hotel check-in and free time. In the evening you can stroll through the old town on your own or take a walk with the guide for a first taste of the atmosphere of Itchan Kala.

   The day passes at a relaxed pace and serves as a comfortable transition from Bukhara’s busy sightseeing program to discovering Khiva the next day.

10. 10

    Day 10 Khiva → Urgench: the museum city and departure

    The final day of the tour is devoted to getting to know Khiva, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Central Asia. After breakfast at the hotel, you will set off on a tour of the historic complex of Itchan Kala, the inner city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where the main architectural symbols of Khiva are concentrated:

    • the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa and the Kalta-Minor Minaret, which have become the city's calling card;
    • the Kunya-Ark Fortress and the Muhammad Rahim Khan Feruz Madrasa;
    • Juma Mosque with a unique forest of carved wooden columns.

    Lunch is served in the middle of the day. If the group wishes, a cooking class in traditional Uzbek dishes can be arranged. In the afternoon the tour continues:

    • Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, a poet, philosopher and national hero of Khiva;
    • Islam Khoja Madrasa and Minaret, the tallest minaret in the city;
    • the Tash-Hauli Palace complex, the former harem of the khans of Khiva;
    • an old caravanserai where Eastern shops still operate.

    To finish, there is free time for walks and shopping, as well as a photo session in the old town against the backdrop of its historic monuments, with the chance to try on traditional costumes. Then comes the transfer to Urgench airport and your flight. The 10-day tour of Uzbekistan draws to a close, leaving you with vivid memories of ancient cities, mountain landscapes and Eastern hospitality.

The same program in reverse: starting in Khiva (flying into Urgench) and ending in Tashkent.

1. 1

   Day 1 Urgench → Khiva: discovering the museum city

   The first day of the tour is devoted to getting to know Khiva, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Central Asia. After meeting your guide, you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an ancient Eastern city that is rightfully considered an open-air museum. After breakfast at the hotel, you will set out on a tour of the historic Itchan Kala complex, the inner city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find the main architectural symbols of Khiva:

   • the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa and the Kalta-Minor Minaret, which have become the city's calling card;
   • the Kunya-Ark Fortress and the Muhammad Rahim Khan Feruz Madrasa;
   • Juma Mosque with a unique forest of carved wooden columns.

   Lunch is served in the afternoon. A master class in preparing traditional Uzbek dishes is available for the group, offering a first culinary introduction to the country. The tour continues in the afternoon:

   • Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, a poet, philosopher and national hero of Khiva;
   • Islam Khoja Madrasa and Minaret, the tallest minaret in the city;
   • the Tash-Hauli Palace complex, the former harem of the khans of Khiva;
   • an old caravanserai where Eastern shops still operate.

   The day concludes with free time for strolling and shopping, as well as a photo shoot in the old town against the backdrop of historical sites and the opportunity to try on traditional costumes. This is a great opportunity to soak up the spirit of Khiva and cherish the vivid memories of the first day of travel.

2. 2

   Day 2 Khiva → Bukhara

   On the second day of the tour, you'll depart Khiva for Bukhara, one of the oldest cities on the Silk Road. The journey takes place by train or comfortable vehicle and takes most of the day. The route passes through the Kyzylkum Desert, allowing you to see a less touristy side of the country and appreciate the vastness of Central Asia.
   Upon arrival in Bukhara, check into your hotel and enjoy free time. In the evening, you can take a self-guided stroll through the old town or join a guided tour to get a first taste of the city's atmosphere. Optionally, you can visit a working 16th-century hammam, where traditional treatments such as scrubs and massages are offered (recommended before or 90 minutes after dinner).
   The day passes at a leisurely pace and serves as a comfortable transition from busy sightseeing in Khiva to a more in-depth acquaintance with Bukhara the following day.

3. 3

   Day 3 Bukhara

   This day is entirely dedicated to sightseeing in Bukhara, a city that has been the region's religious, commercial, and cultural center for centuries. After breakfast at your hotel, you'll embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the historic city. In the morning, you'll visit Bukhara's key landmarks:

   • Ark Fortress — an ancient citadel and residence of the Bukhara emirs;
   • the architectural complex of Poi-Kalon, including the Kalon minaret and mosque;
   • the working Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, one of the main Islamic educational centers of Central Asia;
   • Ulugbek Madrasa, built in the 15th century;
   • 16th-century trading domes, where craft shops still operate today.

   After lunch at a restaurant in the center of the old town, the tour continues. In the afternoon, you'll see:

   • Magoki-Attori Mosque — one of the oldest in the region;
   • the workshop of a famous Bukhara puppet maker;
   • the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble with its man-made pool, a popular place for walks;
   • the monument to Khoja Nasreddin, a hero of eastern folklore.

   In the evening, dinner in one of the restaurants and the end of the excursion day.

4. 4

   Day 4 Bukhara → Kyzylkum Desert → Aydarkul (yurt camp)

   After breakfast at the hotel, you'll leave Bukhara and head towards the Kyzylkum Desert. Along the way, you'll stop at a 13th-century sardoba, an ancient reservoir that served caravans along the Silk Road. It's a prime example of medieval Eastern engineering.
   The route then passes through the city of Nurata, where you'll visit a mosque and mausoleums, a fortress attributed to Alexander the Great, and a sacred spring considered a pilgrimage site. After lunch at a traditional teahouse, the journey continues deeper into the desert.
   In the afternoon, you'll arrive at the yurt camp. Accommodation is in comfortable yurts with furniture and lighting. In the evening, you'll enjoy dinner, live music, songs by an akyn (folk bard) around the campfire, and an introduction to nomadic traditions. The night passes in the silence of the desert under a starry sky.

5. 5

   Day 5 Aydarkul → Samarkand

   The morning begins with breakfast and a trip to the shore of Lake Aydarkul. Here, you'll have time to relax on the sandy beach and swim in the lake (if the water temperature is favorable). This is a rare opportunity to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and enjoy Uzbekistan's natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
   Lunch will be served on the banks of Lake Aydarkul, after which the journey to Samarkand begins. En route, you may stop in the town of Gijduvan, renowned for its ceramics masters. Here, you can witness the pottery-making process and purchase authentic handmade souvenirs.
   In the evening, you'll arrive in Samarkand, check into your hotel, and have free time. Dinner is on your own, so you can choose a restaurant to suit your tastes and soak up the city's evening atmosphere.

6. 6

   Day 6 Samarkand

   After breakfast at the hotel, you'll continue exploring Samarkand, a city rightfully considered the heart of the Silk Road. This day's excursion combines architectural monuments, craft traditions, and a vibrant urban atmosphere.
   In the morning, you'll visit a Samarkand paper factory, where 12th-century technologies are still used. Here, you'll see the process of making paper from mulberry trees and learn why Samarkand paper was prized far beyond the region. Next, you'll visit a silk factory, where you'll learn about the traditions of weaving and making silk products.
   After lunch, the tour continues. You'll visit the famous Siab Bazaar, Samarkand's main market, where fruits, spices, nuts, and traditional sweets are sold. Then, you'll visit the Shah-i-Zinda architectural complex—a complex of mausoleums of Samarkand's nobility, stunning in its rich mosaics and ornamentation.
   The itinerary also includes a visit to the Mausoleum of St. Daniel, a pilgrimage site for representatives of various religions, and the observatory of Ulugbek, a renowned astronomer and 15th-century ruler. Dinner and free time in the evening. Optionally, you can attend the El Merosi Costume and Dance Theater (advance booking is recommended).

7. 7

   Day 7 Samarkand → Tashkent

   After breakfast, you'll depart for Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The journey takes between 2 and 4 hours by bus or train, depending on your chosen mode of transport. Upon arrival, a sightseeing tour of the city begins, allowing you to see both the historical and modern sides of the capital.
   The tour includes a visit to the Besh-Kazan Plov Center, where thousands of portions of the national dish are prepared daily. Next, you'll ascend the Tashkent TV Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. Also on the itinerary is the "Courage" monument, dedicated to Tashkent's post-earthquake reconstruction, and the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in an early 20th-century mansion.
   In the afternoon you will visit the Abdulkasym Sheikh Madrasa, and then head to the modern Tashkent City district. Here you will see the singing fountains, which are compared in scale and spectacle to the fountains of Dubai. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and rest.

8. 8

   Day 8 Tashkent → Institute of Solar Physics → Amirsoy → Mountains

   After breakfast, you leave Tashkent for the mountain areas of the Western Tian Shan. The first stop is the Institute of Solar Physics, a unique scientific complex that houses one of the most powerful solar concentrators in the world. The tour lets you learn about the scientific developments and see how solar energy is used in research.
   The route then continues to the Amirsoy ski resort. Here, you'll ride a cable car in modern enclosed cabins to an altitude of approximately 2,290 meters above sea level. The observation decks offer panoramic views of the mountain ranges and valleys. After the climb, you'll enjoy lunch at one of the resort's restaurants.
   In the afternoon, you'll head to the Charvak Reservoir. Depending on the weather and your group's preferences, a boat ride or paragliding is possible. In the evening, you'll arrive at your mountain hotel, check in, and relax. You'll spend the night in the mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

9. 9

   Day 9 Urungach Jade Lakes

   After breakfast at a mountain hotel, we depart for the village of Urungach. The minibus journey takes approximately four hours and takes us along a picturesque mountain road with panoramic views of gorges and forests. Upon arrival, we begin our hike to the Lower and Upper Jade Lakes.
   The hike is at a relaxed pace and is suitable for people with basic physical fitness. Along the way you will enjoy views of mountain slopes and the crystal-clear water of the lakes, which changes shade depending on the light. There will be a lunch and time to rest on the shore of one of the lakes, and swimming is also possible in the warm season.
   In the afternoon, the group returns to the vehicle and heads back to the mountain hotel. In the evening — rest after an active day, dinner, and an overnight stay in the mountains.

10. 10

    Day 10 Paltau Waterfall → Tashkent → departure

    After breakfast at a mountain hotel, you'll head towards Paltau Waterfall. The journey takes you through picturesque mountainous terrain. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, you'll purchase entrance tickets for the national park, after which you'll begin your hike to the waterfall.
    By 12:00, you'll reach Paltau Waterfall—one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Tashkent. Here, you'll have free time to rest, stroll, and grab a light snack. The waterfall is surrounded by rocks and greenery, making it a perfect end to the active part of the trip.
    After a restful break, the return journey to the transport and departure for Tashkent begins. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for departure. Your 10-day Uzbekistan tour comes to an end, leaving behind vivid impressions of ancient cities, mountainous nature, and Eastern hospitality.