From $1,845
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Take an adventure through Uzbekistan, a country famous for its ancient Silk Road cities overflowing with mosques, mausoleums and mystery. Beginning and ending in Tashkent, the nation's capital, this trip will have you following in the footsteps of traders, pilgrims, Alexander the Great and Tamerlane himself. Walk in the shadows of ancient, blue-tiled buildings, sleep in a yurt under thousands of desert stars and spend an evening at a home stay with a family in the Nuratau Mountains.
Highlights
- The much-photographed Registan in Samarkand is one of the true pinnacles of Islamic architecture. You'll be wowed by the scale, grandeur and beauty of the monuments to iconic figures such as Tamerlane and the Persia-influenced madressas, mosques and mausoleums.
- Central Asia is a fascinating and unique mix of ancient Silk Road culture, Soviet influence and striving to redefine nations post independence. Geographically and for a time historically, it is the real centre of Asia.
- Spend an evening in the isolated Kyzylkum Desert, warming yourself by the fire and sleeping in a yurt.
- Get to really know the stories and people of Uzbekistan while sharing home-cooked meals with local families, including a home stay in the remote Nuratau Mountains.
- Spend time in World Heritage-listed Bukhara, a 6th-century-BC city that's drenched in history and home to the formidable Ark of Bukhara.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2207
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Metro,High-speed train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: KFSA
Starts: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Finishes: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Yurt Camp (1 night),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $1,845 ($205 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital and Central Asia's main hub. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet you tour leader and fellow travellers. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel from Tashkent to Bukhara by train this morning (approx 4 hours). Located on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was an important regional and world hub for many, many years and has a long, fascinating history featuring invasions by both Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. The majority of the town centre is filled with beautiful old buildings and, after checking into the hotel on arrival, you'll explore these on a guided tour. Visit the spectacular Ark building, a fortress that was occupied from the 5th century right up until its bombing in 1920, the Bolo - Hauz Mosque with its most elegant wooden carvings, and thousand - year old Ismail Samani Mausoleum. This shrine, built around the 10th century, was spared destruction during Genghis Khan's invasion as it's thought to have been buried as a result of flooding. It was discovered and excavated in the 20th century, and became a popular spot for pilgrims and local residents who considered it sacred.
Included Activities:
- Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
- Bukhara - Ark Fortress
- Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque
Optional Activities:
- Bukhara - Fayzulla Khojaev House (20000 UZS)
- Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace (40000 UZS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With over 100 architectural monuments scattered throughout the city, there's plenty to be seeing in the well-preserved ancient town. Today, enjoy a full day city tour through sites and places that are steeped in history. Visit the iconic Kalon Mosque and Minaret, one of the most impressive with a view of the city. Stop at the Lyabi - Hauz Plaza, built about 400 years ago around a pool, still full of the old world feel with its picturesque backdrop. Chor Minor, the 4 cornered Minarets stand right behind it too. Don't miss Maghoki - Attar Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in Central Asia built in the 12th century, but was once a Buddhist and a Zoroastrian temple before that. And Ulugbek Madrasah, the first in the city.
If you are still energetic after a full day's exploration, perhaps take an optional visit to Hammam Bozori Kord, the oldest Turkish-style bathhouse in Bukhara, before a free evening in town. Your leader can help with suggestions on where to find some authentic Uzbek fare for dinner tonight.
Included Activities:
- Bukhara - Magoki Attori Mosque
- Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque
- Bukhara - Ulugbek Madrasa
- Bukhara - Lyabi-Hauz Plaza
Optional Activities:
- Bukhara - Hammam Bozori Kord (400000 UZS)
- Bukhara - Folklore & Fashion show (70000 UZS)
- Bukhara - Zindon (20000 UZS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Bukhara and drive to Gijduvan. Here you'll visit a ceramic workshop, where sixth-generation ceramicists Abdulla and Alisher Narzullaev make some truly beautiful pieces. Spend an hour or so at the workshop then continue to Nurata, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours. The city proper was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, though archaelogical remains date the first inhabitants of the area many thousands of years earlier, and the ruins of his fortress can still be seen today. From Nurata, the group will head into the Kyzylkum desert to spend the night sleeping in yurts. Perhaps choose to take an optional camel ride in the desert, and enjoy an evening campfire and local music with tonight's dinner underneath the desert stars.
Included Activities:
- Gijduvan - Ceramics workshop
Accommodation:
- Yurt (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive into the Nuratau Mountains for our stay in a Tajik village (2-3 hours). These villages are serene, hidden away in the hills with paths shaded by greenery and buildings made of stone. The region is a desert oasis, with irrigation channels watering crops and giving life to trees. Spend the day hiking to waterfalls or petroglyph sites, possibly seeing the endemic mountain sheep called argali. Learn to bake traditional tandir bread and in the evening, learn how their beloved national dish - plov is cooked at the local family and enjoy a feast of home-cooked flavors. Spend the night in a homestay, learning about the local traditions and culture.
Included Activities:
- Nuratau - village visit
- Nuratau Mountains - Plov cooking demonstration & dinner
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Marco Polo described Samarkand as a 'very large and splendid city,' and after a four hour drive you'll find out for yourself. This is a truly breathtaking place that conjures up images of ancient splendour, and there's perhaps no more well-known sight in Central Asia than the magnificent Registan in the heart of the city. This public square was once a gathering place for locals, where they would hear royal announcements and watch public executions among other things. Also visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur who was the first ruler of the Timurid Dynasty. His crypt was opened in 1941 by a Soviet anthropologist, who found an inscription on Timur's gravestone essentially saying that 'He who opens this will be defeated by an enemy more fearsome than I'. On the following day, the Soviet Union was attacked by Hitler. After a day of sightseeing, overnight in a hotel in town and enjoy a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
- Samarkand - Registan Square
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend a full day in Samarkand continuing to take in the ancient sights and modern sounds. Don't miss Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning avenue of mausoleums decorated with beautiful blue tiles. Its holiest, most loved shrine is built around what's thought to be the grave of Quasam ibn-Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Mohammed and the man who brought Islam to the region many centuries ago. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is an incredible example of Islamic architecture, built for Timur by Bibi Khanym, his Chinese wife, while he was away. As the story goes, the architect of the mosque fell deeply in love with her and his kiss left a trace on her cheek. Timur saw the kiss on his return and this, of course, led to the architect's execution. Enjoy some free time after touring the sites in this glorious Silk Road city.
Included Activities:
- Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
- Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Optional Activities:
- Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory (30000 UZS)
- Samarkand - Tomb of Daniyar (25000 UZS)
- Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum (30000 UZS)
- Samarkand - Siob Bazaar - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart early this morning return to Tashkent by high-speed train, taking a packed breakfast for us to enjoy on board (approx 2 hours). Hop on local metro and enjoy a short city tour after arrival. Visit the Amir Timur Square in the center of the city, spend time wandering Chorsu Bazaar. The main building is topped by an impressive dome, and the market sells pretty much everything you could imagine, and plenty of things you couldn't. Then enjoy some free time. There maybe the option to catch a performance at the Navoi Ballet & Opera Theatre tonight.This theatre is just one of three that were given the status of 'Grand' within the Soviet Union, the other two being located in Moscow and Minsk. It's housed in a beautiful 20th-century building with a fountain at its entrace, and has played host to classic productions like Swan Lake and some incredible artists. Perhaps get your group together for a final dinner tonight before saying your farewells tomorrow morning.
Included Activities:
- Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
- Tashkent - City tour
- Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
Optional Activities:
- Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan (50000 UZS)
- Tashkent - Museum of Applied Arts (25000 UZS)
- Tashkent - Art Gallery of Uzbekistan (20000 UZS)
- Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum (40000 UZS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This adventure through Uzbekistan comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart at any stage before hotel check-out.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Minta - Traveled, October 2023
I went on the Uzbekistan Adventure trip with Jonibek as the tour leader and it was an amazing trip! If you are on the fence, just book it. Amazing sites, history, culture, friendly people and left with new friends. 10/10 recommend. The weather was perfect at the end of October.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Matthew - Traveled, October 2023
This trip was incredible. Before people would ask why are you going there? where even is uzbekistan? Isnt there a war going on near there? I didnt know how to reply then because i had no idea, but now those seem like very silly questions. Id ask them now, you dont know about Uzbekistan!? And im telling them all about it! We never caught a whiff of any danger of anything in or outside Uzbekistan. Our guide, Jonibek, took such good care of us and equipped us with so much knowledge that I'll be teaching courses to my family for months. I really can't recommend this trip enough to see a burgeoning country before tourism really takes off was a wonderful experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023
Debbie - Traveled, October 2023
I am a solo female traveler and if you are too, hesitate not. Sign up today, or tomorrow if you need to sleep on it. Uzbekistan Adventure trip delighted me to my very soul. Your tour guide has your back, so you can relax and drink in every magical moment. Trust me, the magic is real!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Peggy - Traveled, April 2024
Die Tour war fantastisch. Usbekistan ist ein tolles Land und es gibt so viel zu sehen. Man fühlt sich überall sicher und wird durch Intrepid perfekt betreut.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Elisabetta - Traveled, October 2023
Uzbekistan, a land steeped in rich history and captivating culture, beckons travelers with its allure of ancient Silk Road cities, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality. For those seeking an efficient yet enriching journey, Intrepid's 9-day tour provides an excellent introduction to this mesmerizing nation. For those with the luxury of time, consider extending your adventure to neighboring Turkmenistan. Indeed, a great tour guide can make all the difference in transforming a good trip into an extraordinary one. Shukrat's expertise, passion, and genuine care for the group undoubtedly enhanced the adventure. His ability to share insights into the country's history, culture, and traditions enriched our experience, making it more meaningful and memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Beatriz - Traveled, October 2023
What a GREAT experience. Uzbekistan is a hidden gem of a country, go there before it gets full of people because I'm sure it will! The trip is perfectly balanced by including big cities like Tashkent, impressive monuments and sites in Bukhara and Samarkand, the desert experience, and a lovely mountain village stay (a personal favorite). Our leader Jamshid went above and beyond to give us a very complete vision of his country and a great overall experience. We were very lucky to have him as our trip leader as we learned a lot from him, in many different ways. Definitely a country I will be back to!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2023
Raz - Traveled, October 2023
Uzbekistan is a rich land of immense history that is rapidly progressing into the 21 century, expect terrific cuisine, historical sites and a OUTSTANDING tour guide in Jonibek. Uzbekistan is well worth a visit, you will not regret.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Paul - Traveled, September 2023
Uzbekistan - this trip was simply fantastic, some early starts and long days, but worth every moment to see the brilliant architecture and meet the friendly people that make Uzbekistan a jewel in the Silk Road
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Julie - Traveled, October 2023
This trip surpassed my expectations and I feel very enriched by it. Uzbekistan felt a calm, resilient and happy country and its people were welcoming, very friendly and so generous. Jonibek our guide was fantastic; always happy to share his knowledge of history as well as current affairs. Nothing was too much trouble and he always tried to tailor the the trip to everyone's needs and make it look effortless, (and am sure it wasn't!) There was a good atmosphere in the group and it made the trip super enjoyable. Samarkand and Bukarah are incredibly beautiful and quite different from each other. Both with exquisite architecture, each with a character of its own. Tashkent is so green and so easy to navigate and its Russian Brutalist architecture is also part of the country's history and I was quite fascinated by it. The homestay was a wonderful experience, it really left a strong impression and the yurt a fun experience. All in all a very well-balanced trip. I think Samarkand could lose the paper workshop activity which was a bit boring and instead add another interesting site, there are so many to chose from! The Afrosiab museum should be an integral part of the visit, the majority voted to go as an extra and it was essential to understand the history of one of the most exciting ancient city in the world. All in all, Loved it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Jack - Traveled, September 2023
Uzbekistan is a fascinating country with spectacular sights. Go before it becomes over-touristed. This trip is a great overview. The mountain village is charming and not included in many other tours. The only major place you miss is Khiva, which you should see, but is easy to visit independently.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
Emma - Traveled, September 2023
The Uzbekistan Adventure trip was absolutely incredible. If you're wondering whether to take the plunge, just book it and go now before it's overrun with tourists. Bukhara, the homestay and yurt camp were highlights of this trip, though Samarkand and Tashkent were great. The country is beautiful, people are so friendly and the food is great! I wish the itinerary had included Khiva but I also wouldn't have wanted anything removed so I'd recommend adding on a few days at the end of your trip to visit Khiva. We had the best group and one of the best guides called Jonibek. His knowledge of history and his country was incredible. Book this trip now!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Sam - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent, refreshing and inspiring experience of a country which generally doesn’t garner a whole lot of attention. It manages to see a lot in only a week, but doesn’t feel rushed. A great trip, well worth your time and money!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Petur - Traveled, August 2023
Our trip to Uzbekistan was an amazing experience and our guide Lochin was perfect. I would highly recommend taking the trip with Intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Nicola - Traveled, August 2023
What a pleasant surprise Uzbekistan was! Full of hidden gems and fascinating history. Lochin was a brilliant guide who proudly showed off his country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
Carolin - Traveled, May 2023
Uzbekistan is mesmerizing! We had a great couple of days and experiences the kindheartedness of the locals, great food, and beautiful architecture. Lochin was a fantastic guide, going above and beyond to accommodate us!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2023
Ashley - Traveled, May 2023
A wonderful introduction to Central Asia! Highlights of this trip would definitely be the yurt stay and the homestay in the mountains. The country has such friendly locals, delicious food and incredible architecture. I went as a solo female traveller and would highly recommend to anyone!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Jason - Traveled, April 2023
Uzbekistan is a fascinating country, emerging as modern and confident while respecting its rich history. Intrepid does a great job showing off its beauty, culture, and people. Highly recommend for those who want to learn about Central Asia, Islamic culture, and the former Soviet Union. Very comfortable trip with adventure mixed in!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2023
Rachel - Traveled, April 2023
Amazing trip. I absolutely loved it and it totally exceeded my expectations. Uzbekistan is an incredible country. The architecture is amazing and I liked the balance of cities and historical sites with the quietness of the desert and mountains. Our tour leader jonibek was amazing. Book this. You won't regret it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2023
Umberto - Traveled, April 2023
I wanted to visit Samarkand since ages and I thought that the rest of the tour would have been just a nice add on. Instead, Uzbekistan delivered all way through! Cities are great, people are great, food is great. As a keen photographer, this was a perfect trip; ff you are into taking pictures, this is basically an gigantic amusement park. I chose the tour without Khiva and organised a couple of days up there myself ahead of the tour, highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2023
Adeline - Traveled, October 2022
Uzbekistan is a culturally rich and beautiful country. Our guide was incredibly helpful and went out of his way to make sure everyone was satisfied and happy. It was an incredibly intense holiday from the very beginning as we saw so many sites every day. I very much enjoyed the mixture of visiting towns and cities like Bukhara and Samarkand, with the trip out to the desert (visiting a beautiful mosque on the way), the night at the Yurt where we had the opportunity for a short camel ride, then the trip to the mountains and the homestay. Overall I had an unforgettable experience and very much enjoyed the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2022
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