Experience Overview
Who can mention Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva without conjuring images of newly arrived Silk Road traders, of the romance and intrigue of the Great Game, of skull caps and silk sashes, or of fabulously decorated mosaic domes and minarets? This trip explores Uzbekistan in depth. In addition to the famous Silk Road cities, we travel to the semi-autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, learn about the tragic shrinking of the Aral Sea, and spend a night in a traditional village in the Nurata Mountains.
Profile
— Accommodation: 11 Classic nights (hotels), 3 Simple nights (1 homestay, 1 yurt, 1 sleeper train) — Travel by train, sleeper train and private bus/minibus — Some long drives — Experience local culture and nature — A mix of Uzbekistan's most famous destinations and some less visited areas
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 11 Classic nights (hotels), 3 Simple nights (1 homestay, 1 yurt, 1 sleeper train) — Travel by train, sleeper train and private bus/minibus — Some long drives — Experience local culture and nature — A mix of Uzbekistan's most famous destinations and some less visited areas
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Itinerary: This is an extremely rewarding trip if you want to explore the heart of Central Asia and are prepared for a few long drives, early starts/long days, and hot (and sometimes cold) temperatures. Tourist services and facilities can be patchy and erratic. Tolerance and flexibility are required, and for this you are rewarded with an insight into local life.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners are included.
Please note, vegetarian food choices may be rather limited. If you are strictly vegetarian, or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In Uzbekistan, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.
Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle – please bring a reusable bottle with you.
Transportation
This trip involves some long drives, generally on quite good roads, though there are occasional rougher sections. There is also an optional camel ride on one day, which may be uncomfortable for some. We try to book the high-speed train from Samarkand to Tashkent; however, this cannot be guaranteed as it can be booked out by government officials or be unavailable, in which case we drive.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Gabrielle Hotel, 1 Khumo St, Tashkent 100070
Phone: +998 98 115 91 19
Airport: Tashkent Airport (TAS)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
These areas of Central Asia have long, extremely hot summers, but the winters are very cold. The July and August departures may be rather hot with afternoon temperatures often reaching 40C (104F). Other trips are planned for spring and autumn when the temperature should not be below 5C (41F) at night and may be up to 25C-30C (77F-86F) during the day. Sunny weather with clear skies should be experienced but there can be some rain at this time of year. Occasionally, there are periods of unexpectedly hot or cold weather.
Spending Money
The amount of spending money required can vary depending on how much you spend on drinks and souvenirs, but as an indication, we recommend you bring at least US$200 for meals not included and a further US$80 for souvenirs, drinks and other incidentals. Photo fees are payable at nearly all the sites: they vary from 20,000 soms (US$1.80) to 30,000 soms (US$2.65).
SIM card availability:
— You have the option to purchase a SIM card for Uzbekistan either before your trip or upon arrival. — If you prefer purchasing a SIM card upon arrival in Uzbekistan, you’ll find several options available, including at airports, convenience stores, and local network provider outlets
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Uzbekistan and the local staff will probably expect some gratuity.
Tipping kitty: The tour leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of approximately US$35 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used to tip local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It ensures the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool, you are, of course, free to do so.
Tour leader: If you feel your leaders have performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but US$2.50 per person per day is a reasonable starting point. The ‘tipping kitty’ explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work.
Highlights
- — Follow ancient traders to the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara — Admire avant garde art once hidden from Soviet authorities at the Savitsky Museum — Sleep in a yurt close to Aydarkul lake — Experience life in a remote mountain village with a night in a homestay — Stroll leafy boulevards and discover Soviet architecture in Tashkent — Witness the tragic results of an environmental disaster at the Aral Sea
Trip Details
Product Code: 4335
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: we drive.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AXS
Starts: Tashkent, Samarkand
Finishes: Tashkent, Samarkand
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Unknown
Includes
- — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Breakfasts (except on sleeper train), four dinners, two lunches — Tour leader throughout
Accommodation
Hotels, homestay, yurt and sleeper trainWe spend 11 nights in hotels, one night in a yurt camp, one night in a homestay and one night on a sleeper train. The hotels are typically small and well located for our adventures, often close to the main sites and attractions. The accommodations we typically use are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip. Nurata: Homestay (night 5) Our night in a homestay takes us into the mountain village of Sentyab, where a traditional lifestyle still thrives. It provides us with an excellent opportunity to witness life in the Uzbek peaks, where cooking is often on an open fire and families typically keep livestock. The homes are very simple with shared rooms (up to four people per room). There are also shared bathrooms and showers (typically two showers and two toilets in total). Kyzylkum desert: Yurt camp (night 6) Yurts are not part of Uzbek culture, but the country is a mix of different ethnic groups, including Kazakhs who were nomadic and use yurts. The yurts, which are set up for tourists, have basic shared washing facilities and toilets, plus a dining yurt. You may have to share a yurt with more than one other person (two people to a yurt). The camp is very simple and offers limited comfort; however, it is well positioned to let us visit Aydarkul lake. Navoi to Kungrad: Overnight train (night 7) The railway has long been a popular way of travelling around the ex-Soviet Union and this is a great experience and insight into Uzbek life. On the train from Navoi to Kungrad, we use second-class carriages with four-berth cabins. Worth knowing If you would like your own room, a limited number of single supplements are available on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis – please request this at the time of booking. The single supplement is not available for three nights of the trip – the homestay, yurt camp and sleeper train.At the homestay, yurt camp and on the sleeper train, men and women who are not travelling together may have to share though we aim to minimise this.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4940 (CAD 329 /day)
Itinerary
Our adventure begins in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. There are no arranged activities today, as many flights arrive very late in the evening or early tomorrow morning. Classic accommodation: Gabrielle International Hotel or Milan Hotel (or similar)
Late morning, we explore this Central Asian capital, which includes visiting Independence Square, which is flanked by public buildings and water fountains, and the Old City, home to mausoleums and a bazaar. Tashkent was largely destroyed by earthquakes in the 1960s and was rebuilt in true Soviet style with pleasant leafy boulevards and lots of fountains to cool the summer heat. There are also very interesting museums and mosques. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel. Please note: Some flights arrive into Tashkent very early this morning, giving a few hours to rest before the city tour. Classic accommodation: Gabrielle International Hotel or Milan Hotel (or similar)
Travel to Samarkand by high-speed train (approximately 2hr 15min) this morning. Samarkand is a jewel of the ancient and modern Silk Road. We have a busy day, taking in many of the sights. There is the exquisite jade mausoleum of Gur-i-Emir, the resting place of Tamerlane, now considered by many to be an Uzbek national hero. Perhaps the greatest treasure is Registan Square, Tamerlane’s outstanding creation, a vast complex of domes and minarets, mosques and madrassas. We visit the grandiose Bibi Khanum mosque, and the magnificent Gur-Emir mausoleum, where Tamerlane, his sons, and his grandson Ulugbek are buried. Samarkand is still a major hub for textiles, carpets and art and is a great place to try your bargaining skills and explore the bazaar. Classic accommodation: Ideal Hotel or Malika Prime (or similar)
We continue our exploration of Samarkand today, visiting: Ulugbek Observatory; Shahi-Zinda, the necropolis of the rulers and nobility of Samarkand, home to magnificently decorated mausoleums; and Siab bazaar. We also enjoy a masterclass on making and painting ceramics, plus a demonstration on creating silk paper using medieval technology in the village of Konigil. Classic accommodation: Ideal Hotel or Malika Prime (or similar)
Enjoy free time in Samarkand this morning for shopping or further exploration. In the afternoon, we drive to the Nurata Mountains through the central Jizzakh Region. Our destination is the ancient mountain village of Sentyab, nestled into a fertile river valley. We have time for a scenic walk to explore the village, before cooking a traditional dish with our hosts. Simple accommodation: Homestay
This morning, we hike (three to four hours) to the ruins of the ancient village, where the houses were originally built of flat stone. We descend to the river to inspect petroglyphs and visit local craftsmen who weave carpets and embroider suzani (a highly decorative textile). After lunch, we drive west for three hours to the Kyzylkum desert, where we stay overnight at a simple yurt camp. After arriving, we take a walk in the vicinity of the camp and get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the desert. After dinner, we sit around a large bonfire while listening to traditional folk musician, who sings with a dombra (a stringed instrument). Simple accommodation: Yurt camp
After breakfast, we can take a short ride (optional) on two-humped Bactrian camels, before heading to nearby Aydarkul, a huge lake (more than 125mi/200km long) surrounded by the sands and dunes of the Kyzyl-kum desert. Here we can relax, swim from the sandy beach, and have lunch. In the afternoon, we drive towards the city of Navoi. En route, we visit Nur, a place of pilgrimage, for a short exploration of the city. After, we continue to Navoi and take a sleeper train departing around 8.30pm to Kungrad, arriving around 9.30am tomorrow. Simple accommodation: Overnight train
We arrive into Kungrad and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, an autonomous (at least in name) republic of Uzbekistan. The Karakalpak people have a culture and language closer to that of the Kazakhs than Uzbeks. Once an area of agricultural importance, Karakalpakstan now suffers greatly from drought. The Amu Darya River (historically known as the Oxus) ran into the Aral Sea but Soviet-era irrigation schemes, particularly for the production of cotton, mean the river no longer reaches the sea, causing an environmental tragedy and the dramatic shrinking of the sea. We drive from Kungrad to Moynaq which takes about two hours. Moynaq was formerly an important fishing port on the shores of the Aral Sea. The sea is long gone and all that’s left behind are the rusting remains of the fishing fleet sat on the dry seabed amid what is now a bleak, lunar-like landscape. We have time to look around and see the town’s small museum. At times, the area can be dusty, temperatures high and air quality poor, caused in large part by the disappearance of the sea. We leave Moynaq and drive about three hours to Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan for the night. Classic accommodation: Pana Hotel or Jipek Joli Hotel (or similar)
Visit the Savitsky art museum this morning, which houses an important collection of Soviet avant-garde art, plus a collection of historic artifacts of ancient Khorezm and a collection relating to Karakalpak culture. Leaving Nukus, we visit the Mizdakhkan necropolis before beginning the drive to Khiva (which takes about six hours). On the way, we visit the Zoroastrian Chilpik dakhma and the ancient Ayaz-Kala fortress, where we enjoy dinner at a yurt camp before the final leg of our journey to Khiva. Classic accommodation: Malika Kheivak or Bek Minor (or similar)
We spend today exploring Khiva, starting with a visit to Ichan Kala, a World Heritage Site, the inner fortress of Khiva. While exploring the open-air museum-city, we see the tile-decorated Kalta Minor minaret, Kunya Ark Fortress (the former residence of Khiva khans), the complex of Pahlavan Mahmud (a national hero and poet), Islam Khoja minaret and madrasah, Juma Mosque, the Tash Khauli and Allakuli Khan palaces. We also visit the workshops of local artisans and see the production of Khiva wool and silk carpets, embroidery, ceramic products and wood inlays. Classic accommodation: Malika Kheivak or Bek Minor (or similar)
Today we travel across the Kyzyl-Kum desert from Khiva to Bukhara by train. Bukhara has more than 900 historic monuments, and we spend time visiting many sites and wandering at leisure among the old city streets. Unlike Samarkand, the district of the old town has remained separate from the rest of Bukhara and has undergone lots of restoration and preservation in recent years. In addition to its importance as a trading hub, it is the perfect setting to sit and watch the world go by, much as it has done for hundreds of years. Classic accommodation: Kavsar Boutique Hotel, Hotel Fatima, Sultan Hotel (or similar)
We spend the day exploring Bukhara. Of particular interest is the Fortress Ark where, in the 19th century, the Emir of Bukhara had the English officers Stoddart and Connolly imprisoned and killed, and the mausoleum of Ismail Samani, a beautiful example of early Islamic architecture dating to the 10th century. We also visit the Emir’s rather kitsch Summer Palace, the old town with its domed bazaars and khauz (stone pools, which used to be the only water supply for the city), and the attractive 12th-century Char Minar. One of the great landmarks of Bukhara is the Kalyan minaret, known as the death tower, where many an unfaithful wife has met a sticky end. Classic accommodation: Kavsar Boutique Hotel, Hotel Fatima, Sultan Hotel (or similar)
We continue our tour of Bukhara today before boarding a high-speed train to Tashkent in the afternoon. After arriving in the evening, we transfer to our hotel and have the rest of the evening free to relax. Classic accommodation: Gabrielle International Hotel or Milan Hotel (or similar)
We have a day trip out of Tashkent today visiting Ugam-Chatkal National Park in the Chimgan mountains. This includes a visit to the resort of Amirsai and a cable-car ascent to an observation point at an altitude of 7,545ft/2,300m, providing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan, Charvak reservoir and hydroelectric dam. We also visit The Sun heliocomplex at Parkent, a gigantic solar furnace built in the 1980s for the Soviet Union’s Institute of Solar Physics. A vast series of mirrors concentrate the sun’s rays, creating the furnace, which is still in use today. Classic accommodation: Gabrielle International Hotel or Milan Hotel (or similar)
Our trip ends after breakfast this morning. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Tashkent.
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Joanna Bending - Traveled, March 2024
Comprehensive trip, well organised, great guide The trip was well-paced, with a good variety of activities, transport and visits. It was great to have a larger coach, so we all had a window seat for long journeys. The hotel in Samarkand was nice, but a bit far from the main attractions when we had free time. Most Inspirational Moment The long drive from Bukhara to Samarkand, stopping for drinks and toilet breaks in places where people have been doing exactly the same thing for thousands of years! Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader, Dilshod, was excellent. Incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, he balanced the needs of a diverse group very well. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't listen to anyone who tells you that Uzbekistan is unsafe or inaccessible. The recent tourism initiative has got rid of pretty much all red-tape, and there is virtually no street crime etc. Much less stressful than travelling in Egypt or the US! The vegetarian food is also much better than everyone leads you to believe. Suggestions There were several problems with the admin before leaving - I'd requested an extended return flight many months before departure, but incorrect docuemts were sent through repeatedly. I'd already paid for this and was provided with the updated invoice, but the onus was on me to find the emails where this had been requested and agreed. Luckily I requested to be booked into the end hotel for additional nights, as otherwise the error would not have come to light and I would have been stranded at the other end! I requested additional nights at the end hotel, but was booked into their sister place. Luckily the leader was able to resolve this for me but, if I had known I might need to move hotel, I would have booked myself into a cheaper/more conveniently located place. It seems that everything is fine if you book the standard arrangement, but I'd now hesitate to arrange even the simplest extensions through Exodus again. I spent more time checking documents and pushing for what I'd requested than I would have spent making the arrangements myself, and feel like I paid a premium for this.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
B Jeffs - Traveled, September 2023
The Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan do not disappoint Uzebekistan did not disappoint. All the main sites in Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand are stunning, and the Uzbek people extremely friendly and welcoming. We were also lucky enough to get to visit the Savitsky Museum in Nukus due to the lack of flights to Urgench, and this was an additional highlight of the trip – I would recommend that Exodus consider including this in the regular itinerary, as it really didn’t add on much time to what was already a long drive anyway. Unfortunately, I can not be so positive about the night at the Yurt camp. While I enjoyed the drive through the desert and a chance for a little more wilderness and wildlife on what is generally a city-heavy trip, the actual camp was just an uncomfortable gimmick. There was no effort made by the camp, nor our team leader, to explain the history of Yurts and its relevance to Uzbek culture, and in reality we found ourselves in a busy basic campsite alongside about 3 other large noisy tour groups with limited and dirty toilet facilities (unlike the picture on the Exodus website which shows a small group of Yurts). We also weren’t given the opportunity (unlike the other groups) to camel ride as advertised in the itinerary – we had to either do it immediately on arrival, or not at all. Most worryingly, there was an enormous pile of abandoned plastic and broken glass behind the main Yurt buildings – hardly a sustainable experience. I would strongly recommend that Exodus just forget this Yurt experience, especially as it still requires a subsequent long and tiring ride to get to Samarkand the next day, which is especially painful after very little sleep in the Yurt and waiting arounf until 9.30 am to leave (unlike the other groups). If this trip must visit the desert, I would have preferred to stay in a local guesthouse in Nurata or somewhere similar (as some other companies do), and find out more about living in the desert environment – we leaned nothing at the Yurt camp other than not to do it again! Most Inspirational Moment Strolling around the beautiful streets of Khiva at night - hardly anyone else around and very atmospheric. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour leader Barbor was very proud of his country, and certainly knew his history. However, he was not the best at handling or organising a group, and I feel that our tour did suffer because of this - it felt like we had a lot of wasted opportunities. For example, instead of using the long bus journeys to explain what we would be doing that day, and the approximate timings and activities, he would wait to tell us everything on arrival, wasting valuable time. In addition, he was often vague about the sequence of sites and visits. This was particularly relevant in Samarkand when we lost the opportunity to visit the bazaar, which then turned out to be closed the next day when we had some free time. He would also sometimes "disappear" when we most needed him (e.g., on our first day in Tashkent when we were told we had 30 minutes for lunch but had no idea how to find it [especially given we had just arrived on a late night flight]). I feel that with another guide we could have had a richer experience. As it was, the tour was just ok. Advice for Potential Travellers It is easy to change money from dollars/pounds on the first day - we found that $200 each for the whole trip was just enough. It is almost impossible to use your credit card anywhere you visit apart from Samarkand, so you will need cash. Enjoy the bullet train from Samarkand to Khiva. I is a real treat and it was fun getting to 231 km/hr - beat that! Walking around at any time of day or night felt completely safe, and the tourist police (in Bukhara) are especially helpful even if it is just o ask directions. Buy any souvenirs in Bukhara or Khiva - Samarkand surprisingly does not have the same opportunities. Organise your own final group dinner in Tashkent or, perhaps better still, have it the day before in Samarkand. We ended up at the Gabrielle hotel in Tashkent were we were staying, the service is awful and the food expensive (perhaps why the tour leader chose not to stay and eat). Suggestions No
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
David Arnold - Traveled, May 2023
Stunning architecture 95% of the mausoleums, pishtaqs and madrasahs, though built many hundreds of years ago, are subject to very frequent maintenance and in some cases rebuilding. As such they look like new! There are a few ruins but these are mainly to be found in the desert. Most Inspirational Moment Gur-i Amir at night in Samarkand Thoughts on Group Leader Encyclopaedic knowledge of the country and it's history. Advice for Potential Travellers As with any tour the local agency make changes to the itinerary. In this case the camel ride (Day 8) was just 10-15 minutes shortly after we arrived at the Yurt camp (Day 7). The trip notes highlight a 10 to 11 hour drive on bad roads (Day 4) but it doesn't advertise the 6 hour drive under similar conditions on Day 8. Unfortunately the vehicle used throughout did not have suitable air-con so in the 38-40C we all struggled a bit. Day 10 "we have a farewell dinner..." states the trip notes. If you want a farewell dinner you have to arrange it yourself as the local company doesn't do it. Having said that after the journey from Samarkand to Tashkent you arrive back at the hotel at 20:45 and several did not want to eat at that hour knowing we had an early start for the airport the next day. Suggestions The trip was advertised as 'Leisurely' and it certainly was though the early mornings on Day 1 and 2 are a bit brutal coming immediately after the 7 hour flight from London. The 'Free morning' on Day 10 is, because of the absence of trains, a Free Day! Having covered all the main sights the previous day the group generally passed the time looking in shop windows and drinking tea/coffee. Ultimately this is a wasted day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Nick Potter - Traveled, April 2022
A revelation! Finally travelling again after a tough couple of years and I couldn’t have picked a better place for my first trip – Uzbekistan. I understand the group I was on was the first time the trip had run since the lockdowns, but everything ran smoothly, and it was a great group of people I was travelling with. The toughest part of the trip was arriving into Tashkent at 3am, getting to the hotel at 4am and then back up at 10am for a day tour around the capital! However our guide – Dilshod – was excellent and pitched things at the right level considering most of the group were sleep deprived! The next day was another early start and a flight up to Khiva. Part of the reason I chose the Exodus trip is because it went there (some tour companies skip this) and it didn’t disappoint. The hotel was ideally situated just by the gates into the old city allowing us to wander in and explore on our own after Dilshod had shown us around the main sites. We were also lucky enough to experience the preparations for an international traditional dance festival the Uzbek Tourism board have started and as a result there were many locals in traditional costume wandering the old city. Next stop was Bukhara which I adored. There’s so much to see and do here and whilst the area around the hotel (Lyabi House complex) did feel very touristy, there were many locals around too and it was a short walk to many of the key sites. The free time here in the evening and during the afternoon on the final day in Bukhara was great to just wander at your own pace, or, after a few days in the heat, to visit a hammam as a couple of us did, to relax and get the knots in your shoulders/back pummelled away! The drive from Bukhara to Samarkand is a long one which I’d guess is why there’s a stop at a yurt camp in order to avoid a super long day. I’ve spent a couple of weeks in yurts in Mongolia which were smaller but nicer than those here. I’m not sure if its because they haven’t had many guests during the pandemic, but the yurt camp felt a little run down, but it was only for a single night. Samarkand, like Bukhara has loads to see and keep you busy but definitely feels more of a big city than Bukhara did. However, the scale of the buildings here dwarf anything in Bukhara with their sheer size. The jewel in Samarkand’s crown is of course the Registan and its certainly impressive. Definitely go back on your own when the sun has set to see it lit up. Thoughts on Group Leader Kudos must go to our guide, Dilshod. He was superb – even rearranging personal evening plans a few times to help the group out ordering dinner, etc and on the long bus trips was full of knowledge, history and jokes, keeping everyone entertained. Advice for Potential Travellers Nope - just book it and go! You won't regret it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2022
Louisa Chowen - Traveled, April 2024
Spectacular One of the most beautiful places I’ve been from the turquoise blue mosaics and the hand crafted embroidery and silks to the art deco style space metro station and Soviet constructivist sculptures Thoughts on Group Leader Tahir was kind, knowledgeable and consistently there for us whether it was endlessly changing money from one currency to another or patiently waiting for one or other of us, his recommendations of where to eat and what to eat, moving is between local eateries to internal flights and local trains and finally using his contacts to reclaim my coat after I left it on the last day in the train station hundreds of miles from Tashkent ~ a remarkable human being Advice for Potential Travellers Go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Jill Haydock - Traveled, July 2019
Go and experience Uzbekistan An amazing trip if you’re interested in Early to modern civilisation, beautiful architecture and a country rediscovering its heritage and crafts. The people are very welcoming, dress code is relaxed and beer or wine is always an option at mealtimes. It’s a country worth seeing now. Most Inspirational Moment The unexpected ‘wild swim’ in the lake and visiting the beautiful Shah-I-Zinda on the day families were celebrating Eid are both magical memories. Thoughts on Group Leader Absolutely fantastic! Dilshod’s knowledge of ancient and modern history, the architecture, crafts and culture in each city was phenomenal; and his willingness to share his own stories of recent history put this trip right up with the best. Advice for Potential Travellers If you have a problem with pillows try and take your own travel pillow! Suggestions I would have the yurt stay a little more remote from parked cars, coaches and motorbikes! I was woken by a motorbike starting up!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2019
Ann Burnett - Traveled, May 2019
Inexperienced guide I have had to give this trip a 2 star because of the guide, although I take no pleasure in doing this. He was inexperienced and quite unfriendly at times. This was my 6th Exodus trip and this was my worst ever guide by a long way. See group leader section. Most Inspirational Moment I absolutely loved swimming in Aidarkul Lake and the desert scenery on the way to and from the yurt. I also loved Samarkand and particularly Shah-i-Zinda. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader Shakh appeared to be inexperienced, he lacked friendliness at times and he showed a complete lack of interest in the fact that I was very badly ill twice. I had arrived a few days earlier (as a solo female traveller) and the day before I met the group I suffered sickness and diarhoea. On first meeting Shakh at the group meeting I mentioned this to him and I could not believe the almost complete lack of interest. In fact, I thought this so unusual, that I repeated myself in case he had not heard. We later went on our tour of Tashkent and I very nearly fainted (as I had not eaten due to the bug). Again Shakh was barely interested, pointed to a door where I could reach the outside and left me to it. Only when the other members of the group asked me if I was OK did Shakh very briefly check on me. A few days after that the bug returned and I was up all night with the worst illness I have ever encountered. The next day I again mentioned this to the guide and he was still uninterested (and no offers of pharmacy stops were made). Other problems with Shakh were:- not having sufficient water for our group in the first few days of the trip (at the desert fortresses we had run out of water completely in the heat and we also run out of water in the morning at Khiva). In fact, at the desert fortresses, I asked Shakh where the water was and he snapped back that he had not picked up the 10 litre bottle yet. As we had driven from the airport at Nukus there had been plenty of opportunity to pick up water. After that I no longer trusted Shakh to provide water and just bought my own to make sure I always had a supply. I have been on 5 other Exodus trips and on all those trips the guide has eaten with the group and the guides have been good/fantastic. This guide did not eat with us on the first night in Tashkent nor the first night in Samarkand and on around 4 or 5 other occasions. He was not always very friendly or smiley, which I think is the requirement of a guide. In fact one time we passed him in the street during our free time and he did not even smile or acknowledge us. The restaurant chosen for our final lunch in Samarkand was appalling in terms of service and again Shakh sat at a neighbouring table. Some of our food took an hour and a quarter or more to arrive and no complaints were made by him, to my knowledge. Then when the bill came the prices had changed markedly, for example the soup price had increased by over 50% and all the other prices had changed. This situation was awful and was handled very badly by the guide. The coach was not always asked to collect us, e.g from right outside the airport, so we were left with quite long distances to drag our cases. This was not really a problem for me as I had a rucksack (albeit a heavy one) but some of the other travellers were in their 70's and I am sure they would have benefited from being picked up. Shakh gave out his mobile number in case of emergency, with instructions NOT to ring him at night. Whilst I am sure most people would not ring the guide at night, emergencies can of course happen at night. On a more positive note Shakh was very knowledgeable about the history and geography of Uzbekistan and I very much enjoyed his commentaries, especially when he told us about his wedding. He also improved as the 11 days progressed (except for the final lunch incident). However I think being completely uninterested in the health of your travellers is completely unacceptable. Advice for Potential Travellers Sadly a number of people in our group were ill. Take plenty of rehydration salts. The bread is at least delicious, so you can survive on that! Do get out for a walk in the area around the yurt. I had a couple of little walks and it was so peaceful and the wildlife great. Suggestions The itinerary is great for this trip with a lovely combination of nature and cities. I would however definitely check on who is the guide. Uzbekistan Uncovered Reply from Exodus We would like to thank Ann for her review; we were pleased to read she enjoyed the itinerary and found it to have a good combination of nature and cities, as we feel this is something that makes Uzbekistan such a special country to visit. We were, however, very sorry to read that she was disappointed with her tour leader, Shahrukh. Having discussed this with a member of the Exodus team who has also travelled with Shahrukh, who is an experienced guide, we feel that he has potential to be a great tour leader for us, so we have asked the local team to carry out some additional training regarding what is expected by Exodus and our clients. While we are sorry that this cannot alter Ann’s experience, we hope that this shows we have taken her review on board. Jennifer Cox – Product Manager
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2019
George Garland - Traveled, May 2019
Fascinating Place The names of Samarkand and Bukhara have conjured dreams since my school days many years ago and I never thought I would have a chance to see them. The fall of the USSR and now visa-free travel has left this land of desert fortresses, caravan stops and the beautiful buildings covered in ornate blue tiles within reach. The land of Tamerlane, the vastness of the central Asian steppes and the magical cross-roads of civilisations and learning need to be seen to be believed. Most Inspirational Moment Arriving in Khiva and seeing the Silk Road monuments for the first time. Thoughts on Group Leader Shah is a young man fairly new to the industry. He is very knowledgeable but lacks some of the finesse and inter-personal skills that come with experience. Advice for Potential Travellers Uzbekistan is far easier to enjoy than imagined. Outside Tashkent English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourist industry and amongst the young. With a stay up to 15 days now visa free for tourists from a large range of countries including the UK this is the time to travel before too many people start making their plans and prices start rising. Suggestions The final 24 hours was wasted time which was a pity. The hotel in Tashkent was near the airport but 7 or 8 kilometers from the centre. There is no direct public transport between the two and with no Uzbek or Russian language skills travel could have been fraught, particularly as the return journey would be time critical. It would be far better to secure an hotel close to the city centre for the one night.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2019
Paul Grundy - Traveled, April 2019
Uzbekistan Uncovered A good overview of the country taking in the historic and architectural highlights of Uzbekistan. Transport was Good although it was evident that the train journey was more often than not unavailable. On a personal note, I felt that the group size (16) was too large. Most Inspirational Moment The city of Khiva was the highlight for me. Still relatively unaffected by mass tourism and the locals were pleasant (as they were throughout) and interested to learn about their visitors. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent, well informed and concerned for the welfare of the group. Advice for Potential Travellers Go now before mass tourism makes its mark. Suggestions The trip notes seemed ‘generic’ and need updating
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Gary Lavin - Traveled, April 2019
Sucessful and Safe It was a marvellous trip. Each day was filled with new wonders and excitement. Plenty of wow moments. A visit that was completely safe and rewarding Most Inspirational Moment The city of Samarkand was full of wonder and genuine WOW moments Thoughts on Group Leader A fantastic and informative tour leader. Very informative and knowledgeable. Exodus are lucky to have him. Advice for Potential Travellers Do not miss out. Uzbekistan is a hidden jewel Suggestions Uzbekistan is a very safe place to visit and Uzbeks are genuine, friendly and helpful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2019
Roxy Hooton - Traveled, March 2019
Unbelievably beautiful Uzbekistan! Fantastic trip to a wonderful country! So much beauty it hurts your eyes, and the people are incredibly warm & friendly. Each of the main cities has a totally different feel to it, & I loved them all! Khiva was my favourite though : be sure to wander around in the evening after the crowds have gone home – it’s a completely different vibe to during the day. Some tips: If you climb the minaret in Khiva you need a proper torch, strong knees & no fear!! The view is wonderful but coming down is terrifying! Being Vegetarian isn’t too hard but it’s not very exciting- just check the soup has ‘no meat’ even if it is called a vegetable soup it will often still have meat in.Vegetable kebabs lack imagination – best option is the pasta based dishes. Be willing to have your photo taken by the locals – it will lead to some wonderful interactions Do bother to get up for sunrise in the desert (if the Vodka the night before doesn’t prevent!) – it’s worth it! Do have comfortable shoes & some energy! This isn’t really a leisurely trip – the pace is quite full on, but totally worth it. Most Inspirational Moment Dinner & a cold beer on a roof top terrace with a fabulous view over Khiva as the swifts whirled overhead and the sun set! Thoughts on Group Leader Full of knowledge and always ready to help. Advice for Potential Travellers See Summary
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2019
Anwar Bhutta - Traveled, March 2018
Brilliant trip and holiday Amazing country and very, very friendly people. Incredible history and historical monuments. The Uzbek government is doing great work in restoring these incredible archeological gems. Full praise to them. A very varied and inspirational holiday plus brought back some indelible memories. Our guide Dilshod was very informative, caring and sensitive to the needs of a diverse group. He is a brilliant guide. Most Inspirational Moment Visit to see the Othmani Qur'an in Tashkent was a great privilege. This Qur'an written in about 646 CE was awe inspiring. Ragistan Square in Samarquand is incredible. The jaw-dropping moment came when we entered the the mosque in the Tilla-Kari Madressa. I could not take my eyes away from the amazing decorations of the ceiling. The ceiling is flat (so they say) but the the master craftsmen have done such an amazing work that it actually appears to be dome shaped. My highlight of the the whole trip. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide Dilshod was very informative, caring and sensitive to the needs of a diverse group. He is a brilliant guide. Advice for Potential Travellers Please go as soon as you can. strongly recommend this trip and holiday
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2018
Daphne Partridge - Traveled, March 2018
Amazing people and architecture This holiday gives a great overview of the country and it’s history visiting cities along the Great Silk Road, each with their own amazing buildings and stories Most Inspirational Moment We had been to many squares, mosques and madrassas but Registan Square in Samarkand topped them all and one of the final highlights of the trip. Thoughts on Group Leader Dilshod was excellent - friendly, extremely helpful and incredibly knowledgeable of his country and it's history and also adaptable to our requests. Advice for Potential Travellers Everything was incredibly cheap and we struggled to spend $200 on food and drink and trinkets in the twelve days! Take dollars which can easily be exchanged for Som. Women travellers wear sleeved tops and crop trousers/trousers or skirts., and have a scarf handy for the couple of mosques. Don't worry about the night in the yurt - very pleasant with proper framed beds and and an electric light! To avoid disappointment, if you see something you like then buy it.... some items are only local to that city and you won't see them again. The food was good with salads, soups and meat dishes, some almost European style, but also plenty of local cuisine to try. Suggestions Be prepared for quite a lot of long journeys - the tour bus was fairly basic and the roads bumpy (1600 km travelled in total). Tourists are still quite a novelty in Uzbekistan and everywhere we went people wanted to have their photos taken with you or to talk to you and practise their English. Everyone was so friendly and we were treated like VIPs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2018
Lesley Prosser - Traveled, September 2017
Very well-run tour of a great destination This was a fascinating insight into a country I knew little about. The pace was good, and both the sites and the sights were interesting and varied. With one exception, the accomodation was better than my expectations. We were 15 people in a full-size coach, a real luxury for the several long drives. It was great to be able to swap sides to see a better view, or join others for a chat. The group were a pleasant assortment of people who got on well with each other and were enjoyable company. Most Inspirational Moment What can one say? The Registan at Samarkand. Just when we thought we were all mosqued out, there it was... Thoughts on Group Leader I generally prefer solo travel, as I like to go my own way, but Dilshod had made a convert of me. He is a brilliant leader. His long experience shows in the effortless ease with which he performs this very demanding job, but nonetheless, he injects his presentations and information sessions with a freshness and enthusiasm that never, ever sounds like he is just playing a tape recording in his head. He is an immensely likeable person, and a pleasure to chat with out of hours. He is the first leader I have come across who was willing to spend dinner with his group every night to make the ordering and paying a painless process in restaurants where English was rare. Advice for Potential Travellers While standards of hygiene are generally good, some public toilets really require you to have a supply of tissues and sanitiser. Oddly, if you wanted to buy a roll of toilet paper, it would be easily found in any little local shop. Kleenex, on the other hand, is hard to come by - you really need to find a pharmacy to buy that. So take plenty of Kleenex.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2017
Hayley Mooney - Traveled, June 2017
Unbelievable Uzbekistan Definitely book this trip, Uzbekistan is beautiful. Most Inspirational Moment The yurt camp. Sitting under the milky way listening to the guy singing is something I'll never forget, even the 6k walk through the desert the following day was fun. Of the historical sites, the necropolis in Samarkand was my favourite, and Samarkand was my favourite city. It's easy to get around and the people are lovely, although that can be said for every town and city in Uzbekistan. Thoughts on Group Leader Dilshod was incredible, his passion and knowledge of Uzbekistan is awesome. He must be the best guide in the whole of Uzbekistan. He's also just a really fun and lovely guy. Valentin is a fantastic driver. Even though most of the roads are in good condition it did get a bit bumpy at times, but I always felt safe. Advice for Potential Travellers Uzbekistan airways is great, you get plenty of leg room and the food really isn't as bad as everyone says. A lot of the historic sites have been reconstructed in the past 10-15 years, so much so that it kind of became a running joke, it doesn't detract from the trip though. The food is delicious. Plov is the best! The kebabs taste amazing, but can be a bit greasy. The bread is delicious, and there's plenty of salad options for vegetarians. Suggestions Forget any preconceptions you have about Uzbekistan, chances are it's nothing like you're imagining.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2017
steve adams - Traveled, April 2017
the delights of uzbekistan The people of uzbekistan are so open and friendly. The cities and the monuments within them live up to all expectations and there is so much to see. The Yurts are comfortable and spacious, toilet facilities at the camp are good, much better than expected. Camel ride and walk through the desert was a great experience and finishing up with a swim and a picnic beside the lake was a great rounding off of the camp experience. There are long bus journeys on this trip between the towns and some of the roads are quite rough but we felt safe in the hands of our driver. Food is much better than expected and there is more variety than the trip notes seem to indicate. Nobody appeared to get any serious stomach bugs on the trip which is unusual when the weather was so hot. I think this was because our guide advised on good eating places and kept us right. The currency issues are not as difficult as hinted at and are easily managed. Security, including arrival and departure at the airport was robust but not a problem Most Inspirational Moment Hard to say as there were many. For me the Registan and other monuments in Samarkand were probably the most inspirational thing but the night in a yurt camp with camel ride was amazing as were the desert forts. Or maybe the most inspirational thing was the openess and friendliness of the uzbek people. A trip of many highlights Thoughts on Group Leader Dilshod was patient, understanding, organised and extremely knowledgable on history and local customs. He had a good sense of humour, gelled well with the group and shared many personal experiences of his life in uzbekistan. He made the trip easier for us all and kept us going when the heat of the day made us wilt. I think his guidence and attention in terms of directing us to eating places also helped to keep us healthy Advice for Potential Travellers Travel as light as possible, have a torch for the Yurt camp and make sure you drink lots and lots of water. Take money in US dollars and slap on the sun cream before you go out. Suggestions This is a wonderful trip that fully lives up to expectation
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2017
Erica Whitfield - Traveled, April 2017
Uzbekistan uncovered This was a well structured trip , and took in most of the spectacular sights of Uzbekistan. It is busy with little free time (in the right places ) and we didn’t get to go on the train , which would have been a relief from the tour bus ,as it covers a lot of distance. Uzbekistan is a fabulous place to visit , has many awesome buildings , and you cannot walk more than 50 metres without a local wanting a photo with you, which meant lovely conversations and interactions. It was great to have a camel ride to the lake , as this meant chilling time and a much needed refreshing swim. Most Inspirational Moment The Poi Kalyon was fabulous , and seeing the Koran in Tashkent (which we would have missed if we had not insisted on going ) Thoughts on Group Leader Dilshod was very good , a calm and knowledgeable guide who would try to accommodate our wishes. Advice for Potential Travellers The vegetarian food is nowhere near as bad as suggested , try to avoid the set meals though , they are not worth it for Veggies. Do not accept a ground floor room by reception in Bukhara Hotel Aist, it is very noisy ,dark (no window) and cramped.(which the other rooms are not ) Suggestions The hotels are not always in the best location , Tashkent hotel was miles from anywhere in a residential suburb, so having a free morning there was pretty pointless.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2017
Elizabeth Robertson - Traveled, March 2017
UZBEKISTAN UNCOVERED Surpassed all expectations. This was an 11 day escorted tour across Uzbekistan, following the silk road. Most Inspirational Moment The historical monuments were stunning. The sheer scale and colour was breathtaking. There was a nice mix of seeing the old alongside the new. Thoughts on Group Leader I can't speak highly enough of our tour leader Dilshod. Nothing was too much trouble. His knowledge of Uzbekistan history was incredible. He was helpful, informative and a real pleasure to have with us. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a raincoat as we had a couple of cooler wet days. Tea is the national drink, taken without milk. If you enjoy coffee or milk take your own. The sun can be quite strong so take sun cream. All the hotels had wifi, although it could be very intermittent. Alcohol was widely available and very cheap, even in restaurants.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2017
Dulcie Wrinch - Traveled, September 2016
Uzbekistan Uncovered A well balanced comprehensive trip in that we had time to see all the sights and look around in general before moving on to the next destination. Trips out to the desert fortresses and the night staying a yurt followed by a hike with camel ride to Aidarkul Lake were a welcome break from seeing the historical and other not so old blue tiled mosques and madrassas etc. The long drives were made more bearable in the fact we had a full sized coach and only 16 people so were able to spread ourselves out, the rest stops were regular and unhurried. The food was variable and rather greasy and mostly edible. The local people were friendly (apart from some taxi drivers) Most Inspirational Moment It is difficult to say what was the most inspirational moment as the sights overall were all awesome and in particular when lit up at night. I think the most fabulous moment was when I was on a camel and saw Aidarkul Lake ahead of me. The other people in the group were a lovely bunch and it made things even better. I came home feeling well satisfied with it all. Thoughts on Group Leader Dilshod....He was wonderful, so kind and good humoured. Also very helpful to any needs of our group. His spoken English was excellent, the best of any guides that I have met on Exodus trips to date. He was so organised when it came to ordering meals and drinks and managing the finances of it all. Didn't want to say goodbye. Advice for Potential Travellers Do not waste time going and leaving Tashkent outside the trip itself, the flights to and fro from London are only twice a week so more time spent there is not worth it. It was difficult to explore as tourism virtually unknown and taxi drivers say they can take you to requested place but haven't a clue where they are going. The hotel used in Tashkent is not widely known or central. The customs forms about permitted medication were non-existent, going through customs was trouble-free unlike what blogs say. A good torch for the night at the yurt advisable unless you like fumbling around in the dark, but we all fell asleep very quickly. Bring lots of of immodium and andrex loo paper, also air freshener as bathrooms have no ventilation!! Maybe download some maps prior to trip because they are non-existent. Suggestions Highly recommend this trip....go now and enjoy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2016
Michael Allen - Traveled, September 2016
Glad I went but glad it's over This was a bit of disappointment because I was hoping to see lots of exquisite Islamic art and architecture. There is some toward the end of trip in Samarkand but the mosques and madrasas in Khiva and Bukhora weren’t very attractive. There was too much shopping time for my taste. I am vegetarian which limited food selections. The salads are very good but there isn’t much choice beyond that and I don’t think even the non-veggies enjoyed the food much. Sometimes a vegetarian dish was just a regular dish with the meat removed e.g. we were told chick peas were vegetarian but they came with some bits of meat which they had overlooked. The local beer, however is excellent. An interesting part of the trip was learning about the Russian influence, good and not-so-good, and the changes that have occurred since the Soviet Union imploded and Uzbekistan became independent. I also enjoyed learning a about current life in Uzbekistan but am aware that we as tourists we may be presented with a somewhat sanitized view of things. Most Inspirational Moment The most enjoyable (not inspirational!) parts of the trip were the yurt stay/camel ride and in Samarkand learning about Ulugh Beg, the brilliant ruler and astronomer, and touring his museum. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader was excellent - extremely conscientious, good humoured, punctual, reliable and helpful. He never tired of answering our questions and knew a lot about the history of Uzbekistan. He took very good care of us. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared to be offline for several days. The internet service is very poor and was not working in some hotels. This seemed to be more of a problem for Macs and iPads than Android devices. In Bukhara I went to an internet cafe to check email and even there the connection was very slow.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2016
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why book with us?
Best Rate Guarantee
Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate
Best Selection
The best operators from around the world
Trusted Payments
Secure payments with Stripe
Expert Advice
Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience