17 Days Uzbekistan Unveiled

Price from: $7328 per person based on twin sharing basis
Tashkent, Kokand, Fergana, Margilan, Rishtan, Nukus, Muynak, Khiva, Bukhara, Nurata, Shakhrisabz, Samarkand, Termez
Embark on an unforgettable 17-day adventure through Uzbekistan, exploring the vibrant cities of Tashkent, Kokand, and Samarkand, as well as the enchanting towns of Fergana, Margilan, and Rishtan. Discover the poignant history of Muynak, once a thriving port on the Aral Sea, and immerse yourself in the ancient silk road heritage of Khiva and Bukhara. Experience the serene beauty of the Nurata Mountains and the historic echoes of Shakhrisabz. From the bustling bazaars to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this journey showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan, offering a  p perfect blend of history, art, and breathtaking landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1

Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 2

Tashkent – Kokand – Rishtan – Fergana

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for an 08:05 train to Kokand. Arrive by noon and begin your tour of the Ferghana Valley, visiting Khudoyar-Khan Palace, Jami Mosque, and Norbut-biy Madrasah. Continue to Rishtan to visit the pottery workshop of Rustam Usmanov and explore his ceramics collection. Check in to the hotel in Fergana.

Day 3

Fergana – Margilan – Tashkent

Visit Akhmad Al Fergani Park in the morning, then head to Margilan to see Said Akhmad- Khoja Madrasah and the Yodgorlik Silk Factory. If it's Thursday or Sunday, visit Kumtepa Bazaar. Return to Tashkent and check in to your hotel. *Part of the road is currently under reconstruction

Day 4

Tashkent – Nukus – Muynak – Nukus

Morning flight to Nukus, followed by a drive to Muynak, stopping at the archaeological complex Mizdakhan en route. Explore the "Cemetery of Ships" and the Local History Museum before returning to Nukus.

Day 5

Nukus – Khiva

Visit the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of Russian avant-garde art. Take a brief tour of Nukus, then head to Khiva, visiting ancient Khorezm sites like Shylpyk-Kala and Toprak-Kala along the way. Arrive in Khiva and check in to your hotel. *Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum closed on Mondays.

Day 6

Khiva

Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ichan-Kala Fortress, a living museum under the open sky. Take a guided walking tour of Khiva, visiting notable sites such as Kunya Ark Citadel, Toshkhovli Palace, Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and the Minaret of Islom Khodja. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.

Day 7

Khiva – Bukhara

Depart Khiva in the morning and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 hours). Stop along the way to take in views of the Amudarya River and the Kyzylkum Desert. Arrive in Bukhara late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and enjoy some rest. (Lunch-boxes are recommended for this trip; note that some road sections are currently under renovation.) 

Day 8

Bukhara

Embark on a guided walking tour of Old City Bukhara. Visit key attractions including Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum. 

Day 9

Bukhara

Begin the day with a visit to Sitorai-Mokhikhosa, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, showcasing a blend of Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to Bakhoutdin Naqshbandi Mausoleum and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. 

Day 10

Bukhara – Nurata – Yurt Camp

In the morning, depart Bukhara and drive to a yurt camp in the Kyzylkum Desert. Stop at the Gijduvan pottery workshop and visit a local mosque with a holy spring in Nurata. Afterward, continue to the yurt camp, stopping at Nurata Pass to see petroglyphs. Arrive at the Yurt Camp, where you’ll have the opportunity for camel riding and free time. In the evening, enjoy dinner around the campfire with a Kazakh akin performing folk songs. (Note that the drive may take longer in vans or buses, and it's advisable to bring snacks as there are no shops nearby.)

Day 11

Yurt Camp – Samarkand

In the morning, visit Aidarkul Lake and enjoy free time by the water. Optional activities include a camel ride to the lake or a short camel ride to the village of Dungalak to participate in baking traditional bread. In the afternoon, depart for Samarkand, arriving at your hotel for a rest.

Day 12

Samarkand

Meet your guide for a city tour, visiting Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, and Gur Emir Mausoleum.

Day 13

Samarkand

Continue sightseeing with the Afrasiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel. Visit Koni Ghil village to see traditional mulberry paper-making. Free time with your driver afterward.

Day 14

Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Termez

Drive to Shakhrisabz for a short city tour, visiting the Mausoleum of Jakhongir and Tamerlane’s father’s burial vault. Continue to Termez , check in to your hotel.

Day 15

Termez

Explore Termez, including Zhurmal Tower, the Mausoleum of Al-Hakim at-Termezi, and Fayaztepa. Visit Old Termez and the Archaeology Museum. Free time.

Day 16

Termez – Tashkent

Fly to Tashkent, then start your city tour, including the Khast-Imom Complex and Chor-Su Bazaar. Visit the Applied Arts Museum and Amir Timur Square. Free time in the afternoon.

Day 17

Tashkent

Transfer to the airport for your departure.

Private program - can start any day of the week and can be modified or operated in reverse

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.

Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.

Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2025. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.