Perfume of Uzbekistan and Beauty of Tajikistan
From the Domes of Samarkand to the Peaks of the Pamir: Central Asia, Between the Silk Road and High Mountains.
Duration
18 days
From
€2,250/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This journey invites you to complete immersion between Ouzbékistan and Tadjikistan, in the heart of Central Asian landscapes and cultures. From Tachkent to the historic cities of Khiva, Boukhara and Samarcande, you discover the great cities of the Silk Road, between madrasas, mosques, bazaars and living traditions. The circuit continues through the Kizil Koum desert, artisan villages and steppe expanses, with a night in a yurt camp and local encounters. Then the adventure takes on a more active dimension with mountain trekking in Tadjikistan, between high altitude lakes, panoramic passes and nights in bivouac. Accompanied by a attentive local team, you experience a journey blending culture, nature, immersion and hiking, for a balanced discovery between heritage, landscapes and human experiences.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight to Tashkent, at the Gates of Uzbekistan
Benefit from assistance with registration and boarding procedures before taking your flight to Tashkent, capital of Ouzbékistan.
Tashkent between old city and traditions
Upon your arrival in Tashkent, your guide and driver welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.
After breakfast, explore the old town of Tashkent. You discover the Khasti Imam square, the Barak-Khan madrasa, the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum and the Tilla Shaykh mosque, where the Quran of Osman is preserved, written in the 7th century.
Lunch at a local restaurant offers you a friendly break before continuing your visits.
You then head to the Chorsu Bazaar, whose name means "Four Ways", then discover the Kukeldash madrasas.
Heading to Khiva, discovering the fortified city of Itchan Kala
To Urgentch
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred to the airport to take your 7 am flight to Urgench.
Upon your arrival in Urgench, around 8:30 a.m., you take the road by vehicle heading towards Khiva.
The day is dedicated to Itchan Kala, the old fortified city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You pass through the Ota Darvoza gate to enter this city surrounded by high brick walls.
Discover the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah, built in 1854 and designed to accommodate up to 260 students. Nearby stands the Kalta Minor minaret, recognizable by its wide base with a diameter of 14 meters.
After lunch, visit the Pakhlavan Makhmoud Mausoleum, an important place of reflection for residents. Continue towards the Tach Khovli palace, built in the 19th century by Alla Kouli Khan. Its courtyard, guest pavilion and harem are decorated with ceramic majolica.
You then discover the Djuma Mosque, an ancient Friday mosque, whose carved wooden columns bear witness to different eras. The visit continues at the Islam Khodja complex, which brings together a 44.5-meter minaret, a school and a madrasah now transformed into a decorative arts museum.
In the evening, share dinner accompanied by a folk dance show in the Alla-Kouli Khan Madrasah. A night ride through Khiva extends this day in an evocative atmosphere of the Arabian Nights.
Crossing the Kizil Koum Desert to Bukhara
At 8:30 a.m., head towards Bukhara. You will first cross the villages of the Khorezm region, then continue your journey through the Kyzylkoum Desert, whose name means "red sand". Several stops are planned along the way to admire the landscapes and take some photos. At lunch time, take a break in a chaykhana, a traditional café located by the roadside. You arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon and settle into your hotel. If you wish, enjoy a first walk through the old city to discover its atmosphere and immerse yourself in the local ambiance.
Cultural day in the heart of Bukhara
After breakfast at the hotel, set off on foot to discover the old town of Chakhristan, which houses a large part of Bukhara's historical heritage. Begin your visit with the Ismaïl Samani mausoleum, dating from the 9th and 10th centuries, then head to the Chashma Ayub mausoleum. Continue towards the Bola Khaouz complex, before discovering the Poï ensemble, composed of the Kalon mosque, the Kalon minaret and the Miri Arab madrasa. After lunch in town, continue your exploration with the madrasas of Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan. You then join the Liab-i-Khaouz ensemble, a place organized around a central basin, surrounded by madrasas, a khanaka and ancient caravanserais. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the Nadir Divan Begui madrasa, accompanied by a folk dance show, to end this day dedicated to Uzbek heritage and traditions.
Discovery of the surroundings of Boukhara
After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 9:30 AM to discover the monuments located around Boukhara.
Your first stop takes you to Sitora-i-Mokhi-Khossa, the former summer residence of the last emir of Boukhara. Built in 1914, it reveals decorations in plaster and stucco. You visit the courtyard, reception halls, rose gardens and basin, then the former harem, now transformed into a suzani embroidery museum.
Continue to the mausoleum of Bakhoviddin Nakchbandi, a Sufi pilgrimage site. The sanctuary houses the tomb of the founder of the Nakchbandiya order and welcomes many pilgrims who come to pay their respects. Then discover the Chor Minor madrasa, recognizable by its four towers.
In the afternoon, return to Boukhara city center for free time. Depending on your preference, explore the souks, do some shopping or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the old city.
Nourata and immersion in the steppe
Head to Guijdouvan, a village renowned for the fineness of its ceramics. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe the petroglyphs of little Sarmish, carved into the rocks. A stop at Vabkent allows you to visit the Karakhanid minaret, built in the 12th century and standing 39 meters high. In Guijdouvan, step into a family ceramic workshop. You will observe the different stages of pottery making and, if you wish, participate in the activity to leave with a creation shaped by your own hands.
Continue north to Nourata, an ancient city located between cultivated lands and the steppe. You can climb Alexander the Great's Hill, which offers a view of the Nomozgokh Mosque and the sacred Tchachma Spring, a pilgrimage site in the region. According to tradition, this spring appeared when Hazrat Ali struck the ground with his staff. Its mineral-rich waters are home to many fish considered sacred.
Nourata → Camp de Yourte Aydar
Then join the Aydar yurt camp and settle into your accommodation. Behind their sober exterior, the Kazakh yurts reveal a colorful interior, composed of traditional hangings, blankets and embroideries. At the end of the day, enjoy a camel ride at sunset on the steppe. In the evening, you dine at the camp, accompanied by the traditional singing of a Kazakh akhoun.
From Aydar to the Timurid Capital
Camp de Yourte Aydar → Samarcande
Around 2 p.m., leave the Aydar yurt camp and head towards Samarkand, the former capital of Tamerlane's empire. Your itinerary takes you through the Navoi region before reaching Samarkand in the evening.
Discovering Samarkand
Discover Samarkand, former capital of the Timurid empire, starting with the Registan square, around which the life of the city once organized itself. This architectural ensemble brings together the madrasas Ulugh Beg, Tilla-Kari and Sher-Dor. In the latter, an enthusiast presents you with traditional musical instruments in English.
Continue with the visit of a silk carpet factory, then join the Ulugh Beg Observatory, a medieval astronomical observation center. You then discover the Gur-e Amir mausoleum, the dynastic tomb of Timur's family.
The visit continues at the Bibi Khanoum Mosque, then to the Siyab bazaar, known for its traditional flatbreads and dried fruits. This market is closed on Mondays.
After discovering the Khodja mosque and madrasa Akrar, visit the Afrasiab Museum, north of the city. The surrounding hills preserve the remains of the ancient city of Afrosiab, once prosperous.
End with the Shakhi Zinda necropolis, whose name means "Living King". This ensemble of mausoleums houses notably the tomb of Kusam Ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Mohammed.
Local immersion in Ourgout
Samarcande → Ourgout
In the morning, join Ourgout, a small town located at the foot of the Tajik mountains. Depending on market days, stroll between the stalls and observe the local life and exchanges between Uzbek and Tajik communities, in a lively and friendly atmosphere. Then discover the sacred spring of Tchor-Tchinor, located near the market. The site is home to four plane trees whose age is said to exceed a thousand years. You can reach it on foot by walking through the village streets.
Ourgout → Samarcande
You then return to Samarkand for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Towards Artoutch Between Mountain and Encounters
After breakfast, take the road to Bekobod, a border crossing point. Administrative formalities may require some patience before your entry to Tajikistan, a territory that was once part of Alexander the Great's empire.
Bekobod → Artouch
You continue along a mountain trail to Artouch. There, you meet your guides and their mule caravan. This first night staying with local families gives you the opportunity to exchange with your hosts and discover local life.
Hiking at Koulikalon Cirque
Artouch → Koulikalon
You join the Koulikalon circus (2,800 meters), where you discover the turquoise waters of its lakes, in the heart of a high mountain environment.
Setting up bivouac at the foot of the Mirali and Maria peaks (5,000 meters).
Estimated hiking time: 5 to 6 hours.
Col Alaudin high altitude hiking
From Koulikalon, you begin the ascent of the Alaudin Pass, at 3,860 meters altitude. You then descend towards Lake Alaudin, where your bivouac is set up for the night.
Elevation gain: +850 m / −750 m.
Alaudin Lake High Mountain Hiking
You hike around Lake Alaudin, then continue towards the Moutny glacier lake, at 3,500 meters altitude. This high mountain stage takes you to the foot of Chimtarga, which peaks at 5,489 meters, as well as the Mirali and Energy peaks.
At the end of the day, you return to your camp for another night of bivouacking.
Elevation gain: + 730 m.
Panoramas along the Chapdara Pass
Alauddin → Sangui Safed
From Alaudin, you climb towards the Tchapdara pass, at 3,420 meters altitude. From there, wide panoramas open up over the surrounding mountains, notably over the Bodkhona peak, which reaches 5,000 meters.
You then continue your hike to the Sangui Safed alpine pastures, where you spend the night under canvas.
Elevation gain: + 430 m.
Return to Tashkent via the Oybek border
Good flight and see you soon!
After breakfast, you are transferred to Tashkent Airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights to/from Tashkent
- The domestic flight Tashkent – Urgench
- Uzbek and Tajik Visa Fees
- Beverages
- Your personal expenses
- The right to take photos in monuments (to be paid on site, at the entrance)
- Insurance
- Tips for drivers and guides
Included
- Accommodation (double room) with breakfasts
- One night in the yurt
- All meals (except breakfast on the first day)
- Air-conditioned transport for transfers according to the itinerary
- English-speaking guide
- Guided tours and entrance fees to monuments according to the itinerary
- Folk Dances in Bukhara and Khiva
- All dinners and lunches
- A bottle of water during meals in Uzbekistan
- Transfers to and from the border
- Accommodation in Tajikistan
- The service of an English-speaking mountain guide in Tajikistan
- Full board in Tajikistan
- Muleteer services and mules in Tajikistan
- The service of a chef in Tajikistan
- Hiking Tax in Tajikistan
- Ecology Tax in Tajikistan
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Uzbekistan for a tourism stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uzbekistan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after your planned exit date from the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourism stays in Uzbekistan.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry to the territory. Beyond this duration, a visa must be obtained in advance, in particular via the official online visa application portal of the Uzbek authorities.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking or an invitation from a private individual or registered establishment.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Uzbekistan is required to register with the local authorities within three business days of arrival.
In practice, this registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation facility. In the case of staying with a private individual, the traveler must ensure that the host completes this procedure with the competent registration office.
keep the registration documents issued by each accommodation throughout your stay,
present these documents when crossing the border upon exit from the territory.
Health
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Uzbekistan for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland and Canada. However, health authorities recommend updating routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis) and consulting with a doctor or international vaccination center before departure regarding any specific recommendations (hepatitis A, typhoid, etc.).
It is advisable to take out repatriation and medical assistance insurance before departure, as medical facilities may be limited in certain regions of the country.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be informed, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Uzbekistan, a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry is required. No visa is needed for short tourist visits. This destination has become much more accessible in recent years. Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality: check with the Uzbek consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 120 and 200 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (500-800 euros round trip) are additional. Uzbekistan is one of the most affordable destinations along the Silk Road.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Historic Golden Triangle
Expert in Uzbek Silk Road routes, based in Tachkent
Uzbekistan is more than just its monuments. It's also the conversations over tea, the markets, the villages, and the way locals welcome travelers.
— Nurridin
