From Khiva to Samarkand, All along the Silk Road
From the ramparts of Khiva to the domes of Samarkand, a journey through the jewels of the Silk Road
Duration
11 days
From
€990/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Embark on an 11-day journey through Ouzbékistan, in the heart of the great cities of the Silk Road, between heritage, desert landscapes and authentic encounters. From Khiva to Boukhara, from Samarcande to Tachkent, this itinerary invites you to explore a country where history, culture and traditions remain deeply alive.
You traverse cities with turquoise domes, ancient alleyways and emblematic architectural ensembles, while discovering local hospitality. The experience extends into the desert with an immersion in a yurt camp, a camel ride and moments of sharing around nomadic traditions.
Between cultural exploration, nature and time for encounters, this journey offers a complete and balanced discovery of Ouzbékistan, accompanied by a local team attentive to your comfort and the quality of your experience.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Ouzbékistan visit to Khiva and Itchan Kala
Urgentch → Khiva
You arrive in Ourguentch around 6:10 AM. At the airport, your local guide and your driver welcome you to begin your stay with complete peace of mind.
You then head towards Khiva, located approximately 30 km away. This short journey allows you to reach your first stop in Ouzbékistan.
Upon arrival, you settle into your hotel and have breakfast before starting to discover Khiva, one of the best-preserved cities on the Silk Road. You spend the day exploring this true open-air museum.
You explore Itchan Kala, the inner city of Khiva, protected by brick walls approximately ten meters high. To access it, you pass through Ota Darvoza, one of the gates of the old city, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In this fortified district, you discover the Médersa Mohammed Amin Khan, built in 1854. It is the largest madrasah in Central Asia, able to accommodate up to 260 students.
Nearby stands the Kalta Minor minaret, recognizable by its base 14 meters in diameter and its planned height of over 70 meters.
After lunch, you continue your discovery by visiting the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmoud, a sacred place highly respected by the local population.
Route to Bukhara through the Kizil Koum Desert
You depart at 8:30 am heading towards Bukhara. Over about a hundred kilometers, you cross through villages in the Khorezm region before continuing your journey across the Kyzylkum Desert and Aral Sea, the "red sand desert".
Throughout the journey, several stops allow you to enjoy the landscape and take photos of these characteristic expanses.
Lunch is free at one of the "Chaykhana" - oasis cafés. We relive the times of caravans that crossed this sea of sand on camelback.
At the end of the day, you arrive in Bukhara. You discover the authentic atmosphere of this holy city, one of the centers of Islamic culture in Ouzbékistan.
Bukhara immersion in the heart of Uzbekistan's historical heritage
You dedicate this day to exploring the old town of Bukhara, where the main points of interest are concentrated. The historical sites of Chakhristan are discovered on foot, through its winding streets.
You begin with the Ismail Samani Mausoleum (9th – 10th century), the oldest monument in the city and one of the emblematic buildings of the country's architectural heritage. It also constitutes one of the first testimonies of Islamic architecture in the region.
You continue the visit with the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum (12th – 14th century), before discovering the Bola Khaouz complex (18th century) as well as the Ark citadel.
Former residence of the emirs, this fortress stands on the Reghistan square and remains one of the symbols of the Bukhara emirate, witness to the history of the Manghit period.
After lunch, you reach the Poi Kalon complex, a major architectural ensemble composed of the Kalon Mosque, the Miri-Arab madrasah, still in use, as well as the Kalon minaret.
In the evening, you attend a performance of traditional dances and traditional music in a madrasah, followed by an individual dinner.
Bukhara sacred sites and free time in the old city
After breakfast at the hotel, you head out to explore the surroundings of Bukhara.
You make a detour to the sacred site of Bakhaouddin Nakshbandi (16th century), which houses the tomb of one of the most venerated saints and one of the founders of Sufism. This place of meditation holds an important place for local inhabitants, as well as for many Muslim believers.
You continue with a visit to the Chor Bakr Necropolis, a sacred site where four brothers who contributed to the spread of Islam in the region are buried.
You continue your exploration with the Chor Minor Madrasa (early 19th century), a unique building with an architectural style characteristic of Bukhara.
You then have free time to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, discover craftsmen's shops or enjoy one of the historic hammams dating from the 16th century, for a moment of relaxation in the local tradition.
Ouzbékistan between Guijdovan handicrafts and steppe landscapes
Boukhara → Guijdouvan
In the evening, you gather around the fire to listen to the songs of a Kazakh akin, before spending the night in a yurt, for an experience close to nomadic traditions.
You depart at 9am towards the village of Abou-Abdulloh-Guijdovani – Guijdovan (70 km), renowned for the quality of its traditional ceramics. Along the way, you have the opportunity to observe petroglyphs engraved on the rocks of the Petit Sarmish site.
You continue your journey towards the small town of Nourata, the starting point for climbing Alexander the Great's hill. There, you also visit the Nomozgokh Mosque as well as the sacred spring "Tchachma", a place of contemplation appreciated by locals.
You then visit the tomb of Abul Khassan Nuri, considered one of the first promoters of Islam in the region.
You have free time to enjoy the sunset over the desert and appreciate the calm of the surrounding landscapes.
You end the day with a camel ride through the steppe, to discover the landscapes in a peaceful atmosphere.
Samarkand immersion in the heart of Timurid heritage
Guijdouvan → Samarcande
You depart at 9am heading towards Samarkand for a journey of approximately 3h30 to 4h. This road gradually leads you to one of the major cultural highlights of your trip to Ouzbékistan.
Today, you set out to discover the capital of the Timurid empire. The visit begins with the Gour Emir Mausoleum, one of the major testimonies of Timurid architecture, before heading to the Registan square.
This site constitutes the historical heart of Samarkand and one of the emblematic architectural complexes of Central Asia. A former center of public life in the time of Tamerlane, it brings together three remarkable madrasas: Ulugh Beg, Tilla-Kari and Sher-Dor.
Inside the latter, a speaker presents to you in English traditional musical instruments.
Samarkand between Timurid heritage and places of contemplation
You dedicate this day to discovering the capital of the empire of Timour, also known as Tamerlane. Samarkand occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of the great Silk Roads: westward towards Persia, eastward to China, and southward to India.
As you visit, you take time to observe its domes and blue mosaics, which testify to the artistic wealth of the city and mark the travelers who discover it.
You then head to the Shakhi Zinda necropolis, whose name means "living king". This ensemble of mausoleums notably houses the tomb of Kusam Ibn Abbas, cousin of the prophet Mohammed.
After lunch in the city, you visit the mausoleum of Saint Daniel. This place of prayer is considered sacred by the faithful of the three great monotheistic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Samarkand heritage and crafts before arriving in Tashkent
You board the high-speed train for a journey of approximately 2h15.
You visit the Mausoleum of Amir Temour, recognized for its ribbed dome that has attracted visitors and pilgrims for several centuries.
You continue with a visit to the Afrasiab Museum, located north of the city. The site extends over vast hills corresponding to the remains of the ancient city of Afrosiab, which was once a prosperous urban center.
You continue the day with a visit to a silk carpet factory, before heading to the Ulugh Beg Observatory, an important scientific observatory dating from the Middle Ages.
Your discovery continues with a stroll through the Syab Market, followed by a visit to the Bibi Khanum Mosque.
You are then transferred to the station to board the Afrosyob train at 5:00 PM.
Upon arrival in Tashkent at 7:15 PM, you have dinner before spending the night in the capital.
Tashkent Discovery Between Old City and Modern Districts
You set off to discover the old town and the square khazrati_imam_architectural_complex, spiritual center of Tashkent.
You visit the Barak-Khan madrasah, the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum as well as the Tilla Shaykh mosque, where the Quran of Osman is kept, written in the 7th century and considered one of the oldest existing copies.
You then head to the Chor Sou market, whose name means "the Four Roads".
After lunch, you discover the modern part of Tashkent. This visit includes Independence Square, the square of the Alicher Navoi Theatre as well as Amir Temur Square.
Hiking in the Tchotkol Mountains from Tashkent
From Tachkent
After breakfast, you head towards the village of Sukok, located approximately 60 km from Tashkent.
You continue your day with a hike (elevation gain +/- 300 m) in the small Chotkol mountains, at approximately 1,800 meters altitude. The trail takes you to the hidden spring Chachma, after crossing small streams, moorland and a pine forest.
Have a good flight and see you soon!
After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport to take your return flight.
Your flight departs at 12:25 PM, with an expected arrival at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport at 6:10 PM.
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
- The price does not include:
- Flights Paris-Urgench and Tashkent-Paris, operated by Uzbekistan Airways
- All services not mentioned in the program
- Uzbek Visa Fees (for non-Europeans)
- 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
- Airport and station transfers in Ouzbékistan
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary (on a shared double room basis)
- All meals mentioned
- Night in a yurt with full board
- Transport for transfers according to the programme
- English-speaking tour guide
- Guided tours and monument entrance fees according to the program
- Train tickets
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
