Trip Overview
Uncover Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities through rail journeys, traditional crafts, and local insight
Travel across Uzbekistan along the old Silk Road, linking the great trading cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. These centres of learning and commerce reveal their stories through madrasahs, mosques and mausoleums that span more than a thousand years. We move between cities by rail – a mix of Soviet-era and modern high-speed trains – and by private bus, allowing time to absorb the changing desert landscapes. Alongside the headline sights, we meet artisans, learn traditional crafts and share meals that reflect regional flavours.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 6 Superior nights (hotels), 2 Classic nights (hotel)
- Travel by train and private bus/minibus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Explore Silk Road cities: Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand
- Travel by rail, including a Soviet-era sleeper train
- Learn to cook shivit oshi during a Khiva masterclass
- Meet master artisans in miniature painting and traditional paper making
- Discover Soviet-era Tashkent, including its metro and opera house
- Visit Uzumfermer winery for a guided tour and wine tasting
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). 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: A mix of Uzbekistan’s most famous destinations and some less visited areas. 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.
Adult min age:
16
Min group size:
4
Max group size:
16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Khiva
- End City: Tashkent
Land Only Itinerary
Begin our adventure in Khiva, a UNESCO-listed oasis city whose mud-brick walls once protected a key Silk Road trading hub. After arriving at Urgench airport, we transfer (around one hour) to Khiva, stopping en route to visit Ulli Khovli, a fine example of local domestic architecture. Early check-in is included, giving us time to rest after our flights.
Around 2pm, we meet our tour leader for a welcome briefing, followed by an afternoon walking tour inside Khiva’s compact old town. We explore landmarks including the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah, Kunya Ark fortress, Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum and the slender Islam Khodja Minaret, with our tour leader unpacking the political and religious past of the city.
Finish the day with a relaxed welcome dinner at a local restaurant, our first taste of Uzbek cuisine.
Accommodation 2026: Farovon Hotel (October) / Darvaza Hotel (November)
Accommodation 2027: Kamil Palace (or similar)
Continue exploring Khiva this morning, focusing on buildings that reveal how the city functioned day to day. Inside the Juma Mosque, its forest of wooden columns shows centuries of reuse and repair, while the Tash Hauli Palace offers insight into court life behind richly decorated walls. We also visit Nurullabay Palace, built in the early 20th century as Khiva responded to changing political influences.
Late morning, we join a shivit oshi masterclass, learning how this regional noodle dish gets its distinctive green colour from dill, before sitting down to lunch.
The afternoon is left free to wander the old town independently, revisit favourite sites or enjoy the shifting light on Khiva’s walls as the day cools.
Accommodation 2026: Farovon Hotel (October) / Darvaza Hotel (November)
Accommodation 2027: Kamil Palace (or similar)
Leaving Khiva, we drive (two hours) into the surrounding desert to visit Ayaz Kala, one of several ancient Khorezmian fortresses rising from the plains.
We then continue (1hr 30min) to Urgench to board a Soviet-era train bound for Bukhara. Travelling in four-berth compartments, we pass through the Kyzyl-Kum Desert as daylight fades, a fitting way to experience the distances that once defined Silk Road travel. Boxed snacks are provided for dinner, and we arrive late evening.
Accommodation: Zargaron Boutique (or similar)
Today is dedicated to Bukhara, long regarded as one of Central Asia’s great centres of learning. Our guided walk takes us from the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a landmark of early Islamic architecture, to the Ark fortress, which served as the seat of power for centuries.
We continue through the Poi Kalyan ensemble, where the 12th-century minaret once guided caravans across the desert, before visiting Ulugbek’s Madrasah and the lively Lyab-i-Hauz area, historically a social and commercial meeting point.
After free time for lunch, we explore further monuments including Magok-i-Attari Mosque and the Nadir Divanbegi complex. In the evening, we attend a traditional folk performance staged within a historic madrasah courtyard.
Accommodation: Zargaron Boutique (or similar)
Leave the city this morning to visit the Bahauddin Naqshbandi Ensemble, an important pilgrimage site linked to the influential Sufi order.
Nearby, we are welcomed into Davron Toshev’s miniature workshop, where the artist introduces us to the techniques and symbolism behind this delicate art form. Lunch is included at the workshop.
Mid-afternoon, we transfer to Bukhara railway station and board the bullet train (1hr 45min) to Samarkand, arriving early evening.
Accommodation: Zarafshon Parkside (October 2026: Samaria Hotel and Spa)
Samarkand reveals the ambition of empire, and today we explore the most celebrated sites. Begin at Gur-e Amir, the mausoleum of Timur, before stepping onto Registan Square, framed by three monumental madrasahs that once formed the intellectual heart of the city.
Later, we visit the Hudjum Silk Carpet Factory, where master weavers demonstrate time-intensive techniques passed down through generations.
In the afternoon, we continue to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a processional avenue of mausoleums, and Ulugbek’s Observatory, linking Samarkand to major advances in medieval astronomy.
This evening, we share dinner at Antica B&B, often joined by host Diyora Rafieva, who offers personal insight into heritage protection in Uzbekistan.
Accommodation: Zarafshon Parkside (October 2026: Samaria Hotel and Spa)
A short drive takes us to Konigil village, where we visit the Meros paper workshop. Here, mulberry bark is still transformed into paper using techniques recorded over a thousand years ago, and we have time to try the process ourselves.
After free time for lunch, we board the afternoon bullet train (2hr 30min) to Tashkent, watching the landscape flatten as we approach the capital.
Accommodation: Manor Hotel (or similar)
Today we focus on Tashkent’s Soviet and post-Soviet identity. Our city tour includes a ride on the metro, where each station reflects a distinct architectural theme, along with Amir Temur Square and the Monument of Courage, commemorating the 1966 earthquake that reshaped the city.
Then, enjoy a guided visit inside the Alisher Navoi Theatre, gaining access rarely available to independent travellers. In the afternoon, we travel (one hour) to the Tashkent region to visit Uzumfermer winery. After lunch, we tour the vineyard and cellars before a tasting, then return to the city.
Accommodation: Manor Hotel (or similar)
We’ve traced the Silk Road across Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, travelled Uzbekistan by rail and met artisans keeping traditional crafts alive, but now it’s time to begin our return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our range of extension options.
Accommodation
Hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Worth knowing
- Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- 2026 departures: On some dates, we use hotels in Khiva and Samarkand of a different standard or location to those used on other departures. Where this is the case, the alternative hotels are mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary
Single supplement from CAD 1159
Food & Drink
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.
Transport
The longest distances are covered by rail, with three train journeys in total. These include one Soviet-era train, offering a step back into the region’s recent past, and two high-speed bullet train journeys that link the main cities efficiently. All other travel is by private minibus, allowing flexibility and easy access beyond the rail network.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: We recommend arriving at Urgench International Airport around 7am to join the group transfer
Airport: Urgench International Airport (UGC)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Khiva
Location end: Tashkent
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Light casual cotton clothing is recommended. Please remember, it is respectful to cover your legs, arms (to the elbow), and head during mosque visits. We recommend packing a scarf to cover your head, but they can also be easily purchased in Uzbekistan.
- Sandals are useful as they are cooler and easier to take off when visiting mosques
- Please also bring a pair of trainers (sneakers) or lightweight walking shoes/boots for visiting the fortresses near Khiva, and for walking in the desert yurt camp
- Layers for the colder nights
Water included: Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- Scarf/buff for dusty conditions
Practical Information
Visa
Uzbekistan
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your entry date into Uzbekistan. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.
Anyone travelling on a British Citizen, Australian, New Zealand, or Canadian passport can enter Uzbekistan as a visitor (for tourism or business purposes) for stays of up to 30 days without a visa. For a full list of nationalities that are eligible for a visa-free visit of up to 30-days, please visit https://www.uzembassy.uk/page/319?language=en
Many other nationalities are eligible for a simplified visa in advance (without the need for an authorisation letter of invitation), including USA. If you are eligible for a visa in advance then you should apply for one as for visas upon arrival, a letter of invitation is still required. Should you need an authorisation letter, please contact Exodus at least 8 weeks before departure as we can arrange this for you through our local operator.
It is no longer necessary for you to complete a currency declaration form upon arrival (unless you are carrying over US$2,000 with you). However, as this has only recently been implemented (summer 2018), you will still need to keep your receipts given by each hotel that you stay in – please hold on to these as they may be checked when you leave.
There are restrictions on bringing medicine into Uzbekistan. If you have any medicine we recommend you check with the Uzbekistan Embassy about allowed quantities. You should also bring copies of your prescriptions and declare them upon arrival. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Vaccinations and Health
Uzbekistan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Local Time
Uzbekistan's time zone: Asia/Tashkent (UTC +05:00)
Electricity
Uzbekistan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Money
Uzbekistan's currency: Uzbekistani som (UZS)
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in large hotels and at banks in the main cities in Uzbekistan, including Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Typically, these only accept Visa and only dispense local currency.
Cards are generally accepted in the bigger cities, but cash is required elsewhere. Vendors who do accept card typically only accept Visa or Mastercard, so we recommend bringing one of each if possible.
We recommend taking some cash to exchange in Uzbekistan, rather than rely solely on cards. It is best to bring US dollars and exchange them in the big cities. Notes issued before 1990, and any ripped or dirty notes, or notes with writing or stamps, may not be accepted. British pounds and euros can also be exchanged, but not Canadian dollars.
Extra Expenses & 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 has become customary in Uzbekistan, especially for tour leaders and drivers, though this is at your discretion.
For the tour leader, we suggest US$50-US$60 per person for the duration of the trip.
Your tour leader can suggest appropriate amounts to tip drivers if asked and you may wish to do this together as a group. You could budget in the region of US$3-US$4 per day.
If a hotel porter takes your bags to your room, a tip equivalent to approximately US$1-US$2 is about right.
Many restaurants add a service charge to your bill and a tip would not be expected on top of this.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
