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Peregrine Travel Centre

Uzbekistan Adventure

Uzbekistan Adventure

From $ 3,055 AUD

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Description

Join an adventure through Uzbekistan and uncover ancient Silk Road cities filled with mosques, mausoleums and markets that are a feast for the senses. On this 10-day trip, you’ll follow in the footsteps of traders and pilgrims, starting and ending in the nation’s capital – Tashkent – where you can rub shoulders with locals in the Chorsu Bazaar. Spend two days exploring UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bukhara – the best-preserved example of a medieval city in Central Asia. Walk in the shadows of ancient, blue-tiled buildings in Samarkand and watch a sunset in the ancient city of Khiva. And, have a pinch-me moment as you sleep in a yurt under thousands of stars in the Kyzylkum Desert.

Trip Name
Uzbekistan Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Be wowed by the scale and beauty of the Registan – the commercial centre of medieval Samarkand and one of the best-preserved examples of Islamic architecture. See mosques, mausoleums and madrassas adorned with mosaics.
  • Spend an evening in the vast Kyzylkum Desert, sleeping in a yurt, stargazing by the fire and soaking in what’s sure to be one of those epic ‘I’m-so-far-from-home’ moments.
  • Uncover Bukhara – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city founded more than 2000 years ago. See the Ismail Samanai Mausoleum, Maghoki-Attar (Central Asia’s oldest surviving mosque) and the Ark – the city’s oldest building, dating back to the 5th century.
  • Explore the UNESCO-protected town of Khiva – steeped in Silk Road history and immortalised in many great tales, this town is as photogenic as it is legendary.
  • Get to know the stories and people of Uzbekistan while sharing a homecooked meal with a local family and learn how plov, the national dish, is made.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Tashkent
Salom! Welcome to Uzbekistan. Your adventure begins in Tashkent, the nation’s capital and Central Asia’s main hub, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Tonight, maybe get to know your group over dinner in the city – ask your leader for the best restaurant recommendations!
Day 2 - Samarkand
Leave for Samarkand this morning on the bullet train. When you arrive in the afternoon, head out to explore your first Silk Road town – Samarkand. Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur – the first ruler of the Timurid dynasty. The story goes that this crypt was opened in 1941 by a Soviet anthropologist, who found an inscription on Timur’s gravestone essentially saying, ‘He who opens this will be defeated by an enemy more fearsome than I.’ Then, it’s on to the magnificent Registan – there’s perhaps no more well-known site in Central Asia than this grand city square. This was once a gathering place where locals would hear royal announcements and watch public executions. Stop by the Bibi-Khanym Mosque for an impressive example of Islamic architecture, built for Timur by his wife, Bibi Khanym. The evening is free to do as you wish.
Day 3 - Samarkand
Continue to soak in the ancient sites and modern buzz of Samarkand today. You’ll visit Shah-i-Zinda, an avenue of mausoleums decorated with blue tiles – its most sacred shrine is built around what’s thought to be the grave of Qusam Ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Then, you’ll have some free time to uncover more of this Silk Road city at your own pace. Maybe head to Ulugbek’s Observatory, the Tomb of Daniyar or the Afrosiab Museum, or wander the Siyob Bazaar where you’ll find fresh local produce and regional handicrafts.
Day 4 - Kyzylkum Desert
Drive to Nurata today, which archaeological remains suggest was inhabited thousands of years ago. This is where Alexander the Great built the Nur Fortress in the 4th century BC, the ruins of which can still be seen today. Visit the Chashma Complex, an incredible and much revered Islamic pilgrimage site that has inspired many legends and tales. Centred around a sacred, mineral-rich spring that maintains a constant temperature of about 20° C, the site is also home to the massive Juma Mosque and schools of sacred, protected fish. Then, enjoy a homecooked lunch with an Uzbek family and learn how their national dish of plov is made. After, travel into the Kyzylkum Desert to spend the night sleeping in yurts. Maybe take a dip into Lake Aydarkul and spend the evening by the campfire, stargazing under a desert sky glittering with thousands of stars.
Day 5 - Bukhara
Continue to Bukhara today. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Bukhara was historically an important regional and global hub and has a long history of invasions by both Genghis Khan and the Soviet Red Army. After checking into your hotel, you’ll go on a guided walking tour to explore the historic buildings that fill the town centre. Visit the Ark of Bukhara, a fortress that was occupied from the 5th century until it was bombed by the Red Army in 1920, the Bolo Hauz Mosque, with its elegantly carved wooden pillars, and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum – a shrine built around the 10th century and thought to have survived Genghis Khan’s invasion because it had been buried in a flood. It was discovered and excavated in the 20th century and has become a popular spot for pilgrims and local residents, who regard it as sacred.
Day 6 - Bukhara
With more than 100 monuments scattered throughout Bukhara, there’s plenty more to explore today. Set out on a full-day guided tour through the best of this well-preserved ancient city. Visit the iconic Kalon Mosque and Minaret, the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza (built about 400 years ago, surrounding a pool) and the Chor Minor gatehouse. You’ll also stop at Ulugbek Madrasah (the oldest madrasah in Central Asia) and Maghoki-Attar – Central Asia’s oldest surviving mosque, built in the 12th century on the ruins of a former Buddhist monastery and Zorostrian temple. If you’ve still got the energy after a full day of exploring, maybe go on an optional visit to Bozori Kord Hamam – the oldest Turkish-style bathhouse in Bukhara. Then, enjoy a free evening – your leader can help with suggestions on where to find some authentic Uzbek dishes for dinner tonight.
Day 7 - Khiva
Get an early start today to catch a local train to Urgench, then transfer to Khiva. Many global powers have laid claim to this city over the centuries, from Khans to Silk Road traders and the Soviet Union. Get acquainted with Khiva on a short orientation walk with your leader, then maybe find a good spot to watch the sunset over this ancient city.
Day 8 - Khiva
This morning, join your local guide to explore more of this ancient city. See the incredible blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassa. Explore the Kuhna Ark – the ‘citadel within a citadel’ that once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century – then, get a view from above from the Ak-sheikh Baba Observatory. Visit the towering Islom Hoja Minaret – the tallest building in Khiva – and explore the Juma Mosque. Wander through the elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors at the Tosh-Hovli Palace. This evening, you’ll depart by overnight train for Tashkent.
Day 9 - Tashkent
Arrive in Tashkent in the morning, with access to a shared day room to freshen up. Then, head out on local metro for a short, guided tour. Visit the Amir Timur Square, then spend some time wandering the Chorsu Bazaar. The bazaar’s main building is topped by an impressive dome, and the stalls here sell an array of sweets, fresh bread, local produce, ceramics and souvenirs. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Tonight, maybe join up with other members of your group for a final dinner to celebrate your Silk Road journey.
Day 10 - Tashkent
There are no further activities planned after breakfast this morning and your adventure through Uzbekistan comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay to see more of Tashkent, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 3,055-
17-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 3,055-
24-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 3,055-
07-04-202716-04-2027AUD $ 3,095-
14-04-202723-04-2027AUD $ 3,095-
16-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 3,185-
21-04-202730-04-2027AUD $ 3,185-
28-04-202707-05-2027AUD $ 3,280-
05-05-202714-05-2027AUD $ 3,280-
07-05-202716-05-2027AUD $ 3,185-
12-05-202721-05-2027AUD $ 3,185-
19-05-202728-05-2027AUD $ 3,185-
23-05-202701-06-2027AUD $ 3,185-
26-05-202704-06-2027AUD $ 3,330-
06-06-202715-06-2027AUD $ 3,095-
20-06-202729-06-2027AUD $ 3,095-
18-08-202727-08-2027AUD $ 3,095-
22-08-202731-08-2027AUD $ 3,095-
29-08-202707-09-2027AUD $ 3,095-
03-09-202712-09-2027AUD $ 3,280-
08-09-202717-09-2027AUD $ 3,280-
10-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 3,280-
19-09-202728-09-2027AUD $ 3,340-
24-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 3,340-
29-09-202708-10-2027AUD $ 3,340-
03-10-202712-10-2027AUD $ 3,490-
08-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 3,340-
10-10-202719-10-2027AUD $ 3,340-
13-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 3,340-
17-10-202726-10-2027AUD $ 3,280-
20-10-202729-10-2027AUD $ 3,280-
05-04-202814-04-2028AUD $ 3,250-
12-04-202821-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
14-04-202823-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
19-04-202828-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
26-04-202805-05-2028AUD $ 3,445-
03-05-202812-05-2028AUD $ 3,445-
05-05-202814-05-2028AUD $ 3,445-
10-05-202819-05-2028AUD $ 3,345-
17-05-202826-05-2028AUD $ 3,345-
21-05-202830-05-2028AUD $ 3,345-
24-05-202802-06-2028AUD $ 3,345-
04-06-202813-06-2028AUD $ 3,250-
18-06-202827-06-2028AUD $ 3,250-
16-08-202825-08-2028AUD $ 3,250-
20-08-202829-08-2028AUD $ 3,250-
27-08-202805-09-2028AUD $ 3,250-
01-09-202810-09-2028AUD $ 3,445-
06-09-202815-09-2028AUD $ 3,445-
08-09-202817-09-2028AUD $ 3,445-
17-09-202826-09-2028AUD $ 3,505-
22-09-202801-10-2028AUD $ 3,505-
27-09-202806-10-2028AUD $ 3,505-
01-10-202810-10-2028AUD $ 3,505-
06-10-202815-10-2028AUD $ 3,505-
08-10-202817-10-2028AUD $ 3,505-
11-10-202820-10-2028AUD $ 3,505-
15-10-202824-10-2028AUD $ 3,445-
18-10-202827-10-2028AUD $ 3,445-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Yurt Camp (1 night), Overnight Train(1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle, Metro, Train

Map

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