Step away from the mainstream and dive into deep rugged landscapes and cultural triumphs of an unknown, exotic, fabled destination - Uzbekistan, one of only two double-landlocked countries in the world. Traveling through Uzbekistan’s Silk route cities is like a journey through living history. In so many fascinating ways, the past and present live side by side.
The amazing cities of Bukhara, Tashkent and Samarkand are known for great wealth and exceptional islamic architecture of fabulous mosques, medressas and mausoleums deeply infused with the power, legacy of the Turco-Mongol king Timur. One of Timur's monuments rightly bears the proverb: 'If you want to know about us, examine our architecture'.
Join 50+ Voyagers Travel and Adventure Club - on a journey through spellbinding arsenal of architecture in ancient cities of silkroute and feel genuinely welcome by golden smiles of locals on the road to Uzbekistan.
Board early morning flight from Delhi to Tashkent. From the Tashkent Airport after clearing immigration formalities, we shall have lunch and proceed to hotel for check in.
Tashkent is usually derived from the Turkish word 'tash' (stone) and the Persian word 'kent' (city), meaning 'city of stones'. This wonderful city has its own unique flavor - combining medieval buildings as if descended from the pages of old oriental tales and elegant European architecture from the period of Rassian era. Spend evening at leisure at Independence Square, a park surrounded with several monuments, fountains, impressive public buildings and filled with trees and flowerbeds. We shall attend Dinner with folklore show and return back to hotel for good night sleep.
After early breakfast or with breakfast box at 6:30 am, board Tashkent – Samarkand Afrasiyab fast train which will cover 280 KM in 2 hours, to Samarkand, an UNESCO World Heritage site and of same age as Babylon or Rome. In its history it has been ruled by Persians, Greeks, Turks, Mongols, Chinese and Russians. Half a dozen religions have found a home here. Alexander passed through in the 4th century BC. The Chinese scholar-travellers Faxian and Xuanzang, the Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta, and Marco Polo all wrote about the city. Gengis Khan laid waste to Samarkand in the 13th century. In the 14th century Timur rebuilt it into a city the likes of which had never been seen before.
Upon reaching Samarkand, proceed to Gur Emir, mausoleum of the Asian conqueror Timur. This architectural complex with its azure dome contains the tombs of Tamerlane, his sons Shah Rukh and Miran Shah and grandsons Ulugh Beg and Muhammad Sultan. Gur Emir a masterpiece of Islamic architecture of medieval East. The ribbed dome and vault walls of this structure are completely covered with a mosaic of light and dark blue glazed bricks, gilding and painting.
Post lunch, we shall proceed to hotel for check in. In the afternoon visit Ulugh Beg Observatory, which was built in the 1420s by the Timurid ruler Ulugh Beg, grandson of emperor Timur the Lame. The observatory was the site of the world’s most advanced astronomical studies during 14th century. Once night falls, drive to local restaurant for dinner and then to hotel for overnight stay.
Post breakfast embark on a city tour of Samarkand. Admire, 'the noblest public square in the world' - Registan Square, a unique set of two madrassahs and one mosque – Tilia Kari (golden mosque) - its ornate portals, patterned minarets and glistening cupolas, a fairy world of glazed mosaics in liquid shades of blue. Visit one of the most mysterious and unique architectural monuments of Samarkand, Shahi Zinda (Persian – “The Living King") Necropolis. It consists of rows of stunning sparkling blue color domes along the medieval streets.
Post lunch, proceed to Bibi Khanum Mosque - The majestic blue domes of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque are the unusual sight. It takes one’s breath even from understanding the scale of construction of this monument, impressing with its size and beauty. In antiquity the dome of this mosque was compared with the dome of heaven and the arch of portal – with the Milky Way.
Enhance your travel experience by shopping at Siyab Bazaar which bustles frenetically with local farmers and traders, and is undoubtedly the best way to soak in local culture. From a range of enticing dry fruits including Bukhara almonds, naan, mouth-watering local fruits like apricots, peaches and grapes to colorful sequined scarves, skull caps and local handicrafts. Walking through this market is an unparalleled adventure as Indian tourists are greeted excitedly with names of Bollywood celebrities, who are household names here. Once night falls, drive to local restaurant for dinner and then proceed to hotel for overnight stay.
Today post checkout from hotel, will travel by highspeed Afrasiyab train to Bukhara, one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on a sacred hill. According to the legend Bukhara was founded by King Siavash, a legendary Persian prince from the beginnings of the Persian Empire. This city was founded in the 13th century BC during the reign of Siyavushids. UNESCO, while nameing Bukhara a World Heritage site, stated that 'It is the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, with an urban fabric that has remained largely intact.'
Post lunch, proceed on a walking tour to architectural ensemble Lyabi-Khauz which is formed with three large monumental buildings: Kukeldash Madrasah in the north, khanaka and Nodir Divan-begi in the west and in the east. Enjoy dinner at local restaurant and proceed to the hotel.
In morning post breakfast on a walking tour, head for Maghoki-Attar Mosque the oldest mosque in Central Asia. It also boasts an illustrious history of sacredness as it was originally occupied by a Buddhist temple, then later a Zoroastrian temple that was built in the 5th century. Zoroastrianism was a monotheistic faith and the state religion of the Persian Empire before the rise of Islam.
Later visit Ark-Citadel residence of Bukhara khans. It is a massive fortress which was initially built and occupied around the 5th century AD. In addition to being a military structure, the Ark was inhabited by the various royal courts that held sway over the region surrounding Bukhara. The Ark was used as a fortress until it fell to Russia in 1920 and currently, houses museums covering its history.
Spend afternoon exploring Taqi-Zaragon one of the best place for jewelry night. The bazaar is situated within the best preserved ancient domes in Bukhara and date back to the 16th century. Within the same complex you will also find an excellent selection of carpets.
In morning post breakfast proceed to Sitorai Mohi Khosa - the summer palace of the Emirs of Bukhara. We shall visit the town of Gujduvan - famous for its green-blue paintings style on ceramic products. We shall visit a craftsman house and his workshop to familiarize with his family and works. We shall participate in a master class in ceramics and shall have lunch with the hosts of the house.
Post lunch, proceed to Bukhara railway station to board highspeed Afrasiyab train to Tashkent. Upon reaching, enjoy dinner at restaurant and check in to the hotel.
Relish your breakfast and post checkout from hotel visit Khast Imam Complex, Sheikh Tillya Mosque, which preserves the world’s oldest existing Quran book, marked with the blood of the same Caliph Osman, who was assassinated in 655. Visit the State Museum of Applied Art, a treasure trove of carpets, ikats, suzani, metal work, wood craft and ceramics, all handcrafted by artisans from all over Uzbekistan.
We shall visit 2000 years old Chorsu Market, a true oriental bazaar, located in the center of the old town of Tashkent. Shop for dry fruits, oriental ornament, carpets and a national delicacy - peanuts boiled in sugar or honey. Take some rest at choykhonas, where you can taste amber yellow pilaf, fragrant shashlyk (grilled meat), hot shurpa (soup). We shall also ride the local metro rail and see some of the most beautiful underground stations in Central Asia. In the evening post early dinner, move towards the airport to fly back home carrying the good memories of this journey in your hearts.
Note: Please pay attention to your return international flight timing from Tashkent to Delhi - which will be on following/next date(18 April, 2025) early morning around 1:25 AM. Your domestic flight from Delhi to hometown to be booked accordingly.
4 Nights stay in 4* accommodation in Tashkent, Samarkand. 2 Nights in 4* category heritage hotel in Bukhara. All stay on twin sharing basis. If you prefer single sharing room, contact us for supplemental cost.
High speed 'Afrasiyab' train tickets for Tashkent - Samarkand, Samarkand - Bukhara and Bukhara - Tashkent.
6 Continental Breakfast in hotel. 7 Lunch and 7 dinner - Mix of Indian and Uzbek meals. Both Veg/Non-veg meals available. Indian food not available in Bukhara and Samarkand, so it will be Uzbek cuisine only. Folklore show Dinner with traditional Uzbek music and dance performance. 1 litre of bottled drinking water per day per person.
You can either click on 'Book Now' button on this page or call us (+91) 8095767595 or email us info@50plusvoyagers.com to request booking.
Send us a copy of your Pan card and Passport with validity of atleast 6 months from the day of return from Uzbekistan. You must the carry same with you during tour.
Pay Rs. 50,000 as 'tour booking fee' by on-line transfer or cheque to the current bank account of 50+ Voyagers Travel and Adventure Club Pvt. Ltd.
Pay balance amount 60 days before tour departure date.
Yes. Uzbekistan allows e-Visa for Indian passport holder and same will be applied by 50+ Voyagers and cost of it is included in tour package for Indian passport holders. For Non-Indian passport holder, extra supplement fee applicable to apply for eVisa.
** You must be fully vaccinated for Covid 19 to enter Uzbekistan.
Colour Scanned Copy of Passport valid for at least 180 days from the date of return of this tour.
Self attested copy of PAN Card to buy Foreign Exchange for International Travel, as mandated by Liberalized Remittance Scheme of RBI
Color Photo of 35x45 mm size with a resolution of 700 dpi or more. It must be in electronic format and of size less than 1 MB. Scanned or printed copy of photo not accepted.
Completed LRS Application-cum-Declaration Form to buy Foreign Exchange, as mandated by Liberalized Remittance Scheme of RBI. Form will be provided by 50+ Voyagers
Confirmed flight tickets - India to Uzbekistan and return
You must be fully vaccinated for Covid 19 to enter Uzbekistan.