Uzbekistan – Tajikistan Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport, 2 train journeys included.
Uzbekistan – Tajikistan Tour Highlights
Follow the trail of the ancient caravans through two dazzling lands, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where mountain peaks meet turquoise domes and every city tells a story older than time. Begin in captivating Tashkent, then cross into Tajikistan, exploring the colorful bazaars of Khujand, the ancient charm of Istaravshan and the serene beauty of the Seven Lakes nestled in the Fann Mountains.
Continue to the legendary cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, where the legacy of the Silk Road still shimmers in mosaics, madrasahs and lively markets. This 10-day journey (11 days with the optional Khiva extension) captures the very soul of Central Asia – a tapestry of history, hospitality and breathtaking landscapes, woven with the golden threads of legend.
Difficulty: Easy Cultural sightseeing tour by road and train with easy city walks and short lakeshore walks at the Seven Lakes. Expect two land border crossings and some long driving days (up to 260 km).
Guaranteed departures
Every date runs as scheduled. Same price on all departures.
Other dates? Post a group request
Guaranteed tour dates 2027
| Dates | Days | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Available | Sat – Mon | $1,405 |
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| – Available | Sat – Mon | $1,405 |
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| – Available | Sat – Mon | $1,405 |
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| – Available | Sat – Mon | $1,405 |
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| – Available | Sat – Mon | $1,405 |
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Tour Itinerary
This morning, we arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. After settling in at the hotel and breakfast, we meet our guide. Today we discover Uzbekistan’s bustling capital, where old and new meet in surprising harmony. We’ll visit the spiritual heart of the city – Khast-Imam Square, home to ancient madrasahs and mausoleums, and wander through the colorful Chorsu Bazaar, alive with the aromas of spices, fresh produce, and handicrafts. After lunch, we’ll explore Independence Square and Amir Temur Square, wide spaces framed by impressive architecture. One highlight not to miss is the Tashkent Metro, famous for its ornate stations that feel like an underground art gallery. Overnight in Tashkent.
Hazrati Imam complex, Tashkent, Tashkent metro, Amir Temur Square, Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent Independence Square
Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive toward the Uzbek-Tajik border at Oybek, complete formalities, and continue to Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. On arrival, we enjoy a city tour: strolling through bustling Panjshanbe Bazaar, visiting the historical Museum of Khujand, and seeing the city’s fortress walls. The mix of ancient history and modern Tajik life makes Khujand an unforgettable introduction to the country. Overnight in Khujand.
Khujand, Khujand Citadel & Historical Museum of Sughd, Panjshanbe Bazaar
- Tashkent → Khujand (160 km)
Overnight: Khujand (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we leave Khujand and set out towards Istaravshan, a city with more than 2,500 years of history and once an important stop along the Great Silk Road. Here we explore its bustling bazaars and historic sites, including Kuk-Gumbaz Mosque and the colorful caravanserai-style markets, where traditional craftsmanship is still alive. Continuing our journey, we drive through dramatic mountain landscapes to Penjikent, often called the “Pompeii of Central Asia” thanks to its fascinating ruins of ancient Sogdian settlements. On arrival we settle into the hotel, with time to rest before dinner. Overnight in Penjikent.
Istaravshan, Panjakent, Kok-Gumbaz Madrasa (Istaravshan)
- Khujand → Panjakent (260 km)
Overnight: Panjakent (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we explore Penjikent’s surroundings, beginning with the Sarazm ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back more than 5,500 years — one of the earliest settlements in Central Asia. We then visit the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the great Persian poet, and wander through the lively local bazaar, where everyday Tajik life unfolds in a swirl of colors and aromas. Later, we journey into the Fan Mountains to discover the enchanting Seven Lakes of Marguzor. Each lake has its own character and color, ranging from deep sapphire to shimmering turquoise, shaped by light, altitude, and legend. Today we’ll visit six of them, stopping for a traditional lunch at a local family home near the fourth lake. Short walks along the lakeshores will give us time to absorb the mountain serenity. In the afternoon, we return to Penjikent and proceed to the Jartepa border crossing. After formalities, we cross into Uzbekistan and continue to Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road. Accommodation at the hotel and rest. Overnight in Samarkand.
Fann Mountains, Haftkul – Seven lakes, Sarazm, Panjakent History Museum (Rudaki Museum)
- Panjakent → Samarkand (180 km)
Overnight: Samarkand (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we set off to discover the treasures of Samarkand, one of the most dazzling cities of the Silk Road. Our tour begins at the iconic Registan Square, framed by three grand madrasahs – Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Qori – each a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. We continue to the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane and his dynasty, with its turquoise dome and richly decorated interiors. After lunch, we visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world, and wander through the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where vibrant blue-tiled mausoleums line a narrow medieval street. The day ends at the Ulugbek Observatory, where the great astronomer charted the stars centuries ago. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Mausoleum, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Registan, Shah i Zinda, Ulugbek Observatory
Overnight: Samarkand (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we dive deeper into Samarkand’s history and culture. We begin at the Afrosiab Museum and nearby archaeological site, which reveal the ancient roots of the city long before the Timurid era. Then we visit the tomb of Saint Daniel, a unique pilgrimage site venerated by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. Later, we explore the Khujum carpet factory and a silk paper workshop, where age-old crafts are preserved and practiced with pride. Finally, we stroll through the bustling Siab Bazaar, a lively market brimming with spices, dried fruits, nuts, and handicrafts – the perfect place to experience the flavors and energy of modern Samarkand. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Samarkand.
Afrasiyab, Konigil Paper Mill (Meros), Siyob Bazaar, Tomb of Saint Daniel (Khoja Daniyar)
Overnight: Samarkand (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we transfer to the railway station and take a morning train across the steppe to Bukhara (09:55–11:38). On arrival, we begin exploring this legendary Silk Road city, a place that once rivalled great cultural capitals of the Islamic world. Highlights include the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture; the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, linked to the legend of the Prophet Job; and the bustling local bazaar. We continue to Bolo Khauz Mosque, the mighty Ark Citadel with its Zindan prison, and the Po-i-Kalyan Complex with its soaring minaret, madrasa, and mosque. Our tour also covers the Miri Arab Madrasa, the Magoki Attori Mosque, and Ulugbek Madrasa. In the evening, we settle into our hotel for rest.
Ark of Bukhara, Bolo Hauz Complex, Bukhara, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, Poi Kalyan, Samanids Mausoleum, Ulugbeg Madrasah Bukhara, Magoki-Attori Mosque
- Samarkand → Bukhara
Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
We spend the morning outside the city walls to see some of Bukhara’s most atmospheric sites: the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, once the opulent summer residence of the last emir; the Chor Bakr Necropolis, often called the “City of the Dead”; and the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, a revered Sufi pilgrimage site. Returning to Bukhara, the afternoon is free to explore the old town at your own pace. In the evening, we are welcomed into a traditional local home for an authentic cultural experience. Here we’ll take part in a master class on cooking plov, Uzbekistan’s most famous dish, learning its secrets step by step. Afterward, we’ll share a delicious dinner with the family, enjoying warm hospitality and stories of local life. Overnight at the hotel.
Bakhauddin Naqshband Mausoleum, Chor-Bakr Necropolis, Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace
Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning is free in Bukhara to explore the old town at your own pace – browse the domed trading bazaars, relax by the Lyabi-Hauz pool or revisit your favourite sights. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for a comfortable ride to Tashkent. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for rest.
- Bukhara → Tashkent
Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out before 12:00. Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight — carrying with you warm memories and vivid impressions of your unforgettable journey through Central Asia.
Meals: Breakfast
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Group Tour Price
Single room supplement: $250
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $3,463 | $3,923 |
| 2–3 travelers | $2,031 | $2,353 |
| 4–5 travelers | $1,523 | $1,847 |
| 6–7 travelers | $1,398 | $1,724 |
| 8–9 travelers | $1,363 | $1,689 |
| 10–11 travelers | $1,324 | $1,651 |
Single room supplement — ★★★ $240, ★★★★ $360
Group Tour Price
Single room supplement: $275
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $3,785 | $4,245 |
| 2–3 travelers | $2,257 | $2,584 |
| 4–5 travelers | $1,717 | $2,082 |
| 6–7 travelers | $1,592 | $1,958 |
| 8–9 travelers | $1,579 | $1,945 |
| 10–11 travelers | $1,536 | $1,901 |
Single room supplement — ★★★ $262, ★★★★ $395
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What's included
Included
- Accommodation at the hotels listed below, or at similar properties of the same category, in double/twin rooms with breakfast. Early check-in on Day 1 in Tashkent is included; check-in at other hotels is at 14:00, check-out at 12:00.
- Meals – daily breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner (incl. a cooking class in Bukhara) as per the program.
- Entrance fees to the monuments and museums mentioned in the itinerary.
- Services of English-speaking local guides for sightseeing.
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including all airport–hotel–airport transfers.
- Railway transfer from Samarkand to Bukhara and from Bukhara to Tashkent (economy class).
- Flight ticket Urgench – Tashkent (economy class) - 11-day Khiva extension only.
- * Tickets for high-speed trains are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Not included
- International flight tickets.
- Meals not mentioned above.
- Medical expenses and travel insurance.
- Porterage at hotels, railway stations, and airports.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Optional Khiva extension (11-day version)
The tour can be extended to 11 days with a visit to Khiva. Days 1–8 follow the main programme; from Day 9 the itinerary continues as follows. The flight Urgench – Tashkent (economy class) is included in the extension price.
Day 9. Bukhara – Khiva by road (460 km)
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and along the Amudarya River, tracing ancient Silk Road routes through vast desert landscapes. We stop en route for lunch before continuing to Khiva — a beautifully preserved medieval city that feels like an open-air museum. On arrival, enjoy free time to stroll through the old town’s narrow lanes, visit artisan workshops and explore local bazaars. Overnight in Khiva. Meals: breakfast.
Day 10. Khiva – Urgench (30 km), evening flight to Tashkent
After breakfast, we spend the morning exploring Ichan-Kala, the walled heart of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its architectural gems — including the Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Kunya-Ark Fortress, Islam Hajji Minaret, Tash Khauli Palace, Juma Mosque and Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah. After lunch, visit the Avesta Museum before transferring to Urgench for the evening flight to Tashkent. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest. Overnight in Tashkent. Meals: breakfast.
Day 11. Tashkent, departure
Early morning transfer to the airport for your international flight. Depending on flight time, breakfast or a lunch-box will be provided. Meals: breakfast.
Transport
| Group Size | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|
| 1–2 travelers | Chevrolet Lacetti or similar |
| 4 travelers | Hyundai Starex minivan (6 seats) |
| 6–8 travelers | King Long minivan (10 seats) or similar |
| 9–14 travelers | Eurise minivan (18 seats) or similar |
Uzbekistan travel information
Practical essentials for each country on this tour. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan before booking.
The local currency is the Uzbek sum. Uzbekistan is still mostly a cash economy, but money is easy to exchange and ATMs are common in the larger cities.
Exchanging money
Banks exchange US dollars, euros, British pounds and Japanese yen. There are exchange offices in major cities such as Bukhara and Khiva and at Tashkent airport; elsewhere you need a bank, which often gives a better rate anyway. Your notes must be in pristine condition. Sum is hard to exchange outside Uzbekistan, but you can change it back to US dollars at a local bank.
Cards and ATMs
Cards are accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants in Tashkent and the main tourist cities, with Visa more widely recognised than Mastercard and a standard 3% commission. ATMs dispense sum and are easy to find in the larger cities; many also offer US dollars.
Uzbekistan is generally a safe destination, with little religious extremism and few crimes against foreigners.
Documents
Always carry your passport: it is a legal requirement, and police carry out routine checks.
Getting around
- Use licensed taxis. Local taxi apps are the easiest way to get a ride at local prices, and Yandex works very well in Tashkent and Samarkand. If you take a taxi on the street or at the airport, agree the price first.
- Many roads outside Tashkent, especially in the Tian Shan and Fan mountains, are in poor condition. Driving standards are generally low, and rural roads are often unlit, so night driving is riskier.
- On night trains, keep valuables safe, do not leave belongings unattended and lock the compartment door from the inside.
- Watch your belongings as you would anywhere, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
Laws and customs
- Possessing narcotics is strictly illegal.
- Same-sex relationships are illegal and still socially condemned. Avoid public displays of affection.
- Drones are in practice banned. Permits can be applied for but are very rarely granted.
Photography
Be discreet near government buildings such as the Palace of Forums in Tashkent, and sometimes at local markets that see few tourists. Restrictions have eased, but check before photographing near airports, border checkpoints, military sites, bridges and police stations.
Earthquakes
Uzbekistan is prone to earthquakes, mostly tremors, though stronger ones occasionally occur.
Entering Uzbekistan is straightforward when your documents are in order. Citizens of many countries can visit visa-free, and for many others a visa is easy to get without an invitation.
Registration
Registration rules are stricter than elsewhere in Central Asia: by law you must be registered within 3 days of arrival. Hotels usually do this for you, but register yourself if you stay longer than 3 days in, for example, a rented apartment. Border officers check the registrations when you leave and may ask for the paper slips, so keep them until you exit the country.
Customs
Exporting handcrafted items older than 50 years is prohibited. At land borders, customs officers may check your phone and photos for explicit or confidential material, though this has become very rare.
The best times to visit Uzbekistan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), between the summer heat and the winter cold.
Summer
At the height of summer the land dries out, especially in the countryside, and temperatures rise well above 30°C, often up to 40°C.
Winter
From November to March it can get cold, sometimes below zero, but the skies are mostly clear and bright. Snow is occasional and usually melts within a day or two.
Medical services in Uzbekistan have improved in recent years but are still limited, so good travel insurance that includes evacuation is essential.
Food and water
To avoid traveller's diarrhoea, drink only bottled, filtered or boiled water, and do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or for ice. Choose meat and fish that are thoroughly cooked and served hot.
Medical care
Uzbekistan has a state healthcare system and a small private sector. Larger clinics serve the cities and regional hospitals the countryside. Hospitals usually ask for payment in cash up front, even if you are insured, and serious cases may need evacuation home. Contact your insurer straight away if you need urgent care, and check before you leave what your insurance covers in Uzbekistan.
Medicines
Pharmacies are private, and the range of medicines can be limited. Prescriptions generally require a doctor's consultation. If you travel with medication, check the rules with the embassy, a consulate or Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health.
The official currency is the somoni (TJS). US dollars are accepted in some places, but the somoni is what you use day to day.
ATMs
Withdrawing cash can be difficult, so carry some cash with you. There are ATMs in Dushanbe, Panjakent, Khujand, Khorog, Isfara, Istaravshan and Bokhtar (Kurgan-Tube), and even in smaller towns, but not in Murghab. Eskhata Bank in Dushanbe is a reliable choice for US dollars and has a generous limit for somoni withdrawals. ATMs may be harder to find at weekends, and ATMs that take Mastercard can be tricky to find.
Exchanging money
US dollars and euros are widely accepted, though in rural areas without exchange offices people often prefer dollars. Changing money on the black market is illegal.
The overall security situation is generally stable and Dushanbe is relatively safe, though robbery and petty crime occasionally happen, and foreigners can be targets.
Documents
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page, as the authorities may ask for identification.
Staying safe
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and stay alert in public places.
- Do not leave drinks unattended, decline drinks from strangers and keep an eye on how much you drink.
- If you are followed or harassed at the airport, report it right away to your tour agent or the consular office at the airport.
- Women travelling alone may face unwanted attention or harassment.
Laws and customs
- Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.
- Smoking while walking in the street is prohibited.
- Possessing or using drugs is strictly illegal.
- Photographing anything related to the military or security services can cause trouble with the authorities.
- Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but local views are conservative and tolerance varies, especially outside the major cities.
Roads and services
- Vehicles are often poorly maintained and driving standards are basic. Fuel stations are rare outside the cities and emergency services may not be available, so bring what you need and expect delays.
- Roads outside the major cities are poor and some are passable only by four-wheel drive. Spring is especially hazardous because of avalanches and landslides.
- Energy and water shortages and power cuts are common, especially in winter and spring and mostly outside Dushanbe.
Border areas and nature
- Avoid the border area with Afghanistan because of the unstable security situation there.
- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a border treaty in 2025 after the clashes of 2022, and the northern Sughd region, including Khujand, is safe to visit.
- Tajikistan is prone to earthquakes, avalanches, landslides and floods.
Visitors from many countries can travel to Tajikistan visa-free. Leave the country before your visa or visa-free stay runs out, to avoid fines and having to get an exit visa.
Pamirs (GBAO) permit
A permit is required to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).
Borders and customs
Tajikistan's borders can close at short notice. Declare large amounts of money on arrival, and show the customs declaration when you leave.
The best months to explore Tajikistan are April, May, June, September and October. September may be the very best: the heat on the plains has eased and nearly all mountain passes are still open.
Autumn
In September the markets are full of fresh produce and the landscape turns golden.
The Pamirs
The best time to visit the Pamirs is August.
Summer and winter
Summers are dry and very hot, up to 40°C in the lowlands. Winters can be extremely cold, down to −20°C in the mountains, and heavy snow in the west can disrupt winter routes and close the high passes.
Medical facilities in Tajikistan are limited and essential medicines are often in short supply. Outside Dushanbe facilities are basic, and some areas have almost none.
Insurance
Before you go, check that your destination can provide any medical help you might need, and make sure your travel insurance covers treatment and unexpected medical evacuation. If you are sent to a medical facility, contact your insurer straight away.
Medicines
Some medicines containing codeine are strictly prohibited. Check that any medication you bring is legal, and declare all medicines and other restricted items on arrival.
Vaccinations and risks
Ticks are common in forests and rural areas from spring to autumn. Improperly disposed uranium and pesticides in the northern Sughd region are a possible health hazard. At a minimum, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and tetanus before your trip.
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