Uzbekistan – Tajikistan Highlights Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Uzbekistan – Tajikistan Highlights Tour Highlights
Combine the great Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan with the ancient sites and mountain lakes of northern Tajikistan on this 8-day tour from Tashkent to Dushanbe. From Tashkent you head to Bukhara, once a gathering place for artists, scientists and merchants and for more than 1,000 years one of the major centres of Islamic theology, and then to Samarkand, the capital of Timur's empire, with the Registan, Gur-e-Amir and Shah-i-Zinda.
Across the Jartepa border you enter Tajikistan at Panjakent, the old Sogdian city, with the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sarazm, more than 5,000 years old, and the 1,500-year-old ruins of ancient Panjakent. The highlight of the tour is Haft Kul, the Seven Lakes of northwest Tajikistan – legend says they are the tears of the seven daughters of a missing man, science says they formed after earthquakes changed the course of the Shing River. After a night in a traditional house in the mountain village of Ruknobod, you drive on to the Tajik capital for its museums, parks and teahouses.
Difficulty: Easy Mostly city sightseeing on foot and easy walks along the Seven Lakes. Expect long road days (Tashkent to Bukhara, and 4–5 hours from Ruknobod over the mountains to Dushanbe), one land-border crossing (Jartepa) and simple overnights in a hostel at the Seven Lakes and a traditional house in Ruknobod.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Tashkent airport, where the driver meets you and transfers you to your hotel. Your journey begins in Tashkent, as much a crossroads of cultures today as the region was in the Silk Road era. What the city lacks in old monuments it makes up for with an intriguing blend of Uzbek and Soviet heritage. Depending on your arrival time, you can start sightseeing in the city. Overnight in Tashkent.
Tashkent
Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)
Meals: Dinner
After an early breakfast, drive to Bukhara. In the days of yore Bukhara was the gathering place for artists, scientists and merchants. Ethnically more Tajik than Uzbek, the city was one of the major centres of Islamic theology more than 1,000 years ago, and today is all about its minarets, mosques and madrasahs. Po-i-Kalyan: Bukhara's most famous square, dominated by the 12th-century Kalyan Minaret, which is visible throughout the city and was the first building where Uzbekistan's typical blue tiles were used. The minaret cannot be entered, but it stands at the entrance to the Kalyan Mosque with its vast courtyard and cavernous interior. Opposite the mosque is the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, which is still active and not open to visitors. Bolo Hauz Mosque: opposite the Ark fortress, with very tall carved wooden columns and finely hand-painted ceilings. It can be visited outside prayer times. Chor Minor: a small gatehouse with four minarets – hence the name – away from the old town centre and therefore quieter. Each minaret is decorated in a different style. Lyabi Hauz: hauz means pond in Persian, and this is a group of madrasahs around a central pond – a lovely place to sit with a cup of tea or a meal by the water. Overnight in Bukhara.
Bukhara, Poi Kalyan, Bolo Hauz Complex, Chor Minor, Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble
- Tashkent → Bukhara
Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, the driver takes you to Samarkand, the blue city of mausoleums, madrasahs and mosques. Bukhara was the gathering place of minds, but Samarkand is where the action happened: it was the capital of Timur's empire and is home to Uzbekistan's most iconic sights. All the major monuments are within easy walking distance of each other. Tip: it is worth getting up before sunrise in Samarkand. The streets are quiet and many buildings are still illuminated, without the tourist crowds. Gur-e-Amir: Timur's mausoleum, with blue mosaics outside and gold leaf and calligraphy glowing inside. The graves lie in a closed vault beneath the mausoleum; the tombstones in the hall mark their places. Registan: Uzbekistan's most famous ensemble, with three former madrasahs – Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari – built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Don't miss the Tilla-Kari mosque, which has the most opulent ceiling in Uzbekistan. Bibi-Khanym Mosque: once the largest mosque of its time, built in honour of Timur's wife. Its construction was rushed and the building partly collapsed; it is gradually being restored. Siyob Bazaar: the busy bazaar next to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque offers everything from fresh produce to sweets. Try the different kinds of Samarkand halva sold near the entrance. Shah-i-Zinda: a narrow necropolis lined with turquoise-tiled tombs, including that of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Some tombs date back to the 11th century. It is at its most atmospheric around sunrise or sunset, when the tour groups are gone. Overnight in Samarkand.
Samarkand, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Mausoleum, Siyob Bazaar, Shah i Zinda
- Bukhara → Samarkand
Overnight: Samarkand (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the Jartepa border between Samarkand and Panjakent; the border crossing takes about an hour or more. Panjakent is only about an hour's drive from Samarkand, and no visit to Samarkand and Bukhara is complete without ancient Panjakent and the Sarazm settlement. Panjakent was once a capital of the Sogdians, a Zoroastrian civilisation that long predates Islam in the region. Though most travellers come to Tajikistan for trekking, the area has several ancient sites worth visiting on the way to the mountains. Sarazm: a stone's throw from the border crossing are the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sarazm. More than 5,000 years old, they are the remains of one of the first agricultural societies in Central Asia. A remarkably tall skeleton, called the "Princess of Sarazm", was found here with her ornaments, and archaeologists also found artefacts showing ancient trade routes stretching as far as present-day Iran and Pakistan. Panjakent Bazaar: a beautiful central building ringed by brick archways – a good place to buy nuts and dried fruit and to get your first taste of Tajik hospitality. Ancient Panjakent: the 1,500-year-old ruins of the Sogdian city lie on a hilltop outside the town and spread over several kilometres. Archaeologists found remarkably well-preserved frescoes here; they are now kept in the Rudaki Museum in Panjakent, the National Museum in Dushanbe and the Hermitage in St Petersburg, and copies can be seen in the small museum at the entrance to the site. Overnight in Panjakent.
Sarazm, Panjakent, Ancient Panjakent
- Samarkand → Panjakent
Overnight: Panjakent (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Seven Lakes. Seven small and large lakes make up Haft Kul, the "seven lakes" of northwest Tajikistan. Legend says they are the tears of the seven daughters of a missing man; science says they were created after earthquakes changed the course of the Shing River. Whichever version you prefer, the Haft Kul road is one of the most accessible trips into Tajikistan's mountains and the perfect introduction to the country's natural beauty. Besides the azure lakes, there are villages to wander through, where friendly locals are happy to invite travellers for tea. Overnight in a hostel at the Seven Lakes.
Haftkul – Seven lakes
- Panjakent → Haftkul – Seven lakes
Overnight: Haftkul – Seven lakes (Hostel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a day and a half visiting all the lakes, you reach the mountain village of Ruknobod after lunch. The rest of the day is free to relax and to taste some Tajik national dishes. Overnight in a traditional house.
Haftkul – Seven lakes, Ruknobod Village
- Haftkul – Seven lakes → Ruknobod Village
Overnight: Ruknobod Village (Homestay)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the traditional house, then a 4–5 hour drive to Dushanbe. Tajikistan's capital is a pleasant surprise: instead of a tired post-Soviet mass of concrete, you find a well-kept city centre with green parks, fountains and colourful flowers and buildings. National Museum: interesting collections, including some of the frescoes from ancient Panjakent and an entire top floor of works by Tajik artists. Rudaki Park: Dushanbe's prettiest park, next to the National Museum, with the Palace of Nations (where the president works) and one of the tallest flagpoles in the world. The park really comes alive at night. Rohat Chaikhana: the large, beautifully decorated teahouse on Rudaki Avenue – a pleasant place for an affordable lunch, either in the columned open hall or in the ornate wooden interior. Museum of Antiquities: home to the remains of the Princess of Sarazm and an impressive collection of ancient artefacts. Mehrgon Bazaar: the grand bazaar in the north of the city, selling everything from fresh vegetables to stuffed dried dates. Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre: opera and ballet in a grand theatre at very low ticket prices – check whether a show is on. Overnight in Dushanbe.
Dushanbe, National Museum of Tajikistan, Rudaki Park, National Museum of Antiquities (Dushanbe), Mehrgon Bazaar, Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Ruknobod Village → Dushanbe
Overnight: Dushanbe (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your final day in Tajikistan, explore a little more of Dushanbe. Chatr Café: a café run by women whose profits support women affected by domestic violence – great coffee and a good atmosphere. Botanical Garden: a short walk from Chatr Café, a large garden where local couples and families like to spend the day. Kurutobhona Olim: a popular local lunch spot outside the city centre serving kurutob – strips of bread with yoghurt, salad and herbs, and one of the few vegetarian dishes in Tajik cuisine. Navruz Palace: Kokhi Navruz, an attractive palace on the water now used for events, with grand halls full of woodwork, ceiling frescoes and tiled mosaics, and teahouses at its entrance. Chavonon Gardens: small gardens along a lake and beach behind Navruz Palace, a popular place to spend the afternoon and evening, with a small café on the water. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your departure. End of the tour.
Dushanbe, Dushanbe Botanical Garden, Navruz Palace (Kokhi Navruz)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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What's included
Included
- All transfers and transport
- All accommodation
- All meals (B.L.D.)
- Guide and interpreter service
- VAT Tax and Profit of organization
- Eco Tax
Not included
- Visa, international flight
- Photo and video charges
- All personal expenses (extra luggage fee, room service, medical expenses/insurance, etc.)
- Fees for extra service (folklore performance, meetings)
- Tips to the guides, drivers and donkey men
- Single accommodation
- Alcoholic beverages
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
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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