Uzbekistan Group tour from Khiva to Tashkent
Accommodation, guides, transport, 3 train journeys included. 20% deposit, balance 30 days before tour starting date.
Uzbekistan Group tour from Khiva to Tashkent Highlights
Follow the Silk Road across Uzbekistan by train on this 7-day group tour from the walled city of Khiva to the capital Tashkent. After your arrival at Urgench airport you explore Ichan Kala, Khiva's walled inner town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Kunya Ark fortress, the Tash Khauli Palace, the Juma Mosque with its forest of carved wooden columns and the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. A modern train takes you on to Bukhara for two days at the Samanid Mausoleum, the Ark fortress, the Poi Kalyan complex, the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble and the covered trading domes, with a visit to Sitorai Mohi Khosa, the summer palace of the emirs.
In Samarkand, the capital of the Timurid Empire, you see the Gur-e Amir mausoleum of Amir Timur, the Registan, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and the Ulugbek Observatory before an evening train brings you to Tashkent. The capital's city tour leads from the Hazrati Imam Complex and the Chorsu Bazaar to the giant plov cauldrons of the Besh Qozon plov centre and the squares of the modern city centre. Along the way you browse artisan workshops and colourful bazaars, taste Uzbek cuisine and stay in 3* hotels with breakfast, with English-speaking local guides and all train tickets included.
Difficulty: Easy Guided city walking tours on mostly flat ground with long sightseeing days, three train journeys (Khiva – Bukhara in a 4-berth compartment) and no altitude. The departures are in late autumn and winter, when it can be cold with temperatures sometimes below zero.
Guaranteed departures
Every date runs as scheduled. Same price on all departures.
Guaranteed tour dates 2026
| Dates | Days | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Available | Mon – Sun | $790 |
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Guaranteed tour dates 2027
| Dates | Days | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Available | Mon – Sun | $790 |
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| – Available | Mon – Sun | $790 |
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| – Available | Fri – Thu | $790 |
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Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Urgench. When you leave the airport, we welcome you and transfer you to the enchanting city of Khiva, just 30 km away. After checking in to your hotel (early check-in is included), you have some time to relax after your flight and enjoy breakfast before we begin our journey. At 11:00 we set off to explore one of the most extraordinary cities of the Great Silk Road. Our first stop is the elegant Nurullabay Palace, the former summer residence of the Khivan khans, where traditional Eastern luxury blends with European architectural influences of the late 19th century. Next, we step into Ichan Kala, Khiva's perfectly preserved walled inner city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together we discover the Kunya Ark fortress, admire the graceful Islam Khoja Madrasa and Minaret, and visit the magnificent Tash Khauli Palace, one of the finest royal residences in Central Asia. After some free time for lunch, we continue through the timeless streets of ancient Khiva. We visit the Allakuli Khan Madrasa, admire the Juma Mosque with its famous forest of carved wooden columns, see the impressive Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa and Minaret, and end the day at the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, the city's most revered spiritual landmark. Overnight in Khiva.
Khiva, Nurullabay Palace, Kunya-ark fortress, Islam Khoja Minaret, Tach Khaouli Palace, Madrasahs of Khiva, Juma mosque, Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah, Pakhlavan Makhmoud Mausoleum
- Urgench → Khiva (30 km)
Overnight: Khiva (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to experience the charm of Khiva at your own pace. Wander through its peaceful ancient streets, take photos, browse traditional handicraft shops, or simply relax with a cup of fragrant tea in one of the hidden courtyards of the old city. Check-out is by 12:00. In the afternoon we head to the railway station and board a comfortable modern train to Bukhara, one of the most captivating and atmospheric cities of the Great Silk Road. On arrival, we meet you at the station, transfer you to your hotel and help with check-in, leaving you free to relax and prepare for another day of discovery. Overnight in Bukhara.
Bukhara
- Khiva → Bukhara (470 km)
Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
At 09:30 we begin discovering Bukhara, one of the oldest and most atmospheric cities of the Great Silk Road. Our journey starts at the Samanid Mausoleum, one of the finest masterpieces of early Islamic architecture. We then visit the sacred Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum before going up to the observation deck of the Shukhov Tower, with panoramic views over the old city, the Bolo-Hauz Mosque and the imposing Ark fortress. We continue to the magnificent Poi Kalyan complex, the architectural heart of the city and one of its most iconic landmarks. After some free time for lunch, we travel to the elegant Sitorai Mohi Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the emirs of Bukhara, where traditional Eastern architecture blends with European influences in one of the most distinctive palaces in Central Asia. Afterwards we return to Bukhara. The evening is yours: take a leisurely stroll through the atmospheric old town, relax at a traditional café, or unwind at your hotel. Overnight in Bukhara.
Samanids Mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, Shukhov Tower, Bolo Hauz Complex, Ark of Bukhara, Poi Kalyan, Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace
- Bukhara → Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace (6 km)
- Sitori-i Mokhi Khosa palace → Bukhara (6 km)
Overnight: Bukhara (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we continue exploring the timeless beauty of Bukhara. At 10:00 we set off to discover one of the most picturesque corners of the old city. We visit the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, a peaceful square shaded by centuries-old trees, admire the Kukeldash and Nadir Divanbegi madrasas, and stroll through Bukhara's famous covered trading domes, where the traditions of Silk Road trade and craftsmanship have been preserved for centuries. After some free time for lunch, you have another chance to soak up the unique atmosphere of Bukhara, browse local artisan workshops or pick up a few special souvenirs. Later we head to the railway station and board a comfortable modern train to Samarkand, the legendary capital of the Timurid Empire and one of the most celebrated cities of the Great Silk Road. On arrival, we meet you at the station, transfer you to your hotel and help with check-in. Overnight in Samarkand.
Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Trading Domes of Bukhara, Samarkand
- Bukhara → Samarkand (255 km)
Overnight: Samarkand (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we begin exploring Samarkand, one of the greatest cities of the Great Silk Road and the magnificent capital of the Timurid Empire. At 09:30 we visit the impressive Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary Amir Timur (Tamerlane). From there we continue to the breathtaking Registan Square, the architectural jewel of Central Asia, before wandering through the lively Siab Bazaar, where the colours, aromas and flavours of Uzbekistan come to life. We also visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest and most ambitious mosques in the Islamic world. After some free time for lunch, we explore the stunning Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, one of the city's most beautiful architectural masterpieces, and visit the famous Ulugh Beg Observatory, where we learn about the scientific achievements of one of history's greatest astronomers. In the evening we board a comfortable train to Tashkent. On arrival, we meet you at the railway station, transfer you to your hotel and help with check-in. Overnight in Tashkent.
Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Registan, Siyob Bazaar, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Mausoleum, Shah i Zinda, Ulugbek Observatory
- Samarkand → Tashkent (344 km)
Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
At 09:30 we begin exploring Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital, where centuries-old traditions blend with modern city life. Our day starts at the Khast-Imam Complex, the spiritual heart of the city, before we dive into the lively atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, one of the oldest and most colourful markets in Central Asia. We then visit the famous Besh Qozon plov centre, where Uzbekistan's national dish is cooked in enormous traditional cauldrons – a truly unique local experience. After some free time for lunch, we continue our city tour. We see Independence Square, admire the elegant Alisher Navoi Theatre, pass the historic palace of Grand Duke Nikolai Romanov, and take a leisurely walk through Amir Timur Square and Broadway, one of Tashkent's favourite pedestrian streets with cafés, artists and local life. After the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure. We recommend a visit to Tashkent City Park, a modern urban area with fountains, restaurants, boutiques and entertainment; you may also like the Planetarium, the Wax Museum or the immersive Flying Theatre. As most attractions stay open until around 23:00, you have plenty of time to enjoy your final evening in Uzbekistan. Overnight in Tashkent.
Hazrati Imam complex, Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent Independence Square, Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Romanov Palace, Amir Temur Square, Tashkent City Park
Overnight: Tashkent (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast you have some free time to enjoy your final moments in Uzbekistan. Take a leisurely stroll, pick up a few last souvenirs, or simply relax with a cup of coffee before your journey home. About three hours before your flight, we provide a group transfer to Tashkent airport. Safe travels – we look forward to welcoming you back to Central Asia one day!
Meals: Breakfast
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Group Tour Price
Single room supplement: $150
Optional extras
Extra night in Khiva (3* hotel, per night): double/twin room $110, single room $85
Extra night in Tashkent (3* hotel, per night): double/twin room $100, single room $80
Private airport transfer by sedan (up to 2 passengers): $25 per group
Private airport transfer by minivan (up to 4 passengers): $35 per group
What's included
Included
- Accommodation in 3* hotels (Euro Asia Hotel in Khiva, Kabir Hotel in Bukhara, Arba Hotel in Samarkand, Old Tashkent Heritage Hotel in Tashkent) or similar properties of the same category, in double/twin rooms with breakfast
- Early check-in at the hotel in Khiva on day 1 (standard check-in at the other hotels from 14:00, check-out by 12:00)
- Meals: daily breakfast
- English-speaking local guides during sightseeing
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
- Group airport transfers on arrival in Urgench (day 1) and departure from Tashkent (day 7)
- Train tickets: Khiva – Bukhara in a 4-berth compartment, Bukhara – Samarkand and Samarkand – Tashkent in economy class (high-speed train tickets are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance)
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned above
- Entrance fees to the monuments and museums in the itinerary (about 95 USD per person for the whole tour)
- Single supplement: 150 USD
- Extra night in Khiva: 110 USD per double room / 85 USD per single room per night
- Extra night in Tashkent: 100 USD per double room / 80 USD per single room per night
- Optional private airport transfer: 25 USD per sedan (up to 2 passengers) or 35 USD per minivan (up to 4 passengers)
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- 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.
Good to know
- Arrival: Plan to land at Urgench airport early on day 1 – after the transfer to Khiva (30 km), early check-in and breakfast, the guided tour starts at 11:00.
- Hotel times: Check-in from 14:00 and check-out by 12:00; early check-in on day 1 in Khiva is included.
- Trains: Khiva – Bukhara in a 4-berth compartment, Bukhara – Samarkand and Samarkand – Tashkent in economy class. High-speed train tickets are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
- Vehicles: Hyundai Starex minivan (6 seats) for 3–5 travelers, King Long or Toyota Hiace minivan (10 seats) for 6–8 travelers and a King Long van (13 seats) for 9–10 travelers.
- Departure: On day 7 the group transfer leaves for Tashkent airport about three hours before your flight.
- Changes: The order of visits may occasionally change because of the weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Uzbekistan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Uzbekistan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for 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.
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