Uzbekistan Group tour including Fergana Valley
Uzbekistan Group Tour starting from Fergana
TOUR DETAILS
-
Period
April - October -
Tour length and Participants
9 Nights / 10 Days -
Price
1685 USD / person
SCHEDULED DATES IN 2025
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Begin your Uzbekistan adventure in the culturally rich Fergana Valley, the heart of the country’s craftsmanship. Discover Margilan’s renowned Yodgorlik Silk Factory, where master weavers produce exquisite silk, and explore Rishtan, famous for its intricate, blue-glazed ceramics. From here, journey through Uzbekistan’s legendary Silk Road cities. In Khiva, wander the UNESCO-listed Ichan Kala, marveling at its elaborately tiled minarets and intricate woodwork.
Continue to Bukhara, a city steeped in history, with iconic landmarks like the Ark Fortress and ancient madrasas. In Samarkand, witness the breathtaking Registan Square and the colorful Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, each a testament to the city’s grandeur. Complete your journey in Tashkent, where traditional markets and modern landmarks intertwine. Along the way, savor authentic Uzbek cuisine, experience local music, and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Uzbek people. This tour is a remarkable blend of history, artistry, and stunning landscapes, inviting you to fully experience the wonders of Central Asia.
UZBEKISTAN TOUR ITINERARY
Arrival in Fergana from Istanbul by TK 260, 01:15-08:00.
Upon arrival in Fergana airport, we move directly to Asia Fergana hotel for breakfast and freshen up
(without accommodation).
After breakfast transfer 20 km to the small town of Margilan. In Margilan we visit the famous Yodgorlik silk factory, where we will learn the process of production and coloring silk cloths and neighboring silk workshops.
Proceed to Rishtan. Upon arrival – we will enter the village of Rishtan ceramists where the generations of ceramic masters live and work. Here we will visit one particular
house of the Nazirovs’ family that practices and forwards its skills from generation to generation. We will meet the master and his works and the technologies of production and enjoy watching the process of ceramic dishes production. Lunch with the family.
After that proceed to Kokand. Accommodation at the hotel and rest.
breakfast, lunch
Late breakfast at the hotel.
11:00 Meet the guide and start the sightseeing tour in Kokand – the capital of the ancient Kokand Khanate (18-19 centuries). We will visit the main sites of the city: Khudoyar-Khan Palace, Jami Mosque and Norbut-biy Madrasah.
Further transfer and visit to the botanical garden "MEHRIGIYO" (located in 7 km from Kokand).
Olives, guava, milk thistle, kiwi, papaya, mango, lavender plantations and much more are grown here.
Further we proceed to Ok Er village (translated as the White Land). Here we will visit a workshop where the local Kyrgyz craftsmen make folk musical instruments.
16:00 Transfer to the train station.
17:38-21:40 Transfer from Kokand to Tashkent by train.
On arrival – meet at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and rest.
breakfastc
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Today we begin our first acquaintance with the “stone city” – that is how the name of Uzbekistan’s capital city is translated from the Turkic language. The architecture and atmosphere of the old and the new city reveals the appearance of Tashkent from different sides.
A city tour in Tashkent includes the ancient Khast Imam Square with adjoining madrasah and mosque, the vast Chorsu oriental bazaar, the Independence Arch, theatrical square adorned with a great Alisher Navoi theater building. There will also be an opportunity to ride the local metro and see some of the most beautiful stations in Central Asia. Return to the hotel in the evening for rest and overnight.
breakfast
Early breakfast at the hotel (or breakfast boxes).
06:20 Transfer to the railway station.
07:28-09:42 Transfer from Tashkent to Samarkand by Afrosiab high-speed train.
Upon arrival in the city, we start our busy day in a jewel of the ancient and modern Silk Road. There is the mysterious jade mausoleum of Gur-i-Emir, the graveyard of Tamerlane. One of the greatest treasures is Registan Square, Temur’s outstanding creation, a huge complex of minarets, mosques and madrassas. Further we move on to Bibi Khanum Mosque, the gorgeous necropolis of Shah-i-
Zinda, and the old observatory of Ulugbek, the greatest Muslim astronomer, and the neighboring Ulugbek museum. Accommodation at the hotel in the evening, rest and overnight.
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 After breakfast we meet our guide and driver to start an easy hiking tour in the surroundings of Samarkand. 30 min transfer from Samarkand to Karatepa lake and visit the gorgeous rocks of Teshik- Tash. Proceed to Amankutan village (20 min driving) to visit Sam-gu grotto – 20 min walk to explore the region. From the grotto we will proceed by car (15 min driving) to the national park and the
abandoned camp of the “Young Guards”. We will have a walk from the camp to the Lion’s cave (or Amankutan cave), which is located on the nothern slope of Zeravshan mounts. In 1947 a fossil man’s femoral bone fragment and primitive tools were found here, later these findings became the the most ancient evidence of the existence of a fossil man on the territory of Uzbekistan. Walking in the cave
will take us about 20 min. From the Lion’s cave we will walk up to the Pinewood (30 min). Walk in the wood and decend to the car (40 min).
Further transfer for lunch towards Kashkadarya (meat dishes, salads and bread available in menu).
After lunch proceed to the famous Shaytan Djiga plato via Takhtakaracha pass (20 min driving). Explore the region on arrival (30 min). Transfer back to Samarkand afterwards. En route, on the pass there will be a small colourful bazaar with spices. Overnight at the hotel in Samarkand.
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide and driver, continuation of the city tour in Samarkand. Today we will visit only the fabulous Afrasiab Museum with its famous museum containing unique wall paintings, and the Tomb of Saint Daniel – one of the local shrines.
After that transfer to the region of Nuratau mountains. En route stop in a small town of Nurata for visiting of the holy spring, and further transfer to the village of Hayat, located in the most authentic part of Uzbekistan, in Nuratau mountains. On arrival – accommodation at the guest house of the local residents. Participation in culinary master-class with the hosts of the family and dinner. Rest and overnight.
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast at the guest house.
09:00 A walk around the surroundings to the village of Upper Hayat.
On the way – we will enjoy beautiful views of the green mountains of the local mountains, get acquainted with the life of local residents, examine the ruins of the ancient village and its mills. Besides, it will be possible to visit the nursery of Severtsovs sheep, a rare endemic subspecies listed in the Red Book. Further transfer to Bukhara. Accommodation at the hotel on arrival and rest.
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Meet the guide and start exploring Bukhara. Bukhara is filled with over 900 historical monuments, here we will spend time visiting many sites and wandering amongst the old city streets.
Our focus will be directed today on Samanids Mausoleum and Bolo-Khauz Mosque. Further we proceed to the Fortress Ark, the old citadel of over 20 m in height. In the afternoon we will visit Poyi Kalon Architectural Ensemble that consists of Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Miri Arab
Madrasah; Ulugbek Madrasah; Abdul-Aziz khan Madrasah, Lyabi Khauz Complex and the Trading Domes – Coumpol Bazaar, that has been existing here from the times of the Great Silk Road. During the tour we’ll have a wonderful opportunity to walk over the narrow streets of the old city and take unique photos. Return to the hotel in the evening. Rest and overnight.
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Bukhara and its surroundings guided tour continuation: Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace – the
“Palace of the Moon and Stars”, the summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara, which is an amazing
combination of Russian, Eastern, and European architecture. Nextup, we will visit the “Central Asian Mecca”– the Sufi complex of Bahautdin Nakshbandi.
Nakshbandi was the spiritual mentor of Amir Timur and the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order,
which soon became one of the most famous orders in the East.
14:30 Transfer to the railway station.
15:50-19:43 Transfer back to Tashkent by train.
Accommodation at the hotel on arrival. Rest and overnight.
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before 12:00.
Transfer to the International airport for departure.
breakfast
UZBEKISTAN TOUR INFORMATION
INCLUDED
- Accommodation at the hotels, mentioned above, or in similar, but of the same category in double/twin rooms
with breakfasts, including breakfast on Day 1 in Fergana; check-in at the hotels – at 14:00; check-out – at 12:00; - Accommodation in a guesthouse in Hayat village (single accommodation is not possible);
- Meals – breakfasts at the hotels, 3 lunches and 1 1 dinner according to the program
- Culinary mater-class in Uzbek village
- Entrance fees to the monuments and museums listed above;
- Services of English-speaking local guides for the whole tour;
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including ‘airport-hotel-airport” transfers;
- Railway transfer from Kokand to Tashkent on an ordinary train (business class tickets);
- Railway transfer from Tashkent to Samarkand and from Bukhara to Tashkent on a high-speed train (economy
or business class); - Railway transfer from Tashkent to Samarkand and from Bukhara to Tashkent by a high-speed train (economy class).
NOT INCLUDED
- The cost of international flights;
- Meals not mentioned above;
- Medical expenses and insurance;
- Porters at the hotels, railway stations and airports
- Tips and gratitudes.
Cost of the tour is 1685 USD upon twin sharing basis
Supplement for single accommodation is 265 USD
Information on the hotels
City | Hotels 3* | |||
Tashkent | King Plaza Hotel 3* or similar | |||
Fergana | Asia Fergana Hotel 4* or similar | |||
Samarkand | Arba Hotel 3* or similar | |||
Hayat village | Guesthouse | |||
Bukhara | Rangrez Hotel 3* or similar | |||
Information on the vehicles
Uzbekistan | Vehicle |
Group of 4 pax | Hyundai Starex minivan |
Group of 6-8 pax | King Long minivan for 10 seats or similar |
Group of 9-15 pax | Eurise minivan for 18 seats or similar |
Book your tour here
If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by the tour operators.
Uzbekistan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
Exchanging currency at a bank is a straightforward process in Uzbekistan. Aside from US dollars, you have the option to exchange euros, British pounds, and Japanese yen for the local currency of sum. Exchange facilities are available in major cities like Bukhara and Khiva, as well as at Tashkent Airport. In other locations, a visit to a bank is necessary and the exchange course is also often better there. When exchanging money at a bank, it’s essential to ensure your currency is in pristine condition. Exchanging Uzbek sum outside of Uzbekistan can be a challenging task, but you can convert the currency back to US dollars at a local bank.
Credit card payments are accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants in Tashkent and other major touristic cities, with Visa being more widely recognized than Mastercard. However, it’s crucial to note that Uzbekistan predominantly relies on a cash-based economy, making credit card transactions relatively uncommon. A standard 3% commission is applicable.
Uzbekistan’s ATMs dispense Uzbek sum and they are easily found in larger cities. Quite many ATMs also provide US dollars as an option.
Safety
Safety
Uzbekistan is generally considered a safe destination, characterized by a low prevalence of religious extremism and infrequent criminal incidents targeting foreigners. Here are some recommendations:
- Always have your passport with you, as it is a legal requirement in Uzbekistan, and routine police checks are conducted.
- Steer clear of any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.
- Exercise caution against potential theft, being mindful of your belongings in a manner typical of any other country.
- Remember that the possession of narcotics is strictly illegal.
- Exercise discretion when taking photographs, especially near government buildings such as the Palace of Forums in Tashkent, and occasionally at local markets less frequented by tourists. Although recent restrictions have eased, it’s prudent to check regulations, especially in proximity to airports, border checkpoints, military installations, bridges and police stations.
- Note that same-sex relationships are illegal, unrecognized, and still face societal condemnation. Avoid public displays of affection.
- Be aware that many roads outside Tashkent, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan mountains, are in suboptimal condition. Driving standards are generally low, and night driving poses additional risks. Rural roads and highways often lack proper illumination.
- Utilize licensed taxis whenever possible. Using local taxi applications is the most convenient way of getting a taxi ride and making sure the costs are at the local level. If you take a taxi from the street or at the airport, it is advised to negotiate the price. Yandex works very well in Tashkent and Samarkand.
- If traveling by train at night, secure your valuables in a safe location, and refrain from leaving belongings unattended in your compartment. Lock the door from the inside.
- Uzbekistan is susceptible to earthquakes, mainly tremors, but occasionally stronger earthquakes occur.
- Drones are in practice banned in Uzbekistan. It is possible to apply for a permission but they are very rarely admitted.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Entering Uzbekistan is a straightforward process if your documents are in order. Obtaining Uzbek visas is relatively simple, and for many countries, an invitation is no longer a requirement. Under Uzbekistan’s visa policy, citizens from numerous countries can enjoy visa-free access. Detailed visa information can be found here.
Registration requirements in Uzbekistan are stringent compared to those of other Central Asian countries. According to the law, you must complete the registration process within 3 days of your arrival in Uzbekistan. Usually the hotels will take care of this but make sure to register your stay if you are staying for example in an AirBnB apartment for longer than 3 days. The border authorities will check the system for registrations when you are exiting the country. Sometimes they might also ask for the paper version of the registration so it is adviced to keep them with you until leaving the country.
It is important to note that exporting handcrafted items older than 50 years from Uzbekistan is prohibited. If you are crossing the border by land, customs officials may inspect your phone and scrutinize photos for any explicit content or related confidential material but it has gotten very rare lately.
Best time to go
Best time to go
The optimal times for visiting Uzbekistan are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These periods offer relief from the intense heat of summer and the chilly temperatures of winter.
During the peak of summer, the land becomes dry, especially in rural areas where the scenery may be limited, and temperatures rise to well above 30°C levels and often even up to 40°C. From November to March, it can get cold, with temperatures dropping sometimes to sub zero temperatures but the skies remain mostly clear and bright during this period. It might snow occasionally but the snow disappears usually in one or two days.
Health
Health
To prevent traveler’s diarrhea, refrain from consuming non-bottled, unfiltered, or non boiled water. Avoid using tap water for oral hygiene or ice-making. Choose only thoroughly cooked and hot-served meat and fish.
Medical care standards and healthcare services in Uzbekistan may vary from those in your home country. Uzbekistan features both a state healthcare system and a small private sector. While there have been improvements in healthcare in recent years, comprehensive medical services throughout the country are still somewhat limited. Larger clinics cater to urban areas, while regional hospitals serve rural communities.
In the event of an urgent need for medical assistance, promptly contact your travel insurance provider. Hospitals in Uzbekistan typically require upfront cash payments, irrespective of whether you possess medical insurance. Severe urgent medical situations may necessitate evacuation to your home country. It is crucial to have accessible funds to cover advance payments and comprehensive medical insurance, including evacuation. Before your departure, clarify the extent of your insurance coverage in Uzbekistan with your insurance company.
Pharmacies in Uzbekistan are privately owned and managed, potentially leading to restrictions on the availability of medications. Obtaining prescriptions for medications generally requires consultation with a doctor. If you are traveling with medications, seek detailed information on benefits and restrictions regarding medications from the embassy, consulate, or the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan.
Other tours in Uzbekistan
Tour updated 13.11.2024
