Uzbekistan

Itinerary Outline

June 4-5 | Flight to Urgench

June 5-7 | Khiva | Bankir Khiva | 2 nights

June 7-9 | Bukhara | Mercure Bukhara | 2 nights

June 9-11 | Samarkand | Kosh Havuz Hotel | 2 nights

June 11-12 | Tashkent | Sapiens Hotel | 1 night

June 12-13 | Tashkent | Intercontinental | 1 night

June 13-14 | Bishkek | Hyatt Regency | 1 night

June 14-15 | Chon Kemin | Kemin Guesthouse | 1 night

June 15-16 | Aksay Canyon | Yurt | 1 night

June 16-18 | Karakol | Hills Hotel | 2 nights

June 18-19 | Bishkek | Hyatt Regency | 1 night

June 19 | Departure

  • Khiva: 35°C / 19°C

  • Bukhara: 37°C / 22°C

  • Samarkand: 30°C / 16°C

  • Tashkent: 33°C / 18°C

  • Bishkek: 26°C / 14°C

  • Chon Kemin: 20°C / 8°C

  • Aksay Canyon: 22°C / 5°C

  • Karakol: 17°C / 7°C

  • Bishkek: 26°C / 14°C

Weather

  • Water bottle

  • Uzbekistan

    • Loose linen or cotton clothing

    • Sun hat

    • High SPF sunscreen

    • Sunglasses

    • Electrolyte packets

    • Scarf (sun + mosque entry)

    Kyrgyzstan mountains

    • Warm layer / fleece

    • Windproof jacket

    • Thermal base layer for yurt night

    • Sturdy walking shoes

    • Lip balm

What to Pack

June 4 | Travel to Urgench

Flight Madrid to Istanbul

6:25pm: Flight departs Madrid
11:40pm: Land in Istanbul

Flight Istanbul to Urgench (next day)

1:05am: Flight departs Istanbul
6:50am: Land in Urgench

June 5 | Khiva

Arrive in Urgench
6:50am: Upon arrival at Urgench International Airport, meet your transfer and drive approximately 35 minutes to Khiva.

Itchan Kala
The walled inner city of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itchan Kala is one of the best-preserved historic urban centers in Central Asia. Walking through its gates is an immediate immersion into centuries of Silk Road history, with madrasas, minarets, palaces, and mosques concentrated within a compact and largely car-free space.

Kalta Minor Minaret
One of the most recognizable structures in Uzbekistan, this wide turquoise minaret was commissioned in the 19th century but never completed. Its distinctive scale and bold tilework make it one of the most photographed landmarks in Khiva.

Juma Mosque
A mosque unlike any other in the region, Juma Mosque is supported by 218 carved wooden columns, each one unique and sourced from different periods spanning over a thousand years. The dim, forest-like interior and the craftsmanship of the columns make this a standout stop for guests interested in both architecture and artisan heritage.

Tosh Hovli Palace
A 19th-century royal residence built for Khan Allah Quli, Tosh Hovli features some of the finest tilework and carved wooden details in Khiva. The harem quarters, ceremonial courtyards, and reception halls give a clear picture of how power and luxury were expressed in the Khanate era.

Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum (1247 to 1326)
The resting place of Khiva's beloved poet, wrestler, and patron saint, this mausoleum is an active site of pilgrimage and one of the most ornate in the city. Its interior is covered in deep blue and turquoise tilework, and the atmosphere is noticeably more spiritual than the surrounding monuments.

Wood Carving Workshop Visit
Visit a traditional Uzbek wood carving workshop, where skilled artisans demonstrate techniques passed down through generations. You’ll see intricately carved doors, columns, and decorative panels, often used in mosques and historic homes. This experience offers a deeper appreciation of Uzbekistan’s craftsmanship and artistic heritage, with the chance to observe artisans at work and learn about their tools and designs.

Bankir Khiva | 2 Premium Balcony Rooms

  • Itchan Kala

  • Kalta Minor Minaret

    Kalta Minor Minaret

  • Juma Mosque

    Juma Mosque

  • Tosh Hovli Palace Khiva

    Tosh Hovli Palace

  • Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum

    Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum

  • Wood Carving Workshop

Khiva’s Famous Dishes

Shivit Oshi

A Khiva specialty of bright green noodles topped with beef stew, found almost exclusively in the city. The green comes from fresh dill blended into the dough itself. "Shivit" means dill in Uzbek. It's served with a stew of meat, peppers, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and carrots, with yogurt or sour cream on the side.

Mastava

A thick rice and lamb soup that functions as a full meal, particularly common in Khorezm. Built on a base of tomato, onion, and carrot with bone-in lamb, it is finished with fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream or katyk (fermented milk). Heartier and more broth-forward than plov, it is what locals eat at home.

Khorezmian Plov

The Khorezm region has its own version of plov that sets itself apart from Samarkand and Bukhara. It uses cottonseed oil, which gives the rice a deeper, earthier flavor, and is typically cooked with quince or dried fruit alongside the lamb and yellow carrots. Denser and more robustly spiced than other regional versions.

June 6 | Khiva

More Sightseeing

  • Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa – The largest madrasa in Khiva, once an important center of Islamic learning. Its grand façade and symmetrical courtyard reflect the power of the Khivan khanate.

  • Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasa – Named after a poet and ruler of Khiva, this madrasa is admired for its refined architecture and historical significance in education and culture.

  • Islam Khoja Madrasa – A smaller but elegant madrasa associated with reformist ideas in the early 20th century, reflecting a later period of Khiva’s history.

  • Allakuli Khan Madrasa and Allakuli Khan Caravanserai – Together they illustrate Khiva’s role as a Silk Road trading hub, where merchants once rested and traded goods from across Asia.

Site Inspections:

  • Zarafshon Boutique Hotel

  • Hotel Farovon Khiva

Evening Experiences

  • Sunset from Kunya Ark Watchtower
    Climb the watchtower of Kunya Ark for panoramic views over Itchan Kala as the sun sets. The golden light over domes, minarets, and mud-brick walls creates one of the most memorable scenes in Khiva, with distant views toward the Islam Khoja Minaret.

  • Khiva Folk Dance Performance at Khojash Makhram Madrasa
    End the day with a traditional Uzbek folk dance show set within a historic madrasa. The performance combines music, colorful costumes, and storytelling, offering a lively glimpse into local culture and heritage.

Bankir Khiva | 2 Premium Balcony Rooms | Breakfast

FOOD & RESTAURANTS
◆ Botir Bobo — one of the best options for Khorezmian food.
◆ Sofra — Khorezmian dishes and a very nice interior, although it feels a little more European.
VIEWS & DRINKS
◆ Terrace restaurants — great for views, especially for a glass of wine or coffee. Better as a scenic stop rather than
the main food recommendation.
CRAFTS & SHOPPING
◆ Silk Museum — worth a visit, with workshops available without pre-booking and English-speaking staff. Guests
can dye their own silk scarf there.
◆ Allakuli Khan Madrassah — a charming shop with handmade kilim carpets.

June 7 | Bukhara

Airport Transfer

Private transfer from Bankir Khiva to the Urgench Airport

Flight to Bukhara

9:20am: UGC Urgench flight Uzbekistan Airways HY52 departs Khiva for Bukhara

10:10am: Flight arrival in Bukhara.

Fortress Walls & Sightseeing

Climbing the fortress walls, towering up to 20 meters (66 feet), offers panoramic views of Bukhara below.

Visit Samanid’s Mausoleum, Chashma Ayub, citadel Ark, Bolo-Hauz Mosque, Kalyan complex including Kalyan Mosque, Kalyan Minaret and Mirarab Medressah, Trade domes,

Abdulazizkhan and Ulugbek Medressahs, Nadir Devonbegi Medressah, complex, Lyabi-Khauz complex.

Plov with Family

Plov master cooking demonstration at Uzbek family with dinner.

Mercure Bukhara Old Town | 2 Suites with Balcony | Breakfast

BUKHARA

CRAFTS & SHOPPING
◆ Magic Carpets — a charming carpet shop with a cute café attached; good for browsing, atmosphere, and
understanding the local carpet scene.
◆ Poi Kalyon Café & Concept Store — a stylish café and concept store located near the iconic Poi Kalyon
complex, offering a beautiful setting for coffee, a light break, and browsing curated Uzbek brands.
COFFEE & CAFÉS
◆ Donuts and Coffee — recommended for coffee and a casual break.
RESTAURANTS & LOCAL FOOD
◆ Chorbaxosa — excellent manti and shashlik.
◆ Mo'sallah — amazing plov and a strong local food recommendation.
◆ Zaytoon — another good option for plov and Uzbek food.
◆ Ayvan Restaurant — atmospheric, elegant, and useful for a nicer meal in the old city.
◆ Amulet — recommended for its boutique atmosphere and local character.

Bukhara’s Famous Dishes

Plov (Bukharan Osh)

Bukhara's version of Uzbekistan's national dish is distinct from others in the country. Cooked in a massive kazan over open flame, it combines lamb, yellow carrots, chickpeas, and raisins with aged rice. The Bukharan variation tends to be slightly sweeter and more aromatic than Samarkand or Tashkent plov.

Shurpa

A slow-cooked lamb and vegetable soup that functions more as a full meal than a starter. Large cuts of bone-in meat are simmered for hours with tomatoes, peppers, onion, and potato. In Bukhara it is typically served as two courses: the broth first, then the meat and vegetables separately.

Samsa

Bukhara's samsa are baked in a tandoor rather than fried, giving the pastry a distinct flaky, slightly charred exterior. Filled with minced lamb, onion, and cumin, they are sold fresh from the oven at bakeries throughout the old city and eaten as a street food at any time of day.

June 8 | Bukhara

Suzani & Plov Cooking Location

9:00am: Site visit to the location where both the suzani embroidery workshop and plov cooking experience are hosted. The guide will explain guest flow, inclusions, timing, and how the space works for both craft and culinary experiences.

Zardozlik Gold Embroidery Workshop

Introduction to the traditional Bukharan gold embroidery craft, including materials, patterns, artisan techniques, and how this premium heritage workshop can be presented to guests.

Carpet-Making Workshop

Walk-through of the carpet-making space with an explanation of how guests are introduced to traditional Uzbek carpet design, weaving techniques, materials, and the story behind handmade carpets.

Puppet Workshop

Visit to the traditional puppet workshop, including an overview of Bukharan puppet-making, the puppet show element, music and dance, and the hands-on paper mache activity.

Miniature Painting Workshop

Introduction to the miniature painting studio, including traditional Bukharan motifs, painting methods, materials, and the creative activity guests can experience.

Woodworking Workshop

Walk-through of the woodworking location with explanation of tools, carving techniques, materials, guest safety, and the cultural background of Uzbek woodcraft.

3:00pm: End of tour

Folk Show

Attend an Uzbek Dance Performance Nadir Divan-Begi Madrassa Komil hotel for dinner

Mercure Bukhara Old Town | 2 Suites with Balcony | Breakfast

June 9 | Samarkand

Bukhara Sightseeing

After breakfast continue city tour of Bukhara. Visit Chor Minor Mosque, Bahouddin Naqshbandiy Masoleum, Sitorai Mohi Hosa- summer residence of Bukhara emirs.

3:03pm: Take Afrosiyob speedy train to Samarkand.

4:45pm: Arrival at Samarkand.

Kosh Havuz Hotel | 2 Rooms | Breakfast

SAMARKAND

CRAFT VISITS & EXPERIENCES
◆ Samarkand-Bukhara Silk Carpet Factory — very good for seeing the full carpet-making process. Prices are
extremely high for shopping, so it is best treated as a process visit rather than a buying stop.
◆ Konigil Tourist Village — a pleasant green break outside the city with traditional paper production and a more
relaxed atmosphere.
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
◆ Joni Osh — recommended for good plov.
◆ Emirkhan — a reliable restaurant option for guests.

SHOPPING & GALLERIES

◆ Happy Bird Gallery — cute items and a nice stop for small gifts.

Samarkand’s Famous Dishes

Samarkand Plov

Considered by many Uzbeks to be the definitive version, Samarkand plov is cooked differently from other regions. The rice is layered on top of the meat and carrots rather than mixed in, and the whole kazan is steamed under a lid. The result is drier, more distinct grains with a deeper, smokier flavor.

Non (Samarkand Bread)

Samarkand's bread is famous across Central Asia and regarded as the best in Uzbekistan. Stamped with intricate patterns using a tool called a chekich and baked directly on the walls of a tandoor, the loaves have a crisp, sesame-seeded crust and a dense, chewy center. Locals say it tastes different anywhere else because of Samarkand's water and air.

Shashlik

Samarkand's shashlik is a benchmark for the dish across the region. Cubes of lamb, often from the tail fat as well as the meat, are marinated with onion and cumin before being grilled over saxaul wood charcoal. The fat chars at the edges while the meat stays rare in the center. Served with raw onion, vinegar, and fresh non.

June 10 | Samarkand

Knife-Making Workshop

10:00am: Visit to the knife-making workshop with explanation of the artisan introduction, demonstration format, safety briefing, hands-on elements, and what guests usually take away from the experience.

Bread-Making Workshop At the same location, the guide will show how the traditional bread-making experience is organized, including shaping, stamping, tandoor baking, and tasting.

Silk Scarf Painting Workshop Also at the same spot, the guide will explain the silk scarf painting format, materials, guest participation, creative techniques, and souvenir element.

Suzani Workshop Visit to a separate suzani workshop location with explanation of the embroidery process, cultural background, guest activity format, timing, and inclusions.

End of tour: 1:00pm

Visit Ulugbek Observatory, Afrosiyob museum and ruins.

Kosh Havuz Hotel | 2 Rooms | Breakfast

Tashkent’s Famous Dishes

Norin

One of Tashkent's most iconic dishes and rarely found elsewhere. Hand-pulled noodles are served cold, topped with finely shredded boiled horsemeat and lamb, and finished with a pour of rich meat broth. The combination of cold noodles, warm broth, and horsemeat is specific to the capital and carries genuine cultural weight.

Lagman

A dish with Central Asian and Dungan (Chinese Muslim) roots that Tashkent has made its own. Hand-stretched noodles are served in a deep, spiced broth loaded with lamb, bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. The noodles are thick, chewy, and made to order. Every family and restaurant has a slightly different version of the sauce.

Chuchvara

Tashkent's answer to dumplings. Smaller and more delicate than Russian pelmeni, these are thin dough parcels filled with minced lamb and onion, served in a clear sour broth with a spoonful of katyk on the side. A staple of home cooking and teahouse menus across the city, they are a good measure of a kitchen's attention to detail.

June 11 | Tashkent

Sightseeing

In the morning visit Guri Emir Masoleum, Registan Square, Siyob bazaar, Bibihanym Mosque, Shahi Zinda Necropolis.

Train to Tashkent

4:56pm: Take the Afrosiyob speedy train to Tashkent.

7:17pm: Upon arrival transfer to hotel for rest.

Dinner at 8:30pm

Sapiens Hotel | 2 Rooms | Breakfast

TASHKENT

BEST SHOPPING REFERENCES
◆ Teplo Store, Meros Gallery, Znamakhon, Kanishka, The Black Quail — excellent local concept stores
featuring Uzbek brands.
◆ Chorsu Bazaar — vintage section near Kukeldosh Madrasah — especially interesting and can be visited
during the metro tour.
◆ Navruz Park — an excellent place for shopping handmade Uzbek items, including jewelry, carpets, pottery,
textiles, and traditional Uzbek dolls.
RESTAURANTS
◆ Boboy & Afsona — nicer spots with good interiors and very good Uzbek food.
◆ Anjir — the most local recommendation and excellent value for money.
◆ Diyar — great for Uyghur noodles.
◆ Bazaar & Tandiriy — more upscale, with impressive design and good Uzbek food.
◆ Besh Qozon — best for plov variety; this is also included during the food tour.

June 12 | Tashkent

Bread-Making Workshop

9:00am: Begin with a hands-on bread-making experience, where guests can shape and stamp their own Uzbek bread before learning how it is baked in a traditional tandoor. The visit also includes an explanation of the process and a tasting element.

Chorsu Bazaar Food Tour

Chorsu Bazaar food tour, showing how guests are introduced to local flavors, market culture, Uzbek snacks, seasonal produce, and traditional dishes.

Tashkent Metro Experience

A metro visit is included to show how everyday culture, architecture, and city storytelling are combined in one experience.

Plov Center Lunch

Lunch at the Plov Center is included as one of Tashkent's most iconic culinary stops and as an example of how this experience fits into the food tour.

Navruz Park Craft Location

Visit to Navruz Park, where Craft & Culture hosts pottery-related experiences, including pottery workshop and pottery & wine session. The guide will explain the setup, guest flow, and inclusions.

3:00pm: End of tour

Khastimom Complex
This historic religious center in the old part of Tashkent is one of the most important spiritual sites in the country. The complex includes several remarkable structures:

  • Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum – the resting place of a revered 10th-century Islamic scholar, known for its serene courtyard and traditional domed architecture.

  • Barak Khan Madrasa – a 16th-century Islamic school featuring intricate tilework and a peaceful atmosphere, now housing small workshops and exhibitions.

  • Muyi Muborak Library – home to one of the world’s oldest Qurans, the famous Uthman Quran, making it a deeply significant site for visitors interested in Islamic history.

Chorsu Bazaar
A bustling, colorful market located under a distinctive blue-domed structure, Chorsu Bazaar is the heart of local life. Here you can wander through stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, bread, and traditional crafts. It’s an ideal place to experience the sights, smells, and rhythms of everyday Uzbek culture.

Independence Square
The largest and most symbolic square in Uzbekistan, Independence Square reflects the country’s modern identity. Once known as Lenin Square, it now features fountains, monuments, and landscaped gardens. Key highlights include the Independence Monument and the Arch of Good and Noble Aspirations, offering insight into Uzbekistan’s post-Soviet history.

Amir Temur Square
Centered around a grand statue of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), this lively square is surrounded by important buildings and hotels. It serves as a focal point of the city and a reminder of the powerful 14th-century ruler who shaped much of Central Asia’s history.

Intercontinental Tashkent | 2 Rooms | Breakfast

JUNE 13 | BISHKEK

Tashkent Islam Civilization Centre

Visit the Tashkent Islam Civilization Centre.

Transfer to the Airport

1;00pm: Transfer to the airport.

Flight to Bishkek

3:20pm: Flight to Bishkek.

5:30pm: Flight arrival.

Arrival

5:30pm: You will be met at Manas International Airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

Bishkek

Bishkek sits at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, its character shaped by Soviet-era urban planning and a distinctly Central Asian rhythm of daily life. Wide poplar-lined boulevards, Ala-Too Square, the State History Museum, and the Osh Bazaar each offer a different perspective on a capital that tends to surprise first-time visitors. Your guide will take you through it.

Dinner and overnight in Bishkek.

Hyatt Regency Bishkek | 2 Rooms | Breakfast

JUNE 14 | CHON KEMIN VALLEY

Transfer and Stop at Burana Tower

After breakfast, depart Bishkek and drive toward the Chon Kemin Valley HORARIOS. En route, stop at the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret rising from the Chuy Valley plains. The surrounding open-air site preserves a collection of ancient stone figures and structural ruins that trace the valley's role as a Silk Road corridor between the 9th and 13th centuries.

Chon Kemin Valley

Continue into the Chon Kemin Valley, a long green corridor of forested slopes, alpine meadows, and the Chon Kemin River running through its center. The scale and landscape stand in clear contrast to the city you left this morning.

Horseback Riding

On arrival, take to the trails on horseback through open pastures and along mountain paths with the valley spreading out on either side.

Dinner and overnight at Kemin Guesthouse.

Kemin Guesthouse | 2 Rooms | Breakfast

JUNE 15 | ISSYK-KUL LAKE

Kök-Börü

This day moves from the valley to the lake. Before departing, witness a private demonstration of kök-börü, the traditional Kyrgyz horseback game that has been played across the steppe for centuries. It is one of the most direct expressions of the nomadic culture that still defines life in this part of Central Asia.

Kyzyl-Tuu

A stop in Kyzyl-Tuu village offers a close look at traditional yurt-making. The craft has been passed within families here for generations. The demonstration goes beyond display into the actual process of construction.

Issyk-Kul Lake

The evening is spent at the wild shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. The water holds a deep, shifting blue that changes with the light and the hour. You spend the night in a yurt on the shore, with the Tian Shan range framing the horizon.

Overnight in yurt at the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Yurt | 2 Rooms | Breakfast

JUNE 16 | KARAKOL

Drive Along the Southern Shore

After breakfast, depart for Karakol along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. It is a long drive, but the route earns it. Several stops break the journey, each distinct.

Eagle Hunting Demonstration | Bokonbayevo

In the village of Bokonbayevo, a private eagle hunting demonstration brings you into direct contact with one of the oldest hunting traditions in Central Asia. The relationship between a berkutchi and his bird takes years to build, and it shows.

Skazka Canyon

A short walk into Skazka Canyon reveals sandstone formations in deep reds and ochres, shaped over millennia by wind and water into forms that explain why the name translates as Fairytale.

Barskoon Gorge

A brief stop where a waterfall drops through forested slopes into the valley below.

Jeti-Oguz Gorge

Before reaching Karakol, the route passes through Jeti-Oguz Gorge and its red sandstone cliffs, known locally as the Seven Bulls. The formations rise sharply from the surrounding green, and the contrast is worth stopping for.

Arrive Karakol in the evening. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Hills Hotel Karakol | 2 Suites | Breakfast

JUNE 17 | KARAKOL

Altyn Arashan

A short morning drive brings you to the trailhead for Altyn Arashan, a valley tucked into the Terskey Ala-Too range. The hike covers approximately 7 kilometers uphill through pine forest, open meadow, and along a fast-moving river fed by snowmelt from higher ground.

Around midday, you reach the Altyn Arashan hot springs, where a picnic lunch is served and there is the option to soak in the natural thermal pools before beginning the return. The full outing takes approximately 6 to 7 hours at a moderate pace.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure in Karakol.

Overnight in Karakol.

Hills Hotel Karakol | 2 Suites | Breakfast

JUNE 18 | BISHKEK

Return to Bishkek

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The route provides a different perspective on the water, with several stops along the way.

Arrive Bishkek in the late afternoon or early evening. The evening is at your leisure.

Overnight in Bishkek.

Hyatt Regency Bishkek | 2 Rooms | Breakfast

JUNE 19 | DEPARTURE

Airport Transfer

Your guide will transfer you to Manas International Airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Flight times