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In Uzbekistan, time seems to stand still: between colorful bazaars and cobalt blue madrasas, we’ll travel along the Silk Road on local trains, sleep under the stars in a yurt, and explore deserts, oases, and cities like Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.

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Party and nightlife
Relax
Nature and adventure
City and cultures
Monuments and history
Physical effort
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Itinerary

This itinerary has 2 versions

A summer and a winter one. If you are looking for the departure dates forUzbekistan 360° Winter: the Silk Road by Train, from Khiva to Samarkand, click here!

Our group trip to Uzbekistan takes us to the land of "A Thousand and One Nights": ancient stories, desert adventures and a touch of excitement, with local train rides and an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. From picturesque oases and bustling bazaars to charming tea houses, sacred sites and Soviet-era palaces, this organized tour of Uzbekistan offers a timeless allure.

We explore a section of the legendary Silk Road, the historic trade route that connected Beijing to the Mediterranean, the most vital link for goods between China and the Western world. From the ancient city of Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand, the capital of Tamerlane's empire, and on to modern Tashkent. Ready to uncover this fascinating corner of the world?

Travel route map across Uzbekistan starting and ending in Tashkent, showing route stops across neighboring regions.
A busy outdoor market aisle crowded with people browsing stalls filled with colorful textiles and fabrics.

Check-in and first toast in Tashkent

Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!

Check-in at the hotel in Tashkent, the capital.

  • We start getting to know each other right in front of traditional Uzbek dishes.

  • And we toast with the best inebriating elixir in the world: Russian vodka!

Discovering the city

Rich in monumental buildings, immense parks and modern neighborhoods, Tashkent almost feels like a typical European capital.

  • But don't be fooled: it also hides ancient complexes and spiritual centers, and today we explore this fascinating city together.

  • In the evening we board the night train to our next destination, the beautiful Khiva!

A complex of historic brick buildings with a prominent blue-tiled dome and intricate geometric mosaics under a cloudy sky.

Between history and traditions

Good morning, WeRoaders! How was your first night on the train? We've arrived in Khiva, a true open-air museum filled with palaces, monuments and madrassas.

  • We drop off our backpacks at the hotel and meet our local guide. First stop: the Kunya Ark fortress, the ancient residence of the sovereigns. Excited to see the harem and the prisons?

  • Then the Juma Mosque, with its beautifully carved wooden columns, and many other sights that will leave us speechless.

  • Speaking of mouths, how about grabbing a bite? They say the city bazaar is the perfect spot for a street food-style lunch.

  • After lunch, more time to explore the city at our own pace before a relaxing and refreshing hot shower at the hotel.

Aerial view of a historic city square with a turquoise dome and a tall minaret at sunrise.

A long train journey

There are many kilometers between us and our next destination: about 435 to be exact! What better way to tackle a long journey than aboard a local train?

  • In a comfortable carriage, we sort through the thousands of photos from the past two days and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.

  • Plus, we help the environment: when it comes to sustainability, the train is the most eco-friendly way to travel. A smart, responsible and convenient choice!

  • We depart in the morning and arrive in Bukhara by late afternoon: bags at the hotel, then out to find the best restaurant in town.

A sunlit courtyard with brick buildings, featuring large carved wooden pillars and a facade decorated with intricate blue geometric tiles.

Discovering Bukhara

After a hearty breakfast, the whole day is ours for Bukhara, the "sacred city". It even surpasses the legendary Samarkand in architectural monuments: over 140 buildings of immense artistic and cultural value, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. No surprise a traditional Uzbek saying goes: "Samarkand is the wonder of the earth, but Bukhara is the wonder of the spirit."

  • A half-day tour with our local guide: the four towers of Chor-Minor with their distinctive blue domes, the majestic Ark Fortress, once the royal residence, the former Mogaki Attari monastery, now a mosque, and the iconic Poi-Kalyan with its towering minaret.

  • Then the stunning Lyabi Hauz complex, with its bustling shops and merchants, and a delightful break by the pool!

  • The rest of the day is ours: more exploring in depth, or other activities.

  • For dinner, how about delicious food and refreshing drinks, ending the evening in a fairytale atmosphere?

A camp of traditional yurts scattered across a sandy, arid landscape with low green shrubs under a clear blue sky.

Lakes, legends and magical nights: have you ever slept in a yurt?

Another day, another magical place: this morning we head to Nurata, a legendary destination wrapped in mystery.

  • Legend says that 40,000 years ago a meteorite struck here, creating a crater and a miraculous water source. Believed to be curative, the water keeps a constant 20 degrees: not a degree more, not a degree less!

  • Lunch in a national house: a family-run restaurant set within a traditional home, offering authentic Uzbek cuisine in an intimate, residential setting.

  • Then Lake Aydarkul, a lake in the middle of the desert! After all, we're in Uzbekistan, where everything feels magical. Far from being a mirage, it's a true natural wonder with mysterious origins (there's a scientific explanation, but we won't spoil the magic).

  • An unforgettable night in yurts beneath a sky full of stars, with dinner and a night around the campfire included. Not sure what a yurt is? You could Google it, or better yet, join us!

Samarkand, a traveler's dream!

Alexander the Great once said of this city: "Everything I have heard about this city is true, except that it is more beautiful than I could have imagined."

  • WeRoaders, it's time to head to Samarkand, a city of myth, legend and the dream of every true traveler.

  • One of the oldest cities in the world: founded at the end of the 14th century BC, it flourished for many years before being destroyed by Genghis Khan, then rose again between the 14th and 15th centuries under Tamerlane, a great leader and patron of art and culture, who declared it the capital of his empire.

  • Since then, the historic center has remained almost untouched, magical atmosphere included. We have half a day for culture, relaxing, shopping or whatever suits our style!

An ornate madrasah with intricate blue and gold tilework, a large archway, a turquoise dome, and minarets, illuminated at dusk.

Walking through Samarkand and travel to Tashkent

Good morning, Samarkand! A half-day guided walking tour uncovers the secrets of this ancient city: let's get moving!

  • In the afternoon, the train takes us back to where it all began: Tashkent.

  • One final dinner together: let's raise a toast to the end of this incredible adventure and to all the unforgettable memories we take home.

Check-out and goodbye

Check-out and goodbye: until your next WeRoad adventure!

What's included

  • 8 nights accommodation in shared rooms with a private bathroom (please note: during the night in the Yurt the bathroom will be shared)

  • All breakfasts (except for Day 4 waking up on the night train)

  • Night train to Urgench (Khiva) on Day 2

  • Walking tour in Khiva (half day) with local English speaking guide

  • Train to Bukhara on Day 4

  • Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and drinks unless specified

  • Transfers from hotels to departure points (train stations) and vicecersa - approx. USD30

  • Tips - approx. USD20

  • Entrance fees to historical sites and monuments - approx. USD80

  • All the extras you'll want to buy and be able to fit in your backpack :)
  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Guided tour in Tashkent - approx. USD10

  • Bread masterclass - approx. USD25

  • Miniature Master Class - approx. USD30

  • Wine tasting - approx. USD40

  • Plov (traditional dish) cooking class - approx. USD20

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Transport

    Minivan with driver, trains and/or public transfers.

  • Accommodation

    Small hotels and guesthouses. More traditional hotels in the big cities. A night in a typical Yurt with shared external bathrooms is planned.

    The no-sharing room option is available for all nights except the night in the Yurt.

  • Passport

    Please note: you need to upload a copy of your passport into your MyWeRoad account at least 45 days before departure. If you book to depart within the next 45 days or less, you need to upload a copy of your passport immediately after you have made your booking.

    This information is essential to securing the booking of your trip and all the services included.

  • Local culture

    From 7th February to 8th March 2027 it will be Ramadan: this means that the trip may be subject to changes based on the opening hours of public places. The packed lunch will become our best friend and during the day we will be able to eat in private areas. Being a WeRoader also means respecting local traditions like this one, it will be an opportunity to get to know them even more closely!

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalTashkent (TAS)
ReturnTashkent (TAS)
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About this trip

About WeRoad

About Uzbekistan

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