Uzbekistan Voyage | Heritage and Silk Road Trails

Day 1: Departure

Arrival in Tashkent

• Flight: Arrive at Tashkent International Airport. Depending on your flight time, you may arrive in the morning or evening.

Morning/Noon:

• Check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
• Start exploring the old town of Tashkent, beginning with Khast Imam Complex, home to the famous Uthman Quran (one of the oldest copies of the Quran).
• Visit the Barak-Khan Madrasa, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, and the Chorsu Bazaar, a traditional market where you can try local snacks and buy souvenirs.

Afternoon:

• Explore Registan Square, the heart of Samarkand, and visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the tomb of Tamerlane
• Take a walk through the Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble, a street lined with beautifully tiled mausoleums.

Evening:

• Enjoy a delicious Uzbek dinner, such as plov (rice pilaf), shashlik, or samsa.

Day 2

Tashkent to Samarkand

Morning:

• Early morning departure to Samarkand (approx. 2-3 hours by high-speed train or 4 hours by car).

Afternoon:

• Upon arrival in Samarkand, check in to your hotel and head out to visit the Registan Square, an impressive ensemble of three madrasas with stunning blue-tiled facades.
• Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world.
• Explore the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a series of mausoleums and tombs, including the tomb of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.

Evening:

• Dinner at a local restaurant, sampling more Uzbek specialties like lagman (noodle dish) and manti (dumplings).

Day 3

Samarkand to Bukhara

Morning:

• After breakfast, take a morning train or drive (around 4 hours) from Samarkand to Bukhara, another historical gem on the Silk Road.

Afternoon:

• Check in to your hotel in Bukhara and start exploring the Bukhara Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit Ark Fortress, a massive citadel that was once the residence of the emirs of Bukhara.
• Explore the Bolo Haouz Mosque, Po-i-Kalyan Complex, and Kalyan Minaret, a landmark of the city.

vening:

• Enjoy an evening stroll in Lyab-i-Hauz, a beautiful pool area surrounded by madrasas and cafes, and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4

Bukhara to Khiva

Morning:

• Take an early morning drive (approximately 6 hours) to Khiva.
• Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Khiva and start your exploration of the Itchan Kala – the old walled city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon:

• Visit Kunya Ark Fortress, Juma Mosque, and Islam Khodja Minaret, and wander through the narrow alleys and bazaars.
• Explore the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum and the Tash Khauli Palace, with its beautiful courtyards and tilework.

Evening:

• Watch the sunset over the city walls of Khiva and enjoy a relaxing dinner with shashlik and samsa.
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Day 5

Khiva to Tashkent and Departure

Morning:

• Take an early morning flight or drive back to Tashkent (if driving, it will take approximately 8-9 hours, so consider a flight to save time).

Afternoon:

• If you have time before your flight, you can visit Independence Square, Tashkent Metro, and Amir Timur Museum

Evening:

• Depart from Tashkent International Airport for your flight home.