Uzbekistan Discovery Trails
Discover Uzbekistan’s fascinating Silk Road heritage on this eight-day journey through ancient cities, magnificent Islamic architecture and traditional mountain villages. Explore Tashkent, the country’s lively capital, before travelling by high-speed train to Samarkand, home to the spectacular Registan Square, colourful bazaars and centuries-old monuments.
Continue into the Nuratau Mountains for an authentic village homestay, experiencing local traditions, rural landscapes and the hospitality of the mountain communities. Along the way, visit Gijduvan, renowned for its traditional pottery, before reaching Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most atmospheric historic cities.
From the blue-tiled monuments of Samarkand and Bukhara to scenic countryside, local markets and traditional village experiences, this journey combines Uzbekistan’s celebrated Silk Road landmarks with rewarding cultural encounters.
Trip Snapshot
8 Days7 Nights
Uzbekistan5 Main Destinations
5 – 15Travelers
7 BreakfastsIncluded Meals
Twin / DoubleSingle Option
Private Vehicle / TrainRoad & Rail Transfers
8 – 15 May 2027₹79,500 per person
YOUR JOURNEY, DAY BY DAY – TRIP ITINERARY
Eight Days Along the Silk Road
Tashkent → Samarkand → Nuratau Mountains → Gijduvan → Bukhara → Tashkent
Day 1 · 8 May — Arrival in Tashkent
Welcome to the eclectic capital of Uzbekistan, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. The largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent is a mix of Russian and Uzbek styles, an indication of the fact that for many years it was a key city of the USSR. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we set out for a walking tour of Tashkent. You can visit the Amir Temur Square, Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church and Independence Square. Later you can take a metro train ride to see some of Tashkent’s beautiful subway stations and try some Uzbek kebabs and pilaf for dinner.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 2 · 9 May — Tashkent to Samarkand
After breakfast, we take one of Uzbekistan’s high-speed trains to the ancient Silk Road hub of Samarkand. The city has long been a center of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army, leaving behind a rich and complex history. Make a visit to the Gur Amir Mausoleum. Stand on the iconic Registan Square with three mosaic-adorned madrassas towering over you. Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, overlooking the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, full of bustling stalls and friendly local traders. After your city tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free evening to soak up the magic of this historical city.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 3 · 10 May — Exploring Samarkand
Spend a full day in Samarkand continuing to take in the ancient sights and sounds. We start with Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning avenue of mausoleums decorated with beautiful blue tiles. Its holiest, most loved shrine is built around what’s thought to be the grave of Quasam ibn-Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Mohammed and the man who brought Islam to the region many centuries ago. Another highlight is a visit to the workshop of Zarif Mukhtarov, one of the few people producing handmade paper in Central Asia using a 1,000-year-old process. Also, visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, built in the 1420s by the Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg. For lunch, we can try the plov/pilaf, the national dish of Uzbekistan. In the afternoon, you are free to stroll and explore Samarkand on your own, have a cuppa in a local tea house or wander around the bazaars.
Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 4 · 11 May — Samarkand to Nuratau Mountains
After breakfast, we drive out to a mountain village in the Nuratau Mountains, passing through Nurata town. The mountains overlooking Aydar Lake are one of the highlights of the tour where you stay in a Tajik village and experience the life of the mountain people. The late afternoon is free for a walk in the village and the trails around it or just explore the oasis of cherry, almond, apricot, apple and berry trees in the village.
Overnight at Nuratau Mountain Village Homestay.
Day 5 · 12 May — Nuratau to Gijduvan to Bukhara
After breakfast, travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in the country. Stop along the way in Gijduvan, famous for its ceramic pottery, where you’ll have the chance to visit a pottery workshop. Witness the pottery process from start to finish and see a small museum to uncover the centuries-old history of ceramics in this area. Reach Bukhara by afternoon and, after lunch, explore the old city bazaars. One can also try a traditional Uzbek hammam in the evening.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 6 · 13 May — Exploring Bukhara
A UNESCO-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city with monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century. The meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations gives you a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, the ruins of the 5th-century Ark Fortress and the imposing Poikalon complex. Taki Zargaron and the trading domes near here still offer a colorful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts, and all manner of Silk Road treasures. Enjoy a free evening here – the twilight hours lend themselves to wandering around the central Lyabi-Hauz and its surrounding areas.
Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 7 · 14 May — Bukhara to Tashkent
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to take the Afrosiyob train to Tashkent. Arrive in Tashkent by late afternoon. The evening is free to explore Tashkent and visit Khast Imam Complex including the Barak Khan madrassa (a college for Islamic instruction). Then leave behind the spiritual world and venture into the real-life hustle and bustle of Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in Central Asia. Wandering through this giant marketplace is a fantastic way to see locals going about their daily lives.
Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 8 · 15 May — Departure from Tashkent
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of tour.
What's Included
Accommodation
7 nights · Twin / Double sharing
2 nights in Tashkent · 2 nights in Samarkand
1 night in Nuratau Mountains (Traditional Village Homestay)
2 nights in Bukhara
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transfers
✓ Airport pickup and departure transfers.
✓ Private vehicle for specified road transfers and sightseeing.
Train Journeys
✓ High-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand.
✓ High-speed train from Bukhara to Tashkent.
Experiences
✓ Sightseeing and activities specified in the itinerary
✓ Guided Samarkand tour
✓ Guided Bukhara walking tour
✓ Nuratau Mountain village stay
✓ Gijduvan pottery workshop
Taxes
✓ Applicable service charges and taxes, as per the existing package.
Group Leader
✓ Experienced group leader
Visa
✓ Uzbekistan E-Visa
What's Excluded
Flights
International flights.
Entry Tickets
Sightseeing entrance fees and camera charges, wherever applicable, unless explicitly included.
Meals
Lunches and dinners unless specifically included.
Other Expenses
Anything other than the listed tour inclusions.
Tour Highlights
The moments you’ll brag about later
Discover Tashkent
Explore Uzbekistan’s lively capital, from grand city squares and impressive monuments to bustling local markets and beautifully decorated metro stations.
The Magic of Samarkand
Discover one of the great Silk Road cities, with the magnificent Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-e-Amir and other timeless architectural treasures.
Nuratau Village Experience
Spend a night in the Nuratau Mountains, enjoying a traditional village homestay, scenic surroundings and a glimpse into local rural life and hospitality.
Historic Bukhara
Wander through one of Central Asia’s most atmospheric old cities, with its trading domes, ancient lanes, minarets, mosques and beautifully preserved Silk Road heritage.
High-Speed Silk Road Journeys
Travel between Uzbekistan’s historic cities on the modern Afrosiyob high-speed train, adding a smooth and memorable rail experience to your Silk Road journey.
Before you go
Tashkent
Samarkand
Nuratau Mountains
Gijduvan
Bukhara
Standard-category hotels and bed-and-breakfast properties, selected for good reviews. Rooms are on a twin/double-sharing basis.
** Single supplement ( On Availability )
Our Selected Stays
Tashkent – Art Plaza Hotel
Samarkand – Usman Hotel
Nuratau Mountains – Traditional Village Homestay
Bukhara – Hotel Shams
* OR SIMILAR
Uzbek cuisine is known for its hearty rice dishes, grilled meats, fresh bread and rich Central Asian flavours. From traditional teahouses and bustling bazaars to local restaurants and village homestays, food offers an enjoyable introduction to Uzbekistan’s culture.
Local Specialities
Try traditional Uzbek dishes such as Plov (rice pilaf with meat and vegetables), Shashlik (grilled skewers), Manti (steamed dumplings), Lagman (noodles) and Samsa (baked pastries). Fresh Uzbek bread and green tea are also an important part of local dining.
Vegetarian & Other Options
Vegetarian options such as salads, vegetable soups, rice dishes and fresh bread are available, although traditional Uzbek cuisine is often meat-based. Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara also have restaurants serving European, Asian and other international cuisines.
Meals During the Tour
Seven breakfasts are included at our hotels and accommodation. Lunches and dinners are generally at your own expense, allowing you to explore local restaurants and different cuisines.
Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle for sightseeing and road transfers, along with high-speed train journeys between Tashkent and Samarkand and between Bukhara and Tashkent. The combination of comfortable rail travel and private road transfers allows us to explore Uzbekistan’s historic cities and scenic countryside.
- Rs 2500/- Discount ( For repeat travelers )
- Rs 1500/- Discount ( For 2 to 3 person booking together )
- Rs 2500/- Discount ( For 4 or more people booking together )
For this trip
Our Uzbekistan small-group cultural journey is designed for travellers interested in Silk Road heritage, historic cities and monuments, local markets and a traditional village homestay. It combines cultural exploration and moderate walking with high-speed train journeys and road transfers between destinations.
For all our trips
Our small group tours also allow enough time for yourself ( mostly in the evenings ) and the group leaders will assist you too if you need to do your own thing.
Stay and the food is a big part of the travel and we make sure you are made comfortable and therefore we choose some of the best-reviewed places to stay and eat.
We try to incorporate more local experiences on our tours with the help of our experienced tour leader and local guides to make your experience even more memorable.
Our tours are not standard sightseeing package tours, it’s more experience-oriented so as to give a real travel value to the guests.
Who are we?
Exotic Expeditions is an experiential travel company founded in 2010, based in Bangalore and Mumbai. We create thoughtfully designed journeys combining popular destinations, offbeat experiences, local interactions and cultural exploration.
What’s included in our tours?
Each tour has its own inclusions and exclusions, clearly listed on the respective trip page. This Uzbekistan departure includes seven nights’ accommodation, including a traditional village homestay, seven breakfasts, specified private road transfers and high-speed train journeys. Please refer to the inclusions and exclusions above.
Are flights and visas included?
International flights are excluded. Visa inclusion for the May 2027 departure is pending confirmation. We can assist with flight recommendations and visa guidance.
What is the typical group size?
This Uzbekistan departure is planned for 5–10 travellers. We keep groups small to encourage a more personal travel experience and better interaction among fellow travellers.
Who can join this trip?
Anyone aged 18 or above is welcome to join. Travellers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Which cities do travellers come from?
Our travellers come from across India, particularly Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
What are the payment options?
Payments can be made by bank transfer, credit card or cash. Instalment payment options are also available.
Can solo travellers join?
Absolutely. Many of our travellers join solo, making our tours a great way to explore new destinations and meet like-minded people.
How safe is it to travel with you?
Traveller safety is a priority when designing our journeys. Our experienced group leaders and local partners help coordinate the trip and provide assistance throughout the tour.
Get in Touch
Have questions or ready to book your Uzbekistan adventure? Contact us through any of the following options:
Email: contact@exoticexpeditions.org
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 9986450370
Payment Options
Payments can be made by bank transfer, credit card or cash. Instalment payment options are also available.