From Khiva to Samarkand, the Entire Silk Road
From the ramparts of Khiva to the domes of Samarkand, a journey through the jewels of the Silk Road
Duration
11 days
From
€990/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
From Khiva to Tashkent, this journey connects the great cities of the Silk Road: fortified ramparts, turquoise domes and thousand-year-old alleyways in Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. The itinerary also opens up rarer experiences — a night in a yurt camp in the steppe, a camel ride and an evening to the sound of Kazakh singing — before concluding with a hike in the Chotkol mountains, at the gates of Tashkent. A complete journey, between millennia-old heritage, desert and wide open spaces.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Ouzbékistan!
You arrive in Ourguench around 6:10 am, where your local guide and driver welcome you at the airport before taking you to Khiva. After settling into your hotel and having breakfast, you set off to explore this historic city on the Silk Road. You enter Itchan Kala, the old city surrounded by ramparts, through the Ota Darvoza gate. As you wander through the streets, you discover the Mohammed Amin Khan madrasah, built in 1854, then the Kalta Minor minaret, recognizable by its distinctive proportions and decorations. After lunch, you continue your visit to the Pakhlavan Makhmoud mausoleum, a place of worship particularly dear to the inhabitants of Khiva.
Route to Bukhara through the Kizil Koum Desert
At 8:30 AM, take the road to Bukhara. You first cross the villages of the Khorezm region, then continue through the Kizil Koum desert, whose name means "red sand". Several stops allow you to enjoy the landscapes and take photos.
For lunch, take a break at a chaykhana, a traditional café located on the roadside.
You arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. If you wish, enjoy a first stroll through the old city to get your bearings and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Bukhara: Discovery of the Historical Heart
You spend the day discovering the old city of Bukhara. In the streets of Chakhristan, you walk to the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, built between the 9th and 10th centuries and considered the oldest preserved monument in the city. The visit continues at the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, then at the Bola Khaouz complex and the Ark Citadel, the former residence of the emirs overlooking Reghistan square. After lunch, you discover the Poi-Kalon complex, composed of the Kalon Mosque, the Miri-Arab Madrasah and the Kalon Minaret.
In the evening, you attend a show of traditional dances and music in a madrasah, before dinner at your convenience.
Bukhara: Sacred Sites and Free Time in the Old Town
After breakfast, you set off to discover the surroundings of Bukhara. You first visit the sacred site of Bakhaouddin Naqshbandi, a place of contemplation housing the tomb of a venerated figure of Sufism.
You continue towards the Chor Bakr necropolis, where four brothers associated with the spread of Islam in the region are buried, then discover the Chor Minor madrasa, recognizable by its singular architecture.
The rest of the day is free. You can stroll through the winding streets of the old town, browse the artisans' shops or choose to relax in one of its historic hammams.
From Bukhara to the Steppe: Guijdouvan and Nourata
You leave at 9 am from Boukhara heading towards Guijdouvan, renowned for its traditional ceramics. Along the way, you have the opportunity to observe the petroglyphs of Petit Sarmish, carved into the rock. You continue towards Nourata, the starting point for climbing Alexander the Great's hill. There, you visit the Nomozgokh Mosque and the sacred spring Tchatchma, then the tomb of Abul Khassan Nuri. Free time allows you to enjoy the sunset over the desert. You end the day with a camel ride through the steppe. In the evening, you gather around the fire to listen to songs by a Kazakh akin, before spending the night in a yurt.
Samarkand: Discovering Timurid Heritage
At 9 a.m., you take the road to Samarkand, former capital of the Timurid empire. Your discovery of the city begins with the Gour Emir mausoleum, then continues to the Registan square, in the heart of the historic center. You discover the three madrasahs surrounding the square: Ulugh Beg, Tilla-Kari and Sher-Dor. Inside the latter, a speaker presents you with traditional musical instruments in English.
Samarkand between Timurid Heritage and Places of Contemplation
You continue your discovery of Samarkand, the ancient capital of Timur's empire, known as Tamerlane. Located at the crossroads of the Silk Road, the city reveals through your visits its domes and blue mosaics. You reach the Shakhi Zinda necropolis, a collection of mausoleums that notably houses the tomb of Kusam Ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Mohammed. After lunch in the city, you visit the Mausoleum of Saint Daniel, a place of worship for followers of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Samarkand heritage and crafts before arrival in Tashkent
You continue your discovery of Samarkand by visiting the mausoleum of Amir Temour, recognizable by its ribbed dome. You then head to the Afrasiab Museum, located near the remains of the ancient city. The day continues in a silk carpet factory, then at the Ulugh Beg Observatory, dedicated to astronomy. You then stroll through the Syab market before visiting the Bibi Khanum Mosque. In late afternoon, you are transferred to the station to take the high-speed train Afrosyob to Tashkent. Upon your arrival at 7:15 p.m., you dine before spending the night in the capital.
Tashkent: From the Old City to Modern Districts
You embark on a discovery of the old town of Tashkent and the Khazrati Imam complex, the spiritual center of the capital. You visit the Barak-Khan madrasa, the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi and the Tilla Shaykh mosque, where the Quran of Uthman, dated from the 7th century, is preserved. You then head to the Chor Sou market, whose name means "the Four Roads". After lunch, the visit continues in the modern part of Tashkent, with Independence Square, Alisher Navoi Theatre Square and Amir Timur Square.
Hiking in the Tchotkol Mountains
After breakfast, you head to Sukok, the starting point of your hike in the small mountains of Tchotkol. The route has an elevation gain of approximately 300 meters and takes place at around 1,800 meters altitude.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The price does not include:
- Flights Paris-Urgench and Tashkent-Paris, operated by Uzbekistan Airways
- All services not mentioned in the program
- The fees for the Ouzbékistan visa (for non-Europeans)
- Your personal expenses
- The right to take photos in monuments (to be paid on site, at the entrance)
- Insurance
- Tips for drivers and guides
Included
- Airport and railway station pickups in Ouzbékistan
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary (on a shared double room basis)
- All meals mentioned
- Night in the yurt with full board
- Transport for transfers according to the program
- English-speaking guide
- Guided tours and monument entrances according to the program
- Train Tickets
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Uzbekistan for a tourism stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uzbekistan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after your planned exit date from the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourism stays in Uzbekistan.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry to the territory. Beyond this duration, a visa must be obtained in advance, in particular via the official online visa application portal of the Uzbek authorities.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking or an invitation from a private individual or registered establishment.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Uzbekistan is required to register with the local authorities within three business days of arrival.
In practice, this registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation facility. In the case of staying with a private individual, the traveler must ensure that the host completes this procedure with the competent registration office.
keep the registration documents issued by each accommodation throughout your stay,
present these documents when crossing the border upon exit from the territory.
Health
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Uzbekistan for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland and Canada. However, health authorities recommend updating routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis) and consulting with a doctor or international vaccination center before departure regarding any specific recommendations (hepatitis A, typhoid, etc.).
It is advisable to take out repatriation and medical assistance insurance before departure, as medical facilities may be limited in certain regions of the country.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be informed, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Uzbekistan, a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry is required. No visa is needed for short tourist visits. This destination has become much more accessible in recent years. Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality: check with the Uzbek consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 120 and 200 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (500-800 euros round trip) are additional. Uzbekistan is one of the most affordable destinations along the Silk Road.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Historic Golden Triangle
Expert in Uzbek Silk Road routes, based in Tachkent
Uzbekistan is more than just its monuments. It's also the conversations over tea, the markets, the villages, and the way locals welcome travelers.
— Nurridin
