Uzbekistan Trip with Aydarkul and yurt Camp

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin your sightseeing tour of Tashkent.

• Khasti Imam Complex, including the Quran Museum, Barak Khan Madrassa, and Kafal Shahi Mausoleum, one of Tashkent’s most important spiritual monuments located in the heart of the old city.
• Chorsu Bazaar – the main oriental market in Tashkent.
• Tashkent Metro (several stations) – the first subway system in Central Asia. Opened in 1977, each station features its own distinctive architectural style with marble, granite, and elegant columns.
• Amir Temur Square – the city's central park featuring the equestrian statue of Amir Temur and the famous “Broadway.”
• Independence Square – the most important square in Tashkent.
• Monument of Courage.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to the railway station to board the fast Afrosiab Train (approx. 7:30–9:43 / 8:00–10:25 / 8:30–10:49).

Discover Samarkand, a legendary city of the Silk Road, once invaded by Alexander the Great and later destroyed by Genghis Khan before flourishing under Tamerlane, who made it his magnificent capital.

Upon arrival, begin your guided tour:

• Gur Amir Mausoleum – Timur's mausoleum, which in Persian translates as "the king's tomb." It contains the tombs of Timur, his sons Shohruh and Miran Shah, his grandsons Ulugbek and Muhammad Sultan, and Timur's tutor, Sayyid Baraka. Construction of the complex began after the death of Muhammad Sultan, Timur's heir and favorite grandson.
• Registan Square (15th–17th centuries), featuring: Ulugbek Madrasa (1417–1420), Sher-Dor Madrasa (1619–1636), Tilla-Kari Madrasa (1647–1660)
• Bibi-Khanum Mosque (15th century), one of the largest constructions of the Tamerlane era.
• Shakhi Zinda (9th–14th, 19th centuries), located on the southeastern mound of Afrosiab. This architectural complex consists of 44 tombs distributed among more than 20 mausoleums and contains the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad's cousin.
• Siab Bazaar – the main bazaar of Samarkand, located at the crossroads of ancient trading routes. Visiting Samarkand without seeing Siab Bazaar means missing one of the city's most fascinating experiences. (Closed on Mondays.)
• Lunch at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Continue exploring the historic treasures of Samarkand:

• Ulugbek Observatory – Ulugbek, the grandson of Timur (Tamerlane), ruled the country for 40 years. During his reign, Samarkand became one of the world's leading scientific centers. He established the Scientific School, bringing together renowned astronomers and mathematicians. Between 1428 and 1429, Ulugbek built the Gurjani Zij Observatory, home to a giant marble sextant with a radius of over 40 meters and an arc length of 63 meters. This remarkable instrument was used to determine the coordinates of the sun, moon, and other planets. Ulugbek also compiled the astronomical catalog known as the "Tables of the Stars."
• Afrosiab Museum – Explore the history of ancient Samarkand through impressive archaeological artifacts and exhibits that reveal the city's rich Silk Road legacy.
• Konigil – Visit the traditional paper-making workshop, where paper is still produced using ancient methods.
• Khudjum – Carpet factory.
• Free time to discover the city at your own pace.
• Dinner at a national house with a Plov Cooking Masterclass. A perfect opportunity not only to taste the traditional dish—Plov—but also to experience local life, culture, and traditions firsthand.

Overnight in Samarkand.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your driver and depart for Aydarkul Lake (approximately 240 km / 5 hours).

• En route, meet your guide and visit the ruins of Chashma, a historic site known for its sacred spring and fascinating local legends.
• Continue to the yurt camp located near the shores of Aydarkul Lake.
• Upon arrival, accommodation in traditional yurts and lunch.
• Enjoy a memorable camel ride.
• In the evening, after dinner, experience the beauty of the starry sky while listening to the enchanting songs and ancient legends performed by a local akyn around the campfire.

Overnight in traditional yurts.

Breakfast at the yurt camp. Continue your Silk Road package journey as you travel toward the historic city of Bukhara, with a stop in Gijduvan.

• Drive toward Bukhara, making a stop at Gijduvan.
• Located just 45 km from Bukhara, Gijduvan is renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition and is home to the famous Nazrullaev ceramics dynasty.
• Visit the family-run workshop and museum to watch master craftsmen at work and discover the distinctive ceramics that have made Gijduvan famous throughout Uzbekistan.
• The town is also known for its beautiful silk embroidery and other traditional handicrafts.
• For lunch, enjoy the famous Gijduvan shashlik (kebab).
• Upon arrival in Bukhara, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and begin exploring the remarkable monuments of Bukhara.

Meet your guide and today we visit:

• Sitora Mokhi Khosa – The summer residence of the last Emirs of Bukhara.
• Ismail Samani Mausoleum – A masterpiece of early Islamic architecture and one of the most significant monuments in Central Asia.
• ARK Fortress (6th–19th centuries) – During the Middle Ages, it functioned as an entire city containing the Emir's residence, wives' quarters, mosques, a mint, government institutions, storerooms, a prison, and a square for public executions.
• Poikalon Complex (12th–16th centuries) – An architectural ensemble in the heart of Old Bukhara featuring the cathedral mosque Masjidi Kalon, Miri Arab Madrasah, and the tallest minaret (46 meters) in the Orient during its time.
• Trading Domes – Explore the three historic trading centers: Tok-i-Zargaron (1570) – Jeweler's Bazaar, Tok-i Tilpak Furushon – Cap Maker's Bazaar, Tok-i-Sarrafon – Moneychanger's Bazaar.
• Magoki Attori Mosque – Originally a four-pillared mosque built in 937, it was destroyed in a city-wide fire. The present structure was erected in the 12th century, preserving its original southern portal.
• Lyabi-Hauz (16th–17th centuries) – A charming complex featuring the Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah, Khanaka, and a large pool surrounded by shady trees.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast/breakfast boxes at the hotel. Transfer to the train station: Train (regular) 14:50-21:32 - 5:32- 11:12 - coupe: 4-bed compartment or SV: 2-bed compartment.

• Upon arrival, meet the driver.
• Lunch and check-in.
• Evening walk around the city.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Khiva.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Step into the enchanting world of Ichan-Kala, where Khiva feels like a city straight from the magical tales of Scheherazade. Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional clay houses, magnificent mosques, mausoleums, soaring minarets, and brilliantly colored domes.

Begin your guided excursion:

• Kalta Minor Minaret & Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah – Visit one of the largest madrasahs ever built in the Islamic world, located opposite the Kunya Ark (Old Fortress).
• Kunya Ark (17th century) – Explore the inner citadel of Khiva, home to former administrative buildings, law courts, a mosque, and gunpowder workshops.
• Pakhlavan Mahmud Complex (14th–19th centuries) – Khiva's most revered architectural ensemble, celebrated for its magnificent tilework and spiritual importance.
• Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah (1908) – Standing 45 meters high, this is the tallest structure in Khiva and offers panoramic views of the old city from its observation platform.
• Djuma Mosque (10th–17th centuries) – A remarkable cathedral mosque supported by 212 beautifully carved wooden columns, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and natural lighting.
• Mausoleum of Seyid Alaudin (14th century) – Famous for its extraordinary gravestone crafted from multicolored majolica, considered unique in world architectural ceramics.
• Tash Hovli Palace – The summer residence of the Khiva Khans, built during the first half of the 19th century, featuring three elegant courtyards connected by a maze of corridors.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Return to the hotel at the end of the excursion.

Overnight in Khiva.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and continue your sightseeing.

• Visit Nurullabai Palace, built at the beginning of the 20th century. The palace beautifully combines traditional Khorezm architecture with elegant European design. Inside, admire richly decorated reception halls, intricate carved woodwork, stained-glass windows, imported ceramics, and luxurious royal apartments reflecting the lifestyle of the last Khivan Khans.
• The palace provides a fascinating glimpse into a period when local traditions and modern influences merged within the Khanate of Khiva.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Meet your driver and transfer to Urgench International Airport (30 km) for flight HY 56 (16:15–17:35).
• Upon arrival in Tashkent, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Tashkent.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your driver and transfer to Tashkent International Airport for departure.