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Private, on your own dates · Uzbekistan

Classical Uzbekistan

Six days on the classic Silk Road circuit — Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara by high-speed train — finishing with a day out of the capital into the Chimgan mountains and along the Charvak reservoir.

The route3 cities.
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6 days, 5 nightsDuration
3 citiesWhere you sleep
Hotel accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast, in the hotel class you chooseMeals

Twin share · land only, flights extra

Why this journey

Classical Uzbekistan takes the route most first-time visitors want and adds the one thing the cities cannot give you: a day in the mountains. It opens in Tashkent’s old quarter and bazaar, then goes early the next morning by high-speed train to Samarkand, so the whole of the second day belongs to the Registan, the Gur-Emir and the necropolis of Shakhi-Zinda.

Day three continues to Bukhara, reaching it around midday for an afternoon walk through the oldest continuously inhabited quarter on the tour. A free day follows, with the evening train back to the capital — time to return to the covered bazaars or simply sit by Lyabi-Khauz under the mulberry trees.

The fifth day leaves the Silk Road behind. The Chimgan mountains, part of the western Tian Shan, are an hour and a half from Tashkent, and a chairlift, the turquoise water of the Charvak reservoir and rocks carved with ancient petroglyphs make a real change of pace before the flight home.

This is a private tour, with your own guide in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, all entrance fees, the chairlift and two plov lunches included, and a choice of three hotel classes.

Trip highlights

  • 01Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent by high-speed train
  • 02A full day for Samarkand’s Registan, Gur-Emir and Shakhi-Zinda
  • 03A free day in Bukhara to wander at your own pace
  • 04The Chimgan mountains and the Charvak reservoir
  • 05Chairlift, entrance fees and plov lunches included

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip11 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • Hotel accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast, in the hotel class you choose
Transport3
  • All airport and railway station transfers
  • All transport during the tour as set out in the itinerary
  • Afrosiyob high-speed train tickets Tashkent–Samarkand, Samarkand–Bukhara and Bukhara–Tashkent in economy class
Entrance Fees2
  • Entrance tickets to the monuments and museums named in the itinerary
  • Chairlift ticket in the Chimgan mountains
Guide1
  • Licensed local guides for the sightseeing named in each day
Visa1
  • Visa support: an invitation letter or e-visa assistance where needed
Meals1
  • Welcome plov lunches at the Plov Centres in Tashkent and Samarkand
Other2
  • A local prepaid SIM card with 40 GB of data per group
  • Round-the-clock assistance from the local team
Plan and pay separately6 items not covered by this fare
Not included6
  • International flights
  • Lunches and dinners other than those named as included
  • Consular visa fees where a visa is required
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

4 go inside0 walk through0 exterior only
On the route4 places
TashkentEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
SamarkandEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
BukharaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
ChimganEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside

Uzbekistan

IdealGoodFairAvoid
SepGood

Spring (Mar–May) is the best time — lush, not too hot. Autumn (Sep–Oct) is also excellent for sightseeing.

Samarkand
Average High
29°C
Rainfall
5mm
Tashkent
Average High
29°C
Rainfall
6mm
Bukhara
Average High
29°C
Rainfall
3mm

Private tour

  • This is a private programme for your party alone; the dates are flexible.
  • Prices are per person and fall as the party grows, with a separate rate for one, two and three or more travellers.
  • Children under five travel free and children under ten at half price, sharing with adults.

Trains

  • Intercity legs run on the Afrosiyob high-speed train in economy class unless stated otherwise.
  • Train times are set by Uzbekistan Railways and can move; the programme follows the confirmed timetable for your date.
  • Carry your passport on every train journey — tickets are issued in the passenger’s name.

Dress and etiquette

  • Mosques and mausoleums expect shoulders and knees to be covered; women may be asked to cover their hair at working shrines.
  • Photography inside some monuments carries a small separate fee payable on site.

Hotel classes

  • Standard, Comfort and Comfort Plus differ in the hotels used, not in the sightseeing.
  • Extra nights can be added at the start or end of the tour at a nightly supplement.

Common questions

Is the Chimgan day suitable for everyone?

Yes. It is a scenic drive with short walks and a chairlift ride; no hiking is required. Bring a warm layer, as it is noticeably cooler in the mountains than in Tashkent.

Why is there a free day in Bukhara?

Because Bukhara rewards unhurried time more than any other city on the route. Luggage stays at the hotel after check-out, and the evening train takes you back to Tashkent.

Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?

Citizens of many countries, including the UK and the EU, can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days; others, including Indian passport holders, apply for an e-visa, and visa support is included in the tour. Rules change, so check the current requirement for your passport before booking flights.

Which currency should I bring?

The Uzbek som. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, but bazaars and small cafes are cash only; ATMs and exchange desks are easy to find in the cities.

What is the best time of year to go?

April to early June and September to October are the most comfortable. July and August are very hot in Bukhara, often above 40°C, and winters are cold but quiet.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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