Private, on your own dates · Uzbekistan
The most complete Uzbekistan programme: two days on the Ustyurt plateau by the Aral Sea with a night in a yurt camp, the desert fortresses, Khiva, three nights in Bukhara, the Kyzylkum, three nights in Samarkand and the Chimgan mountains.
Twin share · land only, flights extra
Uzbekistan Adventure is the long way round, and it is the only programme here that reaches the Aral Sea itself. From Nukus the route goes past the ship cemetery at Muynak and out onto the Ustyurt plateau, where the land ends in sheer cliffs above what remains of the sea, and a yurt camp near its shore is home for the night.
The second day on the plateau passes Sudochie lake, a wetland on the edge of the old delta, before the return to Nukus. From there the tour follows the classic western route: the hilltop fortresses of ancient Khorezm on the way to Khiva, a full day inside the walls of Itchan Kala, and the night train across the desert to Bukhara.
The pace then slows. Bukhara has three nights with a free day; the road to Samarkand runs through Gijduvan and Nurata to a yurt camp and Aydarkul lake; and Samarkand has three nights too, including a free day and a day over the Takhta-Karacha pass to Shakhrisabz. The high-speed train returns you to Tashkent for the Chimgan mountains before the flight home.
Guides in the main cities, the flight to Nukus, meals on the Aral Sea trip, both yurt camps with their meals, the night train, the high-speed train and the chairlift are included; a few site fees in Muynak, Nurata and Shakhrisabz are paid locally.
Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.
Uzbekistan
Spring (Mar–May) is the best time — lush, not too hot. Autumn (Sep–Oct) is also excellent for sightseeing.
Very. Beyond Muynak there are long stretches of unpaved track, no mobile signal in places, and the camp has basic shared facilities. It is travelled in a four-wheel drive with an experienced local driver, and meals are provided throughout.
Layers: the plateau can be hot by day and cold at night even in summer. Bring a torch, sun protection, wet wipes and any medication you need, and keep a small bag for the camp night so the main luggage can stay in the vehicle.
Usually from April to October. Outside those months the track and the camps may not operate, and the programme can be adjusted.
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.
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.
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.
Tell Tulli what you'd change — hotels, dates, an extra city — and she'll price it with our team and come back to you.