G-Adventures logo
!

Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Best of Tajikistan & Uzbekistan" (AWTU), but here are some similar trips.

!

For the foreseeable future, the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uzbekistan online E-Visa website is not accepting any applications for travellers from a number of countries worldwide. Please ensure you check visa information specific to your destination and nationality found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page using this link

Best of Tajikistan & Uzbekistan

15 days, Dushanbe to Tashkent

Map of the route for Best of Tajikistan & Uzbekistan
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Itinerary

Day 1Dushanbe

Arrive at any time.

Welcome to the capital of Tajikistan on the Varzob River with snowcapped mountains in the backdrop. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

1

Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

Welcome Dinner

You've arrived! Why not share a meal and a drink with your new travel mates?

Day 2Dushanbe/Kuli Iskandarkul

Enjoy a morning tour of Dushanbe, visiting the main monuments, museum, and mosque. After lunch, drive through the valleys and mountains to Iskandar-Kuli for a short hike to Iskander Darya waterfall. Afterward, continue the drive—passing Alexander the Great's lake—to your overnight stay at a local home in the stunning mountain valley. Meet the local people and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.

Your Local Living Moment: Community Guesthouse

Enjoy an overnight stay in local guesthouse in this stunningly beautiful area. Meet the locals and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.

Iskander Darya Waterfall
Kuli Iskandarkul

Take a short hike through the peaceful Fan Mountains to Iskander Darya waterfall, or Fan Niagra. The Iskander Darya river flows from the famous Iskandarkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great for his love of place. This massive, majestic waterfall falls from a height of 38 meters.

City Tour
Dushanbe

Visit the highlights of the capital city on a guided tour, seeing the Central Mosque and square, Ismail-i-Somoni Monument, the State Flag Pole, and Tajikistan Antiquities Museum.

Private Vehicle
Dushanbe – Kuli Iskandarkul3h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 3Kuli Iskandarkul

After breakfast, embark on a trek alongside Sarytag and the Karakul River. Return to the homestay for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Later, head to Sarytag Village to experience local living and get a better understanding of life in this remote region. After the village exploration, head back to the homestay for a delicious Tajikistan dinner.

Free Time
Kuli Iskandarkul Half Day

Get out and explore the region.

Your Local Living Moment: Community Guesthouse

Enjoy an overnight stay in local guesthouse in this stunningly beautiful area. Meet the locals and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Kuli Iskandarkul/Khujand

Continue on to Khujand, stopping first in Istaravshan to explore a local mosque and Mug Teppe, an ancient citadel fortress stormed by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. Enjoy an optional lunch in a local chaikhana (teahouse) before continuing the drive to Khujand. Wander the city in the afternoon, visiting the Historical Museum of Sughd, resembling a castle, and the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin.

Private Vehicle
Ghazza – Khujand3h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mug Tepe Visit
Istaravshan

Visit a fortress stormed by Alexander the Great in 329 BC and again by Arabs in 772 AD. Learn more about the history of this place and soak in the view over the city.

City Tour
Khujand

Explore the city, visiting the museum and a mausoleum.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Khujand/Tashkent

Visit the Khujand market (largest in Tajikistan) before continuing on to the border. Cross into Uzbekistan and drive to the capital city of Tashkent, where modern skyscrapers mix with Soviet-era architecture and mosaic mausoleums. Enjoy a short orientation walk in the evening before an optional dinner.

Some travellers will be joining the group here as they start their journey into Uzbekistan.

Market Visit
Khujand

Visit the market in Khujand. It's the largest in Tajikistan and a great example of a typical Central Asian market. Enjoy browsing what's for sale and opt to sample a few of the local delicacies.

Private Vehicle
Khujand – Tashkent3h178km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Tajikistan - Uzbekistan)

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Tashkent

Spend the day freely exploring this unique bustling city. Check out one of the many museums, wander the streets admiring the modern, Soviet-era architecture, venture up Tashkent Tower (which offers city views from its observation deck), or wander through the bazaar.

Free Time
Tashkent Full Day

Head out and explore Uzbekistan's capital city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Tashkent/Samarkand

Travel on to Samarkand, known for intricately beautiful mosques and mausoleums, situated on the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum, dedicated to the famous conqueror who once hoped to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Private Vehicle
Tashkent – Samarkand4h30m310km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

1

Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Amir Timur Mausoleum Visit
Samarkand

Amir Timur, known as Tamerlane, is an important figure to the city of Samarkand. He was a conqueror in the 14th century hoping to rebuild the empire of Genghis Khan and is considered the last of the great conquerors of the Eurasian steppe. Visit his mausoleum and learn more about his life and contributions.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Samarkand

Embark on a city tour, visiting Ulugbek Observatory, Shaki Zinda complex, the bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square. With a free afternoon, continue exploring the Samarkand sights, have a cuppa in a local tea house, or wander around the bazaar. Opt to explore the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions.

Free Time
Samarkand Afternoon

Head out and discover more of Samarkand.

Samarkand City Tour
Samarkand4h

Visit the important sights of the city with a local guide. See the Shaki Zinda complex, Samarkand bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square.

1

Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel Visit
Samarkand
3USD per person

Enjoy a visit to the Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions. A legend says that his body grows by half an inch every year!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Samarkand/Aydar Kŭl Camp

Travel out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, Juma mosque, a bath-house, and the ancient Panjvakta mosque. All of this, hiding a holy spring believed to heal diseases. After exploring the complex, head to Aidarkul Lake and opt for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp. Enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.

Private Vehicle
Samarkand – Aydar Kŭl Camp4h30m280km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Chashma Complex and Holy Spring Visit
Nurata1h30m

The Chashma Complex in Nurata contains multiple important Islamic sights including the Juma Mosque and spring. The spring is believed to heal diseases and attracts many visitors.

Fortress of Alexander the Great Visit
Nurata

The city of Nurata was founded by Alexander the Great in 327BC and the remains of his fortress are still standing. The area is mentioned in many historical texts as being of strategic importance.

Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt

Stay in traditional felt yurts and experience the way of life in the remote reaches of Uzbekistan.

1

Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Kazakh Singing
Aydar Kŭl Camp
Free

Sit back and enjoy some local culture with a Kazakh singing performance.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 10Aydar Kŭl Camp/Bukhara

Travel to Bukhara, known as one of the most charming cities in the country, and get your bearings on an orientation walk. Opt to visit the old city bazaars, enjoy a traditional dinner cooked by a local family, visit a hammam (bathhouse), or just relax in the pleasant atmosphere of this Silk Road city.

Private Vehicle
Aydar Kŭl Camp – Bukhara4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Bukhara Half Day

Spend the afternoon wandering and get to know the city.

1

Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Bukhara Hammam Visit
Bukhara
35USD per person

There are a few hammam choices in the city and they are often gender specific - Hammam Kunjak for ladies and Bozori Kord Hammam for gentlemen. Depending on the day of the week and when you want to go, your CEO can advise you on some options.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Bukhara

Explore Bukhara on a half-day guided walking tour around the beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets, or trading domes, that make up the Old City. A centre for pottery, cloth, and carpets, Bukhara is centered around Lyabi-Hauz, a delightful pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees. Wander the artisan shops and narrow twisting streets and alleyways, or sit at a café table and let the evening drift by. Opt to watch a local puppet show held in an old caravanserai, or indulge in a rejuvenating hammam bathhouse.

Free Time
Bukhara Afternoon

This is the perfect city for shopping or enjoying tea and snacks at a chaykhana.

Bukhara City Guided Tour
Bukhara3h

Join a local guide to visit the the Samanid Mausoleum, the Ark Citadel, and the Poi-i-Kalon complex. Wander around beautifully restored mosques, madrassas, and covered markets that make up the Old City.

4

Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Carpet Museum
Bukhara
1USD per person

The Magok-i Attari Mosque (Museum of Carpets) offers information about the art of carpet making and some fine examples to boot. Perhaps more impressively, the building the museum is located in was once used for Jewish, Muslim, and Christian services, demonstrating the diversity and open-mindedness of this intriguing city.

Bukhara Hammam Visit
Bukhara
35USD per person

There are a few hammam choices in the city and they are often gender specific - Hammam Kunjak for ladies and Bozori Kord Hammam for gentlemen. Depending on the day of the week and when you want to go, your CEO can advise you on some options.

Chor-Bakr Complex
Bukhara

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the burial site of Abu-Bakr-Said, one of the four descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Wander around the necropolis of family tombs and enclosed courtyards while admiring the simple, yet intricate beauty.

Jewish Area and Synagogue Visit
Bukhara
Free

Bukhara has a fascinating Jewish history, with Bukharan Jews speaking a Turkic-Persian dialect with a Hebrew script. The city once was home to 40,000 Jews and now has a community of about 25-30 families. The synagogue is well worth a visit (donation expected) and houses a Torah that is roughly 1,000 years old. Please note that on Friday evenings and Saturday, the Synagogue is usually closed for Shabbat.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Bukhara/Khiva

Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert on a full day's journey to reach UNESCO-listed Khiva, well worth the arduous drive. Get to know this peaceful, picturesque city on a late afternoon orientation walk, and pick your favourite spots to explore more in-depth tomorrow.

Private Vehicle
Bukhara – Khiva4h30m450km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Khiva

Before exploring this historic town on your own, enjoy a guided tour to learn about local life here. Wander through the narrow labyrinth mudbrick alleyways of old town, bargain with locals at the bazaar, admire the madrassas, mosques, and blue mosaic domes, climb up towering minarets, and venture into the dark dungeons Khiva was infamous for back in the 10th century. Explore the inner walls of Ichon-Qala, and enjoy spectacular sunset views on the sand-coloured buildings.

Khiva Ancient City Exploration
Khiva4h

Khiva feels like a museum city, with well-preserved city walls and ancient monuments. Wander the city on a guided tour, learn about life here and its important place in history.

Free Time
Khiva Afternoon

Continue exploring this historic town.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Khiva/Tashkent

Take a short flight back to Tashkent and enjoy a city tour, then explore on your own with some free time.

Plane
Khiva – Tashkent1h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Tashkent Guided City Tour
Tashkent4h

Visit the city's highlights with a local guide. Ride the Russian-esque metro and visit the religious centre of the city and Museum of Applied Arts. Wander the neighbourhood streets and learn about daily life and history of the city and the Uzbek people.

Free Time
Tashkent Afternoon

Get out and explore the city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Tashkent

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Best of Tajikistan & Uzbekistan

| 15 days - Dushanbe to Tashkent - Sold Out