About Sezam Voyages
Some words open doors. Ours opens a very old one.
Open Sesame
Sesame: that word from the old tales, spoken before a wall of rock, that suddenly reveals a hidden treasure. We chose this name because it says exactly what we do. Central Asia is not a secret — it has simply stayed quiet. Less travelled, less written about, long kept off the main tourist routes.
And yet a single word, a gesture, an encounter is enough for it to open. What appears then goes far beyond what one came looking for.
What We Do
We organise journeys in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. But that sentence, on its own, doesn't say anything true.
What we actually do is translate a country. Make it readable without making it simple. Take you to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, into the Fergana Valley or up to the high plateaus of the Pamir, and hand you the keys to understand what you are looking at: why this dome is blue, why this pattern repeats, why this tea is drunk from this bowl and not another. Nothing here is merely decorative. Everything carries meaning, and that meaning is worth sharing.
We work in French, English, Italian and Chinese. Not for convenience, but because a language is never only a language: it is a way of entering a place.
“Every itinerary is designed to offer an authentic immersion: encounters with local artisans, home-hosted meals, nights in a yurt or under the desert stars.”
Who We Travel With
Solo travellers who want careful guidance without losing their freedom. Couples looking for more than a backdrop for photographs. Small groups of friends who prefer long conversations to quick sightseeing. Families who want their children to remember a country, not just an airport. Cultural travellers, the curious, the readers — those intrigued by the East without being dazzled by it.
Whether you are two or fifteen, our way of working doesn't change. The attention stays the same.
How We Work
Every journey is built by hand. No standard circuits, no boxes to tick. We listen first — to what you love, what you avoid, what you hope to find without always being able to name it. Then we design an itinerary that looks like you.
On the ground, we choose our guides one by one. They are historians, passionate speakers, people who truly know their region — not reciters of scripts. We choose our hotels for their soul as much as for their comfort. We choose our restaurants for what they say about real Uzbek cooking — the kind found in homes and markets, not in brochures.
And when the unexpected happens — a village wedding, an invitation to share a plate of plov, an encounter that was on no itinerary — we know how to slow down. Often, that is where the real journey begins.
Who We Are
Sezam Voyages is a Samarkand-based company. We live here. We know these streets, these domes, these silences, because they are part of our daily life. Our team brings together specialists in language, culture, history and travel — but above all, people who love their country and take pleasure in sharing it.
We don't try to impress. We try to pass something on.
Our Team
Beknazar Berdiyev
With over 25 years of unwavering dedication to Central Asian tourism, Beknazar Berdiyev has welcomed and guided more than 10,000 travelers from across Europe, Canada, and East Asia. His encyclopedic knowledge of the region's history, culture, and hidden gems — combined with his warm hospitality and meticulous attention to detail — has made Sezam Voyages one of the most trusted travel companies along the Silk Road.
Sadokat Kuchkarova
Sadokat Kuchkarova brings over 10 years of expertise in the local tourism industry, with a special focus on welcoming and managing French-speaking travelers. Her exceptional organizational skills, fluency in French, and deep understanding of Central Asian culture ensure that every tour runs flawlessly — from the first inquiry to the final farewell. Sadokat's warmth and professionalism have earned her the trust and admiration of thousands of satisfied guests.
Akbar Kazakov
Akbar Kazakov is a seasoned tour guide with over 15 years of experience leading travelers through the magnificent landscapes and historic cities of Central Asia. Fluent in English, French, and Italian, Akbar has built a reputation for delivering immersive, culturally rich experiences that bring the Silk Road to life. His deep knowledge of local traditions, architecture, and cuisine makes every tour an unforgettable journey of discovery.
One Last Word
Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva are not destinations. They are encounters. And like all real encounters, they ask for a little preparation, a great deal of listening, and the outstretched hand of a friend already on the ground.
That is the role we have been holding for years. With care. With pride. With the quiet conviction that once Central Asia has opened its doors to you, it never quite lets you go.
Open sesame — and the rest will follow.
Ready to explore Central Asia?
Let us design your perfect journey along the Silk Road.