Our Tours
UZBEKISTAN OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Discover the Real Uzbekistan Far from the well-trodden tourist trail, this journey takes you into the heart of an intimate, unspoiled Uzbekistan. Sleep in village homestays in the mountains, ride Bactrian camels across the Kyzylkum Desert, uncover Bronze Age petroglyphs etched into rock three thousand years ago, and share daily life with Uzbek families at the foot of the Nuratau and Zeravshan ranges. Between these timeless encounters, the legendary Silk Road jewels of Bukhara the Holy and Samarkand the Magnificent reveal their full splendour. Route: Tashkent – Forish – Ukhum – Hayat – Nuratau – Gijduvan – Bukhara – Shakhrisabz – Oqsoy – Samarkand – Tashkent Practical Information 🏃 Fitness level: moderate (one trekking day of 5–6 hours, Day 3) 🏨 Accommodation: a mix of 3★ or 4★ hotels (Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand) and village homestays (Ukhum, Hayat, Shakhrisabz, Oqsoy) offering simple but warm hospitality, plus one night in a yurt in the Kyzylkum Desert ☀️ Best season: March to June and September to November 🎒 What to bring: walking shoes, light clothing and a jacket for cool mountain and desert evenings, sun protection, headlamp for the yurt night
BETWEEN SUMMITS AND DOMES
Route: Tashkent – Kumyshkan – Aksakata River – Ahtahta Pass – Revasht River – Revasht Pass – Karabuzuk Pass – Adamtash Pass – Yangiabad – Tashkent – Samarkand – Tashkent Uzbekistan: Between Summits and Marvels This 14-day circuit is designed for travellers who dream of combining a high-mountain trek with the discovery of Silk Road treasures. For eight days, you will traverse the Western Tian Shan mountains — granite ridges, centuries-old juniper forests, waterfalls cascading down rock faces, passes above 2,000 m — in a silence broken only by birdsong and the murmur of rivers. Then the journey shifts to the architectural splendour of Samarkand, where Tamerlane’s turquoise domes answer the golden mosaics of the Registan. A complete itinerary blending physical challenge, cultural wonder and authentic encounters with Uzbekistan’s mountain communities. This trek is for you if… • You dream of hiking off the beaten track, far from mass tourism • You enjoy multi-day treks with bivouacs in the wild • You want to discover a little-known mountain range in Central Asia • You wish to combine a sporting adventure with Silk Road cultural discovery • You value contact with local communities and team spirit (guide, cook, muleteers) ℹ️ Practical Information 🦶 Fitness level: Moderate to sporty ★★★☆☆. Eight days of trekking with stages of 12 to 23 km. The most demanding day is Day 7 (two passes, 15 km, +800 m elevation). The high point is Adamtash Pass at 2,310 m (Day 8). A good general level of fitness and experience of mountain walking are required. The route involves no technical difficulty (no ropes, no mountaineering gear), but endurance is necessary. 🎒 Recommended equipment: Waterproof high-ankle hiking boots (essential). Trekking poles (highly recommended). 30–40 litre daypack. Warm clothing and windproof jacket (nights at altitude can be cold). Sleeping bag comfort rating 0°C. Sunscreen and sunglasses. 🌡️ Climate: From May to October, days are warm and sunny (20–30°C in the valleys), but nights at altitude can drop to 5–10°C. Passes above 2,000 m can be windy. The ideal period is June to September. Bring layered clothing. 🏕️ Accommodation: Good-standard hotels in Tashkent and Samarkand. During the trek, bivouac under canvas (2-person tents provided, mattresses provided). The foresters’ base (Day 6) offers shower facilities. This circuit prioritises immersion in the wilderness. 🍽️ Meals during the trek: A professional cook accompanies you. Hot breakfasts, carefully prepared picnic lunches, full dinners cooked at the bivouac. Filtered drinking water provided. 🚂 Afrosiyob train: High-speed train linking Tashkent to Samarkand in 2 h 10 min. Economy-class seats. If unavailable, a comfort-class ticket on a regular Sharq or Nasaf train will be provided. 📌 Please note: The order of visits may be modified depending on local and weather conditions, without altering the programme content. Hiking routes may be adjusted to the group’s level. The trek may be cancelled or modified in the event of extreme weather conditions.
FROM MULBERRY LEAF TO SILK
Route: Tashkent – Kokand – Fergana / Margilan – Rishton – Khujand (Tajikistan) – Penjikent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Tashkent A Journey Only May Can Offer This exclusive itinerary invites you to witness something very few travellers ever experience: cocoon season in Uzbekistan. From mid-May to the end of the month, in the farms and shaded courtyards of the Fergana Valley, Uzbek families feed silkworms around the clock with fresh mulberry leaves, until the magical moment when the caterpillars — having multiplied their weight ten thousand times over — begin to spin a cocoon of silk thread: 1,500 metres of thread, produced in just 48 hours by a single worm. This journey allows you to follow the entire age-old process: from the picking of mulberry leaves to the rearing of silkworms, from the harvesting of cocoons to the reeling of silk thread, from dyeing baths with natural pigments to weaving on hand looms. And not in a museum, but alongside the silk farmers themselves and in the workshops of Margilan, the world capital of Uzbek silk. But this itinerary goes further than most: from the Fergana Valley, you will cross the border into Tajikistan to reach Khujand, the ancient Alexandria Eschate — "the farthest Alexandria", founded by Alexander the Great — and then Penjikent, the "Pompeii of Central Asia", a Sogdian city whose ancient frescoes bear witness to the splendour of Silk Road merchants. A border crossing that traces the exact route of the silk caravans from two thousand years ago. Practical Information 🗓️ Why May? The cocoon season in Uzbekistan runs from mid-April to the end of May — the only time of year when you can witness silkworm rearing and cocoon formation on site. This 18 May departure is timed to coincide with the peak of the harvest. 🌍 Two countries, one journey. This tour crosses both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Two border crossings are included (Andarkhon and Jartepa/Sarazm), both smooth and well-organised with our assistance. Most European nationalities benefit from an e-visa or visa exemption for Tajikistan. Sezam Voyages handles all formalities on your behalf. 🏨 Comfort level. Carefully selected 3-4 star hotels in every city. The tour prioritises comfort and genuine encounters with local artisans. 🚶 Fitness level. Accessible to all travellers, with no particular physical demands. Some days involve sustained walking during visits. ☀️ Climate. May is one of the most pleasant months in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan (20-30 °C / 68-86 °F). Pack light clothing with a cardigan for the evenings. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. 📌 Please note. The order of visits may be adjusted according to local conditions and the cocoon harvest calendar, without altering the content of the programme.
FLAVOURS OF UZBEKISTAN
Route: Tashkent – Kokand – Fergana – Margilan – Rishtan – Tashkent – Nukus – Ayaz-Kala – Khiva – Bukhara – Shakhrisabz – Samarkand – Tashkent This 14-day journey invites you to discover Uzbekistan through a rare lens: its cuisine. From the colourful bazaars of the Fergana Valley to the inner courtyards of Bukhara, from the steppes of Karakalpakstan to the terraces of Samarkand, every stage combines heritage visits with authentic culinary experiences. You will do more than taste the dishes — you will head to the market to choose the ingredients yourself, then take part in their preparation alongside local people. A trip where history, architecture and gastronomy become one. Practical information 🏨 Comfort level. Carefully selected 3-4 star hotels in each city. Meals with local families offer simple comfort and unrivalled hospitality. 🚶 Fitness level. Suitable for anyone in reasonable general fitness. No particular difficulty; sturdy closed shoes are recommended for archaeological sites. ☀️ Climate. Bring light clothing in summer (April–September) with a cardigan for the evenings. In winter (October–March), pack warm clothing. 📌 Please note. The order of visits may be adjusted according to local conditions and domestic flight schedules, without altering the content of the programme.
THE ARTISANS OF THE SILK ROAD
Route: Tashkent — Khiva — Bukhara — Nurata — Kyzylkum — Aydarkul — Samarkand — Shakhrisabz — Samarkand — Tashkent Uzbekistan is far more than turquoise domes and majestic madrasas. Along the Silk Road, a living heritage is handed down from generation to generation: woodcarvers in Khiva, silk weavers, miniature painters in Bukhara, ceramicists in Gijduvan. This journey invites you to step through the workshop doors and meet the hands that keep these centuries-old crafts alive. Practical Information 🏨 Comfort level. Carefully selected 3★ hotels in each city. One night in a traditional yurt in the Kyzylkum Desert (simple comfort, authentic hospitality). The rest of the journey offers standard comfort. 🚶 Fitness level. Accessible to all travellers, with no particular physical demands. The Khiva – Bukhara day (day 4) involves a long drive across the desert (approximately 7 hours). Comfortable shoes are recommended for sightseeing and workshops. ☀️ Climate. Pack light clothing in summer (April–September) with a cardigan for the evenings, especially in the desert where temperature differences between day and night can be significant. In winter (October–March), warm clothing is essential. 📌 Please note. The order of visits may be adjusted according to local conditions, without altering the content of the programme.
THE JEWELS OF UZBEKISTAN
From the ancient oasis of Khorezm to the turquoise domes of Samarkand, this two-week circuit immerses you in the soul of Uzbekistan. You will explore cities inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, sleep under the stars in a yurt camp in the Kyzylkum Desert, and share daily life with Uzbek families in mountain villages. A complete itinerary weaving together great historic cities, unspoilt nature and authentic encounters.
SPLENDOURS OF THE SILK ROAD
Route: Ashgabat – Darvaza – Kunya-Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand – Penjikent – Seven Lakes – Dushanbe – Kalai-Khumb – Khorog – Jelondi – Murghab – Sary-Tash – Osh – Arslanbob – Kazarman – Son-Kul – Bishkek – Issyk-Kul – Karakol – Saty – Charyn Canyon – Altyn-Emel – Almaty This grand 35-day circuit is the ultimate Central Asian expedition. It crosses all five republics that are heirs to the Silk Road — from the Karakum Desert to the peaks of the Pamir, from the turquoise domes of Samarkand to the yurts of Kyrgyz nomads, from the crystalline lakes of the Fan Mountains to the spectacular canyons of Kazakhstan. This is a journey that embraces the dizzying diversity of the region: millennial civilisations, landscapes of breathtaking beauty, peoples with living traditions and legendary hospitality. An itinerary that does not merely skim the surface of Central Asia, but plunges deep into its heart. Practical Information 📋 Visas: Turkmenistan requires a tourist visa, obtained on arrival at Ashgabat airport or at land border crossings. Visa fees (from USD 85) and the migration tax (USD 14) must be paid in cash in US dollars only and are non-refundable. Bills must be in good condition and recently issued (after 2008). We recommend bringing the exact amount; ten- and twenty-dollar bills will make the process smoother. Tajikistan requires a GBAO permit for the Gorno-Badakhshan region. Most European nationalities benefit from a visa exemption or e-visa for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Sezam Voyages will assist you with all formalities. 🚧 Borders: Four border crossings are included: Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan–Tajikistan, Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyzstan–Kazakhstan. All are managed with the assistance of our local guides. ⛰️ Altitude: The circuit reaches 4,280 m at the Kyzyl-Art Pass (Day 17). Several days take place above 3,000 m (Jelondi, Murghab, Son-Kul). Acclimatisation is gradual. Consult your doctor before departure regarding altitude precautions. 🏕️ Accommodation: Varied and tailored to each stage: 3–4★ hotels in cities, nomadic yurts (Son-Kul, Issyk-Kul, Sary-Tash, Darvaza), homestays in villages (Kalai-Khumb, Murghab, Arslanbob, Kazarman). This circuit prioritises authenticity and human encounters. 🌡️ Climate: Highly variable depending on the stage. Hot in the deserts and cities (30–40°C), cool to cold at altitude (0–15°C at night on the Pamir and at Son-Kul). Bring layered clothing, a warm windproof jacket and comfortable shoes. 📌 Please note: The order of visits may be modified according to local conditions, without altering the programme content. Itineraries may be adjusted depending on road conditions, particularly along the Pamir Highway.
TREASURES OF UZBEKISTAN
Route: Tashkent – Kokand – Fergana – Margilan – Rishtan – Tashkent – Nukus – Lake Sudochye – Barsa-Kelmes – Aral Sea – Muynak – Nukus – Ayaz-Kala – Khiva – Bukhara – Shahrisabz – Samarkand – Tashkent This grand 17-day circuit reveals the many faces of Uzbekistan, well beyond the beaten track. From the fertile Fergana Valley, cradle of silk, to the ghostly shores of the Aral Sea; from the lost fortresses of ancient Khorezm to the turquoise domes of Samarkand—this journey embraces two millennia of history, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable encounters. A rare itinerary, designed for curious travellers who wish to discover Uzbekistan in depth. Practical information 🛏️ Comfort level: Good standard hotels in the cities. On day 6, overnight in a tent by the Aral Sea (basic comfort, guaranteed adventure). The rest of the trip offers standard comfort. 🥾 Physical condition: This trip is accessible to anyone in good general health. The 4×4 journey to the Aral Sea (day 6) involves long hours on rough terrain. Bring good closed shoes for archaeological sites. 🌦️ Climate: Light clothing is recommended in summer (April–September), with a sweater for the evenings. In winter (October–March), bring warm clothing. The Ustyurt plateau and the Aral Sea area can be windy and cool, even in summer. ℹ️ Note: The order of visits may be modified depending on local conditions and domestic flight schedules, without affecting the content of the program.
UZBEK IMMERSION
Itinerary: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Nurata – Yurt camp – Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Tashkent From the ancient minarets of Khiva to the turquoise domes of Samarkand, this 12-day circuit takes you to the heart of Uzbekistan. You will trace the path of the Silk Road caravans, share in the joy of a traditional wedding in Bukhara, sleep beneath the stars in a desert yurt camp in the Kyzylkum and meet the master craftsmen who keep centuries-old traditions alive. A journey where legend and living hospitality become one. Practical Information ☀️ Climate: Continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. April to June and September to November offer the most pleasant temperatures (20–30°C). Pack light layers for summer with a warm layer for desert evenings, where the day-night temperature difference can exceed 20°C. Samarkand sits at 700 m altitude; evenings are cooler there. In spring and autumn, a light jacket is sufficient. 🛏️ Comfort level: Good-standard hotels in all cities (double or twin rooms). One night in a traditional Kazakh yurt in the Kyzylkum Desert (basic but authentic comfort, shared facilities). The rest of the stay offers standard comfort with private bathrooms. 🥾 Fitness level: This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with no particular physical demands. The circuit is cultural, with moderate walking during city visits. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the cobblestones of the old towns. ℹ️ Please note: The order of visits may be adjusted depending on local conditions, without altering the overall content of the programme. Domestic flights and train schedules are subject to change by the national carrier and railway company.
THE ESSENCE OF UZBEKISTAN
Route: Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand This 8-day circuit is the perfect itinerary for a first discovery of Uzbekistan. In just one week, you will visit the three legendary Silk Road cities — Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand — each inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, each with a unique personality of its own. From the labyrinthine alleyways of Khiva, an open-air museum city on the banks of the Amu Darya, to the majesty of Bukhara the Noble with its 360 mosques, and on to the dazzling Registan Square in Samarkand, this journey is an immersion into a thousand years of Eastern civilisation. Between the cities, the crossing of the Kyzylkum Desert adds a touch of adventure and complete change of scenery. Practical Information 👟 Fitness Level: Accessible to all, no particular physical requirement. This is a cultural circuit with moderate walking during city visits. Bring comfortable shoes for the cobblestones of the old towns. 🌡️ Climate: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons, with pleasant temperatures (15–30°C / 59–86°F). Summer (June–August) can be very hot (35–45°C / 95–113°F). Samarkand is at 700 m altitude, with cooler evenings. Pack a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle. 🚐 Transfers: All transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle. The longest day is Day 3 (Khiva–Bukhara, 480 km, approximately 7 hours' drive) with the Kyzylkum Desert crossing — an experience in itself. 🍽️ Meals: Only breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are at leisure, allowing you to discover Uzbek cuisine at your own pace: plov (pilaf rice), shashlik (kebabs), lagman (noodle soup), somsa (stuffed pastries), and many more delights. Your guide will be happy to recommend the best local addresses. 📌 Please Note: The order of visits may be modified according to local conditions, without altering the content of the programme.
TREKKING IN UZBEKISTAN
Route: Tashkent – Zamin – Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Ayaqchi – Bukhara – Yurt camp – Aydarkul – Nurata – Sentob – Majroum – Hayat – Tashkent This 15-day circuit is designed for travellers who wish to combine adventure in the great outdoors with the discovery of Silk Road treasures. From the juniper forests of Zamin National Park to the steep trails of the Zeravshan mountains, from the highland lakes of the Nuratau Reserve to nights beneath the stars in the Kyzylkum Desert, this trek reveals a wild and unspoiled Uzbekistan. Between hikes, the legendary cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent unfold their domes and minarets: a complete itinerary blending physical challenge, cultural wonder and authentic encounters. ℹ️ Practical information 🏨 Comfort level: Good-standard hotels in cities. Tent bivouac in Zomin park (basic comfort). Traditional yurt in the desert. Family-run guesthouses in villages (simple comfort, warm hospitality). This tour prioritizes authenticity over hotel comfort. 🥾 Physical condition: Moderate to sporty difficulty level. Four hiking days are planned, the most demanding being day 12 (Fozilmon lake: 6–7 hours, +500 m elevation gain). Good overall physical fitness is required. Proper hiking boots are essential. Trekking poles recommended. 🌡️ Climate: At altitude (Zomin, Zeravshan, Nuratau), temperatures can be cool even in summer: bring layered clothing. In the desert (Kyzylkum), temperature variations between day and night are significant. Samarkand sits at 700 m elevation. 📌 Please note: The order of visits may be adjusted according to local and weather conditions, without altering the program's content. Hiking itineraries may be adapted to the group's level.