UZBEK IMMERSION
Details
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.
Highlights
🕌 In-depth visits to the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shakhrisabz, with their UNESCO World Heritage monuments 🎨 Encounters with master craftsmen: woodcarvers of Khiva, miniature painters of Bukhara, silk paper makers of Samarkand 💍 Participation in a traditional Uzbek wedding ceremony in Bukhara – a unique immersion into living traditions 🐪 A night in Kazakh yurts in the Kyzylkum Desert, camel ride and traditional songs beneath the stars 🌅 Swimming in Lake Aydarkul, a secret oasis at the edge of the desert 🗣️ Qualified English-speaking guide throughout the tour
Itinerary (12 days)
First light of the East Arrival in Tashkent in the morning. Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After some time to rest, the discovery of the Uzbek capital begins. Visit the historic heart of Tashkent: the Hasti Imam complex, guardian of Central Asia’s spiritual treasures, where one of the world’s oldest manuscripts of the Quran is preserved – the celebrated Othman Quran (7th century). Discovery of the Barakhan Madrasa and the Kukeldash Madrasa (16th century), followed by an immersion into the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s oldest markets, where stalls overflow with spices, dried fruits and golden bread. Lunch and dinner in town. Overnight at the hotel.
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Reviews (1)
Nathalie Beaumont
Un voyage absolument magique au cœur de l'Ouzbékistan ! Ce circuit de 12 jours est un parfait équilibre entre découvertes culturelles, rencontres authentiques et moments d'aventure. Khiva, avec ses ruelles labyrinthiques et la visite de l'atelier du maître sculpteur sur bois Hassan Jumaniyozov, fut une véritable plongée dans un savoir-faire ancestral. Boukhara nous a enchantés avec son atmosphère hors du temps, et la master class de miniature avec le peintre Davlat Toshev dans son caravansérail du XVIIIe siècle restera l'un des plus beaux souvenirs de ma vie. Mais le moment le plus émouvant fut sans conteste notre participation à un véritable mariage traditionnel ouzbek à Boukhara — quelle générosité, quelle joie partagée ! Une expérience d'une authenticité rare. La nuit en yourte dans le désert du Kyzylkum, avec les chants kazakhs autour du feu sous un ciel étoilé, était féerique, et la baignade dans le lac Aydarkul une vraie surprise. Et que dire du Registan de Samarcande au coucher du soleil... tout simplement à couper le souffle ! Notre guide francophone était passionnée, cultivée et d'une gentillesse remarquable. Hôtels confortables, repas délicieux, organisation parfaite du début à la fin. Je recommande vivement ce voyage à tous ceux qui rêvent de découvrir la magie de la Route de la Soie !
