Culture of Uzbekistan and Landscapes of Tajikistan

  • Culture of Uzbekistan and Landscapes of Tajikistan
  • Tashkent-Urgench-Buлhara-Samarkand-Pendjikent-Iskandarkul-Saritag-Dushanbe
  • 12 day/12 night
  • All year round
Culture of Uzbekistan and Landscapes of Tajikistan

Brief description:

12-Day Journey through Silk Road Cities & Pamir Beauty

This unique two-week tour blends the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan with the natural beauty of Tajikistan. Travel through the legendary Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient mosques, madrassas, palaces, and bustling bazaars.

Cross into Tajikistan, where the landscape transforms dramatically: from the turquoise Seven Lakes of Marguzor to the majestic Iskanderkul Lake, and on to the capital Dushanbe, rich in Persian heritage and crowned with the stunning Navruz Palace and Hissar Fortress.

A perfect blend of cultural treasures and breathtaking nature, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking authenticity, history, and off-the-beaten-path adventure in Central Asia.

Day 1: EUROPE – TASHKENT
Departure from Europe the day before via Turkish Airlines through Istanbul and arrival in Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel, check-in and overnight stay.
After breakfast, the city tour in Tashkent begins at 10:30 AM. You will visit the Old Town with the Khast Imam Complex and the Quran Museum, the Chorsu Bazaar, Amir Timur Park, Independence Square with the Romanov Palace, the metro, the white “Minor” Mosque, the TV tower (exterior), and the Plov Center.
2 overnight stays at a hotel in Tashkent.


Day 2: TASHKENT – URGENCH – KHIVA
Flight to Urgench and onward journey to Khiva. A UNESCO World Heritage city awaits you for an in-depth exploration. Sights include the Kunya Ark Citadel, the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Mahmud, the Amin Khan Madrasah, the unfinished minaret, the Juma wooden-pillared mosque, the harem courtyard, and the Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Khiva.


Day 3: KHIVA – BUKHARA
Free time until midday. Afterwards, the caravan sets off for Bukhara. Like the Mongol horsemen of old, you’ll pass through oases in the Kyzylkum Desert and cross the largest river in Central Asia. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short individual hike in the desert and enjoy a fish meal at a rest stop.
Arrival in the oasis city of Bukhara in the late afternoon.
2 overnight stays at a hotel in Bukhara.


Day 4: BUKHARA
Today is fully dedicated to sightseeing in Bukhara. You will visit the Ark Citadel, the Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani, and the picturesque “Chor Minor” gatehouse. The Poi-Kalon complex impresses with the Kalon Minaret, the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, and the Kalon Mosque.
Other highlights on your walking tour include the Magoki-Attori Mosque, the twin madrasahs of Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan, and three historic dome-covered bazaars.
At the Labi-Hauz complex, the central water basin provides refreshment, surrounded by more monuments like Nodir Devon Begi and Kukeldash Madrasahs.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Bukhara.


Day 5: BUKHARA – SAMARKAND
In the morning, drive from Bukhara to your next destination, Samarkand. En route, stops include the Emir’s Summer Palace, the caravanserai at Rabati Malik (12th century), and the minaret in Vobkent (12th century).
Alternatively, the journey may be made by train. After arrival, enjoy free time for a stroll through the old city.
2 overnight stays at a hotel in Samarkand.


Day 6: SAMARKAND
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits you. The sightseeing tour of Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world, starts at the famous Registan Square, surrounded by the stunning Ulugbek, Shir Dor, and Tilla-Kari Madrasahs.
You will also visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the necropolis Shah-i-Zinda, and Ulugbek’s Observatory. Another highlight is the breathtaking Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the nighttime illumination of Registan.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Samarkand.


Day 7: SAMARKAND – PENJIKENT (PANDSCHIKENT)
Drive to the Uzbek-Tajik border. After crossing the border, continue to Penjikent.
You will visit the Rudaki Museum, dedicated to a prominent poet born here. Then explore the ruins of ancient Penjikent, a Sogdian city founded in the 5th century BC and abandoned in the 8th century by the Arabs. Excavated ruins reveal house foundations, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples, and a city bazaar.
2 overnight stays at a hotel in Penjikent.


Day 8: PENJIKENT – HAFKOL – PENJIKENT
Excursion to the Seven Lakes via the settlement of Sarazm, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Seven Lakes of Marguzor lie in the western Fan Mountains. Each lake has a distinct color – from soothing turquoise to fascinating violet. At the last lake, Khoazorchashma, enjoy a picnic.
Return to Penjikent.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Penjikent.


Day 9: PENJIKENT – ISKANDERKUL – SARITAG
Drive to Saritag via Lake Iskanderkul. According to legend, Lake Iskanderkul was named after Alexander the Great, who is known as “Iskander” in the East. It is said that his journey from India to Central Asia passed by this lake.
Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Saritag.


Day 10: SARITAG – DUSHANBE
After breakfast, drive to Dushanbe.
City sightseeing: The National Museum of Tajikistan features exhibitions on history, natural history, and art; one of its most prized exhibits is the “Buddha in Nirvana.”
You will also visit Ismoili Somoni Square and Rudaki Park.
The Botanical Garden – a beautiful garden with many ancient trees – is one of the Tajiks’ favorite places. Visit also Independence Square.
2 overnight stays at a hotel in Dushanbe.


Day 11: DUSHANBE
Kokhi Navruz – Originally planned as the largest national teahouse in Central Asia, “Kohi Navruz” became a true museum of Tajik craftsmanship during its construction.
The entire complex, with fountains, summer pavilions, and gardens, covers more than four hectares. Around 4,000 artisans from all over Tajikistan worked on it.
The interior decorations span around 40,000 square meters, including carved wooden columns and ceilings, wall decorations, Florentine mosaics made from colored mirrors, and painted ceilings. The highest dome reaches 40 meters.
Also visit the Hissar Fortress – the remains of an 18th-century fortress used until 1924, located 30 km west of Dushanbe. Near the fortress are two simple madrasahs from the 18th and 19th centuries, and behind them lies a mausoleum from the 16th century.
Visit also Kurushi Kabir Park and Mehrgon Market.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Dushanbe.


Day 12: RETURN FLIGHT
Transfer to the airport and flight via Istanbul back to Europe.


We provide transfers with the following vehicles:

Passenger Cars: Leapmotor, Chevrolet Lacetti, Cobalt, BYD, Skyworth

Minibuses: Toyota Hiace or Hyundai Staria (up to 5–8 seats)

Mid-size Buses: Mitsubishi Rosa or Mercedes Sprinter (up to 15 seats)

Large Buses: Golden Dragon, Yutong, or Higer (up to 45 seats)