Uzbekistan and Tajikistan: Silk Roads & The Seven Lakes

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan: Silk Roads & The Seven Lakes

• Trip code: 4M1X007
• Dauer: 12
• Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Ever daydreamed about stepping back in time? Picture yourself wandering ancient cities built as early as 700 BCE, passing through tiled archways once crossed by Silk Road traders, and bargaining in markets that have stood for centuries. This 12-day adventure through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan takes you deep into the heart of Central Asia — where living history, breathtaking landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path charm come together for one unforgettable trip.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hostels (8 nts, twin share), Overnight train (1nt), Guesthouse (2 nts, multi-share)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 18

Highlights

Wander the ancient streets of Khiva — a UNESCO-listed Silk Road city frozen in time, Hike to six of the seven stunning Marguzor Lakes in Tajikistan’s rugged countryside, Get a feel for modern life in historic cities like Tashkent and Bukhara, Travel along the legendary Silk Road and experience its cultural echoes today

Introduction

Ever daydreamed about stepping back in time? Picture yourself wandering ancient cities built as early as 700 BCE, passing through tiled archways once crossed by Silk Road traders, and bargaining in markets that have stood for centuries. This 12-day adventure through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan takes you deep into the heart of Central Asia — where living history, breathtaking landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path charm come together for one unforgettable trip

Meals Included

10 Frühstück, 1 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD270-355 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Tashkent
- Institute of Sun Visit
- Stadtführung in Taschkent

Khiva
- Stadttour von Chiwa
- Islam Khoja Minaret

Bukhara
- Besuch in einem Hammam (Dampfbad) (35USD pro Person)
- Stadtführung in Buxoro
- Bukhara Old Town visit
- Uzbek Cooking Class

Samarkand
- Besuch am Grab des alttestamentlichen Propheten Daniel (3USD pro Person)
- Konigil Village and Silk Paper Making Workshop
- Stadtführung in Samarkand

Start / Finish

von Tashkent

Transport

Metro, Private vehicle, Train, Walking, Overnight Train

What's Included

Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: in Tashkent, Tashkent. Tashkent Orientation Walk. Free Time in Tahkent. Khiva Orientation Walk. Free Time in Khiva, Bukhara Orientation Walk. Free Time in Bukhara. Free Time in Samarkand. Panjakent Bazaar. Marguzor Lakes Visit. Marguzor Lakes 6 & 7 Hike. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Mindestalter für diese Reise sind 18 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Tashkent

Arrive at any time. In the evening, meet your CEO and new crew that you'll be traveling with in a welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner together. Then hit the town for your First Night Out, the chance to get to know your new travel buds!

Day 2 Tashkent/Khiva

Start today with some breakfast and an orientation walk of Tashkent. Check out the neighborhood alongside your CEO, then head out to explore the city how you'd like! Opt to join a Tashkent city tour or take a day trip to see the impressive Institute of Sun. This evening, climb aboard the overnight train en route to Khiva

Day 3 Khiva

After a full nights sleep aboard the train, choose to have some breakfast in the dining car or enjoy the views as you chug along. Pull into Khiva around noon, drop your bags, then head out on an orientation walk. Spend the afternoon free to explore the city of Khiva however you want. Perhaps visit one of Khiva's most important landmarks, the Islam Khadija Minaret or take a tour of the City Wall

Day 4 Khiva/Bukhara

Today you are free to explore this incredible ancient city. In the evening, head to the train station to travel to Bukhara. We'll head straight to the hotel upon arrival

Day 5 Bukhara

Get a feel for your adventure in Bukhara by starting the day with an orientation walk of the area. Then today is yours to explore the city! Visit some of the incredible Hammams (traditional public baths), or join a guided tour of Bukhara

Day 6 Bukhara/Samarkand

Bukhara, a historic and important stop along the Silk Road, is today a beautiful piece of living history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town Bukhara, with its stone alleyways and colorful tiles, will have you feeling transported to an ancient time. Enjoy another day free to explore this beautiful place before taking a train to Samarkand in the evening

Day 7 Samarkand

The great city of Samarkand was once a rich trading and intellectual center of the Silk Road. Now known for its melting pot of culture and grand architecture, today is yours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site

Day 8 Samarkand/Marguzor

This morning we depart Uzbekistan and drive to Tajikistan. Shortly after crossing the border, stop at Panjakent Bazaar and wander through the stalls of food, clothes and unique finds. Head out and continue the drive to Padrud Village for the night. On the way, we'll visit four of the breathtaking Seven Lakes in the Fan Mountains. These lakes shine with different colors of blues, greens, purples and turquoises. Grab your camera and take in the incredible views

Day 9 Marguzor

After breakfast at the guesthouse, hike from Lake 6 to the incredible Lake 7. This remote lake is only accessibly by hiking and is well worth the trek. After arriving, enjoy a scenic picnic next to the lake before hiking back to the village. This evening, chow down on a well deserved Tajikistani barbecue

Day 10 Marguzor/Samarkand

Travel across the border back to Uzbekistan today. After the journey, enjoy a restful evening in Samarkand

Day 11 Samarkand/Tashkent

Take a morning train to Tashkent, where it all began! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital city of Uzbekistan. This evening, join your group for a Big Night Out in the city!

Day 12 Tashkent

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Tashkent

This trip returns to Uzbekistan on day 10. Please be advised that you may need a double entry visa

Day 2 Tashkent/Khiva

Day 3 Khiva

Day 4 Khiva/Bukhara

Day 5 Bukhara

Day 6 Bukhara/Samarkand

Day 7 Samarkand

Day 8 Samarkand/Marguzor

Day 9 Marguzor

Day 10 Marguzor/Samarkand

Day 11 Samarkand/Tashkent

Day 12 Tashkent