Classic Silk Road
Duration : 10 days
Route : Tashkent (1 night) → Samarkand train (3 nights) → Bukhara train (3 nights) → Khiva flight (2 nights) → return Tashkent flight (1 night)
Custom travel to Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia's most extraordinary destinations — at the heart of the ancient Silk Road that connected China to Europe for 1,500 years. 36 million inhabitants, Sunni Muslim country (Soviet 1924-1991, independent since), heir to Tamerlane (1336-1405), founder of the Timurid Empire whose capital was Samarkand. Three UNESCO jewel cities define its richness: Samarkand (UNESCO 2001) with the Registan, its 3 madrasahs in cobalt and gold mosaics, Tamerlane's Gur-e-Amir mausoleum and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis; Bukhara (UNESCO 1993), a museum-city with 140 listed monuments and medinas unchanged for five centuries; Khiva (UNESCO 1990) and its Itchan Kala, a preserved fortified city. In Tashkent, Soviet metro and Chorsu bazaar; in the Kyzylkum Desert, yurt night; in the Fergana Valley, traditional crafts (Margilan silks, Rishtan ceramics). Silk Road cuisine (plov, samsa, shashlik). Allow 10 to 12 days for this timeless interlude.
Highlights
- Samarkand: the Registan (UNESCO)
- Bukhara: 140 UNESCO monuments
- Khiva: Itchan Kala (walled city UNESCO)
- Tamerlane and the Timurid Empire
- Kyzylkum Desert (yurt)
- Silk Road cuisine (plov, samsa)
Sample itineraries
Complete Uzbekistan: add desert and Fergana
Duration : 14 days
Route : Tashkent (1) → Fergana flight (2, crafts) → Tashkent → Samarkand (3) → Bukhara (3) → Kyzylkum desert yurt 4×4 (1) → Khiva (2) → return flight (1)
Central Asia: Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan
Duration : 16 days
Route : Uzbekistan (10) → Bishkek Kyrgyzstan flight (5, Issyk Kul Lake, Tian Shan mountains) → return flight
When to go
April-May and September-October are ideal (mild climate 18-28 °C, blue sky). Avoid June-August (40 °C+ in desert cities) and December-February (cold, -5 °C, possible snow).
- Spring (April – May) — All UNESCO cities, blossoms in orchards
- Scorching summer (June – August) — Watermelons and melons, local festivities
- Autumn (September – October) — All UNESCO cities, grape harvest, melons
- Winter (December – February) — Snowy Registan (rare and magical)
Practical information
One of Central Asia's safest countries (almost zero crime). No visa for French citizens < 30 days (since 2018). Cards accepted in Tashkent and upscale hotels, cash (soums) elsewhere. Avoid tap water. Covering attire in mosques (shoulders, knees, headscarf for women). 10% restaurant tipping. Photography: OK everywhere except official buildings and Tashkent metro (to verify). Russian very useful (limited English outside Tashkent and hotels).
Frequently asked questions
When?
April-May and September-October. Avoid June-August (intense heat) and winter (cold).
How long?
10 days for Tashkent + Samarkand + Bukhara + Khiva. 14 days to add desert and Fergana Valley.
Budget?
€1,800-€2,600 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,200-€4,600. Flights: €500-€900.
Visa?
No for French citizens < 30 days (since 2018, country opening).
Family?
Yes, from age 8. Total safety, warm welcome, suitable cuisine.
How to get around?
Fast Afrosiyob train (TGV) between main cities. Flight to Khiva. Private car with driver.
English spoken?
Limited outside Tashkent and upscale hotels. Russian very widespread (useful). Learn a few Uzbek words.
Muslim Uzbekistan: impact for travelers?
Moderate (secular Soviet heritage). Covering attire in mosques. Alcohol allowed. Ramadan barely modifies schedules.
Combine?
Yes: Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan + Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan + Tajikistan, Uzbekistan + Iran (direct flight).
Tips?
10% in restaurants. Appreciated in hotels and with guides.