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 over a thousand years. 36 million inhabitants, a Sunni Muslim country with legendary hospitality, heir to Tamerlane, who founded the Timurid Empire in the 14th century with its capital at Samarkand. Doubly landlocked (two borders separate the country from the nearest ocean), Uzbekistan remained difficult to access for a long time under Soviet rule and in the years following its 1991 independence; reforms launched since 2016 (visa waivers for many nationalities, more direct flights) have made it one of Central Asia's rising destinations. Three UNESCO jewel cities define its richness: Samarkand, with the Registan and its 3 madrasahs in cobalt and gold mosaics, the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis; Bukhara, a museum-city with 140 listed monuments, whose medinas seem frozen since the 16th century; Khiva and its Itchan Kala, a preserved fortified city behind mud-brick ramparts. In Tashkent, a Soviet metro decorated like a museum and Chorsu bazaar under its turquoise dome; in the Kyzylkum Desert, a yurt night under a sky saturated with stars; in the Fergana Valley, traditional crafts (ikat silks, ceramics). Generous, convivial Silk Road cuisine (plov, samsa, shashlik, green tea at all hours). Allow 10 to 12 days for a first trip, more to include the desert and Fergana Valley.
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, low tourist crowds). Spring adds the bonus of orchard and rose blossoms in Bukhara's gardens, while autumn brings the grape harvest and stalls of fragrant melons at the markets. Avoid June-August (40 °C and above in desert cities, heat that makes walking difficult) and December-February (dry cold, -5 °C possible at night, occasional snow over the Registan).
- 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). The Uzbek soum was redenominated in 2020 (3 zeros dropped); ATMs are now reliable in the major cities, but carry cash for small shops and markets. On Fridays, the day of prayer, some sites close earlier in the early afternoon.
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.
Any specific vaccines needed?
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Uzbekistan. Up-to-date universal vaccinations (DTP, hepatitis A/B) are recommended as for any destination, along with anti-diarrheal medication for sensitive stomachs. Altitude isn't a concern on the classic circuit (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva all sit below 500 m).
Can I stay connected on the ground?
Yes, easily. A local eSIM or SIM card (Beeline, Ucell) can be bought right at Tashkent airport for a few euros and covers the major cities well; signal can be weaker in the Kyzylkum Desert. Wifi is available in most hotels, including the boutique hotels in Bukhara and Khiva.