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 (formerly Soviet 1924-1991, independent since), heir to Tamerlane (1336-1405, Timur the Lame, founder of the Timurid Empire whose capital was Samarkand). Three UNESCO jewel cities, among Asia's most beautiful: Samarkand (UNESCO 2001, the Registan — square with 3 madrasahs from the 15th-17th centuries with cobalt blue and gold mosaics, considered one of the world's most beautiful squares by Lonely Planet; Gur-e-Amir Tamerlane's mausoleum; Bibi-Khanum; Shah-i-Zinda necropolis), Bukhara (UNESCO 1993, museum-city of 140 listed monuments, medinas unchanged since 16th century, Lyab-i-Hauz, Po-i-Kalyan, Ark Citadel, one of the Islamic world's best-preserved cities), Khiva (UNESCO 1990, Itchan Kala — the 'city inside the walls', 2 km² surrounded by 10-m walls, 50 monuments, capital of the former Khanate of Khiva). Tashkent (capital, more modern, decorated Soviet metro stations). Kyzylkum Desert ('red sands'). Fergana Valley (traditional crafts). Silk Road heritage cuisine (national plov, samsa, shashlik). A timeless 10-12-day 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)

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.