Premium Uzbekistan
from $2970
Duration: 10 Days
Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 10-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva. Encounter a friendly welcome at every turn, join a local family for a traditional cooking class and get to know the ins and outs of a traditional Uzbek village. From medieval cities to charismatic communities, Uzbekistan has so much to uncover.
  • Travel with a local leader who will share the magic of Uzbekistan's "holiest city" in Bukhara, tell the ancient tales of historic Khiva, and guide you through the extraordinary architecture of Samarkand.
  • Uncover Tashkent’s Soviet legacy and its contemporary culture. Explore the vast Chorsu Bazaar and embrace the hustle and bustle in this one of Asia's oldest markets.
  • Immerse yourself in Uzbek culture when you visit a typical local village, learn the art of sewing suzani, chat to the friendly villagers and enjoy a traditional lunch together.
  • Stay within in the walls of Uzbekistan’s history during feature stays in an old Jewish house converted into a gorgeous boutique hotel in Bukhara, and a centuries-old medressa turned opulent and elegant hotel in Khiva.
  • Understand local life through food – join a local family in Samarkand for a cooking class of the quintessential Central Asian rice dish – plov, and enjoy a taste of Khorezmian culture during a family cooking class in Khiva.
  • Tashkent - welcome dinner
  • Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
  • Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
  • Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
  • Tashkent - City tour
  • Tashkent - Metro tour
  • Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
  • Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
  • Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  • Samarkand - Siob Bazaar
  • Samarkand - Registan
  • Samarkand - City tour
  • Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
  • Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory
  • Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum
  • Samarkand - Handmade paper workshop
  • Samarkand - Uzbek Bagizagan winery visit and tasting
  • Gijduvan - Ceramics workshop
  • Shofirkon - Uzbek village and silk suzane making family visit
  • Bukhara - Folklore & music performance
  • Day 1 Location: Tashkent
    Xush kelibsiz! Welcome to Uzbekistan. The largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent is a mix of Russian and Uzbek style, an indication of the fact that for many years it was a key city of the USSR. Extravagant mosques, both ancient and new, sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. On arrival at Tashkent Airport, meet your Intrepid representative and transfer to your hotel. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm today. If you have time beforehand, take a walk to see some of the contemporary architecture that sets this city apart from many other Silk Road destinations. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at an excellent local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek food such as laghman noodles, norin noodles and fried dumplings.
    Day 2 Location: Tashkent
    Explore Tashkent on a city tour with your leader. First, make your way to the Khast Imom Complex including the Barak Khan medressa (a college for Islamic instruction), Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, Quran Library and Mosque, which holds what’s said to be one of the oldest and holiest Koran in the world. Then leave behind the spiritual world and venture into the real-life hustle and bustle of Chorsu Bazzar, one of the largest and oldest markets in Central Asia. Wandering through this giant marketplace is a fantastic way to see locals going about their daily lives. Uzbeks are some of the friendliest people in the world and with your leader on hand to bridge any language gaps, you will soon find yourself chatting to many locals who are keen to get to know you. Your leader will show you some of Tashkent’s beautiful metro stations, then you’ll finish the tour at Amir Temur Square. With a free afternoon, you may like to visit the striking Kukeldash medressa.
    Day 3 Location: Samarkand
    Early this morning, take a high speed “Afrosiab” train to the ancient Silk Road hub of Samarkand. The city has long been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army, leaving behind a rich and complex history. On arrival, join your leader for a guided tour of this intriguing city. Make a visit to the Gur Amir Mausoleum – your leader will tell you all about the mighty ruler Timur, and this is his final resting place. Stand on the iconic Registan Square with three mosaic adorned medressas towering over you. Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, overlooking the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, full of bustling stalls and friendly local traders. Continue to the holy Shah-i-Zinda complex, the so-called ‘Town of the Dead’ necropolis, with more than 20 beautifully decorated unique buildings. After your city tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free evening to soak up the magic of this historical city.
    Day 4 Location: Samarkand
    Today you’ll dig deeper into Samarkand’s fascinating cultural heritage during another city tour. Visit the workshop of a local artisan and discover one of the few people in Central Asia who continues to produce paper using a 1000-year-old method. Continue to the Afrosiab Museum, home to a treasured 7th-century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhouman, then stop by the gorgeous remains of the Ulugbek Observatory – built by a Muslim prince, your leader will explain how this unpopular ruler had a controversial passion for astronomy. Head out of the city to the Bagizagan winery, considered the best wine producer in Uzbekistan. Get a special insight into the production of Uzbek wine, and of course try a few drops yourself. In the evening, enjoy an intimate Uzbek experience – join a local family for a cooking demonstration on the traditional meal known as plov. Uzbek men pride themselves on their ability to prepare the most unique and scrumptious plov, a tasty rice dish cooked over an open flame in a traditional cauldron. Sit down together for dinner and chat about daily life.
    Day 5 Location: Gijduvan/Bukhara
    This morning, make your way to the holy and historical city of Bukhara. Stop along the way in Gijduvan, famous for its ceramic pottery, where you’ll have the chance to visit a pottery workshop. Witness the pottery process from start to finish and visit a small museum to uncover the centuries-old history of ceramics in this area. Continue to Shofirkon and visit a traditional Uzbek village. Meet with a lovely local family and learn how to make suzani, a beautiful silk fabric, each with a different story. Take a walk around the village, chat to the friendly neighbours and see how bread is cooked in a clay oven. If you’re here at the right time you may even catch an Uzbek wedding! Enjoy a classic Uzbek lunch with a local family before continuing to Bukhara. This evening, enjoy an Uzbek folklore and music performance at one of the city’s medressas before heading for dinner at a wonderful local restaurant. Tonight’s feature stay accommodation is the stunning Minzifa Boutique Hotel. Converted from an old Jewish house, this boutique property features a charming terrace and spacious rooms decorated with a kaleidoscope of traditional colours and patterns.
    Day 6 Location: Bukhara
    A UNESCO-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city. With monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century AD, your leader will help you understand the vast span of history and architecture during a tour of the city. The meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations give you a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, the ruins of the 5th-century Ark Fortress and the imposing Poikalon complex. Taki Zargaron and the trading domes near here still offer a colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is the place to test your haggling skills and share a joke or two with local craftsman and merchants. Enjoy a free evening here – the twilight hours lend themselves to wandering around the central Lyabi-Hauz and its surrounding areas.
    Day 7 Location: Khiva
    Make a morning visit to Sitorai Mohi Hosa, the summer Palace of Alim Khan, Uzbekistan’s last emir. Your leader will share stories of the emir’s extravagant lifestyle as you explore the luxuriously decorated compound. In the afternoon, drive to Khiva. You’ll travel through the Kyzyl-Kum (Red Sands Desert), the largest desert area in Central Asia. It’s long been inhabited by various nomadic people. Stop for photos, lunch, and a walk in the desert to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region. Arrive in Khiva in the evening and check in to your feature stay accommodation for the next two nights, the historic Orient Star Hotel. This is no ordinary hotel – the incredible property was once the largest medressa in Khiva, and its walls hold hundreds of years of history. Traditionally decorated brick rooms are small yet comfortable, and frame a shady courtyard, elegantly embellished with arches and mosaics. Don’t forget to look up – the intricately carved ceilings and crystal chandeliers are a sight to behold. Spend the evening relaxing in this magnificent building where the past is always present.
    Day 8 Location: Khiva
    Take a full day to explore this enchanting city with your leader. Khiva is beautifully preserved and perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the boundaries of the old city. Your leader will guide you through the city’s ancient monuments, sharing their histories along the way, including the turquoise Kalta Minor Minaret, the Khan museum, the 17th-century Juma Mosque and the Islom-Hoja Minaret and Medressa. Visit the Kuhna Ark, which was the main fortress, and look over the city from the hill of the Ak-Sheikh Baba observation platform, once used as a patrol tower of the citadel. Finish with the tranquil 19th-century Tosh-Hovli Palace. Late afternoon, head to one of the city’s delightful roof terraces for a glass of champagne as you watch the sun set over thousands of years of history. This evening, join a cooking class and learn the secrets of Khorezmian cuisine. Make traditional dishes like shivit oshi (green noodles) and tuhum-barak (egg dumplings) then tuck into your creations for dinner.
    Day 9 Location: Tashkent
    Transfer to the airport in the morning for a flight to Tashkent, arriving in the Uzbekistan capital in the late morning. Admire the façade of the Navoi Theatre, named for one of the nom de plume’s of Ali-Shir Nava’I, a 16th-century writer and mystic. The multi-arched building was partially constructed by Japanese prisoners of war. Next, take a walk down the buzzing Broadway Alley, where there’s always something happening. Take some time to wander the street lined by shady trees and works from local artists. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a final dinner and say farewell to this spectacular Silk Road country.
    Day 10 Location: Tashkent
    Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to spend some more time in Tashkent, extra accommodation can be arranged in advance (subject to availability).
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    06AUG2023
    Return Date:
    15AUG2023
    3300NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03SEP2023
    Return Date:
    12SEP2023
    3910NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10SEP2023
    Return Date:
    19SEP2023
    3875NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    17SEP2023
    Return Date:
    26SEP2023
    3910NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    24SEP2023
    Return Date:
    03OCT2023
    3910NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    28SEP2023
    Return Date:
    07OCT2023
    3875NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    01OCT2023
    Return Date:
    10OCT2023
    3910NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04OCT2023
    Return Date:
    13OCT2023
    3875NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08OCT2023
    Return Date:
    17OCT2023
    3910NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10OCT2023
    Return Date:
    19OCT2023
    3805NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    04 Jul 2023

    Trip title

    Premium Uzbekistan

    Trip code

    KFPU

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 10-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva. Encounter a friendly welcome at every turn, join a local family for a traditional cooking class and get to know the ins and outs of a traditional Uzbek village. From medieval cities to charismatic communities, Uzbekistan has so much to uncover.

    Style

    Premium

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private vehicle,Metro,High-speed train,Plane,Train

    Physical Rating

    2

    Joining point

    Praga Hotel

    Yakkasaray district, 21 Akramkhojaev St.

    Tashkent

    UZBEKISTAN

    Phone: +998 71 253 0027

    Joining point instructions

    Tashkent Airport is about 7 km to downtown area of Tashkent. If you have booked an arrival transfer with us, your driver will wait for you outside of the airport hall after you've cleared custom and luggage area, holding a sign of Intrepid with your name on it. If you have trouble finding the driver, please call our local emergency phone at + (998) 93 3337248 or (998) 91 5206833. You can also choose to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Please have your hotel information written in either Russian or Uzbek as most drivers don't speak or read English. The taxi line is about 50 meters from the arrival hall of the airport. There will be many taxis waiting and make sure you agree to a price before getting on. Foreigners are usually expected to pay about 10 USD for a ride into the town. The drivers will also accept USD or RUB however no change will be given and they won't accept coins or notes of very small denominations. It'll take about 15-20 min to get into Tashkent downtown area from the airport.

    Alternate Joining point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

    06 Aug 2023 (KFPU230806), 03 Sep 2023 (KFPU230903), 10 Sep 2023 (KFPU230910), 17 Sep 2023 (KFPU230917), 24 Sep 2023 (KFPU230924), 28 Sep 2023 (KFPU230928), 01 Oct 2023 (KFPU231001), 04 Oct 2023 (KFPU231004), 08 Oct 2023 (KFPU231008), 10 Oct 2023 (KFPU231010), 15 Oct 2023 (KFPU231015), 22 Oct 2023 (KFPU231022), 29 Oct 2023 (KFPU231029), 12 Nov 2023 (KFPU231112), 24 Mar 2024 (KFPU240324), 31 Mar 2024 (KFPU240331), 07 Apr 2024 (KFPU240407), 14 Apr 2024 (KFPU240414), 21 Apr 2024 (KFPU240421), 05 May 2024 (KFPU240505), 12 May 2024 (KFPU240512), 19 May 2024 (KFPU240519), 26 May 2024 (KFPU240526), 09 Jun 2024 (KFPU240609), 23 Jun 2024 (KFPU240623), 04 Aug 2024 (KFPU240804), 01 Sep 2024 (KFPU240901), 08 Sep 2024 (KFPU240908), 15 Sep 2024 (KFPU240915), 22 Sep 2024 (KFPU240922), 29 Sep 2024 (KFPU240929), 06 Oct 2024 (KFPU241006), 13 Oct 2024 (KFPU241013), 20 Oct 2024 (KFPU241020), 27 Oct 2024 (KFPU241027), 10 Nov 2024 (KFPU241110)

    Hotel Inspira-S Tashkent

    6a Abdulla Kadiry Street

    Tashkent

    UZBEKISTAN

    Phone: +998 781401001

    Finish point

    Praga Hotel

    Yakkasaray district, 21 Akramkhojaev St.

    Tashkent

    UZBEKISTAN

    Phone: +998 71 253 0027

    Alternate Finish point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

    06 Aug 2023 (KFPU230806), 03 Sep 2023 (KFPU230903), 10 Sep 2023 (KFPU230910), 17 Sep 2023 (KFPU230917), 24 Sep 2023 (KFPU230924), 28 Sep 2023 (KFPU230928), 01 Oct 2023 (KFPU231001), 04 Oct 2023 (KFPU231004), 08 Oct 2023 (KFPU231008), 10 Oct 2023 (KFPU231010), 15 Oct 2023 (KFPU231015), 22 Oct 2023 (KFPU231022), 29 Oct 2023 (KFPU231029), 12 Nov 2023 (KFPU231112), 24 Mar 2024 (KFPU240324), 31 Mar 2024 (KFPU240331), 07 Apr 2024 (KFPU240407), 14 Apr 2024 (KFPU240414), 21 Apr 2024 (KFPU240421), 05 May 2024 (KFPU240505), 12 May 2024 (KFPU240512), 19 May 2024 (KFPU240519), 26 May 2024 (KFPU240526), 09 Jun 2024 (KFPU240609), 23 Jun 2024 (KFPU240623), 04 Aug 2024 (KFPU240804), 01 Sep 2024 (KFPU240901), 08 Sep 2024 (KFPU240908), 15 Sep 2024 (KFPU240915), 22 Sep 2024 (KFPU240922), 29 Sep 2024 (KFPU240929), 06 Oct 2024 (KFPU241006), 13 Oct 2024 (KFPU241013), 20 Oct 2024 (KFPU241020), 27 Oct 2024 (KFPU241027), 10 Nov 2024 (KFPU241110)

    Hotel Inspira-S Tashkent

    6a Abdulla Kadiry Street

    Tashkent

    UZBEKISTAN

    Phone: +998 781401001

    Important information

    1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.  3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on. 4. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistan is generally a very safe place to travel. Petty crime targeting foreigners and tourists sometimes occurs in Uzbekistan. A regulation has been introduced allowing only licensed taxis (with certain colour and signs and card payment equipment) to operate in Uzbekistan. However, unlicensed taxis continue to operate. You should use official taxis where possible. There have been reports of robberies by individuals posing as police officers. Avoid obvious displays of wealth, particularly in rural areas. Crime levels are higher at night. Avoid walking alone. It is illegal to photograph government and military buildings, and also public transport infrastructure, including metro stations. This may result in confiscation of equipment or detention. Check before taking photographs of government or security infrastructure. You should carry your passport with you at all times as this is a legal requirement in Uzbekistan. The police often carry out checks. There is a ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco to those under 20.  Homosexuality is illegal under Uzbek law and is still very much frowned upon socially. You should take care over public displays of affection.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements

    Why we love it

    Travel with a local leader who will share the magic of Uzbekistan's "holiest city" in Bukhara, tell the ancient tales of historic Khiva, and guide you through the extraordinary architecture of Samarkand.

    Uncover Tashkent’s Soviet legacy and its contemporary culture. Explore the vast Chorsu Bazaar and embrace the hustle and bustle in this one of Asia's oldest markets.

    Immerse yourself in Uzbek culture when you visit a typical local village, learn the art of sewing suzani, chat to the friendly villagers and enjoy a traditional lunch together.

    Stay within in the walls of Uzbekistan’s history during feature stays in an old Jewish house converted into a gorgeous boutique hotel in Bukhara, and a centuries-old medressa turned opulent and elegant hotel in Khiva.

    Understand local life through food – join a local family in Samarkand for a cooking class of the quintessential Central Asian rice dish – plov, and enjoy a taste of Khorezmian culture during a family cooking class in Khiva.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip is for anyone keen to get a glimpse into a part of the world steeped in Silk Road legend, with plenty of focus on the architecture and key historical sights of the country. As there are a number of long travel days, plenty of time spent on your feet and days can be hot and dusty you'll need to be reasonably fit to get the most out if this trip. The Central Asian diet relies heavily on meat based dishes. Dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian and gluten free, are not well know in Uzbekistan, and may have very limited options.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers continues to remain our highest priority as we travel. You can read more about how we will keep you safe on our trips, including our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safe-travels VACCINATION POLICY From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for this trip. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19. HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to complete a self-screening health form at the group meeting for this trip. If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or have any health concerns during the trip, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. Travellers who test positive while taking part in an Intrepid trip will need to leave the group for a minimum of five days and may only rejoin the group if presenting as asymptomatic – our team will assist them in arranging a place to self-isolate and any onward journey. It's quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols than your home country regarding COVID-19. This may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government's travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader. CENTRAL ASIA: Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in your home country, such as sleeping tablets, may be illegal or restricted in Central Asia. Ensure you have a copy of any prescriptions as well as a letter from your doctor and be prepared to declare any prescription medication at customs. Travel in forested areas brings the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases. Ticks are very common in country areas and are most active from spring to autumn. Take precautions against insect bites, including the use of insect repellent. Medical facilities are limited in Central Asia, with doctors and clinics often requiring payment in cash prior to providing services, even for emergency care. Standards in remote areas will be very basic. The diet and hygiene standards of Central Asia may be very different from what you are used to so please take care with washing hands before meals etc and bring some medication/re-hydration salts etc should you experience stomach problems. Giardia intestinalis, a parasite that can cause diarrhoea, is reported from time to time in the water supply and which may not be eradicated by purification methods such as tablets or iodine are used. For this reason we recommend against drinking unboiled tap water in all Central Asian cities. Malaria is endemic in the southern and western parts of the country bordering Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, particularly in Batken, Osh and Zhele-Abdskaya provinces.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. CENTRAL ASIA The Central Asian diet relies heavily on meat based dishes.There are options available for vegetarians, however these may at times be limited to plain noodles, bread, fruit, nuts, yoghurt, cheese, eggs etc. Those with particular dietary needs may choose to supplement meals with supplies bought from home or stock up at markets and supermarkets as you travel.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. UZBEKISTAN: The currency is the Uzbekistan som (UZS). UZS cannot be obtained outside of Uzbekistan, so you will either need to bring USD or EUR with you to exchange or use an ATM to withdraw. We recommend bringing both cash and a card for times when you cannot access an ATM or they are out of money. Visa cards are said to be the most accepted for ATM withdrawals as some Mastercard holders have reported issues. ATMs can be found within many high end hotels in Tashkent and some other cities as well as some banks. Cash can be exchanged at the Currency Exchange at Tashkent Airport or at banks. The "black market" is now obsolete and illegal following currency reforms in recent years. Some souvenir sellers and tourist restaurants may accept USD or EUR as payment but all other purchases in Uzbekistan must be made in local currency. As of 2018 it is no longer necessary to declare all cash in all currencies when entering the country. It is difficult to exchange UZS into other currencies outside of the country, so ensure you budget well or exchange at a bank before departure.  TIPPING Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your leader for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, US$8-10 per person (in a currency relevant for your destination), per day can be used.

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in airports and train stations. A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started:

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    Climate and seasonal

    Best time to travel in Uzbekistan is Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October). Be prepared for hot and dry weather if you are to travel during the summer time, esp. in the central and western part of the country close to Kyzylkum Desert, with the temperature getting to around 40 °C during the day. In winter the temperature in general will drop below 0°C all over the country with coldest part as low as -35 °C.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: Intrepid’s Local Operator: +99893 3337248, +99891 5206833

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel LOCAL DRESS We recommend that you dress respectfully at all stages of the trip especially when in and around religious sites. In Central Asia both men and women generally dress very conservatively by covering their legs and shoulders. Women are advised to cover their heads when entering functioning Orthodox churches and mosques, while men should remove their hats.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Check in for Tashkent is generally 2:00pm. If you plan on arriving earlier, we recommended you book a ore-night in advance to guarantee you will be able to check in immediately, as hotels are often full during high season.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

    Accommodation

    Hotel (5 nights),Bukhara Feature Stay (2 nights),Khiva Feature Stay (2 nights)

    Banner Image
    Hero Images

    Make an Enquiry

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.