14-day Uzbekistan-Tajikistan Tour - 314 Days | Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Penjikent, Dushanbe, Khujand

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan both have long histories, spanning many empires and movements. Explore them all on this 14-day tour to two countries, which covers the main sights and memorable cities of both countries. Start in Tashkent, a modern city with ancient roots, and then head to Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bukhara and Samarkand are next, both full of stunning examples of mosques and madrassas. Next, head to Tajikistan, where the first stop is Penjikent, home to ancient ruins and the birthplace of Rudaki, a famous Persian poet. For something completely different, head into the Fann Mountains, and visit the Seven Lakes and Iskanderkul, two of the most beautiful spots in Central Asia. Finish the tour in Khudjand, where you can walk through a fortress and large bazaar.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Tashkent – arrival

Arrive in Tashkent. You will be met by an Advantour driver and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel at noon. Meet your guide to start sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia. You will start with exploring the Old City. Visit the Khast-Imam Complex, where the world famous Quran, holy book that belonged to Caliph Uthman, has been preserved. The complex consists of Barak-Khan Madrasah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Explore Chorsu Bazaar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to the city center to visit Applied Arts Museum and walk through Navoi Theater to Amir Timur Square where you will end Tashkent city tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours

Day 2: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva

Early morning transfer to local airport for flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h 40 min). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min). Later proceed to a guided walking sightseeing tour. Spend a day in Ichan-Qala Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Tosh-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum and Minaret of Islom-Khoja. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5 hours

Day 3: Khiva – Bukhara

In the morning depart Khiva and drive to Bukhara (480 km, 7-8 h*). The Great Silk Road once routed through Bukhara and Khiva ran through the Kyzylkum Desert, as the present road does nowadays**. Stop en-route to enjoy views of Amudarya River and the desert.
Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. Time for rest and overnight at the hotel.
* As the cafés and restaurants on the way are basic and offer limited menus, you may wish to take a packed lunch on this trip (your hotel or guide can help you arrange this the day before).
** Some parts of the road are not in the best condition.

Day 4: Bukhara

Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour with a guide in Old City. Visit Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasah, trade domes, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasahs, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours

Day 5: Bukhara

Start the second day with a visit to Sitorai-Mokhikhosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir, unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture. Continue to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and Chor-Bakr Necropolis. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours

Day 6: Bukhara – Samarkand

In the morning depart to Samarkand (280 km, 4 h). Stop on the way at Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik dating back to the 11th century. Arrive in Samarkand, check in to the hotel. In the afternoon meet your guide and start sightseeing Samarkand. Visit spectacular Registan Square, remains of Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siab Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Samarkand

Continue sightseeing Samarkand. Visit Ulugbek Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and Gur Emir Mausoleum (the mausoleum of Amir Timur), Afrosiab Museum. In the afternoon drive to Konigil village to explore traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Enjoy free time with car and driver at your disposal after sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours

Day 8: Samarkand – Penjikent

Early morning transfer to Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border Jartepa (60 km, 1 h ). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Meet Tajik local guide and driver and drive to Penjikent via Sarazm, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list (20 km). Sightseeing in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, as Penjikent is a birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki, considered by many to be the father of Persian Poetry. Visit the ancient Penjikent ruins of old Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by Arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours

Day 9: Penjikent – Seven Lakes – Penjikent

Drive to Seven Lakes (80 km). Haf Kul - seven lakes of different colors in mountains of Tajikistan: 1. Mijgon, 2. Soya, 3. Hushyor, 4. Nophin lakes (2139m.a.l), Khurdak, 6.Marguzor, 7.Hazorchashma lakes (2400m a.s.l.). Picnic at the lake. Drive back to Penjikent (80 km). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Penjikent – Iskanderkul – Dushanbe

Drive to Dushnabe via Iskanderkul (305 km, 6-7 h). Iskandarkul is known as one of the most beautiful lakes of the former Soviet Union. The lake’s name comes from Alexander the Great, who was said to have relaxed with his armies on its shores. Arrival in Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Dushanbe

Start sightseeing in the capital of Tajikistan. Visit the Botanical garden, a very beautiful garden with many old trees, and a favorite place of Tajik people, Tajikistan National Museum (closed on Mondays) that includes exhibits on history, natural history and art (Buddha in Nirvana is one of the most valuable exhibits of the museum), Somoni Monument, the Building of National Spirit, Rudaki Avenue and the Main Mosque of Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours

Day 12: Dushanbe – Istaravshan – Khujand

In the morning depart Dushanbe and drive to Khujand (250 km, 5-6 h). Drive through Anzob tunnel. Lunch at a local chaihana. In the afternoon drive through Shakhristan tunnel with stop in Istaravshan. Visit a local bazaar and the Hazrat Shah architectural complex, which consists of Hazrat Shah Mausoleum, the grave of the brother of Kusam ibn Abbas, Khudayar Valami Mausoleum, and Namazgah Mosque dating back to the 19th century. Continue to Mug Teppe, one of the ancient settlements located in Ura-Tube. The city is believed to be founded by King Cyrus in the North-East boundary of his empire. Arrival in Khujand. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 1.5-2 hours

Day 13: Khujand – Oybek BP – Tashkent

In the morning sightseeing Khujand. Visit the Museum of Archeology and Fortification, Shaikh Muslihiddin Mosque, and the Payshanba Bazaar, the biggest bazaar in Tajikistan, Arbob Palace named after S. Urunhodlaev (20th c), “Tajik Sea” Kayraccum HPS (Hydro Power Station) - the symbol of People’s Friendship, built in 1968.
Transfer to Oybek cross border point (70 km, 1 h). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. As you cross the border, our driver will meet you on meet on Uzbekistan side. Transfer to Tashkent (100 km, 1 h 30 min). Check in to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours

Day 14: Tashkent – departure

Check-out from the hotel at noon. Free time until transfer to Tashkent International Airport. End of the 14-day Uzbekistan and Tajikistan tour.

Price includes:

All transfers 1-2 pax by sedan type car; 3-7 pax by van type car; 8-13 pax by 20 seat bus, 14 pax and more by 40-50 seat bus;
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
Sightseeing tour program in each city with local guides;
Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
Economy class ticket for flight Tashkent-Urgench;
Visa support letter for Uzbekistan visa;
English speaking tour leader in Tajikistan;
Starting 8 persons English speaking tour leader from Advantour in Uzbekistan.

Price doesn't include:

Tour leader to accompany travellers for the whole period of the tour in Uzbekistan;
Full board (lunches and dinners);
International flight tickets before and after the tour;
Hotel charges for additional services;
Consular fees for Uzbekistan and Tajikistan tourist visas;
Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
Travel insurance.