Uzbekistan – Tajikistan Tour | 7

Tour itinerary: Tashkent – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand –7 lakes – Penjikent –Iskanderkul – Dushanbe – Pamir – Dushanbe

Season: May – October

Days: 16 | Nights: 15

Uzbekistan – Tajikistan tour of 16 day / 16 night itinerary to discover the amazing nature of Tajikistan - the crystal lakes, highest ranges of Fann mountain and snowy-picked Pamir as well as legendary Silk road sights of Uzbekistan - fabulous Khiva, ancient Bukhara and magnificent Samarkand.

The tour is ideal for late spring – summer – early autumn.

Welcome to Central Asia!

Day 1

Tashkent

Flight to Tashkent,

Arrival in Tashkent International Airport ( ETA 02:00 am).

Migration formalities usually take 20 min to 60 min: visa/passport control and baggage claim. Come out of the terminal, the driver meets with a sign “ANUR TOUR” .

Transfer to the hotel. Extra night.
Free day in Tashkent to rest after the flight and get over the jet lag.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Tashkent

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide and driver at the hotel's lobby.

Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:

- Amir Timur Square, founded in 1882 and originally called Konstantinovsky Square, was renamed on August 31, 1994, after the Amir Timur to honor the cultural and historical contribution of the great conqueror.

- Theater Square with the Opera House: State Academic Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi built in 1947 is one of the best opera theaters in the world that performs both classical and national repertoires.

- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present, and future of the country. There are fountains standing for the life energy of Uzbek people, the Cabinet and the Senate, the “Eternal flame" in honor of soldiers who died during the Second World War.
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of the earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of the earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent.

- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah; Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century (original Quran Othman). Khast Imam is one of the most significant spiritual centers in Central Asia and attracts pilgrims and visitors all over the world.

- Chorsu bazaar – the ancient bazaar of Tashkent. “Chorsu” means “four water”, symbolically meaning the conjunction of four major parts of the old city in the bazaar where people come for trades. The bazaar beautiful blue dome, built in traditional style after the Tashkent earthquake, is often depicted in postcards and international magazines and became one of the major sights of interest both for locals and guests – one can see oriental tiled bazaar from different souvenir shops with ceramics, handicraft works, carpets and jewelry, the whole pavilion full of delirious fruits to the finest textiles and colorful fabrics.

- Tashkent Metro (the first line was launched in 1977) with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments and special lightning.

Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

Tashkent – Khiva

Take-away breakfast.

06:00 Transfer to the local airport.

07:25 Flight to Urgench by HY51.

08:55 Arrival in Urgench Airport.

Come out of the terminal, the driver meets with “ANUR TOUR” sign.

Transfer to Khiva to drop off the bags. Standard hotel check-in at 14:00.

Meet the guide and start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”). Ichan-kala - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia:

- Ata-Darvaza, Kunya- Ark;

- Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan;

- Madrassah of Muhammed Aminhan;

- Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva;

- Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was;

- Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan;

- Mausoleum of Seyd Allaudin,

- Islam-Khoja Madrassah - was built in 1908 by Islam-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country, is an early example of the architecture of the XIV century.

- Mosque and Jami Minaret.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Khiva – Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer Khiva to Bukhara by car (475 km, 7 hrs) via Kyzylkum desert OR transfer by train (depending on train schedule).

Arrival in Bukhara. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the afternoon/evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Bukhara

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide in the lobby. Start WALKING sightseeing in Bukhara (4-5 hours):

- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);

- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;

- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes, and carpets;

- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);

- Three trading domes or so called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and money exchange. Today as well, one can purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;

- Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so-called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with the distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;

- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination;

- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Bukhara – Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Sightseeing program in Bukhara countryside ( 3-4 hr) visiting:

- Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.

- Naqshbandi mausoleum (the founder of Naqshbandi Sufi Spiritual order) Located near Bukhara the memorial complex of Bakhauddin Nakshbandi is considered as one of the most significant religious places of Bukhara that attracts many visitors as well as pilgrims. The memorial was rebuilt several times in XIV - each Emir of Bukhara wanted to build something new near the mausoleum. This complex impresses with its incomparable style of oriental architecture, which reflects the spirit of the Sufi Order.

- Sitora-I – Mohi Khosa – last Emir summer residence visit by request.

14:30 Transfer to the railway station in Bukhara.

15:50 Departure for Samarkand by train "Afrosiyob"/ "Sharq".

17:20 Arrival in Samarkand.

Come out of the terminal and meet the driver. Transfer to the hotel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand (5- 6 hrs):

– Gur Emir Mausoleum – burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants decorated with gold ornaments, considered as one of the world significant places;

– Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture: Ulughbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori.

– Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city which was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15th Century.

– Samarkand bazaar – Siyab.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Samarkand

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Meet the guide. Start sightseeing program in Samarkand visiting (5 hrs):

– Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) of Abbas ibn-Kussam;

– Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;

– Mausoleum of Hoji Doniyor also known as Saint Daniel.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9

Samarkand – 7 lakes – Penjikent

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Transfer to border Jartepa. Border crossing (it usually takes 30 min- 1 hr).

Meet the guide and driver at the Tajikistan part of the border.

Start sightseeing in Penjikent and 7 lakes:

- The Sarazm museum (UNESCO World Heritage).

- Transfer to Marguzor, the famous seven lakes located in the western edge of the Fann Mountains in the valley of the river Shing. There are seven lakes, six of them are of dammed origin, besides the lake Hazorchashma. Lakes are called Marguzor, but each of the lakes has its own name: Nezhigon (other references Mizhgon), Soybean, Gushor, Nofin, Hurdak, Marguzor, Hazorchashma. The difference in level between the upper and lower lake is 692 meters.Most of them are cold to swim even in summer.

Transfer to the hotel in Penjikent

Resting time in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 10

Penjikent – Iskanderkul – Dushanbe

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Dushanbe with a photo stop near Iskanderkul.
- Iskanderkul lake (130 km ~ 3 hours)

- Iskanderkul lake is a real pearl of Fan mountains located at an altitude of 2 100 meters above sea level. There are beautiful legends about Alexander the Great. Take a photo stop to enjoy the stunning nature scenery of green, sometimes barren rocks rushing mountain streams and steep rocks.

Continue to Dushanbe over Anzob pass (2900 m) and Anzob tunnel en-route

Evening arrival in Dushanbe. Resting time and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Dushanbe – Kalai Khum

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Transfer to Kalai Khum village (337 km) with sightseeing en-route:

- Norak water reservoir, that locals called as Tajik Sea.

The highest point of the day trip is Shurab pass (2 267 m), that lies along but not crossing the Afghanistan border. This part of Tajikistan is very beautiful, the mountain range is really impressive - these are the famous Pamir Mountains.

One can compare the sights around like the ocean of white and blue mountains.

Picnic lunch.

Transfer along the natural border - the Pyanj River.

Arrival in Kalai Khum.

Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 12

Kalai Khum – Khorog

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Transfer to Khorog (240 km, 7 hours), a small beautiful town surrounded by rocky mounts.

Enjoy the gorgeous natural sights and en-route you will meet Pamir people.

One can notice the difference in the appearance of Tajik people and Pamir locals.

They have fair skin, blonde or light brown hair, and sky - blue eyes.

Isolation from other regions by mountain ranges made the traditions of local people quite different from Tajik people.

Picnic lunch.

Easy hiking in Pamir mountains.

Resting time in the evening.

Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 13

Khorog – Kalai Khum

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Morning at leisure.

Transfer back to Kalai Khum (~337 km) the area of high rocky mountain (the peaks ate more than 6 000 m.). with light hiking, sightseeing and photo stops en-route.

It’s a unique opportunity to learn more about the everyday life of local people.

Picnic lunch.

Stop in some small villages to communicate with local people.

Arrival in Kalai Khum.

Resting time in the evening.

Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Day 14

Kalai Khum – Dushanbe

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Transfer to Dushanbe over high Khoburubot Pass (3 252 m) known as Western Pamir Tract. The scenery of the tract is very beautiful. One can see the picturesque green valley, high mountains, and rivers.

Take photo stops to make panoramic views.

Picnic lunch.

Arrival in Dushanbe in the evening.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15

Dushanbe

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Start Dushanbe sightseeing tour visiting:

- Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with the biggest Buddha in Nirvana.

- Tajik flagpole-one of the World tallest flagpoles (165-meter flagpole);

- The main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni-the forefather of Tajik Nation located in the main square. A 40-meter high monument built to the memory of Ismaili Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty;

- Mehrgon Bazaar - one of the biggest markets of Dushanbe;

- Gissar Fortress- the remains of the Bukhara Emirate Beck’s palace. Its thick walls once guarded a pool, garden, and palace, while the fortress itself opposed a noisy market and caravanserai. The place was famous for its center of commerce during the Silk Road. You will also be able to visit the Old Medressa (Madrasai Kuhna) of the 16-17th century with a museum inside, the new Medressa of 17-18 century as well as Caravan Saray.

Resting time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16

Dushanbe

Transfer to the Dushanbe International Airport.

Early morning departure flight from Dushanbe.

End of the tour.

Book it!

- Accommodation in standard double/twin rooms;

- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class transport as per road conditions including transfers to-from airports /borders;

- English-speaking local guides in Uzbekistan (6 standard excursions), escorting guide- driver in Tajikistan ( D 9 - D 15);

- Meals: breakfast at the hotels, lunch in a guesthouse in 7 lake trip, lunch and dinners in guesthouses in Pamir tour( traditional meals, fixed menu, alcohol excluding);

- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums, and natural fees as per program;

- Internal flight Tashkent - Urgench( economy class);

-Ttrain tickets Bukhara – Samarkand by speed train "Afrosiab"/Sharq" (economy class);

- Tourist tax per person.

- International flights to/from Tashkent;

- E-visa/visa to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan (if required);

- Photo/video fees (professional camera);

- Uzbekistan: transport for walking tours in Khiva and Bukhara; guide/transport service for free days and free time after the standard city tours;

- Meals: lunches and dinners except those specified under Included section.

- Personal/travel insurance; portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under Included section.

The tour is published on May 12, 2025 and the rates as per program and conditions specified are actual for 180 days ( 6 month) from the date of publication.

All the rates will be subject to change if the request is after 180 days from date of publication because any changes in the seasonal tariffs for hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may cause the increase of rates.

- Any changes in the basic itinerary and service content may cause the change of the tour prices.

- If the hotels, noted in the program are fully booked or not available for the dates or in case of late / last-minute booking, the tour company reserves the right to book the other hotels of the same category and similar service as per room availability.

- Please note that during the national holidays, during the big summits, fairs, festivals, major sport and cultural events, some parts of the roads can be temporarily blocked for delegations and events as per government decrees.

- Please note during Fann mountains and Pamir part of the tour there will be long off-road transfers at high altitudes (1200 - 2400/2500 m above sea level), this tour is not quite suitable for families travelling with little kids and tourists with heart problems or other illnesses that may be caused by staying in high alltitudes.

- Check-in 14.00, check-out time 11.00. No early check-in/ late check-out is included unless indicated;

- Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English;

- Please note yurt camps, guesthouses, and homestays offer homemade/camp-style traditional meals; there are quite basic toilet and shower conditions.

- All the changes in the basic itinerary, the timing for transfers depending on the international flight departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed;

- Please note that the train trip/s can be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule;

- After the date of publication, any changes in the hotels, air/train ticket prices, tax increase, and exchange rate fluctuation may influence the tour prices;

- Anur Tour is not responsible for the force majeure occasions (weather conditions during the tour, repairing-reconstructing works at some parts of roads, government restrictions).

ACCOMMODATION

CITY	STANDARD	COMFORT
TASHKENT	Milan/ Marwa/ Gabrielle	Ateca / Ichan Qala / Ateca / Inspira-S / Mirzo Boutique
KHIVA	Minor Boutique / Grand Vizir/ Annex/ / Muso Tora	Zarafshon Boutique/ Asia Khiva/ Erkin Palace
BUKHARA	An-Nur/ Malika Bukhara/ Devon Begi / Devon/ Safiya
SAMARKAND	Shaxzoda Elite/ Zilol Baxt /Shahdil	East Star/ Kosh Hovuz/ Dilimah
PENJIKENT	Panjakent Plaza
DUSHANBE	Rumi hotel
KALAI KHUM	Guesthouse
KHOROG	Guesthouse
Or other hotels of the same category