Silk Road Treasures of Uzbekistan

Emergency Contact

Pinar: +90 533 280 77 39 or Canan: +90 532 374 49 51

Head Office (Turkey) Pinar: +90 533 280 77 39 or Canan: +90 532 374 49 51

Arrtival Info

Arrival Hotel :

This tour offers two categories: Comfort and Premium.

Hotel options in Tashkent

Comfort options: Swissôtel / Holiday Inn Tashkent City / Movenpick Tashkent Old City / Courtyard by Marriot / Wyndham Tashkent.

Premium options: Hilton Tashkent City / Hyatt Regency

Hotel options in Khiva

Comfort options: Kamil Palace / Zarafshan Boutique / Twins / Potter / Isak Hoja / Bankir / Asia Khiva / Minor Art / Oasis Al-Khiva / Grand Vizir Khiva / Malika Kheivak.

Premium options: Farovon

Hotel options in Bukhara

Comfort options: Paradise Plaza Luxury / Minorai-Kalon / Malika Bukhara / Asia Bukhara / Omar Khayyam / Emerald.

Premium options: Wyndham Bukhara / Mercure Old Town Bukhara / Shahriston

Hotel options in Samarkand

Comfort options: Ametist Hotel Complex / Royal / Astoria Plaza / DiliMah Premium Luxury / Golden Samarkand / Emirhan

Premium options: Hilton Samarkand Regency / Mövenpick / Zarafshon Parkside / Kohinur Plaza / Kosh Havuz Boutique / Hilton Garden Inn

Travelling Distances

Distances and times are taken from Google Earth and are therefore approximate. They do not allow for or include, food / toilet stops, weather, traffic, border crossings, road works, detours etc. Distances and times are 'driving' distances and times unless otherwise stated. Greek Island ferries, Cruise Ships, Egyptian feluccas and Turkish Gulets are at the mercy of the prevailing weather conditions and that they stop along the way to visit the various sites and swim stops etc.

Hotels used on this tour

The following hotels are used on this tour for departures and pre/post tour accommodation within the given date ranges. They are also the default hotel for pre/post tour accommodation on tours that don't include accommodation, such as day tours. This is intended to give an idea of the type of accommodation that may be expected. The actual hotels used for any given tour may change due to many reasons such as group size, availability, time of year, hotel standard has dropped or simply we found a better hotel. If we do change hotels it will be to a hotel of equal or higher standard and will be at no extra cost. Where more than one hotel is shown for a given an overnight stop this means that one of those hotels will be used.

Hotels in Tashkent

Address : City : Tashkent Suburb : Phone : Web :

Hotels in Bukhara

Address : City : Bukhara Suburb : Phone : Web :

Hotels in Khiva

Address : City : Khiva Suburb : Phone : Web :

Hotels in Samarkand

Address : City : Samarkand Suburb : Phone : Web :

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory in Uzbekistan, but it is always appreciated for good service. In hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, small tips are becoming more common, especially where travellers receive personal service.

As a general guideline, you may wish to consider the following:

Local guide: USD 5–10 per person, per day

Driver: USD 3–5 per person, per day

Hotel porters: USD 1–2 per bag

Restaurants: 5–10% of the bill if service is not already included

Small local services: A small amount in local currency is appreciated

Tips are best given in cash. US dollars are often preferred for guides and drivers, while smaller local tips should be given in Uzbekistani Som. Please note that tipping is a personal gesture and should reflect the level of service received.

Money

The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som / Sum (UZS). Foreign currency is not generally used for everyday purchases, so travellers should carry some local cash for markets, small shops, cafés, taxis and personal expenses.

US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange in Uzbekistan. Notes should be clean, undamaged and preferably recent issue, as old or marked banknotes may not be accepted. Money should only be exchanged at official exchange offices, banks, airports or authorised hotel exchange points. Exchanging money on the black market is illegal and should be avoided.

ATMs are available in major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, but they may be less reliable outside main tourist areas. Some ATMs may not accept international cards or may run out of cash, so it is advisable to carry enough cash before travelling to more remote regions.

Credit cards are accepted in some larger hotels, restaurants and shops, especially in major cities, but Uzbekistan is still a largely cash-based destination. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than other cards. Travellers should inform their bank before departure and check any international withdrawal or transaction fees.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers visiting Uzbekistan. Your insurance should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability and any activities included in your itinerary.

Medical facilities in major cities are improving, but standards may vary, particularly outside Tashkent. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation may be required, which can be very expensive without adequate insurance.

Before departure, please check that your policy includes:

Emergency medical treatment abroad

Medical evacuation and repatriation

Cancellation and curtailment cover

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage

Personal belongings and travel documents

24-hour emergency assistance

Coverage for all countries visited on your itinerary

Please carry your insurance policy number and emergency contact details with you during the trip. It is also advisable to keep a digital copy of your policy and passport in your email or cloud storage.

General Info

Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations, famous for its Silk Road cities, Islamic architecture, colourful bazaars and warm hospitality. Highlights often include Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, where travellers can experience ancient madrasahs, mosques, minarets and traditional trading routes.

The local language is Uzbek, although Russian is also widely spoken, especially in cities. English is becoming more common in hotels and tourist areas, but it is still useful to learn a few basic local phrases. A friendly greeting and respectful attitude are always appreciated.

Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, but it is generally moderate and welcoming to visitors. Travellers should dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, mosques, mausoleums and local communities. Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering religious places, and shoes may need to be removed.

The climate can vary greatly depending on the season. Summers can be very hot, particularly in July and August, while winters can be cold, especially in desert and mountain areas. Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable times to travel. We recommend packing layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a reusable water bottle.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Bottled or filtered water should be used for drinking and brushing teeth. Travellers should also take care with street food and ensure that food is freshly prepared and served hot.

Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage and photography is usually allowed at tourist sites, but restrictions may apply in airports, border areas, metro stations, military zones and some religious buildings. Always ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas or local markets.

Internet and mobile coverage are generally available in major cities and hotels, although connection speeds may vary. Local SIM cards and eSIM options may be available, but travellers should check compatibility before departure.

Uzbekistan is generally considered a welcoming destination for travellers, but normal travel precautions should be taken. Keep valuables secure, avoid carrying large amounts of cash in public, use hotel safes where available and follow the advice of your guide at all times.