Must try
Local speciality
Asia / Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan
A 13-day curated journey through Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.
- Ideal stay
- 13 days
- Best season
- April
- From
- $3,393–$10,205 pp
The place
About this destination
A 13-day curated journey through Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.
My experience
This is Rachana's own 13-day itinerary for Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan — the version she'd plan for a close friend. Expect a considered day-by-day plan, the stays worth booking, and the small details that make a trip feel effortless. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.
Luxury
Through the lens · 5 frames
Photo journal
01
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 01
Arrival in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) Stay @ Hyatt Regency Hotel
- 01Arrive in Tashkent and check in to your hotel.
- 02Visit Chorsu Bazaar – a traditional market with local food and souvenirs.
- 03Explore Khast Imam Complex – home to the world’s oldest Quran.
- 04Walk through Amir Timur Square and Independence Square.
- 05Enjoy dinner at a traditional Uzbek restaurant.
Day 02
Tashkent to Samarkand (Afternoon Train – 2 hours)
- 01Visit Museum of Applied Arts for Uzbek craftsmanship.
- 02Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand in the afternoon.
- 03Check in to the hotel in Samarkand and relax.
- 04Stroll around Registan Square at sunset.
Day 03
Exploring Samarkand @ Hilton Samarkand
- 01Visit Registan Square – Uzbekistan’s most iconic site.
- 02Explore Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis and its stunning blue-tiled tombs.
- 03See the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once the largest in Central Asia.
- 04Visit Siab Bazaar to taste fresh local fruits and nuts.
- 05End the day at Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the tomb of Tamerlane.
Day 04
Samarkand to Bukhara (Afternoon Train – 1.5 hours)
- 01Morning: visit to Ulugh Beg Observatory and Afrosiab Museum.
- 02Take the Afrosiyob train to Bukhara.
- 03Check in to the hotel and explore the charming old town in the evening.
Day 05
Discovering Bukhara stay @ Mercure Hotel
- 01Visit Lyabi Hauz, the heart of Bukhara’s old town.
- 02Explore Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah.
- 03See the Ark Fortress, the ancient residence of Bukhara’s rulers.
- 04Visit Chor Minor, a small yet beautiful madrasah with four towers.
- 05Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner with live music.
Day 06
Bukhara to Khiva (Evening Train – 6 hours)
- 01Morning: visit to Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir.
- 02Explore the Trading Domes, where you can buy carpets, silk, and spices.
- 03Take the evening train to Khiva (alternative: drive 6-7 hours).
- 04Check in to the hotel in Khiva.
Day 07
Exploring Khiva stay @ Favoron Hotel
- 01Visit Itchan Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva (UNESCO site).
- 02Explore Kunya-Ark, a fortress with great city views.
- 03Visit Tosh-Hovli Palace, known for its intricate tile work.
- 04Walk through Juma Mosque, famous for its 218 wooden columns.
- 05Relax with a traditional Uzbek vegetable plov dinner.
Day 08
Flight from Khiva (Urgench) to Tashkent
- 01Morning: free to explore more of Khiva.
- 02Take a flight from Urgench to Tashkent (~1.5 hours).
- 03Check in to a hotel and relax in Tashkent.
- 04Visit Tashkent Metro, one of the most beautiful in the world.
- 05Enjoy a farewell Uzbek dinner.
Day 09
Tashkent to Shymkent (Kazakhstan – 2.5 hours by train or 2 hours by road)
- 01Take a morning train or drive to Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
- 02Visit Abay Park and Independence Park.
- 03Explore Shymkent Central Bazaar for Kazakh crafts.
- 04Walk around Dendropark, a beautiful botanical garden.
- 05Enjoy Kazakh cuisine for dinner.
Day 10
Day Trip to Sayram-Ugam National Park (Kazakhstan)
- 01Drive to Sayram-Ugam National Park, known for its stunning landscapes.
- 02Enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and scenic views of the Tien Shan mountains.
- 03Visit the historical town of Sayram, famous for its ancient mausoleums.
- 04Return to Shymkent for a relaxed evening.
Day 11
Shymkent to Almaty (Flight – 1.5 hours) stay @ Ritz Carlton OR Intercontinental Hotel
- 01Take a morning flight to Almaty.
- 02Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and Green Bazaar.
- 03Enjoy a cable car ride to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning city views.
Day 12
Almaty & Surroundings (Charyn Canyon or Big Almaty Lake)
- 01Option 1: Charyn Canyon Day Trip
- 02Visit Charyn Canyon, known as “Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon.”
- 03Explore its breathtaking rock formations and hiking trails.
- 04Option 2: Big Almaty Lake & Medeu
- 05Drive to Big Almaty Lake, a scenic alpine lake surrounded by mountains.
- 06Visit Medeu, the world’s highest ice-skating rink.
Day 13
Departure from Almaty
- 01Morning: visit to Arbat Street for last-minute shopping.
- 02Transfer to the airport for departure.
- 03ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!!
What to order
Local cuisine
Must try
Pumpkin samsa
Local speciality
Pumpkin samsa
Must try
Vegetarian lagman
Local speciality
Vegetarian lagman
Must try
Local speciality
Non bread
Must try
Local speciality
Green tea & dried fruit
04
Logistics
Getting there & around
01 · Private transfers
Pre-arranged private cars with English-speaking drivers for a seamless trip.
02 · Domestic connections
Short internal flights or transfers link the highlights.
03 · Airport arrival
A private meet-and-greet transfer is arranged from the moment you land.
The numbers
Budget breakdown
Total · per person
$3,393–$10,205 pp
USD
Breakdown
- Accommodation
- $180–$500 / night
- Food & dining
- $32–$110 / day
- Transportation
- $22–$75 / day
- Activities
- $27–$100 / day
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