Along the Silk Road

Uzbekistan, a cosmopolitan country and a true cultural crossroads, welcomes us with open arms for a unique discovery of its legendary heritage and a warm immersion in its Uzbek, Tajik and Kazakh families.

Let's venture out and meet the inhabitants of these remote mountain villages! Let's get to grips with yurt life and the daily lives of these families. Let's travel through the Nuratau Moutains, drive through the red sands of the KyzylKum Desert, admire the mosaics of Samarkand and finally lose ourselves in the steppe of Aydar Lake!

This inescapable journey fascinates us with its cultural and human riches, and leaves no one indifferent. Let's sail from surprise to surprise and let ourselves be carried away by this colourful escapade rich in encounters!

Day 1 : Tashkent (Meals: — ; Transport: 1h00)

Welcome at the airport. After a short rest, we set off to explore the Uzbek capital. From the Khazrati Imam complex—featuring the mausoleum of Kaffal Chachi, the Barakh Khan madrasa, and the Khasti Imam mosque—to the Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent gradually reveals its charm. Dinner in the city and overnight stay in a B&B hotel.

Day 2 : Tashkent – Bukhara (Meals: B– ; Transport: train 3h30 )

After breakfast, we take the high-speed train to Bukhara. We have lunch in the city. Most of Bukhara’s main attractions are concentrated in the old town of Shakhristan and can be explored on foot. We begin our visit with the Labi Khaus complex, one of the most picturesque parts of Bukhara. Dinner in the city and overnight stay in a B&B hotel.

Day 3 : Bukhara (Meals: B-D ; Transport /)

The day is dedicated to exploring the ancient part of this museum-like city in the midst of the sands. Its charming alleys and remarkable monuments transport us back to the era of Silk Road caravans. Lunch in the city and a traditional dinner in a family-run restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 : Bukhara – Aydar Lake – Dongalak (Meals: BLD ; Transport: 3h )

We set off towards Dongalak. We have a picnic by the lake and take a break (with the possibility of swimming or a stroll). We then meet our welcoming Kazakh host family and settle into the yurt. We get to know them and familiarise ourselves with their livestock farm (sheep, horses, and camels). Dinner and overnight stay in the yurt.

Day 5 : Dongalak (Meals: BLD ; Walk: 2 to 4 hours depending on preferences)

We set off for a walk in the desert, admiring the magnificent landscape filled with endemic plants. We visit a new farm and share a meal with the owners. We then return to our yurt and take part in the daily tasks. Dinner with the family and overnight stay in the yurt.

Day 6 : Dongalak (Meals: BLD ; Walk: 2 to 4 hours depending on preferences)

We head to the village of Dongalak. We meet shepherding families and have a meal with one of the shepherds. We then return to our yurt and participate in various activities. Dinner with the family and overnight stay in the yurt.

Day 7 : Dongalak – Oukhoum (Meals: BLD ; Transport: 3h00)

After breakfast, we head towards the Nuratau Mountains and reach the village of Oukhoum. We settle in with our hosts (2 to 4 people per family). After a tour of our host village, we have a meal with the family and spend the night with them.

Day 8 : Oukhoum (Meals: BLD ; Walk: 2 to 4 hours depending on preferences)

We head out to meet the residents of this small village. We observe the still-functioning watermill and the petroglyphs. We then have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork, take care of the vegetable gardens, and look after the animals. Dinner and overnight stay with the locals, and…

Day 9 : Oukhoum (Meals: BLD ; Walk: 2 to 4 hours depending on preferences)

We head out to meet the residents of this small village. We have the opportunity to observe the beautiful landscapes and the adobe houses of the locals. We share a meal with the villagers. Then, we get the chance to participate in fieldwork, take care of the vegetable gardens, and look after the animals. Dinner and overnight stay with the locals.

Day 10 : Youkori Hayat – Oukhoum or Ashraf (Meals: BLD ; Walk: 3 to 4 hours)

We leave the village, crossing the hills to reach another charming mountain village, Youkori Hayat. During the day, we cross several hills and pass through hamlets with a warm rural atmosphere. We participate in the daily tasks. Dinner and overnight stay with the locals.

Day 11 : Oukhum – Youkori Hayat – Oukhoum (Meals: BLD ; Walk: 2 to 4 hours)
Early in the morning, we take a walk along the village and arrive at a walnut orchard. We visit an archaeological site and observe some petroglyphs. We then share once again in the daily life of the villagers…

Day 12 : Samarkand (Meals: B– ; Transport: 4h00 )
We resume our journey towards Samarkand. We discover the capital of the Timurid empire and wander through this crossroads of the various Silk Roads. The domes and its blue mosaics captivate us. We also visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis…

Day 13 : Tashkent (Meals: B– ; Transport: train 2h)
We continue our visit of Samarkand: the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum of Amir Timur with its magnificent ribbed dome, the Registan Square, the Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Siyob market. We then take the high-speed train back to Tashkent…

Day 14 : Tashkent (Meals: B– ; Transport /)
Free time before your transfer to the airport for our return flight.

• Possible extensions on request
• 10-day programme on request