Uzbekistan & Tajikistan: Traversing the Silk Road (First Departure) | April 2026

From the 2nd century BCE to the mid 15th century, the Silk Road served as a crucial trading network between Asia and Europe. While its name originates from the silk trade in China, this passage also facilitated the exchange of numerous other valuable commodities, such as teas, dyes, perfumes, ceramics, animals, wine, gold, paper and gunpowder. In ancient times, it was a trek few could complete in its entirety. On our tour, we will explore key sections of this legendary route that connected East and West, including the path between Sogdiana in Tajikistan and the Han Empire in China, as well as the northern route through Uzbekistan’s lush Fergana Valley and the stark Kyzylkum Desert.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan boast a rich history, having been part of a sought-after territory for centuries. In the 4th century BCE, Alexander the Great forged a connection by marrying the daughter of a local chieftain. Later, in the 13th century CE, Genghis Khan's military campaigns targeted the region. Ultimately, Timur, also known as Tamerlane, rose to power, defeating the Mongols and transforming the area into his extensive Central Asian empire.

Our journey begins and ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's vibrant capital. To set the scene, we will experience the grandeur of Independence Square, a space dedicated to modern Uzbekistan and its path to independence, with poignant memorials including the WWII Memorial and the Memorial of an Afghan Soldier. Meanwhile, the Museum of Applied Arts presents a glimpse into the nation's artistic heritage. Originally commissioned for a wealthy tsarist diplomat, this stunning traditional house is a fine example of Oriental architectural and decorative style. Finally, we will stroll through Amir Timur Square, the heart of Tashkent, where beautiful gardens and fountains offer a pleasant respite from the capital's hustle and bustle.

Travelling into the Fergana Valley brings us to the lively Kumtepa Bazaar, a central point for trade and cultural exchange throughout history. Engulfed in a vibrant tapestry of colours and intoxicating smells, traditional artisans gather to sell their wares from fresh produce to handmade crafts, vibrant Ikat textiles, and fine silks. Complementing this, select visits to silk and ceramic workshops in Margilan, Fergana and Rishtan will provide an in-depth look at the creation of these magnificent items.

Crossing into Tajikistan, we will be greeted by captivating views of the Tajik Sea and iconic Soviet-era roadside mosaics. Our exploration of Tajikistan’s ancient past begins at Khujand. As one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, Khujand – an influential hub on the Silk Road – was conquered by Alexander the Great, who then constructed a fortress within its early walls. Tajikistan's earliest history is revealed at Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bronze Age settlement, where excavations date back to the 4th millennium BCE. Our time in Panjakent will be dedicated to exploring the history of Bactria and Sogdiana and their role in the development of similar Silk Road city-states.

Returning to Uzbekistan, we will travel to the city of Samarkand. Similar to Khujand, Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and was founded around the 7th century BCE. It passed through the hands of successive civilisations before reaching its zenith as the capital of the Timurid Empire. The archaeological site of Afrasiab is preserved, along with astonishing frescoes bearing testimony to the vanished Sogdian civilisation that dominated trade along the Silk Road for centuries.

Samarkand's city walls may have vanished, but its medieval character is preserved in its narrow winding streets and numerous traditional homes. A highlight will be the awe-inspiring Registan Square, bordered on three sides by elaborate madrasas and one of the most important complexes of Islamic architecture in the world. Meanwhile visits to the Shah-i-Zinda complex, a necropolis with mausoleums and ritual buildings from the 11th to 19th centuries, and the Gu-i-Amir mausoleum, the 14th century burial place of Timur and descendants, will provide a deeper understanding of Uzbekistan's fascinating religious history.

Visits to Chor-Chinor at Urgut will further emphasize the region's religious significance. This revered site, featuring a blue-domed mosque, memorial pavilion, and several tombs, is also home to an ancient grove of plane trees, the oldest of which is estimated to be around 1160 years old. A walk among these majestic trees offers a truly magical experience, providing a connection to the deep-rooted traditions and natural beauty of the area. Urgut is also known for its vibrant suzani market, where we can find intricately embroidered textiles, an important part of Central Asian decorative arts.

To complement our time along the Silk Road, we will connect with local crafts and culture on a more intimate level. Visits to a traditional papermaking workshop, where we will witness the ancient techniques used to create paper by hand, as well as a local winery, offer delightful glimpses into a personal aspect of Central Asian culture and agriculture.

Continuing by train to Bukhara, we will engage with its earliest history at the Ark Citadel, the city's oldest structure. This 5th century BCE complex served as the primary residence of the Bukharan Amirs and also housed their governmental officials and scholars. Many sites were left in ruins as the armies of Genghis Khan left little intact from the city’s earliest days, however a notable exception was the perfectly preserved 10th century CE Ismail Samani Mausoleum, which today enables us to envisage early architectural structures.

As a cultural hub since the 6th century BCE, Bukhara has endured numerous sieges, leading to cycles of destruction and renewal that have shaped its rich history. Repurposed as a branch of the Bukhara museum, the Amir Summer Palace and Complex, built in the late 19th or early 20th century as the country residence of the Amir of Bukhara, today houses a museum of decorative and applied arts, while the Mir-i-Arab Madrassah, founded in the 16th century, continues to serve its original purpose as a religious educational institution. Finally, the Bolo Hauz, an architectural gem with a pillared facade and reflecting pond, stands as a testament to the city's development in the pre-modern era.

From there, we traverse the Kyzylkum desert and head to the oasis town of Khiva – once the final stopping-point of caravan trains before they set out on the long journey across the desert for Persia. Khiva's Ichan Kala, the first site to be listed as UNESCO in the country, with imposing clay walls, is home to the Tash-Khauli Palace, White Mosque, Kunya Ark and other historical sites. Further highlights include the Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, dedicated to a legendary craftsman and poet, and the early 20th century Nurullaboy Palace. Tour Director Chris Aslan will share his local insights at a silk carpet factory that he founded, as well as during a special dinner with a local family. We will also explore the renowned Khiva Silk Factory, famous for its organza silk production.

In the western city of Nukus we will discover the Nukus Museum of Art, established by Igor Savitsky and housing the world's second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art, along with Karakalpakstan archaeological finds and antiquities. Described by The Guardian as “the lost Louvre of Uzbekistan” many of the galleries at the museum were collected personally by Savitsky. Located in the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan, we will also be captivated by the sacred Mizdarkhan. This necropolis and archaeological site was inhabited from the 4th century BCE and is speculated to be the burial site of Adam.

Upon return to Tashkent, we shall take in the Samarkand Kufic Quran in Hast Imam Complex. Dating from the 8th or 9th century, this manuscript is an early example of Quranic inscriptions in Kufic script – one of the oldest forms of Arabic writing – and was the preferred form for transcribing the Quran. Under the illustrious blue dome of the Chorsu Bazaar, an example of Soviet Modernism style, we will once again immerse ourselves in the daily life of the capital amongst vendors selling fruits, breads and more. Tashkent’s metro system is a celebration of Uzbekistan culture; more than just a mode of transportation, each station boasts a distinct design by an individual artist featuring portraits, plaques and architectural details that narrate the nation's history.
 
During our time in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, we will stay in a variety of specially selected hotels. These charming and comfortable establishments have been chosen for their locations, to enable exploration of the cities and key sites on our itinerary, as well as their characterful aesthetics reflecting Uzbekistan and Tajikistan’s diverse history.

Our tour offers two distinct seasonal experiences. The spring departure (April/May) features the opportunity to witness silk production and silkworms, highlighting a centuries-old tradition that has shaped the region's cultural and economic landscape. Landscapes are abundant with lush greenery and blooming wildflowers creating a vibrant atmosphere and weather is expected to be pleasantly warm.

This tour will be led by Chris Aslan. Chris was born in Turkey and spent his childhood there and in war-torn Beirut before studying media and journalism at Leicester University. He then moved to Khiva, establishing a UNESCO workshop reviving fifteenth century carpet designs and embroideries, becoming the largest non-government employer in town. After leaving Khiva, Chris took a year in Cambridge to write A Carpet Ride to Khiva. Chris spent several years in the Pamirs mountains of Tajikistan, training yak herders to comb their yaks for their cashmere-like down before moving to Kyrgyzstan where he lived in the world’s largest natural walnut forest and established a wood-carving workshop. Now based in North Cyprus, Chris works as a writer and has recently published Unravelling the Silk Road.