Culture plus nature
You want Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand, but also the desert, Lake Aydarkul and Sentyab mountain village.
8-Day Uzbekistan Tour: Tashkent, Bukhara, Nurata, Aydarkul, Sentyab and Samarkand
Updated:
✅ 8 days / 7 nights · Tashkent → Bukhara → Nurata → yurt camp → Lake Aydarkul → Sentyab → Samarkand → Konigil → Tashkent
8-Day Uzbekistan Tour: Tashkent, Bukhara, Nurata, Aydarkul, Sentyab and Samarkand
A compact Silk Road itinerary with the part most city-only tours miss: a desert yurt-camp night, Lake Aydarkul, Sentyab mountain village, Konigil paper workshop and two Afrosiyob train sections. It is built for travellers who want culture, nature and clear logistics in one 8-day land program.
Price validity: prices are shown in USD per person and are valid until 31 December 2026. Travel documents show the exact hotels, train tickets, meeting points and local contacts for the selected date.
In brief: this is an 8-day Uzbekistan land itinerary from Tashkent to Bukhara, Nurata, the Kyzylkum Desert, a yurt camp near Lake Aydarkul, Sentyab mountain village, Samarkand, Konigil and back to Tashkent. The price includes city hotels, one yurt-camp night, local English-speaking guides, entrance tickets, air-conditioned transport, mineral water, meals listed day by day, and economy-class train tickets for Tashkent → Bukhara and Samarkand → Tashkent.
Quick facts
- Tour type: guided cultural and nature itinerary in Uzbekistan.
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights.
- Start / finish: Tashkent / Tashkent.
- Route: Tashkent, Bukhara, Nurata, yurt camp, Lake Aydarkul, Sentyab, Samarkand, Konigil, Tashkent.
- Hotels: 3* or 4* category selected before booking.
- Desert stay: one night in a yurt camp with simpler comfort than city hotels.
- Trains: Afrosiyob 772F Tashkent → Bukhara, 19:48–00:01; Afrosiyob 765F Samarkand → Tashkent, 18:15–20:30.
- Starting price: 718 USD per person in the 3* double-room option, from 2 travellers.
- Booking: official CAJ.UZ booking page.
Best for travellers who want…
Clear land services
You prefer hotels, guides, train tickets, entrance fees, transport and daily flow arranged together.
Luxury-only or Khiva route
This itinerary has a rustic yurt-camp night and does not include Khiva, Urgench or beach-style leisure.
The pace is moderate: city walking, long road sections, one desert night and a mountain-village stop. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Planning this Uzbekistan trip from abroad?
The land program starts and ends in Tashkent. Travellers usually combine it with international flights into Uzbekistan or a wider Central Asia trip. This page is written for English-language searches from North America, Europe, the Gulf, Asia-Pacific and South Africa.
| Market | Countries and cities | Why this route works |
|---|---|---|
| United States & Canada | United States: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington DC, Miami. Canada: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary. | A clear 8-day land program for travellers comparing Silk Road and Central Asia trips from North America. |
| United Kingdom & Ireland | United Kingdom: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow. Ireland: Dublin, Cork. | A compact itinerary with hotels, trains, guides and entrance tickets visible before booking. |
| Australia & New Zealand | Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide. New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch. | Tashkent works as a simple start and finish point for a long-haul Uzbekistan holiday. |
| Gulf & Asia English-search markets | United Arab Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi. Qatar: Doha. Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru. | Useful for travellers already connected to Central Asia by regional flights and searching in English. |
| South Africa | Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria. | A readable cultural itinerary with nature outside the main cities and no hidden route logic. |
Why travellers book this route with CAJ.UZ
Route design
Beyond the classic city triangle
The itinerary keeps the essential cities, then adds Nurata, a yurt camp, Lake Aydarkul and Sentyab. That is the part many short city programs leave out.
Desert night
One night in a yurt camp
The desert section changes the rhythm of the trip: open space, campfire atmosphere, simple yurts and a quieter evening outside the cities.
Train logic
Two Afrosiyob sections
Tashkent → Bukhara and Samarkand → Tashkent are handled by train, so the route avoids unnecessary backtracking by road.
Operator value
One travel file before arrival
Hotels, trains, guides, transport, meeting points and contacts are gathered in one travel file. The client does not have to coordinate separate suppliers.
Prices and calculation
Prices are shown in USD per person and start from 2 travellers. The room type and hotel category determine the price. The full-route escort guide is a paid add-on.
718 USD
Per person, from 2 travellers.
833 USD
Per person, from 2 travellers.
400 USD
Full-route escort guide add-on.
| Accommodation option | Room type | Price per person | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3* hotels | Double room or room with separate beds | 718 USD | from 2 travellers |
| 3* hotels | Single room | 778 USD | from 2 travellers |
| 4* hotels | Double room or room with separate beds | 833 USD | from 2 travellers |
| 4* hotels | Single room | 928 USD | from 2 travellers |
| Escort guide | Full-route escort guide | 400 USD | add-on service |
Prices valid until: 31 December 2026. The price is not a total group price; it is calculated per person by hotel category and room type.
What is included and not included
Core services
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities;
- economy-class train tickets Tashkent → Bukhara and Samarkand → Tashkent;
- meals listed in the day-by-day itinerary;
- local English-speaking guides for city excursions;
- entrance tickets for the sightseeing program;
- air-conditioned transport for transfers and excursions;
- 1.5 litres of mineral water per person per day;
- photo and video fees at sightseeing sites;
- Uzbekistan visa support.
Extra costs
- Early hotel check-in and late check-out;
- personal expenses;
- travel insurance;
- Uzbekistan visa fee;
- extra activities at Lake Aydarkul;
- international flights.
Paid extras
- Full-route escort guide — 400 USD;
- other guide languages through the manager;
- hotel category change before booking;
- extra nights in Tashkent;
- private adjustments around the core route.
Hotels, yurt camp and comfort level
The tour has two accommodation levels: 3* and 4*. The yurt camp is included in both versions and is simpler than city hotels. It is part of the desert experience, not a hotel-style stay.
| Category | Tashkent | Bukhara | Samarkand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3* | Leader | Mekhrob or Nodirabegim | Malika Prime or a comparable hotel |
| 4* | Ateca Suites or Courtyard Marriott | Paradise Plaza | Grand Plaza or Hilton Garden Inn |
Travel documents show the exact hotel, address and room details. A replacement hotel keeps the same category and comparable level.
How the route works
The itinerary works as a loop from Tashkent. It begins in the capital, continues by train to Bukhara, moves by road through Nurata to the desert and Lake Aydarkul, adds Sentyab village, then finishes with Samarkand, Konigil and the return train to Tashkent.
| Section | What happens | Client value |
|---|---|---|
| Tashkent | Arrival, capital city tour, metro and old-city monuments. | Smooth start and first orientation in Uzbekistan. |
| Bukhara | Historic old city, Poi-Kalyan, Ark Fortress, trading domes and Lyabi-Hauz. | Strong Silk Road content and one of the key cultural stops. |
| Nurata and yurt camp | Chashma Complex, desert road, yurt accommodation and campfire dinner. | The city route opens into the Kyzylkum Desert. |
| Lake Aydarkul and Sentyab | Lake shore, picnic, mountain village visit and local life. | Nature and village atmosphere between Bukhara and Samarkand. |
| Samarkand and Konigil | Registan, Gur-Emir, Bibi-Khanum, Shah-i-Zinda and paper workshop. | A strong visual finish before the train back to Tashkent. |
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 — Tashkent: arrival, welcome dinner and hotel check-in
Meals: dinner.
Arrival at Tashkent International Airport. Meeting with the driver and transfer into the city.
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival | Tashkent International Airport — meeting with the driver and transfer into the city. | flight timing |
| Evening | Welcome dinner — first Uzbek dinner at Sim-Sim restaurant. | 1 h 30 min |
| After dinner | Transfer to the hotel, check-in and rest after the flight. | — |
Notes:
- The day is intentionally light after the flight.
- Walking is minimal.
- The meeting time follows the flight arrival time.
Day 2 — Tashkent city tour → Afrosiyob train to Bukhara
Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Train information
- Route: Tashkent → Bukhara.
- Train: Afrosiyob 772F.
- Time: 19:48–00:01.
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out with luggage.
The guide meets travellers in the hotel lobby for the Tashkent city tour.
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–09:50 | Khast-Imam Complex — the main religious and manuscript site of old Tashkent. | 50 min |
| 10:10–11:10 | Chorsu Bazaar — market atmosphere and street-food area. | 1 h |
| 11:30–12:00 | Amir Temur Square — orientation stop in the modern city centre. | 30 min |
| 12:10–12:35 | Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre — exterior visit and city context. | 25 min |
| 12:45–13:30 | Lunch break — a practical pause in the middle of the city tour. | 45 min |
| 13:50–14:30 | Independence Square — large ceremonial square and government quarter. | 40 min |
| 14:45–15:10 | Monument of Courage — memorial connected with the 1966 earthquake. | 25 min |
| 15:30–16:30 | Tashkent Metro — several decorated stations with the guide. | 1 h |
| 17:30–18:40 | Dinner at Tanho restaurant — Uzbek-style dinner with shilpildok. | 1 h 10 min |
| 19:48 | Afrosiyob 772F train — departure from Tashkent to Bukhara. | — |
Notes:
- The city order can change because of traffic and opening hours.
- The train arrives in Bukhara shortly after midnight.
- Ticket details are printed in the travel documents.
Day 3 — Bukhara: old-city monuments and pilaf masterclass
Meals: breakfast, dinner.
After the late-night arrival and rest arrangement, the Bukhara program starts with the old-city monuments.
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 00:01 | Arrival in Bukhara — station meeting and transfer for rest listed in the travel documents. | — |
| 09:00–09:40 | Samanid Mausoleum — early Islamic brick architecture. | 40 min |
| 09:45–10:10 | Chashma-Ayub — mausoleum and spring in the old part of Bukhara. | 25 min |
| 10:20–10:40 | Bolo-Hauz Mosque — carved wooden columns and a quiet pond setting. | 20 min |
| 10:45–11:30 | Ark Fortress — former residence of Bukhara rulers. | 45 min |
| 11:45–12:45 | Poi-Kalyan Ensemble — Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah. | 1 h |
Lunch break
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 13:00–14:00 | Lunch break or hotel rest — placed naturally between the two parts of the old-city route. | 1 h |
Second part of the route
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 14:10–14:30 | Ulugbek Madrasah — one of Bukhara’s important medieval schools. | 20 min |
| 14:30–15:20 | Trading domes — Toki-Zargaron, Tim Abdulla Khan, Toki-Telpak Furushon and Toki-Sarrafon. | 50 min |
| 15:30–16:15 | Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble — old pond, madrasahs and the liveliest part of historic Bukhara. | 45 min |
| Evening | Dinner at Laziz-House — Bukhara pilaf masterclass and dinner. | 1 h 30 min |
Notes:
- This is a walking-heavy day in the old city.
- Comfortable shoes are important.
- The old-city route order can change for better logistics.
Day 4 — Bukhara → Nurata → yurt camp near Lake Aydarkul
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Breakfast, check-out with luggage and road transfer toward Nurata and the desert section.
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Breakfast and check-out with luggage. | — |
| 09:30–12:00 | Road transfer toward Nurata — desert-side route by air-conditioned vehicle. | about 2 h 30 min |
| 12:00–12:50 | Chashma Complex in Nurata — spring, mosque area and local religious site. | 50 min |
| 13:00–14:00 | Lunch in a local house — home-style meal on the route. | 1 h |
| 14:15–16:30 | Transfer to the yurt camp near Lake Aydarkul. | about 2 h 15 min |
| Late afternoon | Yurt camp check-in — settling into the yurt and free time. | — |
| Evening | Camel ride and campfire dinner — desert atmosphere with dombra music. | timing varies |
Notes:
- This is a long road day with several stops.
- The yurt camp is simpler than city hotels.
- Evenings in the desert can feel cool; a light warm layer is useful.
Day 5 — Yurt camp → Lake Aydarkul → Sentyab → Samarkand
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner.
Breakfast at the yurt camp, lake stop, Sentyab mountain village and transfer to Samarkand.
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Breakfast at the yurt camp and check-out. | — |
| Morning | Camel ride toward Lake Aydarkul — desert section with luggage handled by the driver. | timing varies |
| Late morning | Lake Aydarkul — quiet lake landscape, shore time and photos. | timing varies |
| Midday | Picnic on the lake shore — outdoor lunch stop by the water. | 1 h |
| Afternoon | Drive toward Samarkand with a stop in Sentyab mountain village. | road day |
| Afternoon stop | Sentyab — short mountain walk, village life, old fortress ruins and petroglyphs. | timing varies |
| Evening | Arrival in Samarkand, hotel check-in and dinner in a national house. | — |
Notes:
- This is the most varied day: desert, lake, village and road transfer.
- Swimming, fishing and boat services depend on season, weather and local operation.
- Sun protection and comfortable shoes are useful.
Day 6 — Samarkand: Registan, Gur-Emir, Bibi-Khanum and Shah-i-Zinda
Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the local guide and full-day sightseeing in Samarkand.
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Registan Square — Ulugbek, Tillya-Kori and Sher-Dor madrasahs. | 1 h 30 min |
| 10:45–11:30 | Gur-Emir Mausoleum — Timurid dynastic mausoleum. | 45 min |
| 11:45–12:30 | Bibi-Khanum Mosque — one of the largest historic monuments in Samarkand. | 45 min |
Lunch break
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45–13:45 | Lunch break — restaurant stop or guide recommendation. | 1 h |
Second part of the route
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 14:10–15:40 | Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble — tiled mausoleum street and one of the city’s strongest visual sites. | 1 h 30 min |
| Evening | Dinner at New Arbat restaurant — lamb and vegetable dish. | 1 h 30 min |
Notes:
- Samarkand has many photo stops and moderate walking.
- The order can change because of traffic, event restrictions and opening hours.
- Registan and Shah-i-Zinda are the strongest visual parts of the day.
Day 7 — Samarkand → Konigil → Afrosiyob train to Tashkent
Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Train information
- Route: Samarkand → Tashkent.
- Train: Afrosiyob 765F.
- Time: 18:15–20:30.
Breakfast and check-out with luggage.
Visit Konigil paper workshop and continue with the remaining Samarkand sites before the train.
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Breakfast and check-out with luggage. | — |
| 09:30–10:40 | Konigil village — traditional mulberry-paper workshop. | 1 h 10 min |
| 11:00–11:45 | Ulugbek Observatory — astronomy and Timurid science. | 45 min |
| 12:05–12:45 | Khoja Daniyar Mausoleum — quiet pilgrimage site outside the city centre. | 40 min |
| 13:00–14:00 | Lunch break — practical pause before the train section. | 1 h |
| Afternoon | Free time or last city stop or buffer time before the train section. | timing varies |
| 18:15 | Afrosiyob 765F train — departure from Samarkand to Tashkent. | — |
| 20:30 | Arrival in Tashkent — station meeting, farewell dinner at Mulla-Dust restaurant and hotel check-in. | evening |
Notes:
- The day combines sightseeing, a workshop visit and the evening train.
- Luggage travels with the vehicle until the station transfer.
- Travel documents list the station meeting and hotel details in Tashkent.
Day 8 — Tashkent: airport transfer
Meals: breakfast.
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
| Time | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Before departure | Breakfast at the hotel. | — |
| Flight timing | Check-out and transfer to Tashkent International Airport. | — |
| Airport | Check-in for the departure flight. End of services. | — |
Notes:
- The transfer time follows the departure flight.
- A breakfast box depends on hotel timing and departure hour.
- End of CAJ.UZ services after airport drop-off.
Trains, road transfers and Lake Aydarkul notes
| Route | Train | Departure | Arrival | Included segment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tashkent → Bukhara | Afrosiyob 772F | 19:48 | 00:01 | economy-class ticket included |
| Samarkand → Tashkent | Afrosiyob 765F | 18:15 | 20:30 | economy-class ticket included |
- Road transfers use air-conditioned transport.
- The yurt-camp section is rustic and simpler than city accommodation.
- Lake Aydarkul is treated as a nature stop. Swimming, fishing and boat services follow season, weather and local operating conditions.
- Travel documents list meeting points, train tickets, hotel addresses and local contacts.
Booking, payment, travel documents and refunds
Online order
- Use the official CAJ.UZ booking page for tour ID 15.
- Enter travel date, travellers, room type and contact details.
- The manager sends the travel file with hotels, services and contacts.
Cards and transfer
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted through CAJ.UZ online payment pages.
- Bank transfer is used by invoice or bank details.
- Cash payment is arranged with the manager.
- CAJ.UZ does not request full card number or CVV by WhatsApp or email.
Refund logic
- CAJ.UZ cancellation and refund rules apply.
- Train tickets, special fares and supplier services can affect the refund amount.
- Approved refunds are returned to the original payer and original payment method.
Useful pages: online payment · booking terms · cancellation and refunds
Why CAJ.UZ
- Local operator: the route is handled by a Uzbekistan-based team.
- One travel file: hotels, trains, guides, transport, meetings and contacts are joined before arrival.
- Clear price logic: 3* and 4* categories, room types and escort guide add-on are separated.
- Better product fit: the route combines city culture with desert, lake and village content.
Book the 8-day Uzbekistan itinerary
Booking steps
- Choose the travel date and number of travellers.
- Select 3* or 4* hotels and room type.
- Send the request through the booking form or WhatsApp.
- Receive the travel file with hotels, trains, meeting points and contacts.
- Arrive in Tashkent and start the route.
Ready to check your date?
Send the date, number of travellers and preferred hotel category. CAJ.UZ prepares the travel file for this route.
Phone / WhatsApp: +998 90 922 30 73
FAQ
Practical answers before booking.
How long is this itinerary?
It is an 8-day / 7-night land program in Uzbekistan.
Where does it start and finish?
The route starts in Tashkent and finishes in Tashkent.
Which places are included?
Tashkent, Bukhara, Nurata, the Kyzylkum Desert, a yurt camp, Lake Aydarkul, Sentyab mountain village, Samarkand and Konigil are included.
Is this private or group-based?
The price table starts from 2 travellers. The service flow works well for couples, families, private travellers and small groups.
What is included in the price?
Accommodation, local English-speaking guides, entrance tickets, air-conditioned transport, meals listed in the itinerary, mineral water, photo and video fees, visa support, and economy-class train tickets Tashkent to Bukhara and Samarkand to Tashkent are included.
What is not included?
Early check-in, late check-out, personal expenses, travel insurance, Uzbekistan visa fee, international flights and extra activities at Lake Aydarkul are not included.
Are the trains included?
Yes. The route includes Afrosiyob 772F from Tashkent to Bukhara and Afrosiyob 765F from Samarkand to Tashkent in economy class.
What are the train times?
Afrosiyob 772F runs Tashkent to Bukhara, 19:48–00:01. Afrosiyob 765F runs Samarkand to Tashkent, 18:15–20:30. Ticket details are printed in the travel documents.
Which hotels are used?
3* hotels: Leader in Tashkent, Mekhrob or Nodirabegim in Bukhara, Malika Prime or a comparable hotel in Samarkand. 4* hotels: Ateca Suites or Courtyard Marriott in Tashkent, Paradise Plaza in Bukhara, Grand Plaza or Hilton Garden Inn in Samarkand.
What is the yurt camp like?
The yurt camp is simpler than city hotels. It is included for the desert experience: yurts, open space, campfire atmosphere and basic comfort.
Can travellers swim in Lake Aydarkul?
Lake activities follow season, weather and local conditions. The lake stop is presented as a nature visit, not as a guaranteed beach service.
What is Sentyab?
Sentyab is a mountain village that adds village life, mountain scenery and a non-city section between Lake Aydarkul and Samarkand.
Is the route physically difficult?
The route has moderate walking, city sightseeing, long road sections, a desert night and a village visit. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
Which guide language is included?
Local English-speaking guides are included for the sightseeing program. Other languages are arranged through the manager.
Can I add an escort guide for the full route?
Yes. The escort guide add-on is listed at 400 USD.
Is visa support included?
Uzbekistan visa support is included for travellers who need it. The visa fee itself is not included.
Can the tour be booked online?
Yes. Use the CAJ.UZ online booking page for tour ID 15.
Can I pay by Visa or Mastercard?
Yes. CAJ.UZ online payment pages accept Visa and Mastercard. Bank transfer is also used; cash payment is arranged with the manager.
Does payment instantly secure every service?
Payment creates the order. The manager then sends the travel file with hotels, tickets, meeting details and contacts.
Can the hotel category be changed?
Yes. The 3* and 4* versions are priced separately, and the hotel category is selected before booking.
Can the tour be cancelled?
Cancellation and refunds follow CAJ.UZ rules. Supplier services, special fares, train tickets and issued services can affect the refund amount.
What should I bring for the yurt camp and Lake Aydarkul?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a hat, a light warm layer for the evening, personal toiletries and personal medication.
Useful links
Plan the trip
Payment and documents
Company and trust
5
5
20
Price for 1 pax
Accommodation in 3* Hotel / Valid from 2 people
Double/twin room
$718
Single room
$778
Accommodation in 4* Hotel
Double/twin room
$833
Single room
$928
Escort tour guide
$400
Book now..
Prices valid until: 31.12.2026