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Living Uzbekistan: Travel That Gives Back

Itinerary
Itinerary
Tashkent - Khiva - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent
Duration
Duration
9 days/ 7 nights
In partnership with
In partnership with
POSITIVE IMPACT TOURISM B.V.

Positive-Impact-Tourism-1080px-logo Developed in partnership with POSITIVE IMPACT TOURISM B.V., Living Uzbekistan: Travel That Gives Back is a journey through the country as it exists today — vibrant, complex, and deeply human.

Uzbekistan is often described through monuments, empires, and ancient routes.

But the country lives not only in its past — it lives in people, hands, voices, and everyday choices.

Living Uzbekistan: Travel That Gives Back is a journey through the country as it exists today: vibrant, complex, and deeply human. This tour is built around real encounters — with local communities, family-run businesses, artisans, guides, and hosts whose lives are directly connected to the places you visit.

Traveling from Tashkent to Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and back to Tashkent, you move not only across geography, but across layers of modern Uzbekistan. You stay in locally owned hotels, eat food prepared by local families, learn from craftspeople, and support initiatives that keep traditions alive while providing fair income and dignity.

This is not about “seeing more”.
It is about traveling consciously, understanding where your presence matters, and leaving something meaningful behind — respect, connection, and positive impact.

Living Uzbekistan is travel that gives back — to the country, to its people, and to the traveler.

Tour program
Day 1
Arrival in Tashkent (No meal)
Your journey through Living Uzbekistan: Travel That Gives Back begins in Tashkent — a city where Soviet avenues, ancient neighborhoods, and modern life coexist side by side.

Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, meet by your local guide and transferred to the hotel. After check-in (available after 14:00), there is time to rest after your flight and gently settle into the rhythm of the city.

In the evening, head out for a light introductory walk. Visit the Monument of Courage, a symbol of resilience and solidarity, and continue along Broadway Street toward Amir Timur Square, where locals gather, stroll, and socialize. This first walk offers a soft introduction to the spirit of modern Tashkent.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2
Tashkent: Heritage, Crafts and Living Traditions (B, L)
After breakfast and check-out, your day begins with a guided exploration of Historic Tashkent.

Visit the Hazrati Imam Complex, one of the most important spiritual centers in the city, followed by a walk through traditional mahalla neighborhoods. Along the way, stop by local workshops, where craftsmen continue skills passed down through generations. A short master class with a local artisan offers a hands-on insight into everyday craftsmanship in Uzbekistan.

The tour continues to Chorsu Bazaar, a vibrant market where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, bread, and household goods — a living portrait of daily life in the city.

Lunch is served at Besh Qozon, the largest plov center in Uzbekistan. This is more than a meal: plov is prepared in massive cauldrons, each capable of cooking up to 1,200 portions, making this place a true cultural institution.

After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.

In the afternoon, meet a female fashion designer at the Maison de Chapan Museum, where you learn about the history, symbolism, and contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Uzbek chapans. This encounter highlights how heritage, design, and modern entrepreneurship come together in today’s Uzbekistan.

In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board the overnight train to Khiva.

Overnight on the train (coupe / advanced class).

Day 3
Tashkent → Khiva: First Encounters (L)
Arrival in Khiva around midday, followed by a meeting with the local guide and transfer to a family-run restaurant for lunch. A relaxed meal offers the first taste of Khorezm cuisine and sets the tone for the city ahead.

After hotel check-in and a short rest, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring Khiva’s historic heart. The walk begins at the Kunya Ark Fortress and continues through the old city toward the spiritual Djuma Mosque, revealing narrow streets, adobe walls, and the quiet rhythm of everyday life inside the ancient city.

In the early evening, a visit to a local English language learning center creates space for genuine cultural exchange. Time is spent playing interactive language games, sharing simple conversations, and connecting through curiosity and laughter. Small symbolic gifts may be offered to the children or the center, followed by a short discussion on language, education, and opportunity in today’s world. The visit ends with learning a few popular local phrases — practical, memorable, and human.

Return to the hotel and overnight in Khiva.

Day 4
Khiva → Bukhara: From Walled City to Desert Roads (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a continuation of the Khiva city walk. Key sites include the Pahlavan Mahmud MausoleumIslam Khoja Minaret, and Tash Hauli Palace, each reflecting different layers of Khiva’s spiritual, political, and domestic history.

After check-out, time is reserved for a short stop at a local shop to collect snacks and drinks for the journey.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and departure toward Bukhara by passenger train in advanced class. The train ride becomes part of the experience — a shared space with local travelers, informal conversations, and small moments of cultural exchange. Meaningful souvenirs may be shared as symbols of friendship and connection.

Late evening arrival in Bukhara, followed by transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 5
Bukhara: Living Heritage and Everyday Life (B, D)
Breakfast at the hotel.

The day begins with a half-day walking exploration of Bukhara, focusing on Lyabi-Hauz ComplexNasriddin Afandi monument, traditional trading domes, and the madrasas of Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, with an outside view of the Poi Kalon Complex.

A visit to the Green Bazaar adds a local layer to the day — fresh vegetables, dry fruits, samsa, and everyday trade from the local vendors.

Later, a relaxed picnic takes place in a city park, accompanied by a tasting of spiced Bukhara tea. Time is spent with a local family, sharing conversation and hospitality away from the tourist routes, offering a quieter and more intimate view of the city.

Free time in the afternoon invites independent wandering through narrow streets and hidden courtyards — Bukhara often reveals its beauty when turning away from the obvious path.

In the evening, a traditional plov cooking class takes place in a local house, followed by dinner and a small folk performance.

Overnight at the hotel.

Optional (for groups of 8 or more):
A meeting with Bukhara craftswomen and needlewomen in the afternoon, offering insight into handmade traditions, personal stories, and the cultural meaning behind their work.

Day 6
Bukhara → Samarkand: Art, Craft and Continuity (B)
Breakfast and hotel check-out.

The morning includes a visit to the Ark Citadel and the summer residence Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, offering contrast between power, leisure, and daily life.

A miniature painting masterclass follows in a family-run house where silk paper is still produced by hand. Classical techniques are explored, traditional motifs introduced, and painting takes place on locally made silk paper. When possible, local children attending free classes join the session, creating a shared and meaningful learning environment. Part of the experience supports the continuation of these free lessons.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and departure to Samarkand.
Arrival in the early evening, followed by transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 7
Samarkand: History and Social Impact (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.

The day is dedicated to Samarkand’s most iconic landmarks: Gur Emir MausoleumRegistan SquareBibi Khanum MosqueUlugbek Observatory, and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis — each reflecting different chapters of the city’s past.

In the afternoon, time is devoted to a visit to a local women’s initiative, depending on availability:

Option 1 – Women’s Shelter
A respectful visit to a shelter supporting women affected by domestic violence, including a conversation with staff and, when appropriate, a small act of support such as a donation or requested supplies.

Option 2 – Skills Training Center for Young Women
A meeting with young women (ages 16–18) attending a pre-marriage and skills training program focused on cooking, sewing, and basic psychology — rooted in local tradition while supporting independence and future opportunities.

The evening is free.

Optional recommendation: an evening walk around Registan Square to see the monuments illuminated in changing colors.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8
Samarkand → Tashkent: Home and Continuity (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel and free time in the morning for independent exploration.

After check-out, a hands-on cooking class takes place in a local family home. Traditional pumpkin manty are prepared together, followed by a homemade lunch shared with elderly women from the neighborhood — a simple, warm, and deeply human moment.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and departure to Tashkent.
Evening arrival, followed by hotel transfer, check-in, and overnight stay.

Day 9
Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out and transfer to the airport.
Cost including:
Accommodation at the guest houses and hotels in twin/ triple sharing rooms 
Accommodation at the guest houses and hotels in twin/ triple sharing rooms 

- Single Supplement at + 145.00 USD per person

Meals: daily breakfast
Meals: daily breakfast

 

Including: 

- Lunch at Plov (Pilaf) Center in Tashkent

- Lunch at family running cafe in Khiva

- Lunch box for the train from Khiva

- Cooking class of plov (pilaf) in Bukhara

- Cooking class of manty in Samarkand

- Excluding the breakfast at the train on the Day 3

Transport for excursion days as per present itinerary
Transport for excursion days as per present itinerary

Excluding

- Dinner time from 18:00 (if there is not mentioned in the itinerary)

- Free days / times  

Transport type:

- Sedan car for 3 pax

- Van Hyundai Starex or H1 for 3-5 pax

- Minibus Toyota Hiace 14-seater for 6-7 pax

- Midibus King Long 17-seater for 8-10 pax

All pick and drop to/from the airports and railway stations
All pick and drop to/from the airports and railway stations
Train tickets
Train tickets

Including:

- Tashkent – Khiva – Bukhara (advanced class, coupe)

- Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent (fast train, economy class, 2nd class)

Local English speaking tour guides for excursion days as per present itinerary
Local English speaking tour guides for excursion days as per present itinerary
Sustainable activities:
Sustainable activities:

- Master class in workshop with master in Tashkent

- Meeting with female fashion designer in Tashkent

- Degustation of Bukharian spicy tea

- Miniature painting master class

- Folk show in Bukhara during the cooking class of Pilaf

Water for each guest every day
Water for each guest every day
Cost is not including:
International ticket to and from Uzbekistan
International ticket to and from Uzbekistan
Meals: lunch and dinners. which were not mentioned in the main cost
Meals: lunch and dinners. which were not mentioned in the main cost
Monuments entrance fees: from 95.00 USD per person
Monuments entrance fees: from 95.00 USD per person
Sustainable activities
Sustainable activities

- Interactive games for Learning Center in Khiva

- Souvenirs for local people

- Meeting with craftswomen in Bukhara

- Needed staff or donation for Shelter in Samarkand

Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance
Tips for attendants
Tips for attendants
Tourism in the regions is very important and the main income for waiters, drivers and guides. Considering that wages in the regions are relatively low, they need additional income and will be very grateful for a tip. 
Travel with Care

- The program is designed with flexibility in mind. Minor adjustments to the schedule or activities may take place due to local conditions, weather, or community availability, while preserving the overall structure and spirit of the journey.

- Some community visits, workshops, and social initiatives depend on local partners and may vary slightly in format. All activities are arranged respectfully, with consent, and in line with ethical and responsible travel principles.

- Encounters with local communities are based on mutual respect and cultural sensitivity. Participation is always optional and guided with care.

- This journey supports locally owned businesses, family-run initiatives, and community-based projects. By traveling in this way, each trip contributes directly to the local economy and social initiatives.

- The itinerary reflects real life in Uzbekistan. Moments of spontaneity, adaptation, and human connection are part of the experience and add depth to the journey.

Package cost
9 days/ 7 nights
2 pax
1894.00 USD per person
3 pax
1660.00 USD per person
4-5 pax
1430.00 USD per person
6-7 pax
1260.00 USD per person
8-10 pax
1160.00 USD per person

The cost of the tour may vary depending on the number of participants, changes to the train schedule, government events, national holidays, and fluctuations in the exchange rates between USD, EUR, and UZS.

Reprinting, as well as the use of materials from this site, is allowed only with the consent of the owner. 

Телефон:
Address
44/1, Chilanzarskaya street
100115 Tashkent, Uzbekistan