🌏 Navruz, the Spring Festival in Uzbekistan – 11 Days / 10 Nights ✨
A unique journey into the heart of Persian New Year celebrations! 🌸
🎊 Immerse yourself in the magic of Navruz, a symbol of renewal and prosperity!
Celebrated for over 2500 years, this ancient Zoroastrian festival marks the spring equinox. Through lively streets, folk dances, festive banquets, and thrilling Buzkashi tournaments 🏇, experience Uzbekistan at its most vibrant!
💎 Highlights of this Trip:
✅ Participate in Navruz celebrations in an authentic village (Mitan / Urgut / Chirakchi) with a traditional meal in a local family.
✅ Attend an exciting Buzkashi tournament, the legendary horseback sport of Central Asia.
✅ Explore the legendary cities of the Silk Road: Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.
✅ Visit artisan workshops, see silk dyeing techniques, miniatures, and ceramics, and enjoy a traditional fashion show in Samarkand.
📅 Detailed Itinerary:
🛫 Day 1: Departure from Europe – Arrival in Tashkent
✈️ International flight to Tashkent with Turkish Airlines. Overnight on board.
🏙️ Day 2: Tashkent – First Glimpse of Uzbekistan
🛬 Arrival at night, meet & greet, transfer to hotel.
🥐 Breakfast and rest before sightseeing.
🔹 Discover Tashkent:
- Khazrat-i-Imam Complex and the ancient VII-century Quran.
- Barak Khan Madrasah and Friday Mosque.
- Chorsu Bazaar, Uzbekistan’s largest market.
- Museum of Applied Arts and a tour of Tashkent’s artistic metro stations.
- Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, and a walk through Eski Juva.
🏨 Overnight in Tashkent.
🏰 Day 3: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
✈️ Early morning flight to Urgench, transfer to Khiva.
🔹 Explore the walled city of Itchan-Kala (UNESCO):
- Kalta Minor Minaret, an iconic symbol of Khiva.
- Kounya Ark Fortress and Tash Khaouli Palace.
- Juma Mosque with 218 carved wooden columns.
- Pakhlavan Makhmoud Mausoleum, one of the most beautiful in Uzbekistan.
🏨 Overnight in Khiva.
🏜️ Day 4: Khiva – Bukhara (450 km, ~10h drive)
🚙 Cross the Kyzylkum Desert, see the Amu Darya River.
🕌 Arrive in Bukhara late afternoon, free time to explore the old city.
🏨 Overnight in Bukhara.
🌟 Day 5: Bukhara – The Pearl of the Orient
🔹 Full-day exploration of historic Bukhara:
- Po-i-Kalyan Complex, an architectural masterpiece.
- Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, the most prestigious Islamic school in Central Asia.
- The Ark Citadel, former residence of Bukhara’s emirs.
- Jewish Quarter and Synagogue.
- Samanid Mausoleum, a unique IX-century monument.
🏨 Overnight in Bukhara.
🏇 Day 6: Bukhara – Buzkashi Festival (Nomadic Horse Game)
🥐 Depart to a nearby village to witness Buzkashi, the ancient equestrian sport where riders compete to seize a goat carcass without saddles or stirrups!
🐎 A thrilling atmosphere with traditional music, dance, and folklore!
🍽️ Lunch with locals, featuring plov and shashlik.
🚗 Return to Bukhara in the evening.
🏨 Overnight in Bukhara.
🎊 Day 7: Navruz – Spring Festival in a Village
🚙 Drive to Mitan / Urgut / Chirakchi, a village in full celebration!
🎉 Traditional tea ceremony and Soumalak preparation, a sacred Navruz dish.
🪗 Folk dances and music performances, hands-on participation in festive preparations.
🛕 Meet local artisans and learn kilim weaving & samosa baking in a traditional clay oven.
🚗 Transfer to Samarkand.
🏨 Overnight in Samarkand.
🏛️ Day 8: Samarkand – Treasures of the Silk Road
🔹 Explore Samarkand’s most iconic landmarks:
- Registan Square, framed by three magnificent madrasahs.
- Gur Emir Mausoleum, the tomb of Tamerlane.
- Bibi-Khanoum Mosque and Siab Market.
🏨 Overnight in Samarkand.
🎭 Day 9: Samarkand – Artisan Traditions & Fashion Show
🔹 Artisan visits:
- Silk carpet weaving factory, traditional techniques preserved for centuries.
- Konigil Mulberry Paper Workshop, making paper the ancient way.
🛍️ Free time at Siab Bazaar.
🎤 Evening performance: “Songs of Silk”, featuring a fashion show of Uzbek traditional costumes.
🏨 Overnight in Samarkand.
🚆 Day 10: Samarkand – Tashkent
🚙 Free morning.
🚆 Depart to Tashkent via high-speed Afrosiyob train.
🏨 Overnight in Tashkent.
✈️ Day 11: Return to Europe
🚖 Transfer to the airport, flight home via Istanbul.
💰 Pricing & Details
📌 Price: from €779 per person
👥 Guaranteed departure from 2 participants
📩 Contact: info@silkroadhorizons.com
✅ Included in Price:
✔️ Accommodation in 3+ hotels*.
✔️ Full board meals (from Day 2 to Day 11).
✔️ English -speaking guide throughout the trip.
✔️ Private air-conditioned transport.
✔️ All entrance fees to museums & monuments.
✔️ Participation in Navruz Festivities & Buzkashi Tournament.
✔️ Traditional fashion show in Samarkand.
❌ Not Included:
❌ International & domestic flights (approx. €664 per person).
❌ Beverages, personal expenses, tips.
🌟 Celebrate Navruz in Uzbekistan – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience! 🌟
