Day 1. Tashkent
Arrival in Tashkent, transfer, and hotel check-in. The first day includes a city tour. We will visit historical landmarks, have lunch at a national restaurant, meet the support team, inspect and check the motorcycles. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Tashkent - Jizzakh
In the morning, we will depart from Tashkent to Jizzakh. The city dates back to the 10th century and was a stopover on the Great Silk Road. Jizzakh is set in a picturesque area: on one side, the rugged Nurata Mountains, at the foot of which the Sanzar River flows, and on the other, the seemingly endless Hunger Steppe. We will cover the first 200 km of our journey on our iron horses. This day will be spent exploring ancient structures and local markets, which have preserved their trade traditions with a rich abundance of fruits, vegetables, and handmade textile goods. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 3: Jizzakh - Shakhrisabz
Morning departure from Jizzakh to Shakhrisabz. The historical city was founded over 2,700 years ago. The ancient residents, the Sogdians, were known for their craftsmanship, trade, and advanced culture. The historical center of Shakhrisabz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit Ak-Saray (Timur’s palace, built in 1380), the mausoleum of Sheikh Shamsaddin, the Gumbazi-Seyidan Mausoleum, and the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Shakhrisabz.
Day 4: Shakhrisabz - Bukhara
Breakfast, followed by departure from Shakhrisabz to Bukhara. Bukhara is one of the world’s oldest cities, over 2,500 years old. The city's original name in ancient times is unknown. The entire oasis was called "Bukhara" in the past, and by the 10th century, the name became associated with the city itself. Some scholars suggest that the name "Bukhara" originates from the Sanskrit word vihara (Buddhist monastery). However, no Buddhist or Manichean artifacts have been found in the city. Overnight stay in a 300-year-old madrasa guesthouse.
Day 5: Bukhara
After breakfast, we will go on a guided tour of Bukhara’s historical sites:
• Ark Fortress
• Poi-Kalyan Architectural Ensemble
• Ulugh Beg Madrasah
• Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah
• Lyabi-Khauz Complex
• Magoki Attori Mosque
Overnight stay in the historic madrasa guesthouse.
Day 6: Bukhara - Ayaz Kala Fortress
Morning departure from Bukhara to Ayaz Kala Fortress. We will ride off-road across the Kyzylkum Desert, encountering rare sights of a world long past.
The ancient fortress witnessed fierce battles among Turkic peoples. Ayaz Kala dates back to the Kushan period (3rd–2nd century BCE) and was first excavated in 1939-1940.
Among the various settlements, three stand out:
• Ayaz Kala-3, a fortified complex with minarets and labyrinths.
• Ayaz Kala-2, built during the Kushan era and modified between the 5th and 7th centuries CE.
• Ayaz Kala-1, located on a high plateau near Ayazkol Lake, served as a military stronghold.
Archaeological findings include iron daggers, knives, spearheads, bronze and gold artifacts. Overnight stay in a yurt camp.
Day 7: Ayaz Kala Fortress - Khiva
Morning departure from Ayaz Kala Fortress to Khiva. In 2017, Khiva celebrated its 2,520th anniversary. Surrounded by powerful walls, the city’s historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true open-air museum. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 8: Khiva
A rest day in Khiva with visits to its historical landmarks:
• Kalta Minar Minaret – meaning "Short Tower," it was constructed in the 19th century but left unfinished.
Originally, it was planned to reach 70-80 meters, but construction stopped at 29 meters.
• Juma Mosque – built in the 18th century, but with origins dating back to the 10th century. It is unique in structure, lacking portals, domes, galleries, or an inner courtyard.
• Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah
Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 9: Khiva - Bukhara
We continue our journey, departing from Khiva to return to Bukhara. This ancient city has served as a cultural, scientific, and theological center of Central Asia for centuries. Bukhara was a key stop along the Silk Road, linking the Mediterranean with the Far East. The city was a hub for Muslim scholars and remains a revered pilgrimage site. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 10: Bukhara - Samarkand
We leave Bukhara and head to the ancient city of Samarkand, famous for its eastern bazaars and historic sites. Overnight stay at a hotel.
11 Day. Samarkand
A day of rest for our motorcycles as we explore the magical city of Samarkand. The city has witnessed the reigns of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Tamerlane, blending diverse cultures. In 2001, Samarkand was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our city tour is divided into two parts:
• Morning: Visit to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and Registan Square.
• Lunch: We will taste authentic Uzbek plov, a national dish.
• Afternoon: Visit to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Samarkand Bazaar.
Overnight stay at an oriental-style hotel.
12 Day. Samarkand - Jizzakh
We depart from Samarkand, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful landscapes as we pass through villages and settlements on our way to Jizzakh. Overnight stay at a hotel.
13 Day. Jizzakh - Tashkent
A relaxed day as we ride back to Tashkent. Along the way, we will make short detours to visit picturesque locations and take some final trip photos. A farewell dinner awaits us in Tashkent, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.
14 Day. Tashkent
After a full night’s rest, your departure depends on your flight schedule. If time allows, you can enjoy one last stroll through sunny Tashkent before heading to the airport. This marks the end of your adventure! We wish you a safe flight and a smooth landing back home. The memories of these days spent in Uzbekistan with the SilkOffRoad team will stay with you for decades to come!