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View of mosque dome against blue sky.

Khiva

Originally built as a garrison town to house slaves in transit, Khiva, which is also known as Xiva by Uzbeks, was a prosperous city which fell into decline, was abandoned and then left to the ravages of the desert.

Today, thanks to UNESCO, Khiva has been restored to its former glory and unlike many cities in Central Asia, it has been preserved in its entirety. Although it has the air of a museum, slowly but surely, it is coming back to life. The harem, mosques, bazaar and madrassas are all there and to stay a night in one of the small private guest houses allows travellers to experience Khiva at its best, when the moonlit silhouettes of the tilting columns and madrassas, viewed from twisting alleyways, work their magic.

Itchan Kala, Khiva, Uzbekistan — Khiva, Uzbekistan

Why visit Khiva?

Day trips from the city can be arranged, taking in some of the local sites including a few of the historic buildings in Ichon-Qala; mosques, shrines and museums. Also a trip to Urgench, the capital of the Khorezm province of Uzbekistan, is recommended, providing a good launch point for the ‘Golden Ring’ of ancient fortresses in southern Karakalpakstan.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan – Follow like Polo

Travel by road or rail to explore the Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, each awash with UNESCO World Heritage sites. Follow the greatest land-based trading route in history, stretching from China through Central Asia to Europe and immerse yourself in this timeless cultural crossroads.

View of Islamic buildings through blue mosaic archway.

Uzbekistan: Silk Road Adventure

The perfect time to explore the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan and even cross borders to the soaring peaks and high altitude lakes of Kyrgyzstan.

The edge of Aydarkul Lake fringed by beautiful red foliage

Kyzylkum Desert

Visit Aydarkul Lake in the Kyzylkum Desert – camp out in yurts and ride a camel.

Fergana Valley Pass, Uzbekistan

Fergana Valley

Visit the fertile silk producing region of the Fergana Valley.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chor Minor, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Discover Bukhara

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of Bukhara, home to bazaars, minarets and madrasas.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Ata Darvoza, Itchan Kala, Khiva, Uzbekistan

UNESCO Khiva

Explore the UNESCO city of Khiva, possibly the best preserved of all the Silk Road cities.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Person Hiking through the Chimgan Mountain landscape in Uzbekistan

Hike in the Chimgan Mountains

Embark on a day trek or a more challenging multi day hike in the Chimgan Mountains.

Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Registan Square

Wander around Samarkand exploring the restored madrasas flanking the edges of Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the countries most iconic images.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Group tour

Golden Eagle – The Silk Route by Train

For centuries the domain of adventurers and merchants trading their wares, the ancient Silk Route covers some 4,000 miles. Board the luxurious Golden Eagle train and cross five countries, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great on a journey across Central…

Departing 27th September 2025

14 days from £20,695pp

GW Train, Lake Baikal, Russia

View Group Tour

Idea

Journey through Central Asia – The Five Stans

Travel through five very different countries, crossing desert, mountains and grasslands, seeing the finest architecture in Central Asia. This fascinating journey takes in the highlights of the ‘Stans’, a region known for its nomadic culture and silk road history. Gain an insight…

23 days from £5,980pp

Men, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia by Paul Craven

View Holiday Idea

Group tour

Minarets, Silk and Fergana Valley

Combine the renowned UNESCO sites of Uzbekistan with the lesser known (but no less fascinating) sites and bazaars of Tajikistan, escorted throughout by writer and Silk Road expert, William Taylor. Travelling by road and by train, this is a tour for travellers…

Departing 11th April 2026

14 days from £3,850pp

Shakhi Zinda, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

View Group Tour

Group tour

Silk Road Stories: Three Stans with Chris Aslan

Join author and Silk Road expert Chris Aslan on this 15-day journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Central Asia — from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan — uncovering lesser-known corners alongside the region’s storied highlights.

Departing 21st August 2026

15 days from £4,495pp

Toshhovli Palace

View Group Tour

Idea

Highlights of Uzbekistan

This comprehensive holiday to Uzbekistan takes in the silk road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. We would highly recommend an extension into less visited regions such as the Fergana Valley or even onto one of its neighbouring ‘Stans’ – Kyrgyzstan…

10 days from £2,995pp

Hast Imam Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Uzbekistan holiday ideas.

Our Uzbekistan experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Group tour

Golden Eagle – The Silk Route by Train

For centuries the domain of adventurers and merchants trading their wares, the ancient Silk Route covers some 4,000 miles. Board the luxurious Golden Eagle train and cross five countries, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great on a journey…

Departing 27th September 2025

14 days from £20,695pp

GW Train, Lake Baikal, Russia

View Group Tour

Idea

Journey through Central Asia – The Five Stans

Travel through five very different countries, crossing desert, mountains and grasslands, seeing the finest architecture in Central Asia. This fascinating journey takes in the highlights of the ‘Stans’, a region known for its nomadic culture and silk road history. Gain…

23 days from £5,980pp

Men, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia by Paul Craven

View Holiday Idea

Group tour

Minarets, Silk and Fergana Valley

Combine the renowned UNESCO sites of Uzbekistan with the lesser known (but no less fascinating) sites and bazaars of Tajikistan, escorted throughout by writer and Silk Road expert, William Taylor. Travelling by road and by train, this is a tour…

Departing 11th April 2026

14 days from £3,850pp

Shakhi Zinda, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

View Group Tour

Group tour

Silk Road Stories: Three Stans with Chris Aslan

Join author and Silk Road expert Chris Aslan on this 15-day journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Central Asia — from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan — uncovering lesser-known corners alongside the region’s storied highlights.

Departing 21st August 2026

15 days from £4,495pp

Toshhovli Palace

View Group Tour

Idea

Highlights of Uzbekistan

This comprehensive holiday to Uzbekistan takes in the silk road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. We would highly recommend an extension into less visited regions such as the Fergana Valley or even onto one of its neighbouring ‘Stans’…

10 days from £2,995pp

Hast Imam Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

View Holiday Idea

View all holiday ideas View all group tours

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.

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