The Golden Age: Adventure in Uzbekistan 7D/6N

      Uzbekistan

      HT
      Halal Travel Guide
      • Twitter verified
      16 reviews
      Duration: 7 days
      Group size: 1 - 18
      The Golden Age: Adventure in Uzbekistan 7D/6N
      Uzbekistan

      Halal Travel Guide
      • Twitter verified
      16 reviews

      £NaN
      Duration: 7 days
      Group size: 1 - 18

      About this trip

      Adventure through Uzbekistan on our epic 7-day itinerary through Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand. We've designed this trip so you'll explore the heart of the Golden Age of Islam in Central Asia, all while enjoying delicious Uzbek food, trying your hand at Islamic arts and enjoying beautiful architecture and scenery.

      Wondering what it's like to travel with us? Here's what Salih said after joining this trip in March 2022:

      My trip with Halal Travel Guide was amazing
      "My trip with Halal Travel Guide was full of adventure and discovery, without the hassle of having to plan.

      I went to Uzbekistan and was warmly treated by everyone, we had aid of a local guide Humoyun who knew the language and people to ultimately keep us safe and informed wherever we went.
      I was really impressed with the amount of care we received throughout the trip.
      The tour itself was rich in Islamic history and for each city we visited we had a specialist guide accompany our main guide and group to share their knowledge.

      There were no concerns in regards to transport while on the trip, picking a great hotel or worrying about the best place to eat as it was all arranged.. we simply showed up and enjoyed a great trip all round

      Soumaya has done a great job in bringing value to anyone travelling with HTG especially if you’re going to a country you’ve never been to.

      Personally I don’t think I would’ve ever been able to match the quality of service HTG provided me if I were to plan and do Everything myself."
       

      Trip Highlights

      Tashkent – Samarkand – Gijduvon - Bukhara
      What you'll experience during this trip

      • Sample authentic Uzbek cuisine at the Chorsu Bazaar
      • Islamic Calligraphy masterclass in Ulugbeg Madrasa, Registan Sq
      • Guided walking tours through Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
      • Stories of key figures in Islamic history including Imam al Bukhari, Al Maturidi, Al Khwarizmi, Sheikh Gujduvani and more
      • A plov-making session with local Uzbek family
      • Trips to Uzbekistan's scenic mountain ranges (optional)
      • Cable-car trip to the mountains (option included in Mountain trip)

      2024 Trip Dates

      2024 dates are now open for Booking!

      Departures:

      1. Saturday 20th - Friday 26th April 2024 (Ladies only, please check the page associated with this trip)
      2. Saturday 18th - Friday 24th May 2024
      3. Saturday 7th - Friday 13th September 2024
      4. Saturday 5th - Friday 11th October 2024
      5. Saturday 26th October - Friday 1st November 2024  (Ladies only, please check the page associated with this trip)

      Want to pay in instalments?

      If you would like to pay in instalments, let us know and we'll set this up for you! Please note:

      1. A £100 deposit is required to secure your booking. This is non-refundable and non-transferable.

      2. Full payment is received 8 weeks before the trip, or at a push, no later than 6 weeks before a trip.

      3. You can opt to pay in up to 3 equal instalments at no extra cost. 

      Airport Transfer Window

       

      ARRIVAL TRANSFER: On Saturday morning from 07:30 - 08:30 am. 

      DEPARTURE TRANSFER: On Friday at 07:00 am.

      Arrival/Departure Airport: Taskent (TAS)


      These transfer windows have been planned to align with flights to Tashkent with Turkish Airlines. We welcome guests from all nationalities and countries to join the trip and can arrange separate airport transfers where necessary, for an additional fee. 

      Terms & Conditions of Booking

      Please familiarise yourself with the Ts&Cs below. It's very important that you have read these before booking your flights, to give yourself the best preparation and protection.


      1. A £60 deposit is required to confirm your booking. The deposit is non-transferable and non-refundable. 

      2. Full payment is required no later than 8 weeks before your trip departure.

      3. Once you have made your full payment it is non-refundable and non-transferable. You may sell your space to somebody else should you find you are no longer able to travel. 

      4. Cancellations less than 10 weeks before trip departure are liable to incur costs. Should you anticipate challenges travelling, please give us as much notice as possible. 

      5. We strongly recommend you buy travel insurance as soon as making your booking, to protect yourself in case unforeseen circumstances arise and you are no longer able to travel. This should include medical cover and cancellation protection in the event of covid, flight cancellations, illness etc.

      6. Entry requirements: It is incumbent upon each traveller to familiarise themselves with the entry requirements to the country they are visiting. This includes visas and covid testing status. 

      7. The itinerary is a suggested outline of the route we will take and the activities that we'll experience. We will keep it flexible and make changes in the event the weather, or road conditions mean we need to adjust our plans. The same goes for our activity coordinators - in the event they are unwell or unable to attend due to a private emergency, don't worry; we'll arrange a suitable alternative.

      8. All guests are screened following booking. Should you not pass the screening process, your deposit will be refunded.

      9. You will receive details of the accommodations you'll be hosted at in your welcome pack, after booking. We expect you to research the accommodations in advance so that you know what to expect on the trip, particularly if you are opting for a shared room.

      10. Once you are on the trip, there are no refunds, partial refunds or credit refunds.

      11. Should your flight be cancelled, it is incumbent upon you to book a suitable alternative. If you do not attend the trip this will be classed as a no-show, and no refunds will be given. (This is where your travel insurance recommended in clause 5 will come in handy!).

      What’s included

      • Activities
        All activities listed above
      • Accommodation
        6 nights in hotels across Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
      • Meals
        7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 farewell dinner
      • Group Leader
        Your HTG group leader will support and lead you throughout your stay
      • Arabic Calligraphy
        Calligraphy Workshop with our master craftsmen, Ustadh Abdul Jalil
      • Pottery experience
      • Plov-making experience
        Cook your own plov with a local Uzbek family
      • Local tour guides
        Local tour guides and hosts to enhance your experience in each city.
      • Airport transfer
        Pick up and drop off at Tashkent International Airport during the transfer window
      • Transport
        Transport throughout trip in private vehicle
      • Intercity train ticket
        Bullet train ticket from Tashkent to Samarkand
      • Tax
        Taxes
      • International flight
      • Domestic flight
        One internal flight from Bukhara to Tashkent (around 50 USD)
      • Personal expenses
        Shopping/souvenirs, travel insurance
      • Extra meal
        Meals outside of those stated above (dinner)
      • Tips
        For driver and guides
      • Travel insurance
      • Chimgan Mountains Visit
        Enjoy a day trip to Uzbekistan's scenic Chimgan Charvak mountain range.

      Available Packages

      Super Early Bird Offer! Sharing Twin

       Hurry, there are limited early-bird tickets available! This ticket is for sharing a twin room. If you are travelling solo, no worries - we'll pair you up with another solo traveller :) 

      £999
      Deposit: £100
      Early Bird Offer! Sharing Twin
      £1,095
      Deposit: £100
      Early Bird/Single Room Upgrade
      £1,299
      Deposit: £100
      Standard ticket/Sharing twin room
      £1,165
      Deposit: £100
      Child ticket (min age 6, max age 10)
      £575
      Deposit: £100
      Day trip to Chimgan-Charvak mountains
      £50

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Arrival and welcome in Tashkent

      Welcome to Uzbekistan!

      You’ll be greeted you at the airport and taken straight to your hotel to freshen up and rest a little.


      Please note that your guide will wait for you outside the airport exit. The airport is not large and is easy to navigate. 


      In the afternoon we’ll take you to Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s central market and possibly the best way to get introduced to Uzbek culture. You’ll have the chance to sample plov, somsa, lagman and so much more!


      Tonight, you'll meet your tour leader and enjoy your warm welcome to Uzbekistan at our group dinner


      Overnight in Tashkent.

      Your Organizer


      HT
      Halal Travel Guide
      16 reviews
      Halal Travel Guide is making it easier for you to enjoy unique travel experiences designed by travel experts and local guides. Our partnerships produce more than individually crafted trips designed with Muslims in mind. Together with our homegrown travel experts, we’re breaking down barriers and building connections that make life better. Our Values ✨Excellent Service 🤝 Building cross-cultural bridges 💚 Hosting you with love 🌙 Travelling to seek knowledge 🌿 Being Mindful, Intentional & Responsible

      Reviews

      Wow. What can I say about this, my 2nd trip with HTG in the space of 2 months. Uzbekistan stole my heart, I was mesmerised by the sights and the experience. The tour guide was such a laugh and kept us all entertained, hotels were amazing and again I met some lovely people and made more friends for life. Soumaya kept in touch with us during the trip to make sure everything was okay, which was appreciated. Honestly, if you're hesitating then book the trip to Uzbekistan, it's an amazing place full of so much Islamic history, fascinating facts and mind blowing sights. You'll make the most amazing memories and nourish your soul. And you'll love looking through the beautiful photos, while you wait for your next trip! Thanks HTG for a trip of a lifetime 💕
      By Aisha P for The Golden Age: Adventure in Uzbekistan 7D/6N on Nov 06, 2023
      What can I say, this was my first trip with HTG (I booked three trips at once-Bosnia, Uzbekistan and Andalusia) and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I met some lovely ladies and have made friends for life. Thanks to Soumaya and the HTG team for delivering such an awesome trip, I was in awe of the natural wonders of Bosnia-Herzegovina, including waterfalls, mountains, rivers, gorges, and so much Islamic heritage and history which is the main reason I travel for.
      By Aisha P for Chasing Waterfalls in Bosnia Herzegovina 6D/5N (Ladies only!) on Nov 06, 2023
      This is the first time I travelled with HTG, having previously used another well-established, international group travel company. Overall, I think the intent behind the tour and themes had a lot of promise and were the reasons I was attracted to HTG but unfortunately I didn’t feel the itinerary was executed well. But please note, I did enjoy many of the places we went to and would highly recommend Uzbekistan to any travellers. Detailed feedback below. 1. Hotels - the Tashkent and Bukhara hotels were good but I was disappointed with the other accommodation - particularly Khiva and the Yurt camp. Khiva was extremely basic, although thankfully clean and in a good location. Given the price for the tour in comparison to other companies, I expected a better standard of hotels. The yurt camp (Oxus Adventures) was awful, the bedding looked unclean, we didn’t get given blankets and basically froze the whole night. Bathroom was outside and the camp’s guard dog kept barking whenever we opened our door so we didn’t feel comfortable leaving our room. Lock of door was also broken. My main concern with this place was the mistreatment of the animals. I, on more than one occasion, saw the owners of the camp beat /bully their very docile dog. It was heartbreaking. As an ethical company, I don’t think HTG should continue to work with this camp. Also on the day we left, the camp was full of wasps which was terrifying as they got into everyone’s rooms! 2. Transport - there is far too much driving as part of this itineray. I felt that we were basically in a coach for 4 days in total which is a massive shame. There were also not enough breaks on these very long drives. At one point we drove 4 hours without a break. The coach should at-least have a clean and functioning toilet. I personally did not think the drive to and from the desert stay was worth it. (I also think saying it’s a Nomad Yurt camp is a bit misleading when we’re not actually staying in a yurt.) I would’ve much rather have stayed an extra day in Bukhara and taken a train to Samarkand with more time to relax there. In any case, HTG should update the itinerary to make it very clear on all the travel times (with hours of travel clearly specified each day). 3. Not enough free time - overall, I felt the itinerary was a bit too packed and there was barely any free time. We had a free evening in Bukhara and a free morning in Samarkand. It really was not enough and felt so rushed (e.g. we barely had time to explore Shahi-Zinda). I would recommend adjusting your itinerary to add an extra day in Bukhara and Samarkand (this could be accommodated if you remove the desert camp from the itinerary). These are the main cities everyone comes to Uzbekistan to see so it’s a shame that wasn’t a focus of the itinerary. HTG could offer optional tours/activities to travellers which would allow more flexibility (on the free days). I think my main point here is that sometimes less is more and makes for a more enjoyable travel experience. So I’d recommend fewer activities or make them optional (e.g plov making, although interesting, could be made optional). To note, I felt that the last Friday in Samarkand was totally wasted, we went to Imam Bukhari’s tomb which was a huge construction site, spent 2 hours in a parking lot! would’ve been nice if this last day was a full free day (instead of including lunch on the last day, this could be switched around to include dinner in Tashkent). This would’ve given everyone flexibility to spend the day how they wish and come back to the hotel at 5pm to go to the station together. 4. The Tour literally starts on the day everyone arrives. This makes it very tiring and also means that anyone whose flight is delayed etc could potentially miss the whole day (on our tour, many of our group arrived a lot later than expected due to delays so missed part of the Tashkent tour). I would therefore recommend that you include an ‘arrival’ day where people can arrive at any time they want and there are no activities planned, except for a welcome meeting/perhaps a group dinner for everyone to meet. This gives everyone flexibility to pick appropriate flights etc although the airport transfer is nice, I don’t think it should dictate the day, or the time people arrive. Taxis are very cheap, if you give people clear instructions, it would be fine. NB: there was no official welcome meeting where people got to meet each other properly or where the guide introduced himself and set out tour expectations etc. That would be something I recommend. 5. Tour guides - our Khiva tour guide was not great, he kept walking and talking which meant most of us couldn’t hear him. It wasn’t even clear when he started the tour! Also he kept moving on without checking if the whole group was there and lost me at one point! The Tashkent Guide was good overall but I felt like she was in a rush to finish, we rushed through Chorsu Bazaar where I would have valued free time, didn’t see the metro stations she promised (although our group leader did take us there another time). Samarkand and Bukhara guides were great. 6. HTG should include all costs in the price of the tour. By not including the £65 internal flight, the price is misleading. As I said, there are many other companies that offer very similar itineraries which include ALL transport and they are cheaper than HTG. 7. Food - I am not a vegetarian but I did think the food was very meat heavy. A bit more flexibility with food choices would be welcome I.e just because someone is not vegetarian doesn’t mean they want to eat meat all the time. But overall, I enjoyed all the restaurant choices and the food was good. 8. Itinerary was not always followed - understandable sometimes but the tour leader should explain why if there are changes and manage expectations of the group. It was a shame we didn’t experience lunch by the Oxus river, lunch overlooking Mountain Views or a 3 course meal at the pottery studio, as was stated in the itinerary.
      By Miriam B for The Golden Age: Adventure in Uzbekistan 10D/9N on Oct 30, 2023
      Salaam Miriam, Thank you for sharing your feedback. I'm glad that you enjoyed your time at the hotels in Tashkent and Bukhara, and that you also enjoyed your tour guides there. Both cities have a lot to offer and it's great that you felt like you had a good time exploring them with HTG! Regarding your accommodation in Khiva, I'm sorry this wasn't comfortable for you. Uzbekistan is still developing its tourism industry, and while there are 4-5* hotels in the major cities, Khiva is still working on this. It is possible to stay in a 4* hotel in Khiva, but it would be next to the airport, which would take away from the whole purpose of visiting Khiva. The hotel we chose for you is inside the old city walls, putting you right in the heart of Khiva. This location is usually very popular with our guests. Nevertheless, we are sharing your feedback with the hotel so that they can work on improving their accommodation, alongside looking at working with other hotels in Khiva. Now, about the yurt camp, I'm genuinely sorry that you didn't have a good experience there. Until recently the camp has been a highlight of the trip, with guests in previous reviews sharing how much they enjoyed it. However, recent observations, coupled with your account, reveal an unacceptable drop in their standards this Autumn. Particularly troubling is the reported animal mistreatment, a stark contradiction to our values. We're just as upset and disappointed as you are that the camp didn't provide you with the same high-quality service that they usually do and that some staff have been mistreating animals. As a result, we have recently decided to cancel all future reservations with this camp, to protect our commitment to quality and ethical standards. Once again, I'm genuinely sorry that the camp experience didn't live up to expectations. Transport: We aim to cover a lot in our tours, which sometimes means more travel time. Usually when guests join us in Uzbekistan, they want to see and do as much as possible, which means it is a busy itinerary. However, your point about the extended driving durations and infrequent breaks is valid and something we'll certainly evaluate. Please note that on this occasion, the road to/from the camp has significantly deteriorated, which is why you spent far longer on the road than usual. This has had a knock-on impact on the rest of your itinerary which is why certain elements felt rushed, unfortunately. For next year we have omitted the camp altogether, to avoid the road (since it isn't being taken care of) and to allow for more time in Bukhara and Samarkand. The idea of having an 'arrival' day with no set activities, apart from an optional welcome meeting or group dinner, is a thoughtful suggestion, thank you. We are looking at incorporating this from 2024 insha Allah. And here's something we wish happened differently: when Gia, our Trip Manager, checked in during your trip, we didn't hear back from you. We truly wish we'd received feedback then, allowing us an opportunity to make immediate amends. I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective Miriam, and value your thoughts. While we had some wins in Tashkent and Bukhara, it's clear we have room to grow in other areas. Your feedback is the compass we need. We're taking steps, collaborating closely with our local partners, and committing to up our game. Thanks for being with us on this journey. Warm regards, Soumaya
      By Halal Travel Guide on Oct 31, 2023
      HT
      This trip was an epic adventure and would encourage anyone to experience this trip to Jordan at least once in their life. Jordan is a country packed with history and with people that are hospitable kind and welcoming. HGT provided a well thought out and extremely well tailored experience that helped me learn about the most amazing Islamic history combined with an Adrenaline packed few days in the breathtaking desert of Wadi Rum. HTG have thought of every detail providing an exceptional tour guide Hasan who not only had a breadth of knowledge to share but was also a caring and kind host that looked after us and made the experience the most enjoyable. The host from Rum Planet Camp Ahmed was most welcoming and took care of our every need. I felt so happy to hear experiences from the beautiful people of Jordan, one night HTG also organised a star gazing experience in the desert which was absolutely incredible. I just want to thank Soumayah and HTG for once again organising such a special trip and working with locals to provide an authentic and inclusive experience that will be remembered always. Extremely happy and would recommend this once in a lifetime experience of visiting Jordan with HTG. Many thanks, I will definitely be recommending this tour to my family and friends! Sadia R
      By Sadia R for Spirit of Jordan Tour 8D/7N on Oct 30, 2023
      Salaam Sadia, First off, a heartfelt thank you for sharing this radiant feedback. 🌟 Your experience in Jordan - the blend of history, adrenaline, and starry nights - genuinely warms our hearts. Hasan, Ahmed, and the entire HTG team work passionately to craft these moments, but it's adventurers like you who truly bring the magic alive. I'm thrilled HTG could be a part of such a transformative journey. Your open heart and keen spirit are what made this trip truly special. We cherish the thought of you sharing and recommending this journey to your loved ones. Thank you deeply for choosing and trusting us! Here's to weaving more tales together in distant lands and unforgettable terrains. Warm wishes, Soumaya
      By Halal Travel Guide on Nov 01, 2023
      HT
      Met a really nice group of people - easy to bond with including the HTG team on the ground. Food was in the main great! Home cooked treat of course being the best ;) Accommodation - good- would have been nice to have the time to use the facilities that some of them came with! The trip activities were varied for all preferences and have definitely won me over to more solo-ish trips with you in the future in sha Allah!
      By Asma B for Classic Experience Bosnia 6D/5N on Oct 29, 2023
      Salaam Asma, First and foremost, thank you for taking a moment to share your thoughts with us. It genuinely warms our hearts to hear that the camaraderie, from both fellow travellers and the HTG team, struck a chord with you. Our aim has always been to create a sense of community on our trips, and I'm grateful you felt that connection. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the culinary delights, especially those home-cooked gems. As for the accommodations, point taken. It's important to us that you not only experience the diverse activities but also get the chance to fully soak in the facilities and moments of relaxation. I genuinely appreciate this feedback. Your words give us a sense of purpose and motivate us to continuously elevate our offerings. We're already looking forward to the prospect of hosting you on another journey soon, in sha Allah. Warm regards, Soumaya
      By Halal Travel Guide on Nov 01, 2023
      HT
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