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Uzbekistan 7/23/2027
Overview
While often overlooked, Uzbekistan offers one of the most rewarding cultural journeys in Central Asia. Over 10 days, explore the crossroads of the Silk Road, from the stunning mosques and madrasas of Samarkand to a night in a traditional desert yurt and the living history of Bukhara. Gain meaningful insights into the region’s past and present while gathering stories and perspectives to bring back to your classroom, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.
What's Included:
- Amir Timur Mausoleum visit
- Samarkand city tour
- Shaki Zinda complex, bazaar, Bibi Khanum, and Registan Square
- Chashma Complex and Holy Spring visit
- Fortress of Alexander the Great visit
- Aidarkul Lake
- Authentic Uzbekistan dinner
- Evening Kazakh singing show
- Overnight in a yurt
- Bukhara guided tour
- UNESCO-listed Khiva ancient city exploration
- Tashkent guided tour
- Internal flight
- G Adventures tour leader throughout, local guides
- 9 breakfasts, 1 dinner – allow $295-385 USD for meals not included
- Standard hotels/guesthouses (8 nts), yurts (1 nt, multishare)
- All transport (private vehicle, train, and plane) between destinations and to/from included activities
What's Not Included:
- International air travel
- Incidentals
- Travel health and cancellation insurance
- Applicable visas
- Tips or gratuities
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Optional tours and admission tickets
- Airport transfers
- Single/private accommodation (add-on available)
Itinerary Download PDF
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until the Welcome Meeting in the evening. The airport in Tashkent is Tashkent International Airport (TAS). Consider arriving a day early to explore the city, adjust to the time zone, and buffer against flight delays. We can request extra hotel nights for you before the program begins. Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting Hotel check-in is normally between 2–3 p.m. Check with reception for the exact time and location of the group welcome meeting, typically between 6–7 p.m. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. If you’re running late, send a message in the group WhatsApp or call the emergency number on your trip voucher so that your tour leader can let you know where and when to meet the group. After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another.
- Joining Instructions
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal.
- Pre-booked Transfer: If you’ve arranged an airport transfer, your driver will meet you based on the flight details you provided. Flight changes within 48 hours of arrival may not allow enough time to update your transfer. If you can’t locate your ride within 30 minutes of exiting arrivals, call the emergency number on your voucher or take a taxi to the hotel (save your receipt).
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and sits in an oasis along the Chirchik River, near the Tien Shan Mountains. Settlements have existed on the site since antiquity; the name Tashkent, Turkic in origin and meaning “City of Stone,” has been in use since around the 10th century, when the city was part of the Kara-Khanid Khanate. The city was sacked by Genghis Khan in 1219 and later re-founded under Amir Temür in the late 14th century. It was regarded as the wealthiest city in Central Asia at the time of Russian conquest in 1865. The capital was transferred here from Samarkand in 1922. Much of the historic urban fabric was lost in a major earthquake in 1966; the subsequent Soviet-era reconstruction drew workers from across the USSR, many of whom settled permanently. Bilingual signage in Uzbek and Russian remains common throughout the city today.
This morning, travel by train to Samarkand, Uzbekistan’s second-largest city, with a population of just over 500,000. On arrival, a guided orientation walk and city tour will take in the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the central bazaar, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Registan Square, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum of Amir Timur. Samarkand occupies a prominent position on the historic Silk Road, a network of overland and maritime trade routes connecting East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe for over a millennium. The routes extend more than 4,000 miles; the name derives from the lucrative Chinese silk trade that drove much of the commerce beginning in the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). Among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Samarkand reached its architectural peak under Amir Timur (known in the West as Tamerlane), a 14th-century conqueror and patron of the arts. The tiled domes and minarets that define the city’s skyline largely date from his reign. Timur sought to reconstruct the empire of Genghis Khan and is widely regarded as the last of the great conquerors of the Eurasian steppe. His mausoleum, the Gur-e-Amir, is one of the significant stops on today’s tour. Ongoing restoration efforts continue to address the neglect and damage the city sustained during the Soviet period. Approximate travel time: 2.5 hrs by train Meals included: Breakfast
Today is unstructured time for independent exploration. Options include returning to sites visited yesterday, spending time at a traditional tea house, or wandering the bazaar at a slower pace. An optional excursion to the Tomb of Daniel (Hazrat-i-Dovud) is available for those interested; the site is associated with the biblical figure of Daniel and draws pilgrims from across Central Asia. Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s drive heads northwest to Nurata, an ancient town founded by Alexander the Great in 327 BCE. The group will visit the ruins of Alexander’s military fortress and the Chashma Spring complex, a significant Islamic pilgrimage site. According to local tradition, the spring was discovered when a farmer received a vision of Imam Ali—the fourth caliph and the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law—striking a rock to release water. The spring is believed to have healing properties and continues to attract visitors today. From Nurata, the route continues to Aydar Kůl, a large salt lake in the Kyzylkum Desert, where the group will overnight in a traditional yurt camp. The evening includes an Uzbek dinner and a Kazakh musical performance around a campfire. Camel riding is available as an optional activity, as is swimming in the lake. Approximate travel time: 4.5 hrs by private vehicle Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
The group drives across the desert to Bukhara, Uzbekistan’s third-largest city (population approximately 300,000) and one of the most significant stops on the ancient Silk Road. During the 9th and 10th centuries, Bukhara served as a major intellectual center of the Islamic world, home to numerous mosques and madrassas. The old city has been substantially restored and includes a number of artisan markets and cafés. The Lyab-i Hauz—a pool surrounded by ancient mulberry trees at the center of the historic district—remains a focal gathering point for residents and visitors. Bukhara was historically home to a substantial Jewish community; most emigrated to Israel and Western countries following the Soviet Union’s dissolution, but a small community remains, along with several synagogues, one of which is located near Lyab-i Hauz. After an orientation walk to get your bearings, the afternoon is free. Options include exploring the old city bazaars, sharing a traditional home-cooked dinner with a local family, visiting a hammam (traditional bathhouse), or simply spending time in the historic surroundings. Approximate travel time: 4 hrs by private vehicle Meals included: Breakfast
This morning’s guided city tour covers the Samanid Mausoleum, the Ark Citadel, and the Poi-i-Kalon complex, with time to walk through the restored mosques, madrassas, and covered bazaars of the Old City. The Ark—from the Old Persian word for fortress—served as Bukhara’s citadel and seat of power for centuries. One architectural detail worth noting is the throne room: a wall was positioned just inside the entrance so that citizens presenting grievances to the Amir once a month could speak candidly without being identified by the court. The Ark fell into disuse after it was bombed by Bolshevik forces in 1920. When the city was seized, the Amir fled into exile and the territory was incorporated into the Tatar Soviet Socialist Republic. The tour also visits the Kalyan Minaret and the Po-i-Kalyan mosque complex. The adjacent madrassa remains an active institution. The tour concludes in the Old City’s artisan quarter, centered around Lyab-i Hauz, which has long been a center for pottery, textiles, and Turkmen carpets. Optional Activities Hammam: Several bathhouses operate in the city, some gender-specific. Your tour leader can advise on options depending on the day and your schedule. Carpet Museum (Magok-i-Attari Mosque): Bukhara’s oldest surviving mosque, dating to the 9th century, now functions as a museum of carpet-making. According to local accounts, the mosque survived the Mongol invasion by being buried in sand by residents—it was largely underground when excavations began in the 1930s. Archaeological evidence beneath the building includes remains of a Zoroastrian temple and a Buddhist structure; historical records indicate the mosque was used at various points by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities. The museum presents the history and techniques of Central Asian carpet production. Jewish Quarter and Synagogue: Bukharan Jews historically spoke a Judeo-Tajik dialect written in Hebrew script. At its peak, Bukhara’s Jewish community numbered around 40,000; today, approximately 25–30 families remain. The synagogue houses a Torah scroll estimated to be roughly 1,000 years old and is open to visitors. Meals included: Breakfast
Today is a full day’s drive through the Kyzylkum Desert to reach Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Central Asia. A late afternoon orientation walk will provide an introduction to the layout and key landmarks. Khiva’s history is as sobering as it is rich. In the 17th century, the city hosted one of the most significant slave markets on the Silk Road; estimates suggest approximately one million Persians, along with an unknown number of Russians, were sold there. By the 19th century, Khiva was the seat of the powerful Khiva Khanate. The city’s walled inner district, the Itchan Qala, contains most of the major monuments, including the Djuma Mosque, several madrassas, and a mausoleum. The outer town is the Dichan Qala. Today the inner city operates as a living historic district with workshops, tea houses, and shops alongside the monuments. In the evenings, residents use the lit streets for leisure, and informal football matches sometimes draw visitors in as participants. Approximate travel time: 6.5 hrs by private vehicle Meals included: Breakfast
The morning includes a guided tour of the Itchan Qala, covering Tash Khauli Khan’s Palace—known for its ornate tilework—the Friday Mosque minaret (climbable for views over the city), the madrassas, and the dungeon complex for which Khiva was historically notorious. The afternoon is free for independent exploration: browsing the craft shops, examining handmade silk rugs, or sitting in one of the city’s tea houses. Meals included: Breakfast
The group flies back to Tashkent for a city tour. The first stop is the Khast Imam Complex, one of the few pre-Soviet historic sites still standing in the city. Its centerpiece is the Samarkand Kufic Qur’an, housed in a dedicated building within the complex. The manuscript is believed to be one of two surviving copies of the original Qur’an commissioned by the third caliph ʿUthman in 651 AD—the first time the verses were compiled into a written volume, nineteen years after the Prophet Muhammad’s death. Seven copies were originally produced and distributed to the kingdoms that had accepted Islam; the only other known original is held at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. The Tashkent copy was transferred from Samarkand to Tashkent by order of Vladimir Lenin in 1923. If time permits, the tour will also include the Chorsu Bazaar. Approximate travel time: 1 hr by plane Meals included: Breakfast
There are no planned activities today, so you may depart at any time. The tour ends in Tashkent, and the nearest airport is Tashkent International Airport (TAS). If you wish to extend your stay in Tashkent, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk.
Meals included: Breakfast
- Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive 10% off the lesser value program(s), up to 3 programs per year.
- Interested in extending your time abroad? Beyond our educator programs, we can also help you book from G Adventures’ extensive catalog of tours. These tours aren’t tailored to educators the way our programs are, but booking through GEEO means you’ll receive a discounted educator rate while supporting our nonprofit work.
Where you'll stay
The hotels listed below reflect the properties expected to be used for this program. Final accommodations are subject to change based on group size, availability, or seasonality. Participants will receive a program voucher before departure that includes the confirmed start and end hotels.
*Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Details
Important
Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.
- Terms and Conditions: Review GEEO’s full Terms and Conditions before signing up for a GEEO program, especially information related to deposits, our cancellation policy, mandatory travel insurance, etc.
- Confirmation Process: Understand GEEO’s trip confirmation process.
- FAQs: Find essential information that applies to all GEEO programs.
- Browse Classroom Resources: Recommended Reading | Lesson Plans | Pinterest boards
Trip Notes & Expectations
ACCOMMODATION
Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see “Single Travelers” below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are selected for safety, cleanliness, and convenient locations. While they are comfortable and well-suited for group travel, they are generally simple rather than luxury properties in order to keep the program affordable. Sometimes the accommodation is not air-conditioned.
Yurt and Homestays : Night 4 will be spent in a Yurt camp, where occupancy is up to four people per yurt. There are no private rooms available at any of these stops.
TRANSPORTATION
We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
LUGGAGE
You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack. Carrying your luggage remains your responsibility at all times. You should not need to move far with your luggage during the course of this trip.
ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE
Comfortable walking shoes are not enough—we recommend trail runners or hiking shoes with good grip. Sneakers may struggle on loose or uneven terrain. You’ll need a daypack, sun protection, water bottle, and snacks for longer stretches between meals.
CULTURE
Central Asia is a region that may be very different from anything you have experienced before. A mixture of Soviet heritage and Islam, religious conservatism, traffic, and crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge.
Dress: Though you can see lots of people in traditional clothes, Uzbekistan has adopted western style clothing as well. Don’t hesitate to pack your usual travel clothes: in summer it can be shorts and t-shirts, sandals, etc. We recommend not to bring tank tops/singlets and any types of clothes with bare shoulders and backs – it is unacceptable in most areas, even in bigger cities. Our tour takes us to many religious sights, where the dress code is very strict. We recommend women to have a headscarf in their day bags to cover up when going inside mosques.
COMFORT CONSIDERATIONS
Bathrooms: Be prepared for basic bathrooms, including squat toilets and occasional outdoor/nature stops, especially in rural areas and on long drives. Hygiene standards vary, so we recommend bringing toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
Heat: Expect hot weather. A cooling towel, small travel fan, or hat can go a long way in staying comfortable during walks and bus rides.
Water Access: There is no cooler or shared water supply on the bus, so you’ll need to plan ahead each day. Buying and carrying enough water can be a daily task, especially in remote areas. Consider packing a refillable bottle or hydration bladder, and refill whenever you can.
MONEY
Due to the restrictions on changing money in the Central Asia region, only notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition will be accepted for exchange. Usually, 50 and 100 USD/EUR notes get a better exchange rate. We recommend to bring smaller denominations as well – many vendors accept them if you don’t have local currency.
FLIGHTS
If you decide to book a flight with Turkish Airlines, make sure that all connecting flights are through a codeshare partner. This means that the connecting airline is in the Star Alliance. We had multiple people have serious flight issues when they bought a flight with Jet Blue to connect with their Turkish Airlines flight on one ticket. These airlines functionally do not communicate with each other, making booking seats difficult, and if anything goes wrong with your flight, neither will take responsibility for rebooking you.
GROUP LEADER
All GEEO programs are led by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight.
Single Travelers
Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same.
Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion.
Want a private room? Most trips offer a “My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.
Emergency Contacts
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If your call is specifically concerning airport transfer complications, please call the local G Adventures transfer provider directly: Mr. Arlan (+996700602090) or Mrs. Asel (+996777202888)
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:
Mr. Laziz Otayarov (Operations Manager – Central Asia)
Mobile 1: +99890 963 4779 (24h)
If you are unable for any reason to contact G Adventures’ local office, they have a toll-free line which will connect you directly with their Toronto office:
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Packing List
See our blog post of staff-recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel.
For the internal flight on this tour, each passenger is allowed 1 checked bag up to 15 kg (33 lbs). If your bag exceeds this limit or you bring additional luggage, extra charges may apply. These fees are the responsibility of the traveler, so pack accordingly.
As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination.
- Clothes for mosques (shorts that go below the knees, shirts that cover shoulders and arms, headscarves for women)
- Light windproof/waterproof jacket and/or poncho
- Small towel and swimwear
- Sun hat(s)
- Personal clothing for hot weather – we recommend packing 10 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry twice. For women we recommend having at least some clothing that covers knees and shoulders.
- Warm clothes for evenings (a compact warm top and long pants will do the trick)
- Day pack
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Electrolyte powder packets – one per day
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Flashlight or headlamp (or use your phone) (or use the one on your phone)
- Lightweight silk sleep sheet (this really comes in handy on this trip!)
- Eye mask (some of the accommodation has flimsy curtains, so this will help you sleep later)
- Camera (or use your phone)
- First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking. Please note tampons can be hard to find in this region
- Money belt
- Travel pillow
- Water bottle
- Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
- Chargers for electronic devices, plus any necessary plug adapters or voltage converters
- AirTags or Tile trackers
- Packing cubes
- Earplugs
- Umbrella (for the sun)
- Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy
- Resealable plastic bags for wet clothing
- Reading/writing material
- Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Travel insurance ID card
- Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
- USD/EUR cash
- Credit/debit card
- G Adventures service voucher(s)
- Classroom action plans for your group
*Laundry: Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Passports and Visas
Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries.
PASSPORT All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps. Need to apply or renew? Start here.
ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS As of January 1st, 2026, Americans do not need a Visa to enter Uzbekistan. Rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country’s official government resources. You can also use Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner to look up the latest requirements.
Money Exchange
In general, Central Asia is a cash operating region. Due to bank restrictions, only bank notes printed after 1996 can be exchanged. Please make sure your USD bills are in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently. We recommend bringing about $100 USD in small denominations: $1, $5, and $10 USD notes.
While USD may be accepted for transactions, we recommend that you obtain local cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. The currency preferred by merchants and service providers in Uzbekistan is often the U.S. dollar. There are lots of ATMs to withdraw the local currency, the sum (also som, soum, UZS), and banks to exchange USD or EUR. Some banks in Tashkent allow USD cash advances, but this option depends on the amount of USD cash in the bank.
Tipping
Tipping is optional but appreciated and goes a long way for the people who look after you on the trip. Please make sure any U.S. bills that you offer as tips are in pristine condition, kept flat and unwrinkled throughout your trip, as banks in Uzbekistan will not accept wrinkled currency. If you are happy with the service, use these ballpark amounts and adjust as you see fit:
– Service providers/Waiters: 3-5%% of the bill.
– Local guides and drivers: $3-4 USD per person per day.
– G Adventures tour leader (CEO): $28-50 USD per person per week. (We suggest pooling contributions in an envelope and presenting it as a group)
Tipping Kitty: On some trips, your CEO may suggest a “tipping kitty” where everyone contributes at the start of the tour, and the CEO uses that pooled amount to tip service providers for the group as a whole (not including your CEO). If your CEO doesn’t mention it and you’d like to use a kitty, we recommend asking about it early in the trip. Your CEO will advise the suggested amount and preferred currency for the kitty.
Vaccinations
GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC’s recommended vaccinations for your destination.
Flights
Wait for official trip confirmation via email from GEEO before booking your flights. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bears responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.
This program begins and ends in Tashkent. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Tashkent. You may want to arrive in Tashkent one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Tashkent any time on the final day of the program, or stay longer to see more of the city.
Plugs and Converters
Uzbekistan uses European-style Type C plugs, and the voltage is 220V. To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider:
1. Adapter (plug shape) Adapts your U.S. plug to fit another type of socket. See our recommended all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post.
2. Converter / transformer (voltage) Steps the outlet voltage down to 120V for U.S. appliances that can’t handle higher voltage.
Check what you need: Look on your device’s plug or power brick. “Input: 100-240V” works worldwide—you only need a plug adapter. Any range narrower (e.g., “110-120V” or “Input: 120V”) means you need an adapter and a voltage converter to avoid damage. Converters are inexpensive and available online or in travel stores.
Weather
July in Uzbekistan is very hot and dry. Make sure you apply sunscreen and seek shade whenever possible.
Historical Monthly Weather Averages
Tashkent
Samarkand
Bukhara
Khiva
Average High
Average Low
Rainfall
Extra Services & Costs
EXTRA SERVICES TO PRE-BOOK
Send us an email if you would like to pre-book any of the extra services listed below for your program. Space and availability are limited, and pricing is not guaranteed until booked.
*Extra services are non-refundable within 30 days of your program’s start date.
*Airport transfers require Day 1 arrival/final day departure or pre/post hotel nights booked through GEEO.
*Costs will be added to your final balance.
**My Own Room exceptions apply.
| Private/Single Room | $299 (3 left) |
| Pre-trip Hotel (per night) | Harris Hotel – Single: $75, Twin/Double: $85 |
| Post-trip Hotel (per night) | Harris Hotel – Single: $75, Twin/Double: $85 |
| Arrival Airport Transfer (per person) | Tashkent (TAS) Solo=$30, 2ppl=$15, 3ppl=$20, 4ppl+=$15 |
Optional On-Site Activities
The following optional activities are booked and paid for locally. Prices shown are the most recent figures from participants and G Adventures. Use them as budgeting estimates only—actual costs may vary. If you arrive early or extend your stay, check out our curated list of Viator tours for additional activity ideas.
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Lunch and Silk Paper Making Workshop at Konigil Village:
Visit the Village of Konigil, on the banks of the ancient Siab Canal. Here you can learn about and witness some of the historic traditions of Uzbekistan. Pay a visit to the old Silk Paper Workshop and learn for yourself how to make paper in this ancient method before an included lunch.
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Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel Visit:3 USD
Enjoy a visit to the Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel, famous for the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions. A legend says that his body grows by half an inch every year!
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Kazakh Singing:
Sit back and enjoy some local culture with a Kazakh singing performance.
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Bukhara Hammam Visit:35 USD
There are a few hammam choices in the city and they are often gender specific – Hammam Kunjak for ladies and Bozori Kord Hammam for gentlemen. Depending on the day of the week and when you want to go, your CEO can advise you on some options.
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Carpet Museum:1 USD
The Magok-i Attari Mosque (Museum of Carpets) offers information about the art of carpet making and some fine examples to boot. Perhaps more impressively, the building the museum is located in was once used for Jewish, Muslim, and Christian services, demonstrating the diversity and open-mindedness of this intriguing city.
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Chor-Bakr Complex:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the burial site of Abu-Bakr-Said, one of the four descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Wander around the necropolis of family tombs and enclosed courtyards while admiring the simple, yet intricate beauty.
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Jewish Area and Synagogue Visit:
Bukhara has a fascinating Jewish history, with Bukharan Jews speaking a Turkic-Persian dialect with a Hebrew script. The city once was home to 40,000 Jews and now has a community of about 25-30 families. The synagogue is well worth a visit (donation expected) and houses a Torah that is roughly 1,000 years old. Please note that on Friday evenings and Saturday, the Synagogue is usually closed for Shabbat.
Estimated Trip Costs
Use the prices below as ballpark figures to estimate the full cost of your trip and decide what fits your budget.
- GEEO Program Fee: See our price in the top right corner
- Optional Activities: $50-100 USD
- International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $1,800-2,600 USD If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
- Airport Transfers: $10-20 USD.
- Insurance: $30-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
- Tipping: We recommend $40-65 USD for your G Adventures tour leader. Another $30-50 USD should cover local guides and drivers on other activities.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary: $295-385 USD
- Visa: There are no visas needed for Americans.
- Laundry, Drinks, Mobile Data, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
- Souvenirs: Variable—at your personal discretion
- Vaccines: Variable—please consult with your primary care provider
- Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.
