3 Days Tashkent & Samarkand
- Tashkent city & Chorsu Bazaar
- High-speed train to Samarkand & the Registan
- Perfect long-weekend taster
Walk the ancient Silk Road with expertly designed Uzbekistan holiday packages from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Marvel at Samarkand's Registan, the living medieval city of Bukhara, the walled old town of Khiva and vibrant Tashkent — with flights, hotels, high-speed trains, transfers and visa help handled end-to-end.
Why Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is where the Silk Road comes alive — a land of dazzling turquoise domes, towering minarets, grand madrasahs and bustling bazaars that have welcomed travellers for over a thousand years. For UAE residents it's a rich, affordable and deeply Islamic cultural escape: flights are only around 3.5 hours from Dubai, many nationalities travel visa-free, halal food is everywhere, and the welcome is famously warm.
Stand in awe before Samarkand's Registan Square, wander the living old city of Bukhara, step inside the walls of Khiva, explore lively Tashkent, and even spend a night in a desert yurt by Aydarkul Lake. Gulliver Travels designs the whole journey around you — return flights, hand-picked hotels, fast comfortable trains, private transfers, guided tours and visa assistance, all bookable on WhatsApp from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Many nationalities — including UAE and GCC citizens — enter Uzbekistan visa-free, with a simple e-Visa for others. We confirm your exact route.
Direct flights from Dubai to Tashkent make Uzbekistan one of the quickest cultural getaways from the UAE.
As a Muslim-majority country, halal food is everywhere and the culture feels wonderfully familiar for UAE families.
Some of the finest Islamic architecture on earth — Registan, Poi Kalyan and Khiva's walled city are unforgettable.
Glide between the Silk Road cities on high-speed Afrosiyob trains — Tashkent to Samarkand in about two hours.
Sleep in a yurt camp beside Aydarkul Lake and ride camels across the Kyzylkum Desert for real adventure.
Shop for silk, suzani embroidery, hand-painted ceramics and spices in colourful centuries-old bazaars.
Meals, tours, transport and hotels cost far less than the UAE — your dirham goes a very long way.
Featured holiday packages
Every package includes return flights, hand-picked hotels, high-speed train tickets, airport transfers, guided sightseeing and visa assistance. Mix, match or fully customise — just tap WhatsApp for a tailored quote.
*Starting prices are indicative, per person on twin-sharing, and vary by season, airline and hotel category. Send your dates on WhatsApp for a live, all-inclusive quote tailored to your group.
Destination guide
From the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to lively Tashkent, desert yurt camps and snowy mountains — here are the places we build your itinerary around.
The jewel of the Silk Road. Stand in the breathtaking Registan Square, framed by three tiled madrasahs, then visit Timur's tomb (Gur-e-Amir), the vast Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the stunning blue avenue of Shah-i-Zinda.
A living museum of a city, barely changed in centuries. Climb to the mighty Kalyan Minaret at Poi Kalyan, explore the Ark Fortress, relax by the Lyabi-Hauz pool and haggle beneath the ancient covered trading domes.
Step through the gates of Itchan Kala, Khiva's perfectly preserved walled old city, like walking into a desert fairy tale. Marvel at the fat turquoise Kalta Minor minaret, tiled palaces and mud-brick lanes glowing at sunset.
Uzbekistan's big, green capital blends Silk Road heritage with Soviet grandeur and modern buzz. Explore the domed Chorsu Bazaar, the Khast Imam complex (home to the world's oldest Quran) and the beautiful metro stations.
The green birthplace of Timur, an easy day trip from Samarkand over a scenic mountain pass. See the towering remains of his colossal Ak-Saray Palace and the elegant mosques and mausoleums of this UNESCO-listed town.
Uzbekistan's fertile craft heartland, east of Tashkent. Watch silk being woven at Margilan, see the famous blue Rishtan ceramics being painted and explore lively local bazaars far from the tourist trail.
Where the Silk Road meets the desert. Visit the Nurata spring and fortress, then spend a magical night in a yurt camp beside the shimmering Aydarkul Lake — swimming, campfire dinners and unforgettable stars.
Just over an hour from Tashkent, the Chimgan and Amirsoy resorts offer snowy peaks, gondola rides and great-value skiing in winter, and cool green hiking, waterfalls and fresh air in summer.
The vast "Red Sand" desert between the Silk Road cities. Ride camels across golden dunes, meet nomadic herders and camp under a canopy of stars — a taste of true Central Asian wilderness.
A haunting, one-of-a-kind sight in the far northwest: rusting fishing ships stranded on the dry bed of the vanished Aral Sea. A powerful, offbeat add-on for the adventurous and the curious.
Things to do
Add any of these to your package — we book the guides, trains, workshops and camps so you just show up and enjoy.
Holidays for every traveller
Families, couples, thrill-seekers or those who want five-star comfort — every Uzbekistan package is shaped around you.
Easy, relaxed and full of things for kids to love.
Romance among turquoise domes and desert stars.
For travellers who want more than monuments.
Five-star comfort steeped in Silk Road romance.
Sample itineraries
A taste of how your Silk Road trip could flow. Every itinerary is fully customisable — add a desert yurt night, extra cities or more time on WhatsApp.
Airport pickup (~3.5h from Dubai) and hotel check-in. Explore the capital — the Khast Imam complex, the buzzing Chorsu Bazaar and the ornate metro stations.
Glide to Samarkand on the Afrosiyob train. Stand before the majestic Registan Square, then visit Gur-e-Amir (Timur's tomb) and the vast Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
See the blue-tiled Shah-i-Zinda avenue and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, browse Siyob Bazaar, then transfer for your flight home.
Transfer to your hotel and explore the capital — Khast Imam, Chorsu Bazaar and Independence Square.
Fast Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir and Bibi-Khanym Mosque with your private guide.
Shah-i-Zinda and the Ulugh Beg Observatory in the morning, then the scenic train onward to Bukhara.
A full day among Poi Kalyan, the Ark Fortress, Lyabi-Hauz and the ancient covered trading domes.
Free morning for last souvenirs and photos, then transfer to the airport (via Bukhara or Tashkent).
Private transfer and an afternoon exploring the capital's bazaars, mosques and metro.
Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir and Bibi-Khanym Mosque on the high-speed line.
Shah-i-Zinda and Ulugh Beg Observatory, then the train to Bukhara for two nights.
Poi Kalyan, the Ark Fortress, Lyabi-Hauz, Chor Minor and the trading domes.
Scenic journey across the Kyzylkum Desert (or short flight) to the walled city of Khiva.
Wander the perfectly preserved old town — Kalta Minor, the Islam Khoja minaret, palaces and madrasahs — magical at sunset.
Morning at leisure, then transfer to Urgench airport (via Tashkent) for your flight home.
Where you'll stay
From five-star city hotels to heritage boutiques inside the old towns and desert yurt camps — we match your stay to your style and budget.
Luxury
★★★★★Polished international hotels such as the Hyatt Regency or Hilton Tashkent City — spa, pool and fine dining in the capital. (Or similar.)
Character
★★★★Characterful boutique hotels moments from the Registan, blending traditional design with modern comfort.
Character
★★★★Restored madrasah and merchant-house stays right among the monuments, with tiled courtyards and charm.
Heritage
★★★★Atmospheric hotels within or beside Itchan Kala — step straight out into the floodlit old city at night.
Desert
★★★★Comfortable yurt camps by the lake and desert — beds, shared facilities, campfire dinners and endless stars.
Value
★★★Clean, friendly, well-located 3-star hotels that keep your trip affordable without sacrificing comfort.
Exact hotels are confirmed at booking based on your dates, budget and availability. Named brands are examples only.
Getting there
Quick, direct and affordable — we book the best flight for your dates and budget as part of your package.
~3h 30m direct flight time
flydubai & Uzbekistan Airways operate direct routes
~3h 30m flight time
Wizz Air — direct & one-stop options available
~3h 30m flight time
Air Arabia — budget-friendly for the whole family
Uzbekistan is just GMT+5 — one hour ahead of the UAE, so there's virtually no jet lag.
Fly into Tashkent (TAS), or straight to Samarkand, Bukhara or Urgench for Khiva — we pick the smartest routing.
We compare airlines and dates to lock in the best value — economy or business class.
Entry made easy
Uzbekistan is refreshingly easy to enter. Many nationalities travel visa-free; others use a quick online e-Visa. We confirm exactly what you need and guide you step by step.
Tell us your nationality and residency. UAE and GCC citizens — and many others — enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
If your passport requires a visa, Uzbekistan's simple online e-Visa is usually issued within a few working days.
We guide you through the form, photo and document requirements so there are no rejections or surprises.
Approval lands in your inbox. Print or save it, and you're ready for the Silk Road.
Visa rules can change and depend on your specific passport. We always confirm the latest requirements for you before you book — this is general guidance, not official advice.
When to visit
Spring and autumn are the golden seasons for the Silk Road cities. Here's how the year breaks down.
| Season | Weather | Great for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Mar–May | Mild, green and blooming — the most comfortable sightseeing weather. | Peak season for Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva; blossoms & festivals. |
| Summer Jun–Aug | Hot and dry, especially in the desert; cities quieter. | Early-morning sightseeing, cool Chimgan mountains, lower prices. |
| Autumn Sep–Nov | Warm days, cool evenings and harvest bounty — ideal all round. | Prime season; perfect light, markets full of fruit & a desert yurt night. |
| Winter Dec–Feb | Cold and crisp, occasional snow; monuments beautifully uncrowded. | Skiing at Chimgan & Amirsoy, atmospheric snowy domes, best deals. |
Our tip: April–May and September–October are the sweet spots — warm, clear and perfect for the Silk Road cities. Come December–March for skiing near Tashkent.
Good to know
Everything UAE travellers ask before they fly — currency, language, connectivity, food and getting around.
The Uzbekistani som (UZS). Cards work in city hotels and malls, but carry cash for bazaars, taxis and small towns.
Uzbek and Russian are widely spoken; English is growing in tourism. Your guide bridges any gap with ease.
Local SIMs from Ucell, Beeline and Mobiuz (or an eSIM) give solid 4G in the cities and towns.
220V with European-style Type C/F sockets. Pack a universal adapter for your UAE devices.
Uzbekistan is very safe and welcoming for tourists and families. The general emergency number is 112.
Halal is standard everywhere. Don't miss plov (the national rice dish), shashlik, lagman, manty, somsa and fresh non bread.
Fast Afrosiyob trains link the main cities, with private drivers, the Tashkent metro and Yandex Go taxis for the rest.
Hunt for silk, suzani embroidery, hand-painted Rishtan and Gijduvan ceramics, miniatures and spices at Chorsu and Siyob bazaars.
Loved by UAE travellers
Standing in the Registan at sunset was the moment of a lifetime. Gulliver arranged everything — flights, the high-speed train and a superb guide. Flawless from Dubai.
Bukhara felt like stepping back a thousand years. Our boutique hotel was right by Lyabi-Hauz. Every detail was handled beautifully. Highly recommend.
Khiva inside the walls at night is pure magic. The team booked a hotel right by the gate. Unforgettable and so easy to organise over WhatsApp.
Tashkent surprised us — green, clean and the metro stations are stunning. A great start to our Silk Road trip. Thank you Gulliver!
As a Muslim family we felt completely at home — halal everywhere and mosques at every turn. The kids loved the fast trains too.
Booked the honeymoon package. Candlelit dinner in Bukhara and a yurt night under the stars — beyond romantic. Perfectly planned.
Travelling with three kids and it was seamless — family rooms, private transfers and a relaxed pace. The craft workshops were a hit.
The luxury tour was worth every dirham — five-star hotels, a private guide and a first-class train. Effortless and elegant.
The yurt camp at Aydarkul was the highlight — swimming in the lake, a campfire and a sky full of stars. A real adventure.
The high-speed train between the cities was so comfortable and fast. No stress at all — everything ran exactly to plan.
Watching silk being woven and ceramics painted in the Fergana Valley was fascinating. We came home with beautiful souvenirs.
We went in winter and skied at Amirsoy — a total surprise so close to Tashkent. The snowy domes in Samarkand were magical.
Your questions answered
Everything UAE travellers ask about booking an Uzbekistan holiday. Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp any time.
Very close. Dubai to Tashkent is a direct flight of around 3.5 hours, making Uzbekistan one of the quickest and easiest cultural getaways from the UAE.
Many nationalities — including UAE and GCC citizens — can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. Others use a simple online e-Visa. We confirm the exact requirement for your passport before you book and guide you through any application.
If your nationality needs one, the e-Visa is applied for online with a passport scan and photo, and is usually issued within a few working days. We help you complete it correctly so there are no delays.
flydubai and Uzbekistan Airways operate direct flights from Dubai to Tashkent. Wizz Air (from Abu Dhabi) and Air Arabia (from Sharjah) offer more options, and there are seasonal direct services to Samarkand.
Uzbekistan is just one hour ahead of the UAE (GMT+5), so there's virtually no jet lag.
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the finest, with warm, clear days ideal for the Silk Road cities. Winter brings skiing near Tashkent, while summer is hot and best for early-morning sightseeing.
Yes. Uzbekistan is known for being very safe, welcoming and family-friendly, with low crime and famously hospitable people. The general emergency number is 112.
Absolutely. Uzbekistan is a Muslim-majority country, so halal food is the norm everywhere. You'll enjoy plov, shashlik, lagman, manty, somsa and fresh non bread throughout your trip.
The Uzbekistani som (UZS). Cards are accepted in city hotels and larger shops, but it's wise to carry cash for bazaars, taxis and smaller towns.
Uzbek is the official language and Russian is widely spoken. English is growing in tourist areas, and your private guide handles all communication for you.
Typically return flights, hotels, high-speed train tickets, airport and city transfers, guided sightseeing and visa assistance. We tailor exactly what's included to your budget and preferences.
Our packages start from around AED 2,499 per person and vary with season, hotel category, flights and trip length. Send us your dates for a precise, all-inclusive quote.
The classic route covers Tashkent (the capital), Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva — the four great Silk Road cities. Add Shakhrisabz, the Fergana Valley or a desert yurt stay for more depth.
Samarkand is the jewel of the Silk Road, home to the magnificent Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir (Timur's tomb), the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the blue-tiled Shah-i-Zinda necropolis.
Bukhara is a beautifully preserved living old city with the towering Kalyan Minaret, the Ark Fortress, the Lyabi-Hauz pool and centuries-old covered trading domes — barely changed in centuries.
Very much so. Khiva's walled old city, Itchan Kala, is like an open-air museum — compact, atmospheric and stunning at sunset, with the famous stubby turquoise Kalta Minor minaret.
Explore the domed Chorsu Bazaar, the Khast Imam complex (home to one of the world's oldest Qurans), the ornate metro stations, leafy parks and modern restaurants and malls.
Mostly by the high-speed Afrosiyob train — Tashkent to Samarkand takes about two hours in comfort. We also use private drivers, short flights and the Tashkent metro where handy.
It's Uzbekistan's modern high-speed train linking Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Fast, comfortable and scenic, it's the best way to hop between the main cities — and we book your seats in advance.
Yes — a night in a yurt camp beside Aydarkul Lake, near Nurata, is a magical experience with swimming, campfire dinners and incredible stargazing. It's easy to add to any itinerary.
It is. You can ride Bactrian camels across the golden dunes of the Kyzylkum Desert, usually paired with a yurt-camp stay — a memorable taste of Central Asian wilderness.
Plov is Uzbekistan's beloved national dish — a rich rice pilaf cooked with lamb or beef, carrots, onions and spices. Every region has its own version, and trying it is a must.
Yes. The Amirsoy and Chimgan resorts, just over an hour from Tashkent, offer good-value skiing, snowboarding and gondola rides from roughly December to March.
Excellent. It's safe, affordable, halal-friendly and full of variety — fast trains, colourful bazaars, craft workshops, a yurt night and snow fun in winter keep children engaged throughout.
Wonderfully romantic and refreshingly different — turquoise domes, candlelit dinners in heritage courtyards and a starry desert yurt night make it an unforgettable honeymoon.
Definitely. Uzbekistan pairs beautifully with neighbouring Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan for a longer Central Asia adventure. We build seamless multi-country itineraries from the UAE.
Three days covers Tashkent and Samarkand; five days adds Bukhara; seven days lets you include Khiva and travel the full Silk Road at a relaxed pace. We'll match the length to your time and interests.
Look for silk and suzani embroidery, hand-painted Rishtan and Gijduvan ceramics, miniature paintings, carpets, spices and dried fruit — best hunted at Chorsu (Tashkent) and Siyob (Samarkand) bazaars.
It's Uzbekistan's craft heartland — famous for silk weaving in Margilan, blue Rishtan ceramics and lively, authentic bazaars away from the main tourist trail.
At Moynaq in the far northwest, rusting fishing ships sit stranded on the dry bed of the shrunken Aral Sea — a haunting, unforgettable sight and a powerful add-on for adventurous travellers.
Light, modest clothing works well. Cover shoulders and knees at mosques and shrines (a scarf is handy for women). Bring layers for cool evenings and warm gear in winter.
Continental — hot, dry summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. Deserts get very hot in July and August, while the mountains stay cooler.
It's best to drink bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and widely available. Your hotels and guide will point you to safe options.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, cancellations and activities like skiing or desert trips. We can suggest suitable options.
No — it's excellent value. Meals, transport, tours and hotels cost far less than the UAE, so your dirham stretches a long way, especially on food and shopping.
Yes, ATMs are common in cities and accept international cards, though it's smart to carry some cash for smaller towns, bazaars and taxis.
Yes — most of our packages include English-speaking guides and private drivers so you travel comfortably and learn the fascinating history behind every site.
Very much so. It's safe and easy to navigate, and our guided arrangements mean solo travellers are well looked after throughout the trip.
Yes. Ramadan is observed but most restaurants and sights stay open, and the atmosphere is special. We're happy to plan your trip around prayer times and iftar.
No special vaccinations are usually required, but check with your doctor or a travel clinic for the latest advice based on your health and itinerary.
Yes, with roaming, though a local Ucell, Beeline or Mobiuz SIM — or an eSIM — is far cheaper for data and gives good 4G coverage in the cities.
Shakhrisabz is Timur's green birthplace, an easy day trip from Samarkand, home to the colossal ruined Ak-Saray Palace and elegant UNESCO-listed monuments.
Many are — the Registan, Poi Kalyan and Khiva's old city look spectacular after dark. Evening walks and photo stops are highlights we build into your plan.
Yes. We can plan your days around the best light and quietest hours at the Registan, Bukhara and Khiva — ideal for keen photographers and honeymoon couples.
For spring and autumn peak seasons, book several weeks ahead for the best flights and hotels. We can also arrange shorter-notice trips — just ask.
Yes. We serve travellers from across the UAE and use the most convenient departure — Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah — for your Uzbekistan holiday.
Absolutely — every package is a starting point. Tell us your interests, pace and budget and we'll design a tailor-made Uzbekistan journey just for you.
Simply message us on WhatsApp or fill in the enquiry form. We'll send a tailored quote, refine it with you, and handle flights, hotels, trains, transfers and visa support end-to-end.
Get your free quote
Tell us a few details and we'll send a tailored itinerary and best price to your WhatsApp. No obligation.
Let's turn your Silk Road dream into a booked, worry-free holiday. Get a free, tailored quote from Gulliver Travels today — flights, hotels, trains, tours and visa, all in one place.
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