Silk & Spice | Weekend in Uzbekistan

**Welcome to Uzbekistan!** The cradle of culture in the region for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is home to a spellbinding collection of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply woven with the fascinating and often bloody history of the Silk Road. When it comes to historical sights, Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s biggest draw and most dazzling showstopper. [https://vimeo.com/215827711](https://vimeo.com/215827711) This time, we invite you on a weekend journey back through the centuries – to the days when caravans laden with silk and spices travelled from China to Europe, crossing mountain passes and endless deserts – but in true 21st-century style, aboard a bullet train! **Samarkand** never fails to captivate visitors with its magnificent mosques, madrassas, and mausoleums. While modern architecture has begun to shape the cityscape, the historic charm of Samarkand still casts its spell on all who wander here. Human activity in the region dates back to the late Palaeolithic era, but Samarkand rose to fame in the 14th century as an Islamic centre of scholarly learning and as the capital of the empire of Timur (Tamerlane). Registan Square. Once the heart of the city, it is framed by three monumental religious buildings and remains a symbol of its grandeur. Samarkand has carefully preserved the traditions of ancient crafts such as embroidery, goldwork, silk weaving, copper engraving, and ceramics. In 2001, **UNESCO added the city to its World Heritage List** as Crossroads of Cultures. **Bukhara,** with around 140 architectural monuments, is often called an open-air museum. Though repeatedly invaded, plundered, and terrorised throughout history, it ultimately emerged as a centre of science and enlightenment in ancient Turan. Religion flourished alongside secular sciences such as poetry, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics. Great scholars and philosophers lived and worked here, surrounded by a devoted following, and over the centuries numerous madrasas and shrines were built to educate thousands of students. Despite its more recent Soviet heritage, Uzbekistan remains an exceptionally friendly country where hospitality is a way of life. Everywhere you go, you’ll be met with genuine warmth and made to feel truly welcome. **Let's go!** **Day 1 // Friday** Meet at Dubai Terminal 2 at 21:00 hrs for a direct flight to Samarkand departing at 23:10. **Day 2 // Saturday // Samarkand** After completing immigration formalities, transfer to our hotel in Samarkand for check-in. Begin sightseeing in the capital of Tamerlane’s powerful empire: * **Gur-Emir Mausoleum** – the burial place of Tamerlane and his dynasty (14th–15th centuries). * **Registan Square** – the heart of Samarkand, with its three madrassas showcasing the city’s glorious past. After lunch: * **Bibi-Khanym Mosque –** once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. * **Shahi-Zinda Necropolis** – one of Samarkand’s most unique architectural monuments. The oldest surviving structures date back to the 11th–12th centuries, while most were built in the 14th–15th centuries. Later reconstructions in the 16th–19th centuries had little impact on the ensemble’s original appearance. Enjoy **shopping time at Siab Market**, where you can find local sweets, bread, spices, and visit nearby art galleries offering jewelry, embroidery, and other crafts. Optional visit a traditional **Hamam** (local bath). In the evening, depart by bullet train to Bukhara. Overnight at the hotel. **Day 3 // Sunday // Bukhara** Begin with **Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble**, one of Bukhara’s central squares, where the Nadir Divan-Begi madrasah and khanaka surround a pond, and the Kukeldash madrasah stands nearby. Continue to: * **Mausoleum of Ismail Samani** – the oldest Islamic architectural monument in Central Asia. * **Ark Citadel** – a massive fortress and ancient symbol of Bukhara’s state power. * **Bolo-Hauz Mosque (18th century)** – known for its multi-columned aivan reflected in the waters of the hauz. * **Poi-Kalon Complex** – the city’s main architectural ensemble, featuring the Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah facing each other, with the Kalyan Minaret and Amir-Alimkhan Madrasah between them. In the late afternoon, return to Samarkand. Our trip would not be completed without **Registan at Night – a spectacular light show.** Late dinner, optional overnight at the hotel, airport transfer forreturn flight. **Arrival in Dubai at 07:00 hrs on Monday.** **Duration:** Weekend only! **Activities:** Sightseeing and immersion into unheard history. **Accommodation & meals:** included - 4\* hotels (double sharing rooms), local foods. 5\* hotel option available at extra cost. **Cost:** **AED 3350 incl. flights** **until SEP 12.** Past this date cost will change. **Single accommodation:** 380 AED extra. **Specifically excluded:** Any cost related to visas, entry fees, visit in Hamam. **Visas:** **UAE residents** with 3 months validity of residence visa **are eligible for free entry.** More info: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan) *It is sole responsibility of trip participant to secure admission to country of destination.* See yah in Samarkand x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 0504848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](info@trekkup.com) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)