Uzbekistan: The Crossroads of the Silk Road Where History Meets Culture
Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Its cities—Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—were key hubs on this legendary trade route, connecting East and West through the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Samarkand, with its magnificent Registan Square and blue-tiled mausoleums, was a centre of learning and commerce, while Bukhara’s ancient mosques and bazaars made it a major religious and cultural hub. Khiva, a desert oasis, stands as a well-preserved example of medieval city planning, with its UNESCO-listed Ichan-Kala. The Silk Road, not only facilitated trade in silk, spices, and textiles, but also spread religions, philosophies, and artistic traditions across continents.
The Siam Society is organising a study trip to Uzbekistan from 14 to 23 March 2025, coinciding with the vibrant celebration of Navruz, the Persian New Year. This journey allows participants to experience Uzbekistan’s majestic Islamic architecture, explore its bustling bazaars, and walk in the footsteps of the merchants and scholars who shaped Central Asia’s rich history. Additionally, we will immerse ourselves in the traditional celebrations and cultural festivities of Navruz in the historic city of Khiva.
When
Leader
with Mrs Eileen Deeley
Chairperson of the Music and Special Events Committee at The Siam Society
Booking
The tentative programme will be as follows:
| Day 1: Friday, 14 March 2025: Bangkok – Tashkent | |
| 05:30 | Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Check in at Uzbekistan Airways check-in counter |
| 08:10 | Depart Bangkok for Tashkent by Uzbekistan Airways flight HY532 |
| 13:10 | Arrive at Tashkent International Airport, then transfer to the restaurant |
| – | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| Afternoon: | Visit the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Crowne Plaza, an IHG Hotel, Tashkent |
| Day 2: Saturday, 15 March 2025: Tashkent – Samarkand | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel, and transfer to the Samarkand train station |
| – | Depart to Samarkand by Afrosiyob High-speed train no. 764 |
| – | Arrive at Samarkand Train station |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| Afternoon: | Proceed to visit the Afrasiab Museum & Site of the ancient city of Afrasiab which was destroyed by the Mongols in the early 13th century. The Afrasiab Museum exhibits artefacts from various historical periods, including the unique frescoes from the Ikhshidid dynasty (7th – 8th centuries), depicting hunting scenes and celebrations, ossuaries, ancient weapons, coins and pottery. Archaeological excavations began in the late 19th century and still continue today. The museum was designed by Armenian architect Bagdasar Arzumanyan in 1970. |
| – | After that proceed to visit Registan Square, one of the most iconic landmarks in Samarkand. This UNESCO World Heritage site features three magnificent madrasahs: the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, known for its stunning tilework; the Sher-Dor Madrasah, distinguished by its striking lion mosaics; and the Tilya-Kari Madrasah, celebrated for its gold-detailed interiors. |
| – | Next, visit the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, once one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. Built in the 14th century under Amir Timur in honour of his wife, the mosque’s grand architecture and intricate tilework are a testament to the city’s rich history. Its impressive entrance and beautifully adorned interiors make it a significant highlight of Samarkand. |
| – | Transfer to the hotel |
| Evening: | Dinner at a local restaurant |
| Overnight at Kosh Havuz Boutique, Samarkand | |
| Day 3: Sunday, 16 March 2025: Samarkand | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel |
| Morning: | Today, we will explore several significant sites that highlight the rich history and culture of Samarkand. |
| – | Visit Gur-e-Amir (Tamerlane’s Mausoleum). This stunning mausoleum is the final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane) and his family. Built in the 14th century, its impressive architecture features a grand dome and intricately decorated tilework. The mausoleum showcases the artistry of the Timurid era, with beautiful calligraphy and patterns that reflect the wealth and power of Timur’s empire. |
| – | Then visit the Mausoleum of St. Daniel, which is dedicated to the biblical prophet Daniel, who is revered in multiple religions. The tomb is an important pilgrimage destination and features a simple yet serene atmosphere. According to legend, Daniel’s remains were brought to Samarkand, making this a significant spiritual site. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| Afternoon:
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Visit Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. This necropolis is a stunning ensemble of mausoleums and tombs, often referred to as the “Street of the Dead.” It includes the mausoleum of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, and other notable figures. The complex is famous for its exquisite tile work, featuring vibrant colours and intricate designs that reflect Islamic artistry. |
| – | Visit Ulugh Beg Observatory, built in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Amir Timur, this observatory was a centre for astronomical research. Here, Ulugh Beg and his scholars made significant advancements in astronomy, including precise measurements of the stars. The remains of the large sextant used for these measurements can still be seen, and the observatory’s historical importance continues to influence astronomy today. |
| Evening: | Dinner at own arrangement |
| Overnight at Kosh Havuz Boutique, Samarkand | |
| Day 4: Monday, 17 March 2025: Samarkand – Gijduvan – Bukhara | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and proceed to Bukhara via Gijduvan |
| – | Gijduvan is a town known for potters. We will visit the family of Alisher from the third generation of potters known for its indigenous style and colouration. His pottery works have been visited by state guests like the late Princess Diana, Hillary Clinton and many others. |
| Noon: | Lunch at Alisher’s workshop |
| Afternoon: | Continue to Bukhara, a historic city and a centre of trade, culture, and religion in Central Asia, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. It played a significant role on the Silk Road, fostering the exchange of goods and ideas between various civilisations. |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Wyndham Hotel, Bukhara |
| Day 5: Tuesday, 18 March 2025: Bukhara | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel |
| Morning: | Sightseeing in Bukhara, visit the Ismail Samanid Mausoleum, which was completed in 905. It is the city’s oldest surviving Muslim monument and a remarkable example of early Islamic architecture. Built as a family tomb for Ismail Samani, founder of the Samanid dynasty. The structure is famous for its intricate terracotta brickwork. The design shifts in appearance as sunlight and shadows change throughout the day. Its nearly 2-metre-thick walls have preserved it for over 11 centuries with minimal restoration, apart from the dome. |
| – | Visit Bolo Hauz Mosque. Built in 1718, it was the official place of worship for the emirs of Bukhara. Its most striking features are the beautifully painted wooden ceiling and the intricately carved columns of the high ayvan (veranda) |
| – | After that, visit The Ark Fortress which is a striking fortress in Bukhara. It is the city’s oldest structure, dating back to the 5th century. It served as a royal residence for the emirs of Bukhara until 1920 when it was bombed by the Red Army. Although around 80% of it now lies in ruins, some royal quarters remain intact and have been converted into museums, offering a glimpse into its rich history. |
| – | Then visit the Poi Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, built on the site of a mosque destroyed by Genghis Khan, which is a grand 16th-century structure in Bukhara. The Kalon Mosque, capable of holding 10,000 worshippers, features a stunning courtyard adorned with intricate tilework. During Soviet times, the mosque was repurposed as a warehouse, but it was restored and reopened as a place of worship in 1991. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| Afternoon: | Visit the Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah and the Ulugbek Madrassah. Both places have exquisite tile work and historical significance. |
| – | Finally, visit Lyabi Khauz, a picturesque square surrounded by historic buildings, including the Nodirkhon Devanbegi Madrassah. End your day with a folk show at the Nadir Devon Begi Madrassah, where you can enjoy traditional music and dance, while immersing yourself in the local culture. |
| Evening: | Dinner at a local restaurant |
| Overnight at Wyndham Hotel, Bukhara | |
| Day 6: Wednesday, 19 March 2025: Bukhara – Khiva | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and depart to Khiva with a long drive through the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert, known for its striking red sands. This vast wasteland was historically significant as the route taken by invaders, including nomadic hordes, Persian armies, and even Alexander the Great, who marched through to confront his Persian adversaries. Genghis Khan’s troops also crossed these arid landscapes on their way to conquer new territories. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| Afternoon: | Continue our journey to Khiva, a remarkable oasis city in Uzbekistan, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. It is one of the best-preserved cities along the Silk Road |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Farovon Hotel, Khiva |
| Day 7: Thursday, 20 March 2025: Khiva – Kyzylkum Desert – Khiva | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel |
| Morning: | Excursion to explore 3 ancient fortresses of the Khorezm Kingdom in the Kyzylkum Desert, featuring Toprak Kala, Ayaz Kala, and Shilpik Kala. |
| – | Visit Toprak Kala, known as the “Clay Fortress,” which dates back to the 4th century BC and served as a key centre of governance and its strategic importance in connecting trade routes. Ayaz Kala, a complex of three fortresses built in the 2nd century BC, is renowned for its towering walls and stunning views of the surrounding desert. Chilpik Kala is another significant fortress that showcases the military architecture of the time, with its massive walls and towers standing as a testament to the strength of the Khorezm Kingdom. The Khorezm Kingdom, a strategic location near the Amu Darya River allowed it to flourish as a centre of trade and learning, with roots tracing back to the 4th millennium BC. By the 1st millennium BC, Khorezm evolved into a powerful state, shifting its capital between cities like Kunya-Urgench and Toprak Kala. The kingdom expanded through military prowess but declined after the Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century. |
| – | After the visit, we will have lunch specially arranged at Yorta campsite before returning to Khiva. |
| Noon: | Lunch at Yorta campsite |
| Afternoon: | Depart back to Khiva |
| Evening: | Dinner at a local restaurant |
| Overnight at Farovon Hotel, Khiva | |
| Day 8: Friday, 21 March 2025: Khiva – Tashkent | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and do some sightseeing in Khiva |
| Today is Navruz Day. Navruz in Khiva is a vibrant celebration of spring and renewal. The streets come alive with traditional Uzbek dances, colourful costumes, and lively music played on instruments like the dutar and doira. You’ll be immersed in the joyful atmosphere as you explore the city. | |
| – | Visit Itchan Kala, the UNESCO-listed inner city of Khiva. We will see the iconic Kalta Minor Minaret, a short but massive minaret covered in stunning turquoise tiles. Begun in 1851 by Muhammad Amin Khan. Kunya Ark (Old Fortress), is a fortress built in the 17th century as the residence of the Khivan Khans. The Ark houses several chambers, including the Summer Mosque, prison cells, a mint, and the Khan’s throne room, offering insight into the royal life of ancient Khiva. Climb to the Ark’s ramparts for panoramic views of Ichan Kala. Muhammad Rakhim Khan II Madrassah, built in the late 19th century, was both a centre for Islamic education and a residence for students. Muhammad Rakhim Khan II was not only a ruler but also a poet, known by his pen name, “Feruz”. |
| – | Next, visit the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud, Khiva’s most sacred site. Pakhlavan Makhmud was a 14th-century poet, philosopher, and wrestler who became the city’s patron saint. His mausoleum is a beautifully adorned structure with a tranquil atmosphere while also being a popular pilgrimage site. Islam Khodja Minaret and Museum, the tallest structure in Khiva, stands at 57 metres. The adjacent museum is housed in the former madrassah and features exhibits on Khiva’s history and culture. The minaret’s height and vibrant tiling make it a focal point of the city’s skyline, and you can climb it for breathtaking views. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| Afternoon: | Continue to visit the Juma (Friday) Mosque, which is one of the oldest structures in Khiva. The mosque is famous for its forest of 218 carved wooden pillars, some of which date back to the 10th century. |
| – | Visit Tash Hauli Palace (Harem), built in the early 19th century by Allakuli Khan. Known for its opulent harem quarters, the palace is adorned with magnificent mosaic tilework, intricate wood carvings, and colourful majolica. |
| – | Finally, visit Caravan Bazaar, which historically served as a major trading hub along the Silk Road. The bazaar offers an opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Uzbek market. |
| – | Dinner at a local restaurant |
| – | Transfer to the Urgench Airport |
| 20:20 | Depart Urgench for Tashkent by Uzbekistan Airways flight HY054 |
| 21:40 | Arrive at Tashkent Airport, and transfer to the hotel |
| Overnight at Crowne Plaza, an IHG Hotel, Tashkent | |
| Day 9: Saturday, 22 March 2025: Tashkent | |
| Breakfast at the hotel | |
| Morning: | Visit Tashkent’s highlights in the heart of the old city at the Hast Imam Complex (Khast Imam), the spiritual centre of Tashkent. This complex is a significant religious and cultural site, housing various historic buildings and monuments such as Kafelsashi Mausoleum, a beautiful mausoleum dedicated to one of Tashkent’s revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Kaffal Shashi. It dates back to the 16th century and is a fine example of Islamic architecture, with its intricate tile work and serene surroundings, Tilla Shaikh Mosque and Archives: The mosque is famous for holding the Othman Quran, believed to be the oldest surviving copy of the Quran, dating back to the 7th century. This rare artefact, written on deerskin, is said belonged to Caliph Uthman, one of the Prophet Muhammad’s closest companions. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| Afternoon: | Visit the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in Tashkent. |
| – | Next, visit the modern part of Tashkent and visit Independence Square (Mustakillik Maydoni), the largest and most important square in Uzbekistan. The square is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and features notable landmarks such as the Independence Monument, a golden globe, and a statue of a mother symbolising Uzbekistan’s future. The square is also surrounded by beautiful fountains, gardens, and government buildings. View Romanov’s Palace from the outside. This striking palace was built in the late 19th century for Grand Duke Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov, a member of the Russian royal family who was exiled to Tashkent. Although the interior is closed to the public, the exterior is well worth seeing for its unique design. |
| – | Dinner at a local restaurant |
| – | Then transfer to Tashkent Airport |
| 23:15 | Depart Tashkent to Bangkok by Uzbekistan Airways flight HY531 |
| Day 10: Sunday, 23 March 2025: Bangkok | |
| 07:25 | Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport |
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The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. |
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Important notes:
– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.
– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.
Booking:
Contribution of THB 115,000 (THB 119,000 for non-member). Single room surcharge of THB 16,500. A deposit of THB 40,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payments to cover bank charges. Payment in full will be required 60 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Tuesday, 14 January 2025). Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code below. Once payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer the docket to us.
Inclusions:
- The contribution includes accommodation (twin sharing basis), meals as mentioned in the programme, transfer and sightseeing coaches, entrance fees, gratuities, and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
- Basic travel insurance which will only cover participants travelling from and back to Thailand.
- Domestic flight ticket is included in the price (Khiva – Tashkent)
Exclusions:
- International flight tickets are not included in the price (Bangkok – Tashkent and Tashkent – Bangkok),but for those who would like us to book their tickets, it can be arranged at the time of booking. The approximate airfare will be THB 35,000 for economy class and THB 80,000 for business class. (price as of October)
- Visa fees (if any), personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumptions, etc.
Please note that the flight itinerary between Bangkok – Tashkent and Tashkent – Bangkok as mentioned in the programme only serves as a suggestion. Trip participants can travel with their preferred airline of choice throughout the above sequence of the itinerary.
Tourist Visa Policy
Thai and US passport holders will be required a visa to enter Uzbekistan. However, visitors can apply for an eVisa, which is the most convenient option and can be completed from your home. The cost of the single-entry visa will be around USD 20 depending on your nationality.
Please note that Uzbekistan has three categories of visa-free countries: 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day stay. You may check your category by filling in your citizenship and you can also apply for the eVisa at the following link: https://e-visa.gov.uz/application
Cancellation charges:
| 60 days before the start of the trip: | Deposit forfeited |
| 59 – 30 days before the start of the trip: | 50% of the tour cost |
| Less than 30 days or cancellation without notice: | No refund |
*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 60-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.
Covid-19 policy
Due to a lower number of worldwide infections, many countries have relaxed their travel restrictions and quarantine requirements regarding Covid-19.
Nevertheless, when travelling as a group, The Siam Society would like to remind you of the following measures that we have put in place:
– We suggest performing a self-administered ATK test before the commencement of the trip. Participants can also carry ATK test kits, along with their preferred set of medicines (for consumption if infected with Covid-19) with them.
– In the event that trip participants are tested positive during the trip, the group will continue to follow the planned itinerary. To ensure the health and safety of all trip participants, those who tested positive shall adhere to appropriate self-isolation measures as directed by the trip leader.
– Those tested positive with severe symptoms shall be treated in accordance with the health measures stipulated by the local government. Medical costs shall be at the expense of the trip participant(s).
For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org. The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.
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