Astronomy and culture through Silk Road cities: Uzbekistan
23 August 2025 - 14 days for £3,195 per person
Embark on a captivating journey across Uzbekistan, exploring its astronomical contributions, rich scientific history and stunning landscapes. Explore how astronomy was part of the cultural exchange that took place along the Silk Road, which connected regions across Eurasia and beyond. Discover lesser-visited ancient observatories and engage with and witness the breathtaking night skies of the Central Asian steppes.
Uzbekistan boasts several important astronomical sites, including observatories and landmarks that date back to the Islamic Golden Age, when scholars made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics and science.
Immerse yourself in the rich history as you explore the Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Explore their links to ancient astronomy and learn how ancient cultures contributed to the development of astronomy and science. Enjoy local cuisine and traditional music that reflect the country’s heritage.
Travel to remote regions near the Maidanak Observatory and in the Kyzylkum desert, where the dry climate and minimal light pollution allow for clear visibility of stars, constellations and even the Milky Way. August is a perfect time for stargazing in Uzbekistan, as the skies are typically the clearest, though nights can be colder.
You will be accompanied throughout by journalist Stuart Clarke, who has devoted his career to presenting the complex world of astronomy to the general public. Stuart holds a first-class honours degree and a PhD in astrophysics. He will offer a series of talks and walking seminars throughout on topics around astronomy and cosmology.
This tour is perfect for those fascinated by astronomy or looking to learn more about Central Asian culture.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN TASHKENT AND MEET GROUP AND TOUR LEADER
Welcome to Uzbekistan! Arrive in Tashkent, where you will transfer to your hotel. You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to rest or explore independently.
Tashkent’s history dates back more than 2000 years, with origins as a key stop along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected east and west. Historically, it has been a melting pot of cultures and civilisations, with Persian, Greek and Turkic influences among many others.
In the evening, you will get to know the group and your tour leader at a welcome meeting, before heading for a welcome dinner.
DAY 2: EXPLORE TASHKENT INCLUDING VISITING THE ASTRONOMY MUSEUM
Depart after breakfast for a full exploration of Tashkent. Begin with a visit to the ruins of the 15th-century observatory built by Ulugh Beg, the Timurid astronomer and mathematician. Learn about his groundbreaking work in astronomy and the remarkable star catalogue he created.
Continue on to the Astronomy Museum, where you can learn about the history of astronomy in Uzbekistan, including contributions from prominent astronomers such as Ulugh Beg.
Enjoy a tour of Tashkent’s metro, which was inaugurated in 1977, making it the first metro system in Central Asia. The metro is adorned with various pieces of art, including mosaics that depict scenes from Uzbek history, folklore and nature, contributing to a cultural experience while commuting.
You will also visit Chorsu Bazaar, Amir Timur Square and the Khast Imom complex.
DAY 3: TRAIN FROM TASHKENT TO SAMARKAND, REGISTAN SQUARE AND ULUGH BEG OBSERVATORY
Take an early morning high-speed train to Samarkand aboard Uzbekistan’s Afrosiyob train system, which offers one of the most modern rail travel networks in the world. The train will reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour and the journey will take just over 2 hours.
On arrival, begin your tour of the city with a visit to Registan Square, which is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It served as the heart of ancient Samarkand, symbolising the cultural and intellectual prominence of the Timurid Empire. Continue to Siab Bazar and the Shahi Zinda Complex.
In the afternoon, drive to Konigil, where you will take part in a paper-making workshop, located near the “Meros” paper mill, founded by well-known masters, the Mukhtarov brothers. The local factory revived an ancient tradition based on old Samarkand technologies. You will also visit a ceramic workshop.
Continue to Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and then finally visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory. This observatory was founded in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, a Timurid prince and renowned astronomer, and is considered one of the finest observatories of the medieval Islamic world. One of the most impressive instruments at the observatory was a giant sextant, which measured about 40 metres in radius. It was used to measure the angles between stars, allowing for precise astronomical observations.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Uzbekistani meal with a local family. Afterwards, drive out of the city to an area with less light pollution for an evening of stargazing led by your astronomy expert.
DAY 4: SAMARKAND TO KARSHI AND CONTINUE TO THE MAIDANAK OBSERVATORY
Today will be quite a long travel day, as the Maidanak Observatory is located in a remote region in the Gissar mountain range, about 100 kilometres south of Samarkand. However, its remote location makes it ideal for stargazing, due to the absence of urban light pollution.
Begin by taking the train from Samarkand to Karshi, which takes just over an hour. From there you will drive in smaller, comfortable cars to Maidanak, a journey of around 3 hours. Check in at your guest house, where you will enjoy lunch.
Later in the afternoon, visit the Maidanak Observatory, which is home to several large telescopes. One of the key instruments is a 1.5-metre optical telescope, used for professional astronomical research. It also houses several smaller telescopes used for various observations and research, including those related to planetary science, asteroids and variable star observations.
Enjoy an evening of stargazing accompanied by your astronomy expert.
DAY 5: MAIDANAK TO SAMARKAND VIA SHAHRISABZ
After a busy evening, you will have a more leisurely morning, before driving back to Samarkand.
Drive by private cars to Shahrisabz, which will take around 3 hours. Shahrisabz is the birthplace of Amir Timur, who is regarded as one of the greatest conquerors in Uzbekistan's history. The city’s architecture reflects the Timurid style, characterised by large-scale constructions, intricate mosaics and blue-domed structures. Enjoy lunch at the picturesque palace of Ming Archa. Afterwards, return to Samarkand, taking in the beautiful mountainous scenery and local villages you drive past.
There will be an optional evening walking tour to Registan Square or there is the option to rest at the hotel.
DAY 6: KYZYLKUM DESERT AND LAKE AYDARKUL
Depart Samarkand and drive through part of the Kyzylkum desert, which means "red sand" in the Turkic languages. It is one of the largest deserts in Central Asia, spanning about 298,000 square kilometres. It covers large parts of Uzbekistan and extends into Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The desert is located between two major rivers: the Amu Darya to the south and the Syr Darya to the north.
Enjoy a picnic lunch near Lake Aydarkul, which covers an area of more than 3000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest lakes in Uzbekistan. Aydarkul has become a unique ecosystem that supports various fish species, including carp and catfish, and serves as a habitat for migratory birds. The lake has gradually become an important stopover for bird species in the region.
From here, travel to your yurt camp, where you will spend the night. Each yurt accommodates four people, so you will be required to share with other guests and the single supplement will not be applicable.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner with a bonfire under the open skies. The dry climate and minimal light pollution allow for clear visibility of stars, constellations and even the Milky Way. Enjoy guided stargazing with your astronomy expert.
DAY 7: NURATA, GIJDUVAN AND ON TO BUKHARA
After breakfast, drive to Nurata, a small, historic town located at the edge of the Nuratau mountains. The remains of an ancient fortress, reportedly built by Alexander the Great, are perched on a hill overlooking Nurata. Though much of the fortress has crumbled over time, it offers a panoramic view of the town, surrounding mountains and desert. This fortress is a fascinating reminder of the region's deep historical significance as a crossroads of cultures.
Continue to Gijduvan, where you will visit a local ceramic pottery workshop. Gijduvan is famous for its distinctive pottery style, characterised by bright colours, intricate designs and often geometric or floral patterns. The town is home to the Gijduvan Ceramics School, which has passed down pottery techniques for over six generations. The Narzullaev family, a well-known family of master potters, leads this school. Their style is recognised for its vibrant green, blue and yellow glazes, applied to both functional and decorative ceramics.
Continue on to Bukhara, where you will have the evening at leisure after a long day of travelling.
DAY 8: BUKHARA CITY TOUR, VISIT TO SITORAI MOHI HOSA AND CHASHMA AYUB MAUSOLEUM
Enjoy a full-day tour of Bukhara, one of Uzbekistan’s oldest cities. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 2000 years of history and a remarkable collection of Islamic architecture. Begin with a visit to Sitorai Mohi Hosa, also known as the Star and Moon Palace. This summer palace was built as a retreat for the last Emir of Bukhara and represents a unique blend of Russian, Central Asian and Persian architectural styles. Afterwards, visit Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Bolo Khauz and the Ark Fortress.
In the evening, enjoy a local folklore performance in the madrasah.
DAY 9: BUKHARA WALKING TOUR, EXPLORE THE POIKALON COMPLEX
Today, you will set off on foot to explore Bukhara further. Visit the Poikalon Complex, which includes the Kalon Minaret and Mosque. It is one of Bukhara's most iconic architectural ensembles and a Central Asian masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The name “Po-i-Kalyan" means "foot of the great", referring to the minaret, which stands as the tallest structure and a symbol of endurance. Afterwards, visit the Trading Domes, Bazars Taki and the Lyabi Khauz Complex.
The remainder of the day will be at leisure.
DAY 10: BUKHARA TO KHIVA
Today, you will travel from Bukhara to Khiva by coach. The distance between the two cities is 450 kilometres and you will stop along the way for refreshment breaks.
On arrival in Khiva, you will have time to relax at your hotel and the remainder of day will be at leisure.
DAY 11: KHIVA WALKING TOUR
Today, you will enjoy a walking tour of Khiva. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is divided into two main parts: the inner city, Itchan Kala, and the outer city, Dichan Kala.
Itchan Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva, is like an open-air museum, with some of the most remarkable examples of Central Asian architecture. Surrounded by thick, high walls made of clay, this area is filled with minarets, mosques, palaces and madrasahs. The walls of Itchan Kala are especially striking at sunset, when they take on a reddish hue, and the city’s streets, buildings and narrow lanes feel like stepping back in time.
Explore the architectural wonders of Itchan Kala, including the Muhammad Aminhon Madrasah, the striking Kalta Minor Minaret, the historic Kunya Ark fortress, the elegant Muhammad Rahimhon Madrasah and the serene Juma Mosque.
In the evening, enjoy drinks on the roof of a private house that offers panoramic views of the sunset. You will then take part in a cooking class, where you can sample Khorezmian cuisine and enjoy dinner at a guest house with a local family.
DAY 12: MORNING TOUR OF KHIVA AND AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Today, you will set off on foot once again to visit Tosh Houli Palace, Islom Hoja Minaret & Madrasah and the Museum of Mennoniten.
The rest of the day will be leisure.
DAY 13: KHIVA TO TASHKENT
You will transfer to Urgench airport to take the morning flight to Tashkent, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. You will have the remainder of the day to explore. Your local guide will be able to offer suggestions of places to visit.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group at a traditional restaurant to look back on and discuss the wonderful time you have spent exploring Uzbekistan.
DAY 14: TASHKENT DEPARTURE
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. For those wishing to extend their stay in Central Asia, please speak to the team at Intrepid, who will be able to offer suggestions of other countries to explore while here.
