Nowruz
Nowruz is a festival that celebrates the beginning of spring and the new year according to the astronomical solar calendar. Originally a Zoroastrian festival, it remains very popular among Iranian and Turkish peoples today.
In Uzbekistan, Nowruz is a festival of spring, joy, and charity that reminds us of timeless values: respect for nature, family unity, and the importance of peaceful coexistence.
Among the peoples who celebrate Nowruz, it is traditionally said that the more generously the festival is celebrated, the more successful the coming year will be.
We invite you to spend this wonderful time with us on a journey through Uzbekistan!
Day 1 – Arrival in Tashkent
Arrival in Tashkent late at night or early the next morning. Reception at the airport by the tour guide, transfer to the hotel, accommodation, and overnight stay.
Day 2 – Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
Breakfast. Morning sightseeing in the old part of Tashkent, including the Hazrati Imam Ensemble, Kukeldash Madrasah, and Chorsu Bazaar.
In the afternoon, a tour of the new part of the city is planned: Independence Square, Prince Romanov’s Residence (viewed from the outside), the Amir Temur Monument and Park, and the Alisher Navoi Theatre (viewed from the outside).
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Urgench (depending on the flight schedule: an evening flight or a flight the next morning). Upon arrival in Urgench, transfer to Khiva (approx. 30 km). Overnight stay in Khiva.
Day 3 – Khiva
Breakfast. Khiva, with its Ichan Kala, is an open-air museum city that captivates visitors with its tranquility and serenity. It is a place where time seems to stand still.
Full-day sightseeing includes the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark Fortress, the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, and Said Alauddin Mausoleum. Lunch break.
In the afternoon, continue sightseeing with visits to the Juma Mosque, Tash Hauli Palace and Harem, the Islam Khoja Ensemble, and the Allakuli Khan Madrasah.
Among the diverse traditions of the peoples of Central Asia, traditional entertainment at festivals occupies a special place. This includes dancing and singing, as well as puppet theatre, wrestling, horse racing, and tightrope walking – known in the East as Darboz.
This national tradition, widespread since the early Middle Ages, has been preserved to this day, having been passed down from generation to generation.
Today, you will enjoy a performance by a family of tightrope walkers in the courtyard of one of the madrasahs.
Overnight stay in Khiva.
Day 4 – Khiva – Bukhara
Breakfast. Early start and a long drive to Bukhara through the Kyzyl-Kum Desert (approx. 500 km, about 8 hours). Photo stop at the Amu Darya River and a lunch break at a roadside teahouse. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Bukhara.
Day 5 – Bukhara
Breakfast. Full-day sightseeing in Bukhara, including the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki Attori Mosque, and the historic trade domes: Sarafon (money exchange), Telpak Furushon (Astrakhan hats), and Zargaron (goldsmiths).
Visit the Kosh Madrasah complex (Ulugbek Madrasah and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah).
Lunch break.
In the afternoon, continue sightseeing with the Poi Kalon Ensemble (Kalon Mosque and Minaret, Miri Arab Madrasah – active), the Ark Citadel, the Samanid Mausoleum, and Chashma Ayub.
Before dinner, enjoy a folklore performance at the Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah. This colorful show, presented in traditional costumes, features regional dances from Bukhara, Fergana, Khorezm, and Andijan, as well as Tajik and Iranian national dances. The performance is accompanied by traditional musical instruments and live singing. Between dance numbers, models present traditional Uzbek costumes.
Overnight stay in Bukhara.
Day 6 – Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand
Breakfast. Transfer to Gijduvan (approx. 50 km, about 1 hour).
Today, you will immerse yourself in the festive spring atmosphere of Nowruz, celebrated in Gijduvan together with a local family. The highlight of this experience is the preparation of Sumalak, a traditional Nowruz dish made from sprouted wheat.
You will be able to observe the cooking process, accompanied by traditional Uzbek music, and learn about the unique art of henna painting, including Usma Surma and Hina Surma — traditional forms of medieval makeup and body art.
You will also witness a traditional Uzbek wedding ceremony known as “Kelin Salom,” during which the bride, dressed in traditional costume, welcomes guests with songs. In addition, you will enjoy a performance of Uzbek puppet theatre.
In the afternoon, continue the journey to Samarkand (approx. 231 km, about 4 hours).
Overnight stay in Samarkand.
Day 7 – Samarkand – Tashkent
Breakfast.
Full-day sightseeing in Samarkand, including the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Registan Ensemble, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siab Bazaar, Shahi Zinda Necropolis, and the Ulugbek Observatory.
In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and take the train to Tashkent.
Overnight stay in Tashkent.
Day 8 – Tashkent – Departure
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Hotel Lists for Navruz: (10.03-30.05)
Samarkand – Kohinoor 4*+ or similar camera standart
Bukhara – Shahristan 4*+ or similar, camera standart
Khiva – Pakhlavan 4* or similar, camera standart
