Uzbekistan Uncovered

We spend 11 nights in hotels, one night in a yurt camp, one night in a homestay and one night on a sleeper train. The hotels are typically small and well located for our adventures, often close to the main sites and attractions. The accommodations we typically use are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.



Nurata: Homestay (night 5)







Our night in a homestay takes us into the mountain village of Sentyab, where a traditional lifestyle still thrives. It provides us with an excellent opportunity to witness life in the Uzbek peaks, where cooking is often on an open fire and families typically keep livestock. The homes are very simple with shared rooms (up to four people per room). There are shared bathrooms and showers (typically two showers and two toilets in total) - these are basic but clean.



Kyzylkum desert: Yurt camp (night 6)







Yurts are not part of Uzbek culture, but the country is a mix of different ethnic groups, including Kazakhs who were nomadic and use yurts. The yurts, which are set up for tourists, have basic shared washing facilities and toilets, plus a dining yurt. You may have to share a yurt with more than one other person. The camp is very simple and offers limited comfort; however, it is well positioned to let us visit Aydarkul lake.



Navoi to Kungrad: Overnight train (night 7)



The railway has long been a popular mode of travelling around the ex-Soviet Union – a great insight into Uzbek life. We ride a Soviet-era train in second-class carriages with four-berth cabins. The facilities are basic, but there is A/C (which is usually off at the stops, so prepare for hot and cool temperatures). We can also buy snacks before boarding.



Worth knowing



If you would like your own room, a limited number of single supplements are available on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis – please request this at the time of booking. The single supplement is not available for three nights of the trip – the homestay, yurt camp and sleeper train.

At the homestay, yurt camp and on the sleeper train, men and women who are not travelling together may have to share though we aim to minimise this.