3-Day Private, Bullet Train

3-Day Private, Bullet Train. Rated 4.7 across 29 reviews. Runs 3 days. From $505.

Overview

A 07:30 start at Toshkent Railway Station sets this private three-day circuit in motion, using Uzbekistan's bullet train to link Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand without any of the usual logistics headaches. Silk Tour Ltd handles the train tickets in both directions, entrance fees to the monuments, licensed guides in each city, two nights in central boutique or similar hotels, and breakfast on the two mornings after them. Because the group is private, only your own party travels together.

The shape of the trip is simple. Day one belongs to Tashkent and the rail run to Bukhara, followed by a walking programme that takes in Poi Kalyan, the Ark, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Maghak-i 'Attari Mosque, the Trading Domes and Lyab-i-Hauz. Day two finishes Bukhara and then boards the train to Samarkand, where the third day covers the Registan, Gur Emir, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Siab Bazaar and Ulugh Beg Observatory before the return train to Tashkent.

It suits first-time visitors with limited time who want the major Silk Road cities covered in one booking. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides' knowledge and the operators' responsiveness, and several mention that the organisers stayed reachable throughout the trip and helped when plans had to change.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Tashkent stationMeet at Toshkent Railway Station (Shimoliy) for a 07:30 start. The tour begins and ends at this meeting point.
2. Tashkent, then train to BukharaFour hours in Tashkent, then the bullet train to Bukhara.
3. Bukhara old city walkPoi Kalyan Mosque (1 hour), Ark of Bukhara (1 hour), Bolo Hauz Mosque (30 minutes), Maghak-i 'Attari Mosque (30 minutes), Trading Domes (1 hour, no ticket needed), then Lyab-i-Hauz (2 hours). All entrance tickets except the free stops are included. Overnight in a central boutique or similar hotel; dinner is not included.
4. Bullet train to SamarkandFour more hours in Bukhara, then the bullet train Bukhara to Samarkand. Overnight in a central hotel, with breakfast included.
5. Samarkand sightseeingRegistan (2 hours), Gur Emir Mausoleum (1 hour), Shah-i-Zinda (1 hour), Bibi Khanym Mosque (30 minutes), Siab Bazaar (30 minutes, free entry), and Ulugh Beg Observatory (1 hour). Entrance tickets included; breakfast included; no overnight.
6. Train back to TashkentBullet train Samarkand to Tashkent, then roughly 2 hours in Tashkent before the tour ends at the original meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the listing and in traveller reviews, and they are worth knowing before booking.

• Pace and walking. This is a fast three-day circuit with long walking days in Bukhara and Samarkand. One reviewer found the Bukhara afternoon walk tough in extreme heat, so bring sun protection and water.
• Private group feel. Only your group participates, as the listing states. Reviewers describe the trip as well organised, with guides and drivers dedicated to their party and easy-to-reach organisers when questions came up.
• Cash for extras. Photo and video charges at museums are paid in cash at the entrance, and the listing puts them at a few dollars per site. Tips for guides and drivers are also not included, so carry small notes.
• Staying connected. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the operators stayed in touch by phone throughout the trip and responded quickly to questions. If your plans change, message them early; several reviewers reported the team helping with rearrangements when things shifted.
• What to bring. Entrance tickets, transport, hotels and breakfast are covered, so the main things to pack are comfortable shoes for old city streets, cash for museum photo fees and tips, and sun protection for the long days outdoors.
• Hotels and rooms. Accommodation is in centrally located, well rated boutique or similar hotels on a twin or double basis. One reviewer had a room type mix-up on arrival. A single room supplement is payable on the spot.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are fine and infant seats are available. A single room supplement is payable on the spot, and transfers on the first morning and the last evening between the station and hotel or airport are not covered. One reviewer reported a gap between what the booking page suggested was included at no cost and what the local operator charged on the ground, and another had a room type mix-up at check-in. Summer heat made an afternoon Bukhara walk uncomfortable for one traveller, and changes are not accepted within 24 hours of the start time.

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