UZBEKISTAN 2026

SILK ROAD, RITUALS & ARCHITECTURE

24th May - 4th June 2026

GROUP SIZE: Max 8 SOLD OUT

PRICE: $4699 No Credit Card Fees!

(Includes 2 domestic flights, All Meals, Hotels, Transfers, Tip & No Bank Fees!)

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Our tour of Uzbekistan with Tom at Raw Tours was truly outstanding. I loved every minute of it."

Rachel S - Uzbekistan Photo Tour Participant - 2024

UZBEKISTAN PHOTO TOUR 2026

Journey through time and culture on an extraordinary photography tour across Uzbekistan, where ancient Silk Road cities, stunning architecture, and vibrant traditions await. This carefully crafted small-group adventure will take you deep into the heart of Uzbekistan’s rich heritage, offering unparalleled access to breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lively bazaars, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences - including an unforgettable night under the stars in a desert yurt camp. One of the true highlights: the rare opportunity to photograph a traditional Uzbek wedding - a vibrant and intimate glimpse into a culture few travelers ever experience up close.

Under the expert guidance of Tom Bourdon, a multi-award-winning travel photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to capture the soul of Uzbekistan through your lens. From the intricate tilework of Samarkand’s Registan Square to the atmospheric streets of Bukhara and Khiva, and the vast, golden dunes surrounding your yurt camp, each stop is a feast for photographers looking to document history, architecture, and local life in its purest form.

WHY THIS PLACE WORKS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Days are intentionally unhurried. We often stay in one area longer than expected if the light, people, or atmosphere feels right. There’s no pressure to “get the shot”.

Light shaped by architecture

Cities like Samarkand and Bukhara are built for light - courtyards, arches, narrow streets, and tiled surfaces create reflected light, deep shadow, and natural framing throughout the day.

Daily life layered into historic spaces

Ordinary routines happen against extraordinary backdrops. People sweep courtyards, rest in doorways, trade in markets, and gather in spaces that have been used the same way for centuries.

A sense of time standing still

Many places feel visually untouched by modern signage or distraction. This allows for images that feel timeless, without needing to strip things back in post

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT THIS TOUR

✅ Exclusive Cultural Access Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a guest at a real, traditional Uzbek wedding - a privilege few travelers ever get to witness. This isn't a staged event, it's an authentic celebration, where you'll be warmly welcomed by locals, immersed in vibrant traditions, and capturing truly unique cultural moments that no other photo tour offers.

✅ Unforgettable Desert Experience Spend a magical night in a traditional yurt camp, deep in the Uzbek desert. Capture the stunning contrast of ancient fortresses against golden dunes, photograph camels at sunrise, and witness the traditional ways of life in this environment.

✅ Breathtaking Locations Photograph 3 UNESCO World Heritage Cities, wander through lively bazaars, and discover hidden gems far off the tourist trail, where locals go about their daily lives just as they have for centuries.

✅ A Seamless Experience All-inclusive accommodation, expert local guide, all ground transport, and carefully curated experiences - so you can focus entirely on photography and adventure.

Step into the story of the Silk Road and capture images no other photo tour can offer.

Spaces are limited – secure your place today!

FULL ITINERARY

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Taking now the second photography tour with Tom and following part of the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, I can tell you all his tours are life changing experiences, not only as a photographer but as human being.

I learned so much about my camera and photography in these trips, probably what I would accumulate in an entire year on my own."

Andra G - Uzbekistan Photo Tour Participant - 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL LEVEL

Our photo tours are relaxed, fun and adventurous!

Beginner/Novice

Intermediate

Advanced

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THE ITINERARY

Day 1 (Tashkent)

Welcome to Tashkent! After a smooth arrival, we’ll settle into our hotel before meeting the group for a welcome briefing. In the afternoon, we explore the city’s historic sites and its stunning metro stations before enjoying a delicious welcome dinner with local flavors.

Day 2 (Tashkent)

We start the day at the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, an explosion of colors, textures, and authentic Uzbek culture - perfect for candid photography. After lunch at the famous Plov Center, there’s time to rest before an evening shoot at the picturesque Hasta Imam Square during blue hour.

Day 3 (Tashkent - Yurt Camp)

An early flight takes us west to Ayaz Kala, where we’ll experience the vast desert landscapes and ancient fortresses. After a relaxed afternoon at our yurt camp, we capture sunset with the camels.

Day 4 (Yurt Camp - Khiva)

After a stunning sunrise shoot at Ayaz Kala, we drive to Khiva, a perfectly preserved Silk Road city. The afternoon is spent exploring its historic streets, photographing artisans at work, and enjoying panoramic views from the city walls.

Day 5 (Khiva)

A magical morning awaits as we photograph Khiva’s ancient Ichan Kala citadel during blue hour. The day is spent wandering through its maze of minarets, madrasas, and courtyards, finishing with sunset photography from a scenic rooftop.

Day 6 (Khiva - Bukhara)

We fly to Bukhara, another UNESCO-listed Silk Road gem. The afternoon is a deep dive into its atmospheric old town, where narrow alleys, domed bazaars, and centuries-old mosques offer incredible photo opportunities.

Day 7 (Bukhara)

Today is one of the tour’s highlights - we’re invited guests at an authentic Uzbek wedding! From the groom’s preparation to the vibrant street procession, this is a rare chance to document timeless traditions up close.

Day 8 (Bukhara - Samarkand)

After a final morning in Bukhara, we board the train to Samarkand, arriving just in time for an unforgettable sunset shoot at the iconic Registan Square.

Day 9 (Samarkand)

A full day in Samarkand, starting with the majestic Shahi Zinda necropolis and lively Siab Market - perfect for portraits of local traders. The afternoon is free to explore or rest before an evening shoot at the illuminated Gur-e Amir Mausoleum.

Day 10 (Samarkand)

We visit the legendary Shahi Zinda tombs, then head to a rural village for a special cultural experience - baking traditional bread with a local family and photographing daily life in the Uzbek countryside.

Day 11 (Samarkand - Tashkent)

Our journey wraps up in Tashkent. After a high-speed train ride back, we enjoy a final evening together with a farewell dinner and plenty of stories to share.

Day 12 (Tashkent)

Time to say goodbye! After breakfast, we transfer to the airport with incredible photos and memories from this unforgettable adventure.

Please note: Itinerary details are subject to change based on local conditions and opportunities.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We've found that small groups provide the best experience. That's why we've limited this tour to a maximum 8 participants. That means there will be plenty of one-to-one time for everyone.

Tom has real-world experience of shooting professional travel images and can ensure that tour guests will benefit from the knowledge he has gained in decades of travelling and photography.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"When I was first invited to join the group I thought, will it be dangerous? Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Uzbekistan is a country full of extremely inviting people with ready smiles"

Lori - Uzbekistan Tour 2023

WHAT'S INCLUDED

The experience includes

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will vary from elegant hotels to family run guesthouses and an eco lodge.
FOOD & DRINK*

All meals are included. If you have any special dietary requirements just let us know.
TRANSPORTATION

All ground transport, including airport transfers.

EXPERT LOCAL TOUR GUIDE

To give us those local insights that we might not otherwise get.
EXPERT PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDANCE

With multi award winning photographer Tom Bourdon.
ALL BANK FEES NEW

Pay with your credit card using our secure online system. No additional fees, the price you see is the price you pay.
ALL ENTRANCE FEES & TIPS NEW

There's nothing to pay for on location other than personal expenses.

POST TOUR IMAGE CRITIQUE NEW

A 1 hour video call after the tour to review the photos you have taken. This approach ensures you get ample shooting time on location while still receiving personalized feedback.