Welcome to Uzbekistan!

Join us for a 9-days and 8-nights all-inclusive Glatt Kosher journey across Uzbekistan with Young Professionals!

Welcome to SAMi’s Jewish Heritage Trip to Uzbekistan 2025!

Join an unforgettable journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of Uzbekistan, where Jewish heritage comes to life. This international trip brings together Young Jewish Professionals (ages 23-47) from around the world for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Since 2013, we have been curating transformative trips that connect participants to their roots, fostering deep connections and meaningful memories. Leading this adventure is Manashe Khaimov, a renowned educator and native of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, who brings unparalleled insights into the history, traditions, and enduring legacy of Jewish life in the region.

Get ready for an extraordinary exploration of Uzbekistan’s Jewish past and present—history, culture, and community await!

About the Trip

Imagine wandering through the breathtaking blue-tiled mosques of Bukhara or stepping into Samarkand—one of the world’s oldest cities, predating even Rome. Uzbekistan is a hidden gem in Central Asia, offering an incredible mix of history, architecture, and culture. Known for its magnificent mosques, mausoleums, and Silk Road landmarks, this country is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be explored.

But there’s a chapter of history that often goes untold—the story of the Bukharian Jewish community, which has called Central Asia home since the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE. While most tours overlook this profound Jewish heritage, SAMi is bringing it to light.

This immersive experience uncovers the deep Jewish history of Uzbekistan, explores its stunning landscapes, and connects with a vibrant, ancient legacy. More than a trip, it’s a journey through time—rediscovering a forgotten past and witnessing history come alive.

VACCINATIONS: None required

If you have any questions please contact us: admin@samiglobal.org

About Uzbekistan


Included in the Trip

Comfortable Accommodations – 9 nights in hotels across Uzbekistan (twin occupancy; single rooms available for an additional fee).

  1. Full Kosher Dining – Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a fully kosher meal plan throughout the journey.

  2. Seamless Travel Between Cities – Economy-class train and bus tickets for travel between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.

  3. Private Transportation – A dedicated vehicle with a professional driver for the duration of the trip.

  4. Spacious, Modern Tour Bus – Equipped with A/C, stereo, DVD, microphone, refrigerator, and ample baggage space (45-51 seats, with two drivers).

  5. Expert Tour Guide – A knowledgeable, English-speaking guide leading all sightseeing and excursions from arrival to departure.

  6. Access to Iconic Sites – All entrance fees to historical and cultural landmarks included.

  7. Hassle-Free Airport Transfers – Private transportation to and from the airport.

  8. Daily Essentials – 1 liter of mineral water per person, per day to stay refreshed while exploring.

International air tickets ( we have partner with Nelly Beck Travels you can call them at this number and they will be happy to help you) 718-575-0017.

Flight insurance needs to be bought separately (you can ask that from Nelly Beck Travels as well) 718-575-0017.

Visa (we can provide it for additional charge or you can acquire it by yourselves here ) https://e-visa.gov.uz/main
Video and photo charges

Tips and gratuities

Any personal expenses

Any services not included in the above itinerary

Program excludes

Pricing:

💰 $2,300 – Early Bird (until April 3rd)

💰 $2,700 – Standard (until May 1st)

Payment Details:

Due to Zeffy’s $1,000 credit card limit, please follow these steps:

🔹 Credit Card: Make three separate payments – two of $900 and one of $500.

Prices

Frequently asked questions?

  1. Do I need to be Bukharian or Sephardic to be on the trip? No!

  2. What is the rooming situation like?  Two per room (single room options available)

  3. How much money should I bring? As much as you would like to spend 

  4. Do I need any vaccination? No, there are no any prerequisites for vaccination for travelers.

  5. Do women have clothing limitations? Generally, there are no strict limitations on clothing, especially in Tashkent and other major cities, where particularly young people enjoy full liberty with clothing. You can frequently encounter young ladies wearing traditional Islamic covers, but this is a personal preference rather than a must. In some provinces, however, such as Ferghana Valley, it would be better to avoid wearing shorts. Same rule is applied when visiting religious places, mosques, mausoleums, etc. Also, ladies should cover their shoulders and chest and preferably wear a hat or a headscarf. In summer time it would be advisable to follow the above recommendation to protect yourself from the sun. Also, sun protection lotions can be used.

  6. Is this for singles only? This trip is for singles and couples. 

  7. Does SAMi provides flight insurance? No, Flight insurance needs to be bought separately.

Itinerary

🗓 Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
📍 Tashkent | 🛏 Overnight in Tashkent

  • Arrival, hotel check-in

  • Explore Tashkent’s old & new city, including Khasti Imam and Independence Square/Jewish Cemetery

🗓 Day 4: Bukhara → Samarkand
📍 Samarkand | 🛏 Overnight in Samarkand

  • Drive to Samarkand, stopping at a pottery house in Gijduvan

  • Visit Shokhi-Zinda Mausoleum & cemeteries

🗓 Day 7: Samarkand → Tashkent
📍 Tashkent | 🛏 Overnight in Tashkent

  • Free time in Samarkand

  • Evening transfer to Tashkent

🗓 Day 2: Tashkent → Bukhara
📍 Bukhara | 🛏 Overnight in Bukhara

  • Morning train to Bukhara

  • Visit Bahouddin Nakshbandi Mausoleum & Jewish sites & The oldest Jewish Cemetery

🗓 Day 5: Samarkand
📍 Samarkand | 🛏 Overnight in Samarkand

  • Explore Registan Square, Bibi Khanum Mosque & Siab Market

  • Visit the grave of Profit Daniel

🗓 Day 8: Chimgan Mountains & Charvak Lake
📍 Tashkent | 🛏 Overnight in Tashkent

  • Scenic mountain views, optional chair-lift & lake activities, & hiking

🗓 Day 3: Bukhara
📍 Bukhara | 🛏 Overnight in Bukhara

  • Explore Bukhara’s Jewish Quarter, synagogues & historic sites

  • Folk show at Nodir Devon Begim Madrassah

🗓 Day 6: Shabbat in Samarkand
📍 Samarkand | 🛏 Overnight in Samarkand

  • Praying in the Bukharian Synagogue with the local community

  • Optional walking tour

🗓 Day 9: Departure
📍 Tashkent → New York

  • Early morning airport transfer