Islamic Heritage Tour
Uzbekistan 2025
Join ASI and Shaykh Akram Nadwi on a 5-city tour of Uzbekistan in May 2025!
Uzbekistan is a land steeped in Islamic history, having been the homeland and host to intellectual giants such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, Hakim al-Tirmidhi, al-Maturidi, al-Zamakhshari and so many more. From the Khwarazm-Shahs to the Mongols and the Timurids, it has been at the heart of numerous regional power shifts. This incredible Silk Road destination is a truly unique confluence of cultures.
In May 2025, ASI will be taking students to this incredible land in order to explore more of our Islamic heritage. As part of this journey, we will be visiting the cities of Tashkent, Termez, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. Each of these cities has sites of immense significance for Muslims. Along the way we study the works of Imam al-Bukhari and the Shama’il of Imam al-Tirmidhi whilst discovering Uzbek history,scholarship, food and culture.
Trip Features and Expriences
Tashkent – Bukhara – Khiva – Samarkand – Termez
Online Course: Before the trip, participants will have access to a two-day course (approximately 12 hours) with Shaykh Akram Nadwi, focusing on the history of Islamic intellectual heritage in Transoxiana (modern-day Uzbekistan and Central Asia).
Classes: During the trip, participants will attend classes with Shaykh Akram Nadwi on the history and works of key scholars from the region, where possible.
Guided Tours: Participants will enjoy expert-led walking tours of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Termez, immersing themselves in the cultural and intellectual significance of each city.
Plov-Making Session: Participants will have the opportunity to cook plov, the traditional Uzbek dish, with a local family.
Pottery-Painting Masterclass: Participants will experience the renowned artistry of Gijduvon, known for its distinctive pottery.
Islamic Calligraphy Masterclass: Participants will explore the beauty of Islamic calligraphy through hands-on lessons from skilled artisans.
…and many more enriching experiences to enhance the journey!
Dates and Prices
To accommodate both those with limited time and those wishing to fully immerse themselves in Uzbekistan’s rich heritage, we offer two packages: the 9-day Essential Package and the 11-day Complete Package.
9-day Essential Package (Without Termez)
This 9-day, 8-night package offers an immersive exploration of Uzbekistan’s rich heritage, covering the key cities of Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva (Khorezm). Perfect for those with limited time who wish to experience the essence of the country’s cultural and historical landmarks.
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June
(includes the UK bank holiday on 26th May and the May school half-term).
Early bird prices start from £1,450.
11-day Complete Package (With Termez)
This 11-day, 10-night package covers five cities: Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, and Termez. The itinerary follows the Essential Package, with an additional 2-night extension to visit Termez. It is perfect for those wishing to visit the final resting places of the great Imam al-Tirmidhi and Hakim al-Tirmidhi.
Dates: Saturday 24th May – Tuesday 3rd June
Early bird prices start from £1,850.
| Room Type | 9-day Essential Package (Without Termez) | 11-day Complete Package (With Termez) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Twin Share | ||
| Adult Single | ||
| *Triple Room |
|
|
| Child (5-11 years) Twin/Triple Room | ||
| Infant (0-4 years) Sharing Bed | £350 (per infant) | £550 (per infant) |
Payment plan
You can choose to pay in a single instalment or in three instalments spread over three months at no extra cost. The exact breakdown of instalments will be provided at the payment gateway.
Early bird offer ends: Tuesday 31st December 2024
Please note: All prices are based on a per person basis. For the twin-share and triple-share options, the price applies to each individual, not per room.
*The triple rooms are reserved for families with children, either as 2 adults and 1 child or 1 adult and 2 children
What’s included in the Price
- Accommodation: Stay in comfortable 4* hotels or similar
- Meals: Two daily meals are included
- Airport Transfers: Includes transfers for both arrival and departure
- Domestic Travel: Includes domestic flights, coaches, and bullet trains.
- Entrance Fees: Includes admission tickets to museums, historical sites, and activity classes.
- Activities: Plov cooking experience, calligraphy masterclass, and ceramic masterclass.
- Teaching: Classes with Shaykh Akram Nadwi will be held during the trip whenever possible.
- Online Course: Access to a 2-day short course with Shaykh Akram.
Not Included
- International Flights: Flights to and from Tashkent are not included.
- Visa: A visa is not required for British citizens. For other nationalities, please check visa requirements before booking.
- Personal Expenses: Any shopping, souvenirs, or additional personal expenses.
- Extra Meals: Meals outside of those specified, such as dinners not included in the itinerary.
- Tips: Tips for drivers, guides, and local staff are not included, approximately $45 per person for the trip.
- Travel Insurance: Please arrange your own travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
Trip Dates/Schedule
| DAYS | DESTINATION | SCHEDULE |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Trip TBD | Live Online | Complimentary Access: A live, two-day short course with Shaykh Akram Nadwi on the history of Islamic intellectual heritage in Transoxiana (modern-day Uzbekistan and Central Asia). |
| Day 01 Sat, 24 May | Tashkent | Welcome to Uzbekistan! Airport transfer. There are no programmes or activities scheduled for Saturday, 24th May. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the city independently. Welcome Dinner. |
| Day 02 Sun, 25 May | Tashkent - Urgench | Breakfast at hotel. City tour: Hast Imam Complex, Barak-Khan, Kaffal-Shashi mausoleum, metro. Lunch – Besh Qozon. Shopping in Chorsu Bazaar. Flight to Urgench. |
| Day 03 Mon, 26 May | Khiva | Breakfast Morning sightseeing in Khiva: Kunya-Ark fortress, Mohammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah, Islam Khodja Minaret, etc. Lunch. Free time. Evening classes with Shaykh Akram |
| Day 04 Tues, 27 May | Khiva - Bukhara | Breakfast. Drive to Bukhara (lunch en route). Check-in, rest, and evening prayer at Po-i-Kalan. Free time. Night-time illumination Evening classes with Shaykh Akram |
| Day 05 Wed, 28 May | Bukhara | Breakfast Sightseeing: Naqshbandi complex, Ismael Samani mausoleum, Chor-Minor, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums, Bolo-Hauzcomplex (18th century), Poli-Kalon ensemble (12th century), Madrassah Miri-Arab (16th century). Lunch: Plov-making in a Bukharan house. Dhuhr/Asr prayers. Free time. |
| Day 06 Thurs, 29 May | Bukhara - Gijduvon - Samarkand | Breakfast Morning Classes with Shaykh Akram. Drive to Gijduvon (pottery workshop) and onward to Samarkand. Free time. |
| Day 07 Fri, 30 May | Samarkand | Breakfast Sightseeing: Imam al Maturidi complex, Shahi-Zinda, Hazrati Hizr mosque, Bibi Khanom mosque. Lunch and Siyob Bazaar visit. Free time |
| Day 08 Sat, 31 May | Samarkand - Tashkent | Breakfast. Visit Gur Emir, Konigil (eco village), Ulugh Beg Observatory. Train to Tashkent. Dinner. |
| Day 09 Sun, 1 June | Tashkent | Early breakfast. Transfer to airport for departure. End of tour. |
| Termez Package (Optional) | ||
| Day 09 Sun, 1 June | Tashkent - Termez | Breakfast. Morning flight to Termez Sightseeing in Termez: Hakim al-Termezi Memorial complex, Termez Archaeological Museum, Kokildor Ota Khanaka. Lunch. classes with Shaykh Akram |
| Day 10 Mon, 2 June | Termez - Tashkent | Breakfast. Sightseeing Lunch. classes with Shaykh Akram Evening flight to Tashkent. |
| Day 11 Tues, 3 June | Tashkent - London | Early breakfast. Transfer to airport for departure. End of the Islamic heritage tour |
Pre-Trip (TBD)
- Destination: Live Online
- Schedule:
Complimentary Access: A live, two-day short course with Shaykh Akram Nadwi on the history of Islamic intellectual heritage in Transoxiana (modern-day Uzbekistan and Central Asia).
Day 01: Saturday, 24 May
- Destination: Tashkent
- Schedule:
Welcome to Uzbekistan! Airport transfer.
There are no programmes or activities scheduled for Saturday, 24th May. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the city independently.
Welcome Dinner.
Day 02: Sunday, 25 May
- Destination: Tashkent – Urgench
- Schedule:
Breakfast at hotel.
City tour: Hast Imam Complex, Barak-Khan, Kaffal-Shashi mausoleum, metro.
Lunch – Besh Qozon.
Shopping in Chorsu Bazaar.
Flight to Urgench.
Day 03: Monday, 26 May
- Destination: Khiva
- Schedule:
Breakfast.
Morning sightseeing in Khiva: Kunya-Ark fortress, Mohammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah, Islam Khodja Minaret, etc.
Lunch.
Free time.
Evening classes with Shaykh Akram.
Day 04: Tuesday, 27 May
- Destination: Khiva – Bukhara
- Schedule:
Breakfast.
Drive to Bukhara (lunch en route).
Check-in, rest, and evening prayer at Po-i-Kalan.
Free time.
Night-time illumination.
Evening classes with Shaykh Akram.
Day 05: Wednesday, 28 May
- Destination: Bukhara
- Schedule:
Breakfast.
Sightseeing: Naqshbandi complex, Ismael Samani mausoleum, Chor-Minor, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums, Bolo-Hauzcomplex (18th century), Poli-Kalon ensemble (12th century), Madrassah Miri-Arab (16th century).
Lunch: Plov-making in a Bukharan house.
Dhuhr/Asr prayers.
Free time.
Day 06: Thursday, 29 May
- Destination: Bukhara – Gijduvon – Samarkand
- Schedule:
Breakfast.
Morning Classes with Shaykh Akram.
Drive to Gijduvon (pottery workshop) and onward to Samarkand.
Free time.
Day 07: Friday, 30 May
- Destination: Samarkand
- Schedule:
Breakfast.
Sightseeing: Imam al Maturidi complex, Shahi-Zinda, Hazrati Hizr Mosque, Bibi Khanom Mosque.
Lunch and Siyob Bazaar visit.
Free time.
Day 08: Saturday, 31 May
- Destination: Samarkand – Tashkent
- Schedule:
Breakfast.
Visit Gur Emir, Konigil (eco village), Ulugh Beg Observatory.
Train to Tashkent.
Dinner.
Day 09: Sunday, 1 June
- Destination: Tashkent
- Schedule:
Early breakfast.
Transfer to airport for departure.
End of tour.
Termez Package (Optional)
Day 09: Sunday, 1 June
- Destination: Tashkent – Termez
- Schedule:
Breakfast.
Morning flight to Termez.
Sightseeing: Hakim al-Termezi Memorial Complex, Termez Archaeological Museum, Kokildor Ota Khanaka.
Lunch.
Classes with Shaykh Akram.
Day 10: Monday, 2 June
- Destination: Termez – Tashkent
- Schedule:
Breakfast.
Sightseeing.
Lunch.
Classes with Shaykh Akram.
Evening flight to Tashkent.
Day 11: Tuesday, 3 June
- Destination: Tashkent – London
- Schedule:
Early breakfast.
Transfer to airport for departure.
End of the Islamic Heritage Tour.
Gallery
Booking Information
Hotel and Transfer Information
Hotel Check-in
Standard check-in: From 2 p.m. on Saturday, 24th May 2025.
Early check-in: Available from 7 a.m. on Saturday, 24th May, upon request, subject to an additional charge and availability. Please enquire for details.
Additional night: Available on Friday, 23rd May 2025, subject to an additional charge and availability. Please enquire for details.
Please email residentials@alsalam.ac.uk
Scheduled Tashkent Airport Transfers
Five transfers will be available from Saturday evening to Sunday morning. These will be arranged based on participants’ flight arrivals and spaced to accommodate as many travellers as possible. Exact timings will be provided closer to the date of the trip. We advise booking the most convenient flight to Tashkent rather than basing your flight selection on transfer times. We will do our best to accommodate varying arrival timings.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are available for an additional $25.
Domestic flights Baggage Limitations
Each participant is allowed one piece of checked luggage weighing up to 23kg and one carry-on hand luggage weighing up to 8kg. Excess baggage may incur additional fees, which will be the participant’s responsibility.
Visa and Travel Documentation
Visa
British citizens do not require a visa for Uzbekistan. For other nationalities, please verify visa requirements with the nearest Uzbek embassy or consulate.
Travel Documentation
Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary travel documentation, including valid passports, visas (if required), and any other required documents. ASI Tours and Al-Salam Institute are not liable for any issues arising from incomplete or incorrect documentation.
Insurance
Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuation, and loss of personal belongings. Al-Salam Institute and its partner organisation are not responsible for any medical or financial costs arising from unforeseen circumstances.
Room Allocation
Twin Room Allocation for Solo Participants
Accommodation details will be provided closer to the departure date. Solo participants booking twin/shared rooms will be paired with another participant of the same gender. In the event that a same-gender roommate is unavailable, a single room upgrade (subject to additional charges) or a triple room (subject to availability) may be offered, with an appropriate discount applied.
By booking a twin/shared room as an individual traveller, you acknowledge that a room upgrade or downgrade may be necessary.
If you have a preference to share a room with a specific person, please inform us once room allocations are released.
Tripple Rooms
The triple room prices are per person. We have a limited number of triple rooms, which are reserved for families with children, either as 2 adults and 1 child or 1 adult and 2 children. For larger families, please contact us to discuss suitable accommodation options. Email: residentials@alsalam.ac.uk
Fit to Travel Assessment
All participants are required to complete a health assessment after booking. If found unfit to travel by our local partners, a full refund will be issued, excluding administrative and card processing fees.
Pre-existing health conditions must be disclosed at the time of booking and will remain confidential. For significant health concerns, please contact residentials@alsalam.ac.uk to arrange an urgent health assessment prior to booking flights.
In the rare case your application is rejected, we are not liable for any financial losses related to flight bookings or other travel arrangements. Participants are advised to arrange appropriate travel insurance to cover such eventualities.
Registration & Payment Options
Registration
To secure your place on the trip, you must complete an application form for either the 9-day Essential Package or the 11-day Complete Package with Termez. After completing the application, you will need to select your payment option for the room type. Please note that simply completing the application form does not secure your place. To confirm your booking, you must make either the first instalment or the full payment.
Payment Deadlines
- Early Bird Deadline: 31st December 2024 – either full payment or the first instalment.
- All early bird instalments must be completed by 29th February 2025.
- All standard price instalments must be completed by 24th March 2025.
Early Bird Instalment Options
You can choose to pay in a single instalment or in three instalments spread over three months at no extra cost. To qualify for the early bird discount, the first instalment must be cleared by 31st December 2024, the second instalment by 31st January 2025, and the final (third) instalment by 29th February 2025. The breakdown of instalments is provided below.
Early-Bird Payment Plan for 9-day Essential Package
| Category | 1st Payment | 2nd Payment | 3rd Payment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Twin | £490 | £480 | £480 | £1450 |
| Adult Single | £640 | £630 | £630 | £1900 |
| Adult Triple | £450 | £450 | £450 | £1350 |
| Child | £440 | £430 | £430 | £1300 |
Early-Bird Payment Plan for 11-Day Complete Package
| Category | 1st Payment | 2nd Payment | 3rd Payment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Twin | £620 | £615 | £615 | £1850 |
| Adult Single | £790 | £780 | £780 | £2350 |
| Adult Triple | £550 | £550 | £550 | £1650 |
| Child | £540 | £530 | £530 | £1600 |
The links for Instalments 2 & 3 will be emailed to you separately.
Register Now! Limited Spaces Available
Without Termez
With Termez
If you would like to find out more, have questions regarding the application process, or are unsure about anything, please contact our admissions team.