Buddhism takes the 4th place in Uzbekistan after Islam, Christian, and Judaism. Buddhism is practiced by about 0.2% of the population of Uzbekistan, most are ethnic Koreans.
The treasure trove of Buddhism in Uzbekistan is in the valley of Surkhandarya, which is spread over into, the neighboring Tajikistan as well. Buddhism in these parts was influenced from the northern parts of India. In the time of the rulers of the Kushan Empire, Buddhism in large scale penetrated into Bactria and Gandhara. According to one legend, written in Pali, 2 merchants and Tapassu Bhallika brothers from Bactria, we hit the road to meet with the Buddha and become his disciples.Later, they returned to Bactria and built temples in honor of the Buddha.The popularity of Buddhism has been linked to his understanding, as an ideology of the urban population. Kanishka the Great confirmed as Mahayana Buddhism significantly simplified "way of salvation", which contributed to its mass.At the southern-most tip of Uzbekistan, Termez has a long and rich history. It was once at the heart of Buddhism in Central Asia and one of the stops on the ancient Silk Road.Importantly it is home to the Fayaz Tepa temple a marvel of its Buddhist past. This monastery dates back more than 2,000 years to the Kushan dynasty. It was one of the most multicultural empires of its time and the region played a key role in the spread of the Buddhist religion.Many wall paintings and sculptures depicting Buddha remain well preserved.As well as the stupa – the central dome – the monastery also contained a temple, a cloister and accommodation for pilgrims including dining rooms and kitchens – and unique architecture.
Route: Tashkent-Termez-Bukhara-Samarkand-Tashkent
Season: 2025
Duration: 6 days/ 5nights
Tour Program
Day 1. Tashkent
Arrival in Tashkent (approx. at 09:00 am). Meeting with a guide and driver at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check in. Breakfast. Sightseeing Tashkent: Buddhist temple, The museum of History, The Town “Ming Urik”, Amir Temur Square, Independence Square. Lunch in the local restaurant and the continuation of the tour.Free time. Dinner in local restaurant. Night in Tashkent.
Day 2. Tashkent-Termez
Early transfer to the local airport. Flight to Termez. Meeting with a guide and driver. Sightseeing of Termez(center of Buddhism): Town Dalverzin-Tepa, Khan aka Kokildor Ota, Kirk Kiz Fortress, Buddhist stupa Zurmala, Buddhist temple Karatepa, Buddhist temple Fayaz Tepa. Lunch in local cafe and continuation of the tour. Dinner in local café. Night in Termez.
Day 3. Termez-Bukhara
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Bukhara city by bus (430 km, 7 hours). Lunch on the way. Check in. Time for rest. Dinner in Nadir Devan Begi madrasa with musical show program. Night in Bukhara.
Day 4. Bukhara
Breakfast in the hotel.Sightseeing tour of Bukhara: Samani dynasty mausoleum, Chashma Ayub mausoleum, Ark fortress, Poi Kalyan ensemble, Lyabi Hauz Ensemble
Lunch in the local restaurant. Continuation of the tour. Dinner in local restaurant. Night in Bukhara.
Day 5. Bukhara-Samarkand
Morning transfer to Samarkand by train Shark. (2, 5hours). Lunch. Sightseeing tour of Samarkand: Mausoleum of Amir Temur, Observatory of Ulugbek, Shahi Zinda Complex, Bibi Khanum Mosque Check- in. Free time. Dinner. Night in Samarkand.
Day 6. Samarkand-Tashkent
Morning transfer to Samarkand railway station. Going back to Tashkent by train Shark. (4hours). Transfer to the airport. End of the tour.
The price of tour:
For group of 2 pax 972 USD per person
For group of 5 pax 715 USD per person
For group of 10 pax 695 USD per person
The price includes:
Accommodation in a twin room + breakfast (hotel 4*)
Transport service according to the program
A local guide in every city
Train tickets and local flight ticket in Uzbekistan according to the program
Visa support (without visa fee)
Water (1 l per person every day)
