Pay full price now or €400 deposit with balance payable 8 weeks before workshop start date.
30 September – 11 October 2024
Places still available
Max 5
11 nights/ 12 days
Low to Medium
Various 4 star hotel accommodation
Samarkand International airport (SKD)
Join me for a fabulous photography tour and workshop of Uzbekistan in central Asia in late March and early April 2026. The photo tour is centred on the travel aspect of photography where we will concentrate on both the stunning architecture of Uzbekistan as well as the people we meet on our journey.
In August 2021 I was invited to photograph Uzbekistan over a near month-long period. I got to know the intricacies of this Central Asian country and made many contacts who have all offered their help on my return journeys to Uzbekistan.
In late March and early April, the intense heat of the summer hasn’t arrived. The temperatures at this time of year average in the early 20s so our days during the photography tour will be comfortable. So we’ll be free to concentrate on getting stunning travel imagery documenting this beautiful country in Central Asia.
A typical day on our tour will see us photograph the architectural wonders in the city before heading back for breakfast. From here we’ll then spend our time concentrating on the travel aspect of the photography tour. From the people to the various street scenes we’ll encounter you’ll be sure to come back with a whole raft of imagery. We’ll also make time to review our imagery and run through the processing of them too.
Our stay is based in the cities of Tashkent; Samarkand; Bukhara and Khiva.
Day 1
23 March 2026
Arrival into Samarkand International airport (SKD)
We enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a welcome talk. Next we visit various sites around Samarkand including Bibi-Khanum and Siab Bazaar.
Sunset at Registan Square
Day 2
24 March 2026
We get up early to photograph sunrise at Registan Square. We’ll have breakfast then take in sites such as Gur-Emir where we can admire the stupendous interior as well as some of the old colonial buildings around the city.
Our sunset shoot will be around the Ruhanab mausoleum and possibly Gur-Emir.
Day 3
25 March 2026
Sunrise in Afrosiab archaeological site (Samarkand vista in the background). Next we’ll head to a bakery to visit and see the traditional bread being made.
Trip to Urgut Bazaar and nearby Chor-Chinor shrine with ancient sycamore trees and pond.
Return via Shaiton-Jirga (“Devil’s Meadow”) mountain stones or/and Ilon-Say (Snakes Valley).
Our sunset shoot will either be in the Ishrat Khana tomb ruins or another site in Samarkand.
From here, we take the train to Bukhara.
Day 4
26 March 2026
Sunrise photography in Bukhara at the Ismoil Somoni tomb or Ark Citadel.
After breakfast we head out and visit local craftsmen at work and visit to other historic sites in the city.
The sunset shoot will either be in the Kalon Complex or Chor-Minor.
Day 5
27 March 2026
Our photography tour of Uzbekistan continues with a trip to the suburbs for sunrise in Sitora-i Mohi-Hosa (TBC) or at Tudakul Lake with our local guide.
We’ll then drive to the Naqshbandi complex and afterwards we’ll travel to Gijduvan to see and photograph the ceramic workshop.
We’ll head back to Bukhara for sunset.
Day 6
28 March 2026
In the morning we drive to Khiva with stops in the Kyzyl-Kum desert and Amudarya riverbank. There is the potential to visit the local fish market depending on time.
Once we check-in at our hotel inside the Ichan-Kala citadel in Khiva we can explore the ancient city and take in sunset from the Kuhna-Ark over the old walls.
Day 7
29 March 2026
Our days begins with sunrise over Khiva before breakfast. Next up we take in the historic sites in the Ichan-Kala and around with our local guide.
In the afternoon we drive to the Ayaz-Kala fortress for sunset. Our overnight stay is at the adjacent yurt camp.
Day 8
30 March 2026
Waking up early we head our on a drive to Zhampyk-Kala (aka Djanpi Qala) for sunrise.
Next we drive to Nukus before checking into our hotel and for a well-deserved rest.
For sunset we drive to the Mizdakhan Necropolis for sunset photography.
Day 9
31 March 2026
There will be no sunrise shoot today. Instead after breakfast we drive to Chimbay village to meet with the local craftsmen and musicians.
Returning to Nukus we take a late evening flight to Tashkent where we check-in to our hotel
Day 10
01 April 2026
We have an early start at 4am for the drive to Kamchik Pass for sunrise photography. Then we continue to on the 180km drive to Margilan stopping for breakfast on the our way at a local teahouse
Upon arrival in Margilan we visit the Yodgorlik Silk Factory and Master Fazliddin’s Ikat workshop.
In the afternoon we transfer to the nearby city of Fergana for check-in at our hotel and an overnight stay.
Day 11
02 April 2026
We check-out of our hotel and take the train back to Tashkent. Upon arrival we’ll check-in to our hotel.
During the afternoon, we’ll visit the Chorsu Bazaar and various metro stations with our guide.
Day 12
03 April 2026
Departure day from Tashkent International airport (TAS) and back home
*Please note that the itinerary can be subject to change but in the main this is the route that it follows.
Where do I meet you?
We will all meet at Samarkand airport on 23 March 2026.
Is it hot in Uzbekistan in late March and early April?
In March the summer heat hasn’t yet started. Maximum daily temperatures are likely to be 20°c/ 68°f.
What clothing should I bring?
Make sure that you bring comfortable footwear for walking around the old cities. Be prepared too for rain as it is always possible during our journey.
What camera kit should I bring?
A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) and medium zoom (24-70mm) are the lenses we’ll be using the most. A longer zoom (70-300) will be useful to cover most compositional eventualities that we may need to isolate. The most used lens will likely be in the 24-70mm range as a super wide angle can create the pancake effect on the mountainous landscape, so make sure this focal length is covered.
If you are able to then hiring a tilt-shift lens such as 24mm will enhance the imagery that you’ll bring back.
Do I need a computer?
Although not essential, it’s a great idea to bring a laptop computer with you so you can discuss imagery with myself.
What computer support do you give?
I try and make a point of helping those that need it in digital photography. If inclement weather or tiredness takes hold it can really help to have a computer session to assess our progress.
How about charging my gear in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan uses the European circular 2-pin type plug.
Do you arrange for any transportation up to Uzbekistan?
I can absolutely help you with your journey to Uzbekistan. There are various routes into Samarkand including flying through Moscow and Istanbul.
Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has a visa-free regime for 90 countries. Countries and regions such as North America, Europe and Australia are among those offered. If you’re unsure get in touch.
What’s included in the tour?
Double room single occupancy accommodation with ensuite bathrooms
Breakfasts (Lunches TBC)
Transport during the tour
Tuition from Julian Elliott
What’s not included
International air fares to and from Tashkent
Visa application fee (if required)
Food and drink not specified
Medical or travel insurance
Excess baggage fees that may be incurred at the airport
Tips for guides and drivers
My tours fill up quickly but sometimes spots open up due to cancellations.
If the tour you are interested in is currently full and you would like to be added to the waiting list then please fill out this form
