2-3 weeks Uzbekistan/Tajikistan in April

I’m planning a 2-3 weeks trip through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in early April. Start and end point is Kunduz in Afghanistan.

I have a multiple-entry Tajik visa with GBAO-permit and expect to receive my LoI for Uzbekistan within the next few days and to receive my Uzbek visa on the way in Mazar.

Does below itinerary make sense?

Am I spending the right amounts of time in the right places?

Should I forgo the detour to northern Tajikistan (Khujand and/or Istaravshan) for additional destinations in Uzbekistan (e.g. Nukus, Aral Sea)?

Should I build in a detour to Kyrgyzstan?

Any other comments?

I’ll be looking for fellow travelers along the way to split cost.

April 5 Kunduz to Mazar by car
April 6 Mazar to Termez by car
April 7 Termez to Samarkand by shared taxi (or train?)
April 8 Samarkand
April 9 Samarkand
April 10 Samarkand to Bukhara by train
April 11 Bukhara
April 12 Bukhara
April 13 Bukhara to Khiva by shared taxi (or train?)
April 14 Khiva
April 15 Khiva to Tashkent by plane
April 16 Tashkent
April 17 Tashkent
April 18 Tashkent to Khujand by shared taxi
April 19 Khujand to Istaravshan by shared taxi
April 20 Istaravshan to Dushanbe by shared taxi
April 21 Dushanbe to Shir Khan Bandar border crossing by taxi and on to Kunduz by car

With a such limited time, why do you stay more than two days in Tachkent ? No reason to do that.

Michel

Where is it possible to use them, night trains are a good way of travel.

Michel

Thanks for responding, Michel.

By the time I reach Tashkent I will have spent more than 7 days looking at old stones. A capital city would appear to be a welcome and suitable contrast.

What is so bad about Tashkent that I would avoid spending 2 days there?

What would be a good alternative? I'd also appreciate some additional natural beauty or activities such as visiting Aral Sea.

I understand that night train is an option for the Samarkand-Bukhara stretch. Is that also the case for Termez-Samarkand and/or Bukhara-Khiva?

Or should I reconsider my route?

To be honnest with you, I'm not addict to Tashkent and you can take time in the Ferghana.
The valley is not really a highlight but it's pleasant to move around. Few places but nice ambiance.
I've never been to (or on the way to) Termez but night trains between the cities are a very good option.
You route is fine for your timing.

Michel

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