HMML Journeys
HMML Journeys
Immersive travel experiences bring HMML’s global manuscript preservation work to life providing deeper perspectives, more intimate connections, and keener insights that only HMML can deliver.
Experience Uzbekistan with HMML
A Cultural Journey Along the Historic Silk Road
Embark on this unique journey to Uzbekistan and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia. The Silk Road brought the Islamic cultures of the Middle East to South Asia, where HMML is currently working with more than a dozen libraries in Pakistan and India. These libraries trace their manuscript heritage to the Arabic and Persian traditions of early Islam that came to them via caravan routes across Central Asia. Our journey to Uzbekistan will follow those pathways of intellectual transmission and the flowering of Islamic culture that flourished in the empires of Timurling (Tamerlane) and others in Central Asia.
Experience this exclusive opportunity to explore historical sites, engage in traditional experiences, and support the mission of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library. The trip is run by Holiday Road Adventures and MIR Corp, a fully licensed tour operator.
Journey Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-listed historic cities of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.
- Visit the renowned Savitsky Art Museum in Nukus.
- Experience traditional Uzbek culture with hands-on activities like a plov cooking class in Bukhara and a bread baking demonstration in Samarkand.
- Discover ancient Silk Road sites, including the Afrasiab archaeological site and the Alisher Navoi State Museum of Literature.
- Travel in comfort with private transportation and high-speed train journeys between cities.
Journey includes
- Tour team: HMML Executive Director, Dr. Columba Stewart and an English-speaking tour guide/manager.
- Transfers: Private vehicle transportation throughout the itinerary, high-speed train tickets from Bukhara to Samarkand, private vehicle pick-up/drop-off at the airport for two group arrival times and two group departure times.
- Food & drink: Breakfast daily; 9 lunches and 6 dinners; bottled water provided with meals.
- Accommodations: 4-star hotels.
- Logistics: Gratuities, and taxes.
- Activities/fees: All sightseeing and excursions with entrance fees.
- Trip dates
- October 8–19, 2026
12 days, 11 nights - Estimated Cost
- Land package only (including transfers listed above):
$5,800 double occupancy per person
+$750 for single room supplement
All other expenses are the responsibility of the participant. - Activity level
- Moderate, includes walking tours, visits to historic sites, and participation in cultural activities; not wheelchair, scooter, or walker accessible.
- Group size
- Max capacity of 22 people; reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Deposit
- $525 non-refundable deposit due after registration.
- Deadline to register
- February 10, 2026
- Questions
- Contact Programming Associate, Audrey Thorstad, athorstad001@hmml.org
- Day 1 (October 8): Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Arrive in Tashkent; dinner at a local restaurant
- Day 2 (October 9): Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Guided tour of Tashkent. Highlights include Courage Monument, Shahid Memorial Complex, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah, Khast Imam Square, Oldest Koran, Chorsu Bazaar, Kukeldash Madrassah, Rakhimov Family Ceramics Studio, Tashkent TV Tower, Museum of Applied Arts, and Independence Square.
- Day 3 (October 10): Nukus, Uzbekistan
- Travel to Nukus; visit Karakalpak Museum of Arts and Karakalpak State Museum.
- Day 4 (October 11): Khiva, Uzbekistan
- Travel to Khiva to explore desert citadels, including the ancient Ayaz Kala fortress and Toprak Kala, a 2,000-year-old royal citadel.
- Day 5 (October 12): Khiva, Uzbekistan
- Guided tour of Khiva. Highlights include Ichon Qala (Inner City), Islam Khoja Madrassah & Minaret, Juma Mosque, Kalta Minor Minaret, Kunya Ark, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Tash-Hauli Palace, and an evening walk in the old town.
- Day 6 (October 13): Bukhara, Uzbekistan
- Private tour from Khiva to Bukhara with Kyzyl Kum Desert Stop.
- Day 7 (October 14): Bukhara, Uzbekistan
- Explore Bukhara with your guide. Highlights include Ark Citadel, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum (Job's Well), Zindan Prison (Bug Pit), Samani Mausoleum, plov Making Demonstration, Emir's Summer Palace, Bahauddin Naqshband Mausoleum, and Chor Minor.
- Day 8 (October 15): Bukhara, Uzbekistan
- Explore Bukhara with your guide and see anything you missed from the previous day. Highlights include Ark Citadel, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum (Job's Well), Zindan Prison (Bug Pit), Samani Mausoleum, plov Making Demonstration, Emir's Summer Palace, Bahauddin Naqshband Mausoleum, and Chor Minor.
- Day 9 (October 16): Bukhara, Uzbekistan
- Explore the Suzani Cooperative in Shafirkan Village, where you will witness the intricate art of suzani embroidery. Travel to Samarkand via high-speed train.
- Day 10 (October 17): Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Guided tour of Samarkand. Highlights include Registan Square, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Bread Baking Demonstration, Ulug Bek Observatory, and Afghan-Uzbek Silk Carpet Factory.
- Day 11 (October 18): Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Explore the Bibi Khanum Mosque, the Siab Bazaar, the historical Shah-i-Zinda Complex and the Afrosiab History Museum.
- Day 12 (October 19): Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Depart Samarkand.
- Note: Daily schedules may be adjusted as unique access and interview opportunities with HMML global preservation partners arise.
Itinerary
Past Itineraries
Sicily (2018)
Explored the heritage of the island whose location put it at the crossroads of history, a pawn of conquest, and a melting pot for a dozen or more ethnic groups.
The Balkans (2017)
Visited sites associated with HMML’s preservation work of endangered manuscripts resulting from centuries of war and political unrest.
Austria (2015)
Retraced the monastic path where HMML’s manuscript preservation work began in 1965.
Ethiopia (2014)
Visited the historic monasteries and libraries where HMML has helped preserve more than 10,000 written manuscripts that date back 1,500 years.
Malta (2013)
Explored the historic sites, libraries, and museums that hold the cultural heritage of Malta, an important focus for HMML since 1973.