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

Khiva Uzbekistan

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.

Register Now

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

Itinerary

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.

Past Itineraries

<a href='../../about/global-operations/malta/'>Malta</a> & <a href='../../about/global-operations/italy/'>Italy</a>
Malta & Italy (2024)
Celebrated the 50th anniversary of HMML’s Malta Study Center. Visited Malta and Italy with stays in Valletta, Rome, Siena, and Florence.
<a href='../../about/global-operations/Great%20Britain/'>Ireland</a> & <a href='../../about/global-operations/Great%20Britain/'>Scotland</a>
Ireland & Scotland (2022)
Followed in the footsteps of Saint Columba (c. 521-597) and the monks of Iona. Visited sites important in the history of manuscripts, monasticism, and politics in this region.
<a href='../../about/global-operations/india'>India</a> & <a href='../../about/global-operations/nepal'>Nepal</a>
India & Nepal (2019)
Toured the cultural and religious sites that highlighted the rich histories of the two intertwined countries and HMML’s current preservation projects.
<a href='../../about/global-operations/italy'>Sicily</a>
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.
<a href='../../about/global-operations/montenegro'>The Balkans</a>
The Balkans (2017)
Visited sites associated with HMML’s preservation work of endangered manuscripts resulting from centuries of war and political unrest.
<a href='../../about/global-operations/austria'>Austria</a>
Austria (2015)
Retraced the monastic path where HMML’s manuscript preservation work began in 1965.
<a href='../../about/global-operations/ethiopia'>Ethiopia</a>
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.
<a href='../../about/global-operations/malta'>Malta</a>
Malta (2013)
Explored the historic sites, libraries, and museums that hold the cultural heritage of Malta, an important focus for HMML since 1973.

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