Pay the full price now or a deposit with the balance payable 8 weeks before the workshop start date.
22 March – 2 April 2027
Places available
Max 5
11 nights/ 12 days
Low to Medium
Various 4 star hotel accommodation
Samarkand airport
Join me for a fabulous Uzbekistan photography tour and workshop in central Asia during late March and early April 2025. 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 yet hit. 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 Uzbekistan photography tour will see us photograph the architectural wonders in the city before heading back for breakfast. From here we’ll 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 Samarkand; Bukhara; Khiva; Nukus and Tashkent as well as an overnight stay at a yurt camp.
Photography techniques covered during the Dolomites workshop
Out in the field
Processing
Arrival into Samarkand
I’ll be meeting you at the airport from your flight into Samarkand. If you’ve taken the early morning flight in then you can rest and enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Next, we visit various sites around Samarkand including Bibi-Khanum and Siab Bazaar.
Sunset at Registan Square
Samarkand
We get up early to photograph the 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.
During our time on Registan Square we may have the opportunity to shoot a friend of mine in traditional dress.
Our sunset shoot will be around the Ruhanab mausoleum and possibly Gur-Emir.
Samarkand
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. We’ll 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.
Bukhara
We’ll be up early for some sunrise photography in Bukhara at the Ismoil Somoni tomb or the 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.
Bukhara
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.
Khiva
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.
Khiva to Ayaz-Kala
Our day 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.
Zhampyk-Kala to Nukus
We wake up early for the 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.
Nukus
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
Fergana Valley
We have an early start at 4am for the drive to Kamchik Pass for sunrise photography. Then we continue on the 180km drive to Margilan stopping for breakfast on 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.
Tashkent
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.
Tashkent
It’s the departure day from Tashkent and back home.
Our ground agent will arrange for us to be transferred from our hotel accommodation to Tashkent International Airport (TAS).
Please note that the itinerary may be subject to change before our departure. But if that does happen it will be for operational reasons.
Where do I meet you?
We will all meet at Samarkand Airport on 24 March 2025.
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?
Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has a visa-free regime for a number of countries; If you’re unsure get in touch.
The official portal if you do require a visa is https://e-visa.gov.uz/application
What’s included in the Uzbekistan photography tour?
Double room single occupancy accommodation with ensuite bathrooms
Breakfasts (Lunches TBC)
Transport during the tour
Tuition from Julian Elliott
What’s not included in the Uzbekistan photography tour?
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
