Explore the magical festivals and cultural events of Central Asia with Silk Road Treasure Tours

My home city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan is a place where thousands of years of history and vibrant culture come alive! The spectacular 20^th International Silk and Spice Festival has just come to a close. From June 16-18 the rich traditions, cultural diversity, and hospitality of Central Asia were showcased, drawing thousands of travelers and visitors from around the world to celebrate our Silk Road heritage.

As Central Asia's leading travel experts, Silk Road Treasure Tours is the go-to host for travelers from the US and Europe visiting Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva and attending events like the Silk and Spice Festival. This lively annual celebration commences with a grand parade, setting the stage for the festivities ahead. Starting at the magnificent Ark Citadel, the historic fortress of Bukhara's kings, spirited musicians and dancers decked out in traditional costumes transport spectators into the heart of the city, ending at the historic Labi Hauz complex. Bukhara's streets are lined with tents and stalls brimming with silk and spice treasures from regions around the country and all corners of Central Asia. Merchants, craftsmen and chefs offer up warm Uzbek hospitality to festival goers. 

One of Silk and Spices most enchanting events is the fashion show! Elegant Uzbek clothing made from traditional fabrics, bold ikat patterns in pure Uzbek silk, and styles by leading designers are on show, reflecting our incredible textile heritage. It's always an amazing opportunity to experience Uzbekistan's fashion culture and take home a piece of its artistic legacy for your own wardrobe. Master classes from artisans in various fields including ceramics, embroidery, jewelry, and wood carving are held at historical buildings and monuments, and athletic and entertainment displays like wrestling and acrobatics draw large crowds. 

No Uzbek celebration is complete without plov; the national dish. Layers of carrots, sweet onions and lamb are slow-cooked infusing the mounds of rice underneath with irresistible flavors, and every region's recipe adds something a little different. The ancient Gavkushon architectural complex played host to a spectacular culinary show this year, where fragrant spices and savory aromas lured guests to enjoy this traditional feast. Want to learn how to cook plov? We can add this to your itinerary!

Evenings brought joyful melodies of Bukharan musicians, popular Uzbek performers and spontaneous dancing to the streets. The festival closed with colorful fireworks displays in the velvety night sky.

Silk Road Treasure Tours' experts have long-established relationships with festival organizers and receive advance notices and VIP tickets and seating for cultural events like the Silk and Spice Festival, the Gold Embroidery Festival, and culinary, music, flower and craft festivals, and even the annual Melon festivals. Wait, melons?! You bet! Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia grow approximately 100 different varieties of melon, and this festival is an off the charts summer celebration. Navruz is New Year's here, and that's in March - perfect weather and an all out, nation-wide party. Same for Uzbekistan Independence Day in September. There's never a dull season in this part of the world!

Locally we're connected through extended family and community and our travelers become honored guests in homes and at wedding and traditional celebrations wherever you go. Whether your choice is luxury, cultural discovery, textile, photography, or adventure tours, we have what you're looking for - warm memories gifted by the people you meet and niche experiences and explorations. Central Asia is our backyard and we've been introducing guests to uncommon adventures in these ancient Silk Road destinations for over 30 years. We promise smooth, worry-free travel, prime accommodations and transportation, experienced guides and flexible, custom itineraries. From deserts to rolling mountain tops, there are starry nights at nomadic yurt camps, thrilling equestrian and eagle hunting demonstrations, and hikes through villages and peaceful rural landscapes. You'll never find more fascinating places, a more authentic experience or a warmer welcome in the world.