Uzbekistan: Techno Beyond the Horizon
- 27th May - 8th June
- Techno & explore
- 12 days
- 10 - 16 people
Come join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining the biggest techno event in Central Asia with an exploration of the fascinating country of Uzbekistan.
Dive deep at Stihia Festival – a 3-day music event taking place at the shipwreck graveyard in Muynak. This is much more than a music festival; it’s an intersection of art, culture, and a reflection on the largest man-made ecological catastrophe in modern history: the drying of the Aral Sea.
Next up, you will explore the otherworldly scenery around the Aral Sea, including a night in a yurt in the middle of nowhere.
Then, we’ll change the vibe and discover the true treasures of the former Silk Road – Khiva and Bukhara.
Of course, we won’t miss out on Tashkent – the capital city of Uzbekistan, aspiring to be
one of the world’s great metropolises. It’s a city of paradoxes: a fusion of Persian heritage,
Soviet relics, and futuristic architecture.
What’s included in the price?
- A ticket to the 3-day Stihia Festival
- Comfortable, all-inclusive transport within Uzbekistan
- Accommodation, including daily breakfast
- An experienced party leader and local tour guides
- A group of like-minded travelers
- An exploration of fascinating Uzbekistan, from the Aral Sea to Tashkent
- 1790 USD
Top Attractions
- Stihia Festival – The largest techno festival in this part of the world, sitting at the intersection of music, art, ecology, and local community activism
- Aral Sea Exploration - discover the otherworldly, backdrop of the Aral Sea, including an overnight stay in a traditional yurt
- Charming Khiva – Once one of the most mysterious corners of the ancient Silk Road
- Bukhara – A city that is slightly chaotic, yet equally enthralling.
- Tashkent – The capital of Uzbekistan, a vibrant city full of fascinating paradoxes.
Key details
Day 1: Flight to Tashkent
Evening arrival in Tashkent. Check into the hotel for some well-deserved beauty sleep before embarking on this intense, action-packed adventure!
Day 2: Tashkent – The Capital City of Uzbekistan
- Hazrati Imam: We kick things off with the largest religious complex in the capital, encompassing a mosque and a madrasa (an Islamic educational institution). It is also home to one of the oldest preserved copies of the Quran, dating back to the 7th century.
- Chorsu Bazaar: Next, we head to Chorsu Bazaar—a massive outdoor market where you can find anything your heart desires.
- Amir Timur Square: We then continue to the square dedicated to Timur the Lame. Also known as Tamerlane, he was one of the most formidable military leaders in world history, conquering and terrorizing a large part of Eurasia. Present-day Uzbekistan, especially Samarkand, was his home domain.
- Hotel Uzbekistan: Right next to the square, we’ll find Hotel Uzbekistan—a relic of the Soviet Union and a brutalist megalith that remains one of the city’s icons.
- Tashkent Metro: From here, we’ll hop on the metro. Why? Because the stations in Tashkent are miniature works of art. We’ll hop off to explore a few of the most beautiful ones.
- Magic City: In the afternoon, if we still have the energy, we’ll head to Magic City—a cross between Disneyland, Las Vegas, and a public square. It’s kitschy and flashy, yet somehow still charming.
Overnight: Tashkent
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 3: Flight to Nukus and Kicking Off Stihia Festival
- Igor Savitsky Museum of Art: In the heart of Nukus, we will visit the Igor Savitsky Museum. You might think “museum” means “boring,” but nothing could be further from the truth. This is one of the most unique art galleries in the world, famously known as the “Louvre of the Steppe” Savitsky was an artist and archaeologist who moved to Nukus and began secretly collecting works by creators censored by the Soviet government. Over several decades, he assembled thousands of Russian avant-garde masterpieces and a massive inventory of local ethnographic art. It is a truly fascinating collection.
- Journey to Muynak: Next, we continue on a 3-hour journey to Muynak. Once a thriving fishing port, it is now a surreal, nearly abandoned town in the middle of the desert. This is where we kick off the Stihia Festival.
- The Festival: We are currently waiting on the official schedule and lineup. We will share it as soon as it’s released—stay tuned! Looking back at previous editions (2018–2025), you can be assured it’s going to be HUGE.
Overnight: Muynak
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 4: Stihia Festival
Full day at Stihia Festival.
In short, Stihia is a one-of-a-kind electronic music experience that blends art and science. Launched in 2018 on the edge of the dried-out Aral Sea in Muynak, the festival serves as a powerful call to action.
The concept behind Stihia is to reflect on the ecological disaster of the Aral Sea while advocating for sustainable development. It achieves this by weaving a scientific narrative (Stihia N+1) and various art projects into a backdrop of world-class DJ sets.
We will share the official lineup and event schedule as soon as they are published. If you have any questions or are hesitant about signing up before the lineup is released, we highly recommend exploring these resources:
- The short documentary about Stihia produced by Arte.tv
- The official Stihia Festival pages on YouTube and Instagram
- Our FAQ section at the bottom of this page
Day 5: Wrapping Up the Festival and Heading to the Aral Sea
- The Expedition: We’re hopping into 4×4 jeeps for a multi-hour expedition across the Aralkum Desert, the area formerly known as the bottom of the Aral Sea.
- The Landscape: This scenery is nothing short of otherworldly, reminiscent of the Mad Max series. It’s a powerful moment where we can fully take in the staggering scale of this ecological disaster.
- The Yurt Camp: Just before sunset, we will reach our yurt camp, where we’ll settle in and chill for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 6: Surreal Aral
- A History of Intervention: When Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union, engineers decided to implement an idea dating back to the Tsarist period. The plan was to dig thousands of miles of irrigation canals fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. The goal? To transform the Uzbek wilderness into a massive cotton plantation.
- What went wrong? The project was poorly executed on multiple levels. The water diverted from the rivers began to sink into the desert sands before ever reaching the Aral Sea—at the time, the 4th largest lake in the world. The sheer scale of this lake is exactly why it is known as a “Sea.”
- The Aftermath: In just a few decades, the surface area of the Aral shrunk by 90%. Meanwhile, pesticides used for cotton farming soaked into the ground, poisoning the land. It was a tragic experiment in trying to outsmart nature.
- The Landscape: The territory surrounding the Aral is otherworldly. Space-like rock formations, the giant Ustyurt Plateau stretching for thousands of kilometers (formerly the sea coast), rainbow mountains, and centuries-old nomad graveyards—words cannot describe the emotions born at this edge of civilization.
We will visit these sites with seasoned drivers, some of the few experts capable of navigating this difficult terrain. In the evening, we will reach the edge of the receding sea. Feel free to dip your feet into the ultra-salty water of this unique reservoir.
Overnight: Yurt Camp
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7: From Aral to Nukus
Our pitstops include:
- A Kazakh village in “no man’s land,” where we will have the chance to try camel milk.
- An abandoned fish processing plant and a nearby exiles’ cemetery
- Barsa-Kelmes: A massive, shimmering salt pan that feels like another planet.
- Mizdakhan: An ancient necropolis and one of the most sacred sites in the region.
Finally, we will return to Nukus—the city where our Aral Sea adventure first began.
Overnight: Nukus
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 8: From Nukus to Khiva
- The Journey: The ride will take approximately 5 hours, including a lunch break and a pitstop at Chilpyk Kala—one of the best-preserved Zoroastrian “Towers of Silence.”
- The Destination: We will reach Khiva in the afternoon and take a walk through Itchan Kala, the inner fortress and old town that is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight: Khiva
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 9: Khiva, a Silk Road Treasure
- Itchan Kala: We will stroll the streets of this charming city, exploring the Itchan Kala fortress and admiring the Kalta Minor minaret. This striking structure resembles a giant turquoise barrel—it was, in fact, never fully completed.
- City Views: We will walk across the squares of former madrasas and climb the ancient stone walls to take in the panoramic views of the clay city rooftops.
- Shopping & Leisure: For those inclined, there will be plenty of time to shop at the many outdoor markets.
- Evening: We will enjoy dinner on one of the lovely terraces of Khiva.
Overnight: Khiva
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 10: From Khiva to Bukhara
Today’s adventure involves a long, nearly 7-hour transit to Bukhara. What can we say? Uzbekistan is a vast country, and there is no way around the long distances!
- The Journey: Luckily, we will make the trek across the Kyzylkum Desert in a fully air-conditioned bus instead of on the backs of camels.
- The Pitstop: To spice things up, we’ll stop for lunch and take in a view of the famous Amu Darya River.
- Arrival: We expect to reach Bukhara around 4:30 PM. After checking into our hotel, you will have free time to stretch your legs and explore the winding streets of the city.
Overnight: Bukhara
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 11: Bukhara
- Ismail Samani Mausoleum: Our first stop is one of the oldest and most beautiful landmarks in Central Asia, famous for its intricate brickwork.
- The Heart of the City: We’ll dive into the local bazaar to experience the daily hustle and bustle of Bukhara amidst the scents of spices and dried fruits.
- Architectural Wonders: We will visit the Bolo Hauz Mosque, the massive Ark Fortress, and the monumental Po-i-Kalyan complex. We’ll also explore the historical trading domes, which for centuries constituted the beating heart of the Silk Road.
- Evening at Lyabi-Hauz: We will wrap up the day strolling around Lyabi-Hauz, one of the most charming squares in the city. Here, we can relax and enjoy some great food.
Overnight: Bukhara
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 12: From Bukhara to Tashkent
- Baha-ud-Din Naqshbandi Complex: We will tour the complex dedicated to one of the greatest masters of Sufism and the founder of the Naqshbandi order. This is a space of profound calm and spiritual significance, rich in both culture and history.
- Sitorai Mohi Hosa: Next, we’ll visit the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara. This palace is stunning in its scale and eclectic style, blending local Uzbek traditions with European influences.
- The Final Leg: In the afternoon, we head to the railway station for the final leg of our journey, closing the Bukhara chapter and returning to Tashkent.
- Farewell: We’ll check into the hotel and – who knows? Perhaps have one last goodbye party to celebrate our adventure!
Overnight: Tashkent
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 13: Flight Back Home
Today, we wave goodbye to the fascinating country of Uzbekistan and begin our journey home. Safe travels!
This excursion is for you if you’re a techno enthusiast looking to experience one of the most unique electronic music festivals in Central Asia.
Beyond the music, we’re looking for travelers with a genuine curiosity for the world and an interest in exploring Uzbekistan in a laid-back, authentic way.
Still hesitating? Feel free to shoot us a message at orientujadventures@gmail.com or reach out via Instagram. We’d love to chat!
27 May – 8 June
Your Trip Leader: Weronika Lo
Weronika will be your go-to person throughout this adventure. Feel free to connect with her if you have any questions or just want to say hi before the trip!
- Instagram: @weronika__lo
- Email: weronikamaria.lo@gmail.com
Accommodation: All stays throughout the trip, including 2 nights in a traditional yurt camp on the Aral Sea coast
Meals: All breakfasts, plus lunch and dinner during our stay at the Aral Sea yurt camp
Domestic Flight: Internal flight within Uzbekistan (Tashkent to Nukus).
Off-Road Expedition: A guided 4×4 jeep tour around the Aral Sea region.
Ground Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned bus transportation for all legs of the journey (Nukus – Muynak – Khiva – Bukhara).
Rail Travel: Train from Bukhara to Tashkent.
Expert Guidance: A dedicated Polish trip leader and professional local Uzbek guides in Aral, Khiva, Bukhara, and Tashkent.
Festival Access: Official tickets to the Stihia Festival.
Sightseeing: Entry tickets to all monuments and sights listed in the itinerary.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering Civil Liability and Personal Accident.
Legal Protections: Statutory contributions to the Tourist Guarantee Fund (TFG) and the Tourist Relief Fund (TFP).
International Flights: Round-trip plane tickets (e.g., Warsaw–Tashkent–Warsaw or your specific point of departure). Flight information provided in the section below.
Additional Meals: Any meals not specifically listed in the “What’s Included” section.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, shopping, and other individual costs.
Customary Tips: Gratuities for local guides and drivers (we recommend bringing small denominations of US dollars for this).
Suggested Flight Connections:
- Warsaw to Tashkent 27 May 2026 (Wednesday) | Departure: 15:55 | LOT Polish Airlines
- Tashkent to Warsaw 8 June 2026 (Monday) | Departure: 10:00 | LOT Polish Airlines
Approximate Cost: Between 1,600 – 2,200 PLN round-trip.
Traveling from elsewhere? If you would like to join us but cannot make the suggested connection (or if you are flying from another city like London), that’s no problem! Contact us, and we will help you find the most convenient flight to meet the group in Tashkent.
Orientuj Adventures operates in partnership with the licensed travel agency Opal Travel. For your peace of mind and security, you will sign your travel contract and submit your deposit directly to them.
What is the sign-up process?
- Fill out the questionnaire: Click the “Sign up for the trip!” button at the top or bottom of this page.
- Receive your contract: Within two business days, you will receive a contract via email. Please sign it and send it back to us as a scan or a high-quality photo.
- Secure your spot: Once you pay the deposit, you’re all set! Your place on the adventure is officially secured.
Payment Terms: Regarding the remaining balance, you have the flexibility to pay it in one lump sum or split it into two convenient installments.
Why are you launching the trip even though the official Stihia Festival schedule and lineup have yet been released?
It’s pretty simple: we respect your need to plan ahead, and we also need to organize our logistics with sufficient notice.
We know the Stihia Festival is set for the last weekend of May. It is a truly one-of-a-kind event, and we are nearly 100% certain you will love the lineup.
When will the Stihia Festival lineup be published?
Based on our conversations with the organizers, we expect the official lineup to be released as early as February 2026.
What if I sign up and don’t like the schedule or the lineup?
This contract isn’t a “pact with the devil.” If you find that the lineup or schedule isn’t for you, there is no problem with canceling. We will return your deposit without any difficult questions or further debate.
Weronika Lo
I inherited my appetite for life from my Polish roots—I have the fiery temperament of the Tatra Highlanders and a Subcarpathian sense of rhythm. After spending nearly half of my life in North America, I returned to Europe with a new mission. The pandemic made me realize how much I missed the connection of the dancefloor; as Fred Again.. so iconically put it in his track, “We’ve Lost Dancing.” I vowed then to embark on a global journey in search of the sickest electronic music experiences and the underground treasures of club culture.
For several years now, I’ve been collecting memories from the world’s most unique dancefloors—from the happy chaos of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the gritty techno warehouses of Detroit and Berlin, to the magical, ancient ruins of Istanbul.
Journeying deep into the heart of Uzbekistan in search of techno is one of the most exhilarating adventures I have the pleasure of co-organizing. I believe music is the fastest way to understand local culture. I want to bring you closer to this region through the lens of electronic music—together, we will dance until sunrise at the edge of civilization.
Outside of the dancefloor? I am a certified breath coach, a runner, and a meditator. My goals for 2026 include Tomorrowland Thailand and Lost Paradise in Australia.
PS. I promise, “Lo” is actually my last name!