Itinerary

Day 1

Tashkent / Arrival.
You just went down from the aircraft boarding bridge and will have unique opportunity to feel cordiality and hospitality of the fertile Asian earth. We will meet you at the airport and like by magic carpet fast but with comfort will transfer you to the one of the coziest hotel of Uzbekistan's capital. This day you will see modern beauty and majesty of Tashkent- the one of the most ancient Central Asian city. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, fourth in size city of CIS and has population of 2,3 million people. In general it"s a good attempting to tell you that Tashkent divides in two parts for convenience- The
Old and New city. This names are tell by themselves – in Old city you will meet with mausoleums, madrassah and real oriental bazaar, that are monuments of days gone by, in New- you will see public gardens, parks, monuments and constructions of modern times. These two original measurements exist simultaneously, don't in the way to each other and moreover- complement each other. This feature expresses also general feature of Uzbekistan – harmonically mix of ancient traditions and modern technologies! We will start our excursion from Old City. Barakhan Madrassah is amazing monument of 16-th century, located in the “heart” of Old City at Hast-Imam square, surrounded with antique wattle and daub houses.
Now Central Asian religious Muslim board located here headed by mufti. Here is great library of the oriental manuscripts and in special room keeps world-famous the Koran of Osman, which was written in the middle of VII century and is origin of the Koran - sacred Muslim book. This ancient manuscript with primary text of the Koran, consisted of 353 oil paper pages of big size during centuries was kept in treasure houses of caliphs in Medina, Damask and Baghdad cities. At times of Amir Temur The Koran get from Baghdad to Uzbekistan and than in XIX century was in St. Petersburg, in hands of the Russian scientists, which prove it"s authenticity and again wandered via Ufa to the Central Asia, where is kept till today. Yunus Khan mausoleum (XV) is monumental building, created in XV in honor of one of the Tashkent's ruler. This construction well preserved till these days. Kafal-Al-Shashi Mazar mausoleum (XVI). Kafal-Al-Shashi Mazar was missionary preached shafiitizm. He was poet- mystic and died in 10 century AD and his sepulcher, built in 16-th century became popular place for Muslim pilgrimage. Kukeldash Madrassah (XVI), located not faraway from Chor-Su oriental bazaar and still is function madrassah, where leave and study students. From towers, located at angulars, - special people – muezzins call on for prayer (“namaz”). Than you will make excursion along “modern city”. You will visit Applied Art Museum. Independence Square – the main square of the city, located in centre of the Tashkent. Exactly here spends street festivities during national holidays! Last year design of square was decorated with grandiose ark with light bulbs, fit in floor and added air with some “cosmic” glow. From Independence square you can go for a walk (during 15 minutes) till building of the Uzbekistan State Opera and Ballet theatre. Than we will go till Friendship of the Nations Square – second largest square of the city, where not infrequent holidays are spent. There is also concert hall, where give show stars not only local but also international estrade. We recommend getting to all mentioned monuments by Metro. This is the coolest type of transport at hot summer weather. “Tashkent's metro is the most beautiful!” –this phrase often you can hear not only from inhabitant but also from the guests of our capital. It's true- each metro station is unique with design. Here you can note second feature of Tashkent and Uzbekistan in general! We mean unique mix of oriental and western styles. Going from one station until another you will not see any similarity between them, but remember that photo shooting here is prohibited! Therefore, this day is fast flown by! Night spent in cozy room of hotel become good addition of oriental atmosphere.

Day 2

Tashkent-Samarkand (330 km, 5-6 hrs).
After breakfast in hotel, you will make fascinating trip to Samarkand- the one of the most ancient and perhaps one of the most famous cities of Central Asia
likelihood, you have heard about this ancient city many times! This is the main point of Great Silk Road, museum of city, preserved like Bukhara and Khiva uniqueness of the Middle Ages. However, it will give you the modern services, which together with color of local traditions will pleasantly wonder you by comfort. Night in hotel.

Day 3

Samarkand.
After breakfast in hotel you will have amazing trip along city, which will be combined as following: Firstly, we will go to the most entertainment square of the Central Asia – Registan square (XVII) made with wonderful architectural ensemble and located in the “heart” of Samarkand. The word “Registan” means “sandy place”. Registan appeared as centre of trade and handicraft. It is intersection of 6 roads, leading from the city gates. Square surrounded by majestic buildings from 3 sides: Ulugbek madrassah (1417-1420), Sher Dor madrassah (1619-1636), Tillya-Kory madrassah (1647-1660). In 1417 Ulugbek – grandson of the famous Amir Temur start to build madrassah here, this was named of his name. This madrassah was finished in 1420 and square became the centre of the science. Firstly about 100 of people studied at that original university of the Middle Ages. In 17-th century, two monumental buildings were built there. These are Sher Dor and Tillya-Kori. They differ with their impressive sizes and luxury decoration, although with architecture are inferior with comparison of their prototype – immortal monument of art of building-Ulugbek's madrasah. Sher Dor madrasah (“building with lions”) with image of fantastic animals of the cat family and chamois at the portal are mirror image of the Ulugbek's madrasah. It was building during almost 17 years by the order of emir Yalangtush Bakhadur –the ruler of Samarkand. After 10 years after Sher Dor building was finished in the presence of the same ruler was established Tillya-Kori madrasah, which close Registan square from the north. The name of this building means “dressed by gold” and beside it's main purpose (students teaching) this building also plaid a role of mosque. The Registan haven't lost his significance of the central city square till these days. Than we certainly will visit Gur Emir mausoleum – table tomb of Temurid's dynasty, where till these days lie remains of the great Amir Temur commander. According to the legend it's prohibited to open his grave otherwise will be the war. At the first sight how could it be? But it have already had happened! The Second World War started after the scientists were occupied with excavations at this place.The next objects of our view are Rukhabad necropolis (XV), Bibi-Khanum (XV), which was build by the special order of Amir Timur by 500 workers and 95 Indian elephants; Ulugbek's observatory (XV) , where you will see unique astronomic facility –sextant; Shokhi-Zindan architectural complex (XII-XV), where lie remains of AmirTemur's retainers; Khazrat-Khyzra (XIX), etc.

Day 4

Samarkand-Bukhara (300 km, 4-5 hrs).
Woke up early in the morning you will move to Bukhara. En route you will in full evaluate the greatness of Kyzyl-Kum desert, which still keeps footprints of caravans, once slowly stretched along the Great Silk Road. “Bukhara-I-Sharif”, “noble”, “sacred”- these are some of the many epithets with which was nicknamed this ancient city. One of the legend says that it's founder was Siyavush- the son of Iranian shah. Zoroastrians of Bukhara honored the place of his death and in Navrouz sacred holiday slaughter a rooster at the Guriyan eastern gates, where Siyavush was buried. At times of Samanid's dynasty Bukhara, being the capital, was considered as the greatest city of Islamic world! Besides, Bukhara became the centre of trade of China with western Asia and original money-changing store of all Asian nations. Exactly that way became proverbial existed in 19 century words: “he is looking alive as Bukharan moneychanger”. We will have a rest at hotel after long road, anticipating with pleasure meeting with “God's charm”- Bukhara...

Day 5

Bukhara.
First of all we will look over the Samanid's mausoleum (IX-Xc), the family burial vault of the rulers from the local dynasty, which undoubtedly is a jam of the Central Asian art of building. This wonderful monument is a symbol of new style architecture, regenerated after Arabic conquest. According to undercovered rules in the elements of the building harmonically combined pre-Islamic culture and culture of Arabic Orient. Than we will go to Chashma Ayub Mazar (XIV-XIX c) burial vault. The monuments come one after another and next we will see Poi Kalyan (XII-XVI cc) complex, which include famous Kalyan minaret (with height of 49 meters), built in 1127 and remained whole after many wars and invasions by a miracle! At one time it was look-out station and than the place of public execution. Many legends are jointed with this majestic construction! You will find out many of them from our guide. Than we will see Ulugbek's madrassah. Ulugbek was grandson of the Temur extraordinary commander and also mathematician and astronomer. And this madrassah was built in 1417 by his order. Than we will see Lyabi Hauze (XVI-XVII c) complex, included Kukeldash (1568 year) and Nodir Divan Begi (1622 year) madrassahs. Very harmonically and color situated here impressive citadel-Old Ark fortress (VI-VII c), from where the ancient Bukhara started. Evening you will go to Tashkent by overnight train, where you will spend the night.

Day 6

Tashkent-Fergana (310 km, 5 hrs).
Today you will have opportunity to meet closer with Fergana valley!Let's enumerate just some of monuments, situated here:Khudoyar Khan palace (1870), Chakr mosque (1911), ancient Askient settlement (1-2 B.C.) After little excursion you will came back again to Tashkent, where will spend the night in hotel.

Day 7

Fergana-Osh (150 km, 3 hrs.).
Today you will leave to Fergana to see Fergana valley by your own eyes! In addition, you will see some amazing cities of this region en rote. You will see several the most ancient cities of the Fergana valley. Visiting Kokand with Khudoyar Khan (the last ruler) palace, you will be sure that this city was the capital of the most majestic Kokand khanate as luxurious mosaic and ornaments, dressing the palace, stupefy by riches and splendor! After seeing Modarikhan mausoleum made of white marble and bronze you will yearn for the destiny of Nadira poetess, who was executed by the order of emir of Bukhara and this mausoleum was made exactly to remember her.This city won't leave you indifferent as recently (at the end of 20- the beginning of 19) it was second city of Fergana valley for his size! The date with Fergana valley is continuing! Today you will visit Margilan, which emergence often joint with opening of Great Silk Road, about which you certainly having heard much! In 10 century this city was all-round famous with silk production and fame of it was spread to far territories to West and East. You will have an opportunity to see that unique production, visiting famous “Yodgorlik” fabric of silk production. At the beginning of 16 century, this city became famous also because exactly here was born and grow up sultan Bobur - one of great grandsons of Temur. He became the ruler of Fergana and then established the state of Great Mongols in India and became establisher of “Boburids” dynasty, which rule till the middle of the XIX century. This city will leave many pleasant memories in your soul. It was the place of having a rest of caravans and that's why still is buried in verdure! Kaftarlik (XVIII c.) architectural complex will assure you that you came here not useless. You will observe here mosque with unique wall paintings and mystery minarets. The terminal point of your today"s trip will be ancient Osh city. The exact day of his foundation is unknown, but legends joint his foundation with name of Aleksandr Makedonskiy and even with the name of Solomon (Suleyman) prophet. His written history has more than thousand years and archaeological finds told us about having the history of three thousand years. Besides Osh is one of the Muslim religious centres of the Central Asia, what jointed with many legends about Suleyman-Tou mountain, which according to the legends has medical abilities to treat all illnesses of pilgrims. From X-XI CC and till the beginning of the XX CC under Suleyman-Tou and on his slopes was based many Muslim religious constructions as kubbas and mosques, etc. You will have fascinating excursion along the city, where you will see: Ak-Burinskaya fortress (I-II CC), historic landmarks: Asaf-Ibn-Bukhriya (XI-XVI CC),Ravat-Abdullakhan mosque(XVII-XVIIICC), Mukhammed Yusuf Baykhodji-Ogly mosque (1909) and many other. After getting all that colorful impressions you will have good rest at the cozy room of the hotel.

Day 8

Osh-Yurt Camp.
After breakfast at hotel you will change transport to truck on which you will go along Alay range pass by tobacco and cotton fields. After this long road, admiring the scenery and picturesque mountain landscapes, you will stay for the night in Sary-Tash villiage, where will spend the night in real yurts!

Day 9

Sarytash-Kashgar.
The first thing which will stand out a mile for you after arrival to Kashgar is abundance of mosques, (oriental) tearooms and flat cakes. In China this city called as Kashi, which in translation from the Uigur language means “the place of the stones trade” and in ancient times it was called as Shulai. From the north side Kashgar adjoins to Tien-Shan mountains and borders with Takla-Makan desert from east and Pamir upland from west. You will be surprised by the variety of the colors of this city! And his antiquity! Kashgar has documentation that he has a history of more than two thousand years! Probably, housing complex with an area of 10 hectares located in Gaotay villiage at the northeast part of the city. It is very famous for his architecture. Guides told that Uygur craftsmen and potter settled here more than thousand of years. Not the less attractive is masoleum of Syianfay (Iparkhan) princess, made in 1640, who is the second wife of Tsiyanlun of the Tsyn dinasty. Close to masouleum situated effective Djamani mosque, built in 1873, and in the neighboring region tourist can visit Mukhammed Kashigl masoleum –the great Uygur scientific of the XI C., who was linguist and author of the “Great Dictionary of the Turkic language”. But the most famous at the Pamir is Aytinay mosque, built in 1442. It is possible to visit Buddhist pagoda at the ruins of the ancient temple of the Tan dinasty, this pagoda was built and functioned in 618-907 years, when Buddhism just camed to China. Besides, you can see the greatest Chinese mosque Khait-Kar (1442) and Kashgar rulers Appakh-Khodja masoleum (XII C). Night in hotel.

Day 10

Kashgar.
The popular Chinese proverb saying: “you can think that you haven't been in Xintzyan if don't visit Kashgar, being in China”. Let's visit for example Kashgar bazaar! There are different trade mall with names “fruits”, “hardware” and “provisions”… Buyers are dazzled by goods variety. It difficult to enumerate all fruits: pomegranate, fig, grapes, melon, watermelon, peaches and apples. There are so many tradespeople and their baskets of vines, where lie fruits or piece of material can also be called as shopboard! Here is famous yangishar knife, which has history of more than 200 years! It differs from others by amazing workmanship and beautiful form. It's handle dressed by pearls, seashells, ferrous casting, etc. This is how they make amazing knife! Surely, these walks will give you a pleasure. Moreover you will meet with local people- Uigurs and even see their life and way of life! Night at hotel.

Day 11

Kashgar.
Free day. Night in the hotel.

Day 12

Kashgar-Chinese-Kyrgyzstan “Tourugart” boarder (180 km, 3 hrs) - Naryn(186 km, 3-4 hrs).
Woke up early in the morning you will go till the Control Point Boarder, than will change transport to bus and than cross the boarder with Kyrgyzstan. You will have long road with terminal point in Naryn. Located at 2500 m above sea level at the range of the river with the same name, located at the cross road of the Tourugart-Bishkek car line, Naryn-city is regional cultural centre, where located Naryn State University, local history museum and National Drama “Manas Rukhu” Theatre. You will certainly like amazing high-mountain landscape, surraunding the city. Night at hotel.

Day 13

Naryn-Bishkek (420 km, 6-7 hrs.).
After breakfast in the hotel you will have a transfer to Bishkek-the capital, the “soul” and the “heart” of Kyrgyzstan Republic, her political, economic, cultural and scientific centre. The city is located at the centre of the Chuyskaya valley, at the bottom of the Ala-Tou Kyrgyzstan mountains at the altitude of the 750 m above sea level. You will remember this city with his strict planning of the streets, crossing each other at right angle. And the green of the city, surrounded be trees and bushes of 150 different sorts! This impression could be supplement with oak park, which is extraordinary sculpture museum under sky with many simpatic squirreles shuttlecocking everywhere and asking for delicacies. Night in hotel.

Day 14

Bishkek-Tashkent.
Today you will asure again in beauty of the hospitality Tashkent, because today you will have a flight to the Uzbekistan capital

Day 15

Tashkent / departure.
Our trip is at an end. We tried not to miss anything important! Certainly, having more time we could find much more amazing things, though the most important things you have seen! But our hospitality Uzbekistan earth will be looking forward for your repeated visit! Welcome!

Extra Information

Extras -

Note:In group of 10 persons - tour leader is free of charge.



The cost tour includes:

• Accommodation at the hotels on twin/double share with breakfast;
• Excursion program to the base monuments with guide;
• Entry fees to the base monuments of each city;
• Railway tickets for Bukhara-Tashkent;
• The cost of invitation letter to Uzbekistan, China;
• All transport services during the tour, including airport-hotel-airport transfers;
• Meals: breakfasts at hotels + half board at China territory;
• Local show in Kashgar.


The cost tour does not include:

• International air fare;
• Visa fee;
• The cost of services of the accompany guide during all the tour - 325 $/tour;
• The cost of the meals, excepting breakfasts in hotels;
• Airport tax in Bishkek;
• Photo and video shooting at museums and monuments.


Recommended hotels for tour:

City
Hotels of 2-3*
Hotels of 4-5*

Tashkent
Raddus JSS 2*
Shodlik Palace 4*

Samarkand
Malika Samarkand 2*+
Afrosiab Palace 4*

Bukhara
Malika Bukhara 2*+
Bukhara Palace 4*

Fergana
Asia Fergana 3*
Asia Fergana 3*

Naryn
Asia Mountains Hotel
Celestial Mountains Hotel

Bishkek
Guest house
Golden Dragon 4*

Кashgar
Barony Hotel
Seman Hotel 3*