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-Nurata (218 km, 3-4 hrs.) - “Aydar” yurt camp.
After breakfast, you will have one more little adventure! After breakfast, you will move to yurt camp, located at Kyzyl Kum desert, where you can live in real yurts and even ride by camels. Believe you will be thrilled that there are all conditions of comfort at this yurt camp, made among the sands of the hot desert!
It is a pleasure to be at this little magic oasis! En route to the camp, you will have excursion to petroglyphs of Sarmysh gorge, which keeps more than 3500 pictures of the Bronze Age.The gorge is the real museum and one of greatest stone art galleries! After Sarmysh, you will visit famous sacred “Nur” complex with spring full of sacred fish. And after tasty lunch in Nurata – will ride by camels along the desert! This cognitive day will be finished with dinner with songs of local akyn (folk poet and singer). Night in yurts.

Day 5

“Aydar” yurt camp - Bukhara (170 km, 2.5-3 hrs.).
This day you will have one more pleasant morning in yurt camp! After breakfast, you will have opportunity to see Aydarkul Lake and make a trip to lake by camels. Than you will taste hot, lunch made of freshly caught fish. However, this is just a beginning of your adventures! Today you are going to make a trip to the famous Bukhara, which is one of the most sacred Muslim cities after the Mecca, as more than 3000 Muslim sacred places were found here. In 1997, Bukhara has celebrated 2500 anniversary and UNESCO included the city to list of the World heritage sites. Bukhara by rights is considered the one of the Central Asian tourist centers. Many times the city was occupied and burned, but it always rose from the ashes. Bukhara won the fame of city with city with developed culture and trade way back in X century and in XIV c. it became well known in Europe because of commercial relations. Different times many unique persons live and create here: Abu Ali Ibn Cino (Avicenna), Rudaky, Firdavsiy, Imam Al Bukhary, Sariddin Ayni, Abdurauf Fitrat-extraordinary personalities, made an outstanding contribution to the world masterpieces treasure house! Night in hotel.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

Bukhara.
Next our morning at hotel starts from breakfast, after whic h we will continue three-hour fascinating excursion in Bukhara. Than we will go out of city (not faraway, just in 15-20 minutes from city), where will visit summer residence (XIX) of Bukharan emir – Sittorai Mokhi-Hosa- “the palace of moon and stars, Bolo Hauze mosque, Bakhaadin Nakshbandi sheikh's complex, which considering as Central Asian Mecca, and Nakshbandi at his time was spiritual adviser of Amir Temur, than we will come back to Bukhara and spend the night in hotel.

Day 8

Transfer to Uzbek - Turkmen boarder.
Transfer to Mary (381 km, 5-6 hrs.). Well, you in Turkmenistan! And your trip starts from Mary-city, which being third in size of republic, located in big oasis among sands of Karakum in Murgab delta. From fascinating story of our guide you will find out that this city was established in 1884 as centre of Russian military administration in 30 kilometers from the ancient Merv (by the way, till 1937 exactly Mary called “Merv”) Now this is the huge centre of rich cotton growing region, transport junction and main centre of gas industry of the country – the main source of revenue of Turkmenistan. Many legends and mysteries will tell by themselves many exhibits from the voluminous collection of Turkmenistan archaeological findings in History Museum , where you will see a hundred examples of national dress, Turkmenistan carpets, silver and amazing embroider article of clothing of the different local tribes. Night in hotel.

Day 9

Mary-Merv-Ashgabat transfer.
Today you are to make a fascinating journey to the ancient Merv-city. Oasis of Merv (located in 40 km to the east of Mary) is one of the most ancient regions of the Central Asia, mastered irrigation – the first remains of watering system here referred to the bronze period. no wonder that exactly here appeared one hugest city of the ancient world- the Merv city (also named as Margush, Margiana, Mouru or Mary – different in different sources). Origin of the Merv wrapped in mystery and it is well known that the first records of it appeared in Avesta chronicles approximately in VIII – VI B.C. Here live and create Omar Khayam, as-Samany, Imamad din-Isfahani and other great thinkers of the Middle Ages. You are to make interesting going sightseeing of this city, among the most interesting of which are sultan Sanjar Dar-al-Akhir mausoleum (1140 B.C.) with height almost of 40 meters, Shazrizar-Ark citadel, ruins of the Abdullakhan-Kala walls (XV), ruins of the fortress and towers of Bayramalikhan-Kala, ruins of Kyz-Kala(VI-VII B.C.), Al-Khakim Ibn Amir Al-Djafari and Burayda Ibn Al-Khuseyn Al-Islami (XV) mausoleum (the place of pilgrimage), mausoleum of Mukhammad Ibn Zeyd (XII), Talhatan-Baba complex with mausoleums of Talhatan-Baba and imam Kasim, imam Shafy and Imam Bakra (seldjukids epoch), Yusuf Khamadoni mosque (XIII with modern reconstruction made in XIX), Yerk-Kala fortress (VI), ruins of Christian temple and bonzery in Guyar-Kala (ancient Antioch and Margiana), ruins of Beni Makhan mosque (“Friday mosque”, VII-XII), high walls of Big and Small Kyz-Kala constractions, looks like fortresses, Kyz-Bibi mausoleum and many remains of bathhouses, palaces, staterooms and other constructions. Also deserve consideration mausoleum of mosques Dandankan and Talkhatan-Baba (XII, located in 30 km southeasterly of Merv), keshk (reinforced house) Aykuli-Koshuk (IX-XIII), single castle Kharam-Keshk (in 7 km to north of Guyar-Kala, IX-XIII ), Durnali ancient settlement(in 25 km to north of Guyar-Kala, I-II ), Gebekli ancient settlement (in 32 km to northwest of Guyar-Kala). Many archaeological findings, found at excavations of the ancient cities exhibit in beautiful Unit Historical Museum of Merv. Many of them are strongly destroyed and just hills left from some of them but even taking this fact to account Merv still is one of unique monument of history. At these days Merv has been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site as most extanted ancient centre of the Great Silk Road. Night in hotel. After fascinating view of the reach Merv heritage you will have a transfer to Ashgabad, where will stay in hotel to spend the night.

Day 10

Ashgabat.
After breakfast in hotel you will have opportunity to meet with Ashgabad-the capital and biggest Turkmenistan city, his name could be translated as “City of Love”. Ashgabat is located to the southwest part of the Turkmenistan in extensive oasis, which is lying at Kopet Dagh foothills on the very brink of the hot desert. In general city was formed at the beginning and in the middle of XX c, around Russian fortress, built in 1881 year at a crossroads of caravan roads. This day you will visit main city places of interest, like Neutrality Ark (1998, with height of 75 m-the highest Turkmenistan construction) with gold statue of Turkmenbashy at the top, President Palace (former building of Turkmenistan communist party, 1950-1955 ), Majlis (former council of ministers building, 1954-1953), Academic Drama Mollanepes theatre (1951-1958), Bayram-Khan monument, Lenin Square (1927), Mecan Palace(1970-1974), the building of National Library(1964-1976), Musical School and Conservatory (1975-1992), Orthodox Alexander Nevski Church (XIX), Artogrulgazy mosque with 4 minarets and huge dome (1997, the biggest mosque in the country), Ashgabat circus (1979-1984). East is East and nobody surprises that the main attraction center for the tourist is Tolkuchka bazaar, which is famous with big variety of goods and color Turkmenistan traditions. This bazaar extended for some kilometers along city suburb and attracts tourist with opportunity to buy Turkmenistan carpet, which brought here for sale from every corner of the country. Very popular place of the trade is also “Russian” (covered bazaar) and “Tekinskiy” markets. Besides, you can see capital carpet museum, which is the just only one of such constructions in whole world. Several hundreds the best carpet examples of the different periods are collected here and the oldest one belongs to XVII c. There is the biggest carpet in the world has an area of 400 square kilometers and more 1 ton weight. Not the less interesting place is exposition of the National History and Ethnography Museum with great old exhibits collection, gathered from all the territory of Turkmenistan and found at Old Nissa excavations. Also is very interesting to visit pavilion of the Painter Union of Turkmenistan, “Mukhammmed”, “Ency”, “Djuma Djumaduryri” private gallery. Night in hotel.

Day 11

Ashgabad-Dashouguz-Khiva (70 km, 1, 5 hrs.).
Today morning you will fly to Dashoguz and will have very cognitive excursion in Kyunya-Urgench, or Kone-Urgench (“Old “Urgench”, earlier-“Gurganj”) - conservation area, lying in 480 km to the north of Ashgabat. Being the ancient capital of the North Khorezm and huge cultural and trade centre, the city gave a shelter to Avicenna (Abu Cino), Al-Beruniy, Ibn-Battuta and many other famous thinkers of that time. In 1221 city, which was at this time “the heart of Islam”, rose against Chingizkhan and was destroyed by Mongols. The main places of interest of Kyunya-Urgench are the mausoleum of “kubra” Sufi sect founder – Najmetdin Kubra (XII-XIIIc), mausoleum of Torbeg-Khanym - Mongolian princess(Turabekhanum, XII-XIVcc), Mamun's minaret (X-XI cc AC), Kutlug Temur (XII-XIV cc, the highest minaret at the Central Asia with height of 67 m), Kyrkmolla (II c BC-III AD), Ibn-Khadjib madrassah, Arslan II mausoleum (the oldest building of the city, the time of his making is XI c), Fakhr-ad-Din Razy (XIII c), Azizan Al-Ramatani(XIII-XIV c), Seyd Akhmed (XII-XIV), Piryar (XIV-XVII), Guligerdan(XII c), Khorezimbag (XIII-XVIII cc), Dashalga (XIV-XVI cc), Matkarim-Isham (XIX-XX cc), Sultan-Ali(1580), Takash-Khorezm-Shakh(XIII c), with minaret XIVc, Djemshet (1903-1908 ) and Ak-kala (Akgala, I-XIII CC). You will certainly have indelible impression after many others places of interest, like ruins of Amul-city, well-known even from times of Parthia (not far from Chardjou), ancient cities Anev, Anau, Tagta, Cherkez and Owadan-Depa. Than you will have a transfer to Khiva, where you will accommodate in cozy hotel to spend the hight.

Day 12

Khiva.
This day will be devoted to the meeting with Khiva, the real Oriental city, whose air steel keeps the spirit of the Middle Ages! There are no high modern buildings, wide highways and it seems that time here has stopped just to keep all that ancient beauty which you can see at this amazing earth! You will see many historical monuments and anicent clay houses! What a surprise - all places of interest are located so compactly not in the big territory, surrounded by the city walls! This is the most ancient part of the Khiva - Ichan-Cala (XVIIIC - internal part of Khiva). Exactly here are situated the basic monuments of our attention: Kyunya -Ark fortress (XVII C), Pakhlavan Makhmud Complex (XIV-XIX CC), which has the biggest dome in Khiva, obtected with blue glazed tile with glitter overgilded top. This masoleum was built in honor of the Pakhlavan Makhmud- the famous Khiva's poet and person well-known by his herculean strength! Muslim ministry included him to the list of Saints after his death! Islam Khodja madrassah and minaret (1908) - amazing building, skilfully decorated with colorful mosaic. This minared is called as the main symbol of Khiva and his diminished shape go back to the early architectural models (XIV CC). The brick masonry at the minaret is interlaced with stripes of the glazed pattern. The minaret has a height of 56,6 metres and base diameter of 9,5 metres. The Palace of Tash Khauli Alakuli-Khan (XVIII – XIX CC). Djuma mosque (X-XVIII CC).
Mukhammadaminkhan minaret and madrassah (1831-1855). Facade of the minaret is decorated with ornament of the glazed brick. At this moment here located a hotel, tourist agency, exchange office, office on air tickets selling, café. Also you can go to Akish-Bobo fortress, where a magnificent view of the whole city is opens up!
Also we are recommending you to visit bazaar, where you can look amazing Khiva carpets, syuzane (national embroidered materials),national oriental robes and (embroidered) skullcap embroidered by spun gold! Evening we will come back again to Urgench and accommodate in hotel for 1 night.

Day 13

Khiva-Tashkent.
Today you are to make trip back to the hospitality Tashkent. But before this you will hsave opportunity to go for a walk along the labyrinth left after anient Khorezm settlements - Tuprak, Ayaz and Kavat-Kala. Here you wil see some time ago imposing defensive walls, branches, niche of the settlement! One of them - Tuprak-Kala has 2000 years and has altitude of 350-500 metres! After enjoing of the anciency of this earth construction you will go to Urgench to fly to Tashkent, which waits for your coming!

Day 14

Tashkent-Chimgan mountaints (150 km, 2-2,5 hrs.) - Tashkent.
Morning you will have a trip to Chimgan mountains (80 km in Tashkent). Chimgan (Western Tien-Shan mountains) – this is expanse for having the active rest during all the year. Chimgan attracts many different people: tourists, alpinists, climbers, rock climber, people devoted to botanists, ornithology, archaeology, paleontology and everyone can get here good reserve of cheerfulness, energy and inspiration! Rich natural variety let develop here landscape tourism. The Mountains (Peaks of Big and Small Chimgan), plains, waterfalls of Gulkham and Novotash (Gulkham george, by the way, could be chosen as place for heaving a rest at the real birch grove, it is seems that it has been created especially for bivouac) attracts many tourist of Uzbekistan and the abroad.

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;
• Accommodation at the following hotels on twin/double share with breakfast at Turkmenistan territory;
• Excursion program to the base monuments with guide;
• The cost of Urgench-Tashkent air flight;
• The cost of Ashgabat-Dashoguz air flight;
• All transport services during the tour, including airport-hotel-airport transfers;
• The cost of invitation letter to Uzbekistan.


The cost tour does not include:

• International air fare;
• Visa fee;
• Immigration card paid to immigration service after coming at the Turkmenistan borderâ€' 10 €/pax, including taxes;
• The cost of accompany guide for the whole itinerary;
• Meals excepting breakfasts;
• Photo and video shooting at museums and monuments.


Recommended hotels for tour:

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

Tashkent
Raddus JSS 2*
Shodlik Palace 4*

Samarkand
Malika Samarkand 2*+
Afrosiab Palace 4*

Bukhara
Malika Bukhara 2*+
Bukhara Palace 4*

Khiva
Malika Khiva 2*+
Khorezm Palace 4*

Desert
“Aydar” yurt camp
“Aydar” yurt camp

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