Arrival to Samarkand

Samarkand - Arrive at Samarkand International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Ancient Samarkand still radiates the grandeur of its past! In the Middle Ages, it was regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful and significant cities. The palace-like mausoleum of ruler Amir Timur, the Gur Emir Mausoleum, is sure to leave you in awe. Today, you’ll experience the highlight of your trip, Registan Square, with its three massive, artistically decorated madrasas. Then, visit what was once Central Asia’s largest mosque – the Bibi Khanum Mosque. Afterward, explore the vibrant oriental Siyab bazaar. Stalls are piled high with nuts, almonds, pistachios, dried apricots, raisins, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The market is filled with exotic aromas from spices and herbs, making it as colorful and fascinating as life itself. Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Samarkand-Tashkent

Samarkand - In Samarkand, the magic of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ comes alive again. As one of the world’s oldest cities and a central hub of the famous Silk Road, it offers a glimpse into ancient times at the Afrosiyob Museum. Next, visit the Shakhi Zinda Complex, a stunning collection of mausoleums adorned in Timurid style with majolica and mosaic tiles. At the paper manufacturing factory, you’ll see centuries-old traditions still thriving, with traditional paper-making processes using mulberry tree fibers. End the day at the Ulugbek Observatory, built in 1428-1429 on a hill of the Chupanata chain. In the late afternoon, depart Samarkand on the “Afrosiyab” fast train at 16:27 to Tashkent, arriving at 18:48. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Tashkent.

Samarkand

Samarkand - After resting at the hotel, embark on a sightseeing tour through Tashkent’s old town. Visit the Khast Imam Complex, where the Barakkhan Madrasa and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum stand as testaments to Tashkent’s historical significance in Islamic culture and religion. The world’s oldest Koran, dating back to the third Caliph Osman, is housed in the madrasa’s library. Next, explore the «Chorsu» Bazaar, a major market since the Middle Ages, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road caravansaries. Here, you’ll find many Uzbek specialties and a variety of exotic, spicy aromas. The Museum of Applied Art, located in a historic community center, features over 7,000 exhibits of traditional popular art from a bygone era and foreign culture.

Tashkent – Nukus

Tashkent - Enjoy free time in Tashkent to explore on your own. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Tashkent Domestic Airport at 6 PM for your 8 PM flight to Nukus. Upon arrival, transfer to the Jipek Joli hotel for an overnight stay in Nukus.

Nukus – Mizdakhan complex in Khodjeili – Kungrad – Muynak (lunch) – Uchsay Village – Aral Sea dried-up seabed

Nukus - Visit the Mizdahkan complex, a necropolis and ancient city of Khorezm (IV-II centuries B.C.) with significant historical mausoleums and archaeological monuments. In Muynak, enjoy a two-course national cuisine lunch with a Karakalpak family, visit the Cemetery of Ships, and the Ecological Museum of Muynak. Explore the canyons and rocks of the Ustyurt Plateau, visit Kubla-Ustyurt village, and meet a camel breeder’s family. At the Aral Sea, while dinner is prepared over an open fire, you can swim, hike, relax by the campfire, and stargaze at the clear night sky.

Aral Sea – Davletgirey (Kurgancha Kala) – Ustyurt Plateau – Sudochie Lake – Kungrad (lunch) – Nukus (450km - 8 hrs drive)

Aral Sea - After an early breakfast, depart at 8 AM. Visit Davletgirey (Kurgancha Kala), an abandoned trading station in the northern Khorezm Kingdom. The Ustyurt Plateau, with its vast gas and oil deposits, holds many secrets and mysteries. Sudochie Lake is renowned for its rich fauna, attracting scientists and enthusiasts from around the world for fishing and hunting. The lake is a key stop for migrating birds like pink flamingos, white swans, and ducks. Overnight stay in Nukus.

Nukus – Toprak Kala – Ayaz-Kala – Khiva

Nukus - Drive to Khiva, stopping at Ayaz Kala, an impressive ancient mud fort in the Kyzylkum Desert. The ruins of Ayaz Kala, dating back to the 2nd century BC, were part of a border fort system protecting the Khiva Oasis from the desert. Next, visit Toprak Kala, the ancient capital of Khorezm (2nd century AD). Arrive in the oasis town of Khiva in the afternoon for a two-night stay.

Khiva

Khiva - A highlight of your trip! The mud roads and two-wheeled donkey carts, still common today, offer a glimpse into life unchanged since the Middle Ages. In the historic center, admire the oriental ornaments and turquoise tiles of the richly decorated buildings, earning Khiva the nickname “Ichan Kala” (open-air museum). Visit Kunya Ark, the former residence of the Khans of Khiva, the Djuma Mosque with its 212 artistically decorated wooden columns, the Pakhlavon Makhmud Mausoleum, and the Madrasa and Minaret of Islam Khodja. In the evening, enjoy the sunset over the oasis. Overnight stay in Khiva.

Khiva

Khiva - Make the most of the cool morning hours with a long trip to Bukhara through the Kyzylkum Desert. Cross the famous Amudarya River, taking numerous photo stops along the riverbanks and in the desert. Arrive in Bukhara, the next Silk Road metropolis, in the late afternoon. Stay for three nights in Bukhara.

Bukhara

Bukhara - Take a walking tour through the 2500-year-old city of Bukhara. Visit the Citadel Ark, the Bolo Khauz Mosque, the Chashma Ayub, and the Samanids Mausoleum, some of Bukhara’s oldest buildings. In the afternoon, explore the vast architectural complex of Poi Kalyan. Visit the domed bazaars and trading streets of the Toki Zargaron goldsmiths, the Toki Telpak Furushon capmakers, and the Kosh Madrasa complex with the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasas. Relax with a cup of tea at the Lyabi Khauz Complex. Overnight stay in Bukhara.

Bukhara

Bukhara - Visit the Chor Minor madrasa, with its four minarets (chor – four) and Indian-style architecture. Then, head to the summer residence of the last Bukhara Emir – Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, meaning “The place where the moon and the stars meet” in Persian. Bukhara, one of the seven holy cities of the Islamic world, has a rich Sufi heritage. The Naqshbandiya Sufi order, with its principle of “God in the heart, work in the hands,” left a lasting legacy. Visit the Bahauddin Naqshbandi memorial complex, considered the Central Asian Mecca. In the afternoon, explore the Jewish quarter and a 400-year-old synagogue.

Bukhara

Bukhara - Continue your journey towards the Nurata Mountains (about 250 km). According to legend, the name Nurata comes from the Nur Fort, founded during Alexander the Great’s time in the 4th century BC. The settlement grew around a fresh water spring called Chashma. Visit the Nurata mausoleum and the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fort. Then, head to the yurt camp above Aydarkul Lake. Depending on the season, you can swim in the lake or observe the local fauna. At the yurt camp, you can ride a camel or walk in the dunes. Overnight stay in a yurt.

Aydarkul Lake-Samarkand.

Aydar Lake - After breakfast, transfer to Samarkand. Enjoy free time in Samarkand (additional activities can be arranged upon request).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Gur Emir Palace in Samarkand

Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Samarkand 7.30.2024
Today, travel to Shakhrisabz (270km), the birthplace of Amir Timur (Tamerlan). Timur, a 14th-century ruler, conquered Iran and the Caucasus and defeated the Golden Horde in South Russia. Visit the ruins of the Ak Saray Castle, the Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, and the “Dorut-Tilovat” Complex with the Shamseddin Kulal and Gumbaz Sayyidon mausoleums. Continue to Samarkand (170km) through a mountain pass. Return to Samarkand.

Samarkand – Departure

Samarkand - Check out from the hotel and transfer to Samarkand International Airport.

• License guide
• Entrance tickets to attractions and sights
• Breakfast

• Lunch and Dinner not included.