Arrival to Samarkand

Samarkand - Arrival at Samarkand International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Ancient Samarkand still displays the splendor of bygone eras! During the Middle Ages, it was regarded as one of the most beautiful and significant cities in the world. The palace-like mausoleum of the ruler Amir Timur, the Gur Emir Mausoleum, is sure to impress. Today, the highlight of the trip is Registan Square, with its three enormous, artistically adorned madrasas. Next, the operator visits the Bibi Khanum Mosque, once the greatest mosque in Central Asia. Afterward, a visit to the colorful oriental Siyab Bazaar follows. Pyramids of nuts, almonds, pistachios, dried apricots, raisins, and all sorts of fresh fruit and vegetables are piled high on the market stands. Exotic aromas of spices and herbs fill the air. A market as colorful and fascinating as life itself. Overnight stay in Samarkand.

Samarkand-Tashkent

Samarkand - In Samarkand, “One Thousand and One Nights” begins once more. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and the center of the famous Silk Road. At the Afrosiyob Museum, the operator gains a good understanding of what ancient Samarkand was like. Then, the Shakhi Zinda Complex is visited, a wonderful collection of mausoleums coated in Timurid style with majolica and mosaic tiles. At the paper manufacturing factory, it becomes clear that centuries-old traditions are still alive in Samarkand today. The traditional paper-making process using mulberry tree fibers can be observed. To finish the day, the Ulugbek Observatory, built in 1428-1429 on a hill of the Chupanata chain, is visited. In the late afternoon, the operator departs Samarkand on the “Afrosiyab” fast train at 16:27 to Tashkent. Arrival at 18:48, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Samarkand

Samarkand - After a rest at the hotel, a sightseeing tour through the old town of Tashkent follows. The Khast Imam Complex is visited. On the large square, the Barakkhan Madrasa and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum bear witness to the time when Tashkent was the center of the great development of Islamic culture and religion. The oldest Koran in the world is kept in the madrasa’s library. The manuscript dates back to the third Caliph Osman. Then, the “Chorsu” Bazaar is visited, which was already known in the Middle Ages and lies at the crossroads of the caravanserais of the Great Silk Road. This is one of the largest markets of Tashkent, not far from the center. In the bazaar, many Uzbek specialties can be seen, and all kinds of exotic, spicy aromas will tempt the taste buds. In the Museum of Applied Art, housed in an impressive, historic community center, there are over 7,000 exhibits of traditional popular art from a past era and a foreign culture.

Tashkent – Nukus

Tashkent - Free time in Tashkent to walk around independently. Later in the afternoon at 6 PM, transfer to Tashkent Domestic Airport for the flight to Nukus at 20:00. Arrival in Nukus and transfer to the hotel Jipek Joli. Overnight in Nukus.

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

Nukus - Mizdakhan complex: a necropolis and city of ancient Khorezm (IV-II centuries B.C.) where important historical mausoleums and archaeological monuments are located. Muynak: a two-course national cuisine lunch with a Karakalpak family, visiting the Cemetery of Ships and the Ecological Museum of Muynak. Ustyurt Plateau: canyons and rocks of the Ustyurt cliffs, visiting Kubla-Ustyurt village and a camel breeder’s family. Aral Sea: while dinner is cooked over an open fire, travelers may enjoy swimming and hiking, relax in company at the campfire, and explore the Milky Way in the clear sky.

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

Aral Sea - Early breakfast and departure at 8 AM. Davletgirey (Kurgancha Kala): an abandoned trading station in the north of the Khorezm Kingdom. Ustyurt Plateau: the mysterious and inscrutable Ustyurt Plateau holds not only huge deposits of gas and oil but also many secrets and riddles. Sudochie Lake: the rich fauna of this lake is famous far beyond Karakalpakstan. Many scientists and fans of fishing and hunting come to this place from all over the world. The lake is a key stop on the long migration route of birds: pink flamingos, white swans, ducks, and others. One overnight stay in Nukus.

Nukus – Toprak Kala – Ayaz-Kala – Khiva

Nukus - Drive to Khiva, visiting Ayaz Kala on the way – an impressive ancient mud fort. In the Kyzylkum Desert, the enormous ruins of one of the greatest forts of old Khorezm – Ayaz Kala – rise up on the slope of one of the eastern foothills of the Sultanuvaystag. According to archaeological excavations, the Ayaz Kala fort dates back to the 2nd century BC. It was part of a system of border forts which stretched from East to West and defended the Khiva Oasis from the desert side. Then, the other mud fort Toprak Kala is visited (the ancient capital of Khorezm, 2nd century AD). In the afternoon, the oasis town of Khiva is reached. Two overnight stays in Khiva.

Khiva

Khiva - A highlight of the trip! The mud roads and two-wheeled donkey carts, still part of the streetscape today, give an idea of the unchanged way of living since the Middle Ages. On the journey through the historic center, the oriental ornaments and turquoise tiles of the richly decorated buildings can be admired, and it becomes clear why the old town of Khiva is rightly called “Ichan Kala” (open-air museum). Kunya Ark, once the residence of the Khans of Khiva, the Djuma Mosque – a Friday Mosque famous for its artistically decorated 212 wooden columns, the Pakhlavon Makhmud Mausoleum, the Madrasa and Minaret of Islam Khodja – the wise vizier of Khan Muhammad Rakhim Khan – as well as the Tash Khovli Palace. In the evening, sundown over the oasis can be enjoyed. Overnight stay in Khiva.

Khiva

Khiva - The cool morning hours are used to make the long trip to Bukhara through the Kyzylkum Desert. The famous Amudarya river is crossed, with countless photo stops on the riverbanks and in the desert. In the late afternoon, the next Silk Road metropolis, Bukhara, is reached. Three overnight stays in Bukhara.

Bukhara

Bukhara - Today, a walking tour through the 2500-year-old town of Bukhara takes place. Sightseeing includes the Citadel Ark, the Bolo Khauz Mosque, the Chashma Ayub, and the Samanids Mausoleum – the oldest buildings of Bukhara. In the afternoon, the enormous architectural complex of Poi Kalyan is seen. The domed bazaars and trading streets of the Toki Zargaron goldsmiths, the capmakers Toki Telpak Furushon, and the architectural complex Kosh Madrasa with the Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan madrasas are visited. Then, a relaxing cup of tea can be enjoyed at the cooling water basin in the Lyabi Khauz Complex. Overnight stay in Bukhara.

Bukhara

Bukhara - Today, the Chor Minor madrasa is visited, whose four minarets (chor – four) and overall style show similarities with the Indian style of building. Afterward, the road leads to the summer residence of the last Bukhara Emir – Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, which in Persian means “The place where the moon and the stars meet.” As is known, Bukhara is one of the seven holy towns of the Islamic world. There are a large number of orientations in Sufism, and representatives of all orders were present in various eras on the site of where Uzbekistan is today. The Sufi order Naqshbandiya had the longest-lasting effect and left behind the greatest legacy. Bahauddin Naqshbandi was one of the spiritual mentors of Tamerlane. His philosophy was based on the principle of “God in the heart, work in the hands.” The memorial complex of Bahauddin Naqshbandi was considered to be the Central Asian Mecca. In the afternoon, the Jewish quarter and a Synagogue over 400 years old are discovered.

Bukhara

Bukhara - The caravans go on: a journey towards the Nurata Mountains (about 250 km). According to legend, the name Nurata comes from the Nur Fort, which was founded in the time of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. There was then a spring with fresh water here, called Chashma, and this was the main reason for the settlement. The Nurata mausoleum and the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fort are visited. Then, the journey continues towards the yurt camp above Aydarkul Lake. Depending on the season, one can swim in the lake or observe the fauna. Then, the yurt camp is reached, where one can ride a camel or walk in the dunes. Overnight stay in a yurt.

Aydarkul Lake-Samarkand

Aydar Lake - In the morning after breakfast, transfer to Samarkand. 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, the operator travels to Shakhrisabz (270 km), the birthplace of Amir Timur (Tamerlane). Timur was a ruler who conquered Iran and Caucasia in the 14th century and defeated the Golden Horde in South Russia. With unforgettable impressions from visiting the ruins of the Ak Saray Castle, the Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, and the “Dorut-Tilovat” Complex with the Shamseddin Kulal and Gumbaz Sayyidon mausoleums, the journey continues on to Samarkand (170 km) through a mountain pass. Return back 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.

We are a genuine company committed to offering travelers the best in value and quality travel arrangements. Our passion for travel drives us to provide corporate travelers with high-touch services to meet their business travel needs, while also sharing the world’s wonders for leisure travelers. Contact us directly to create a tour tailored to your preferences.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.