Exploring the treasures of Silk Road
Itinerary name: Exploring the treasures of Silk Road
Day-by-day program:
Day 1: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva (morning flight)
First, arrive to Tashkent. Here your guide will wait you, and then you will fly to Urgench were you start your travel adventures in Uzbekistan. Upon arrival drive to Khiva. It is the most ancient city of Uzbekistan, today you will have a wonderful city tour. The most amazing part of the city is Ichan-Qala, which is the central part protected with thick walls. Old sand palaces, mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, caravansaries and bathhouses turns Ichan –Qala into the admirable beauty. There are more than 400 traditional dwelling houses and about 60 architectural monuments in the Ichan-Qala. Since 1969, the territory of Ichan-Qala considered as a historically and architecturally important area. The most significant monument is Kunya-Ark fortress. The leader Muhammad Arang Khan constructed it in 17th century. Other stunning buildings like Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace – amazing examples of 1830s Khorezm architecture. Stay in a hotel.
Day 2: Khiva – Bukhara
Early in the morning, you will leave to Bukhara to have an amazing tour there. En route from Khiva, you will see the famous sand dunes in Kizilkum desert famous among travellers. You will aslo have a chance to see the deepest river of Central Asia- Amu Darya. It consists of Panj And Vakhsh river of Tajikistan. Amu Darya is one of the tributary of Aral Sea in Uzbekistan. Then arrive to Bukhara. Bukhara is rich in historically important buildings of Middle Ages. According to estimates, there are more than 140 of them. There is a big diversity of architectural styles belonged to different epochs. Night is in a hotel.
Day 3: Bukhara
In the morning, you will embark for fantastic city tour in Bukhara in Uzbekistan. The first sightseeing is Citadel Ark - the oldest citadel of Bukhara dating back to 4th century. It was a residence of Bukhara Emirates dynasties for many centuries. Next is the perfect sample of 9th-10th century architecture –Samanids Mausoleum. Then you will see Chashma Ayub, known as a spring of Job. Bolo-Houz mosque is also another interesting point to visit. It was constructed for the honor of city leader Abu-Fayud Khan. Later, you will take some time for exploring the vibrant streets of shopping and visit Nodir Divan Begi Madrasah in the most remarkable Lyabi House Ensemble. In the end of the tour, Poi Kalon Complex will open its doors for you. It represents to travellers three unusual constructions: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. All are the fruits of 12th-16th century art. You will spend night in a hotel.
Day 4: Bukhara
Today, you have plenty of time to discover and travel during your tours in the area around Bukhara. You will drive about 20m to Complex of Bahauddin Naqshbandi. It is the memorial complex of the Islam Leader and Philosopher. These days, it is the place of worship for the Muslim. In addition, Sheikh Bakhauddin Nakshbandi was one of the religious advisors of Amir Timur. In Uzbekistan there are mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, garden with a pool, madrasah, and mounds of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. Then you will visit the residence palace of legendary Bukhara Emirs. The Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex was named for the memory of Emir’s wife young death. It means “Star - like and moon- like Palace”. As a last site, you will drive to Sumiton village, to visit Chor Bakr memorial. This place has philosophical meaning; complex is symbolize four sides of the Earth and represents the equality of people. It belongs to the period of Samanids reign, until the 16th. Drive back to the city and stay in a hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand
Today’s destination is Samarkand city were you will have a nice tour tomorrow. On the way, you will take a break to travel to Gijduvan village in order to learn more about famous pottery workshop in Uzbekistan. The history of the ceramic school of Gijduvan is old enough. Traditional skill of making ceramic products was passed from one generation to the next generation for many years. Today Gijduvan hosts six-generation of potters of Narzullayevs family that make Gijduvan School of ceramic worldly known. Gijduvan ceramics are popular for its geometric ornaments and blue and green colors, which is used in decorating. Go on to Samarkand. Night in a hotel.
Day 6: Samarkand
In the morning, you will start city tour of Samarkand. The second largest city of the country is located in the Zarefshan river valley adored by travellers. Samarkand is also coeval with ancient cities like Babylon and Rome. You will start from Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh Complex and Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the main square surrounded by magnificent buildings of Madrasah, dating back to 15th-17th century. These marvelous works of art will definitely charm every visitor in Uzbekistan. Next is the heritage of UNESCO, the example of 11th-15th century art Shakhi-Zindeh Complex. It has the largest assemble of mausoleums. Bibi Khanum mosque was constructed for the memory of legendary ruler Tamerlane’s wife, when he came back from his Indian invasion. Night in a hotel.
Day 7: Samarkand
Today you will continue exploring other mysterious sites of Samarkand during the tour. Your travelling in Uzbekistan begins from Observatory of Ulughbek. The local leader and researcher Ulughbek built this observatory in 15th century. In 1437, Ulughbek published his catalogue called “Zidji Guragoni”, it this work he tells more about 1018 celestial bodies. But, later his own son ordered to kill him. After observatory, you will visit souvenir and sweets shops, teahouses and workshops on the local Broadway. Then you will visit Siab National Bazaar, this colorful bazar has beautiful Uzbek crafts and sweets. Moreover, you will see the unique traditional carpet factory. There are more than 400 women work to produce a carpet. You will also have an opportunity to visit the house of silk paper producers of Samarkand. Stay in a hotel.
Day 8: Samarkand – Tashkent (transfer or train)
In the morning, you will take train or car to capital city. You will begin travelling in a city tour from the central square in Uzbekistan – Independent Square. It was built for the honor of the victory over fascism during World War II. Then you will take a walk on the beautiful street leading to the Square of Amir Timur. Further, explore the old part of the Tashkent: Chorsu Bazaar, Madrasah of Kukaldash and famous Hast Imam Complex. It represents many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most valuable exhibit of Hast Imam is Othman Quran. It the world’s most ancient copy of Quran, which was owned by Othman Ibn Affan. He was the Third Caliph of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad. Later in 8th century he was murdered by non-muslims. Nowadays you can see his blood stains on the holy book. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 9: Tashkent – Chimgan Mountains – Tashkent
Today we will spend in the nature. In the morning, we will travel from city to Chimgan Mountains. Here, we will ride 30-minute chair lift to get to Beldersay peak. On the top, you will have some free time to enjoy the nature. En route, we make a break along the Charvak Reservoir. Charvak is a human made lake in Uzbekistan, popular for local holidaymakers. Especially in summer time, people come to swim. Return to Tashkent. Rest in a hotel.
Day 10: Flight
Today is the end of the tour; you will be transferred to airport to next adventures of back home.