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Wonders of the desert Uzbekistan Samarkand

Ide' för resperiod: augusti/september 2023

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Turquoise domes, gold, spices, silk… These words tell us about the luxury of Central Asia, Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva. From palaces to caravanserais, from mosques to mausoleums, once again we discover the unrepeatable charm of oasis cities for travelers.

 Itinerary:  Urgench – Khiva – Bukhara – Nurata – Yanghigazgan - Samarkand  – Tashkent

                   Tour duration: 9 days/8 nights

                     DAY 1 ISTANBUL-URGENCH  - KHIVA 

Departure from Istanbul to Urgench with flight TK262 01:20-07:05.

Arrival in Urgench in the morning. Passage of customs and passport control. Meet with a local guide and driver. Departure for Khiva (45 min). Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. After breakfast and some rest, you will start the tour to the city Khiva, whose historical center Ichan Kala, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Khiva, the caravan city par excellence, is truly a city without equal in all of Central Asia for its urban form. This is due to the fact that the city was originally built following the rectangular plan with four gates of the ancient fortresses of which the land of Korazmia was rich - pronounced Khorazm in Uzbek which translated means "the land of the sun". But in the 18th century following the Persian invasion Khiva undergoes a period of reconstruction and takes on its current plan.

·    Let's start our tour of Ichan Qala – fortress-city of Khiva: through the main Ata-Darvoza gate. And immediately we see the Madrasa of Muhammad Amin Khan, built in 1852 for student accommodation and study, now used as a hotel.

·    Kalta Minor (1851) is the minaret, located in a far corner of the Amin Khan madrasa. It was originally conceived as the tallest minaret in the Muslim world, with a diameter of 15 meters and a height of 28 meters. But after the death of Amin Khan (1855), the project was not completed and its name is translated as "Short Minaret".

·    Kunya Ark (XVIIв.) which served as a fortified manor house of the Khiva khans was built according to the order of Arang Khan in the 17th century and occupied the entire western side of the Khiva walls.

·    Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasa (19th century)

·    Juma Mosque(X-XVIIs.)– the roof of the mosque is supported by 213 carved columns. Thanks to the unique construction it is cool place with excellent acoustics.

·    Minaret and madrasah Islam Khoja(1908–1910)–45m high is the tallest building in Khiva with observation area.

·    Tosh Hawley(1825–1842) is the Palace of Allakuli Khan whose construction lasted for eight years from 1830 until 1838 it was built following the example of the summer residences of the khans which were fortified by very solid defensive structures hence the name of the building. It is one of the few medieval palace complexes in Central Asia that has been preserved intact to this day.

·    Pakhlavan Mahmud complex(14th-19th centuries) is the most remarkable architectural monument of Khiva with unique tiles. Built in honor of national hero, poet, doctor and invincible fighter Pakhlavan Mahmud.

Breakfast at the hotel / free lunch and dinner

Overnight at the hotel.

                    DAY 2   KHIVA – BUKHARA

Continue to Bukhara via the Kyzylkum Desert. You will enjoy the exotic views of the sand dunes of one of the largest deserts in the world. On the way, you will stop for lunch. Arrival in Bukhara and check-in at the hotel.

In the evening you can take a walk in the city.

Breakfast at the hotel / free lunch and dinner

Overnight at the hotel

                       DAY 3 BUKHARA

Bukhara is a sanctuary in Central Asia with its centuries-old history which is closely intertwined with the history of the Silk Road. Part of the Old Town has developed its appearance over the centuries. The centuries-old history of Bukhara has left traces in the city, which are clearly visible today.

·    Complex Lyabi Hauz is the heart of Bukhara, is one of these central squares, formed in the XVI-XVII centuries. The central "hauz" pond is framed by three buildings: the Kukeldash madrasah, the Divan-Beghi madrasah and the Divan-Beghi khanaka. The house is surrounded by old tall trees which give coolness in the summer heat and make the square a favorite vacation spot for local residents.

Walk to the Tea House SILK ROAD. Enjoy a unique spice tea.

The teahouse is run by a family who have been in the spice trade for over 600 years. Here you can enjoy a relaxing tea with spices like ginger, saffron, cardamom and more. The guide will explain the nature of each spice.(Optional)

·    Trading Dome - there are three shopping malls, preserved since the 16th century: Toki Zargaron is a jewelers' bazaar, Toki Telpak Furushon is the skullcap bazaar, Toki Sarrafon is the money changers' bazaar.

·    Magoki Attari Mosque – in 937 the mosque was almost destroyed by fire and in the 12th century it was restored.

·    Poi Kalyan complex (XII-XVIs) is the visiting card of Bukhara is the architectural ensemble consisting of the Kalyan cathedral mosque, the Miri arab madrasa and Kalyan minaret, the tallest (46m) in the Central Asian region.

·    Fortress Ark(IVaC-XIXs) – in the Middle Ages it was a whole small town surrounded by a wall. Inside the fortress was an emir's palace, mint, mosques, government institutions, warehouses, shops, a prison and a square.

·    Bolo Hauz Mosque (1712) is the famous mosque which is located next to an artificial reservoir with amazing wooden pillars.

·    Samanid Mausoleum (IX-Xs) is the first building in Central Asia, built of fired brick in the shape of a cube, with a covered dome and with the unique geometric pattern of the masonry – a masterpiece of world architecture.

Breakfast at the hotel / free lunch and dinner

Overnight at the hotel.

                             DAY 4  BUKHARA – NURATA – YURT CAMP

After breakfast transfer to Nurata city

In the most mountainous region of the Navoi region of Uzbekistan, there is a picturesque ancient city, the administrative and cultural center of the region - Nurata. It is surrounded by the Nurata mountain range, which stretches 170 kilometers from Jizzak and the hungry steppe to Navoi and Kyzylkum.

·    Chashma complex. But the miracles do not end there. Among the many legends about the city, there is the story of a meteorite that fell here, which formed a source of healing water. Later, the Juma mosque was built around it, which attracted attention with a large number of columns and one of the largest domes in all of Central Asia, and a mazar which keeps the relics of the prophet Nur-oty ("nur " - " ray of light", "ota" - "father" ). Today the complex is called "Chashma"

·    Fortress Nur. Historians associate the formation of the city with the fortress of Nur (translated as "beam", "beam of light"), built here by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. The fortress played the role of a border building between wild steppes and agricultural areas. The ruins of the fortification have survived to this day and are one of the attractions of Nurata.

Transfer to yurt camp which is located in Kyzylkum desert (red sands). Accommodation. Here you can live in yurts – dwellings that served as homes for the nomads who lived on these steppes a hundred thousand years ago, get to know the fauna and flora of the desert, take a camel ride, spend the evening in front of the fire to the sound of akyn songs in the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the desert, enjoying the view of the bright stars and the Milky Way in the night sky.

Breakfast at the hotel / free lunch and dinner

Overnight at the hotel.

                               DAY 5 YURT CAMP – SAMARKAND

After breakfast transfer to Aydakul lake.

Aydarkul Lake is a lake located near the city of Nurata. The lake is located right in the middle of the Kyzyl Kum desert and among the local people it is called nothing but the turquoise sea of ​​the desert and this is not surprising because where else can you find a lake of this size in the desert.

Here you will have the opportunity to swim (if the weather is warm), and enjoy the unique view of the desert lake.

After lunch transfer to Samarkand. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel / free lunch and dinner

Overnight at the hotel.

 DAY 6   SAMARKAND

Samarkand is a wonderful city. Whatever epithets philosophers and poets have invented for this city - the Mirror of the World, the Garden of the Soul, the Pearl of the Orient, the Face of the Earth - it is perhaps impossible to put into words all its beauty and richness. You can only personally enjoy all its splendor.

Today Samarkand is a place where the relics of antiquity are carefully kept. The city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to the abundance of material and spiritual values ​​stored here. Unique monuments of ancient architecture, heritage of scientific and artistic schools, centers of national crafts, existing in the ancient city, are famous all over the world today.

After breakfast start of the excursions to Samarkand.

Registan Square, which is one of the most beautiful squares in the world, and includes madrassas: "Sher Dor", "Tilla Kori" and "Ulugbek".

·    Mausoleum of Tamerlanoand his descendants - Gur-Emir

Bibi-Honim Mosque - with gigantic architecture also built by order of Tamerlane after his campaign in India, to show his power to the world.

·    Siab Bazar - traditional market in Samarkand.

·    Mausoleum of Shahi Zinda - (“the living king”) located on the slope of the hill of ancient Samarkand majestically dominates the medieval city founded by Tamerlane. A jewel of architecture of XIV-XV Samarkand, unique of its kind, where you can find all the artistic processes of Islamic decoration.

·    The visit of the “Konighil” paper mill.

Today, the famous Samarkand paper is produced according to old recipes in a paper workshop in the village on the outskirts of Samarkand “Konigil” (10 km from the center of Samarkand). The production mechanisms here, as in the past, are driven by a water wheel, using the waters of the Siab River. Here, as long ago, you can see with your own eyes the whole process of making the famous Samarkand paper according to ancient technology.

Breakfast at the hotel / free lunch and dinner

Overnight at the hotel.

                        DAY 7  SAMARKAND – TASHKENT

Samarkand excursion continuation:

·    Ulugbek Observatory (15th century) is the first east-facing observatory with a 30-meter sextant built by Ulugbek, for accurate measurement of the trajectories and position of stele luminaries. All that remains of the ancient observatory - the curved trench of the sextant part.

·    Hodja Doniyor Mausoleum is the place of many pilgrimages of Muslims, Christians and Jews, covered with numerous traditions and legends.

·    Khudjum carpet factory

The visit of the "Khudjum" handmade carpet factory. For production of carpets only natural materials are used. The silk thread "supplies" the silkworm. Paints are made from walnut peels, pomegranate crusts. Sometimes the production of a carpet can take more than a year. Factory products can be purchased. It's quite expensive, but it's worth it because it's manual work!

Excursion and tasting in Baghizagan winery (15km from Samarkand) – OPTION

Departure to Tashkent by train Afrosiab 17:28-19:44.

 Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel / free lunch and dinner

Overnight at the hotel.

                        DAY 8 TASHKENT

The architectural appearance of Tashkent has a national flavor, ultra-modern buildings harmoniously coexist with medieval buildings.

Tashkent Observation Excursion:

·    Hast-Imam - largest religious center in Tashkent, which includes Barak-Khan mausoleums, Telasheyh Mosque and Abu Bakr Muhammad Kaffal Shashi. The main value of this complex is the library, where you can see the oldest manuscripts and the famous Koran of Osman from the 7th century.

·    Chorsu – the oldest and largest bazaar in Tashkent.

·    Independence Square is one of the largest squares in Central Asia.

·    Square of Amir Temur - the square was the hearth center of the new city founded in the second part of the 19th century and was intended for military parades.

·    Alisher Navoi Theater Square.

· Visit the “Human House” Gallery

 Lola Saifi, the owner of this charismatic gallery, collects the best handicrafts and design objects from all over Uzbekistan and Central Asia: tableware, interior items, clothes, shoes, bags and fabrics. The halls of the Human House, filled to the limit, where there are dressing gowns made of vintage Chinese silks, and dresses made of hand-woven fabrics, and leather goods, and ceramics from the best masters of the country, are a veritable treasure shop .

 Breakfast at the hotel / free lunch and dinner   Overnight at the hotel.

                                DAY 9 TASHKENT-ISTANBUL

Transfer to the international airport and departure for Istanbul at 09:05.

The Fee of the tour

City

 3-4* hotels

Tashkent Mercure, Inspira-S, Ramada  4* or similar

Samarkand Emirkhan, East Star, Zarafshan Parkside 4* or similar

Bukhara Safiya boutique, Nodir Devon Beghi or similar

Yanghikazgan Yurt

Khiva Erkin Palace, Zerafshan boutique, Minor boutique or similar

               Pris beroede på antal som reser Från 1450$/person då 2 åker Vid 8 personer 965$

prices are in US dollars.

The fee includes:

• Accommodation in double room in hotels

• Accommodation in yurts

• Early check-in in Khiva

• All taxes of the stay, VAT

• Pension: BB

• Pension: dinner in a yurt camp

• Transportation service throughout the tour

• Samarkand-Tashkent fast train, day 8 (econom

• Qualified English speaking guide throughout the tour

• Excursions+entrance tickets

• Waterfall

   Complimentary:

The fee does not include:

• International flights

• Supplement for single room

• Drinks with meals

• Camera ticket for historical monuments

• A gratuity for the guide and driver (recommended)

• Visit to the Tea House in Bukhara

• Personal Extras

• Radio-guides 25$ per pax

• anything not specified under "the price includes"