Tour of Zoroastrian and Buddhist cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan

Tour Photos

Bukhara

Samarkand

Shahrisabz

Price upon request

Tour: Zoroastrian and Buddhist cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan

Duration: 12 days

Cities and sites to visit: Tashkent, Nukus, Khiva, Bukhara, Termez, Shahrisabz, Samarkand

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
Welcome meeting at airport of Tashkent. Transfer to hotel. Visit: History Museum of Uzbekistan, artifacts from Zoroastrian and Buddhist times, exhibits relating to the conquest of the khanates of Central Asia and to the independent Republic of Uzbekistan. Visit Old City part of Tashkent with Chor-Su bazaar, Hast-Imam complex, the Independence Square, Amir Timur Square in center of Tashkent. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Tashkent - Nukus - Ayaz-Kala by plane
Transfer to the airport for flight to Nukus at 07:00. Arrive in Nukus at 09:55 and from there visit the Savitskiy Museum with a unique collection of art work, archeological and folk art collections. Afternoon drive to Ayaz-Kala yurt camp via Chilpik, hill of silence or dakhma for fire-worshippers. The construction is unique for its shape, dates back to the 1st century BC and 1st century AD, being used till 7th-8th cent. AD when the region was invaded by Arabs. It is located at the right bank of the Amu-Darya river (Oxus) and along the way to Ayaz-Kala and Toprar-Kala. Evening arrive at Ayaz-Kala yurt, dinner and overnight in the Yurt Camp.

Day 3: Ayazkala - Toprak-Kala - Koy-Krilgan-Kala - Khiva
From Ayaz-Kala yurt camp we will visit few of the larger fortresses “Kala” in Khorezm (Kala means fortress). On one of the hills stands the so-called Gyur-Kala, which means infidel fortress, a name by the Arab conquerors of Persian Empire lands. Looking southwest from the heights of Ayaz-Kala, a person can see the Elliq-Kala (fifty fortresses) oasis and in its midst the fortress of Toprak-Kala. Toprak-Kala is a local name, meaning a clay fortress. Here the rulers, Shakhs, and nobility of Khorezm had their residences resided. It was also an administrative and religious centre, if not the capital of Khorezm. The rise of Toprak-Kala appears to coincide with the decline of Kazakl'i-yatkan, about 14 kilometers to the southwest. Koy-Krilgan-Kala is an amazing and enigmatic site. Its circular shape is unique. Koy-Krilgan-Kala is a 4th century BC fortress, but what lay within the fortifications is a mystery. Today, the site lies in a remote part of the surrounding desert. In the 2nd century BC, the complex was destroyed by fire, was rebuilt and remained in use until the 4th century BC. Late in the afternoon drive to Khiva. Arrive in Khiva, check in to the hotel.

Day 4: Khiva
Full day in the UNESCO World Heritage site Ichan-Qala Fortress, which is surrounded by more than 2 km city wall, rebuilt in the 19th century. Khiva is populated with local people, about 2000 people. In Ichan-Qala Fortress visit Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasah with attached Kalta Minor which means "a short minaret" or "unfinished minaret". Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah or Madrasah of Feruz, the poet, musician and khan of Khiva, Kunya-Ark the old citadel of Khiva khan with its watch tower, Salamkhana and administrative offices of that time, Juma Mosque, a unique mosque in Central Asia with its 218 wooden pillars dating back to the 1st and 19 centuries. Toshkhovli Palace, harem of Khiva khans, Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, a burial place of a great poet, writer, philosopher and fighter lived in the 12th century, Minaret and Madrasah of Islam-Khoja. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Extras to do in Khiva:
• Folk and dance show of Khoresm musicians
• Darboz (show of Rope walkers) in Muhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah
• Visit of Ancient Fortress of Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala (80 km)
• Climbing Islam Khoja Minaret
• Master class from a Khiva puppet master

Day 5: Khiva-Bukhara (500 km, 9 hrs)
In the morning depart Khiva and drive to Bukhara (500 km, 9 hours). Some parts of the road to Khiva are being renovated, therefore it takes not less than 9 hours to pass the distance from Bukhara to Khiva. On the way stop to see the Amu-Darya river. Arrive in Bukhara late in the afternoon. Check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Bukhara
Full day sightseeing Bukhara: Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasah, Kalon Mosque and Minaret, Tim Abdullakhan a covered market, nowadays it is antique Shop of Carpets and Silk Fabrics, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Lyabi Hauz Complex including Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah and Khanaqa, also known as Jewish community center, where you can visit Jewish school and Synagogue. Madrasah of Chor-Minor. Overnight at the hotel.

Extras to do in Bukhara:
• Borzi Kord Taqi-Telpakfurushon, daily except Tuesday, men’s bathhouse.
• Hammom Kunjak – The women’s bathhouse near Kalon Minaret.
• Folklore and Fashion Show – Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah
• Museum house of Fayzulla Khodjaev

Day 7: Bukhara-Samarkand (270 km) 4 hrs
In the fist half of the day continue sightseeing Bukhara: Ark fortress and Samani dynasty mausoleum, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum. In the afternoon depart Bukhara and drive to Samarkand, en route stop at the ruins of Rabbati Malik Caravansaray destroyed in the 11th century by Genghiz-Khan troops. Arrive in Samarkand. Check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Samarkand
Full day sightseeing in Samarkand. Visit the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, family graveyard of Tamerlane and his sons, teacher and grandchildren. Famous Registan Square, known from the 13th century AD as a bazaar square, was the centre of trade and cultural life in medieval Samarkand. Registan is surrounded by 3 madrasahs of different periods. Bibi Khanym Mosque, built by Tamerlane and devoted to his favorite wife, however other legends say that it was built by his wife in honor of his successful invasion of India in 1399.
Afrosiab Site & Museum: The settlement takes about 212 hectares and the most part of it is surrounded by a moat. Here was Afrosiab. Ancient Afrosiab (the old name of Samarkand) had existed from the 6th century BC till the 13th AD. Now archaeologists continuously conduct excavations here. The museum displays: the model of the ancient city and fortress walls, pottery, weaponry, coinage, altars and most of all the mural painting of the 7th century.

Extras to do in Samarkand:
• Sound and Light Night Show in the Registan Square after 21:00.
• Folk Show in Sherdor Madrasah
• Silk carpet factory
• Fashion shop of Valentina

Day 9: Samarkand-Shahrisabz-Termez (440 km)
Drive to Shakhrisabz, visit the ruins of Ak Saray Palace of Tamerlane, Kok Gumbaz Mosque, Jahangir’s Mausoleum. Continue driving to Termez. The road lies through Hisor mountains. Evening arrive in Termez. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Termez
Sightseeing Termez, visit History and Archeology Museum of Termez, archeological sites Fayaztepa and Karatepa remains of the 3rd century AD Buddiist Monastery Complexes, continue to mausoleum of Hakim At Termiziy, the well-known theologian of the 9th cent., considered to be the sacred patron of the city. He was the author of many compositions of a mystic-philosophical character and was the founder of the dervishes order. "Hakimi" is considered one of the twelve sects of mysticism. Preserved in this ancient town masterpieces of architecture the earliest group of mausoleums of the complex of Sultan Saodat, the building of Kirk-Kiz. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Termez-Tashkent
Morning flight to Tashkent. Arrive in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon free time to enjoy walking in the city, visiting local bazaars and souvenir shops, to ride Tashkent subway or visit Opera and Ballet Theatre. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Departure
Transfer to airport. End of the tour.

Accomodation:
 

Prices include:

1. All transfers: 1-2 pax by sedan type car; 3-6 pax by van type car;
2. Accommodation based on double room sharing, breakfasts included;
3. Sightseeing tour program in each city with local guides;
4. Entrance tickets to the sights, museums, mausoleums;
5. Airplane tickets for domestic flight Tashkent-Nukus, Termez-Tashkent;
6. Visa support for Uzbekistan tourist visa;

Prices do not include:

1. Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
2. Full board (lunches and dinners);
3. Charges in hotels for additional services;
4. Consular fees for Uzbekistan tourist visa;
5. Personal insurance. 

*Visit to Karatepa is subject to approval by the National Company Uzbektourism