If you thought that Uzbekistan had a monopoly on monumental buildings, think again. Turkestan has a long history on the Silk Road, but it’s especially known as the home of Khoja Ahmad Yasawi, a Sufi poet and preacher. He spread Islam throughout the region that today is Kazakhstan, turning Turkestan into a center of learning and spirituality renowned throughout Central Asia. The mausoleum built over his grave was only constructed 200 years after his death by Timur, and it’s a distinctive building that’s remarkably well-preserved and still drawing pilgrims to this day. Today, his mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the most elegant of the several old buildings around Turkestan. It’s well worth a trip across the border to Kazakhstan to visit Turkestan - this tour is something new with a familiar flavor.
Tour itinerary:
In the morning, drive to Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border crossing point “Zhibek Zholy / Gysht Kuprik (Chernyaevka)” (30 km, 40 m.) Go through border formalities at both checkpoints. Meet your driver and guide on the Kazakh side. Drive to Shaulder village (240 km, 3 hours). Explore Kogam village, an ancient settlement of Otrar (10 - 12th сenturies) (14 km). Visit archeological excavations: a medieval bath, a mosque, residential area, a fortification. After, visit Arstanbab mausoleum.
Transfer to Turkestan for overnight (100 km, 1,5h).
Transfer to Turkestan for overnight (100 km, 1,5h).
In the morning, excursion to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum complex. In Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum complex you will visit gallery of stone statues, archeological museum, historical-cultural reserve-museum Hazrat Sultan, Darvaza (gates) of 18 – 19th centuries, Esim Кhan mausoleum (16th century), Rabiga Sultan Begim mausoleum (end of the 15th century), Akhmed Yassawi khanaka-mausoleum (12 – 14th centuries), “Zhuma” mosque (1878), underground mosque Khilovat (12 – 15th centuries), oriental baths (16 – 18th centuries), Big khilvet (12th century), Chillyakhana (14th century), archeological site of ancient settlement Kultobe (14th century), Khilvet Aulie-Kumchik-ata (12th century). After lunch drive to Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border crossing point “Zhibek Zholy / Gysht Kuprik (Chernyaevka)” (285 km). Go through border formalities at both checkpoints. The driver will meet you at the border on Uzbekistan side and transfer to your hotel or your Tashkent address.
- All transfers: 1-2 pax by sedan type car; 3-7 pax by minivan type car;
8-13 pax by 20 seat bus, 14 pax and more by 40-50 seat bus; - Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing with a local English speaking guide;
- Entrance tickets to the museums, mausoleums and other sights;
- Mineral water.
- Charges in hotels for additional services;
- Kazakhstan visa support service;
- Camera fees, charged separately by museums;
- Travel insurance;
- International air tickets;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- Full board.
Accommodation:
| Turkestan - 1 night |
| Turkestan, Edem or Yassi |
