13 days/12 nights combined Itinerary: Uzbekistan / Turkmenistan

Tashkent –Urgench/Khiva – Nucus –Darvaza gas crater – Ashgabat – Mary-Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent

 

Day 01: Tashkent
Arrive to Tashkent by Meet with tour escort guide at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Accommodation at hotel.
Breakfast.
Start of sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan:

  • Museum of Applied Arts – bright carved plaster decorations (gunch) and carved wood the building of museum itself is an attraction. There is also exhibits of ceramics, textiles, jewelry, musical instruments and toys.
  •  Monument “Courage” – this is the monument to the victims of the earthquake in 1967, after which Tashkent was wholly reconstructed.
  •  Mustakillik Square – former “Red Squire” the main squire of the Tashkent with the monument to victims of the WW II.
  •  Drujba Narodov Square (Friendship of Nations) – the square with the modern buildings of Parliament and monument to Shaahmad Shomahmudov, man who adopted 15 orphans of different nations during WW.
  • Navoi Theatre Square– by 1940, Soviet planners had decided a theatre would greatly enhance an area known as the Drunken Bazaar for its wine-soaked market. Japanese prisoners of war completed construction in 1947.
  • Barak Khan Madrassah (XVI c) it is headquarters of the Sunni Mufti of ex Sogdian Central Asia & Kazakhstan. It is interesting with its mosaic and Arabic calligraphy on its late 16 cent. Brick facade and the intricately carved doors made by Samarkand craftsmen.
    Dinner at a local restaurant.
    O/n at hotel.

 

Day 02: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva (Air)
Breakfast.

  •  Transfer to airport to flight Tashkent – Urgench by HY051 at 07:25 – 08:55.
    Transfer from airport to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min). Accommodation. City tour:
  • Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassa and Kalta Minor – the first building in the entering of city on the right built in the 1850 and serving since Soviet time as the hotel Khiva.
  • Djuma mosque (X – XVII c) a cathedral mosque, the roof of which lies on 212 wooden fretted columns with unique acoustics and original technical ideas natural of lighting Mausoleum of Seyid Alaudin (XIV c) with its gravestone made from colored majolica in unique among world architectural ceramics;
  • Kunya ark (XVII c) – an inner fortress with administrative buildings, gunpowder works, law courts, mosque.
  • Pakhlavan Makhmud complex (XIV – XIX c) – the most remarkable architecture memorial complex in Khiva with unique tiles.
  • Islam Khodja minaret and madrassah (1908) – 45 m high is the highest building in Khiva with, the observation area.
    Dinner at a local restaurant.
    O/n at hotel.

 

Day 03: Khiva – Nucus (200 km.)
Breakfast.
After breakfast depart to Nukus (200 km, 3 h.).
On the way visit archaeological monuments of ancient Khorezm:

  • Chilpyk Zoroastrian dakhma,
  • Toprak-Kala – the capital of Khorezm dating back to the 3rd century A.D.
    Arrive in Nukus, check in to the hotel.
    Visit: the Savitsky Karakal pakstan Art Museum. The museum hosts the world’s second largest collection of Russian avant-garde art and exposition of Karakalpak applied arts items.
    Have a short drive around center of Nukus: see statue of Karakalpak poet Berdakh, Nukus City Hall and Drama Theatre.
    Dinner in the hotel.
    O/n at the hotel.

 

Day 04: Nucus – Kunya Urgench – Darvaza gas creater
Breakfast.
Drive to Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border point Xojayli. (25min, 16km)
Go through border formalities on both checkpoints.
Cross the 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available).
Meet your Turkmenistan guide and drive to Kunya-Urgench (20 min.).
Drive to Darvaza gas crater in the Karakum desert (270 km, 4 hours).
Set up a camp. Enjoy a delicious fire-cooked meal for dinner near the burning gas crater.
Overnight in tents.

 

Day 05: Darvaza gas crater – Ashgabat (280 km.)
After camp style breakfast depart to Ashgabat (280 km, 4 h.).
On the way, inspection of two other craters on clay and water bases
Arrive in Ashgabat, free time.
Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 06: Ashgabat
Breakfast.
Sightseeing tour in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan that has recently been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more white marble buildings than any other city in the world.
an archaeological site of Old Nissa (included in UNESCO World Heritage list) – Not very far (only 18 km ) from the city of Ashgabat in the outskirts of Bagir village there is a unique ancient monument, the ruins of ancient settlement Nissa. It used to be the capital of Parthia which had existed from the third century B.C. to the third century A.D. The Historical complex includes two archeologic monuments – Old and New Nissa.

Old Nissa (formerly Mitridatkert) is especially attractive tourists. It is a strong fortress in a form of an irregular pentagon (14 hectares) and one unapproachable bastion. The fortifications are 9 meters thick foundation and were strengthened by 43 rectangular towers. Old Nissa had various palace and temple structures. It was a place of festivals dedicated to the idolized representatives of Arsacid dynasty – Partian governors.

New Nissa is an ancient settlement with dwellings of local aristocracy surrounded with hectares of blossoming gardens. People lived there for a long time even after the fall of Arshakids. However, the city was deserted for more than two centuries, after it had been destroyed by Sassanids. Only in the second half of the 5th century it was restored by Sassanid king Firuz who appreciated the convenient location of Nissa. In the year of 651 Nissa was a part of Arabian caliphate. In 1220 Nissa as well as other large cities of Central Asia suffered from Mongols invasion.

  •  Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia.
  • The National Museum of History,- Ashgabat is world famous for its marble architecture of the independence period. Many modern structures in the Turkmen capital, including not only buildings, but also monuments and sculptures, have already become the main city’s attractions, while some of them were even recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as “best of the best”. One of these Ashgabat attractions is the National Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. Earlier, this museum was just the Main National Museum. Everything in this museum is remarkable: its location, history, architecture, and artifacts displayed in it.
  •  The Monument of Neutrality,
  • Presidential Square,
  • Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and newly built Independence Park.
    Intense and interesting excursion also includes a stopover at the Akhalteke horse and Lenin Monument. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 07: Ashgabat – Mary (372 km.)
Breakfast.
Drive from Ashgabat to Mary (372km, 4-4.30h.)
On the way see Seyid Jamal ad-Din Mosque – is a grandiose mosque in Turkmenistan, in the foothills of the Kopetdag, on the territory of the medieval settlement of Annau, east of the modern city of Annau, the administrative center of the Akhal Velayat, 12 kilometers east of Ashgabat. A monument of medieval architecture of Central Asia. It was built in 1446-1457 (according to the inscription on the facade in 1455-1456) in honor of Sheikh Jelal-ad-dunya vaddin. The mosaic decoration of the mosque’s portal has no analogies in the Muslim architecture of Central Asia. On the arch of the portal were depicted two dragon-azhdarha facing each other with their heads.

  • Abiverd Settlement – The ancient settlement Abiverd is one of eight historical reserves of Turkmenistan along with Kunya-Urgench, Nissa, Merv, Dakhistan etc.
    The ruins of Abiverd are located between Ashgabat and Mary (in the vicinities of Kushka). Ancient Abiverd (under different names – Baverd, Abaverd, Part, Pavart, Peshtak) was one of the major centers of Northern Khurasan repeatedly mentioned in written sources as ” … a city with fertile lands and rich crops, famous for its magnificent market and mosque”. At that time Abiverd was an impregnable fortress protecting the townspeople from the attacks of nomads. The fortress had the only gate from the southwest. Inside, in the center, next to the square there was a mosque erected in the early 15th century.
    Accommodation.
    Free time.
    O/n in the hotel.

 

Day 08: Mery – Merv – Bukhara
Breakfast.
Drive to Merv (40 km, 30 min), an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road.
Discover historical park with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum,- The most majestic architectural monument of Merv is Sultan Sandzhar Mausoleum also known as ‘Dar-al-Akhyre” (” The Other World”). It vividly reflects the greatest achievements and prosperity of Seljuks. Sultan Sandzhar Mausoleum is located in the center of ancient settlement of Sultan – Kala. Nearby there are big monumental buildings – the palaces of Seljuk rulers and a mosque.

  • Large and Small Gyz Gala, – While travelling in Mary oasis you frequently see silhouettes of hills-fortresses which have stacked from time. These are numerous manors-Keshk of medieval feudal lords. The biggest of them are historical landmarks Major and Minor Kyz-Kala.
  • Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, – Erk-Kala was the center of ancient Merv. The fortifications of Erk-Kala have sagged under earth drifts but nevertheless, have preserved their height and power. This distinguishes Erk-Kala from other fortresses. Now the height of the fortifications with steep slopes and precisely cut out towers reaches 25 – 29 m.
  • Keshk Fortress – Kharam-keshk is single castle of dehkhan estate near Gyaur-Kala. It used to be a dwelling house in the 9th-13th centuries. The remaining parts of the castle made of mud bricks are the half-sanded ground floor and the remnants of the second with corrugated walls. In the center of the castle there was a big square hall topped with a dome. It was connected to the other rooms of the castle
    In the afternoon depart to Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point (45 km, 1 h). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross the 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available).
    Meet your driver and continue to Bukhara (100 km, 1 h 30 min).
    Arrival in Bukhara, check in to the hotel.
    O/n at the hotel.

 

Day 09: Bukhara
Breakfast.
City tour:

  • Poikalon (XII – XVI c) architectural ensemble in the center of old Bukhara – includes the cathedral mosque “Masjid Kalon”, “Miri Arab” madrasah and the highest minaret (46 m) at that time in the Orient.
  •  Ulugbek Madrassah 1417 was the earliest of three commissioned by the enlightened Timurid ruler (the other two stands in Samarkand and Gijduvan) and his secular influence dominates the exterior design of the religious college.
  • Abdul Aziz Khan Madrassah (1652), glittering in mercifully unrestored 17th century glory.
  • Tim Abdulla khan was built in 1577 and was one of the most elegant trade halls in Bukhara where silk and wool was sold by Afghan trades.
  • Trading Domes consists of three trading centers: Tok-i-Zargaron (1570) – Jeweler’s Bazaar, Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon – Cap Maker’s Bazaar, Tok-i-Sarrafon – Moneychanger’s Bazaar.
  • Magoki Attori – in 937 the four-pillared mosque was burning the ground in a city-wide fire and in the 12th century the present mosque was erected, from which the focus of the mosque, the original southern portal remains.
  • Laby Khauz complex
  • Chor – Minor – unique and one of the most surprising buildings in Bukhara with four minarets – one for each corner. It was built in 1807, by Turkmen merchant Khalif Niyazkul.

Dinner with Folklore show at Madrassah Nodir Dewon Begi.
 O/n in hotel.

 

Day 10: Bukhara – Samarkand (280 km.)
Breakfast.
Continue excursion part 2;
Drive out of the city to:

  • Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa – the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir.
    *Head to the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and Chor-Bakr Necropolis.
    In the afternoon depart to Samarkand (280 km, 4 h.).
    Stop on the way at Caravanserai Rabat-i-Malik, dating back to 11th century.
    Arrive in Samarkand late in the afternoon, check in to your hotel.
    O/n at the hotel.

 

Day 11: Samarkand
Breakfast.
Sightseeing in Samarkand:

  • Gur Amir mausoleum (XV c) Timurids dynastic burial vault. A unique monument of architecture with blue ribbed tessellated dome.
  • Registan Square (XV–XVII c.) official center of Timur Empire, consist of grandiose madrasahs of Ulugbek, Sher Dor & Tillya Kari.
  • Bibi Khanym mosque
  • Oriental Bazar “Siab”
  • Shahi Zinda mausoleum (XIV–XV c) ‘Town of Dead’ a complex of more than 20 unique buildings of different ages.
  • Ulugbek’s Observatory (XV c) 1st observatory in orient with 30m sextant built by Ulugbek to make exact astronomical catalogue.
  • Afrasiab Museum – each hall of the museum contains exhibits of some certain period of history of Afrasiab. There is also a hall with remarkable ancient wall paintings special lightening.
    Dinner at National House.
    O/n in hotel.

 

Day 12: Samarkand – Tashkent (train)
Breakfast. Continue sightseeing: visit:

  • Afrasiab Museum – Afrasiab Museum in Samarkand is a museum in Samarkand dedicated to the history of the city. The museum is located in the northern part of Samarkand, round central bazaar, near the hills of the ancient settlement of Afrasiab.
    Afrasiab, once located in the heart of ancient Samarkand, was destroyed by the Mongols in the early 13th century. The museum’s exhibits illustrate the history of Samarkand’s development from the time of Alexander the Great conquest.
  • The Tomb of Saint Daniel – There is hardly any place in the world is a where Muslim, Christian and Jew come to pray. But this Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel, also known as Daniel, or Daniyar. It is situated on the outskirts of the settlement Afrasiab that is in the north-east of Samarkand. On a high bluff of the hill there stretched a long 5-domed building of the mausoleum, and at the foot of the hill there is the river Siab. The sprawl of the building is directly connected with the tomb, whose length is equal to 18 meters. Many legends and hypotheses are connected with this grave. Some argue that the remains were brought here by early Christians, others are inclined to think that they had been ordered to deliver to Samarkand by famous medieval ruler Amir Timur (Tamerlane).
    Then drive to Konigil village to explore traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Today, Konigil, a village near Samarkand has the “Meros” paper mill, founded by well-known masters the Mukhtarov brothers. Thanks to their efforts the local factory revived an ancient tradition based on old Samarkand technologies. Interestingly enough but the production is manual and the visitors can watch a papermaking process with their own eyes. They have to pay a token payment of 3,000UZS as an admission and tour of the factory fee. The territory of the mill is really picturesque: shady trees, Siab river with bubbling water, a small tea house at the entrance to treat the visitors with a delicious Samarkand pilaf and fruits, charkhpalak – a water wheel, decorated with antique vessels flowing with water. The factory owners say that the restoration of  Samarkand paper production technology took them 10 years. Various materials were tried to establish empirically that the raw material for the paper was mulberry bark.
    Transfer to train station by fast train Afrosiab at 18:00 – 19:45
    Accommodation.
    Dinner at the local restaurant.
    O/n in hotel.

 

Day 13: Tashkent departure…
Transfer to airport to flight from Tashkent. End of our services.