Silk Trip

Tour 3: Silk Trip
Duration: 9 days
In short: Tashkent – Chimgan Mountains – Termez – Shahrisabs – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Tashkent

Day 1: Tashkent
Today you will arrive to Tashkent. Visit the Independence square. It is made as a symbol of victory over fascism in World War II. After that you can visit a local Broadway and make photos among Amir Timur square. Further you will have the opportunity to visit Tashkent metro which was opened in 1977. After that you will visit Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam which was wonderful madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The main highlight which must be visited is the world’s oldest Quran copy found in the 8th century. The holy book Quran belonged to Othman Ibn Affan, the Third Caliph (of the four righteous Caliphs who succeeded the prophet Muhammad). Othman was killed by non-muslims in 8th century. In addition you will see his blood on its pages. Night is in a hotel. 

Day 2: Tashkent – Chimgan Mountains – Tashkent
Today you will transfer to Chimgan Mountains. When you arrive there you will have a chair lift to reach the top to see Beldersay peak. It will take 30 min one-way. Being there you will have time to walk and enjoy the nature. Then you will stop over at Charvak lakeside beach for water activities, depending on season. It is important to note that Charvak is an artificial lake, and very popular resort in Tashkent region. We have no doubt you will like it. On the way you will take many photos. Return to Tashkent. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 3: Tashkent – Termez
We will have a flight to Termez in the morning. It is one of the ancient cities of Central Asia, where you can find remains of historical sites. This city was completely destroyed by Genghis-Khan in 1220. There is a new city placed to the east of the old town. After that you will visit archeological museum, Fayaztepa, Mausoleum of Hakim at Termezi, Buddhist Stupa Zurmala, Mausoleum Sultan Saodat, Honako Kokaldor Ota, Nunnery Kirk Kiz, Jarkurgan's Minaret, Dalverzintepa archeological dig. It is important to note that some sights might be closed due to military trainings. Afterwards is transfer to a hotel. Overnight is in a hotel. 

Day 4: Termez – Shahrisabs – Samarkand
The tour will start by travelling to the birthplace of Amir Timur, the town of Shahrisabs. Upon arrival you will have a city tour. Visit one of the beautiful complexes as Ak Saray Palace which was built by Amir Timur. There is note written on the palace: "If you want to know about our power, look at our buildings". After that you will see Jahongir mausoleum, belonged to the eldest son of Amir Timur, who died in battle when he was twenty years old. When he lost his son, he has mourned for a long time, for 30 years… We will continue our way to Shahrisabs. You will see the Dorus Siadat and Dorus Tillavat memorial complexes. There are all progenies and of Amir Timur buried. You will continue the drive to Samarkand. Today you will spend night is in a hotel.

Day 5: Samarkand – Bukhara
Samarkand is an ancient city situated in the valley of the river Zerafshan. It is the second largest city of Uzbekistan. You will have an opportunity to visit most outstanding sights such as Registan square, Shakhi-Zindeh, Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is a famous site which has three stunning Madrasahs (15th -17th centuries). We have no doubt you will like it. Shakhi-Zindeh is famous for its collection of mausoleums (11th-15th centuries). It belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bibi Khanum Mosque is another wonderful site which was built in honor of Tamerlane’s wife. In the evening you will have transfer to Bukhara. Overnight is in the hotel. 

Day 6: Bukhara
Today you will have a wonderful day in Bukhara city. It is recommended visiting the ancient citadel in Bukhara found in the 4th century – Citadel Ark. We have no doubt you will like it.  The tour will be continued seeing Samanids mausoleum. It was found in the 9th -10th century. Later on you will drive to Chashma Ayub (Job's well) and Bolo-Hauz mosque. There are forty columns built in honor of Bukhara governor Abu-Fayud Khan. In your free time you will visit shops and see oriental souvenirs. Visit one of the most famous madrasahs of Bukhara called Nodir Divan Begi. It is part of Lyabi House Ensemble. After that you can visit the Poi Kalon complex which has three structures built in the 12th – 16th centuries: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah. The night will be spent is in a hotel. 

Day 7: Bukhara – Khiva
In the morning we start our drive to Khiva. It is the most ancient city in Uzbekistan. You will find ancient sites there. All of them are concerned with the legendary Khorezmshah’s State with its capital in Urgench before. It was a trading center on the Silk Road in the 10th century. Caravans stopped here on their way to China and back. Also there were gates which were always opened as well as an endless stream of moving string of camels with baggage. You will pass by from Bukhara to Khiva through the famous Kizilkum desert. On the way we will enjoy the wonderful view to Amu Darya River which is considered to be the deepest river in Central Asia, formed by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh in Tajikistan and flowing into Aral See. Don’t miss to take photos there. Arrival to Khiva town. Night is in a hotel.

Day 8: Khiva – Tashkent 
Today you will have an outstanding city tour in Uzbekistan. You will immerse into Ichan-Qala and see strong walls. You will find old sound buildings, palaces, mosques, Madrasahs, Mausoleums, Minarets, Caravan-Sarais and Bathhouses malformed Ichan-Qala into city-monument. Moving to Ichan-Qala, you will see 400 traditional dwelling houses as well as 60 architectural monuments. Ichan-Qala established historical and architectural conservation area in 1969. Also there is the Kunya-Ark fortress found in the 17th century. The ruler was Muhammad Arang Khan. Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Khouvli palace were really unique sample of Khorezm architectural mastership of 1830s. Afterwards you will have a flight to Tashkent (21:20-23:00). The night will be spent is in a hotel.

Day 9: Tashkent – Flight
Transfer to airport and flight home. 
 

Price per person:
02 pax – 815 $
04 pax – 605 $
06 pax – 545 $
08 pax – 515 $
10 pax – 470 $
Single – 120 $

Early check-in – 30 $
Single early check-in – 50 $ 

English speaking local guides in Tashkent, Termez, Shahrisabs, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva –260 $ per group
English speaking escort guide – 560 $ per group 

All dinners – 80 $*
All lunches and dinners – 140 $*
Entrance fees – 80 $* (*with escort guide only)

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
      Tashkent – “Samir” Hotel 3*
      Termez – “Asson” Hotel 3*
      Samarkand – “Ideal” Hotel 3*
      Bukhara – “Old City” Hotel 3*
      Khiva – “Porso” Hotel 3*
- Mineral water during the tour                        

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Train tickets (if any)
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
- Entrances to all museums
- Flight tickets Tashkent – Termez (from 70 $ per person) 
- Flight tickets Urgench – Tashkent (from 80 $ per person)

If you want to find out more about places included in this tour – please read below.
For more details – click on the NAME of the place. 

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan located in the north-east of the country.
Independence Square is one of the key sightseeing during your tour to Tashkent.
Broadway is one of the best places to have a walk located in the center of Tashkent.
Amir Timur square was first created in 1870, by the architects from the Russian Empire.
Chorsu Bazaar is the center of Uzbek atmosphere where you can try various traditional food.
Kukaldash Madrasah is the educational center created for boys and girls to study religion.
Hast Imam complex is the spiritual place for the people to come and pray.
Archeological museum consists of precious remains of ancient settlements and cave paintings.
Fayaztepa is a Buddhist temple found by archaeologist L.I. Albaum in 1963.
Mausoleum of Hakim at Termezi is an ancient and sacred place of East Iranian Sufism.
Buddhist Stupa Zurmala is a stone heritage in the northeast of the ancient Termez settlement.
Mausoleum Sultan Saodat is a unique fortress formed during the XII-XVII centuries.
Honako Kokaldor Ota is an unusual building with high domes and wide doors.
Nunnery Kirk Kiz is an attractive fortress of mysterious legends and mythologies.
Jarkurgan's Minaret is a unique high building, located in the village of Minor.
Dalverzintepa archeological dig is an archaeological site with an area of more than 7 hectares.
Ak Saray Palace is the complex in Shahrisabs, surrounded with the garden of great planning.
Dorus Siadat is a complex which creation is connected with the death of Jahangir’s son.
Dorus Tillavat is a place of worship of many followers of sufi Shamsiddin Kula.
Samarkand has experienced many declines throughout the history of the Great Silk Road.
Registan square was created by the grandson of Amir Timur and situated in Samarkand.
Shakhi-Zindeh has more than 11 mausoleums based here in 14-15^th centuries.
Mausoleum Guri Emir is the place where Amir Timur, his sons and grandchildren were buried.
Bibi Khanum Mosque is said to be created in 1399, on the order of Amir Timur for his wife.
Bukhara is the city with the largest number of mosques and sacred places.
Citadel Ark is an ancient monument of Bukhara which was actually created in 4-3 centuries.
Samanids mausoleum is considered to be the site of greatest ancient history of Samanids dynasty.
Chashma Ayub is located near the ruins previously being at the territory of the Samanids.
Bolo-Hauz mosque of 18^th c. has an interesting design with about 20 columns surrounding it.
Nodir Divan Begi madrasah used to be caravanserai previously, but then became madrasah.
Lyabi House Ensemble was created in the times of Sheybanids and has several madrasah around.
Khiva is a city of legends and mythical characters of ancient times.
Ichan-Qala is an ancient and stunning fortress with a rich Uzbek inheritance.
Kunya-Ark fortress is the wonderful stronghold of the eastern world and high culture.
Kalta Minor minaret is a golden symbol of turquoise color, found by Mohammed Amin Khan.