Uzbekistan Tours
No doubts that Uzbekistan as a tourist destination is one of the most popular in Central Asia. It seems like obscure to visit it, but it is becoming more and more visited by lots of tourists each year. Well-preserved architecture from the Golden Age of Islam religion is what makes it so popular. The history of the country goes back to the 1 millennia BC when world-known dynasties of Sogdia, Bactria and Khorezm grew and flourished. The famous cities from the ancient times are Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakrisabz, Margilan, Karshi, Tashkent and many others.
During your tours in Uzbekistan today you can feel the atmosphere of dreamy medieval deserts, stretched with a row of camels loaded with precious goods, making over stops in busy cities. Mix of cultures and people resulted in a big variety of customs and traditions preserved nowadays that you can observe during our tours. You can learn crafts of how to make paper, silk carpets and pottery like many centuries ago by making visits workshops in towns. You can taste the most famous pilaf in Central Asian region prepared on fire with meat, rice, carrots and dried fruits. You can participate in different cultural events and enjoy different shows and master classes.
Thus, Uzbekistan is a country that must be visited if you come to Central Asia. Also, we are ready to extend your tour to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and build up a wonderful Silk Road Tour. Come and enjoy Central Asia with us!
Ayaz Qala & Tuprak Qala tour
Itinerary title: Ayaz Qala & Tuprak Qala tour
Days of tour: 10
Day 1: Tashkent
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport. The whole day will be devoted to discover Tashkent. The first will be the central square of the city - Independent Square. It was built for the honor of the victory over fascism during World War II. Then you will walk on the main Broadway, which leads to the Square of Amir Timur. Later you will have a chance to travel on the Tashkent subway, which is one of the beautiful metros in the world. It has been working since 1977. Next remarkable sites of old part of the city are Chorsu Bazaar, Kukaldash Madrasah and Hast Imam complex, which includes many madrasahs, mosques and mausoleum. The most important sightseeing of the day is Othman Quran, the oldest copy of the holy Quran in the world, dating back to 8th century. The owner of the book was Othman Ibn Affan, one of the four Caliphs succeeded prophed Muhammad. Nowaday , you can see blood stains spread on the sheets of the book, it happened when he was murdered by his enemy during 8th century. Night in a hotel.
Day 2: Tashkent – Nukus
Take a morning flight to Nukus. After arrival, embark on interesting city tour starting from Museum of Savitsky, where the prohibited works of art are shown. This museum hosts 20th century masterpieces of avant-garde paintings of Sokolov, Komarovskiy and Amaravella. The coordinator of the Karakalpakstan state museum gathered the museum exhibition during 1960s. He bought some of the banned works from soviet artists. During the 20th century, he managed perfectly save them in Central Asian art house in remote area. After excursion, travel to countryside to visit Mizdakhan necropolis. It was a city during 4th century BC and 14th century AD. Furthermore, 2200 years-old Zoroastrian monument known as Chilpyk will be an important part of the tour. Night in a hotel.
Day 3: Nukus – Ayaz Qala – Tuprak Qala – Khiva
In the morning, travel to the oldest Uzbek city Khiva. The historical development of Khiva related with the Khorezmshah’s State, whose capital was Urgench near Khiva. Compare to other cities in Uzbekistan, Khiva was the most developed town along the Great Silk Road. According to the 10th century resources, almost all traders from East to West stopped over Khiva. Every time city opened, its doors to the long string of caravans and host them in his warm and safe environment. On the way, you will visit remains of ancient civilization: Ayaz Qala and Turpak Qala. Ayaz Qala served as a fortress during Khorezm State, was built in II century AD. According to old folklore, it was named for the honor of brave slave warrior Ayaz. Another fortress Tuprak Qala was established in I or II century AD and was kept until 6th century. The name Tuprak means clay fort, in ancient time Khorezmian leader Artav used it as a palace. Long lasting conquering and wars over centuries destroyed the forts and life around. Arrive to Khiva and night in a hotel.
Day 4: Khiva – Bukhara
Early in the morning, drive to fascinating Bukhara. In this city, there are over 140 historically important monuments of medieval ages. Diversity in style of architecture located in one street is the highlight of the town. In addition to beautiful buildings on the narrow streets, the city is rich in green parks and gardens. On the way to Bukhara, you will drive through the famous Kizilkum deserts. You will have an opportunity to see the deepest River Amu Darya. It is the joint of Panj and Vakhsh River, started from Tajikistan. It flows further into Aral Sea. After our arrival, have free time to relax. Night in a hotel.
Day 5: Bukhara
Today you will enjoy city tour of city Bukhara. The starting point is the oldest citadel of Bukhara- Citadel ark. This historical monument dated back to 4th century and served as a residence for many dynasties of Bukhara Emirate for many centuries on the territory of Uzbekistan. Next is the perfect work of art of 9th-10th century- Samanids Mausoleum. Then Chashma Ayub, known as a Spring of Job and Bolo-Hauz mosque, famous as a mosque of 40 columns mosque built for the memory of the city’s governor Abu-Fayud Khan. Later, you will have a chance to visit colorful shopping domes and Lyabi House Ensemble. It is the remarkable site in Bukhara, here you will see famous Nodir Divan Begi madrasah. The last stop will be at Poi Kalon complex consist of three buildings: Kalon minaret, Kalon mosque and Mir Arab Madrasah, the unusual forms of architecture, dating back to 12th-16th centuries. Night is in a hotel.
Day 6: Bukhara
Today, you will explore the area travelling around Bukhara. After breakfast, we will drive about 12 km to arrive complex of Bahauddin Naqshbandi. Nowadays, it is one of the popular place of pilgrimage for Muslim community from all over the world. Because it is the memorial complex of the outstanding Sufi Philosopher and Leader Bahauddin Naqshbandi. Moreover, he was one of the Amir Timur’s spiritual supervisors. The mosques of Kushbegi and Muzafarohana, garden with pool, madrasah, and burial places of Bukhara rulers and Dakhma upon the tomb of Saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi comprise whole complex. Later, we will visit the residence of Bukhara Emirs-Sitorai Mohi Hosa complex. Here you will see the different styles of architecture. The name symbolize the wife of the Emir who died young. It means “Star - like and moon- like Palace”. In the end of the day, you will visit Chor Bakr memorial, the remains of the old town at Sumiton village. The four sides of the complex means the Globe and addresses the equality of human beings. It was constructed during the governance of Samanids reign, before 16th century. You will spend a night in a hotel.
Day 7: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Samarkand
In the morning, travel to city of Samarkand. On the way, you will take an opportunity to stop at famous Gijduvan village. It is the place where the outstanding Gijduvan pottery house is located. The history of the Gijduvan School of ceramic goes to centuries: the skill ceramic masters was passed from generation to generation. Today the family of Narzullayevs, who is the sixth generation of potters, glorify Gujduvan worldwide. The main feature of the Gijduvan ceramic is its geometrical ornaments. Moreover, Gujduvan artists mostly use blue and green colors in decoration. Arrive to Samarkand. Night in a hotel.
Day 8: Samarkand
In the morning, you will embark on city tour of Samarkand. It is situated in the Zarefshan river valley. Samarkand is the second largest city of the country and coeval with world’s ancient cities like Babylon and Rome. Sightseeing will include Registan Square, Shakhi-Zindeh Complex and Mausoleum Guri Emir and Bibi Khanum Mosque. Registan Square is the main square surrounded by magnificent buildings of Madrasah, dating back to 15th-17th century. These glorious masterpieces of art will definitely surprise every visitor with its beauty. Next is the heritage of UNESCO, 11th-15th century art- Shakhi-Zindeh Complex. It has the largest assemble of mausoleums. Next is Bibi Khanum mosque, which was constructed for the memory of legendary ruler Tamerlane’s wife, when he came back from his Indian invasion. Night in a hotel.
Day 9: Samarkand – Tashkent (transfer or train)
In the morning transfer to Tashkent and continue tour of capital city. The Courage Monument will be the first site to discover. This is a memorial complex, constructed as a symbol of the eradication of the outcomes of the Tashkent earthquake. Next Zangi Ota memorial complex will follow the itinerary, in accordance to the local legend, Zangi-Oota was a herder and was outstanding by his inteligence and good deeds. Later you will enjoy the excusion in the State Museum of Timurid’s history. It is rich in archealogical findings like jewelry, musical instruments, weapons, various coins, paintings, documents, historical manuscripts and clothing of Timurid’s period. There are more than 3000 artefacts kept in this museum. Today’s tours will be concluded by the State Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan. This museum is a huge storehouse of the cultural wealth of Uzbek people. You can see old national clothing, hand and machine embroidery, skullcaps and national fabrics, carpets, woodcarving and many other cultural items. Have a rest in a hotel.
Day 10: Flight
Today is the last day of Uzbekistani tour, your driver will accompany you to airport.