You are waited with unforgettable hikes in mountains, horse walks, and also bathing in warm, tender waters of the Charvak sea. You will have an opportunity to actively participate in cooking national dishes of Uzbekistan on an open fire, as well as exclusive evenings of national folklore music and dances, famous for its unique grace and plasticity. The pristine beauty of mountain landscapes and flowering nature will leave indelible impressions in your soul, and pure mountain air will help you quickly get acclimatized and gain strength before traveling through the ancient and majestic cities of Uzbekistan.

Early transfer to the Tashkent airport of local airlines for the Tashkent-Urgench flight.
Arrival to the international airport of Urgench and transfer to Khiva (35km).

Accommodation and breakfast in the hotel upon arrival. After that you will go on an exciting walking tour of the architectural monuments of Ichan-Kala. You will see the madrasah of Mohammed-Amin-khan with the unfinished minaret (the tower for convening for prayer), why it is called the Kalta-minor (“unfinished minaret”). Its height is 26m; Complex Kunya-Ark (fortress-palace), and on the contrary – madrasah (spiritual Muslim school) of Muhammad Rahim-khan. Next, you will pass to the only surviving monument of XIV-the mausoleum of Seyyid Alauddin. From it to the left to the end of a narrow street you will proceed along the madrassa of Kari-khan, where repair shops and shops are now located. Again turn left and go down the steps to the madrasah of Shirgazi Khan, and on the contrary you will see the mausoleum of Pakhlavan-Mahmud. Right along the way – a slender Islamic-Khodja minaret beautifully decorated with colored tiles, and next to the madrasah and the mosque is the whole ensemble, opposite which is the building of European architecture, built by Islam-Khoja for the new-school school. Next, go to the main street of Ichan-Kala, where to the right is the cathedral Juma mosque with a minaret and, following on, you find yourself on the market square. On the right is the Ak-mosque building, behind which are the public baths, and to the left – the Kutlug-Mudad-inak madrasah with the underground storage of water – sardoba. Opposite there is another ensemble of Alla-Kuli-khan buildings: a madrassah with a magnificently decorated portal, a tim (closed shopping arcade) and a caravanserai. On the opposite side of the street is the palace of Tash-Hawley with rich wall decoration (tiles, paintings). Your excursion can be interrupted only by lunch and dinner from Uzbek Khorezm dishes in the restaurant of the city.

After breakfast in the hotel you travel by car to Bukhara (450km). Ecological tour of Uzbekistan continues. Your way will pass through the Kyzyl-Kum desert, only not along the caravan routes of the Great Silk Road, but along an even highway. Accommodation at the hotel upon arrival. Late lunch from dishes of Uzbek Bukhara national cuisine. Free time. You can safely, without fear, take a walk along the streets of the “old city”, where souvenir shops with goods for every taste are concentrated. Dinner at the restaurant of the city.

Breakfast at the hotel.

You go on an excursion to the architectural monuments of Bukhara X-XIX centuries. The first object of the show is the core of ancient Bukhara – fortress Ark (I-XIX cc). Almost opposite the Arch, across the square (Registan), is a very elegant, light and elegant ensemble of Bala Hauz. Just one block from here is the park, at the end of which there is a remarkable in its beauty mausoleum – the dynastic tomb of the Samanids (late IX – early XIV). The relationship and alternation of the brickwork masonry laid horizontally, vertically, at an angle, hewn in the form of discs and sockets, create a rich architectural cover. If the previous objects of the show are, as it were, interspersed with the modern building of Bukhara, then the central part of the “old” city is an integral architectural ensemble of the 16th-17th centuries. You will see it from the complex of Poi-Kalyan constructions (“the foot of the Great”), grouped around the highest minaret of Bukhara – Kalyan (the tower for convening for prayer). It was built in 1127. Its height is 47 m, inside – 105 steps leading to the top. On the right side of the minaret stands the majestic building of the cathedral mosque Masjidi-Kalyan, erected in the first half of the 15th century over the remnants of the medieval mosque of the 11th-12th centuries. Perestroika and renovation were carried out in 1514. Her high-rise dome, lined with a brick, painted in blue, argues with a bright blue of the sky. Opposite the mosque is the building of the Miri-Arab madrasah erected by the influential sheikh (head of the religious order) in 1535-36. As from the outside, so inside the building is decorated with colored mosaic. This is an active madrasah, where young men are trained for service in mosques. In addition to the Koran, they also study natural sciences. Near the religious center of Bukhara there were shops of merchants and workshops of artisans who sold their goods. The old bazaars of Central Asia were usually always covered. Galleries and domes were protected from the scorching sun rays in the summer, from the rain and snow – in the winter. Well preserved a number of closed shopping passages – tims and domed market buildings – the same. By the 15th century there was a dome of jewelers – Taki-Zargaron, by the 16th century – a dome of sellers of hats – Tilpak-Furushon, a dome was changing – Taki-Sarafon and Tim Abdullahana, intended for the sale of silk. In the covered passages of the city, acting today, you can buy wonderful products of applied art, which Bukhara was famous for. Near the shopping arcades is one of the oldest mosques – Magokki-Attari. According to written sources, it originated on the site of a pagan temple, but it was substantially rebuilt in the 12th century, and then in the 16th century. From the original building the main facade with an asymmetrically located portal is preserved, striking with a variety of figured brickwork and ornamentation of terracotta tiles (burnt clay) forming a real stone lace. Walking a bit along the narrow streets of medieval Bukhara, you will get to one of the largest sources of water supply of the city – to Lyabi-Khauz. Almost square pond Lyabi-House was built in 1620. Framed by his three monumental buildings: khanaka Nadira-Divan-Begi (a hospice for dervishes and pilgrims) – the 20s of the 16th century; The second building – Kukeltash Madrasah (1568-69gg) – this was one of the largest madrasahs of its time (160 hujras – cells); Madrasah of Nadira-Divan-Begi (1622). Stylized vegetative motifs predominate in the lining, among which are images of flying phoenixes. Over the centuries, the territory on which the house is located (reservoir), with its adjoining buildings, served as a place for recreation and walks of the inhabitants of Bukhara. This tradition has survived to this day. A busy excursion program can be interrupted (at your request at any time) for lunch and dinner at the restaurants of the city.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to the suburban residence of the last Bukhara emirs – Sitora-i-Mahi-Khasa (late XIX-1918). The old palace, erected by Bukhara masters, who studied Russian architecture in St. Petersburg and Yalta, is a mixture of European and Bukhara styles. The new palace is a whole complex of buildings (also of mixed Eastern and European styles): the gate arch, the harem, the greenhouse, the covered gallery and the main building. The interiors of the White Hall and the reception room are most interesting in this palace. The walls and ceilings are decorated with the richest carvings and ganch paintings (gypsum) in the traditions of Bukhara architectural and decorative school. To the undoubted sights of Mahasa (so lovingly called its Bukharans) it is necessary to include carved gates with wrought copper nails and handles decorated with thin chasing. The palaces are located in a beautiful park with a variety of ornamental and fruit trees, lawns, a huge pond. At one time, part of the territory was occupied by a zoological garden, where gazelles, pheasants and peacocks roamed the grass, the latter are freely walking now. Saying goodbye to Bukhara, you will make a move to a yurt camp in the Kyzyl-Kum desert near the Aidarkul Lake (180 km). Accommodation in Kazakh yurts (felt tents) upon arrival. Dinner. Free time. You can go to the lake (5km from the location). Dinner. Rest by the fire. Overnight.

Day 8: Breakfast.

You can go on vacation to the lake, or you can try to ride a camel in the vicinity of the camp. After lunch the journey will continue by auto-transfer to Samarkand (210km). Accommodation at the hotel upon arrival. Dinner at the restaurant of the city.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Tour of architectural monuments of Samarkand XII-XX centuries. You will begin your excursion into the history of the city from the dynastic tomb of the Timurids – Gur-Emir (1403-1405gg, additional extensions – XV-XVIIvv). The construction of the mausoleum began on the orders of Timur in 1403 over the grave of his grandson Mohammed Sultan, who was to become ruler of Maverannahr (Arab “beyond the river”, the territory between the Syrdarya and Amudarya rivers) after Timur’s death. However, the grandson died before his grandfather. Having set out on a campaign against China in 1404, Timur dies in the city of Otrar (South Kazakhstan). His body is transported to Samarkand and buried in the crypt of the mausoleum of Muhammad-Sultan. From that time on it became known as Gur-Emir – “Emir’s grave”. During the rule of Ulugbek (grandson of Timur), the mausoleum became a burial place for people exclusively from the Timurid clan. Completely restored Gur-Emir, attracts with a wonderful combination of proportions, a vivid ornament of mosaic facing and a glowing blue of a ribbed dome. In the decoration of the mausoleum, stone and wood carvings, stalactites and stained-glass windows are used, but blue-gold paintings occupy the main position. They covered all the planes from the bottom of the walls to the top of the dome. The artistic and historical significance of the Gur-Emir mausoleum determined the great and lasting interest of researchers. He devoted pages to all the general works on the architecture of Central Asia. The next architectural ensemble is the area of three madrasahs (the spiritual Muslim school) Registan (“sandy place”). This is the “heart” of Samarkand. Initially, it was the place of trading rows. Here were caravanserais, baths, shopping pavilions, shops of small artisans. Merchants from various countries brought here: merchants from Asia Minor and the Volga region, the Far East and Siberia, Persia and the Arabian Peninsula. During the rule of Ulugbek, Samarkand became a major scientific center of the East. At that time, not only the famous observatory is being built, but also the Madrassah of Ulugbek (1417-1420) in Registan Square. Only in the XVII century in front of it is built the Sher-Dor madrasah – “having tigers” (1619-1636). On its portal you can see the heraldic emblem: a tiger, tearing a deer against the background of a sunny face. Completes the ensemble of the central madrassa of Tillya-Kari – “gold covered” (1646-1660) – was erected on the site of the caravan-shed of the 15th century. With partial use of its foundations and walls. The building connected the functions of the madrasah and the cathedral mosque of the city. Inside the interior of the mosque is painted with luxurious floral-floral ornamentation with abundant gilding. At present, an international festival of folk art is held on the square between three madrassas every two years, where singers and dancers from all over the world demonstrate their singing and dancing skills. Further you will proceed to the majestic cathedral mosque Bibi-Khanym, built by the order of Timur (Tamerlane) in 1399-1404, both by local architects and exported from different countries. It was the tallest structure in the East at that time. The facade and the dome of the mosque give an idea of the original splendor of the entire grandiose building, decorated with colored mosaics, carved marble, figurine, lined with bricks, and abundant gilding was used everywhere. In the courtyard you can see a marble lauch taken from a mosque (the music stand – the first half of the 15th century) for a huge Koran. It is covered with a script of Arabic. The tour continues with a show of the ensemble of Shah-i-Zinda mausoleums (XII-XIX centuries) – the greatest achievement of world architecture. From the entrance portal up the slope rise two rows of tombs, between which a corridor is formed. More than two dozens of mausoleums, mosques, funeral and office buildings make up this majestic memorial complex. The buildings are different in size, architecture, color, decoration. Here there is a bright colored mosaic, carved laces of walls and doors with strict geometric planes, almost devoid of facings. The inscriptions, which are whimsically and at the same time organically weaved into ornaments adorning the facades, left us the names of remarkable folk craftsmen from Samarkand, Bukhara, Azerbaijan; The picturesque manner of the Iranian masters is visible. One of his contemporaries wrote: “Heaven – the Moon and the Sun … sat on the carpet of meditation and bit their fingers of surprise – they never saw buildings so well-decorated and elegant.” The excursion program will be interrupted only for lunch in one of the restaurants of the city, and for dinner you are expected in the Uzbek national house where you will taste Uzbek Uzbek cuisine, the most delicious and varied in Uzbekistan.

Day 10: Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to Shakhrisabz (100km). Upon arrival, you will go on an excursion to the architectural monuments of the XV-XIX centuries. The most grandiose structure of that time was Ak-Sarai Palace – the White Palace (1380-1404gg), built on the orders of Timur. Both local masters and prisoners in Khorezm and Azerbaijan participated in its construction. From the magnificent palace there were only two pylons (pillars) of the entrance portal, supported by side towers. Above the arch, according to written sources, the saying of the terrible Timur was written: “If you doubt our greatness, look at our buildings.” To the south of Ak-Sarai is the cult-memorial complex Dorut-Tilyavat (the end of the 14th century – the first half of the 15th century): the mausoleums, the mosque and the newly constructed madrasah (XIX-XX) – are united by a small courtyard. Nearby is the cathedral mosque Jami. To the east is the once great burial vault of the Timurids – Dorus-Siadat (1379 / 80gg-1404g). Until now, only the mausoleum of the eldest son of Timur (Jehangir), preserved by the masters from Urgench in the forms of Khorezm architecture, has survived. Here is the crypt of Timur (1380-1404gg), lined with marble limestone, and the white marble sarcophagus is empty. Buried Amir Timur in Samarkand. Lunch in the national Uzbek house. Return to Samarkand. Dinner at one of the city’s restaurants.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Continuation of the tour of historical sites will begin with a visit to the Museum of the founding of the city, on the territory of the ancient hillfort Afrasiab, where you will see the world-famous original wall painting (VIIc) of one of the palaces found during archaeological excavations. You will get acquainted with a large exposition of artifacts (from VIII BC up to XIII century), found by expeditions of archeologists in the site of the ancient settlement. The city-fortress Afrasiab – the ancestor of Samarkand, ceased to exist in the XIII century after the invasion of Genghis Khan hordes and the inhabitants moved to the south-west of it, to the territory of present Samarkand. Your excursion program in Samarkand ends with a visit to the Ulugbek Memorial Museum (grandson of Tamerlane) and an examination of the remains of the observatory built by his order in 1428-29, which was not equal in the entire Muslim East at that time. Ulugbek was not only the ruler of a huge country, but also a great scientist of his time, an outstanding astronomer. A lot of data obtained at the Samarkand Observatory, scientists of Europe enjoyed until the XVII century. In the museum you will see exhibits telling about the “Astronomical Academy of the East” and its remarkable creator. Next to the museum there is the grave of the Russian archaeologist V.L. Vyatkin, who first discovered the traces of the observatory in 1908. Lunch in one of the restaurants of the city. Next, you go to a suburb of Samarkand, where there is a place called Kan-i Gil. Through it runs the brook Ab-i Rahmat (“Blessed waters”). This place is known since XIV century. Here, court feasts and folk festivals were arranged, tents and tents were broken. Currently, this area is built up by private sector houses. Here, on the bank of the Ab-i Rahmat stream, there is a small factory for the production of Samarkand silk paper. In former times, there were many such factories on the banks of small rivers and the silk paper produced on them replaced the papyrus paper in Europe already in the 14th century. Enthusiasts revived the ancient technology of artisan making paper from the bark of the mulberry tree and now it is a place of pilgrimage for tourists coming to Samarkand. Masters will show you the entire process of work, after which you will have the opportunity to purchase your favorite products from silk paper. This is a wonderful souvenir for memory – typically Samarkand. You will have time until dinner in one of the city’s restaurants, during which you can walk around the city on your own.

Day 12: Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by road to the mountain village (village) – 35 km on the road. You will get a breath of fresh air of the foothills, get acquainted with the rural Uzbek way of life, customs, family traditions, participate in the preparation of pilaf and shurpa (Uzbek national soup), and then you will eat yourself with the cooked dishes. Departure to Samarkand. Dinner at one of the city’s restaurants.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visiting the largest Samarkand bazaar “Siab”, which occupies the territory of 7 hectares and is on this place from the 9th c. In no dictionary of the world there are such words to describe the diversity and abundance of the eastern bazaar. It is necessary to verify this on your own. After lunch in the modern national Uzbek house, where you will be offered dishes of Uzbek Samarkand cuisine, transfer to the railway station in order to set off for the electric journey to the capital of our Motherland – Tashkent (traveling time is 2h.10min.). Transfer to the hotel by car and accommodation. Dinner at one of the city’s restaurants.

Day 14: Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by car for a sightseeing tour around Tashkent with access to the display sites (3-4 hours). Your ecological tour of Uzbekistan is over at lunch in the restaurant of the city. Transfer to the international Tashkent airport, where we say goodbye to you and hope to see you again on hospitable Uzbek land on the tourist routes “AL SAMARKAND”!

SUMMARY:

• This route is valid from April 1 to October 1 (seasonal operation of the yurt camp);
• The maximum number of people in a group is 18

For the active part of the route, you must have:

• Comfortable shoes with thickened soles.
• Headgear to protect against direct sunlight.
• Sunglasses.
• Bathing suits.
• Sunburn and mosquito repellent.
• Warm clothes for evening time.

The programs for staying on the route of the 1st and last days depend on the time of arrival to the place where the tour starts and the time of departure from the final destination, therefore, they may change.