Welcome to our 12 days tour package in Central Asia countries - Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan excursions with an English-speaking guide. Beautiful views during this 12 days itinerary, architectural objects with rich history, covered in marble and mosaics. Turkmenistan also owns few natural sights, such as Darwaza a.k.a. Gates to Hell and beautiful landscapes covered with green and flowers.
Uzbekistan tour will lead you through so-called ''Famous Four'' cities - Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent. Each city has something to be proud of and which is going to be your favourite - stays up to you.
Arrival in Ashgabat.
Your driver will meet you holding a sign 'YOUR NAME'. Transfer to the hotel.
Meeting with a company representative who will provide a tour package, and you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of the program.
Resting time.
Overnight.
Meet with your guide & driver at the hotel's lobby and start excursion in Ashgabat:
- Independence Park with Monument of Independence (it's a 118 m column that considers the highest building in the country),
- Neutrality Arch - a unique composition that rotates slowly after the sun.
Visiting National Museum, where you can see more than 166 unique expositions from Ancient Merv and Nisa.
A trip to ancient Nisa (18km from Ashgabat) that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the ancient city (the date of foundation of the I millennium BC - I millennium BC).
Return to Ashgabat. Visit en-route Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. It's considered the biggest in Central Asia (10 thousand people). There're beautiful gardens and fountains near the mosque.
Resting time.
Overnight in the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel.
Transfer to Darwaza with sightseeing en-route:
- Anau Mosque Ruins,
- Akhal-Teke horse stables and Sunday Bazaar;
- 2 small craters with mud and water.
Continue to Darwaza crater and change from the asphalt road to the Karakum desert track, continue 10 km deep inside.
In 1971 geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. Geologists hoped the fire would go out in a few days but it has been burning ever since. Locals have named the cavern The Gate - Darwaza. The views are impressive, especially in sunset and night when the mild sunlight and burning crater evoke incredible and ambiguous feelings.
BBQ dinner and overnight.
The views are most impressive in the dark.
Barbecue dinner.
Overnight in the yurt camp.
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning transfer to Kunya-Urgench.
Start sightseeing tour with visiting: the founder mausoleum of Sufi sects:
- Najmuddin Kubro (Persian) - (Shaykh Ab al-Jann b Ahmad ibn 'Umar) was a 13th-century Persian Sufi from Khwarezmia, the founder of the Kubrawiyya or Kibruyeh Sufi order, influential in the Ilkhanid and Timurid. His method, exemplary of a "golden age" of sufi metaphysics, was related to the Illuminism of Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi as well as to Rumi's Shams Tabrizi;
- The mausoleum of Mongolian princess Torebeg-Hanym (XII-XIV centuries);
- Minaret Mamun (X-XI centuries);
- Minaret Kutlug-Timur (XII-XIV c, the highest minaret in Central Asia - 67m height);
- Mausoleum Kyrkmolla (II in BC - III A.D.) - The sacred hill Kyrk Molla, “40 mullahs” in Turkic, is found in Kunya-Urgench. According to a local legend, during the Mongol invasion, 40 scholars who lived in the library began to pray for the salvation of the priceless manuscripts, stored there. When the enemy approached, the library tipped over and went underground;
- Mausoleum Arslan II (the oldest building in the city - date of its bookmark is roughly estimated by XI century).
Cross the 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available).
Meet your Uzbekistan driver and drive to Khiva (60 km, 1 h).
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel.
Start walking excursion in the historical part of Khiva – Ichan-kala (translated as “Inner town”). Ichan-kala - the largest Museum in the open air in Central Asia consisting from the next monuments: - Ata-Darvaza, - Dishan-Kala -Dishan-Kala is the name of historical “outside” city of Khiva. As opposed to Ichan-Kala, Dishan-Kala is kept only ruins of gates of exterior defensive walls. - Madrassah of Muhammad Rahim Khan, - Kalta Minor, the Palace of the Allakulihan Khan of Khiva - Tash Hauli, where the harem of 40 concubines was, - Caravanserai and Tim Allakulihan, - Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum - one of the best works of Khivian architecture - mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud - done in the tradition of Khorezm architecture of XVIII-XIX centuries and Pahlavan Mahmud Gates, - Islam-Khoja Madrassah - was built in 1908 by Islam-Hoja of the Prime Minister of Khan. The minaret is a symbol of the country, is an early example of the architecture of the XIV century. - Mosque and Jami Minaret. Leisure time in the evening. Overnight |
Breakfast in the hotel.
Departure to Bukhara(455 km ~ 6.30 hours) by train or by car through the Kyzylkym desert. (depends on the weather condition. Trains schedule is 08:57 - 14:50, Tue, Fri, Sun)
Kyzylkum desert - Kyzylkum (from Turkic means «red sand») – is a sandy desert between the rivers Amudarya and Syrdarya in Central Asia. Its area is 300 thousand sq. km. On the north-west the desert is limited by hollow of Aral Sea, on the north-east by Syrdarya and on the south-west is limited by Amudarya. In ancient time, Great Silk Road passed through the Kyzylkum desert. Thanks to it, such famous cities as Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva prospered. People of different professions worked here: sellers, interpreters, guarder of caravans, tax collectors. It is very strange but there was hectic life in the desert.
Arrival in Bukhara. Transfer to the hotel, check-in.
17:40 Folk-shou in madrasah Nadir Divan-Begi.
Resting time.
Overnight.
Breakfast.
09:00 Meet your guide in the hotel's lobby. Head over to the old part of Bukhara and start your walking excursion:
Start WALKING sightseeing program in Bukhara (5-6 hours):
- Ensemble Lyabi Hauz (Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, Khanaka, Kukeldash Madrassa and the monument of Khodja Nasreddin);
- Magoki Attari Mosque is one of the oldest mosques survived in Bukhara from the time before the Mongolian invasion;
- Abdullakhan’s Tim with numerous handicraft shops of souvenirs, ceramics, national clothes and carpets;
- Caravanserai Sayfuddin (the Center of Handicraft Development of Bukhara);
- There are three trading domes or so-called covered bazaars Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon and Toki Zargaron preserved from the XVI century and these bazaars were the centers for trade of silk, jewelry and even for money exchange. Today as well, one can enjoy and purchase different souvenirs of a wide range, from small souvenir magnets to the famous Bukhara carpets;
- Visit Ulughbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrassas or so called Kosh (pare) madrassas opposite each other with distinctive style of facade ornamental decoration;
- Poi Kalon Square with Kalon Minaret and Mosque, Mir Arab Madrassa – the heart of Bukhara, a monumental complex impresses the imagination of every visitor;
- Ark Fortress – the oldest citadel dating back to I century BC where one can feel the history of the great fortress covered in beautiful legends and myths.
Optionally can be added by request :
- Visit to Samanids mausoleum (IX century), a monument of early medieval architecture.
Overnight in the hotel.
Departure to Samarkand (270 km), en- route visiting famous Gijduvan pottery workshop where visitors are welcome for a tour around the workshop and observe the process of ceramic making and painting.
The owners demonstrate the stages of making ceramics from turning the potter’s wheel to making paints from natural ingredients, decorating the ceramics in a distinctive style, drying and firing. Take a tour around the museum-hall of ceramic masterpieces with a unique collection of the ceramic items of Gijduvan and other regions of Uzbekistan.
A festive gift from the company ANUR TOUR - master class in painting ceramic products. You can take the finished product with you as a souvenir from sunny Uzbekistan!
Continue driving to Samarkand via Memorial complex and maqam of Imam Al- Bukhari
Arrival in Samarkand. Transfer to the hotel, check-in.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast.
09:00 Meet with your guide & driver at the hotel's lobby and start excursion in Samarkand:
– Gur Emir Mausoleum – a burial vault of Timur the Great and his descendants decorated with gold ornaments and considered as one of the most significant places in the world;
– Continue to the famous Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand and a real masterpiece of Central Asian medieval architecture consists of three grandiose buildings: Ulughbek Madrassa, Madrassa Sherdor, and Madrassa Tilla Kori;
– Bibi Khanim Mosque – the biggest medieval building in the city which was one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world in 15th Century;
– Shahi Zinda Necropolis – unique complex of Mausoleums formed by standing on both sides of the cenotaph (an imaginary grave) belonging to the Muslim person named Saint Abbas ibn-Kussam;
– Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in the medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;
Resting time in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Continue sightseeing program in Samarkand (6 hours):
- Ulugbek’s Observatory – the finest astronomical centers in medieval world was built by order of Ulugbek, an outstanding scholar and astronomer;
- Mausoleum of Khodja Doniyor as Muslims call him, or a biblical prophet Daniel (or Sain Daniel), or Daniel as one of the four great Judaic prophets is the place of pilgrimage not only local residents but also visitors from around the world as it is revered by Muslims, Christians and Jews;
- Paper factory "Meros” in Konigil village that produces unique paper that can be preserved for more than and is used in craftworks,
- Carpet factory “Hudjum” to observe the process of finest carpets weaving.
16:28 Transfer to the train station.
17:28 departure for Tashkent by high-speed train "Afrosiyob"
19:44 Arrival in Tashkent.
Meer and transfer to the hotel.
Resting time.
Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start sightseeing tour of Tashkent (5 hrs) visiting old and new parts of the city:
- Amir Timur Square - is the radial-circular park, crossed by eight lanes the center of which is Amir Timur monument. In 2009 the square was reconstructed, there were planted new trees instead of old ones, as well as was built a new administrative building.
- Theater Square with the Opera House;
- Independence Square, the main square of Uzbekistan reflects the past, present and future of the country;
- Earthquake Memorial, the composition is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26, 1966, and is erected in the approximate place of earthquake epicenter. Residents still come to the monument to honor those people who took a part in the reconstruction of Tashkent;
- Khast Imam Square – a religious center of the city consisting of the Barakkhan madrasah;
- Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and the library of Islamic Literature with the Holy Koran Book of the VII century;
- Tashkent Metro - the first line was launched in 1977 with beautiful train stations each decorated in thematic style with traditional ornaments and special lightning.
Resting time in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.
- Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass);
- All entrance fees to the monuments and museums;
- Accommodation in standard twin- shared rooms a/c;
- Accommodation based on shared yurt (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and pillow);
- Meals: breakfast at hotels; camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner in Darwaza camp;
- All transfers as per program by comfortable tourist class transport as per road conditions including transfers to- from airports, train stations, and borders;
- English speaking escorting guide in Turkmenistan;(5 standard excursions in Uzbekistan);
- Single entry tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums as per program;
- Folk show with dinner in Bukhara;
- Tourist tax in the hotels per person;
- International flights;
- Turkmenistan tourist visa from 85+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent) and migration tax 10+4 USD per person (subject to change; nationality dependent);
- Photo/video fees (professional camera);
- Meals: Lunches and dinners; breakfast during night train trip/s;
- Personal travel/medical insurance, portage, tips, personal expenses, and other services not specified under “Tour Price Includes”
- Turkmenistan: tourist fee 2 USD per person per night (obligatory) charged in the hotels;
Check-in 14.00, checkout time 11.00. No early check in, late check out are included, unless indicated.
• Please note that the drivers do not speak English or can speak only basic English.
• All the changes in the basic itinerary, timing for transfers depending the international flights departure/arrival time are to be discussed and pre-agreed with Tour Operator
• Train tickets are booked/bought as per the actual schedule and train tickets availability. Please note that the train trip/s MIGHT be replaced for transfer/s by car depending on train tickets availability and trains schedule.
Accommodation
City | Standard | Comford |
---|---|---|
Ashgabad | Ak Altyn Plaza | Sport / Archabil |
Darvaza | Camp | Camp |
Khiva | Old khiva / Yoshlar / Shahrizada / Muso Tura / Arkanchi / Lokomotiv / Feruzxon | Arkonchi / Lokomotiv / Erkin Palace / Khiva Silk Road / Orient Star Khiva / Said Islam Khoja |
Bukhara | Lyabi House / Basilic / Edem Plaza / Sasha&Son / Kukeldash / Amulet / AnNur / AsSalom / Safiya | Rangrez / Sultan / Devon Begi / Varaxsha / Asia Bukhara / Malika Bukhara / Omar Khayam |
Samarkand | Ideal / Jahon Palace / Caravan Serail / Malika Prime / Diyora Classic / Zilol Baxt / City | Bek / Boulevard Palace / Arba / Platan / Asia Samarkand / Arhan Palace / Sultan / Grand Samarkand Superior |
Tashkent | Arien Plaza / Uzbekistan / Shodlik / Grand Capital / Praga | Sharq / Daniel Hill / Mirzo Buutique / Navruz / Rakat Plaza / Grand Mir / Navruz / Ichan Qala |
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