Uzbekistan - Fairy cities of Uzbekistan

Arrival in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Half day sightseeing in Tashkent including the old city, Barak-Khan madrassa (XVI c.)- founded in the 16 century by a descendent of Tamerlane who ruled Tashkent for the Sheybanid dynasty, Kaffal-al-Shashi Mazar – the grave of a local doctor, philosopher and poet who lived from 904 to 979, visit of religious library to see Koran of Osman, dated back of VII century. Kukeldash madrassah (XVIII) – built in the mid-16 century by the ruler‘s vizier Kukaldash, museum of Applied Art, square of Independence, the building of National Theatre of opera and ballet.

Flight to Nukus.

Transfer to Muinaq.

Muinaq was once the largest port on the Aral, a finger of coast where a significant part of the Aral catch was processed and canned. Muinaq is called “Cemetery of ships”. Reason to visit it is a macabre one: to witness the death throes of the sea and the dramatic sight of dozens of deserted fishing boats rusted at their moorings, submerged in sand, riding the crest of a sand dune, 100 km from the shoreline.

Return to Nukus.

Sightseeing in Nukus. The Museum of Igor Savitsky Gallery, home to one of the finest collections of Soviet avant-garde art from the 1920s and 30s. Today the museum holds some 80,000 exhibits ranging from the Khorezmian art of Toprak Kala to Karakalpak cubism.

Some 15 km west of Nukus on the road to Kunya-Urgench, lie the holy sites of Mizdakhan and Yusup Ishan, two enormous cemeteries of several thousand graves which spill over the only two hills on the horizon, each like a mini Jerusalem on the steppe. The larger of the two, Mizdakhan, was once an important centre of handicrafts set on the trade crossroads to Gurganj, until it was destroyed by Tamerlane en route to larger things in Gurganj.

Departure for Khiva. Arrival in Khiva. Check in to the hotel

Visiting of Ichan-Kala – inner cite of ancient settlement, Mohammed-Amin Khan madrassah and minaret (XIX c.), Kunya Ark – Old fortress (XVII c.), Pakhlavan Mahmud complex (XIV-XIX cc.) with its tiled courtyard, Islam Khodja madrassah & Minaret (1908), Jumma mosque (X–XVIII cc.), Tash Hauli Allakuli-Khan Palace (XVIII-XIX cc.). Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard. The beautiful Kalta Minar minaret and the extraordinary Tash Khauli or “stone palace” built in the 1830’s and home of the ruling khans. Bazaar.

Departure for Bukhara.

Bukhara one of the most ancient cities of the East is situated in one of oases of the Kizilkum desert. Bukhara celebrated her 2500 year anniversary in 1998. The city has had several names at different times: Numiskat Madaniat - uc Sufia, Fakhirs, Vikhara (translated from Sanskrit - monastery). First written references relate to the 3rd century AD. In the 9th century Bukhara became the centre of the powerful Samanid state. At that time the trades and professions developed, the irrigation canals were constructed. The famous doctor and philosopher Avicenna spent his childhood here, and poet Rudaki composed his verses here and historian and poet Firdousi lived here, too. The Bukhara library was glorified. In the Middle Ages Bukhara became one of religious centers of Asia: numerous mosques and madrassah (spiritual schools) were constructed. In XVI century Bukhara became the centre of the powerful Bukhara Khanstva, which existed till the beginning of the 20th century.

Modern Bukhara is the centre of a large district in Uzbekistan.

Arrival in Bukhara. Check in to the hotel. Free time.

Full day sightseeing in Bukhara including Ark - ancient fortress (VI-VII cc.) is the place where ancient Bukhara originated in. It vividly blends with the view of this place. Next we walk by Chashma Ayub Mazar (graveyard) (XIV-XIX cc.). Monuments follow one by one and next monument we will see is Poi- Kalan complex (XII-XVI cc.), that includes famous Minaret Kalan (built in 1127, height is 49 meters). Minaret Kalan firstly was an observation post, and then it became a place of public executions. Samanid’s Mausoleum (IX-X cc.) Next we see Lyabi-Hauz complex (XVI-XVII cc.) which includes: Kukeldash madrassah (1568) and Nadir Divanbegi madrassah (1622).

Sightseeing in Bukhara.

Sitorai Mokhi Khosa – “Palace of Moon and Stars” – summer residence of the last Bukhara Emir (XIX c), Bolo Khauz mosque, Complex Bakhoutdin Nakshbandy (so-called Central Asian Mecca).

After lunch free time.

Transfer Bukhara – Karshi – Termez.

Arrival in Termez.

Half day sightseeing in Termez including Sultan-Saodat ensemble of mausoleums (IX-X) with tombs of aristocracy of Samanid period; the ruins of the Kyrk-Kyz settlement (IX-X); the Mausoleum of Khamid al Termezi (748-869), mathematician and philosopher, founder of one of the Sufis orders.

Departure for Shakhrisabz. Sightseeing in Shakhrisabz.

We visit the remains of the normous summer palace, Ak-Saray and Kok-Gumbaz (Blue Dome) mosque, built by Ulugbek in honour of his father. Behind is the family mausoleum containing several impressive structures. Nearby are the remains of the Khazrati-Imam Ensemble, another huge mausoleum containing the tomb of Tamerlane’s eldest son, Ghanjir.

Transfer to Samarkand.. Arrival in Samarkand. Check in to the hotel.

Sightseeing in Samarkand.

First of all we visit the most marvelous square of Central Asia with its magnificent architectural complexes – Registan (XVII c), that is situated in the heart of Samarqand. The word “Registan” means “sandy place”. Registan appeared as a centre of trade. It is a crossing place of 6 ways started from city gates. Registan is circled with 3 main buildings: Ulugbek Madrasah, Sherdor Madrasah and Tillya Kari Mosque. In 1417 Ulugbek (grandson of famous Tamerlan) began a building of madrasah with his name. In 1420 the building was completed and Registan became a center of science. In 17 century two monumental buildings Sherdor Madrasah and Tillya Kari Mosque were built up on Registan. Sherdor Madrasah (means “a building with lions”) is a mirroring of Ulugbek Madrasah. Registan is still the main square of the city.

Next we visit Guri-Emir mausoleum. It is a burial-vault of Timur and the Timurids (XV c.). According to a legend, it is prohibited to No way! open his burial, otherwise a war will be. World War II is an example. In Ulugbek Observatory (XV c) you will see the unique astronomical construction – sextant.

Bibi – Khanum Mosque (XV c) was built on special order of Amir Temur by the best 200 architects from whole his empire, 500 workers and 95 elephants from India.

Remains of Amir Temur confidants lie in architectural ensemble Shakhi-Zinda (XII – XV cc).

Departure for Tashkent. Free time.

Transfer to Fergana.

Fergana “Davan” was first mentioned in the Chinese chronicles, during the Middle Ages it was one of the leading principalities of Movarounnahr. Medieval monuments serve the evidence of the fact that in the ancient times this valley was the land of many civilizations. Today Ferghana valley is one of the prosperous regions of Uzbekistan. Fertile oases enclose the region. The big cities of Ferghana valley are Margilan, Ferghana, Kokand, Andijan and Namangan.

Arrival and accommodation at the hotel.

Sightseeing in Fergana valley.

Transfer to Margilan – is o­ne of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan. The city is located in the south-east of Fergana Valley, o­n the caravan route of the Great Silk Road which united Europe with East Asia. Margilan is a city of outstanding scholars, creative people, masters, craftsmen and is of vital importance as a trading center of the valley. By UNESCO Resolution, Margilan celebrates its 2000th anniversary in 2007 as o­ne of the oldest cities of the world.

In ancient and middle ages, Margilan was a large center of international trade, and has been known for its art crafts, its art of cotton and silk weavers (buz, alacha, beqasam) and fabrics such as shoi, atlas, han-atlas and adras. The enchanting creations of the traditional culture of Margilan include "sozana" silk embroidery, skull-caps as well as gold and silver accessories. Margilan of today is a modern city with broad streets, where multi-story buildings harmonize with ancient buildings, architectural monuments and bustling eastern bazaars.

From Margilan transfer to Rishtan. This town is in 50 km from Fergana, is administrative centre of Rishtan district. Half Tajik, half Uzbek town. From ancient times was famous for its ceramics. Certainly it's not by mere chance that Rishtan becomes famous for its ceramics. There is a deposit of red clay, natural minerals and mountainous vegetation that is needed for painting process. Rishtan artisans became famous all over the world for their technology of ceramics production. Their impressive blue and green work is shining in the sun, each third family in Rishtan is produces pottery. All works are different. In 1900-1910 in Rishtan were 250 artisans. In 1970 the Rishtan Ceramic Plant started functioning, now its closed. And all families continued work in their houses.Transfer to Kokand. Sightseeing, visiting Khudoyarkhan`s palace (XVI).

Return to Fergana.

Transfer to Tashkent.

Arrival and accommodation at the hotel.

Free time.

Transfer to the airport. Departure.

2-3*

3-4*