Flight to Tashkent

International Airport, Terminal 2 - Travel to Tashkent via a direct flight with Uzbekistan Airways or with a layover. Arrive in Tashkent late in the evening, at midnight, or early the next morning. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Tashkent - Evening flight to Urgench, arrival in Khiva

Amir Temur Square - Located in the heart of Tashkent, Amir Temur Square is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Established in 1882, it was originally named Konstantinovsky Square but was renamed on August 31, 1994, in honor of Amir Temur, the founder of the Timurid Empire. The square features a bronze statue of Amir Temur on horseback, with his famous motto, “Justice is force,” inscribed in four languages. Surrounding the square are notable buildings such as the “Uzbekistan” hotel, the State Museum of History of Timurids, and the famous chimes. The square, designed as a radial-circular park intersected by eight lanes, underwent reconstruction in 2009, making it more vibrant and clear.

Amir Timur Museum - Also known as the Tamerlane Museum, this museum in Tashkent is dedicated to Amir Timur, the renowned Turko-Mongol conqueror and founder of the Timurid Empire in the 14th century. It houses artifacts, manuscripts, and exhibits related to Timur’s life, his conquests, and the Timurid era in Central Asian history.

Navoi Opera Theater - The State Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater is a leading cultural institution in Uzbekistan, celebrated for its national and international classical heritage. For over eight decades, it has hosted performances by renowned conductors, actors, and musicians. It is one of three theaters in the former Soviet Union to receive the Bolshoi status, alongside those in Moscow and Minsk. The theater premiered the Uzbek opera “Buran” by M. Ashrafi and S. Vasilenko on June 11, 1939. The first director and artistic leader was M. Kari-Yakubov. The theater has performed successfully both domestically and internationally, showcasing its rich artistry and national identity.

Monument of Courage Earthquake Memorial - On April 26, 1966, Tashkent experienced a devastating earthquake measuring 8 on the Richter scale, which destroyed over 2 million square meters of living space and left 78,000 families homeless. In 1976, a monument named “Courage” was erected near the earthquake’s epicenter. The main feature is a cube split by a crack leading to a bronze sculpture of a woman holding a baby and a man protecting them from disaster. The reconstruction of Tashkent involved residents from other regions and construction teams from across the Soviet Union. The city was fully restored within 3.5 years.

Chorsu Bazaar - Officially known as “Eski Juva” (“Old Tower”), Chorsu Bazaar is one of Central Asia’s largest and oldest markets, housed under seven large domes covered with colorful glazed ceramic tiles. The bazaar is filled with pavilions offering a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other goods year-round. Historically, it was a hub for merchants, traders, and citizens to buy, sell, and exchange news, and it hosted theatrical performances and cockfights. Visitors can enjoy traditional Uzbek dishes like palov and shashlik, and find an array of spices, fruits, and other local products.

Khiva - A World of 1001 Nights Tales

Ota Gate - The Ota Darwaza, or Ota Gate, is one of the iconic entrances to the ancient walled city of Khiva in Uzbekistan.

Citadel Kunya-ark - Built between 1686-1688 by Arangakhan, the son of Anushakhan, Kunya-Ark (“old castle”) is a fortress measuring 130x93 meters. It included a hall for official receptions, the khan’s office, mosques, a mint, and various other buildings. Today, only a few structures remain, including the kurinishhona (reception room), Ak-Sheikh Bobo’s cell, the eastern gate with a guardroom, summer and winter mosques, and the harem. Ak-Sheikh Bobo’s cell later served as an observation tower and gunpowder warehouse. The kurinishhona was rebuilt in 1804-1806 after being destroyed in the mid-18th century during an Iranian invasion.

Kalta Minor Minaret - The Kalta-Minar Minaret, meaning “Low Tower,” is located in the inner city of Khiva. Constructed in the 19th century by Muhammad Amin-khan, the minaret was intended to reach 70-80 meters but was halted at 29 meters. Despite its incomplete status, the minaret is a significant landmark, known for its large size and unique blue and white glazed tiles and majolica. Legends suggest that the construction stopped after the architect was thrown from the minaret by Muhammad Amin Khan to prevent him from building a similar structure in Bukhara.

Toshhovli Palace - The Tosh-Hovli Palace, also known as Tash-Hauli or Tosh-Hauli, is a significant historical complex in Khiva’s Ichan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the early 19th century during the reign of Muhammad Rahim Khan I, it served as the main residence for the Khan and his family and as an administrative center. The palace features traditional Central Asian architecture with Persian and Islamic influences, consisting of interconnected courtyards surrounded by rooms, halls, and galleries.

Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum - Located near the Juma Mosque, the Pahlavan Mahmud complex honors a local poet and philosopher known for his strength and healing abilities. Initially modest, the mausoleum expanded to include a khanaka and mosque for pilgrims. Rebuilt in 1810 by Muhammad Rahim-khan, the complex now features a large dome covered with blue tiles, old tombs, and a double dome. The mausoleum houses the tombs of Pahlavan Mahmud and Khiva rulers Muhammad Rahimkhan I, Abulgazihan, and Elbars II. A small courtyard with an open mosque (ziyarathona) and a well with clean drinking water is also present.

Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah - The Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa is a notable historical and architectural landmark within Khiva’s Ichan Kala.

Juma Mosque - Situated in the central part of Ichan Kala, the Juma Mosque dates back to the 10th century, with significant reconstructions in the 18th and 19th centuries. It features a prayer hall supported by numerous intricately carved wooden columns, some sourced from older structures. The mosque’s facade is adorned with traditional blue and green tile work.

Train Journey to Bukhara

Bukhara - After an early breakfast at the hotel, take the train to Bukhara, departing at 08:23 and arriving at 13:35. Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique open-air museum with mosques, madrasahs, and minarets lining its narrow, mostly traffic-free streets. Highlights include the Poikalon complex, the 12th-century Kalon minaret, the Ark Citadel (former residence of the Emir), and the Samanid Mausoleum. Enjoy a two-night stay in Bukhara.

Bukhara - Oasis Town and Pilgrimage Site

Lyabi Khauz - The Laybi-Hauz ensemble, meaning “the shore of the reservoir,” is the largest artificial reservoir in medieval Bukhara, dug in 1620. The pool measures 42x36 meters with a depth of 5 meters. The ensemble includes the Kukeldash madrassah and two other religious buildings: the Hanaka on the west and the Madrasah of Nadir Divan-Begi on the east. The madrassah features a large portal decorated with glazed mosaic depicting fantastical birds.

Maghak-i ‘Attari Mosque - The Magoki-Attori Mosque, meaning “Deep Mosque,” dates back to the 12th-16th centuries and is located near the Labi House ensemble. Originally situated in a bazaar area, the mosque was buried under cultural layers by the early 20th century, earning it the name “underground mosque.” The mosque’s facade, featuring intricate brickwork, patterns, and terracotta tiles, was excavated to reveal its artistic beauty.

Toki Sarrofon - Located in Bukhara’s historic center, Toki Sarrofon is one of the city’s medieval trading domes, essential for Silk Road commerce. The dome features arched entrances and inner courtyards, with sections for merchants selling textiles, spices, jewelry, and crafts.

Toqi Telpakfurushon - Another notable trading dome in Bukhara, Toki Telpak Furushon, is situated near landmarks like the Po-i-Kalyan complex and the Ark Fortress. It has a history of facilitating trade for centuries, reflecting Bukhara’s role as a Silk Road hub.

Toqi Zargaron - Also known as the Dome of Jewelers, Toki Zargaron is a significant trading dome in Bukhara’s historic center. It is known for its skilled artisans and jewelers who traded exquisite jewelry and luxury items.

Ark of Bukhara - The Ark Citadel is Bukhara’s oldest monument, dating back to the 4th-3rd centuries BCE. Covering 3.9 hectares, the rectangular fortress has walls 16-20 meters high and 789 meters long. The citadel has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history.

Bukhara - Nurata Yurt Camp Stay

Nurata - After breakfast in Bukhara, drive to the Nurata yurt camp and Aidarkul Lake to experience nomadic life and camel riding. Arrive at Aidarkul Lake, the largest in Uzbekistan, for lunch and swimming. In the afternoon, travel 25 km to the yurt camp in the desert. Enjoy camel riding and the wild nature, followed by dinner at the Yurt Camp restaurant. After dinner, enjoy folklore songs and dancing around the fire before sleeping in the yurt.

Nurata - Samarkand

Samarkand - After breakfast at the yurt camp, travel to Samarkand, arriving around midday to start the tour.

Gur Emir Mausoleum - The Gur-Emir Mausoleum, meaning “Tomb of the Emir,” is a prime example of medieval Eastern architecture. Construction began in 1404, and it serves as the family tomb of the Timurids. The mausoleum features a single dome and is adorned with a geometric mosaic ornament of light and blue glazed bricks.

Registan Square - Registan Square, located in the old part of Samarkand, is home to three majestic medieval madrasas: Ulugbek, Tilla-Kari, and Sher-Dor. The name “Registan” means “sandy place” in Uzbek.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque - Built between 1399-1404, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is an architectural monument named after Timur’s beloved wife. Constructed after Timur’s campaign to India, the mosque was intended to be the most beautiful in the world. The complex measures 130x102 meters.

Siyob Bozor - Siab Bazaar, one of Samarkand’s oldest markets, is located between the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Shokhi Zinda complex. The covered pavilions offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and Eastern sweets.

Samarkand - “Rome of the East”

Shah-i-Zinda - The Shahi-Zinda necropolis, meaning “The Living King,” is an ancient architectural ensemble in Samarkand. It includes mausoleums and religious buildings from the 11th, 14th, and 19th centuries. The name is linked to a legend about Kusam ibn Abbase, a cousin of Prophet Muhammad.

Observatory of Ulugbek - Built in 1428-1429 by Ulugbek, this observatory is one of the most important in the medieval world. The three-story round building housed a marble sextant, and notable astronomers like al-Kushchi and Kazi-zade ar-Rumi worked there.

Samarkand Bukhara Silk Carpets Factory - Located near the historic city centers, these factories produce handmade silk carpets featuring traditional Uzbek motifs and fine craftsmanship.

Tourist Village - Konigil - The Konigil Paper Factory, located on the outskirts of Samarkand, has a paper-making tradition dating back to the 8th century. The factory uses techniques preserved through generations and is surrounded by mulberry trees essential for the process.

Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand - Tashkent

Shahrisabz - Explore Shakhrisabz, a historic city known for its cultural and architectural heritage, including the Ak-Saray Palace and the Dorut Tilavat Complex. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the birthplace of Timur. After exploring, return to Samarkand and catch the evening train to Tashkent.

The Palace Complex of Ak-Saray - Commissioned by Timur in the late 14th century, the Ak Saray Palace was intended to be one of the grandest in the world. Construction halted after Timur’s death in 1405.

Dorut Tilovat - Located in Shakhrisabz’s historic center, Dorut Tilovat is part of the Dorus-Saodat complex, which includes mausoleums and structures from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Kok Gumbaz Mosque - Built during Ulugh Beg’s reign in the 15th century, the Ko’k Gumbaz Mosque features a large blue dome and intricate tile work. It served as a congregational mosque for prayers and ceremonies.

Tashkent, Flight Home

Tashkent International Airport - On the final day, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of the trip.

• Tourist taxes
• Dinner
• Escort tour guide from tourgoCA from/to Tashkent Airport
• Breakfast
• 8x Nights accommodation in single / twin/ double shared room
• All train journeys
• Round trip/excursions and transfers in air-conditioned modern vehicles
• Entrance tickets to the sites, museums, mausoleums as per program
• Domestic flight Tashkent-Urgench in economy class
• 1x Yurt camp staying

• International flights
• All other things that was not mentioned in the list of included things