Discover Uzbekistan

• Meet at the border check point « Dostyk ». Transfer to Kokand city. On the way explore Fergana Valley curiosities. Discovery of the traditional market. Excursion to the silk factory "Yodgorlik", where you will get acquainted with the process of production of silk fibers and weaving. On the way to the silk factory, we will have several unexpected meetings with bakers, with whom you will get acquainted with the baking technique of Obi-non - traditional bread with a special baker pattern.  At your request, you can participate in the baking of bread in a clay oven "Tandyr". After visiting the factory, departure to the village of the traditional potter. Welcome tea at his home. The discovery of the process of making pottery in the Fergana Valley, known on the Silk Road, where local potters of that time designed and made clay household items for everyday use or decoration elements. Even today, potters use the technique of their ancestors. This potter makes his products by hand using a potter's wheel, using different clay and changing the temperature during firing.   He creates original models to meet the demands of his customers. A potter imagines an object, creates it and decorates it with an immaculate sense of style and bright color palette. His attitude to the smallest details, the reverent observance of age-old traditions and their integration into modern design gives rise to unique author's masterpieces of applied art. His deep knowledge of the correct selection of clay and the secrets of its kneading, as well as the most ancient techniques of polishing, carving, engraving, inlaying, glazing and firing, he lovingly passes on to his 20 students.

   
  Lunch with a potter's family (included). After lunch drive to Kokand city (45 km). Arrival and hotel accommodation. Overnight in Kokand. 

• Breakfast. The discovery of the sights of the city of Kokand - a city that was once the center of a powerful khanate. Ø  Visit to the Governor's Palace "Palace Khudayarhan" XIX and early XX centuries. Ø  Friday mosque of the XIX century. Ø  Mausoleum of Dakhma-i-Chakhon and Modarikhon. Continuation of the road to the city of Tashkent (250 km). Arrival to Tashkent. Time to explore the capital of Uzbekistan. Sightseeing tour of the modern city and visiting the main monuments of the old city:  Chorsu bazaar, Ø  Barak-Khan madrasah, Yunus-Khan et de Kaffal-al-Sashi mausoleums, Ø  Hasti Imam mosque, Ø  Tachkent subway After sightseeing flight to Nukus. Arrival and transfer to the city. Accommodation in the hotel. Overnight in Nukus.

   

• Breakfast. Visit to the Savitsky Museum, which houses the Savitsky collection, nicknamed "Louvre in the Desert", "Collection of Forgotten Art". The fact is that these myths form the three groups that make up the bulk of the collections of an art museum. The first of these is what is called the avant-garde of Turkestan, that is, Central Asian modernism of the early twentieth century. The second one is a well-known, extensive collection of Soviet paintings and engravings without censorship of the 1920–1960s, which included rare archives of various authors. The third - the ethnographic part: the objects of the habitat and decorative arts of Karakalpakstan, as well as excavation objects, telling about the rich ancient history of the region. Departure to Khiva (260 km) through the Zoroastrian remains, in the citadel of ancient Khorezm. The Khorezm civilization arose around the middle of the second millennium. It appeared later than ancient Egypt and Babylon were born, but in very similar conditions of nature. Ø  Silence Tower "Chilpyk Kala" - like a small cylinder-shaped fortress without a roof - a dakhma. The bodies of the departed were left in the large open towers of silence (dakhmas) where the vultures, by eating, cleared the bones of flesh. When only bones remained, they were buried in a crypt intended for the deceased. Ø  Sultan Uvays  : The cult complex "Sultan-Uvays" consists of Mazar-Chinar-Bobo and other places of worship. This place is especially unusual, with the sacred mountains of Sultan Uvais, which are not very high and famous for their absolutely black and ocher color. In ancient times, on its slopes was the sanctuary of Anahita - the goddess of water and fertility. Today there is only one pond with sacred fish. Ø  Tuprak Kala –  the ancient capital of Khorezm, one of the most important strongholds of the region, dating back to III c. BC and IV in BC

   
  Continuation of the road to Khiva. Arrive at the end of the day. Accommodation in the hotel.  Free time to walk around the city center, where you can take pictures at sunset. Night in Khiva.

• Breakfast in the hotel. Khiva –  one of the ancient cities on the Silk Road. The opening of Khiva - a city-museum under the open sky, UNESCO heritage. The fortress city with high clay adobe walls like a fairytale castle from "1000 and one nights"!  Yes, yes, this is not a dream, you plunge through the centuries into the fairy-tale atmosphere of the olden time! During our visit, you will discover wonders such as: Ø  Main entrance gate "Ota Darvoza", Ø  The madrasah of Mohamed Amin Khan and its minaret Kalta Minor (XIX c), Ø  Arch - Citadel "Kuniya Ark" - a city in the city with its high ramparts, the residence of the Emirs of Khiva (VII  - XIX c), Ø  The madrasah Mohamed Rakhim Khan (beginning of XX c), Ø  Juma Mosque with 213 carved wooden columns (X-XVIII c.). Lunchtime in one of the cafes with a beautiful view of the whole city (not included). Continuation of the tour. Ø  Harem « Toch Hovli » and Allah Kulikhan palace (XIX c), Ø  Minaret and madrasah of Islam Khodja (beginning XX c), Ø  Mausoleum Pahlavan Mahmoud (XIV – XIX c), Ø  Street with artisan workshops.

   
  Free time to take beautiful photos at sunset. Overnight in the hotel. 

• Breakfast in the hotel. Road to Bukhara through the Kyzyl Kum desert  (475 km, 6 hours by car). On the way, there are several stops to discover the desert fauna and flora, which will be very beautiful in spring. Desert bushes - saxaul bloom and there will be other flowers: tulips, poppies, ferrules, etc. The jerboas are having fun on the dunes or under the bushes.  Of course, there will be a lunch stop at one of the oasis cafes. Arrival in Bukhara and accommodation in the hotel. Time to freshen up. Stroll through the old town to discover the caravanserai and get to know the locals. Night in Bukhara.

   

• Breakfast in the hotel.   Discover the Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with its numerous historical monuments. Ø  Mavsoleum Ismail Samani (IX-X centuries),  Mavsoleum Tchachma Ayoub –  well (XII – XVII centuries) and the traditional bazaar of Bukhara, Ø  Mosque Bolo House (XVIII century), Ø  Arche – Citadel – built in the IV century BC by Siyavush – legendary hero of ancient Bukhara. And in the XVI century became a residence of Emirs of Bukhara. Time for lunch right at Poyi Kalon – the center of the old town (not included). Tour continuation: Ø  Poyi Kalon complex,  consisting of the Kalon Minaret  (XII c),  XVI century Mosque and Madrasah Miri Arab. Ø  Trade house : Toki Zargaron, Toki Telpakfrushon, and Toki Sarrafon, Ø  Madrasah Ulugbek (XV c) and madrasah Abdulazizkhan (XVII c), Mosque Magoki Attori, After the tour, you’ll have free time for cruising the old town. Night in Bukhara.

   

• Breakfast in the hotel. Half-day tour to discover the monuments around Bukhara. Trip to discover the monuments around Bukhara. It is highly recommended to visit the place of worship of Baha Uddin Naqshbandi in the morning when there will be only local pilgrims. This place is considered as Mecca of Central Asia where you can see faces of all the people of Central Asia.  This is a real paradise for the photographer.  Continuing the path to the summer residence of the Bukhara emirs "Sitora-i-Mohi Khosa". The architecture of the octagonal palace harmoniously combines eastern and western style. The palace consists of a "White Room" - a common reception and reception of the Emir, rooms for negotiations, and a harem. Return to the city. Visite the Madrasah with 4 minarets «Tchor Minor». Lunch in the local cafe (not included).  Free time after lunch to cruise around and to enjoy your shopping.  Folklore concert-show, music, dances, songs and fashion shows from Uzbek silk fabrics.   Night in Bukhara.

   

• Breakfast in the hotel.   Departure at 8 am from Bukhara by car to the Desert Kyzyl Kum (230 km). On the way, stop to discover the Minaret of Vabkent, dating back to the XII century, and the workshop of a local potter in Gijduvan town. Continue the drive through Kyzyl Kum desert through an amazing view. Arrival to the Yurt camp. Accommodation in a Yurt. Lunch (included). After lunch drive to Aydarkul Lake to explore the flora and fauna, and to swimming. Return to the Yurt camp. Camel safari for about 20-30 min through sandy dunes to explore Kyzyl Kum desert. Free time and at sunset you will take an amazing picture. Dinner (included). Campfire accompanied by Nomad’s musics and songs. Overnight in a Yurt.

   

Overnight in Samarkand.