Gems of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan & Tajikistan

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for sightseeing in Tashkent. Start by visiting the wonderful complex Khast Imam, located in the old part of the city which has been the biggest centre of Islamic culture in Uzbekistan for thousands of years. Continuing to Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical monuments of Tashkent. You will then explore Chorsu, a local bazaar, one of the largest and most popular bazaars in the capital. Covered by seven domes tiled with coloured ceramic designs, mingle amongst the longest as they bargain and barter amongst themselves. Local farmers come from far and wide to sell products of their own production. Let your senses take over as you inhale the aromas of different Eastern spices, vegetables and fruits.  You will then visit A. Rakhimov’s workshop for a unique cultural experience.

Later this afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Nukus. Nukus is the sixth-largest city in Uzbekistan, and the capital of the autonomous Karakalpakstan Republic. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Overnight – Hotel Jipek Joli or similar

After breakfast, drive to Muynak (130 km / 3 hours) where you will have a look at the former port now home to abandoned ships wedged into their final destination – the sand. This area is also known as the ‘Cemetery of Ships’.

Today’s lunch is with a local family. Enjoy learning about their local way of life as you share lunch with them, and in turn, tell them about your lifestyle. This is sure to be an eye-opening experience as your two worlds come together. On your way back to Nukus (130km), stop at Mizdakhan, a complex of historical monuments located on three hills and a plane between them. The flat top of the west hill is crowned with the ruins of Gyaur-Kala Fortress, built in the 4th century BC which you will also visit. (B,L)

Overnight – Hotel Jipek Joli or similar

Depart early this morning as you drive towards Khiva (200km, 3-3.5hrs), a city of approximately 50,000 people located in the Xorazm Region. According to archaeological data, the city was established at the beginning of the Christian era. It is the former capital of Khwarezmia and the Khanate of Khiva. Enroute, visit Ayaz Kala, an archaeological site housing the mud brick walls of three fortresses, and Toprak Kala, an ancient settlement of an outstanding monument of the culture of Khoresm from the 1-6th centuries A.D.

Upon arrival in Khiva, you will begin exploring the city, starting with Ichan Qala complex, an old town retaining more than 50 historic monuments and 250 old houses, dating primarily from the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. The most spectacular features of the Ichan Qala complex are its crenellated brick walls and four gates, one on each side of the rectangular fortress. This has recently become a UNESCO heritage site.

Another highlight of your city tour includes visiting the Pakhlavan Mahmud, which is the holiest site in Khiva. It is the shrine of Khiva’s patron saint, Pakhlavan Mahmud, who was a fur hat maker and a famous poet of Khiva, and the dynastic burial complex of the Khiva Khans.  Pakhlavan Mahmud was also a superb wrestler, winning every single of his wrestling matches as well as the hearts of the Khiva citizens who built a modest mausoleum for him on the site of his furrier workshop. (B)

Overnight – Orient Star or similar

This morning, travel from Khiva to Bukhara (431km,6hrs). Upon arrival, begin exploring the city’s highlights, starting with the Chashmai-Ayub Mausoleum which has a unique architectural style. Continue to the impressive Poyi-Kalon Complex, where you’ll see the towering Kalon Minaret and the prominent Miri-Arab Madrasah. Take a walk through the Lyabi-Hauz Complex, a lively area centred around a tranquil pool surrounded by historic buildings. Visit the elegant Samanids Mausoleum, an important example of early Islamic architecture, before exploring the Nadir Devonbegi Madrasah. Stop by the distinctive Chor-Minor, famous for its four minarets, and finish the day at the Ark Citadel, the ancient heart and historic centre of Bukhara. (B)

Overnight – Minorai Kalon Boutique Hotel or similar

This morning, explore the Chashmai-Ayub Mausoleum, Samanids Mausoleum, Chor-Minor Minarets, and the Ark Citadel – the ancient heart of Bukhara. You will then transfer to Gijduvan (60km,1hr), home to one of the most renowned ceramic schools. Visit the Museum of Ceramics to learn about the significance of this traditional craft in local life.

Continue to Nurata town (100km/1.5hrs) to visit the local mosque, Chashma, which has a spring with holy water considered to be healing. There is also the opportunity to climb to the ruins of the Castle of Alexander (Fortress of Nur), which is opposite the Mosque. The climb is uphill and easy-mid difficulty, taking you to the ruins of the ancient structure that was built by Alexander the Great.

Continue driving out through the rolling landscape towards your yurt camp in the Kyzyl Kum desert (80km,1.5hrs), the 16th largest desert in the world. Its name means Red Sand in Turkic languages. Once you have checked into your yurt, it is time to head off for an afternoon camel ride before enjoying some free time. Once the sun has set, enjoy dinner around the campfire with your local hosts serenading you with traditional folk songs beneath the stars. (B,L)

Overnight – Yangikazgan Yurt Camp or similar

After breakfast, visit Aydarkul desert lake, a turquoise, crystal clear lake and one of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan. If the weather permits, you may like to take a swim! Enjoy a picnic on the shore of the lake taking in the tranquil setting before you transfer to the village of Asraf, where you will become fully immersed in the life of the locals. Local people build themselves houses of small stones, rocks, and clay. They plant and collect fruits and vegetables to cook for their meals which are all cooked in the open-fire oven. Each family has a few head of livestock and poultry, which provide eggs, milk, meat and wool. Whilst with your host family, enjoy a masterclass to learn how to bake Uzbek bread. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Guesthouse or similar

Awake to embrace the lifestyle of the local villagers once more and embrace the purity of the neighbourhood. After lunch, you will transfer to Samarkand (200km,3hrs) and check into your hotel.

This afternoon, explore the main attractions in Samarkand including the Registan, which is a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, majolica-covered madrassas dating to the 15th and 17th centuries. You also have the chance to explore Gur Emir, the towering tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire. Other points of interest include visiting the Shakhizinda, which is a necropolis in the northeastern part of Samarkand and the Bibikhanum Mosque which is one of the most important monuments of Samarkand. (B)

Overnight – Arka Boutique Hotel or similar

This morning, you will drive to the village of Tersak (approx 45 km). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a local family who will join you for tea and oriental dried fruits. Walk through this quaint village and discover the beautiful mountain landscapes of the region. This is a great chance to observe the everyday life of the people and witness their time-frozen traditions.

Continue your journey to the Takhta Karacha mountain pass, about 25 km away. From this vantage point, admire panoramic views of the snow-covered Pamir Altay chain. Explore the ‘Devil Valley,’ known for its unusual rock formations and mythical tales of sorcerers and witches. The locals believe the area has unique ground energy that enhances the quality of the milk from passing cows.

After your hike, return to Samarkand. Transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train ride back to Tashkent (2-3hrs). Enjoy dinner upon arrival. (B,D)

Overnight – Hotel Jipek Joli or similar

Today you will travel to the Oybek border point (140km,2hrs). After crossing the border, you will travel Khudjand which will take 4-6 hours depending on how long it takes to go through border formalities.

Explore historic Khudjand, formerly known as Khodjend or Khodzhent until 1936 and Leninabad until 1991. This is the second largest city of Tajikistan and the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Khudjand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back about 2,500 years. It is situated on the Syr Darya at the mouth of the Fergana Valley and was a major city along the ancient Silk Road. Today, you will visit the biggest bazaar- Panjshanbe, the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, the Complex of Kamoli Khujandi, and the Tajik Sea.  Lunch today is in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Khujand Deluxe Hotel or similar

Travel today from Khudjand to Iskanderkul (220km,4hrs), a mountain lake of glacial origin in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province. It lies at an altitude of 2,195 metres on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains. Today you will also see Niagara Fanns – a waterfall from which water falls from 35m. Zmeinoe Lake is beautiful as well and you will also spend time here.

This evening, enjoy a homestay in Sarytag village. Take an evening walking tour through the village. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Sarytag Homestay or similar

Spend the day exploring and walking through the breathtaking Fann Mountains. The Fann Mountains are part of the western Pamir-Alay Mountain system and are primarily located in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province between the Zarafshan Range to the north and the Gissary Range to the south. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will not forget! Today you will hike Alexander the Great Mountain. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Sarytag Homestay or similar

Travel from Iskanderkul Lake to Dushanbe (133km,2-3hrs), Tajikistan’s capital, situated on the Varzob River.  Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Overnight – Atlas B&B Guesthouse or similar

In the morning, visit the Hissar Fortress, which is part of the Hissar complex, one of the main Tajikistan highlights. What remains today is a portion of the wall and the gate towers, which are representative of the 18th and 19th-century style. The area has been inhabited since antiquity and features an 8th-century mosque, but it was the emirs who inhabited the fortress and the Silk Route traders that made Gissar a centre of commerce and learning. You will also have an opportunity today to visit Old Medressa (Madrasai Kuhna) (16-17 century), Madrasai Nav (17-18 century) and the Caravan Saray as well.

Later you will visit the Museum of National Antiquities which exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilizations: the Greek, Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian periods. The most notable piece in the museum is the largest, fifteen-hundred-year-old reclining Buddha statue. Later, enjoy strolling around the big Ismoili Somoni Monument – the forefather of Tajik nation, founded in the Main Square and Rudaki Park in the centre of the city as well. Try the taste of Tajik tea and hot bread in public teahouses – called Choikhona – most of which are decorated in traditional, colourful Tajik style. Lunch today is in a traditional Indian restaurant and following lunch, you will explore the ancient oriental bazaar and some craft workshops. Dinner this evening is at a restaurant named ‘Kishmish’ with ethnic music and performances. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Atlas B&B Guesthouse Hotel or similar

Today following breakfast, the day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)