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Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan - on the Trail of ancient caravans

Name: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan - on the Trail of ancient caravans
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 4382.07 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Ouzbékistan

Flight:

Included

Favorite

Tour id:

297659

Operator:

Gebeco
Length:

16 days
Group size:

16 pax
Age:

0 to 0
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

10.05-25.05.26 scheduled

Itinerary

A combination of culture and relaxation, enjoyment and leisure! We roam the oasis towns of the old Silk Road, relax by the mountain lake Issyk Kul and discover modern cityscapes in Tashkent and Bishkek. On this trip, we experience the cultural diversity and warmth of the people in this region.

Tour program

Day 1

Travel to Uzbekistan

You fly to Uzbekistan.

Day 2

Oasis city of Khiva

You land in Urgench in the morning. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Khiva. The old town of Khiva resembles an open-air museum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Within the city walls, we see numerous madrasas, ornate mosques and house facades, from which the Kalta Minor stands out in particular. The unfinished minaret with its turquoise glazed ceramic tiles is a real gem. During our sightseeing tour, we also see the Tash Hauli Palace and the fascinating Juma Mosque, which is supported by 212 pillars. (F, A)

Day 3

Excursion to Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala

We drive to the important excavation sites of Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala. The former fortifications on the edge of the Kyzyl Kum desert date back to the period between the 2nd century BC and the 7th century AD. From these ruins in the historic landscape of Khorezmia, we have a fantastic view of the vastness of Central Asia. During a stop at the yurt camp, we relax with a leisurely picnic and then travel on to Bukhara. 620 km (F, P, A)

Day 4

Bukhara: Koran schools and bazaars

Bukhara is one of the most important cities in the country and the main hub on the Silk Road. The former caravanserais and well-preserved market domes are reminiscent of the time when numerous traders offered their wares. Even today, you can still find the diversity of Uzbek craftsmanship in the old town. One of the most important trading places in ancient Bukhara was the Labi Hauz complex, in the center of which there is still a huge water basin. During our tour, we also get to know the former seat of government and palace of the Emirate of Bukhara: the Ark Citadel, which is enthroned on a hill in the middle of the city. We discover the city's landmark, the Kalan minaret, the mosque of the same name and the adjoining Mir-e Arab madrasa. We end the evening on the terrace of a local restaurant and enjoy Uzbek specialties accompanied by classical music. (F, A)

Day 5

Bukhara: the pearl of Islamic art

Another day in Bukhara is on the program. Today we admire the tomb of the Samanids, which is one of the oldest examples of Islamic architecture in Uzbekistan. In the house of the merchant Khodjaev, we learn how wealthy merchants and traders lived in Bukhara 100 years ago. The complex, which consists of several buildings, now serves as a museum. We then visit the workshop of the world-famous artist Davlat Toshev. He will personally introduce us to the Uzbek art of miniature painting and calligraphy. (F, A)

Day 6

From Bukhara to Samarkand

You can spend the morning as you wish. How about a visit to the old hamam or a stroll through the lively alleyways of the old town? If you like, you can take part in our optional excursion to the Naqshbandi complex just outside the city, where the founder of the dervish order of the same name is buried. In the afternoon, we travel on comfortably by train to Samarkand, the city of fairy tales from "One Thousand and One Nights". 270 km (F, A)

Day 7

Samarkand: oriental beauty

A highlight of our trip awaits us in Samarkand: Registan Square, probably the most famous square in Central Asia. A visit to the three madrasahs located here will impress us just as much as Timur's palatial Gur-e Amir mausoleum. The Afrosiab Museum and the adjacent excavation site will give us an impression of historical Samarkand. We then travel to the artists' village of Konighil on the outskirts of the city. Here we learn how the famous Samarkand paper is made from the fibers of the mulberry tree, henna and rose water in a centuries-old tradition. At sunset, we make a detour to the observatory of Ulug Bek (F, A)

Day 8

Samarkand: Timur's capital

The day begins with a visit to the Shah-e Sende necropolis, which is probably home to the most beautiful buildings in Uzbekistan and combines Persian and Timurid architecture. Timur named the most beautiful mosque in the eastern world after his wife ─ Bibi Khanum. Nearby is the Siab market, where stalls are piled high with nuts, dried fruit and fresh herbs. How about a taste? We experience a colorful collection of dresses by fashion designer Valentina Romanenko at a fashion show. In the evening, we are guests of an Uzbek family and enjoy the national dish, plov. (F, A)

Day 9

From Samarkand to Tashkent

We travel by bus to the capital Tashkent. After the October Revolution, it became the capital of the Soviet Republic of Turkestan. Today we are amazed at how well modernity and tradition merge in Tashkent. The Hast-Imam complex with the Barakchan madrasa and the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum are particularly worth seeing. We will also visit the Chorsu Bazaar and visit the Museum of Applied Arts to be transported back to the mystical times of the Silk Road. Of course, a ride on the metro through the beautifully designed stations is also a must. 320 km (F, A)

Day 10

From Tashkent to the Fergana Valley

We travel by train to the town of Margilan and visit the silk factory. The quality and design of Uzbek silk fabrics are prized far beyond the country's borders. In Rishtan, we visit a Kyrgyz family and gain an insight into the art of carpet weaving. The region is also famous for its lovingly painted ceramics, which we can admire here. Afterwards, continue to Kokand. 360 km (F, A)

Day 11

From the Fergana Valley to Tashkent

This largest oasis in Central Asia, framed by mountains up to almost 4,700 meters high, is also known as the "Pearl of Uzbekistan". The Khudoyar Khan palace and the Khan cemetery await us in Kokand. In the late afternoon we leave the Fergana Valley and drive back to Tashkent. 350 km (F, A).

Day 12

From Tashkent to Bishkek

Tashkent was shaken by a violent earthquake in 1966 and much had to be rebuilt. The monument to the victims of the earthquake commemorates the catastrophe in the former Soviet Union. In the modern part of Tashkent, we also get to know Independence Square and Theater Square. We fly to Bishkek at midday and look forward to new adventures in Kyrgyzstan. On a city tour, the city on the Tian Shan Mountains shows us its charming green face. Fruit trees, poplars and huge chestnut trees line the chessboard-like streets. (F, A)

Day 13

From Bishkek to Issyk Kul

On the drive to Issyk Kul, we visit the minaret of Burana. Thousands of years ago, people carved impressive hunting scenes into the rocks of Cholpon Ata. The second largest high mountain lake, situated at 1,600 meters and framed by snow-covered mountain ranges, casts its spell over us in the afternoon. 280 km (F, A)

Day 14

From Issyk Kul to Karakol

Off to Karakol. The city is nestled between Issyk Kul and the mountains of the Sky Mountains. The Dungan Mosque is built of wood in the style of a Buddhist pagoda and offers peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of city life. Not a single nail was used in its construction. The Russian Orthodox Trinity Cathedral with its onion dome underwent extensive restoration in the 1990s and now shines in all its glory. The Przewalski Museum, which provides information about Nikolai Przewalski's research trips, is also on the program. 150 km (F, A)

Day 15

From Karakol to Bishkek

We take the southern route around Issyk Kul to Bishkek. The Jeti-Oguz Gorge is on our way. This huge natural monument consists of seven reddish rocks with lush vegetation and is literally crying out for us to slow down. We enjoy the peace and quiet before heading back to the bustling city, where a farewell dinner awaits us. 400 km (F, A)

Day 16

Journey home

In the morning we fly back to Germany. (F, A)

Tour Details

accommodation

14 nights incl. local taxes (bath or shower/WC)

flights

Train to flight 1st class *

Flights with Turkish Airlines in Economy Class from/to Frankfurt to Urgench/from Bishkek via Istanbul* (plus flight surcharge if applicable)

Flight from Tashkent to Bishkek with Uzbekistan Airways in Economy Class

Air traffic tax, airport and flight security fees*

guide

German-speaking qualified Gebeco adventure tour guide

Travel literature to choose from

meals

14x breakfast, 1x picnic, 14x dinner

Dinner in a local restaurant with folklore performance

Traditional dinner with an Uzbek family

optional

Minimum number of participants 2 persons. Price p. p.

Excursion to the Naqshbandi complex (6th day) € 30

others

1 early check-in on the day of arrival

* not included if traveling on your own

Extensive sightseeing in Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand

Rock paintings of Cholpon Ata

Impressive Jeti-Oguz Gorge

All entrance fees

transport

Round trip/excursions in a typical local minibus or coach with air conditioning

Rail travel as per program

Transfers on arrival and departure day*

Good to know

Currency

UZS

Uzbekistan Sum

Ouzbékistan

Plugs and adapters

Plug type C

Plug type E

Plug type F

Plug type I

Customer reviews

Operator

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.