(99871) 2814148
Contacts

UZBEKISTAN
45/405 Shota Rustaveli Street
100100
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

PAKISTAN
Mezzanine Floor., Office 8A
Mushtaq Mansion, Block D
Fazel-e-Haq Road, Blue Area
Islamabad, Pakistan

E-mail: tashkent@sitara.com islamabad@sitara.com

Phone (Uzbekistan): (99871) 2814148, (99871) 2814149, (99871) 2553504
Phone (Pakistan):  (9251) 2805583, (9251) 2805288

Fax: (99871) 1206500

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Shadows of the Great Mongol Empire

  • Itinerary:
    Mongolia - Russia - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan
  • Duration:
    19 days / 18 nights
  • Price:
    on request
  • Tour program
    Itinerary of «Shadows of the Great Mongol Empire»
    Day 01: Arrive Ulaan Baatar – Flight (Mongolia)
    Meeting on arrival assistance and transfer to hotel. 
    Afternoon sightseeing tour of Ulaan Bataar
    tour of Ulaan Bataar to start with a visit of Sukhbaatar Square – the central point of the district is the oldest part of the city. We shall see the Parliament building , National Opera, Cultural Palace and the House of City Council. Later proceed to Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view of the Capital. Afterwards visit Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum – Bogd Khan was celebrated spiritual leader of Mongolia - Jebtsundamba Khutuktus – the Holy Venerable Lord.
    We shall see the stone age period exhibits, Bronze age, Turkic and Mongol Empire periods, the rise of Buddhism in Mongolia was effected by the affluent Yellow Sect preaching. Also see a Royal Ger made of snow leopard skins.
    Evening we shall visit a Theatre to see traditional folk songs, throat singing and ethnic dances
    Overnight

    Day 02: Gandan Monastery & Gorkhi Terelj National Park
    We shall take a long day excursion to the Gandan monastery dates to 19th century survived the purges of communist era when it was turned into a museum – see the impressive 26.5 mtr gold plated statue of Buddha - Migjid Janraisig – the Avatlokitesvara – the Buddha of compassion.
    It is now a living monastery with 500 monks.
    Later drive to Gorkhi Terelj National Park located in the Khentii Mountain range – see the ‘Crawling Turtle Rock’
    On arrival we shall transfer to our luxury Alungoo Ger accommodation
    Horse riding and short walks in the alpine forest
    Overnight

    Day 03: Gorkhi Terelj Park/Nalaikh village/Ulanbataar
    Ulan Bataar/Irkutsk – Flt (Russia)
    morning we shall visit Nalaikh village known for its gold and coal mining. This is inhabited by Kazakh nationality we shall have the opportunity to visit a Kazakh family and see their daily life activities. We may see an eagle hunter for which Kazakhs are known after lunch with Kazakh family we shall return to Ulanbataar
    after short refreshment transfer to airport for flight to Irkutsk
    On arrival transfer to hotel
    Overnight

    Day 04: Irkutsk
    Morning transfer to airport for train to Baikal Lake – after arrival at Sludyanka, we shall take the famous Circum train ride along the coast of Baikal Lake. This is a picturesque ride as we travel and pass by interesting villages along the coastal areas with beautiful nature of the lake.
    You served lunch by our famous Babushkas
    We shall continue the slow and interesting journey through Siberian scenic views, often getting out at some important stations. On arrival at Port Baikal we shall take Ferry across Angara river to Listviyanka and return by coach to Irkutsk
    Overnight

    Day 05: Irkutsk
    Morning excursion to Ust Orda village – 76 kms to visit Buryat Countryside.
    We shall visit Buryat
    Ethnological museum and meet the Buryat Shaman
    Lunch in a traditional Buryat Eating place
    Later return to Irkutsk – visit Krestovosdvizhenskaya Church – known for its rare icons and shall also see the White House.
    Overnight

    Day 06: Irkutsk/Novosibirsk – Flt
    Novosibirsk/Astana – Flt (Kazakhstan)
    Transfer to airport for flight to Novosibirsk.
    On arrival in transit for flight to Astana
    On arrival transfer to hotel. 
    Evening we shall take an orientation tour of the Kazakh metropolis which is growing with great pace. The city has some remarkable architecture worth seeing
    Overnight

    Day 07: Astana/Almaty – Flt
    We shall spend the full day touring Astana and its environs – In the morning we shall make a short excursion to Alzhir Camp – the camp for the families of the convicted during the Stalin era.
    Later return to Astana and continue the sightseeing visit Khan Shutyr Conference hall, Palace of Peace and Concord, Baiterek Tower, Nur Sultan Mosque, KazGazMunai building
    later transfer to airport for flight to Almaty
    on arrival transfer to hotel.
    Overnight

    Day 08: Almaty
    Full day sightseeing tour of Almaty – we shall visit Panfilov Park, Holy Ascension Cathedral, Kazakh Musical instruments museum. Later visit the State Museum of History including the Golden room – where we can see different objects and buttons studded to the costume of a Warrior Prince or Princess – later we shall visit the Zeelyoni Bazar (Green Bazaar)
    Afterwards proceed to the Medeo – see the big skate rink
    Overnight

    Day 09: Almaty/Bishkek – Flt (Kyrgyzstan)
    Thu in the leisure morning we shall visit Koktyube – the pristine environs of Almaty as we drive upto The hillock that gives a panoramic view of the countryside with beautiful mountains around.
    We shall spend the morning with short stroll to see various view points.
    Later return to the town and transfer to airport for flight to Bishkek
    arrival and transfer to hotel.
    Overnight

    Day 10: Bishkek/Burana/Cholpon Ata (Issikul) – 311 kms
    Morning depart for Issikul – the second of largest high altitude lake after Lake Tictica.
    Enroute we shall make our first visit to Burana Tower – the ruins of a Caravan Town of KaraKhanid period 10th/11th AD was even dated as earlier as 7th AD when it was part of a Buddhist colony. We shall see a tower of brick architecture, the Turkic tombstones and small Archaeological museum nearby
    Later continue to Issikul and on arrival transfer to Kerven Resort by the lake

    Day 11: Issikul
    This will be an interesting day – after spending sometime by the beach side we shall proceed to a nearby Semenovka gorge to see a mock-up show of an Eagle Hunt
    Later continue to Tamchy Village to see local Horse Games
    The Winners will be presented with WILDERNESS Horse Trophy
    Overnight

    Day 12: Issikul/Tokmok/Bishkek – 275 kms
    Morning depart for Bishkek enroute we shall make stop at Tokmok village – See the animal market held every Sunday – this is a great sight see the locals haggling at prices selling their animals – horses, donkeys, cows and sheep
    Later we shall visit the local Mennonite Community which is living here over 100 years are of German origin.
    They were first brought during the Czarist time and came here as potato growers apart from other crops as well. The community has kept their Mennonite traditions till to date
    though many have left the country and have emigrated back to Germany.
    We shall visit a local Mennonite family and the Church
    Later continue to Bishkek and on arrival transfer to Hyatt Regency
    Overnight

    Day 13: Bishkek
    A leisure morning excursion to Alarcha Canyon with its pure alpine surroundings. We shall take short hikes in the valley and shall spend photographing the valley with beautiful views
    A special BBQ will be arranged at the local motel with soft and hard drinks
    Later return to Bishkek in the late afternoon
    Overnight

    Day 14: Bishkek/Tashkent – Flt (Uzbekistan)
    Morning sightseeing tour of Bishkek – we shall visit to see the change of the guards, the White House residence of the President, State Museum of History – see the Red Section of former Lenin Museum as it was known during the Soviet days. Later visit Manas monument and the Tsum super market
    Afterwards transfer to airport for flight to Tashkent.
    On arrival transfer to hotel.
    Overnight

    Day 15: Tashkent/Bukhara – Flt
    Morning flight to Bukhara and on arrival transfer to hotel. 
    Later we shall start our full day tour of Bukhara visiting the main highlights of the city.
    Overnight

    Day 16: Bukhara/Samarkand – 368 kms
    Morning short visit of Bukhara and later in the afternoon proceed to Samarkand with short stops enroute.
    On arrival transfer to hotel.
    Overnight

    Day 17: Samarkand
    Full day sightseeing tour of Samarkand visit the main highlights of the city
    Overnight

    Day 18: Samarkand/Tashkent – 330 kms
    Morning depart for Tashkent and on arrival transfer to Hyatt Regency or Lotte
    Afternoon sightseeing tour of Tashkent – we shall visit the Old City see Hast Imam complex, Kafelsashi mausoleum.
    Later visit Barak Khana the seat of the grand mufti of Tashkent. We will have the chance of seeing the oldest copy of holy Koran written by the second caliph of Islam.
    Later proceed to Chorsu bazaar – see folks buying an selling their daily products with a colorful atmosphere.
    Later we shall visit Kukeldesh madrassah lying on the crossroad of the Great Silk Road.
    Later proceed to Akbar’s potter House, the city center, Museum of Applied Arts, Navoi Theatre and the park
    Farewell dinner at local restaurant
    Overnight

    Day 19: Tashkent/Depart - Flt
    Morning depart for Tashkent and on arrival direct transfer to airport for your departure flight
    Assistance on departure
  • Details
    Details of itinerary & map
    Day 01: Arrive Ulaan Baatar – Flight (Mongolia)
    Meeting on arrival assistance and transfer to hotel.
    Afternoon sightseeing tour of Ulaan Bataar
    tour of Ulaan Bataar to start with a visit of Sukhbaatar Square – the central point of the district is the oldest part of the city. We shall see the Parliament building , National Opera, Cultural Palace and the House of City Council. Later proceed to Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view of the Capital. Afterwards visit Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum – Bogd Khan was celebrated spiritual leader of Mongolia - Jebtsundamba Khutuktus – the Holy Venerable Lord.
    We shall see the stone age period exhibits, Bronze age, Turkic and Mongol Empire periods, the rise of Buddhism in Mongolia was effected by the affluent Yellow Sect preaching. Also see a Royal Ger made of snow leopard skins.
    Evening we shall visit a Theatre to see traditional folk songs, throat singing and ethnic dances
    Overnight

    Ulaan Bataar: The Mongolia’s capital city was founded in 1639 as a monastic establishment with very nomadic character. Only in the late 18th century it was a settled capital when permanent houses and buildings were started. The site goes back to Paleolithic periods as remains of stone age tools and hunting implements were found at the site whereas bones of animals like mammoth and hairy rhinoceros were found on the site. Bronze period red ochre paintings are found in Ike Tenger Gorge of mount Bogd Khan Ulul which could be viewed from the city. Xiongnu tombs about 2000 years were found on the territory of Ulaan Bataar. Xiongnu were a fierce nomadic tribe raided frequently the Chinese territories which prompted the Chinese emperor ordering the building of the Great Wall. The era of nomadic empires starts in 209 BC and continues till the rise of Mongol power in 1206 AD. This was the greatest period of invasions which began with collection of various Mongol tribes into one federation that changed the history of the world and whose shadows could now be seen in present day Central Asia and beyond.

    Day 02: Gandan Monastery & Gorkhi Terelj National Park
    We shall take a long day excursion to the Gandan monastery dates to 19th century survived the purges of communist era when it was turned into a museum – see the impressive 26.5 mtr gold plated statue of Buddha - Migjid Janraisig – the Avatlokitesvara – the Buddha of compassion.
    It is now a living monastery with 500 monks.
    Later drive to Gorkhi Terelj National Park located in the Khentii Mountain range – see the ‘Crawling Turtle Rock’
    On arrival we shall transfer to our luxury Alungoo Ger accommodation
    Horse riding and short walks in the alpine forest
    Overnight

    Day 03: Gorkhi Terelj Park/Nalaikh village/Ulanbataar
    Ulan Bataar/Irkutsk – Flt (Russia)
    morning we shall visit Nalaikh village known for its gold and coal mining. This is inhabited by Kazakh nationality we shall have the opportunity to visit a Kazakh family and see their daily life activities. We may see an eagle hunter for which Kazakhs are known after lunch with Kazakh family we shall return to Ulanbataar
    after short refreshment transfer to airport for flight to Irkutsk
    On arrival transfer to hotel
    Overnight

    Day 04: Irkutsk
    Morning transfer to airport for train to Baikal Lake – after arrival at Sludyanka, we shall take the famous Circum train ride along the coast of Baikal Lake. This is a picturesque ride as we travel and pass by interesting villages along the coastal areas with beautiful nature of the lake.
    You served lunch by our famous Babushkas
    We shall continue the slow and interesting journey through Siberian scenic views, often getting out at some important stations. On arrival at Port Baikal we shall take Ferry across Angara river to Listviyanka and return by coach to Irkutsk
    Overnight

    Baikal Lake:
    Lake Baikal is one of the oldest and deepest lake in the world. The environment of the lake has been pronounced as World Heritage site. Located in the south of Siberia in Russia between Buryat Republic and the Irkutsk region. It is one of the biggest fresh water lake containing 20% of the world’s fresh water resource. The lake emerged due to tectonic activity at an altitude of 1642m it is the deepest and clearest of water body of earth. Estimated at 25 million years of age, Lake Baikal is the oldest lake of the world. The shape of the lake like a crescent containing 1700 species of plants and animals, two thirds of which can nowhere be found elsewhere in the world. On of the oldest of Mongol tribes, Buryat have their habitat around the lake raring goats and sheep, camels and cows. The temperature varies from -19C in winter to +14C in summer.
    In 1643 Kurbat Ivanov was the first Russian explorer to record this water body. The earliest historical records of the Chinese historical annals mention this as North Sea. It was Xiongnu territory as mentioned by the Chinese. Since the conquest of Siberia by the Russians in 1628 to 1658, the Baikal region was a constant home for many explorers doing research work. There were also times of turmoil in 1634 when the Buryats attacked a small township of Bratsk and killed its habitants burnt the bodies of Cossacks along with their muskets not knowing the usage of arms caused the guns to go off, killing few people, thinking that Russians were still fighting while dead.
    Apart from exploration of the lake, Russians have also been exploring the region for minerals.
    There has been growing concern on the ecological importance of the lake and many projects which may cause damages have since been avoided to keep the natural aspect of the lake as much as possible. The Baikal Research Center has undertaken many environmental and educational projects of the Lake. The recent researches are based on more modern technology being used by the scientists of Russia and other parts of the world. In July 2008, MIR-1 and MIR-2 descended to the bottom of the lake for geological and botanical research.
    Lake Baikal is rich in bio-diversity, it holds 1085 species of plants and 1550 species of animals. More than 80% of the animals are endemic Epischura baikalensis and zooplankton species dominates 80-90% of the total biomass. One of the only fresh water seal in the world, Baikal Seal (pusa sibirica) is found throughout the lake. A small fast moving endemic salmon (Coregonus autumnalis migratorius) is found mostly as the best smoked fish being sold around the lake. The noted Baikal oil fish are (Comephorus baicalensis and Comephorus dybowskii) There is another fast moving salmon (Thymallus arcticus baicalensis), the Baikal sturgeon (Asipenser baerri baicalensis), the lake also has endemic fauna of invertebrates among them turbellarian worms, snails and amphipod crustaceans. The watershed of Baikal has numerous flora species.
    A more detailed report on the flora and fauna of Baikal could always be seen in separate report on request.

    Circum Baikal Railway:
    This was initially constructed as part of Trans-Siberian line but later an alternate line was built to cater for Baikal Lake only. The Trans Siberian Railway was divided into seven sections and one of the section running from Irkutsk to Babushkin was the one for Baikal Lake projects only. The railway works was carried from 1899-1905 and is regarded is an engineering feat of railway history. Many bridges were built on the rivulets that gushed during spring season. Despite the difficulties of the terrain negotiating the slopes 270 to 400 m above lake waters was one of the difficult tasks in the making of this rail road. There are 38 tunnels and to meet any possible rise in the water level of the lake the height of the railway road was kept at 5.33 mtrs. The difficult terrain causing access problems, except for stones, the major construction material was hauled in winter time over the snow carts. The laborers suffered the extremities of weather conditions hottest and coldest periods. The Circum Railway was called the “golden buckle on the steel belt of Russia”
    The railway track had undergone many disruptions owing to landslides, earthquake and falling stones. Presently Circum Baikal Railway covers 89 kms covering the route of Slyudyanka-2-Kultuk-Maritui-Baikal. The 38 tunnels cover a total of 9063 mts, 248 bridges and 268 retaining walls. The Circum-Baikal from route Baikal Station to Kultuk Station is the most scenic part and is declared as an ‘architectural and scenic reserve’ of the Lake. Along this part various research stations are located.

    Day 05: Irkutsk
    Morning excursion to Ust Orda village – 76 kms to visit Buryat Countryside.
    We shall visit Buryat
    Ethnological museum and meet the Buryat Shaman
    Lunch in a traditional Buryat Eating place
    Later return to Irkutsk – visit Krestovosdvizhenskaya Church – known for its rare icons and shall also see the White House.
    Overnight

    Buryats:
    Buryat is one of the major Mongol group spread in the north and constitutes the largest ethnic group in Siberia numbering about 500,000 and are presently federal subjects of Russia. They are one of the largest Mongol ethnic tribe involved in herding since centuries. Majority of Buryats live in Ulan Ude the bordering region with Mongolia and have similar customs like their cousins in Mongolia mainland. The Secret History of Mongols mentions Jochi, the eldest son of Genghis Khan subjugated Buryats in 1207. Buryats lived along the Angara river and its tributaries. Buryats
    are subdivided in smaller clans like Bargas and Khori-Tumad living along Arig river in eastern Khavsgol Province and the Angara. In 1217 Genghis Khan’s viceroy seized 30 Tumad maidens causing rebellion by Tumad tribe which was curbed by his commander Dorbei with fierce fighting. This caused Buryats joining Oirats challenging the Eastern Mongols.
    Buryats were subjects of Khalkha Mongols who were the real owners of regions around Baikal Lake. When the Russians invaded Baikal regions they found Buryats divided into smaller groups speaking a Mongol dialect and paying tribute to Khalkhas. Buryats kept on inter-mixing with other sub groups of Mongol-Turkic origins. After the invasion of Russians by these regions Buryats were divided and cut off from mainland Mongolia becoming subjects of Imperial Russia.
    Buryats practice Tibetan form of Lamaism apart from some practicing Shamanism But soon after Russification of the region they were divided following Buddhist and Christian faiths.

    Day 06: Irkutsk/Novosibirsk – Flt
    Novosibirsk/Astana – Flt (Kazakhstan)
    Transfer to airport for flight to Novosibirsk.
    On arrival in transit for flight to Astana
    On arrival transfer to hotel. 
    Evening we shall take an orientation tour of the Kazakh metropolis which is growing with great pace. The city has some remarkable architecture worth seeing
    Overnight

    Day 07: Astana/Almaty – Flt
    We shall spend the full day touring Astana and its environs – In the morning we shall make a short excursion to Alzhir Camp – the camp for the families of the convicted during the Stalin era.
    Later return to Astana and continue the sightseeing visit Khan Shutyr Conference hall, Palace of Peace and Concord, Baiterek Tower, Nur Sultan Mosque, KazGazMunai building
    later transfer to airport for flight to Almaty
    on arrival transfer to hotel.
    Overnight

    Alzhir Camp:
    This is situated in the outskirts of Astana was the place in those days of secluded and far off place from mainland population. It was one of the Gulags which were set up during the Stalin era where condemned people or ‘enemies of the people’ were sent to extreme labor camps. Alzhir was for the families of the convicted who came here in a secluded environment where rigors of harsh weather took its toll on many who died here due hunger and disease. We can visit the camp today where a monument to the victims of purges can be seen as the ‘Arch of Sorrow’ a museum depicting pictures of the camp and things and belongings of the people from the camp. Even an old wagon used for hauling the people can be seen on the site.

    Day 08: Almaty
    Full day sightseeing tour of Almaty – we shall visit Panfilov Park, Holy Ascension Cathedral, Kazakh Musical instruments museum. Later visit the State Museum of History including the Golden room – where we can see different objects and buttons studded to the costume of a Warrior Prince or Princess – later we shall visit the Zeelyoni Bazar (Green Bazaar)
    Afterwards proceed to the Medeo – see the big skate rink
    Overnight

    Day 09: Almaty/Bishkek – Flt (Kyrgyzstan)
    Thu in the leisure morning we shall visit Koktyube – the pristine environs of Almaty as we drive upto The hillock that gives a panoramic view of the countryside with beautiful mountains around.
    We shall spend the morning with short stroll to see various view points.
    Later return to the town and transfer to airport for flight to Bishkek
    arrival and transfer to hotel.
    Overnight

    Day 10: Bishkek/Burana/Cholpon Ata (Issikul) – 311 kms
    Morning depart for Issikul – the second of largest high altitude lake after Lake Tictica.
    Enroute we shall make our first visit to Burana Tower – the ruins of a Caravan Town of KaraKhanid period 10th/11th AD was even dated as earlier as 7th AD when it was part of a Buddhist colony. We shall see a tower of brick architecture, the Turkic tombstones and small Archaeological museum nearby
    Later continue to Issikul and on arrival transfer to Kerven Resort by the lake

    Cruise on Lake Issikul: Issikul as the name goes is a warm water lake and the second high altitude lake in the world. This is largest water body in the region. The northern part of the lake is studded with lakeside resorts which existed during the Soviet days but some modern have been added now. It is surrounded by Tienshan mountains which add to the beauty of the lake
    We shall take a cruise on the lake in the sun setting views – This will a Cocktail party with local folk music presentation onboard.

    Day 11: Issikul
    This will be an interesting day – after spending sometime by the beach side we shall proceed to a nearby Semenovka gorge to see a mock-up show of an Eagle Hunt
    Later continue to Tamchy Village to see local Horse Games
    The Winners will be presented with WILDERNESS Horse Trophy
    Overnight

    Day 12: Issikul/Tokmok/Bishkek – 275 kms
    Morning depart for Bishkek enroute we shall make stop at Tokmok village – See the animal market held every Sunday – this is a great sight see the locals haggling at prices selling their animals – horses, donkeys, cows and sheep
    Later we shall visit the local Mennonite Community which is living here over 100 years are of German origin.
    They were first brought during the Czarist time and came here as potato growers apart from other crops as well. The community has kept their Mennonite traditions till to date
    though many have left the country and have emigrated back to Germany.
    We shall visit a local Mennonite family and the Church
    Later continue to Bishkek and on arrival transfer to Hyatt Regency
    Overnight

    Day 13: Bishkek
    A leisure morning excursion to Alarcha Canyon with its pure alpine surroundings. We shall take short hikes in the valley and shall spend photographing the valley with beautiful views
    A special BBQ will be arranged at the local motel with soft and hard drinks
    Later return to Bishkek in the late afternoon
    Overnight

    Day 14: Bishkek/Tashkent – Flt (Uzbekistan)
    Morning sightseeing tour of Bishkek – we shall visit to see the change of the guards, the White House residence of the President, State Museum of History – see the Red Section of former Lenin Museum as it was known during the Soviet days. Later visit Manas monument and the Tsum super market
    Afterwards transfer to airport for flight to Tashkent.
    On arrival transfer to hotel.
    Overnight

    Day 15: Tashkent/Bukhara – Flt
    Morning flight to Bukhara and on arrival transfer to hotel. 
    Later we shall start our full day tour of Bukhara visiting the main highlights of the city.
    Overnight

    Bukhara
    Bukhara was the first oasis which caught the eyes of invading Arab armies to explore and expand into the heartland of Central Asia. The ancient town of Bukhara goes back in the history to more than 2500 years and kept exchanging hands from one ruler to another. It was one of the important towns of the caravan countries and was the richest of the Transoxiana countries.
    It kept changing its seat from the early Persians down to the Turkic heathen tribes and remained as the master of the lands. The last of the powerful Turkic ruler, Bukhara Khudat was killed by the Arab invaders thereby replacing its rulers and converting the locals to Islamic faith.
    Bukhara continued to flourish as an important trading center before the caravans continued to the Persian empire’s mainland where the rich commodity was sold out. It became a powerful Khanate in the region when the remnants of Genghezid rulers started bifurcating their lands into several ruling states more known as the Khanates. Bukhara remained in the hands of Sheybanid rulers and later into the hands of their splinter groups till the annexation of its territories by the expanding Russian rule. With changing of fortunes in the imperial Russia, Bukhara too was effected and the last ruler had to escape to Afghanistan leaving the state into the hands of Bolsheviks. The last Emir of Bukhara suffered humility at the hands of the Great Game players he saw these enemies vying for power at his court till the imperial Russians succeeded in reducing the emir to a mere pawn in their hands.
    Buildings, madrassahs, the mosques and the covered bazaars keep Bukhara as an oldest living city of the caravan days

    Day 16: Bukhara/Samarkand – 368 kms
    Morning short visit of Bukhara and later in the afternoon proceed to Samarkand with short stops enroute.
    On arrival transfer to hotel.
    Overnight

    Day 17: Samarkand
    Full day sightseeing tour of Samarkand visit the main highlights of the city
    Overnight

    Samarkand:
    The Jewel city of the Silk Road – Samarkand has always been praised for its beautiful gardens and richness. Samarkand was admired and prized by the invaders who always wanted this city as part of their empire. The important town of a once prosperous Sogdiana served as the major halting station for caravans of the Great Silk Road whose impacts could be seen in the great archaeological finds – the murals, the statues and other objects.
    Everyone who passed by the city talks of its greatness – Alexander the Great fought with the last of its ruler and the legend says that he got his beautiful wife ‘Roxane’ from Samarkand. Marco Polo talks of its booming trade and gardens, Tamerlane made Samarkand as his capital and called it as the “capital of the world” The changed life of Tamerlane found solace in his beautiful gardens in the company of his favorite grand daughter and poetess! Zebunnisa Begum
    Our tour of Samarkand ravels the beautiful monuments – The madrassah complex of Registan a fascinating square with three madrassahs.
    We continue visiting other monuments of Timurid period and should never miss the old site of Afrosiab which goes back in our historic times.

    Day 18: Samarkand/Tashkent – 330 kms
    Morning depart for Tashkent and on arrival transfer to Hyatt Regency or Lotte
    Afternoon sightseeing tour of Tashkent – we shall visit the Old City see Hast Imam complex, Kafelsashi mausoleum.
    Later visit Barak Khana the seat of the grand mufti of Tashkent. We will have the chance of seeing the oldest copy of holy Koran written by the second caliph of Islam.
    Later proceed to Chorsu bazaar – see folks buying an selling their daily products with a colorful atmosphere.
    Later we shall visit Kukeldesh madrassah lying on the crossroad of the Great Silk Road.
    Later proceed to Akbar’s potter House, the city center, Museum of Applied Arts, Navoi Theatre and the park
    Farewell dinner at local restaurant
    Overnight

    Tashkent
    The capital city of Uzbekistan commonly known as the city of fountains and well planned city structure after the devastated earthquake of 1966. Tashkent lies on the vicinities of an old habitation known as ‘Chach’ was on the routes of caravans. The city’s main habitation started after the sack by the Mongolid hordes and then during the reign of Tamerlane was an important town under his domination. Later it continued into the hands of several dynasties but the final rulers were the Chagatai Khans. Younis Khan ruled as a powerful king of the region.
    Babur during his migrations out of Andijan came to Younis Khan who happen to be his maternal grandfather helped in organizing his army marching to Samarkand.
    The modern city of Tashkent offers a variety of important buildings that signify the new Republic of Uzbekistan. An effort is being made to make Tashkent as the economic hub of Central Asia whereby to play an important role in the region. We shall never miss the beautiful metro network with interesting metro stations constructed during the last days of Soviet Union
    We shall spend a busy day in exploring the historical and cultural aspect of Tashkent

    Day 19: Tashkent/Depart - Flt
    Morning depart for Tashkent and on arrival direct transfer to airport for your departure flight
    Assistance on departure
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