Author Archives: SamariaTravel

UZBEKISTAN & THE SILK ROAD

TRIP OVERWIEW

The journey starts with the famous old cities of Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Samarkand. For a long time these cities belonged to Amir Temur (in Europe known as Tamerlane). Memorable part of the journey are high minarets, blue domes, madrassahs, mosques, mausoleums, eastern markets, legends, the hospitality of the population and their tradition.

ITINERARY & DETAILS

Day 1: Tashkent

Arrival in Tashkent. Met in front of the arrival building of the airport by an English speaking guide and transfer to the hotel in Tashkent city.

Check in at the hotel and free time till 12 o’clock.

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and has approximately 3 million inhabitants. The city is located in the north eastern part of the republic, in the valley where the river Chirchik is located. In the North of Tashkent the snow-covered tops of Big and Small Chimgan mountain  can be seen. Tashkent is the fourth largest in the Commonwealth of Independent States after Moscow, St Petersburg and Kiev.

Afternoon tour of the old city stopping at Khazrati Imom Complex (XVI-XX centuries) the historical spiritual heart of the city (consists of functioning Friday mosque “Khazrati Imom Mosque” from 2007, Barak-Khan Madrassa from XVI-XVIII centuries—present-day serving as shopping place, Tellya Sheikh Mosque from XIX century, Muyi Moborak Library— holds rare Oriental manuscripts collection, among which the world-famous Caliph Osman-Koran from the VII century and the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Mohammed Kaffal Shashi, the first Koran preachers of Central Asia, who was also a famous scientist), the market Chorsu (“four roads” in Uzbek, the commercial heart of the city and has been for hundreds of years), and metro riding (the only Central Asian Underground, built in 1977).

Meals:

Day 2: Tashkent-Urgench-Xiva

Transfer to the airport of Tashkent and flight to Urgench (takes a 1-hour). Transfer from Urgench to Khiva (35 km, takes 45 minutes). Transfer to the hotel and enjoy with welcome drink (check in time at the hotel after 2 pm) and start to explore Ichan Kala (“Inner Fortress” in Uzbek).

After lunch check in at the hotel.

Meals: B/–/–

Day 3: Xiva

Full-day tour in Ichan Kala. The feeling in Inner Fortress transfers people into the past in a city with narrow lanes, low houses, mosques, mausoleums and madrassahs.

 Meals: B/–/–

Day 4: Xiva-Bukhara (470 km, takes more than 7 hours)

Transfer to Bukhara by couch crossing the river Amu Darya (in the antique called Oxus) and the desert Kizilkum.

Meals: B/–/–

Day 5: Bukhara

Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities in Uzbekistan with over 2500 years old.

Excursion starts with Ismail Samaniy mausoleum (IX-X centuries), the mausoleum of Chashmai Ayub (“Prophet Job”), functioning mosque Bolo Hauz (XVII century), the Citadel Ark (I-XX centuries) and Poi Kalon complex (“The foot of tall” in Uzbek) from XII-XVI centuries.

Meals: B/–/–

Meals: B/–/–

Day 7: Bukhara-Shakhrisabz-Samarkand (280 km+160 km, first part of journey from Bukhara till Shakhrisabz takes more than 4 hours and the second part from Shakhrisabz till Samarkand takes 2 hours 30 minutes)

Transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz, birthplace of Amir Temur (“the green city” in Uzbek). The old part of Shakhrisabz city has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and contains  an exceptional collection of monuments, including Ak Saray Palace (“a white palace” in Uzbek) built in 1380-1404, the complex of Dor-us Siyadat (“place of sadness” in Uzbek) from XIV century and Dor-ut Tilavat (“place of praying” In Uzbek) from XIV-XV centuries.

After sightseeing in Shakhrisabz continue to drive to Samarkand.

Meals: B/–/–

Day 8: Samarkand

Samarkand is one of the world’s oldest cities, located in the very centre of Uzbekistan.

Excurtion in the city starts with famous Registan square (“sandy place” in Uzbek) from XV-XVII centuries, Bibi Hanim mosque XV century and local Siab market (“black river” in Uzbek).

Meals: B/–/–

Day 9: Samarkand

Continue the tour in Samarkand. Visit Konigil paper factory, the Ulugbek Observatory (XV century), the museum of Afrasiab (the history museum of Samarkand and the highlight of this place is the original frescos of Turk Khanate “Turk kingdom” from VII century). The complex Shahi Zinda (“alive king” in Uzbek) from XII-XX centuries, visit a silk carpet factory and the Gur-Amir mausoleum (“the tomb of the king” in Uzbek) from XV century.

Meals: B/–/–

Day 10: Samarkand-Tashkent (by bus 290 km)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Tashkent by bus (290 km, takes 5 hours). Arrival in Tashkent and check in at the hotel. Walking and enjoying the Tashkent squares and streets. Dinner in local restaurant and the rest at the hotel. 

Meals: B/–/–

Day 11: Tashkent

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport.

Meals: B/–/–

You can write us which cities you want to visit and on your interests we can arrange private day tours or multi-day trips in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan customized tours

The Republic of Uzbekistan, the “land of the Uzbeks”, located in the heart of Central Asia, borders with five countries –Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the east, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south and Turkmenistan to the southwest. There are two countries in the world namely Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein being the only double landlocked. The total population of Uzbekistan is 36 million (equivalent to 0.42% of the total world population). For the comparison the population of neighboring countries:

Kazakhstan 20 million;

Kyrgyzstan 7 million;

Tajikistan 10 million;

Afghanistan 40 million;

Turkmenistan 6,5 million.

Four cities of Uzbekistan are included in UNESCO world heritage and they are:

 Historic Centre of Bukhara (1993)

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (2000)

Itchan Kala (1990)

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures (2001)

You can write us which cities you want to visit and on your interests we can arrange private day tours or multi-day trips in Uzbekistan.

Note: Feel free to customize this tour based on your interests.

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Uzbekistan’s MUSLIM SACRED PLACES 13 Days

Overview

The amazing Thirteen-Day religious tour in Uzbekistan will introduce you less touristy, yet very interesting and significant holy places. You will visit Zangiata mausoleum in Tashkent, who was Muslim holy sheykh Ay-Khodja lived in XIII century. This place is now a popular pilgrimage destination for people from many countries. You will also visit the Meseum of Oriental manuscripts collection, among which the world’s oldest Koran, which was produced just 19 years after the death of Mohammed called Caliph Osman-Koran from the VII century which is written in a vellum. In Samarkand you will visit patron saint, Kussam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed who came to convert Zoroastrian Sogdiana to Islam. You will also visit Complex of Imam al Bukhari, the religious leader, the famous theologian, the hadith collector (Hadith – the science of Hadith, reports about the sayings and deeds of Prophet Muhammad) and the author of the second most important book of the Muslims after the Koran “Al-Jomiy al-Saheeh”(“Secure book “). In Termez you will visit Sufi Abu Abdullah Mohammed ibn Ali at Termezi, nicknamed “Al Hakkim” (the wise), was a ninth century Sufic, jurist, mystic and author who lived and received his pupils in Old Termez. In Bukhara you will do the pilgrimage to the holy places of Sufism and pay a visit to the burial places of Seven Sufi Saints, including the mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshband, the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. In Khiva you will visit the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum (also known as Palvan Pir) marks final resting place of Pahlavan Mahmud, wrestler, poet and furrier who unexpectedly became a revered saint.

ITINERARY & DETAILS

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent

Arrival in Tashkent. Met in front of the arrival building of the airport by an English speaking guide and transfer to the hotel in Tashkent city. Free time for rest after flight.

Day 2: Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and has approximately 3 million inhabitants. The city is located in the north eastern part of the republic, in the valley where the river Chirchik is located. In the North of Tashkent the snow-covered tops of Big and Small Chimgan mountain  can be seen. Tashkent is the fourth largest in the Commonwealth of Independent States after Moscow, St Petersburg and Kiev.

Visiting sights:

Zengi Ata Mausoleum— the complex 12 kilometers south of Tashkent ranks among the holiest sites in the province. Zengi Ata, or “Dark Father”, was dark-skinned Sheikh Ay Khodja, a XIII century Sufic preacher and patron saint of shepherds.

Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)—is one of the largest square in the city. It is packed with monuments and fountains, and the most important monument is the golden globe representing the independence of Uzbekistan and a mother with a child in her arms. One of the interesting corner of the square is Crying Mother Statue devoted to the honor of 430,000 Uzbek soldiers who died in the World War II.

Amir Timur Square, the centre of the modern city, is green space with plenty of flowers and fountains. The square covers the most important buildings both political and cultural. In the middle of the square is the statue of Amir Timur (known in Europe as Tamerlane) on horseback, hotel “Uzbekistan” which was built in 1974, University of Law (former Women’s Gymnasium), Museum of Amir Timur, well-known Tashkent Clock Towers (the first tower was constructed in 1947 to house the clock mechanism from Eastern Prussia, a war trophy brought back to Tashkent by watchmaker Ayzenshteyn), and Uzbekistan Forums Palace.

Day 3: Tashkent-Termez (flight)

Termez is the southern part of Uzbekistan and its history stretches back some 2,500 years. A Graeco-Bactrian city, it thrived financially, culturally and spiritually at the meeting point of Mediterranean, Indian, Persian, Chinese and central Asian civilizations.

Visiting sights:

Sufi Abu Abdullah Mohammed ibn Ali at Termezi, nicknamed “Al Hakkim” (the wise), was a ninth century Sufic, jurist, mystic and author who lived and received his pupils in Old Termez.

Sultan Saodat complex— formed between X-XVII centuries, the family necropolis of the Termez Sayyids, supposed descendants of Ali.

Mausoleum Of Khoja Isa Mohammed Imam Termezi the religious leader, he travelled across the Islamic world for 30 years collecting sayings of the Prophet to contribute to the Hadith, the holiest book after the Qu’ran.

Day 4: Termez— Shakhrisabz—Samarkand

Transfer to Samarkand via Shakhrisabz, birthplace of Amir Temur (“the green city” in Uzbek). The old part of Shakhrisabz city has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and contains  an exceptional collection of monuments, including:

Ak Saray Palace (“a white palace” in Uzbek) built in 1380-1404,

The complex of Dor-us Siyadat (“place of sadness” in Uzbek) from XIV century

Dor-ut Tilavat (“place of praying” In Uzbek) from XIV-XV centuries.

After sightseeing in Shakhrisabz continue to drive to Samarkand.

Day 5: Samarkand

Samarkand, one of the most ancient cities of the world, a contemporary of the Rome, Athens and Babylon, has a 2750-year-old history. “The Mirror of the World”, “The Garden of the Soul”, “The Jewel of Islam”, “The Precious Pearl of the Moslem World” are some the names given to this unique city. In ancient Greece, this city was known as Marakanda.

Visiting sights:

Makhdumi Azam complex— built in the period of XVI-XIX centuries. The complex is located 12 kilometers north of Samarkand, one of the present cities of Uzbekistan. His full name is Said Jaloliddin Kosoniy (Said Ahmadkhuja) and was born in 1461, who was devout follower of Bukhara’s Naqshbandi and died in 1542 aged 81.

Imam Mohammed Al-Bukhari Mausoleum— after the Koran, the book most revered by Muslims is “Al-Jome as-sahih” the collection of Hadith (words, actions and habits of the Prophet Mohammed) selected by, amongs others, Abu Abdullah Mohammed ibn Ismail Imam Al Bukhari. He was born in 810 in Bukhara, one the present cities in Uzbekistan. At the age of 16 he made pilgrimage to Mecca and then Al Bukhari was set on his chosen task of roaming the Islamic world in search of Hadith. His book “Al-Jome As-sahih (Secure book)” took 16 years to compile from over 600,000 traditions, gathered from over 1000 sheikhs.

Note: Right now in the complex of Imam al-Bukhari restoration works going on. The guests can visit the complex on the side not entering inside of it, sitting in the special place for visitors which is 50 meters away from the Al-Bukhari’s tomb where Imam of the mosque recite Sura from the Koran and also new mosque of the complex is planned to be ready the end of 2024.

Day 6: Samarkand

Visiting sights:

Observatory of Ulugbek (the Astronomer King, the author of astronomic tables known throughout the world), Temur’s grandson, who was both an eminent ruler and scholar.

Shahi Zinda Complex— translates as “alive king” and it is a reference to Samarkand’s patron saint, Kussam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed who came to convert Zoroastrian Sogdiana to Islam. The Complex built in the period of XII-XX centuries.Burial place of royal persons and nobles. One of the most spiritual place in Uzbekistan.

Bibi Hanim mosque XV century

Siab market (“black river” in Uzbek).

Day 7: Samarkand—Bukhara (by driving takes 5 hours)

Bukhara, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, has a 2500-year-old history. Bumichkat “New Castle”, Al Madina as-sufriyya “Copper City”, Madinat at-tujjor “City of Traders”, Foxira “Honorable City” are some the names given to this unique city.

Visiting sights:

Gijduvan is a town which is located 45 km north-eastern of Bukhara. Since ancient times Gijduvan has been known as a craft and trade centre. The incredibly beautiful and truly unique ceramics is a special pride of the town.

Pottery workshop—the family of Alisher Narzullayev is the sixth generation has been making pots in the town of Gijduvan. The guests have a chance to learn more about Gijduvan school of pottery and have guided tour in the pottery centre. This school makes tea cups, bowls and dishes in traditional floral designs of local browns and yellows. 

Naqshbandi Sufism complex— Islamic saint Bakhauddin Naqshband, the famous Asian philosopher and Sufi, the founder of a Sufi order which was later named Naqshbandi, lived in XIV century. He became patron saint and the complex is the holiest site in Bukhara. He made 32 times the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and local people consider this place as little Mecca. Pilgrimages are made to this place from all over the world.

Day 8: Bukhara

Visiting sights:

Today In Bukhara you will do the pilgrimage to the holy places of Sufism and pay a visit to the burial places of Sufi Saints.

Day 9: Bukhara

Visiting sights:

Ismail Samaniy mausoleum (IX-X centuries)

The mausoleum of Chashmai Ayub (“Prophet Job”)

Functioning mosque Bolo Hauz (XVII century)

The Citadel Ark (I-XX centuries)

Poi Kalon complex (“The foot of tall” in Uzbek) from XII-XVI centuries.

Day 10: Bukhara—Khiva (by driving takes 7 hours)

Khiva, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, has a 2500-year-old history. Khizauv “Fort”, Kheykanik (the name of canal which run in the area), Kheykanik, Kheyvak and Khiva are some the names given to this unique city.

Day 11: Khiva

Visiting sights:

Today you will discover ICHAN QALA (Inner Fortress). The feeling in Inner Fortress transfers people into the past in a city with narrow lanes, low houses, mosques, mausoleums and madrassahs.

Day 12: Khiva—Tashkent (flight)

Visiting sights:

Khazrati Imom Complex (XVI-XX centuries) the historical spiritual heart of the city (consists of functioning Friday mosque “Khazrati Imom Mosque” from 2007, Barak-Khan Madrassa from XVI-XVIII centuries—present-day serving as shopping place, Tellya Sheikh Mosque from XIX century, Muyi Moborak Library— holds rare Oriental manuscripts collection, among which the world-famous Caliph Osman-Koran from the VII century and the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Mohammed Kaffal Shashi, the first Koran preachers of Central Asia, who was also a famous scientist).

Muyi Moborak Library— means “the sacred hair”, a reference to a holy hair of the Prophet Mohammed. This museum holds rare Oriental manuscripts collection, among which the world’s oldest Koran, which was produced just 19 years after the death of Mohammed called Caliph Osman-Koran from the VII century which is written in a vellum. This Koran is one of four copies made shortly after the Caliph’s death and was brought to Uzbekistan by Amir Temur (in Europe known as Tamerlane).

Day 13: Tashkent (flight home) Transfer to the airport

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Spring Festival Navruz in Uzbekistan

Navruz, “New Day” in Persian, is a spring festival, celebrated in many countries around the world. In Uzbekistan, Navruz is celebrated on March 21^st and is considered a very special day of the year.

The spring equinox, which usually occurs on this day, marks the beginning of spring, thus the “New Year” in the Northern Hemisphere. The people of Uzbekistan look forward to enjoying this spring scenery and celebrating traditional Navruz holiday.

Culinary delights specific for this holiday. Halisa (Halim) and Sumalyak are served alongside other specialties.

Halisa (Halim)—a type of porridge made from wheat and meat.

Sumalyak—it is a slightly tart, sweet dish with a puree-like consistency made from sprouted whet, flour and oil. During the process of cooking sumalyak, small pebbles and walnuts are thrown into the kazan (pot). It is believed that if you get a stone in your portion of sumalyak, your wish will come true.

Usually, sumalyak is cooked 24 hours, accompanied with music and dances all night long. The tradition is to share it amongst relatives and neighbours in the morning.

Sumalyak is boiled in a large kettle over a fire. On the eve of the holiday guests, children and relatives gather in a yard to celebrate the holiday.

The preparation for sumalyak begins in advance. In March, the period when wheat is sown, wheat starts growing in the countryside. By Navruz, when everything is ready, the taste of the dish depends on these wheat spouts.

According to a legend, the origin of sumalyak goes far back in time. Forty angels helped a poor woman to cook a dish from sprouted wheat, which she fed to her kids. Sumalyak turned out so delicious that the recipe spread throughout the world, and the dish was firmly established as a tradition in different cultures.

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