An excursion-historical tour passes along the territory of two modern countries: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It repeats the part of the way of Alexander’s Asian campaign. Using bulls’ skins, Alexander’s army had crossed Amudarya river and invaded the territory of Sogdiana (an interfluve of Amudarya and Sirdarya). It took three years for the forces of Alexander to conquest this region and suppress the often aroused rebellions. Here he had married a beautiful woman Roxana (the daughter of a local lord). Here, in mountain regions, for siege of the fortresses Alexander (first time in the world) had successfully practiced mountainous special troops. During his campaign he founded many settlements, including big towns. One of them is Alexandria Eshata (Distant) – a modern Khodjent. The tour is assigned for those who love history, ethnography and oriental exotic.
Tour program
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1
Arrival to Tashkent.
Arrival to Tashkent. Transfer to hotel. Rest.
2
Drive to Samarkand.
After breakfast drive to Samarkand (300 km, 5 hrs). On arrival check in hotel & short rest. Afternoon sightseeing: Registan Square - the "heart" of Samarkand - ensemble of 3 majestic medreses (XIV-XVI c.c.) – Sherdor, Ulugbek and Tillya Qory, the grandiose cathedral Bibi-Khanum Mosque (XV c.), Gur-Emir Mausoleum (XV c.).
3
Continue of sightseeing in Samarkand.
After breakfast continue of sightseeing in Samarkand: Tamerlan’s grandson Ulugbek’s the well-known ruler and astronomer-scientist observatory (1420) - the ruins of an immense (30 m) astrolabe for observing stars position, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis (XI-XVIII cc), exotic Siab bazaar. After lunch transfer to Bukhara (300 km, 5 hrs).
4
Sightseeing in Bukhara.
Sightseeing in Bukhara: the heart of Bukhara – architectural complex Lyabi-Khauz (XIV-XVII cc), Kukeldash madrasah (XV c), Poi-Kalyan complex: minaret Kalyan (XII c), large Friday mosque Kalyan (XV c), stand madrasah Miri-Arab (XVI c), Samanids mausoleum (IX-X cc), Ark citadel (IV–XX cc) surrounded with large fortress wall, Chor-Minor – the original building of four minarets (XIX c). Hotel.
5
Continue sightseeing in Bukhara.
Continue sightseeing in Bukhara: Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa - summer residence of the Emir of Bukhara. The Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex - one of the founders of Sufism, which was created for five centuries. Necropolis of Sheikh Bahaaddin (Baha-ad-Din) Naqshbandi a patron of Bukhara, is located near to Bukhara. After lunch – transfer to Shakhrisabz (290 km, 4-5 hrs). Hotel.
6
Sightseeing in Shakhrisabz.
Sightseeing in Shakhrisabz: ruins of Ak-Saray Palace (1380-1404), Doruttilyavat Ensemble (ХIV-XV cc), Kok Gumbaz Mosque (1435), Jami Mosque (1915), Jakhongir Mausoleum (XIV c), Dorussiadat (XIVc). In the afternoon drive to Termez (340 km, 6 hrs). Hotel.
7
Sightseeing in Termez.
Sightseeing in Termez: Fayaz-tepe Buddhism Complex (I c.), ensemble of Sultan-Saodat Mausoleums with graves of aristocracy of Samanid period (IX - X cc.), Kyrk-Kyz Farmstead (IX - X cc), Mausoleum of Khakim al Termezi (748 – 869), Kampyr-Tepe ancient settlement (40 km from Termez), Jarkurgan village famous for its medieval minaret, local historical museum in Termez.
8
Transfer to Baysoon.
Transfer to Baysoon (150 km, 3 hrs). On the road excursion to 1000 years old Plane tree (chinara) in Sayrob settlement. Baysoon – the largest settlement, a regional centre, which is situated at the grand Ketmen-Chapti massif. The folk folklore of Baysoon is included by UNESCO to the list of masterpieces of non-material people world culture. Vissiting the traditional family crafts of making carpets, susane embroidery. Acquaintance with the way of life, traditions and culture of local people. Overnight in an Uzbek family.
9
Transfer Baysoon - Dushanbe.
Transfer Baysoon - Dushanbe (205 km, 5-6 hrs). Crossing Uzbek-Tajik border “Saryosiyo”. excursion along the city: Independence square, Samany monument – the founder of Tajik government, Rudaki avenue, an ancient museum with interesting collection of ancient artifact which includes the ceramic figure (13 m) of Buddha in nirvana (VII c.). Hotel.
10
Transfer to Margib village.
Transfer to Margib village (135 km, 3 hrs). Margib is ancient Tajik ethnic settlement in the valley of Yagnob river. The population consists of ethnic Tajiks. Hiking along the picturesque gorge near rocky massif Zamin-Karor, aquittance with local lifestyle. Overnight in traditional Tajik house.
11
Transfer to Iskanderkul.
Transfer to Iskanderkul, the biggest and the most beautiful lake of Fann mountains. Hiking around the lake and to the “Fann Niagara” – 40 meters high waterfall, flowing out from the lake. Picnic at the lake. After lunch – returning to Margib.
12
Transfer to Istravshan.
Transfer to Istravshan (Kiropol, Ura-Tyube) (150 km, 3 hrs). Excursion in Istravshan, founded by Persian King Kier in VIth c. B.C., old city, bazaar, Kok – Gumbaz mosque-medrese (XVI c.) Mug mountain.
13
Transfer to Khojent.
Transfer to Khojent (Alexandria Eshata) (80 km, 2 hrs). Excursion: Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mausoleum and Mosque (XIV-XIX c.c.), Payshhambe exotic bazaar, country estate of collective farm named after Urumkhodjaev (Tajik copy of the palace of Russian tsars in Petergof). Hotel.
14
Tranfer to Tashkent.
Tranfer to Tashkent (160 km, 3 hrs). Crossing the Tajik-Uzbek border “Oybek”. In the afternoon – excursion along Tashkent: Old city, Barak-Khan Madrassah (XVI c.), Yunus-Khan Mausoleum, Kaffal-al-Shashi Mazar Mausoleum (XVI c), Kukeldash Madrassah (XVIII), Independence Square, Tamerlane Square, People Friendship Square, Tashkent underground (“Metro”), the building of National Theatre of opera and ballet, orient bazaar and shopping.
15
Departure from Tashkent.
Departure from Tashkent.
Price by request
Highlights
UNESCO heritage sights - Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz
Capitals of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – Tashkent and Dushanbe
Mountain landscapes of Gissar Mountains
Iskanderkul lake
Mountain villages of Tajik people
Craftsmanship
Local traditional food
What is included
Accommodation with breakfast, nights: comfortable hotel with en suite facilities - 11, guesthouses - 2, 1 in homestay -1
Lunch - 5 (8 - 12th day)
Dinner - 4 (8 - 11th day)
Transport (car, traing, airplane) according to program
