Silk Road Explorer - Three Stans

Istanbul – Dushanbe flight TK254 arriving at 03:40 on Thursday, Saturday, Monday

Arrival in Dushanbe airport, after finishing any procedures (border control, customs, luggage) transfer to hotel. Afternoon meeting in the lobby for city tour. Named for the Persian word for Monday, Dushanbe was at one point a small market village where traders would gather each Monday to sell their goods. During the Soviet era, the city grew to be the most important center of production in Tajikistan, but the Shohmansur covered market reflects Dushanbe's historical ties to local trade. Visit monument of Ismoili Somoni and Rudaki park and Highest Flag Shock in the world (certificated by Guinness comity) in the center of city. Then visit Tajikistan State museum, then visit the Mehrgon Bazaar and Victory Park – here view of Dushanbe from East hills.

In the morning meeting with a group for excursion to Hissar Fortress. Located outside of Dushanbe (27 km. to West from Dushanbe), the Hissar Fortress houses the remains of the palace of Ibragimbek Khan, belong of Bukhara Emirate. Its thick walls once guarded a pool, garden, and palace, while the fortress itself opposed a noisy market and caravanserai. What remains today is a portion of the wall and the gate towers, which are representative of the 18th and 19th century style, then drive back to Dushanbe. After lunch, visit Tajikistan Antique Museum. The Museum includes natural history exhibits, Tajik costumes, and a mock-up of a Tajik house. With highlights - biggest statue of “Relaxing Buddha” Ethnographic part of Museum showcases traditional Tajik crafts, including ceramics, embroidered fabrics, woodcarving and jewelry.

After breakfast drive through picturesque scenery of Varzob valley and Anzob pass-tunnel.

Continue to Penjikent. Penjikent is one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia (5500 years). Ancient Panjikent was of the easternmost settlements of the Sogdiana Empire, an Iranian civilization that ruled swathes of territories in Central Asia more than a thousand years ago. We will visit the Penjikent excavations & The Rudaki Museum in the center of the town is filled with artifacts, from the Bronze Age to the Sogdian era, and natural history exhibits from around the region. Frescoes from the Old Penjikent archaeological site are a highlight of the museum.

Today we head towards Tajik/Uzbek border Jartepa, cross the border to Uzbekistan

The historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and a melting pot of world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century B.C. as ancient Afrosiab, Samarkand received its most significant development in the Timurid’s period from the 14th to the 15th centuries.

This afternoon we visit “Stars above Samarkand ” – Ulugbek observatory (15c), the “Ruins of Afrosiab” - the excavation and museum of the ancient town (6 BC-13 AD) and the Gur Emir Mausoleum (15c).

Optional (pay directly): Enjoy wine tasting at Samarkand Wine factory if you like (pay directly) before heading to dinner at a local restaurant on the Old City. If you choose not to attend the wine tasting you can go for a walk in the park nearby or go downtown.

With a history dating back 2700 years, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state created by Tamerlaine and later ruled by his grandson Ulugbek in the 14th-15th centuries. The historic town is a melting pot of the world’s cultures and recently declared a World Heritage Site. Founded in the 7th century B.C. as ancient Afrasiab, Samarkand had its most significant development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries.

We start our day with an excursion to Shahi Zinda Necropolis (14-15c) and St. Daniel Mausoleum (St. Daniel from the bible)-a popular place for local pilgrims whom we shall see doing their sacred rituals.

This afternoon visit to the Registan Ensemble (a main highlight of Samarkand) including Ulugbek (15c), Shir Dor (17c), the Tillya Kari (three beautiful Madrassahs ,17c.).

Next we go to Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Silk Bazaar.

This evening, attend a show at “El Merosi,” Theater of Historical Costumes. This 40-50 min show begins at 6 pm. Afterwards, dinner at a local restaurant.

Shakhrisabz is one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia and the birthplace and home town of Central Asia’s foremost conqueror - the Great Amir Temur. In certain periods through its long history, it has appeared as the center of some of the most important events in world history - sometimes glorious, sometimes tragic.

Upon arrival in Shakhrisabz, we visit Ak Saroy Palace (14c) – the greatest palace built by Tamerlan, similar in structure to Samarkand’s Bibi Khanum Mosque, but unparalleled in size and decoration. It took 20 years to build and was destroyed by Abdulla Khan of Bukhara in the XVII century.

Next, we visit Kok Gumbaz Mosque; see the remains of a once grandiose complex - the Dorus-Syadot (House of the prophet's decrees) mausoleum where Jahangir, the most beloved son of Amir Temur, was buried. This monument became the family burial-vault of the Temurids. Ancient plane trees still grow in this place - the sacred symbol of Shakhrisabz.

Visit another fabulous complex - Dorut-Tilavete (The House of Contemplation) consisting of two mausoleums - Khazreti Sheikh (Shamseddin Kulial) and Ghumbezi Seyeedon with the Kok-Ghumbaz (Blue Dome) mosque.

We then shall go to see the domed bath house (has been under renovation-should be open by our dates).

Shakhrisabz, is also a traditional center of folk arts, especially embroidery. We visit the trading aisle at the market to see the embroiders of Tubiteykas (traditional hats), suzane, carpets and belts.

Continue to Bukhara - a real city-museum: every building is a real exhibit. Ancient mosques, citadels, mausoleums, madrassas, monuments - all this can be visited, selflessly strolling around the city, because here every corner of the earth keeps its memory. Once upon a time, the Great Silk Road ran through Bukhara, which is purposefully reviving today.

Full day sightseeing tour.

Start with a visit to Makhallya Khuma,” the ancient Jewish block of houses and synagogue. Then traditional covered bazaars including Toki Zargaron Trading Dome (1569-70); Toki Telpak Furushon Trading Dome, Toki Sarrafon Trading Dome (16th c.).

Excursion to Sitora-i-Mokhikhosa, the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara (1911). The style is an eclectic mix of European, Russian and Oriental design and there is a good exhibition of traditional Suzane embroidery as well as Chinese porcelain brought along the Silk Road from China. The white hall decorated with carved alabaster resembles halls in Peterhof Palace in the suburb of St Petersburg.

We stop for lunch at local restaurant.

The Kosh Madrassah Ensemble (sponsored by Abdullah-khan II (1561-1598), the most successful khan of Shaibanid dynasty (1566-67), Ulugbek Madrassah (1417+); Magak-i Attari Mosque (16c) - one of the earliest religious buildings of Islamic era in Bukhara, Chor Minor Madrassah and Lyabi Khauz Ensemble (17c).

Dinner at local restaurant. Folk Show at Nadir-Divanbegi Madrassah (17c).

Early start to visit Gijduvan Ceramics Museum located in 40 km from Bukhara. Gijduvan school of traditional ceramics holds a special place among others. Gijduvan became the main supplier of ceramics to Bukhara in the first decade of the 20th century. You can enjoy the process of creating pottery in a local workshop of Ibodullo Narzullaev - a famous Uzbek ceramist including a wide variety of goods full of bright colors and ornaments: painted bowls and plates, elegant jugs, neat teapots and pots.

We proceed to Khiva via Kizilkum Desert (red sands) by train - the route of invaders, nomadic hordes and armies of Persians, Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan.

Another city, many centuries ago located on the Great Silk Road, is the ancient Khorezm, or Khiva, as it is called now. Khiva can be regarded as an open-air museum - included in the UNESCO list, because here, whatever the building is, it is an ancient treasure. About 60 historical monuments, including the citadel, palaces, mosques, minarets and mausoleums, have been preserved in the old part of Ichan-Kala, which, like nothing else, preserves the image of the ancient eastern city of Khiva. The findings of archaeologists suggest that Old Khiva, which existed already in the 5th century, served as a stop on the Great Silk Road. The old city, located within the walls of Ichan-Kala, covers an area of about 30 hectares and is surrounded by a massive wall of 6-8 meters. On the outside of the walls ditches were dug, which were filled with water. Also in the fortress wall there are four gates, fortified by shock towers and supplemented by observation galleries.

For this morning’s tour in the inner city no transport will be used, we enjoy a pleasant easy walking tour.

Sites will include: Ichan-Kala Medrese of Muchammad Aminchan, Minaret Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark Fortress, Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud and Said Alauddin and enjoy view of whole ancient Khiva.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Continue touring with visits to Juma Mosque, Tash Hauli Palace and Harem, Ensemble Islam Chodja (Khodja) minaret, Madrasah Alla Kuichan.

This wonderful city is a real embodiment of the modern elegance that is inherent in many world capitals. At the same time, it remains an oriental city. Tashkent has its own unique flavor. It combines medieval buildings as if descended from the pages of old oriental tales, elegant European architecture from the period of the Turkestan governor-generalship, standard concrete "boxes" of the Soviet era and, finally, glittering skyscrapers of glass and concrete (modern business centers and banks). The city is lined with a grid of straight and wide streets and avenues, decorated with emerald green parks, gardens, fountains imbued with crystal strands.

On this afternoon’s sightseeing tour, we shall visit the Mustakillik (Independence) Square in the heart of Tashkent and Tashkent Metro decorated with local marble and granite --like an underground palace; we see the central square Amir Timur Maydoni - dominated by a statue of Timur on horseback and the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Dinner at local restaurant.

This morning we begin our tour with a visit to the sprawling, colorful Chor-Su bazaar- a great place to soak up the essence of Uzbekistan. At 2500 years old, it is one of the oldest markets and was once one of the busiest, since it is located on the silk route. The location hasn't changed in all these years, but the old buildings have been replaced by modern ones. The mammoth marble vanity monuments of Tashkent might represent the sanitized modern facade that President Karimov wants foreigners to believe, but Chorsu Market is the vibrant reality, warts and all. It is crowded, lively and noisy, with a slice of all the nation's social strata there to see. The fruit and vegetables are of beautiful quality, and the spices, dried fruits and nuts inside the main blue dome are delicious.

Next, we tour the historic Old Quarter of the city starting with Madrasah Kukeldash close to Su bazaar. Built in 1570, it was part of an ensemble of the city's main square. For many years it was the center of the city’s life. In the XVIII century, the madrasah arranged caravansary carriageways for merchants and hosted living quarters for craftsmen. In the XIX century, the madrasah served as a fortress of Kokand Khans. Until 1865, Madrasah Kukeldash served as a place of public execution in order to strengthen people's morality. Today the restored current madrasah fulfills its original function: educating students. Also, the faithful come here for Friday prayers.

 We shall also visit the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khana Seminary, Tila Shaikh Mosque and archives known for the exhibit of a rare copy of Koran written by the third Caliph Othman. Lunch at local restaurant.

This afternoon we visit the excellent Museum of Applied Arts. Time permitting, we also visit the crafts section of the local market.

This morning we take a train to Kokand (07:54 – 12:10).

Our first stop is Rishtan – center of unique ceramic production in Uzbkekistan. Rishtan is known today as one of the largest centers in Central Asia of manufacture of unique glazed ceramic. The Rishtan pottery tradition uses a unique turquoise–ultramarine palette that differs entirely from colors in other Central Asian regions. Rishtan- made ceramics differ technically as well, with thin, delicate walls and a translucent, smooth glaze. Rishtan is the only place in Central Asia where the well–known “ishkor” glaze is still used, and the vibrant blue colors of Rishtan ceramics are the only colors which are fixed using the “ishkor” glaze.

We shall visit the Rishtan pottery workshop of Rustam Usmanov and the Japanese School. Rustam Usmanov - master ceramist and painter has participated in archeological expeditions to research and restore lost ornaments and patterns and his artwork combines deep knowledge of the local traditions. His masterpieces are displayed in the State Museum of Art of Uzbekistan, the State Hermitage and Museum of Ethnography of St.Petersburg, Russia and the Museum of Arts of Peoples of the Orient in Moscow, Russia.

Next, we go to to Margilan to see the process of handmade production of Han-Atlas silk fabric at the Yodgorlik Factory. Located in the southeast of Fergana Valley, Margilan is considered to be one of the ancient cities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, as well as a big centre of international trade. The caravan routes connected Europe with East Asia via Margilan. From time immemorial, the people of Margilan have been busy manufacturing beautiful silk fabrics, making Margilan city well-known all over the world.

Continue to Fergana (90 km/56 miles). Transfer to hotel for check-in. Dinner at local restaurant.

This morning we shall have a short tour visiting Al Fargoniy Monument and Square and the modern city before our drive to Dostlick, the checkpoint on the Uzbek- Kyrgyz border. There is a 200 meter transit zone.

Afterwards we drive to Osh, one of the oldest towns in Central Asia, located on the southeast edge of the Fergana Valley at the northern foot of the Pamir -Alai mountain range. Nestled in green slopes, Osh lies on both sides of the Ak-Bura River, at an altitude of 940-1070 m above sea level. The age of the city can be judged from the rock drawings and inscriptions found on the northern slope of the four-headed Suleiman Mountain. This mountain is located in the center of Osh and is a unique historical and architectural monument. The mountain was defense from enemies and its presence governed the unusual layout of the ancient city of Osh. A small mazar was built   on the southeastern slope of the mountain, and was named Kichik Mekka ("Small Mecca") where the Muslims of the Fergana Valley would come to pray. Osh became their second Mecca.

Visitors are attracted to the bazaar in Osh with its distinct oriental colors and the aromatic smells of spices and fruits. Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon tour: visit Suleiman Mount, the mosque of Babur and browse the national bazaar.

Evening Flight to Bishkek

Bishkek is located where the Kazakh steppe meets the foothills of the majestic snow-capped Tien-Shan mountains. Bishkek was founded in 19th c. after the Kokand conquerors erected a fortress that guarded the caravan routes extending from Tashkent through Chuvalley to Issyk-Kul Lake and Kashgar (China). In 1991 the city Frunze was given the name Bishkek. The city is beautiful any time of the year, though it is at its best in spring, when the central squares (Ala-too, Victory and others) are covered with red tulips and daffodils. The city contains about 20 parks, one of the largest being the Dubovyi (Oak) Park.
Sightseeing tour including Ala-Too Square, The National Museum of History (1 hour), Frunze House, The Art Museum; see the Opera House and the Concert Hall (near which there is a statue of National Hero Manas). Dinner in Kyrgyz national restaurant.

On the way to Chon-Kemin Gorge we make a stop at Karakhanid’s minaret of the 12 century - Burana tower. Nowadays it is a museum complex which includes the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, collection of balbals (grave stones used by nomadic Turkic peoples), petroglyphs (stone carvings) and a small museum.

Chon Kemin is quiet valley with several small villages and farmers’ lands surrounded by magnificent mountains and fir forest. It is just a wonderful place to be, to sit on the doorstep and watch time pass by with a pot of tea.

Our evening will be accompanied by a song of Manaschi. The epic poem Manas is central to Kyrgyz traditional culture and character, psychology and spirit. It is recited by specialists known as Manaschi, who holds a special place of respect in Kyrgyz culture.

Continue to Karakol along the Southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The lake sits in a hollow surrounded by snowcapped peaks of Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau mountain ranges at the altitude of 1600 m. The Lake is 180 km long, 60 km wide and 700 m deep. 134 streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flows out what is explained by underwater tectonic activity.

Make a stop in Bokonbaevo village where we will demonstrate you a traditional form of falconry found throughout Central Asia – hunting with eagles. Eagle hunting plays a key role in nomadic lifestyle and is widely used not only during national competitions and shows but also throughout routine life of local people.

Further transfer to Jeti-Oguz gorge. Here you will have an opportunity to admire fantastic rock formations made of red sandstone, local pastures have long been used by shepherds to graze flocks of sheep and herds of horses.

Sightseeing tour of Karakol. The atmosphere of Karakol town will bring you hundred years back and give you an impression of Tsarist Russia. Our 3 hours city tour includes:

Russian Orthodox Church (1886), Dungan mosque (1899) that was made out of wood with no nails and Karakol Bazaar. We proceed along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Cholpon-Ata.

Afternoon free to enjoy the lake.

In Cholpon-Ata we visit the petroglyphs ‐ a large open-air collection of rock carvings sometimes referred to as a Stone Garden, which covers some 42 hectares and contains a number of prehistoric monumental structures (stone circles, tombs, the remains of a boundary stone wall, balbals) and petroglyphs (dating from the II millennium BC thru the Middle Ages and up to the VI century AD).  The stones have plaques giving some information (a short description and a date), and there are several routes marked with arrows around the “stone garden.”  

Continue to Bishkek.

Folklore show in the evening during the dinner. Artists will demonstrate different national musical instruments and techniques of playing.