AND VALID FROM 01/10/2015 TILL 31/12/2016 YEAR!

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "AND VALID FROM 01/10/2015 TILL 31/12/2016 YEAR!"

Stephen Hall
5 years ago
Views:

1 AND VALID FROM 01/10/2015 TILL 31/12/2016 YEAR! ROUTE: TASHKENT-URGENCH-KHIVA-BUKHARA-YANGIGAZGAN YURTA-LAKE AYDARKUL- SAMARKAND-TASHKENT-CHARVAK/CHIMGAN MOUNTAINS-TASHKENT SINGAPORE TASHKENT (DIRECT) TUESDAY HY552 SINGAPORE 11:45 TASHKENT 16:50 TASHKENT SINGAPORE (DIRECT) THURSDAY HY551 TASHKENT 21:35 SINGAPORE 08:25 (FRIDAY arrival) DAY 1.SINGAPORE-TASHKENT (TUESDAY) Arrival in Tashkent by HY-552 Uzbekistan Airways at 16:50 Immigration and Customs will take about 1 hour Met by English Speaking Guide Drive to you hotel, fresh up and relax. Dinner at local restaurant Overnight MEALS: / /Dinner

DAY 2.TASHKENT-URGENCH-KHIVA by flight (WEDNESDAY) Early breakfast at the hotel 06:00 Transfer to Domestic Airport for the flight to Urgench by HY-1051 at 07.35. Arrival in Urgench at 09.15.

Full day sightseeing tour in Khiva: Khwarazm or Khorezm is ancient and medieval state of central Asia, situated in and around the basin of the lower Amu Darya River; now a region, NW Uzbekistan.

rus the Great in the 6th cent. B.C. and became independent in the 4th cent. B.C. It was later inhabited by Indians who adhered to Zoroastrianism and used Aramaic script.

2 DAY 2.TASHKENT-URGENCH-KHIVA by flight (WEDNESDAY) Early breakfast at the hotel 06:00 Transfer to Domestic Airport for the flight to Urgench by HY-1051 at Arrival in Urgench at And transfer to Khiva (30 km). Full day sightseeing tour in Khiva: Khwarazm or Khorezm is ancient and medieval state of central Asia, situated in and around the basin of the lower Amu Darya River; now a region, NW Uzbekistan. Khwarazm is one of the oldest centers of civilization in central Asia. It was a part of the Achaemenid empire of Cyrus the Great in the 6th cent. B.C. and became independent in the 4th cent. B.C. It was later inhabited by Indians who adhered to Zoroastrianism and used Aramaic script. Khwarazm was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th cent. and was converted to Islam. In 995 the country was united under the emirs of N Khwarazm, whose capital Urgench became a major seat of Arabic learning. The capital was a center of agriculture and trade and the residence of the ruling shahs. In the late 12th cent., Khwarazm gained independence from the Seljuk Turks. It was conquered in 1221 by Jenghiz Khan and was included in the Golden Horde. The development of caravan trade by the Mongols was profitable to Khwarazm. In the late 14th cent., Khwarazm, along with its vast irrigation system, was destroyed by Timur(Tamerlane). A century of struggle over Khwarazm between the Timurids, the descendants of Timur, and the Golden Horde was followed by the Uzbek conquest in the early 16th cent. Khwarazm became an independent Uzbek state and was known as the khanate of Khiva after Khiva became the capital. There are ruins of ancient forts, one of which dates back to the 6th cent. B.C. Here you will feel immersed into the past: close lanes, low apartment houses and set of mosques, mausoleums and madrasaahs. Ichan-Kala, Mausoleum of Pahlavan Makhmud, the Tosh-Khovli Palace, the madrasaah of Shergozikhan, the madrasaah of Alloquli-Khan,Minaret of Kalta- Minor,Uch-Avlya mausoleum and other highlights of Ichan Kala. The mosque of Khiva, also known as Djuma-Mosque, constructed in 10 century was consists of big (55x46m) is located in Ichan-Qala on the road leading from the gates of Palvan-darva-za to Ata-darvaza. It is a typically archaic mosque with a flat ceiling on columns which has no analogue in Central Asia. Ancient Arabian mosques had a similar layout. The building was constructed in the 18th century. Moonlight pierced through three holes in the ceiling and carved wooden columns create an exclusive atmosphere for prayer. There are 212 columns. The majority of them were carved from tree trunks in the 18th- 19th centuries. Some of them were made from ruined medieval buildings. The most ancient columns might be taken from the medieval Khorezm capital, Kyat lay, at the bottom of the Amu Darya. 21 columns date from the 10th-12th centuries and have Arabian inscriptions in Kufi. Four columns reminiscent of the columns in Bagbanly Mosque with inscriptions in Naskh. The columns of the 18th-19th centuries are well recognized due to Khiva s typical floral-vegetative pattern. Lunch at local Restaurant Hotel check-in

3 Continue to visit in ICHAN KALA. The minaret of Islam Hodja is constructed in the beginning of XX century and it is considered one of the late constructions of Khiva. It is separately costing tower narrowed to the top. Decorated by a belt from blue and green stripes, it is not similar to minarets of the old epoch of Timurids and owing to its height of 57 m can be seen from any point of the city. Museum Tosh Hovli - " a stone court yard " - consists of several constructions and a courtyard which is surrounded by a high wall. The throne hall of khan and various rooms for visitors are located directly by a number with a court yard. Dinner at local restaurant Overnight in the hotel DAY 3.KHIVA-BUKHARA (THURSDAY) Breakfast at the hotel at Transfer to Bukhara by car, crossing the river Amu Darya and desert Kizil kum. In Uzbekistan there are two great rivers: the boundary river Amu Darya (in antiquity caled Oxus) and northern Syr-Darya (in antiquity called Yaksard). The length of Syr-Darya makes 2213km, and together with its inflow to Naryn 3019 km. Amu Darya originates in Hindu Kush, its length makes 2540 km. Amu Darya takes start in the east of Pamir where the river Pandj flows through gorges of Hindu Kush, incorporates with Vahsh, and then flows to Aral Sea as Amu Darya. Desert Karakum occupies the greater deserted areas of the Central Asia with its extent of km and desert Kyzyl Kum the area of which occupies km. In the south only the small part of desert Karakum, which means "black sand", belongs to Uzbekistan. Sands of Karakum, however, are not black, more likely "penalty" means as "dangerous". In the north situated the desert Kyzyl Kum ("red sand") which is stretched between the Amu Darya and Syr-Darya rivers. The desert at the certain hours during the day seems really reddish. Both deserts are not cleanly sandy deserts, they are covered by plants. As in the Central Asian deserts in one year drops up to 200 mm of deposits, mainly in the spring, both deserts not waterless. It can be felt especially in March when the carpet of grasses, consisting, first of all of a sedge, tamarisk, a saxaul, start to blossom. In deserts lives basically herbivore kowtowing animals: lizards, monitor lizards of the snake. If it s goes lucky, it is possible to see wild camels and susliks. Picnic on the road. Arrival in Bukhara. Transfer and accommodation in the hotel. Dinner at local restaurant Overnight in the hotel DAY 4.TASHKENT-BUKHARA (FRIDAY) Breakfast at the hotel Full Day sightseeing in Bukhara city: Ark-Citadel is a residence of Bukhara khans. According to the last excavations, it was determined the citadel was on this place from 4 century BC. For many years of building and destruction, 20 meters height artificial hill was formed; its upper layers were built over in the time of last Bukhara emirs. The wooden part of Ark building was burnt down during the fire of The general planning is being reestablished by historical documents. Ark included the whole city, consisting of closely accreted houses; courts and yards with state institutions, emir, his wives, and relatives and officials lodgings. Inside the trapeze form outlines of citadel walls the planning was right-angled with traditional cruciform crossing of main streets.

Mosque Bolo-Khauz (1712) it is a classic sample of Central Asian mosque: the winter building of 1712, summer aywan of the early 20th century with ornamented ceiling and wooden columns, small minaret

This world-famous architectural masterpiece was built at the close of the ninth century. The mausoleum was erected as a family crypt immediately after the death of Ismail Samani's father.

It is interesting to note that erecting crypts was against Islamic law at that time, for Islam forbade erecting any post-mortem monuments upon the tombs of Muslim believers.

4 Mosque Bolo-Khauz (1712) it is a classic sample of Central Asian mosque: the winter building of 1712, summer aywan of the early 20th century with ornamented ceiling and wooden columns, small minaret constructed in 1917 by master Shirin and small basin. Mausoleum of the Samanids (X cent.) - Of all the medieval buildings in Bukhara, the Samanids Mausoleum is of special interest. This world-famous architectural masterpiece was built at the close of the ninth century. The mausoleum was erected as a family crypt immediately after the death of Ismail Samani's father. Later, Ismail himself and his grandson Hasr were also buried in it. It is interesting to note that erecting crypts was against Islamic law at that time, for Islam forbade erecting any post-mortem monuments upon the tombs of Muslim believers. However, the prohibition was broken in the middle of the ninth century by one of the caliphs himself, for whom a special as-sulibiya Mausoleum was built. Ismail merely followed his example. Chashmai Ayub (Saint Job s Source) - A legend has it that the Bible prophet Job, having visited this land, decided to help the people who suffered from water shortage in the desert. He struck the ground with his stick, making a source of crystal clear water sprang at that place. The people believe that the water from the source possesses healing power. A mausoleum is erected over the source. It is shaped in a form of an oblong prism. The building is crowned with domes, different in form. Over the main building with the source there is a special double dome with a conical cap. Lunch at local restaurant Afternoon continues sightseeing: Ulug bek Madrassah - Ulugbek Madrasah was found in 1417, as the inscription on the bronze plate of door runs says. There is a name of master in the portal tympanum, which was building this monument Ismail ibn Takhir ibn Makhmud Ispfargoni. It is possible he was a grandson of one of the masters, who had been captured by Timur in Iran and left their names on the portal of Gur-Amir complex in Samarkand. Abdulazizkhan Madrassah - Opposite Ulugbek Madrasah there is Abdullaziz-khan Madrasah. Abdullazizkhan built it in and it is the last large Madrasah in Bukhara. The building is typical by composition, with four-ayvans yard, but with unordinary divergent fan of hudj groups after side ayvans and cupola buildings on the central axis. The Lyabi-Khaus ensemble It includes the Kukeldush madrassah ( ) and Nodir-Divan-Begi (1622)). Lyabi-Hauz (lit. "shore of pool") is very popular among travelers. It is the largest artificial reservoir of medieval Bukhara. It was installed around 1620 between khanaka and madrassah, constructed by the order of khan's vizier Nadir Divan-beghi. The two new buildings and Kukeldash Madrassah had formed a perfect architectural ensemble with reservoir in the middle. The pool is of 42 m in length, 36 m in width and about 5 m in depth. Lyabi-Hauz has stone steps by which Bukhara watermen went down to take water.

This name is well justified: the corners of the square-rectangular madrasah building are really decorated with four small minarets crowned with blue domes, different in decors from each other.

5 Chor Minor Madrassahs ( Four Minarets ). Speaking of the Bukhara s unusual monuments, first of all, we should tell about the Chor-Minor madrasah. It is located right behind Lyabi-Khauz, in the open space. Chor Minor is translated as four minarets. This name is well justified: the corners of the square-rectangular madrasah building are really decorated with four small minarets crowned with blue domes, different in decors from each other. Mosque Magoki-Attar (XII-XVI cent). The ancient mosque of Magoki-Attari is located in the center of Bukhara near Lyabi-Hauz. In the early Middle Ages, a temple of fire-worshippers was located here behind the southern Attaron gates. The Arabs established one of the first mosques on this spot. Poi-Kalyan means the pedestal of the Great (it means the pedestal of Kalyan minaret ). Ensemble consists of 4 monuments: Kalyan mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah faced to each other with main fronts; between them is Kalyan minaret; to the south of Mini-Arab there is small Amir-Allimkhan Madrasah. Continue to the trader domes (Coumpol Bazaar), a trading point that consists of Toki Saraffon (the Dome of Money changers), Toki-Telpak Furushon (the Dome of Cap makers), Toki Zargaron (the Dome of jewelers) and Tim Abdullakhan (the Center of silk). Dinner with folk performance in the madrassah in Bukhara inside Nodir Devonbegi Madrassah Overnight in the hotel P.S. DINNER AND FOLKLORE SHOW IN THE MADRASSAH OF NODIR DEVAN BEGI AND MADRASSAH MODARIKHON FROM NOVEMBER TILL 15 TH OF MARCH WILL BE CLOSED, THE WEATHER IS COLD! FROM 15 TH MARCH TILL 15 TH NOVEMBER POSSIBLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH FOLKLORE SHOW! DAY 5.BUKHARA NURATA YANGIGAZGAN (SATURDAY) Breakfast in the hotel at Transfer to Nurata. On the way visit Alexander the Great fortress. Lunch in Nurata. Nurata is a small town ( inhabitants) which history leaves far in 1 millenium up to BC. Today the city in which the mosque dated 10 in was kept, is the well-known place of pilgrims. Excursion on city: sacred fishes in pool near to a mosque which is supplied with sacred water" from a source is noteworthy. Transfer to Yangigazgan village, crossing the desert Kizilkum. Arrival. Accommodation in yurts. Ride on camels. Dinner at a fire and overnight in yurtas

DAY 6.YANGIGAZGAN LAKE AYDARKUL LAKE SAMARKAND (SUNDAY) Breakfast in Kazakh yurt. A trip to the Lake Aydarkul. Lake in the middle of desert is not the mirage, but the real miracle of nature.

Today the area of Aydarkul lake is 3000 square meters, the length nearly 250 km and width from 8 to 15 km. The area around the lake best suites for walks and rides on horse back and camelback.

6 DAY 6.YANGIGAZGAN LAKE AYDARKUL LAKE SAMARKAND (SUNDAY) Breakfast in Kazakh yurt. A trip to the Lake Aydarkul. Lake in the middle of desert is not the mirage, but the real miracle of nature. It is called Aydarkul. Origin of crystal pure lake on the south-east of Kyzylkum desert is very mysterious. A lot of fish appeared in the lake. Today the area of Aydarkul lake is 3000 square meters, the length nearly 250 km and width from 8 to 15 km. The area around the lake best suites for walks and rides on horse back and camelback. Fauna is very rich. In spring and in summer alpine grasslands abounds in variety of colors bright-red tulips and snowy-white acacia. High up in the mountains black storks build its nests. This bird specie is listed in the Red Book of many countries. In early spring, when Arnasay is filled with water, thousands of ducks, geese, pelicans and herons flock together here. Tourists can fish, swim and get a tan here. At good weather it is possible to bathe and to lie down in the sunshine. Afternoon drive to Samarkand Arrival in Samarkand and hotel, check-in, rest before dinner Dinner at local restaurant Overnight in the hotel DAY 7.SAMARKAND (MONDAY) Breakfast at the hotel Full day sightseeing tour in Samarkand: Gur-Emir means grave of Emir. Gur-Emir Mausoleum was built in 1404 for Timur s grandson Muhhamed Sultan. He had to become heir apparent of throne after Timur, but in 1404 he died and Timur ordered to build big mausoleum for his loved grandson. In 1405 Timur died in Otrar city and his sons decided to move his body and bury him near his favorite grandson. From that time this mausoleum was called burial-vault of timurids. Here two sons of Timur were buried-shahruh and Miranshah, also second grandson Ulugbek, spiritual director of Timur Muslim sheikh from Medin-Mir Seid Bereke and some Shah-Hodja. Registan Complex became a major square of Samarkand in the 14th century. Registan means "a sandy place". Earlier, a river channel flowed through the area, forming sand and silt deposits. Six streets cross at Registan. While under Temur the square was a commercial and crafts center, it became a spiritual center under Ulugbeg. Ulugbeg constructed a majestic madrassah and s Sufi Khanaka with a huge dome. The old buildings on Registan had fallen into disrepair by the 17th century and the governor of Samarkand, Yalang-tush-biy, built Sher-Dor Madrassah in the place of Ulugbeg's khanaka, and later built Tiliya-Kari Madrassah as well.

Lunch at local restaurant (with halal food) Afternoon continues sightseeing in the city: Afrosiab Museum - the most valuable artifacts of the history of ancient Samarkand.

The museum is located in the northern part of Samarkand, round central bazaar, near the hills of the ancient settlement of Afrosiab.

Here, for three decades, scholars, including the outstanding astronomers Qazi-Zadeh Rumi, Djemsnid Giyas ad-din Kashi and Ali Kushchi, performed measurements of celestial

Ulugbek Observatory is decorated with beautiful engravings from a 17th century Dutch artist, with the inscription over the image of Ulugbek "I have presented my case

Shakhi Zinda complex is one of the most mysterious and unique architectural monuments of Samarkand. It consists of rows of refine sparkling blue colors tombs.

Shahi Zinda consists of eleven mausoleums, which were built one after another in XIV - XV centuries.

7 Lunch at local restaurant (with halal food) Afternoon continues sightseeing in the city: Afrosiab Museum - the most valuable artifacts of the history of ancient Samarkand. It is a museum in Samarkand dedicated to the history of the city. The museum is located in the northern part of Samarkand, round central bazaar, near the hills of the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. Observatory of Ulugbek ( ) - the largest observatory in Central Asia was built in the 1420's by Ulugbeg. Here, for three decades, scholars, including the outstanding astronomers Qazi-Zadeh Rumi, Djemsnid Giyas ad-din Kashi and Ali Kushchi, performed measurements of celestial movements. Ulugbek Observatory is decorated with beautiful engravings from a 17th century Dutch artist, with the inscription over the image of Ulugbek "I have presented my case seriously" - where Ulugbek stands on the right arm of the goddess of astronomy, Urania. Shakhi Zinda complex is one of the most mysterious and unique architectural monuments of Samarkand. It consists of rows of refine sparkling blue colors tombs. Harmoniously combined in a lively and moving composition, various mausoleums are grouped along the narrow medieval streets. Shahi Zinda consists of eleven mausoleums, which were built one after another in XIV - XV centuries. A unique ensemble of ancient tombs ( years) is located near Afrasiab settlement. It is also called "Street cemetery". Building of mosques and mausoleums of XI-XV centuries oddly stretched on both sides and their blue domes look like an elegant necklace from the top. Shahi Zinda is the burial place of royal persons and nobles. But the main mausoleum from which the necropolis starts seems to be the imaginary grave of Prophet Muhammad's cousin, Kusama Ibn Abbas. The complex was called "Shah-i-Zinda" that means in Persian "The Living King". He was one of those who preached Islam in that region. Later the Complex became an important pilgrimage centre that was revered by the people as sacred. Dinner at local restaurant (with halal food) Overnight.

Uniqueness of the products of this factory is also in the fact that the coloring materials are made of organic colors: walnut, pomegranate, indigo, madder.

8 DAY 8.SAMARKAND-TASHKENT by speed Train (TUESDAY) Breakfast at the hotel 10:00 Check-out from the hotel Drive to Silk Carpet Factory named Hudjum. Here, the very process of carpets manufacturing can be observed directly to see the unique patterns of carpets and, of course, order one of them. Uniqueness of the products of this factory is also in the fact that the coloring materials are made of organic colors: walnut, pomegranate, indigo, madder. Lunch at local restaurant Afternoon shopping in the city: Shopping in national market Siyob bazaar, (On Mondays Market will be closed) where you can mingle with the locals and perhaps purchase traditional sweets, nuts and souvenirs. Visit as well Mosque Bibi-Khanum (XV cent.) it was constructed to mimic the design of the Amir Temurasa cathedral mosque of Samarkand. It was intended to out-rival everything he had ever seen. Architects, artists and craftsmen from conquered countries were involved in the construction of this grandiose complex. Walking through Tashkent Street special tourist street with shopping centers, shops, ceramic studious etc 16:00 Drive to Railway Station for the bullet train Afrasiyab (2hrs drive) departing to Tashkent at 17:00 19:10 Arrival in Tashkent Dinner at local restaurant Drive to your hotel, check-in Overnight. DAY 9.TASHKENT CHIMGAN MOUNTAINS - TASHKENT (WEDNESDAY) Take a drive to Chimgan Mountains (120 km, 1.5 hours). Upon arrival to Chimgan Mountains, enjoy a chair cable car lift to reach the mountain top where you will have an opportunity to take good photos. Continue to take the chair cable car and make your way down. Take a drive to Pyramids Hotel located on the shores of Charvak Lake. Later, proceed to have lunch at the hotel s restaurant. Free time to explore the outdoor activities (at your own cost) - swimming pool, beach activities (from June-Oct), catamarans, quadra cycles, bowling & paintball shooting (as per availability). Take a drive back to Tashkent. Freshen up at the hotel. Proceed to have dinner at the city restaurant. Transfer to the hotel and overnight.

sightseeing in Tashkent: Start your day with Tashkent city tour.

outside), Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre named Alisher Navoi (from outside) Lunch at local restaurant

Osman Koran Museum, Barakkhan Madrasah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque and Kaffal Shahshi Mausoleum.

18:00 Transfer to Tashkent International Airport.

9 DAY 10.TASHKENT-KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE (THURSDAY) Breakfast at the hotel 09:00 Check-out from the hotel Full day sightseeing in Tashkent: Start your day with Tashkent city tour. Visit Independence Square, Monument of Courage, Amir Temur Statue, local Broadway, Romanov Castle (from outside), Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre named Alisher Navoi (from outside) Lunch at local restaurant Afternoon, you will visit the older parts of the city: visit Khazrati Imam Memorial Complex which includes Osman Koran Museum, Barakkhan Madrasah, Tillya Sheikh Mosque and Kaffal Shahshi Mausoleum. Then visit Alay Market for dried fruits and sweets and Mega Planet Mall. 18:00 Transfer to Tashkent International Airport. Check- in and flight HY-551 to Singapore via Kuala-Lumpur at 21:15. MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/ $ ***There are 5 star hotels in Tashkent only, in other cities mentioned best 4* hotels ****FOR CHILDREN LESS THAN 12 YEARS WE LL GIVE 75% DISCOUNT TASHKENT (3n) Miran 5* / LOTTE KHIVA (1n) Asia Khiva 3* YANGIGAZGAN (1n) YURTA (6 pax stay) SAMARKAND (2n) Registan BUKHARA (2n) Asia Bukhara 4* Plaza 4*+

10 TOUR COST INCLUDES: Accommodation X 09 Nights at the mentioned hotels (or similar) with breakfasts (based on TWIN/DOUBLE/TRIPLE sharing rooms) Full board meals (9 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 9 dinners) Domestic Tashkent-Urgench air ticket Ticket for the bullet train Afrasiyab for Samarkand-Tashkent route Daily bottle of 1L water per person Uzbekistan Map per person Comfortable Transport as per program (Car for 2 pax, Minivan for 3-10 pax, Bus for 10+) Entrance fees to the abovementioned monuments as per program (except photo/ video char.) Cable car fees and ecological tax at the mountains Chimgan Concert Folklore Show with Dinner in Bukhara Nodir Devonbegi Madrassah Professional English-speaking escort guide from arrival to departure Uzbekistan Visa support Letter (Letter of invitation with Telex Number from MFA) Meals: All Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (as per itinerary) TOUR COST EXCLUDES: Uzbekistan visa support (at Uzbekistan Embassy in Singapore) Photo and video charges Beverages and extras in menus Tips and gratuities Services not mentioned in the program SUPPLEMENT COST: Single room supplement cost $ 170 (3 star), 350 (4 star), 390 (5 star) Special Notes: Tashkent GMT + 5 UZBEKISTAN VISA - Required Uzbekistan Embassy in Singapore Address: 20 Kramat Lane, #04-01/02 United House, , Singapore Tel.: (+65) , (+65) , Fax: (+65) Internet: Document required: Two copies of completed, printed out and signed online visa application forms; Original passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the validity of the visa. Minimum two blank pages should be available for stamping the visa; 2 recent passport-size colour photographs on a white background (bare-head and full face) can be arranged in our office. Supporting documents: Visa Support Letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. Visa fee + dispatch and submission $190 person

7 Days Sufi Tour in Uzbekistan

7 Days Sufi Tour in Uzbekistan Tashkent Khiva Bukhara Samarkand -Tashkent Valid Till : Dec 2018 DAY 1 Tashkent Urgench (evening flight) Khiva (30 km) Meeting on arrival and transfer to pre-booked hotel.