AUTUMN in uzbekistan & tajikistan
Join Champaca Journeys' exploration of 2 of the most interesting 'Stans. Uzbekistan, in the heart of the Silk Road, steeped in history, culture, art and architecture. We explore the ancient Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and the legendary Samarkand. The cities are a fascinating mix of ancient mosques, madrasas, Silk Road era buildings, grand Czarist Russia era architecture, and attractive modern post independence buildings all which blend together in a harmonious manner. You never lack for comfort, though at times it seems you have traveled back in time.
Tajikistan is the second most mountainous country, and we will show you the majesty and grandeur of these mountains and the spectacular mountain lakes, before we travel to Dushanbe, the very pleasant capital of Tajikistan, for an interesting glimpse at urban Tajikistan.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: SATURDAY, Oct 4
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Our combined Uzbekistan/Tajikistan trip begins today. We suggest that participants arrive a day earlier so as to have the opportunity to rest and recover from jet lag, to be ready to begin today with a day of exploration in the fascinating city of Tashkent. Depending on airline schedules (we need to be flexible here due to changing schedules) we will have evening flight to Urgench today, or early flight to Urgench tomorrow morning.
Overnight at Lotte City Palace Hotel (Tashkent) or Erkin Palace Hotel ((Khiva).
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(Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 2: SUNDAY, Oct 5
Khiva
We take a walking tour to explore the ancient city of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its well preserved buildings. The old walled city has been meticulously restored and looks much as it did during its heyday as a significant Silk Road City. Surrounded by a wall, Khiva is small enough to explore on foot, the narrow passageways lead to beautiful mosques, madrasas and minarets, all buildings of a religious nature. Then there are markets, palaces and fortresses, and residential quarters. Khiva today is a delightful and compact living museum, full of interesting sites and friendly people. Exploring Khiva is journey back into time, a fascinating glimpse into a long lost world. The afternoon is free to wander the narrow alleys on your own or with guides, and we will plan a welcome dinner at interesting local restaurant with great food and some typical Uzbek entertainment.
Overnight at Erkin Palace Hotel.
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(B,L,D)
DAY 3: MONDAY, Oct 6
Khiva-Bukhara
We have a long bus journey today, 7 to 8 hours across the Kyzylkum Desert, following the route of the camel caravans. We'll stop for bathroom breaks, for lunch, to stretch our legs and for photo opportunities in the scenic desert. Late afternoon arrival to the fabled city of Bukhara. Opulent Bukhara was the holiest city in Central Asia, and is full of mosques, minarets, palaces and bazaars where you can feast your eyes on the glories of this city that still shine today.
Overnight at Paradise Plaza Hotel.
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(B,L)
DAY 4: TUESDAY, Oct 7
Exploration of Bukhara
The most interesting places in Bukhara are within the ancient walled city and a day of walking is the best way to experience Bukhara. We'll cover 2.5 miles on foot today to see the ancient mosques, madrasas, mauseoleums and marvel at the workmanship and the stunning blue tiles that are the predominant color in Bhukhara. This evening we'll enjoy a cultural performance with dinner showcasing the culture of Uzbekistan.
Overnight at Paradise Plaza Hotel.
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(B,L,D)
DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, Oct 8
Bukhara to Samarkand
This morning we'll visit the lovely Chor Minor Madrasa, and then explore the ancient Jewish quarter of Bukhara. Following these excursions you will have free time to wander the town on your own until we depart in mid afternoon for the train station where we catch the train to Samarkand (2.5 hours).
Overnight at Movenpick Hotel.
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(B)
DAY 6: THURSDAY, Oct 9
Samarkand sightseeing
One of the oldest cities in the world with a rich and varied history and home to many beautiful mosques, minarets and madrasas, Samarkand is also a modern and beautiful city. Our exploration today, by foot and vehicle will give you a good overview. we begin in Registan Square, with its 3 beautiful blue domed madrasas, built over 500 years ago. When constructed this was the square where citizens came to hear royal proclamations, today people gather here to socialize and admire the grand buildings. A short drive away are many other ancient buildings of the old quarter and many newer grand buildings dating from the Czarist era. Samarkand is full of parks, making it one of the most lovely and interesting of Uzbekistan's cities.
Overnight at Movenpick Hotel.
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(B,L)
DAY 7: FRIDAY, Oct 10
More Samarkand exploration
We will begin the day with a visit to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, built at the beginning of the 15th century, this is the resting place of Timur, the 14th century conqueror of Central Asia. As befits such an important figure, this is a stunning tribute to the man who ruled the region so famously.
We then move to the nearby necropolis, Shah-i-Zinda, built from the 8th to the 19th century, there are more than 20 stunning buildings richly decorated with the blue and turquoise tiles which are such a hallmark of religious buildings in Uzbekistan. These many connected buildings, restored to their former glory are are dazzling display of the aesthetic and architecture of ancient Samarkand.
Overnight at Movenpick Hotel.
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(B,L)
DAY 8: SATURDAY, Oct 11
Samarkand to Panjakent, Tajikistan
Today we drive an hour from Samarkand to the Tajikistan border and after crossing the border we drive into the mountains to reach the city of Panjakent. Penjakent has interesting museum to introduce you to the history of the area. Many Soviet era murals still exist here, extolling the glories of the Soviet Union (such murals now mostly gone from cities of former Soviet Union). We explore the market and wander the pleasant town.
Overnight at Panjakent Plaza Hotel.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 9: SUNDAY, Oct 12
Visit to the Seven Lakes
Twenty-five miles from Panjakent in the Fan Mountains are a beautiful complex of 7 amazing blue lakes. The scenery of the remote mountains is stunning and the lakes as we approach them even more spectacular. we stop at each lake and have a picnic lunch with Tajik wine by one of the lakes. Late afternoon return to Panjakent.
Overnight at Panjakent Plaza Hotel.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 10: MONDAY, Oct 13
Panjakent to Iskanderkul to Dushanbe
Today's drive brings us to the spectacular Iskanderkul, translated to Alexander's Lake, so named for Alexander the Great. A mountain lake of glacial origin, it has long been renowned for its beauty. We explore the lake and surrounding mountains, and have a picnic lunch at the lake before driving onward to Dushanbe, Takijistan's capital.
Overnight at Dushanbe Serena Hotel.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 11: TUESDAY, Oct 14
Dushanbe
Dushanbe is a pleasant small capital with some interesting sites to visit. The National Museum of Antiquities with its giant sleeping Buddha statue, Navruz Palace (meant to be a grand tea house, but its construction grew so opulent it was decided it should become a palace), Independence Monument, Rudacki Park, and the handicrafts center where you can meet many artisans and purchase their creations. Farewell dinner tonight.
Overnight at Dushanbe Serena Hotel.
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(B,L,D)
DAY 12: WEDNESDAY, Oct 15
Farewell
Transportation to airport for onward flights.
PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
(Inclusive of meals indicated on itinerary, non-alcoholic beverages, accommodations, ground transportation, 1 internal flight, entrance fees, services of licensed English speaking Uzbek and Tajik guides and drivers, services of USA based trip leader.)
$4400. (Based on double occupancy)
$4800. (Based on single occupancy)
NOTE: International airfare, gratuities, alcoholic beverages with meals, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature and travel insurance are NOT included.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Citizens of USA (and most other countries) require visa for Uzbekistan, which is easily obtained online. Citizens of USA receive Visa On Arrival for Tajikistan.
Participants are responsible for booking their air tickets from home city to Taskent, Uzbekistan where trip begins, and from Dushanbe, Tajikistan where trip finishes. The most convenient flights are with Turkish Airlines which offers flights from most major USA cities into Tashkent and returning from Dushanbe. Other airlines also offer service to these cities.
It is suggested that participants arrive one or 2 days before the first day of trip, so as to rest and be ready to travel on day 1. Cost of additional nights are $180, double occupancy, and $155 single occupancy. Fee for early check in is $95 double occupancy and $80 single occupancy.
Not all meals are included, as there are many options for delicious meals of varying cuisines and costs in many Uzbek cities. You will have option to join others and guides for these meals, or we will provide suggestions as to where you can find restaurants.
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