Central Asian Tapestry: Exploring Uzbekistan & Tajikistan
Central Asian Tapestry: Exploring Uzbekistan & Tajikistan
The Group Tour of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan provides an unforgettable journey through Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Gijuvan, Urgench, Khiva, Sarazm, and Penjikent. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of medieval mosques, mausoleums, and madrassas, explore vibrant bazaars, and immerse yourself in the natural landscapes of these regions. Walk the historic streets once traveled by caravans on the Great Silk Road and discover monuments listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
More than just a sightseeing experience, the Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Group Tour is a culinary adventure, introducing you to the distinctive flavors of Uzbek and Tajik cuisine and facilitating delightful interactions with the local people. For those seeking a deeper immersion, a variety of optional activities are available, ranging from traditional Uzbek cooking classes to relaxation in a 14th-century bathhouse and much more.
Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Upon your arrival in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Check-in starts at noon.
Your guide and driver will then pick you up from the hotel to commence your Tashkent city tour. This private tour includes an excursion to the Old City, featuring the Hast-Imam architectural complex dating back to the 15th century, which houses the world's oldest known Quran. You will also visit the Chorsu Bazaar, one of Central Asia's oldest markets, offering the opportunity to sample or purchase sweets, fruits, and souvenirs. Experience a ride on the Tashkent Metro, where each station showcases a unique theme through ceramic tiles and murals. Explore Amir Timur Square and Independence Square, taking in the artwork for sale along 'Broadway' Drive. The tour continues with a visit to Sacred Heart Cathedral and a stop at the Applied Arts Museum, a captivating collection of Uzbekistan's finest handicrafts housed in an elaborately decorated villa. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Meals: None
Tashkent – Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
In the morning, your chauffeur will transport you to the railway station for a captivating train journey to the breathtaking city of Samarkand. Your itinerary includes visits to Gur Emir and the impressive Registan Square, showcasing three Madrasahs dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries. Marvel at the splendor of Bibi Khanum Mosque and stroll through the multi-level complex of Siab Bazaar, where you can discover souvenirs and indulge in local sweets, fruits, and the renowned Samarkand bread. Explore the remarkable Shakhi-Zinda, a burial complex from the 15th century, and traverse the impressive pathway to witness its blue-domed tombs.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory, where you can observe the remnants of a 14th-15th-century sextant and explore the Ulugbek Museum. Following a day filled with exploration, unwind and rejuvenate at your hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel, and breakfast will be provided.
Meals: Breakfast
Samarkand – border – Seven Lakes - Penjikent (Uzbekistan/Tajikistan)
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border crossing at Jartepa (50km). Following the completion of customs and passport control, your local Tajik guide and driver will be ready to meet you on the Tajikistan side and accompany you to the stunning Seven Lakes (90km). Nestled in the Fann Mountains, each of the Seven Lakes showcases its distinct color palette, ranging from turquoise to purple. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this extraordinary location and savor lunch at a guest house near the fourth lake. Continue your journey to the enchanting city of Penjikent, where you will spend the night at a hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Penjikent – border – Samarkand (Tajikistan/Uzbekistan)
Indulge in breakfast and embark on a tour of ancient Penjikent, exploring the remnants of a town established by the Sogdians in the 5th century and later abandoned by the Arabs in the 8th century. In the historical part of Penjikent, witness the foundations of houses, a citadel featuring Zoroastrian fire temples, the remnants of the city bazaar, and other excavated ruins. In the more modern section of Penjikent, explore a local bazaar, mosque, and the Rudaki Museum. Drive to the Jartepa border crossing (30 km, 40 min) via Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in the 4th century BC. Upon crossing the border, your group tour in Uzbekistan will continue, with your driver meeting you at the border to escort you to your hotel in Samarkand. Spend the night at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Samarkand – Gijduvon – Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Today the tour progresses with a journey from Samarkand to Bukhara via Gijduvon. En route, make stops at the Rabati Malik Caravanserai (11th century) and Sardoba. Explore Gijduvan, a quaint town renowned for its traditional crafts and ceramics, prized in Central Asia for its quality and vibrant decorative style. Take a tour of the ceramic center, participate in a pottery master class, and then enjoy lunch.
Visit the Emir's Summer Residence at Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa (19th century) near Bukhara, a unique site that blends Oriental and Russian architectural influences. Please note that no English-speaking guide is provided at this location. Check-in at the hotel in Bukhara.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-Lunch
Optional Activity: Immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions at the Bozori Kord Hammam, a traditional Turkic bathhouse dating back to the 14th century, still in operation today. Cost: 25 USD.
Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Commence your morning with a guided city walking tour led by your local guide. Your exclusive exploration will encompass the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, and the Trade Domes (15-16th centuries), repurposed today as a tourist bazaar. Continue your journey to the Poi Kalyan Ensemble, which includes the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri-Arab Madrasah. Explore Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasahs, and delve into the history of the Ark Fortress and its museum in Bukhara. The next site on your itinerary is the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, featuring a pond, followed by a visit to the mausoleum of Ismail Samanid. The duration of the tour is approximately 6-7 hours, allowing for free time in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel in Bukhara.
Meals: Breakfast.
Bukhara – Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Enjoy breakfast, then depart from Bukhara in the morning for a scenic drive to Khiva covering a distance of 480 km, with an estimated travel time of 7-8 hours. Today's journey involves an overland transfer through the Kyzylkum desert, a historic route that caravans on the Great Silk Road utilized for transporting porcelain and spices over centuries. Arrive in Khiva, often referred to as the "museum under the open sky," in the late afternoon. Following check-in, you'll have free time to explore Khiva. Spend the night in a hotel located inside or near "Itchan-Kala," the historical center of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Note: Due to the basic nature of cafes and restaurants along the way with limited menus, you may consider bringing a packed lunch for the trip.
Meals: Breakfast.
Optional Activity: In the evening, participate in a masterclass on cooking tukhumbarak (egg dumplings), a classic Khivan cuisine. The price is 25 USD per person, with a minimum of 4 persons required, and includes dinner.
Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Following breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided walking tour around Itchan-Kala with a local guide. Begin your exploration at Kunya-Ark Khan's castle and the inner citadel of Ichan Kala. Continue to visit the following landmarks: Kalta Minor Tower, the tallest minaret in Central Asia; Muhammad Amin-Khan, the largest medieval madrasah in Khiva; and Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasah. Explore the Juma Mosque, distinguished by its 212 wooden columns and a 32.5-meter high minaret. Visit the Tash-Hauli Palace (Stone Courtyard Palace) characterized by its high battlements, towers, and fortified gates. Discover the Necropolis of Pahlavan Mahmud, the cultic center of Ichan Kala, and the Residence of Islam Khodja, the vizier of the last khan.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Urgench airport (35 km, 45 min) for a flight to Tashkent (1093 km, 1 hour 40 min). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast.
Tashkent, departure (Uzbekistan)
Enjoy a leisurely morning on your own before checking out of the hotel by noon. Your designated driver will then accompany you to the airport for your departure flight home, marking the conclusion of the Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Group Tour.
Meals: Breakfast.
Inclusions
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Top Attractions
Khast Imam Complex
Duration: 1-2 hours
Chorsu Bazaar
Duration: 1-2 hours
Tashkent Metro (kosmonavtlar Station)
Duration: 1 -2 Hours
Amir Timur Square (Tamerlane Square)
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Duration: 2 Hour
Museum of Applied Arts
Duration: 2 Hour
Gur-e Amir Mausoleum
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Registan Square
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Duration: 1-2 hours
Siab Bazaar
Duration: 1-2 hours
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
Duration: 1-2 hours
Ulugh Beg Observatory
Duration: 1-2 hours
Seven Lakes
Duration: 1 Hour
Fann Mountains
Duration: 2 Hour
Rudaki Historical Museum
Duration: 30 Minute
Sarazm
Duration: 1 Hour
Rabati Malik Caravanserai
Duration: 1 Hour
Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa palace
Duration: 4 Hours
Magoki Attori Mosque
Duration: 1 Hour
Poi Kalyan Mosque Complex
Duration: 2 Hour
The Ark Fortress
Duration: 1 Hour
Bolo Khauz Complex
Duration: 30 Minutes
Samanids Mausoleum
Duration: 30
Kunya Ark (Old Fortress)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Kalta Minor Minaret
Duration: 15-30 minutes
Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Juma Mosque
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Tash Hauli Palace (Tash-Khauli)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
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Terms
- Please note that these packages are customizable, which means that you will be able to make changes to the itinerary/activity if you so desire. The final payment will be calculated as per the itinerary and inclusions reflected on the confirmatory e-mail sent to you.
- Please expect to receive your vouchers 72 hours before your departure date (subject to full payment of your package cost).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, mini bars etc., are not included.
- In case your package needs to be canceled due to any natural calamity, weather conditions etc. Dook Travels shall strive to give you the maximum possible refund subject to the agreement made with our trade partners/vendors.
- The passenger names in the booking form should be exactly as per passports. Dook Travels will not bear any liability for the name change fee, if incorrect names and ages have been added at the time of booking.
- Please note that your package includes baggage as per airlines policy. Any addition in baggage will be charged separately.
- Standard check-in time at the hotel is normally 2:00 pm and check-out is 11:00 am. An early check-in, or a late check-out is solely based on the discretion of the hotel.
- In case the selected hotel is unavailable for booking, an alternate arrangement will be offered to the customer in another hotel of a similar category.
- Certain hotels may ask for a security deposit during check-in, which is refundable at check-out subject to the hotel policy.This amount has to be deposited by the traveler.
- Please note that Day at Leisure essentially implies that no sightseeing activities have been included for that day.
- Kindly be on time for your activities, tours and transfers. Dook Travels will not be liable for missing any activity thus for any refund against it in such cases.
- No refund either in part or in full will be made for any unused part of the services provided in the package.
- The package price doesn’t include special dinner or mandatory charges at times levied by the hotels especially during New Year and Christmas or any special occasions. Dook Travels shall try to communicate the same while booking the package. However Dook Travels may not have this information readily available all the time.
- Our package price does not include GST and TCS. Applicable GST and TCS will be charged over and above the package price.
- For queries regarding cancellations and refunds, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.
- For any paid activity which is non-operational due to any unforeseen reason, we will process the refund & should reach the guest within 30 days refund requisition. Also, for any activity which is complementary and not charged to Dook Travels & guests, no refund will be processed.
- Our package prices are on twin sharing accommodation basis thus published prices are applicable for minimum two persons and multiple of two thereon.
- As per RBI guideline every foreign traveler has to provide us his PAN details. The Dollar component of package price will be taken out of your BTQ (Basic Travel Quota).
- The tour cost does not include any Overseas Insurance Premium, but we strongly recommend buying Overseas Insurance Policy. The same after issuance is non refundable.
- These terms are general terms for our tour packages.Any term mentioned in proposal shall be considered part of it and in case of discrepancy term mentioned in proposal shall prevail.
- Disputes, if any, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi.
- Dook will try to operate each group tour on best effort basis. In case Dook is not able to operate the group for insufficient no. of passengers, Dook will refund 100% money to travellers. Except for this Dook will not have any other liability
Payment Policy
- Payment schedule depends on destination, time of booking, inclusions, airline and hotel payment policy etc thus it is specific to your package bookining.
- Payment schedule will be part of our proposal to you for the package.
- If payment is not made as per the schedule provided in the first booking confirmation e-mail, Dook Travels reserves the right to cancel the booking after attempting to get in touch with you. Refunds would be as per the package cancellation policy.
Cancellation Policy
- Once Booking received : INR 5000 (Per PAX) + actual Ticket cancellation + Hotel cancellation as per hotel policy+Visa fee if visa is applied.
- 60 – 45 Days prior to departure : 25 % of land cost + INR 5000 (Per PAX) + actual Ticket cancellation+Visa fee if visa is applied.
- 45 – 30 days prior to departure: 50% of land cost + INR 5000 (Per PAX) + actual Ticket cancellation+Visa fee if visa is applied.
- 30 – 10 days prior to departure: 75% of land cost + INR 5000 (Per PAX) + actual Ticket cancellation+Visa fee if visa is applied.
- Within 10 days: Full.
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