Delicious Uzbekistan

The group flights arrive early. Land only passengers can arrive any time this morning.

Today we start Uzbekistan trip from Tashkent. Firstly this afternoon we head out on a sightseeing tour of Tashkent, including visits to Independence Square, flanked by public buildings and fountains, and the old town with its mausoleums and bazaar. Much of the city was destroyed by earthquakes in the 1960s and was rebuilt in true Soviet style with pleasant leafy boulevards and numerous fountains to keep the heat down in summer.

In contrast to some of the country’s better known Silk Road cities, architecture in Tashkent is influenced by the brutalist movement and Ladas are still very common adding to the city’s ‘back in the USSR’ feel.

Today we will take the early fast train to Samarkand, arriving mid-morning. We will spend the rest of today and part of tomorrow exploring this Silk Road city, which is steeped in history dating back 2,500 years. It has been impacted by such figures as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Tamerlane, who made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century. Samarkand is the heart of Uzbekistan and the most important part of our Uzbekistan trip.

Secondly we will visit the grand square, as well as the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the burial place of Tamerlane, his sons, and his grandson, Ulughbek. We will also see the Ulugbek Observatory, built in 1420 by Tamerlane’s grandson, who was not only a ruler but also a well-known astronomer.

Next, we will visit the oversized Bibi Khanum Mosque and Shakhi Zinda, the “Living King” necropolis, with its series of mausoleums dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Our final visit will be to the exotic Siab Bazaar, with its fresh and dried fruit, nuts, and other local food produce. The order in which we visit these sites may vary.

After exploring Samarkand, we will head into the countryside to experience what life would have been like during the days of the Silk Road. We will visit a nomadic family and learn about their way of life. We will also see how they herd their animals and grow their crops.

In the evening, we will go to the Havirenko, a traditional Uzbek restaurant. We will enjoy a delicious meal of Samarkand cuisine, including vine leaves, plov, and samsa. Our guide will also tell us about the history of the Havirenko and the vine that is grown in the region.

Today we go for a walk and have the opportunity to ride camels on the way to Aidarkul Lake. The lake stretches through the desert towards the Nurata Mountains and, once by the lake, we have time to explore the shoreline and go for a swim. Later, we drive on to 2,000-year old city of Bukhara.

We will spend two days sightseeing in Bukhara, one of the great Central Asian cities. Bukhara boasts over 900 historical monuments, and we will have the opportunity to visit many of them.

The old town of Bukhara has remained separate from the rest of the city, and it has undergone extensive restoration and preservation in recent years. This makes it the perfect place to wander at leisure and experience the unique atmosphere of this ancient city.

One of the most interesting places to visit in the old town is the Fortress Ark, which was the seat of power for the Emirs of Bukhara for centuries. The mausoleum of Ismail Samani is another must-see, as it is a beautiful example of early Islamic architecture.

We will also visit the Emir’s Summer Palace, the old town bazaars, and the Char Minar, a 12th century tower that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bukhara. Finally, we will climb the Kalyan minaret, which is known as the “death tower” because it was once used to execute unfaithful wives.

Second day exploring the sites of Bukhara. This day you will go to the Lyabi Hauz, Kalta Mino, Samani mosque, Rabot Malik, Sitora-I Mohi Xosa. This evening we head to the train station to board the overnight sleeper train back to Tashkent. Train travel has long been a common mode of transport in the ex-Soviet Union and Central Asia and a great experience. The 1st class carriage, which we use, is divided into 2-berth cabins.

Our train arrives in Tashkent early this morning. We will transfer to the hotel where we have access to day-use rooms. There is free time to relax or explore a bit more of Tashkent before those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport in the afternoon arriving back in London this evening. Land only passengers are free to leave the trip any time today or make use of the day-use rooms.