THE LAND OF PILAF AND THE BLAZING SUN
Price: 630-876$ per person
Duration — (days): 6 days / 5 nights
Duration — (days): 6 days / 5 nights
Itinerary: Samarkand – Urgut – Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Bukhara
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Season: All year round
Meet & Greet: Arrive at Samarkand International Airport at 8:00 AM. Your guide will welcome you and assist with transfer.
Breakfast: At the hotel or local restaurant.
City Overview:
Samarkand, founded in the 5th century BCE, is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Formerly known as Marokanda, it was the capital of Sogdiana. The older section, Afrasiab, dates back to ancient times. In the 14th–15th centuries, Samarkand became the capital of Timur’s Empire.
Highlights of Samarkand Tour:
Gur-Emir Mausoleum: Final resting place of Tamerlane (Timur), along with his sons Miranshah, Shahrukh, and grandson Ulugh Beg.
Rukhabad Mausoleum: Known as the “Abode of the Spirit,” housing a relic of Prophet Muhammad.
Registan Square: The iconic central square of Samarkand, a hub of history and architecture.
Overnight: Samarkand – Hotel Grant Marokand
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Full-Day Tour:
Meros Paper Mill: Discover Samarkand’s ancient papermaking tradition, revived by the Mukhtarov brothers.
Mausoleum of Saint Daniel (Daniyar): A sacred site revered by three religions, located near Afrasiab.
Ulugh Beg Observatory: A 15th-century astronomical marvel built by Timur’s grandson.
Shahi-Zinda Necropolis: Known as the “Living King,” a monumental complex of mausoleums.
Bibi-Khanum Mosque: One of the grandest mosques of Central Asia (15th century).
Siab Bazaar Overview: Experience the local market culture.
Overnight: Samarkand – Hotel Grant Marokand
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Excursion: Experience the traditional lifestyle and natural beauty of the Zeravshan Mountains. Highlights include:
Mountain Village Tour: Visit the Mamatov family’s home to explore local crafts like carpet weaving and tobacco production.
Tulip Fields: Walk along trails to witness tulip blooms (April 20 – May 15).
Local Cuisine: Sample traditional kazan kebab and other regional specialties.
Return to Samarkand for Overnight Stay: Hotel Grant Marokand
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Transfer to Shakhrisabz: 80 km south of Samarkand, at 622 meters above sea level. Known as the birthplace of Tamerlane, the city reflects the grandeur of the Timurid Empire.
Shakhrisabz Highlights:
Ruins of Ak-Saray: Tamerlane’s summer residence (14th–15th centuries).
Mausoleum of Jahongir: Tomb of Timur’s eldest son.
Dorus Saodat Complex: Includes Hazrati Imam Mosque.
Gumbazi-Seyidan: Mausoleum of Timur’s descendants.
Kok-Gumbaz Mosque: Built by Ulugh Beg for his father, Shahrukh.
Evening Transfer: Shakhrisabz to Samarkand train station. Departure for Bukhara: 9:43 PM | Arrival: 11:26 PM
Overnight: Bukhara – Hotel Rayyan or Shahnishin
Breakfast: At the hotel.
City Overview: Bukhara, known as the “Pillar of Islam,” has a history spanning over 2,500 years. The city combines ancient architecture with vibrant local markets.
Key Sights:
Samanid Mausoleum: Oldest brick structure in Central Asia (9th–10th centuries).
Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum: 14th-century historical site.
Bolo-Khauz Mosque: 20th-century mosque with unique 12-meter columns.
Ark Fortress: Ancient residence of Bukhara rulers (16th century).
Silk Carpet Shops: Explore traditional craftsmanship.
Poi-Kalyan Complex: Includes Kalyan Minaret and Kalyan Mosque.
Madrasahs: Miri-Arab, Ulugh Beg, Abdulaziz Khan, and Nadir Divan-Begi.
Taki Zargaron: Goldsmiths’ dome and trading area.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Dinner & Overnight: Bukhara – Hotel Rayyan or Shahnishin
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Countryside Tour:
Sitorai-Mohi-Khosa: Country residence of the Bukhara emirs.
Bahauddin Naqshband Memorial Complex: Revered shrine in Central Asia.
Chor-Bakr Necropolis: Historic 16th-century complex.
Lunch Recommendation: Traditional tandoori meat dishes.
Transfer: To Bukhara International Airport. End of tour.
| Group Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 876 | 780 | 720 | 672 | 648 | 630 |
Price Includes:
Transportation throughout the tour
English-speaking guide in each city
Entrance fees to listed monuments
Train tickets Samarkand – Bukhara
Hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
Price Excludes:
International airfare
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and drivers
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Meals not listed in the program
Hotels:
Samarkand: Hotel Grant Marokand
Bukhara: Hotel Rayyan or Shahnishin