14 Day Highlights of Uzbekistan Tour w/ Journal of Nomads
Sept 16-28, 2024
Guide: Ismat
Tour organizer: Cynthia Bil
www.journalofnomads.com
To book: hello@journalofnomads.com
Mon, Sept 16th
- tour begins at noon w/ group lunch at Central Asian Plov Center (a.k.a. Besh Qozon)
- explore city of Tashkent: Khast Imam Mosque, Qaffol Shoshi Mausoleum (a.k.a. Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi), the Barak Khan Madrasah and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque, Mouyi Mubarak Mausoleum, Chorsu Market and Amir Timur Square
- overnight in hotel
- D incl
Tue, Sept 17th Hike distance: 8km, Hike time: approx 4-5hrs, Ascent: +400m
- drive north 2hrs to Tian Shan mountain range
- hike up Mount Kyzyl-Dzhar
- views of Kungur-Buka Mtns
- arrive in Chimgan and free time in early evening
- overnight in chalet
- B,L,D incl
Wed, Sept 18th Hike distance: 8km, Hike time: approx 4-5hrs, Ascent +520m
- hike to Small Chimgan peak (2100m altitude) through Pesochny Sand Pass w/ views of Lake Charvak and Tien Shan Mtns
- return to Chimgan and drive back to Tashkent to board night train to desert city of Khiva
- overnight on train
- B, L, D incl
Thur, Sept 19th
- arrive in Khiva late morning
- guided tour around Khiva (a Unesco heritage city): Mohamed Amin Khan Madrasa, Kounya-ark Citadel, palaces and caravanserais of Khiva’s Khans
- overnight in family-owned guesthouse
- B,L,D incl
Fri, Sept 20th
- board train for 6hr journey through Kizil Kum Desert to Bukhara, arriving late afternoon
- short guided tour of Bukhara at sunset
- overnight in hotel
- B incl
Sat, Sept 21st
- morning guided tour of Bukhara: Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Eastern Market of Bukhara, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Lyabi Khause Square and the Po-i-Kaylan Complex (moques, minarets and madressas)
- free time in afternoon
- overnight in hotel
- B,D incl
Sun, Sept 22nd. Hike distance: 16km, Hike time: approx 6hrs, Ascent: +350m
- early morning start. 3hr drive to Chashma
- enroute stop at caravanserai and water well used by Silk Road traders
- arrive in Chashma late morning and meet muleteers who will carry backpacks during the upcoming hike
- hike to gorge where we’ll set up camp
- overnight in shared tent
- B. L, D incl
Mon, Sept 23rd Hike distance: 20km, Hike time: approx 7hrs, Ascent: +350m
- hike through small mountain villages
- overnight in shared tent
- B, L, D incl
Tue, Sept 24th Hike distance: 8km, Hike time approx 4hrs, Ascent: +500m
- hike over Yomon Ketchi pass (1500m altitude) to small village
- drive to Kyzyl Kum Desert
- overnight in yurt camp
- B, L, D incl
Wed, Sept 25th Camel ride: 2hrs, Hike thru desert: 6km, approx 2hrs
- camel trek to Lake Aydarkul
- return to yurt camp on foot
- overnight in yurt camp
- B, L, D incl
Thur, Sept 26th
- 4hr drive to Samarkand
- guided tour of Samarkand: Registan Complex with Ulug’bek Madrasai, Sherdor Madrassah and Tilla-Kori Mosque; and Gur-Emir-Mausoleum (a.k.a. Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Complex)
- free time in evening
- overnight in hotel
- B, D incl
Fri, Sept 27th
- early morning visit to Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Siyob Bazaar (a.k.a. Siab Bazaar)
- free afternoon
- overnight in hotel
- B, D incl
Sat, Sept 28th
- morning free in Samarkand: Jewish quarter w/ synagogue and hammam or silk carpet factory
- afternoon train back to Tashkent
- overnight in hotel
- B,D incl
