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Delve into rich and colourful Uzbekistan
Those on the group flights arrive this morning in Tashkent and transfer to the hotel for a rest. In the afternoon we will start our sightseeing of this Central Asian capital. This will include visiting Independence Square flanked by public buildings and water fountains and also the Old City with its mausoleums and bazaar. Tashkent was largely destroyed by earthquakes in the 60's and was rebuilt in true Soviet style with pleasant leafy boulevards and lots of fountains to keep the heat down in summer. There are some very interesting museums as well as mosques. *Arien Plaza Hotel / Samir Hotel or similar, Standard Hotel*
In the early morning we fly to Urgench, our base for our visit to Khiva and the Desert sites. On arrival, we transfer to Khiva and visit the living museum of the perfectly restored old city. We will see the khan's old residence, the Kunya-Ark 12th century fortress, the tiled base of the never completed Kalta Minar, (which was originally planned to be taller than any minaret in Bukhara) and the beautiful mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud (Khiva's patron saint) with its tiled courtyard. Many wedding parties and pilgrims come to visit the tomb and drink the water from the well in the courtyard. *Please Note:* On occasion, it may not be possible to secure seats for the group on the flight to Urgench. In this instance, we will buy flights to Nukus instead, and the activities on days 2 and 3 (land only) will be reversed. *Malika Khiva Hotel / Malika Khorezm, or similar, Standard Hotel*
After breakfast, we head off to the arid plains of Khorezm. These plains were once densely populated marshland, inhabited by Messagetae Scythians. These horseback archers were nomadic and fought to retain the land, even defeating Cyrus The Great, a Persian emperor in BC 529. We visit the 2000-year-old ruined city fortress of Toprak- Qala, dramatically located with the Sultan Vais Mountains acting as a backdrop. The settlement began in the first century BC under Kushan patronage and was later devastated by Turkish raids that led to the depopulation of the town in the sixth century. There are still three large round towers and an impressive portion of the citadel that still remain, but the parchments and paintings that were found there are now in St Petersburg's Hermitage Museum. We also visit Qizil-Qala, formerly an important oasis with an impressive amount of remaining buildings and finally Ayaz-Qala, an imposing hilltop fortress dating from the Sixth century. We later return to Khiva to spend the night. *Malika Khiva Hotel / Malika Khorezm, or similar, Standard Hotel*
A long day's drive on bad roads to Bukhara (approx 10/11 hours); first we cross the fabled Amu-Darya (Oxus) River and then the Kizilkum Desert. If time allows we may have the chance to make a first visit to old Bukhara and have a cup of green tea at the fascinating chai-khana (tea-house) at 'Laby Khauz' (one of the water-filled stone pools).We will break up the journey today with stops en route. *Hotel Kavsar / Hotel Sultan, or similar, Standard Hotel*
We have two days sightseeing in Bukhara, the next of our great Central Asian cities. Bukhara boasts over 900 historical monuments, here we will spend time visiting many sites and wandering at leisure amongst the old city streets. Unlike Samarkand, the district of the old town has remained separate from the rest of Bukhara and has undergone lots of restoration and preservation in recent years. In addition to its importance as a trading centre, it is the perfect setting to just sit and watch the world go by much as it has done for hundreds of years. Of particular interest is the Fortress Ark where, in the 19th century, the Emir of Bukhara had the English officers Stoddart and Connolly imprisoned and killed and the mausoleum of Ismail Samani, a beautiful example of early Islamic architecture dating back to the 10th century. We will also visit the Emir's rather kitsch Summer Palace, the old town with its domed bazaars and khauz (stone pools which used to be the city's only water supply), and the attractive 12th century Char Minar. One of the great landmarks of Bukhara is the Kalyan minaret, known as the death tower, where many an unfaithful wife has met a sticky end. *Hotel Kavsar / Hotel Sultan, or similar, Standard Hotel*
From Bukhara we transfer to Gijduvan, which is renowned for its ceramics school. The skills have been passed from generation to generation and today Gijduvan is home to the sixth generation of potters from Narzullayevs family. There will be a chance to visit the Museum of Ceramics and perhaps you might like to pick a souvenir at the potter’s shop. We'll be treated to some tea and Uzbek sweets here too! Next, we drive to Rabat-i-Malik (a few kilometres before Navoi city) - mediaeval ruins of the Karakhanid epoch, where we make a short stop. This site was a portal of the caravanserai but sadly much of the rest of the rabat was destroyed in the 1968 earthquake. We'll stop for lunch in Navoi and then drive to our Kazakh yurts. These are traditional round felt tents, which are spacious, colourful and comfortable inside. The Kazakh nomads still use them today. Our camp offers a glimpse into what life was like on the Silk Road in times gone by and with a bit of luck we will watch a wonderful sunset, and then sit around the fire listening to a local musician (akyn). *Yurt Camp (multi-share, 3-4 people to a yurt)*
Today we walk and there is also the chance to ride camels for a short time towards Aidarkul Lake. The lake stretches through the desert within sight of the Nuratin Mountains and once there we are free to explore the shoreline or swim. Later, we transfer to Nurata, formerly known as Nur and founded in the 3rd Century BC by Alexander the Great. This ancient town was once regarded as the frontier between the cultivated lands and the steppes, and the ruins of Alexander's hilltop citadel stand testament to its ancient history. The city was also an important Muslim place of pilgrimage, reaching its peak in the 10th Century AD as devotees flocked to its many significant graves and memorials. We stop at a 10th-century mosque and holy sites that have attracted pilgrims from all over Central Asia. After a traditional lunch at a teahouse we will drive to Samarkand. Please note that it is not possible for the whole group to ride camels at the same time due to camel numbers. *Dilshoda Hotel / Malika Prime Hotel or similar, Standard Hotel*
Samarkand is truly a jewel of the ancient and modern Silk Road. We have a busy full day taking in all the sights. There is the exquisite jade mausoleum of Gur-i-Emir, the resting place of Tamerlane, who is now being rapidly reinstated by the Uzbek government as a national hero. Perhaps the greatest treasure is Registan Square, Tamerlane's outstanding creation, a vast complex of domes and minarets, mosques and medrassas. We will also visit the equally beautiful necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda and the old observatory of Uleg Beg, the greatest Muslim astronomer. Samarkand is still a major centre for textiles, carpets and works of art and is the perfect city to try out bargaining skills and explore the ancient site of the bazaar. *Dilshoda Hotel / Malika Prime Hotel or similar, Standard Hotel*
This morning is left free for us to enjoy just a little more time in Samarkand. Perhaps a visit to the local bazaar where you can sample delicious fresh produce, or you might like to return to the many stalls nestled in the Registan Ensemble to find that perfect souvenir. Our adventure in Uzbekistan is almost complete as we leave Samarkand and take a high-speed train back to Tashkent in the late afternoon (please note that the train cannot be 100% guaranteed as occasionally it is booked out by government officials or is unavailable, in which case we will drive instead). Tonight we have a farewell dinner to mark the end of our travels together and reflect on all we have seen. *Arien Plaza Hotel / Samir Hotel or similar, Standard Hotel*
Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport for their flight. For land only passengers, the trip ends after breakfast.
* 9 nights standard hotels, all en suite, 1 night yurt (multi-share - 3-4
persons to a yurt) with basic shared washing facilities
* Travel by private bus/minibus, train and internal flight
* Some long drives
* Experience local culture and nature
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Please note that vegetarian food choices may be rather limited. If you are
strictly vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements please notify us
well in advance. In Uzbekistan, the availability of certain specialised
products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or
non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary
items from home.
Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you
to refill your bottle from - please bring a reusable bottle with you.
* 9 nights standard hotels, all en suite, 1 night yurt (multi-share - 3-4
persons to a yurt) with basic shared washing facilities
* Travel by private bus/minibus, train and internal flight
* Some long drives
* Experience local culture and nature
This is a generally undemanding trip with reasonable roads for the most part
and time for sightseeing. Most of the accommodation is modest but clean,
mostly with private facilities. This is an extremely rewarding trip for those
wishing to get to the heart of Central Asia and who are prepared to deal with
a long day's drive (day 4) on a bad desert road, early starts/long days and
hot (but also sometimes rather cold) temperatures. Tourist services and
facilities can be patchy and erratic. Tolerance and flexibility are required,
and for this you will be rewarded with an insight into local life. The camel
ride at Aidarkul Lake is optional and usually people walk alongside the
camels after an initial 20-30min ride.
*Departures from 14th May to 24th Sep 2021 - *The group flight has a new
arrival time of 3am on day 1 , so there is an additional night / a few
hours in a hotel to give some rest time before the sightseeing in Tashkent.
Hotels and Basic Yurt
You will spend 9 nights in standard hotels with en suite facilities and 1
night in a basic yurt. The hotels normally used are indicated within the
itinerary, however, accommodation may differ from those stated depending on
your departure date.
While in the yurt you will have basic washing facilities with simple basins
(water can be heated on request) but there are no showers. There will also be
a toilet tent/basic outhouse and a dining yurt. It is possible that you may
have to share a yurt with more than one other person (3-4 people to a yurt).
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that men and women who are not
travelling together don’t have to share a yurt, this cannot be
guaranteed.
*Single Supplement*
If you would like your own room, a limited number of single supplements are
available on a first come first served basis - please request this at the
time of booking. The single supplement is not available in the yurt camp (1
night) and you may have to share with more than one other person on this
night.
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Please note that vegetarian food choices may be rather limited. If you are
strictly vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements please notify us
well in advance. In Uzbekistan, the availability of certain specialised
products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or
non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary
items from home.
Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you
to refill your bottle from - please bring a reusable bottle with you.
This trip involves the odd long drive, generally on quite good roads, though
there are occasional dirt sections. We use and internal flight from Tashkent
to Urgench. There is also an optional camel ride on one day which may be
uncomfortable for some. We will try to book the high-speed train from
Samarkand to Tashkent however this cannot be 100% guaranteed as it can be
booked out by government officials or be unavailable, in which case we will
drive.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 12 Days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Uzbekhistan Airways (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline.
**
*Travelling land only: 11 days starting and ending in Tashkent*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Tashkent in the morning of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent
approximately two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £5‐10 (approx. US$8‐15) should
you decide to make your way independently.
These areas of Central Asia have long, extremely hot summers, but the winters
are very cold. The July and August departures may be rather hot with
afternoon temperatures often reaching 35degC. Other trips are planned for
Spring and Autumn when the temperature should not be below 5degC at night and
may be up to 25-30degC during the day. Sunny weather with clear blue skies
should be experienced but there can be some rain at this time of year.
Occasionally periods of unexpectedly hot or cold weather can be experienced.
These areas of Central Asia have long, extremely hot summers, but the winters
are very cold. The July and August departures may be rather hot with
afternoon temperatures often reaching 35ºC. Other trips are planned for
spring and autumn when the temperature should not be below 5ºC at night and
may be up to 25-30ºC during the day. Sunny weather with clear blue skies
should be experienced but there can be some rain at this time of year.
Occasionally periods of unexpectedly hot or cold weather can be experienced.
Light casual cotton clothing is recommended. Please remember that you will be
expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) during visits to mosques.
Sandals are useful as they are cooler and are easier to take off when
visiting mosques.
Please also bring a pair of trainers or lightweight walking shoes/boots for
visiting the fortresses near Khiva, and for walking in the desert yurt camp.
A set of thermal underwear (as a lightweight solution) and a fleece, hat and
gloves is highly recommended for cold nights (especially during
Spring/Autumn).
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the
recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend
packing only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
The amount of spending money required can vary depending on how much you
spend on drinks and souvenirs, but as an indication, we recommend you bring
at least GBP150 (US$200) for meals not included and a further GBP60 (US$80)
for souvenirs, drinks and other incidentals. Photo fees are payable
at nearly all the sites ‐ they vary from 20,000 ‐ 30,000 Soms.
This is entirely at your own discretion however; we suggest that you allow a
few pounds for tips for the local guides and staff. In the countries visited,
with the increase in tourism, tipping has become customary. The local staff
will probably expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow for this. The
leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of £25 (approx.
US$35) per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for
tipping of local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It is basically to
ensure that the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do
not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips you are of course free to
do so.
If you feel that your leaders have performed well over the course of your
trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you
choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, £2 (approx. US$2.50)
per person per day would be a reasonable starting point.
The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any
contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for
their work with Exodus.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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