Essential Central Asia

Itinerary

• Days 1-2: Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
  

  The trip begins in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital and largest city. Spend a day wandering through its main market, Chorsu Bazaar; touring its most noteworthy sights, including Independence Square and Kukeldash Madrassah; and paying a visit to the studio of a ceramics master.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Tashkent’s park-like Independence Square, formerly Lenin Square, rechristened and adorned with a new monument following Uzbekistan’s 1991 liberation
  • The monumental 16th century Islamic architecture of Tashkent, including Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, and Barak-Khan Madrassah
  • A visit with a ceramics master dedicated to the use of ancient techniques

   

• Days 2-4: Samarkand
  

  On your third morning, travel to the world-renowned Silk Road Oasis city of Samarkand, the conqueror Tamerlane’s ancient blue-tiled capital, hailed by UNESCO as “the crossroad of cultures.” Visit massive Bibi Khanum Mosque, Ulug Bek’s incredible observatory, and gracefully proportioned Registan Square.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • UNESCO-listed Samarkand’s Registan Square, bordered by three beautiful madrassahs
  • The 14th century conqueror Tamerlane’s architectural legacy in Samarkand, including Bibi Khanum Mosque, the largest of its day, and Ulug Nek Observatory
  • A meal with a family in a Samarkand home
• Days 5-7: Shahrisabz, Bukhara
  

  On the road to Bukhara, make a stop at Tamerlane’s hometown, UNESCO-listed Shahrisabz, to see the remains of his Ak Saray (White Palace). Then dedicate two days to Bukhara, Central Asia’s most ancient living city and another Silk Road oasis. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town encompasses more than 140 protected monuments, including the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza at the heart of the city and the Ark Citadel, Bukhara’s original fortress.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Shahrisabz’s Ak Saray, a monumental palace complex that was one of Tamerlane’s most ambitious architectural undertakings
  • Old Bukhara’s ageless domed bazaars and its central Lyab-i-Hauz Plaza, adorned with a reflecting pool
  • Ark Citadel, Bukhara’s giant ancient fortress
  • Kalon Mosque and Minaret, towering over the Old Town
  • Dinner and a cultural performance at a madrassah
• Days 8-9: Khiva
  

  Head northwest through the Kyzyl Kum Desert to Khiva, the last great oasis on the northern caravan route. Wander through the winding alleys of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a living museum filled with minarets, cobbled alleys, mosques, and the beautifully preserved Kunya Ark, the original residence of the ruling khans.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • The drive through Kyzyl Kum Desert, following the path of Silk Road caravans
  • Khiva’s evocative Old Town (Ichon-Qala in Uzbek), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Tash-Hauli Palace, built in the 19th century for the khan and his four wives
  • Dzhuma Mosque, famous for its carved wooden pillars
  • Kunya Ark, the original residence of the khans
• Days 10-13: Dashoguz (Turkmenistan), Ashgabat
  

  Cross the border into Turkmenistan and fly from the town of Dashoguz to the capital, Ashgabat. There, explore the flamboyant gilded architecture that has sprung from the rubble of a massive 1948 earthquake, gain insight into the country’s history and culture at the beautifully situated National Museum, and shop among the locals at the Altyn Asyr Oriental Market and the Russian Bazaar. A trip outside of town takes you to the ruins of the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the center of the Parthian Kingdom

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • The opulent modern architecture of Ashgabat, which holds a Guinness record for the highest density of white marble buildings in the world
  • Learning the story of Turkmenistan at the National Museum, where the collection includes Stone Age tools, drinking horns used in Zoroastrian rituals, and beautifully crafted amulets
  • The ruins of Nisa’s two fortresses, which show influences of ancient Greek and Roman culture