Discover Central Asia and Uzbekistan with Steppe Journeys Central Asia Tour 2019 | Page 4

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bazar, Applied Arts museum, Indpendence square and Tashkent metro. Overnight.
Day 7: ​ Tashkent - Samarkand (300 kms 2 hrs 10 min) After early
breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to train station of
Tashkent for your train to Samarkand at 0800-1010. Upon arrival
start your city tour in Samarkand. Visit Gur Emir mausoleum,
Registan square and Siab Bazar, Bibi Hanum mosque.
Day 8: Full day city tour of Samarkand. You will visit Shahi Zinda complex, Afrosiab
museum with wall painting of 7 C and other ancient artifacts found at the site dating back to
6 century BC up to 20 Century AD. Also visit Ulughbek observatory and your visit to Konigil
Silk paper workshop will finish your sightseeing. Enjoy Sound and Light Laser show at
Registan after 2100 (if available). Overnight Samarkand.
Day 9: Samarkand - Bukhara via Shahrisabz (80 kms +290 kms) Drive to Bukhara via
Shahrisabz, another UNESCO world heritage site. Short city tour of
Shahrisabz, visit Ak Saray ruins, Kok Gumbaz mosque, Juma mosque,
Jahangir’s mausoleum. Shahrisabz is also famous for its embroidery Suzane
which is different than other regions of Uzbekistan and you will be able to
purchase local craft works from local masters on site. After lunch, continue
driving to Bukhara and you will arrive in Bukhara later evening and have
free time for little walk and exploration of the city. Your hotel is located in
the old town. Overnight Bukhara.
Day 10: Bukhara: Full day walking city tour of Bukhara. Bukhara is the pearl of Asia and it
was the center of Education and Islamic culture in the medieval ages. Still
in the city there are many mosques, madrasa and mausoleums. Visit Ismael
Samaniy mausoleum, Chashmai Ayub, Bolo Hauz mosque. Ark Fortress,
dating back to 1st century AD and 20 century, it was the royal residence of
Bukhara Emir. Kalyan mosque and minaret, Mir Arab Madrasa, Taki
Zargaron, Ulughbek and Abdulazizkhan madrasa, Tim Abdullakhan, Taki
Telpakfurushon, Magaki Attari mosque, Nadir Divan Begi Hanaka and
Madrasa and Chor Minor. Overnight Bukhara.
Day 11: Bukhara - Mary (380 kms): Leave early to drive to the Turkmenistan border. You
will be transferred to the border and pass through both customs, visa
formalities and meet your Turkmenistan guide and driver at Turkmenistan
customs. Between two countries there is a neutral zone and you can use
Shuttle bus from one side to the other. Continue driving to Mary, and oasis
in the Karakum desert. Overnight Mary.
Day 12: Mary – Merv - Ashgabat: Drive to Bairamaly (25 kms). Sightseeing in ancient
Merv, founded in the 6th century BC and one of the most important cities along the Silk
Road. Return to Mary and visit the museum. Catch afternoon flight to Ashgabat.