Embark on the Silk Road, between Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara, meeting with locals and nights in a yurt
Before your departure, immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of Bernard Ollivier “Long walk from the Mediterranean to China via the Silk Road” – Editions Phébus
Your adventure
A sublime testimony to the rich past of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is a symbol of beauty and refinement. From Khiva to Bukhara and from Samarkand to the confines of mountain villages, the country offers visitors landscapes and encounters that generate emotions and energy. You will share the life of the villagers under a local yurt. You will be captivated by the bustling bazaars of Samarkand, Shakhrisabz and even that of Tashkent. You will be sublimated by the beauty of the imposing madrassahs with a thousand columns, by the mosques in turquoise blue colors and by the domes with multiple gilding… You will experience strong and unique moments by following in the footsteps of the Silk Road caravans which traded between the distant east and the west.
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Day 1
Flight towards Uzbekistan.
Flight to Urgench. Dinner and overnight on board.
On board
Day 2
Khiva, gateway to our adventure.
On arrival, we will be welcomed by our guide and transferred by road to Khiva. This ancient city of Turkestan, capital of the khanate since the 17th century, is located in the middle of the Khorezm oasis. It was one of the largest markets in Central Asia and its prosperity lasted until the beginning of the century. Transfer to the hotel for breakfast and enjoy a rest time (depending on arrival times). Lunch before the start of our visits to this museum city. Surrounded by high ramparts, which extends over nearly 25 hectares, it houses its main mosque, the Djuma mosque with its 218 carved wooden columns. We will be surprised by its singularity which is distinguished by its atypical architecture without entrance arches, portals, or even domes. Behind the mosque rises the most emblematic architectural building of Khiva, the mausoleum of Pakhlavan-Makhmoud, popular poet and essential figure in the history of this city. We will also discover the Kounya-Ark, a fortified palace which served as the main residence of the Khans of the time. It houses the chancellery, the Throne Room, several mosques with sublime blue and white ceramics and a mint. Finally, we will end our day with a visit to the Islam-Khodja madrasa and its 44.5 m high minaret, the tallest minaret in Khiva. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in our caravanserai.
GOOD TO KNOW: if for technical reasons the direct flight to Urgench is no longer available, your entry point into Uzbekistan will be Tashkent, its capital. You would then reach Urgench by taking the domestic flight serving these 2 cities. The itinerary will then be readjusted to match flight schedules and the local guide will do everything possible to mitigate the effects of these events beyond our control.
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 3
The terracotta citadels of Ayaz Kala.
Breakfast. Departure this morning towards the ancient capital of Khorezm. Still preserved, we will discover the Kalas: “Kyzil Kala”, “Ayaz Kala” and “Toprak Kala”, these terracotta fortresses built in the 1st century BC. Even today archaeologists wonder about the reasons which led the inhabitants to desert, 8th century later, these citadels in the heart of the desert. In a remarkable state of preservation, they were only discovered in 1938. During this visit, our guide will immerse us in the fascinating history of these Kalas. Lunch on site. The ruins of Ayaz Kala offer a magnificent view of the desert expanse and the Sultan Uvays Mountains. We will head to the small Ayaz kul lake to spend the evening and night in a nomadic yurt camp. Dinner at the camp and night in the yurt.
Transport time by road: approx. 2h / approx. 105km
Under yurt
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 4
Khiva, the museum city of the Khorezm desert.
Breakfast. We will begin our morning with a visit to the Tach-Kaouli Palace, with its harem, its reception rooms and its court of justice. The whole complex, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, is a veritable labyrinth where the sovereign “Allakouli Khan” and his court lived. We will head towards the Khan Moukhammed-Amin madrassah, the largest in the city, where the surprising Kalta-minor minaret stands. Built by Moukhammed-Amin, it was intended to be the tallest minaret in the Muslim East, but following a defeat, he never set foot in Khiva again, and its construction remained unfinished. We will continue towards the mausoleum of Sayid Alaoudin, erected in 1303 in memory of the sheikh of the same name. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, it is above all the oldest in Khiva and still in remarkable condition. Lunch to taste one of the local specialties. Free afternoon for a more personal exploration of this magnificent oasis. At the end of the afternoon, transfer by road to Urgench station and boarding the train towards Bukhara. Picnic dinner on board the train. On arrival, transfer and night in our caravanserai.
Transport time by road: approx. 3h30 / approx. 170 km
Urgench – Bukhara train journey: approx. 06:05 / approx. 435km / time: 6:20 p.m. – 12:18 a.m.
Times given for information only, may be modified.
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 5
Discovery of Bukhara.
Breakfast. This Central Asian city was built thanks to the visits of the best artists and craftsmen from the Mongol empire, the neighboring kingdoms of Persia, Iraq and even India. One of the finest examples of this magnificent oasis is the fascinating Ark Citadel, which served as the residence of the emirs until 1920. Legend has it that the foundation of the fortress contains seven pillars placed in the order of the constellation of the Great Bear. Today, behind its massive walls and high towers, we can admire the throne room, the mosque, the entrance portal and the history and ethnology museum. Opposite the Ark citadel is the Bolo Khaouz Mosque, a UNESCO world heritage site. Built in 1712, it will captivate us with its porch decorated with 20 sculpted pillars, sumptuously decorated and tinted in warm colors. Lunch. This afternoon, we will visit a pottery workshop to discover all the manufacturing secrets of one of the region’s master craftsmen. Let’s take advantage of a short stop to relax in the heart of a Chaikhana at tea time. Free time for more personal exploration. Dinner in a restaurant in Bukhara and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 6
Exploring Bukhara.
Breakfast. Bukhara has managed to preserve its beauty and its rich architectural heritage. Even today, it continues to captivate visitors. We will start our day with a visit to the Liab i Khaouz, this mecca of conviviality in the heart of the old town. This pool is one of the rare ones to have stood the test of time. Around it, we can also admire one of the masterpieces of Bukhara, the Medersa Nadir Divan-Begi. Our gaze will be captivated by the 2 splendid semourgues, these 2 birds with blue and green plumage, which adorn the gate and which fly towards the sun. Bukhara is also recognized as one of the centers of Uzbek craftsmanship whose know-how is passed down from generation to generation. We will have the pleasure of meeting some of its talented artisans who passionately perpetuate their art. We will discover the secrets of making delicate miniatures. Lunch. We will continue towards the majestic Poï-Kalon complex, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. There you can admire the minaret of the same name dating from the 11th century. Culminating at 48 m, it served as a lighthouse for caravans heading towards the city. But also, the Kalan mosque, with architecture from the Timurid era, with its imposing interior courtyard decorated with vaulted galleries with 288 domes supported by 208 columns. We will also be captivated by the beauty of the mosaics of the Medersa Mi Arab, located opposite the mosque. Let’s take advantage of a short stop to relax in the heart of a Chaikhana at tea time. Free time to relax or for more personal exploration. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 7
Meeting the fishermen of Lake Aïderkul.
Breakfast. Departure by road for the village Doungalak, located not far from Lake Ayderkul. Lunch en route in Nourata then continuation towards the lake. When we arrive in the afternoon, we will walk alongside this salt lake to appreciate its contours. Lake Aydarkul was once a simple marsh and today is formed by rivers and mountain streams, and water from the Tchardara reservoir. Also called “the sea of sand”, it provides no less than 1/3 of Uzbekistan’s fishing. We will meet fishermen to learn more about the diversity of species present in these fish-rich waters. A place of migration for many birds, we can also admire pink pelicans, swans and white herons who take up residence on the shores of the lake. This inland sea has become an essential destination for swimming and walks in the heart of the sand dunes. Here, a few yurt camps have sprung up. Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp on the shores of the lake.
Transport time by road: approx. 4h / approx. 280km
Under yurt
Immersion (4 hours)
Day 8
Meeting the inhabitants of the village of Tersak.
Breakfast. Departure towards Nourata, this oasis nestled on the Silk Road. Legend has it that travelers having wandered for a long time in the desert, headed towards Nourata, attracted by a ray of light. It was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. Inspired by the constellation Ursa Major, he built the Nour fortress, which literally means “ray of light”. This city marked the border between the desert steppe and fertile agricultural regions. Many legends surround Nourata, one of which tells that a meteorite crashed and created a source of water with curative properties. In the heart of the city, we will discover the Tchashama complex, “the source”, which houses the Panjvakhta mosque, built by the last Khan of the Chaybanid dynasty. Lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue towards the Tchil Ustun mosque, famous for its 40 columns and its dome, the largest in Central Asia. Finally, this exploration will end with the mausoleum of Sheikh Abdoul Khassan Nouri. We will then head to the village of Tersak, at the foot of Mount Aman-Koutan, for a dive into the heart of rural Uzbekistan. Dinner and night at a local’s home.
Transport time by road: approx. 3h30 / approx. 280km
Homestay
Immersion (4 hours)
Day 9
Immersion in the daily life of the inhabitants of Tersak.
Breakfast at the locals’ home. For a day, we immerse ourselves in this small authentic village lost in the middle of the countryside where a few notes of French ring out. And yes, we will be warmly welcomed by dozens of smiling “hellos” and “welcomes”. And it’s not by chance! The former school teacher, always passionate about France, knew how to share his love of the language of Molière with the whole village. Here, the sense of hospitality is not at all a legend and this endearing character will offer us lodging for one night. Warm and generous, Mohammed will be happy to share, in our company, his daily life, his culture and the love of his country. We will stroll through the alleys of the village to meet the villagers of Tersak. This immersion is the guarantee of living a unique experience generating beautiful memories. Lunch and dinner with locals.
NB: The teacher is absent from time to time. In his absence, his family takes over and will be happy to welcome us
Homestay
Immersion (4 hours)
Day 10
Departure for the mythical Samarkand.
Breakfast at the locals’ home. Departure by road for Samarkand. On arrival, we will take a break for lunch. We will stay in the heart of the old town in an old 18th century residence. Built by a Jewish family, this guesthouse is today completely restored in the pure Uzbek tradition in a traditional style. This splendid city, halfway between China and the Orient, was once one of the most important caravan stops on the Silk Road. The Afrosiyob complex houses an archaeological site and a museum bringing together the remains of the creation of Samarkand originally named Afrasiab. On the two levels of the museum, we will discover a collection of more than 20,000 pieces to better understand the history of one of the greatest stages of the Silk Road. We will continue to the tomb of Saint-Daniel, resting place of one of the great prophets of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Bible. Legend has it that it was Tamerlane who brought back a relic from Persia. We will be surprised by the surprising size of this singular tomb, more than 18 m long. Finally, head towards one of the curiosities of Samarkand, the astronomical observatory, unique for its time, built in 1430 by the astronomer-prince Ulugh-Beg. It once housed the largest sextant in the world. Today, we will discover the underground part of the giant sextant. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Transport time by road: approx. 1h00 / approx. 30km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 11
The jewels of Samarkand.
Breakfast. We will begin our visit today with one of the must-see attractions of this city, the sublime Registan Square with its three legendary mosques of a thousand and one colors: Ulug-Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari. We will continue our immersion in the history of Uzbekistan by discovering the ruins of the Bibi-Khanym mosque, which according to legend, was built on the orders of one of Tamerlane’s wives in order to impress him. A short tour of the bazaar, a place of meetings and exchanges, will allow us to wander between the stalls of Turkmen carpets, stalls and jewelry. We will also enjoy smelling the delicate scent of pomegranates, watermelons, melons, candies, and other dried fruits. Our eye will also be attracted by the generous bread of Samarkand. Uzbeks flock from all four corners of the country to consume this essential pancake-shaped dish, whose flavor is boasted by numerous legends. Lunch. This afternoon, we will admire one of the jewels of Samarkand, the Chaki-Zinda sanctuary, a sublime collection of mausoleums, mosques and tombs whose domes and minarets stand out for their dazzling blue. We will be enchanted by this majestic site considered to be the most beautiful architectural ensemble of Islamic art in Uzbekistan. Visit to a handmade paper manufacturing workshop. Free time for personal exploration or a shopping session. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 12
Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the builder Tamerlan.
Breakfast. Today, we will take the road towards Chakhrisabz, “green city” in Persian. She saw the birth of the builder and national hero, Amir Timour, known as Tamerlan. This city reached its peak under the reign of this conqueror under the Timurid dynasty, from the 15th to the 16th century. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Chakhrisabz still houses many vestiges testifying to this glorious era. We will begin our visit with the Doroussiadat mausoleum, integrated into a vast ensemble called Hazrati Imom. This was originally intended for Tamerlane, but he perished on the road to China and his remains rest in Samarkand. However, his eldest son, Jehangir and Umar Cheikh took up residence there. In the adjacent mosque, the Hazrali Imom Mosque, is located, according to legend, the tomb of Imam Amir Kulal, an important figure for the country’s Muslims. We continued towards the Kok Goumbaz mosque, the “blue dome”, and the Medersa Dorut Tilavat, the “home of power”. The mosque was built by Tamerlan’s grandson, Oulougbek in honor of his father, Chokhroukh and the madrasa is today known as a place of pilgrimage. Lunch. This afternoon, we will be able to admire the impressive White Palace, the jewel of Shakhrisabz. 24 years is the time it took the craftsmen of Khârezm to finalize this building transformed into a summer palace, where Tamerlan received notables and other ambassadors. We will also be able to read this inscription at the entrance: “if you doubt our greatness, look at our buildings”. Before our return to Samarkand, we will stroll along Ipak-Yoli Street, the city’s main artery. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Transport time by road: approx. 3h / approx. 140 km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 13
Our last hours in Samarkand.
Breakfast. Before our departure for Tashkent, we will take full advantage of a free day for a personal exploration of the captivating Samarkand. The opportunity to get lost in its alleys or to bring back some treasures, souvenirs of this great adventure, in our suitcases. Free lunch. At the end of the afternoon, transfer to Samarkand station to board the train towards Tashkent. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Samarkand-Tashkent train journey: approx. 02h10 / approx. 435km / timetable: 5:07 p.m. – 7:17 p.m.
Times given for information only, may be modified.
In the hotel
Discovery (4 hours)
Day 14
Return to France.
According to our flight schedules, transfer to the airport and flight to Paris.
N.B.:
Your guide may be required to modify the itinerary due to organizational constraints (transport and accommodation in particular), weather conditions, the level of the participants, or any other cause relating to the safety of the group.
