UZEKISTAN EXTENSIONS 8 days
UZEKISTAN EXTENSIONS Countries visited Uzbekistan Tour Highlights The ghost town of Muynak Ancient ruins of Fayaz-Tepa Silk Road port city of Kampyr Tepe Striking views from mountain peaks and valleys Hike through Ugam-Chatkal National Park Places visited Muynak Nukus Gyaur-Kala Mizdahkan Aral Sea Ustyurt Plateau Tashkent Termez Fayoz-Tepa Kampyr Tepe Kumbel Mountain Peak Chatkal Mountain Ridge Chimgan Yangikurgan Village Charvak Water Reservoir Ugam-Chatkal National Park What's included Arrival & departure transfers Ground transport with driver Domestic flights Accommodation Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan) English-speaking guides Entrance fees to sites & parks ID 2009 - P a g e 1
UZEKISTAN EXTENSIONS What's not included Meals not mentioned in itinerary Drinks Visa fees Tipping Camera / video camera fees Personal items (laundry, telephone, etc.) Medical expenses Any services not mentioned in itinerary All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking. ID 2009 - P a g e 2
UZEKISTAN EXTENSIONS Your Itinerary Explained Date Place visited Meals The first part of the text in each day is the itinerary schedule and will explain what you will normally see/do during this day of your itinerary. The part of the day s text in italics (and comes after the three dashes ) is background information on the places or sites on that day of your itinerary. It is not part of your itinerary and may mention places that will not be visited on your itinerary. If you have any questions please ask us. Travel times where noted are only meant as a guideline. : reakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner Tour Itinerary Day 1 Day trip to Muynak from Nukus Meals Muynak Travel to Muynak, where you will see the "cemetery of ships" and learn the history behind the former port town in the local museum. Overnight stay in Nukus. The desolate former city of Muynak once stood at the bank of the Aral Sea. Today, 100km of desert land stands between Muynak and what remains of the Aral Sea. The lake, which was called a sea for its beaches and abundance of fish, has now retreated and turned the once a prosperous port city into a ghost town. Shipping ceased in 1970 as the Aral Sea began to dramatically reduce in size. Today it is known as the "cemetery of ships", where great rusting boats lie abandoned in the desert. Day 2 2 day trip to the Aral Sea from Nukus (day 1) Meals Gyaur-Kala Drive to the Aral Sea, stopping en route at the Mizdakhan and Gyaur-Kala. Continue on the Ustyurt Plateau to the Aral Sea, seeing ancient burials and the former Light House along the way. Arrive at the campsite by the banks of the Aral Sea, where you will stay overnight. The fortress of Gyaur-Kala dates back to the 4th century C. The community resisted Muslim invaders in 712 - giving it the name "Gyaur-Kala", meaning "fortress of the unfaithful". In 1220, the army of Khan Juchi - Genghis Khan's son - invaded and destroyed Gyaur-Kala. Excavations have revealed the remains of fabrics, cowry shells from the Indian Ocean and coral beads, which all indicate the significance of this settlement as a trading centre of the Silk Road. ID 2009 - P a g e 3
UZEKISTAN EXTENSIONS Mizdahkan is an ancient necropolis that was founded over 2,000 years ago. Medieval Mizdahkan was known as a prosperous craft and trading centre of the Silk Road. The city was destroyed and rebuilt several times through history, suffering from Mongol invasion during the 13th century. The Aral Sea was the fourth largest lake in the world, covering an area of 68,000 square km. The rivers that fed into the Aral Sea were diverted during the 1960s by Soviet irrigation projects for cotton cultivation, which led to its dramatic decline in size. y 2007 - it had shrunk by 10%, splitting into 4 separate lakes. y 2014, the eastern basin of the Aral Sea had completely dried up and has since been known as the Aralkum Desert. There have been ongoing efforts in Kazakhstan to save the North Aral Sea. Documents surrounding this environmental disaster have been added to the UNESCO s Memory of the World Register. The Ustyurt is a Central Asian Plateau in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan that lies between the Aral Sea in the east, and the Manyushlak Plateau in the west. The plateau has an average elevation of 150 metres and, at points, rises as high as 370 metres. The Ustyurt is home to nomadic communities who live in traditional yurts and raise sheep, goats and camels. Day 3 2 Day trip to the Aral Sea from Nukus (day 2) Meals Muynak Rise early to enjoy the sunrise over the Aral Sea, before beginning the journey back to Nukus. Stop en route in Muynak to see the "cemetery of ships" and learn the history behind the former port town. Continue your journey back to Nukus. Overnight in Nukus. The desolate former city of Muynak once stood at the bank of the Aral Sea. Today, 100km of desert land stands between Muynak and what remains of the Aral Sea. The lake, which was called a sea for its beaches and abundance of fish, has now retreated and turned the once a prosperous port city into a ghost town. Shipping ceased in 1970 as the Aral Sea began to dramatically reduce in size. Today it is known as the "cemetery of ships", where great rusting boats lie abandoned in the desert. The city of Nukus is surrounded by the Kara Kum, Kizil Kum and Ustyurt deserts. The former village of Nukus became the site of a large military fort during Soviet rule in the 19th century. The village began to expand in size around this fortress and later became the economic, administrative, political and cultural centre of the autonomous province of Karakalpakstan. Day 4 Day trip to Termez from Tashkent Meals Transfer to the airport for flight to Termez. On arrival, visit Termez Archaeology Museum, Mausoleum of Al-Hakim Al-Termizi and the Fayoz-Tepa. If time permits, see the Zurmala temple before catching your return flight to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent. Tashkent NOTE: If you have time we strongly recommend the 2-day Termez tour over the single day tour which misses some key highlights and will feel quite rushed. ID 2009 - P a g e 4
UZEKISTAN EXTENSIONS The city of Termez lies near the Hairatan border to Afghanistan in the south of Uzbekistan, the hottest part of the country. Termez is one of Central Asia's ancient cities that later became a significant uddhist centre. The old city was destroyed in 1220 - by Genghis Khan - following the cities refusal to surrender peacefully. A new city was later built not far from these medieval ruins. Termez Archaeological Museum was opened in 2002 in commemoration of the 2,500th anniversary of Termez. The museum exhibits archaeological remains that range from the Stone Age to the times of the Khanates. This consists of over 27,000 exhibits, including household pieces, paintings, sculptures and statues. The Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-termizi is that of the 9th century Sufi philosopher and the patron saint of Termez. A modest tomb was originally constructed using baked bricks, before more elaborate and ornate mausoleums were later constructed during the 14th century. The ancient ruins of Fayaz-Tepa lie in the heart of old Termez. The uddhist temple was constructed during the 1st century AD and destroyed during the Sassanid invasion of the 3rd century C. The temple complex was rediscovered in 1963, when excavations revealed rich paintings and well-preserved sculptures. Today, Fayaz-Tepa is also home to a museum, where further research and restoration efforts are ongoing. Zurmala is a uddhist stupa that was constructed during the Kushan era (around the 1st and 2nd century C). Originally 16 metres tall and painted red, the tower once held uddhist scriptures, statues and relics. The stupa has since suffered from weathering and has become almost unidentifiable. Day 5 2 day trip to Termez from Tashkent (day 1) Meals Termez Transfer to the airport for flight to Termez. Visit key sights in Termez, including the Archaeology Museum, Mausoleum of Al-Hakim Al-Termizi, Fayoz-Tepa and the Zurmala temple. Overnight in Termez. The city of Termez lies near the Hairatan border to Afghanistan in the south of Uzbekistan, the hottest part of the country. Termez is one of Central Asia's ancient cities that later became a significant uddhist centre. The old city was destroyed in 1220 - by Genghis Khan - following the cities refusal to surrender peacefully. A new city was later built not far from these medieval ruins. Termez Archaeological Museum was opened in 2002 in commemoration of the 2,500th anniversary of Termez. The museum exhibits archaeological remains that range from the Stone Age to the times of the Khanates. This consists of over 27,000 exhibits, including household pieces, paintings, sculptures and statues. The Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-termizi is that of the 9th century Sufi philosopher and the patron saint of Termez. A modest tomb was originally constructed using baked bricks, before more elaborate and ornate mausoleums were later constructed during the 14th century. ID 2009 - P a g e 5
UZEKISTAN EXTENSIONS The ancient ruins of Fayaz-Tepa lie in the heart of old Termez. The uddhist temple was constructed during the 1st century AD and destroyed during the Sassanid invasion of the 3rd century C. The temple complex was rediscovered in 1963, when excavations revealed rich paintings and well-preserved sculptures. Today, Fayaz-Tepa is also home to a museum, where further research and restoration efforts are ongoing. Zurmala is a uddhist stupa that was constructed during the Kushan era (around the 1st and 2nd century C). Originally 16 metres tall and painted red, the tower once held uddhist scriptures, statues and relics. The stupa has since suffered from weathering and has become almost unidentifiable. Day 6 2 day trip to Termez (day 2) Meals Tashkent Spend the day exploring Termez. Visit Kampyr Tepe, Jarkurgan Minaret and the Mausoleum of Sultan Saodat. Transfer to the airport for return flight to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent. The ruins of Kampyr Tepe lie on the banks of the Amudarya River. The city was founded at the end of the 4th century.c - making it one of the oldest archeological sites in Uzbekistan. Jarkurgan Minaret was constructed in 1109 in the medieval village of Charmangan. The minaret stands at just over 10 metres tall, displaying unique carvings and elaborate patterns that are similar to minarets of Northern India and Khorasan. The Mausoleum of Sultan Saodat was constructed between the 11th and 17th centuries. It is home to the burial sites of the Sayyid dynasty of Termez, who are believed to be direct descendants of Muhammad (the Islamic prophet). The complex includes grand mausoleums and ornate mosques. Day 7 2 day trip to Chimgan Mountains from Tashkent (day 1) Meals Tashkent Travel to Chimgan Mountains. Ride a cable car up Kumbel Mountain for a 40 minute gentle hike to the mountain's peak, where you can enjoy the views across the Chatkal Mountain Ridge, Kyzylnura Mountain and Nurekata River Valley. Descend by cable car - with the option of returning on horse back. Overnight in Chimgan. Kumbel translates to "sand ridge" and refers to the arid topography of the mountain peak. The southern slopes face the Terbutak force, whilst the northern slopes border the Gorelnik gorge. The Kumbel mountain peak provides scenic trekking opportunities to visitors exploring the region. Chatkal Mountain Ridge is the western branch of the Tien Shan mountain range which crosses Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan and Uzbekistan. The main peaks along the ridge exceed 3000 metres and provide striking views across the surrounding landscape. ID 2009 - P a g e 6
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) UZEKISTAN EXTENSIONS Chimgan is ski resort on the slopes of the Chimgan Mountains that forms part of the Chatkal range of western Tian Shan. The valley of Chimgan is situated at a height of between 1,200 and 1,600 metres above sea level. Chimgan translates to "green valley" after its picturesque forests and mountains - which have also become known as "Uzbek Switzerland". Day 8 2 day trip to Chimgan mountains (day 2) Meals Tashkent Drive to Yangikurgan Village and see Charvak Water Reservoir. Visit Ugam-Chatkal National Park for 3.5 hours of light hiking to the Gulkamsai and Aksai Waterfalls. Later, drive back to Tashkent. Overnight stay in Tashkent. Yangikurgan Village is located beside Charvak Water Reservoir in Tashkent. The small village displays a traditionally rural Uzbek way of life, along with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Charvak Water Reservoir can be found in the ostanliq District of Uzbekistan. It forms the largest of the 3 reservoirs that have been created along the Chichiq River. The reservoir was created following the construction of a dam along the river (which was completed between 1964 and 1970). It is thought that around 150 archeological sites were submerged when the reservoir was created. Ugam-Chatkal National Park is situated at the Chatkal ridges of the western Tien Shan mountains. It was established in 1992 and stands as the largest nature protection complex in Uzbekistan. Research and preservation efforts are ongoing within the national park - particularly of the Tien Shan brown bear and endemic bird species. ID 2009 - P a g e 7