Day 1 Tashkent ★ Meeting Day
All day
Today is the gathering day. Everyone will take their own flights to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and check in at the designated hotel (note: the check-in time for hotels in Uzbekistan is generally after 14:00. Tourists who arrive early can store their luggage and then move freely).
The Republic of Uzbekistan, one of the two doubly landlocked countries in the world, was once an ancient Silk Road country where people from the Han and Tang dynasties visited in an endless stream. It is the country with the richest relics of the glorious history of the thousand-year-old Silk Road.
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, retains a wealth of Soviet architecture, creating a sense of being frozen in time. It was also a key commercial hub on the ancient Silk Road, where ancient Chinese figures such as Zhang Qian, Faxian, and Xuanzang all left their mark.
How to get to Tashkent (Tashkent International Airport, airport code TAS)
There are many flights to Tashkent, including direct or connecting flights from Hangzhou/Shanghai/Guangzhou/Beijing/Xi'an/Urumqi/Chengdu.
Booking in advance will get you discounted fares. If you buy connecting flights, make sure there is a certain amount of time between them: usually more than 3 hours, to avoid missing your flight due to delays.
Day 2 Tashkent → Samarkand
·morning
After breakfast at the hotel, we officially started our Silk Road tour in Ukraine.
First, visit Hazrat Imam Square in the Old Town, the officially recognized Islamic religious center of Uzbekistan. Here, the world-famous Quran of Caliph Osman is preserved, one of only three surviving copies of the Quran in the world. (Note: entry is not permitted during religious activities.)
Afterward, we'll embark on a journey of discovery through the hidden mysteries of Uzbekistan, guided by a professional guide. Head to the National Museum of Uzbekistan, where experienced guides will unveil Uzbek history and immerse you in its millennia-old heritage. As the oldest museum in Uzbekistan, its collection spans over 250,000 items, spanning the country's history from the Stone Age to the present day. This will provide a glimpse into Uzbek history and provide a clear understanding of its history, paving the way for a more insightful exploration.
Note: The National History Museum of Uzbekistan is under renovation and renovation. If it is still not open, it will be replaced by [Tashkent Museum of Applied Arts], [Kurkhda Madrasah], and [White Mosque].
·afternoon
In the afternoon, drive to the legendary city of Samarkand.
Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a special evening tour of the Registan Complex (exterior view). Samarkand's most famous landmark, comprising three madrasas and a square, is known as the "Heart of Samarkand." As the sunset fades and night falls, the lights of the Registan Square cast a more magnificent and mysterious light on the magnificent and exquisite Registan complex.
Day 3 Full day activities in Samarkand
·morning
Today's full-day activities are in Samarkand. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Samarkand is a crucial Central Asian hub along the Silk Road. From the ancient kingdom of Kangju to Khwarezm, and then to the capital of the Timurid Empire, Samarkand connects not only east and west but also north and south, making it a most dazzling hub city on the Silk Road.
After breakfast at the hotel, be sure to take advantage of the early morning to visit the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum Complex, where blue tiles create the finest beauty in Central Asia. Shah-i-Zinda, meaning "Eternal King," is one of Samarkand's earliest and most important Islamic mausoleums. Its interwoven patterns of azure, cerulean, and creamy white create a magnificent and romantic atmosphere.
Then visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, known as "The Stars Above Samarkand." Step inside the observatory and experience the legendary fate of this great man who governed the country while simultaneously delving into astronomy.
Then go to the Afroshaiber Museum, which is the most valuable museum in Samarkand. It displays many cultural relics of Samarkand before Genghis Khan unearthed from the Afroshaiber ruins, as well as many exquisite murals. You will also find many contents from the Tang Dynasty.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Bibi Haneim Mosque, considered one of the most magnificent buildings in the East during the Timurid era. Its low-saturation, high-quality blue dome and mosaic walls create a striking beauty that belies its age.
Then visit the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the mausoleum of Timur and his descendants, built in the 15th century. The dome is so magnificent that it makes you want to leave even if your neck hurts.
Finally, we came to the Registan Complex again. There are three tall, magnificent and imposing seminary buildings, with a magnificent mosque inside. Walking through the towering arches, there is a hall covered with patterns and a golden dome. The blue glazed tiles on the wall are of different shades, and the patterns are complex but regular. The verses of the Koran are paved with gold, shimmering in the sunlight.
丨Special arrangement/Visit the local tile workshop and personally select your Silk Road memories
Hidden deep within Rekistan Square lies a unique tile workshop. Many of Central Asia's most iconic buildings are adorned with a variety of mosaic tiles, with Samarkand being particularly renowned, particularly for its "Shay-Zindar Blue." After admiring so many mausoleums, madrasas, and mosques, you'll undoubtedly be deeply impressed. Therefore, we'll visit a tile workshop to learn more about the local tile-making process and hear the workshop owner share his deep connection with tile. Best of all, you and your family can choose a beautiful tile as a souvenir!
Afterwards, everyone will explore the local cuisine on their own in the evening.
Day 4 Samarkand → Bukhara
·morning
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Bukhara to witness the final glory of the Central Asian Silk Road.
Bukhara is the most sacred city in Central Asia, the starting point of the romantic fairy tale of One Thousand and One Nights, the birthplace of Alibaba's battle with the Forty Thieves, and the starting point of Avanti's battle with Master Bayi. Lonely Planet also praises it highly. It is located on a sacred mountain and has buildings with a history spanning thousands of years.
After arrival, we will have lunch break.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, visit the [Samani Tombs]. The tomb is said to have been built in 905. It is small in scale but very distinctive. Such a small building can be found in the textbook "History of World Architecture" and its name is also on the list of World Cultural Heritage.
Afterwards, we'll visit the exterior of the Porokoz Mosque (the interior is closed to locals, as it's a place of worship). This is one of Bukhara's most noteworthy buildings. Its unique feature is the 20 massive carved wooden pillars at the entrance. In Uzbekistan, wood is more valuable than stone or brick, and with 20 such tall wooden pillars, even with the erosion of time, the intricate carvings can still be seen.
Finally, we will go to the Yak Castle, Bukhara's most interesting and oldest historical building. It was the residence of the Bukhara ruler until 1920. It is also the best place to view the Kalon Mosque and the ancient city of Bukhara.
Everyone still takes care of their own dinner in the evening.
We'll stay directly in a guesthouse within the ancient city of Bukhara, making it convenient for everyone to explore the city freely at night. However, there are relatively few guesthouses in the ancient city that can accommodate large groups, so accommodations are limited. Please understand!
Day 5 Bukhara full day activities
·morning
After breakfast at the hotel, stroll through the old city of Bukhara.
Visit the exterior of the Charminar Mosque, featured on the cover of Lonely Planet. Built in 1807, it was the gatehouse of a long-gone seminary. Each minaret in the Charminar has a unique shape, and its decorative elements are believed to reflect the philosophy of the world's four major religions.
Afterwards, visit the Lybīrīhās complex, comprised of the Kukdāhi Madrasah to the north and the Nadir Diwan Begī Madrasah to the east. Built in 1620, the square retains its old-world style. Its most famous feature is the statue of Avanti, the ancestor of Bukhara.
丨Special Arrangement/Meet the Time Craftsmen Deep in the Ancient City
Bukhara is also a hub for skilled artisans, with various craftspeople scattered throughout the old city. We'll visit the Puppet Museum to learn about the story of the founder and his puppets. We'll also admire a variety of handmade puppets, learn about the production process, and watch a lively puppet show. You'll also have the opportunity to personally experience this age-old craft. If you have a discerning eye, you might even spot some familiar puppets!
·afternoon
In the afternoon we went to the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, which had hardly been repaired. The tiles inside were severely peeling and it looked very dilapidated, but the reliefs on the arches were magnificent and it was the most beautiful arch among the many Islamic buildings in Bukhara.
Then we went to the Bukhara Ulugh Beg Madrasah, another madrasah left behind by Ulugh Beg the Great during the Timurid Empire. Built at the same time as the Ulugh Beg Madrasah in Samarkand's Registan Square, they share a nearly identical structure, serving as templates for subsequent madrasahs.
Then, we visited the Mir Arab Madrasah, one of the earliest Madrasahs built during the Bukhara Khanate period and a prime example of Islamic architecture. (Please understand that entry is not permitted during religious activities.)
Finally, visit the Kalon Minaret and Mosque, a landmark that even Genghis Khan admired. Dating back to the 15th century, the minaret within the mosque is truly legendary. Completed in 1127, the minaret stands 46.5 meters tall, earning it the title of "Tallest Tower in Central Asia." Untouched by any restoration, the towering structure is constructed from layers of bricks, the beautiful arrangement of which showcases the ancients' extraordinary artistic aesthetic.
Afterward, everyone is free to explore the Dome Bazaar. Located on a strategic Silk Road route, Bukhara boasts a thriving market and flourishing commerce. Traditional markets here, known as Taqi, are dome-shaped marketplaces built at central intersections. Three of these markets remain, each retaining its original appearance. The diverse merchandise on offer includes many uniquely Uzbek goods, including ceramics by skilled artisans, carpets and silk embroidery by women, and exquisite gold jewelry.
Day 6 Bukhara → Khiva
All day
Today we'll drive to Khiva, a city worth a thousand gold. An old saying circulates along the Amu Darya, Central Asia's longest river: "I would pay two bags of gold just to see Khiva." What we now call the Old City of Khiva was once the inner city of Khivan, known as Ichan-Kala. This nearly intact medieval old town was the first site in Central Asia to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After arriving, we first checked into a homestay inside the ancient city of Khiva to rest, which made it more convenient for everyone to explore the ancient city of Khiva.
Note 1: Hotel resources in the ancient city of Khiva are limited, and local B&Bs and hotels have limited accommodation. Please understand.
Note 2: The roads in the ancient city of Khiva are narrow and buses cannot enter. The hotel will arrange a car to transport your large luggage. Please carry other small items and valuables with you. We will walk to the hotel together and the entire ancient city will be toured on foot.
After a good rest, we climbed up to the Khan Palace Watchtower, which is the best viewing point of the ancient city of Khiva. Let’s take a preliminary look at the panoramic view of the ancient city of Khiva!
Day 7 Full day activities in Khiva
·morning
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our City Walk in the ancient city of Khiva.
First, we visited the Mohammad Amin Khan Madrasa, which includes the unfinished minaret, the Carter Minaret, which is covered with exquisite blue-green tiles and looks cool when people walk in.
Then we come to the [Mausoleum of Palavon Mahmud]. Palavon Mahmud is the saint and patron saint of Khiva. Successive Khans of Khiva also hoped to be buried as close to Palavon Mahmud as possible. Today, the mausoleum has become a royal tomb complex, which is also the most magnificent place in the ancient city of Khiva.
Then, we'll visit the Islam Khodja Complex, which includes the Madrasah and a 57-meter-tall minaret. The minaret is the tallest ancient structure in Uzbekistan. Inside the Madrasah is the Museum of Applied Arts, one of the finest museums in the ancient city, housing many valuable artifacts.
The morning concludes with a visit to the Juma Mosque, the oldest mosque in the ancient city and a veritable museum of carved wooden columns. Over 200 age-old carved columns bear witness to the artistic inspiration of these unknown craftsmen. The columns stand in a mystical ensemble, and sunlight filtering through the atrium and interplaying with the wooden columns creates a wondrous play of light and shadow.
·afternoon
In the afternoon we will continue our walking tour.
The first is the most beautiful building near the east gate of the Stone Palace, which was once the bedroom and garden of the Khan's concubines. The intricate and delicate carvings on the stone pillars are dazzling.
Then we come to the Mohammad Rahim Khan Madrasa, which has been transformed into a historical museum with the theme of the Khanate of Khiva, exhibiting photos and text materials of Mohammad Rahim II and his son Isfandyar.
Then visit the Khan's Palace, the palace of the Khiva rulers themselves, built in the 12th century.
Special Visit/Retracing the Restoration Road in China and Witnessing the Oriental Craftsmanship of the Ancient City of Khiva
Finally, we visited the exteriors of the Emir Toula Madrasah and the Hasan Murad Kushbegi Mosque. While less famous, these buildings are incredibly important to us! In 2013, the Uzbek government sought Chinese assistance in the restoration of the ancient city of Khiva, and our Chinese team was responsible for these two structures. As a token of gratitude, the Uzbek government erected a monument at the city's north gate! We'll personally explore these restoration efforts, discovering the details and experiencing firsthand the exceptional expertise of our Chinese experts in cultural relic restoration!
Day 8 Khiva → Tashkent ★ Disbanding day (domestic flights to be announced)
·morning
After breakfast, drive from Khiva to Urgench and take a domestic flight to Tashkent.
Note: Due to the tight domestic flight schedule in Uzbekistan and the unpredictable nature of the situation, in order to ensure your travel, if the flight is fully booked on that day, we may choose to arrive in Tashkent earlier on the previous evening.
Upon arrival, lunch will be at the Central Asian Pilaf Center, where you'll savor pilaf cooked in the world's largest pot. Pilaf is the national dish of the Uzbeks. There's a saying: "Poor Uzbeks eat pilaf, while wealthy Uzbeks eat it every day."
After a full meal, we took a look at the Tashkent TV Tower, a landmark building in Tashkent that was once the third tallest building in the world.
·afternoon
丨Special Experience/Travel through the Underground Art Palace and Decipher Tashkent's Soviet Aesthetics
Then embark on the Tashkent Metro Experience and become a local for a while, experiencing the local subway station, which is like a small museum. Lonely Planet describes it as one of the most beautiful Soviet-style subway systems in the world.
After getting off the subway, check out Timur Square. It was built to commemorate Timur, a great strategist, military strategist and politician in Uzbek history. In the center of the square is a bronze statue of Timur riding a horse and holding a sword, which looks majestic and domineering.
Finally, we arrived at Qiongsu Bazar, Tashkent's most famous market and one of the oldest trading areas in Central Asia, with a history spanning centuries. The bazaar offers a glimpse into local life, where you'll find mountains of spices, fresh fruit, amber-colored dried fruits, baked bread, fresh meats, horse sausages, handmade colorful cushions, ceramics, and knives...
After dinner, we will arrange a group to send you to the airport and prepare to take the flight back to China.
Note: The itinerary may be adjusted according to the domestic flight schedule. Please understand.
丨Instructions for Dissolution Day
Today is the disbanding day. We recommend that you choose a return flight after 21:00. Please also consult the online customer service or product manager (phone and WeChat ID: 15967118126) for a second confirmation before placing an order.
