Archeological tour
Cities:
Tashkent – Termez – Dushanbe – Kurgan Tube– Shaartuz– Dushanbe – Kalaihumb – Khorugh - Yamg – Langar – Murghab – Saritash – Osh – Ferghana – Kokand – Tashkent
Length:
21 days/ 20 nights
Description:
In the Archaeological tour we have a unique opportunity to visit the places and ruins of ancient religious cults and traditions. The tour route passes through the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. We will visit the ancient city of Termez, in the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan, the ancient citadel of the Bactrian civilization; we will visit the ruins of ancient settlements and monasteries of Buddhists. On the territory of Tajikistan we will have a unique opportunity to plunge into the archaeological heritage of ancient monuments and structures. We have to learn and get acquainted with how much interesting and unique the uncharted land of the south of Central Asia keeps.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Tashkent
Meeting and assistance on arrival. Transfer to hotel. Breakfast at hotel. Check in. Rest at hotel.
Half-day sightseeing tour in Tashkent:
Visit History Museum, which contains a unique collection of over 250,000 archeological, numismatic and ethnographic exhibits and archival materials.
You will have an opportunity to see the excavated subjects from the Dalverzintepa Site, located at the distance of 60 kilometers from Termez, which takes a special place among the many monuments of Kushan times in the south of Uzbekistan. See the excavated subjects from Kampirtepa site, which is one of the unique ancient sites of the ancient settlement of Central Asia. It was discovered during archeological works in Оks valley (Amu Darya) in 1972.
Later Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel
Day 2: Tashkent – Termez
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Termez.
On arrival full day sightseeing around Termez:
Visit Termez Archaeological Museum, it has been established on October 24, 2001. The museum has more than 57000 subjects of material and spiritual culture of the region. Archaeological Museum is the unique specialized museum in the region of Central Asia and consists of the 9 main halls.
Visit the mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-Termizi .One of the hig
hly worshipped monuments of Moslem world is the burial-vault of Khakim at-Termezi, the spiritual patron of the town, the scientist-theologian, the founder of the dervish order "Khakimi",
Later visit Qora-Tepa - the biggest monastery of Buddhist period, a Buddhist place of worship built on three hills. It includes a number of temples and monasteries that appeared in the beginning of the 2nd century A.D. The architecture of Karatepa is characterized by a combination of caves cut in quaternary sandstone, and surface buildings made of mud and unbaked brick.
Visit archeological sites of Fayoz-Tepa (the site of an ancient settlement of the 2-3rd cc.)- Buddhist monastery, located out of the territory of modern Termez,1 km north-west from Kara-tepa. Archaeologists found here a number of sculptures of bodhisattvas and Buddha. Especially, a group of statuettes made on white stone is very interesting.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Overnight at hotel
Day 3: Termez
Full day sightseeing in Termez:
Morning visit Kampyr Tepe, 35 kilometers northwest of Termez, it is an ancient citadel and the remains were one of the evidences of the introduction of Buddhism before Christ. Over 35 kg of gold was excavated from the site, along with some of the oldest chess pieces on earth.
Lunch at local restaurant
Afternoon see archeological monument, built during the rule of Samanids dynasty. In about 3 kilometers from Old Termez, surrounded by the verdure of the gardens, one of the suburban historical monuments is situated - the castle of the 9th century with the romantic name Kirk-Kiz, or Forty Girls. According to the legend, it was in this very castle that the queen Gulayim with her companions-in-arms from the "Kirk-Kiz" epos repulsed the siege of foreign invaders.
Sightseeing tour to Mausoleum Sultan Saodat (10-15th cc.) Sulton Saodat – is a complex of buildings of graves and places of pilgrimage of Seid family outside of Arabia.
Later visit Honako Kokaldor Ota (16th c.) The Kokildor-Ota is mentioned by researchers for its architecture and unusual planning, as a khanaka mausoleum of the 16th c.
Late afternoon see the rather ironically named Bridge of Friendship, which connects two banks of the Oxus and provides the major international border crossing between Uzbekistan and the turbulent state of Afghanistan beyond.
Transfer to hotel for overnight. Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight at hotel
Day 4: Termez – “Sariosia” border - Dushanbe – 251 km
Morning drive to the border of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. On the way visit Djarkurgan Minaret (22 m), which is 35 km from Termez in a small town of Djarkurgan. It is another monument of Karakhanid architecture and was erected in 1108.
Later continue sightseeing program to see The Iskander’s bridge, one of the most exciting landmarks of Surkhandarya region, is located 60 km far from Termez. Local people connect the building of the bridge with Alexander Macedonian.
Later drive to the ancient settlement of Dalverzintepa, situated 60 kilometers from Termez, not far from Shurchi town. It is the notable event in the history of the world culture. Dalverzintepa is a splendid archeological monument of Kushan Empire. Numerous archeological finds representing articles of Buddhist and Hellenic culture are the evidence of the fact, that Dalverzintepa was situated on one of the most ancient branches of the Great Silk Road, which went from Termita along the Surkhan valley.
Lunch at local restaurant at Denau
Afternoon drive to Uzbek – Tajik border “Sariosia”. After border formalities drive to Dushanbe.
On arrival to Dushanbe transfer to hotel.
Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight at hotel
Day 5: Dushanbe
Half-day sightseeing tour in Dushanbe including visit of famous Museum of National Antiquities, which opened in 2001. Featuring artefacts from Tajikistan's Islamic and pre-Islamic history (Greek/Bactrian, Zoroastrian, Buddhist and Hindu), the museum shows that Tajikistan was an important crossroads in Central Asia. The centrepiece is the 14m reclining Buddha in Nirvana, a 1,400 year-old statue created by the same Kushan civilisation that made the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.
Lunch at local restaurant
Excursion to Hissor town (23 km from Dushanbe) to see ancient fortress of Hissor - one of the most precious historical sites of Tajikistan . Comfortably located near Dushanbe Hissor Fortress combines the traditional elements of power, trade and culture of the ancient Tajik nation. Visit Medrassah Kuhna (16th c) and Museum of Tajik Way of life there, 19c Medrassah nearby and mausoleum of Sufi saint Mahdumi Azam.
Later visit picturesque Varzob gorge and enjoy short rest by the mountain riverside. Varzob Gorge is a beautiful alpine mountain region within easy driving distance of Dushanbe. The main road north out of Dushanbe follows the route of the rushing Varzob River for about 70 Km, before climbing steeply to Anzob Pass (3,373 m). There are also natural thermal springs at Khoja Obi Garm.
Varzob is perfect place for walking, rock climbing or just a quiet picnic.
Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight at hotel
Day 6: Dushanbe – Kurgan-Tube- Shaartuz – 320 km
Morning travel to Shaartuz.
En route visit of Kurgan Tube - Travel south towards ancient Bactria with its wealth of archaeological remains and the Buddhist sites of Kurgan Tube including the 7th century Ajina Teppe Monastery, which is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in Central Asia.
Lunch at Kurgan-Tube local restaurant
En route visit ruins of ancient town Tahti Ubod.
Arrive to Shaartuz transfer to Guest House for short rest.
Visit Khoja Mashad Mausoleum 10 km to the south. It is the unique monument of the oriental architecture. This building was richly decorated by ornamented brickwork and terracotta fretwork in the style of Ismail Samanid mausoleum. The compound "Khodja Mashhad" has the most ancient structure among all known madrassas.
Dinner at Guest House
Overnight: Guest House
Day 7: Shaartuz
Morning visit to Tahkt i Sangin (30 km)
Explore the region including Takht i Sangin ancient 4th-3rd century BC temple site to the local divinity of the Amu Darya River.
Lunch time return to Shaartuz Guest House
Afternoon excursion nearby Nestorian Church at Aivaz.
Return to Shaartuz
Dinner and overnight: Guest House
Day 8: Shaartuz – Dushanbe – 230 km
Morning visit to Chiluchor Chashma ( “Forty-four spring”).
Chiluchor Chashma is a pilgrimage site. The people come here to pray, sacrifice animals, bath in the sources. It is believed that 17 water sources are healing. Later transfer to Dushanbe with lunch box.
On arrival transfer to hotel. Short rest at hotel.
Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight at hotel
Day 9: Dushanbe – Kalaikhumb – 300 km
Morning travel via the Haburabat Pass (3232 metres) to Kalaikhumb for overnight – where it is possible to admire a beautiful mountain landscapes.
Lunch en route
Arrival to Kalaikhumb. Accommodation in the guest house.
Dinner and overnight at Guest House
Day 10: Kalaikhumb – Khorugh – 250 km – 2070 m
Transfer to Khorugh in the High Pamirs for 2-nights.
The road is going along Panj River with Afgan villages on the other site. It passes through Vanch region from where all trekking to Fedchenko glacier start, here mountains have very good quality marble, visible from the road.
From Rushan village starts Ismaili portion of this route. Short stop to see Vamar fotress.
Near to Khorog (10 km) visit Parshinev village to see shrine Pir-I Shoh Nosir, museum and holy spring dedicated to Nosiry Khusrav (1004) the founder of Ismaili religion in this area.
Lunch en route.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel
Day 11: Khorugh
Morning sightseeing in Khorugh:
Visit the world’s second highest Botanical Gardens and Khorugh Museum.
Visit Tem village and the bridge across the Pyanj River to ‘forbidden’ Afghanistan opened a few years ago by the Aga Khan. Also see the Shotimer Mausoleum, Bogev Zoroastrian Temple and Ghunt Valley with the Turquoise River.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Overnight at hotel
Day 12: Khorugh – Garm Chasma - Ishkashim – Yamg - 190 km
Morning drive along Panj River via Ishkashim town to Yamg.
Visit en route famous mineral hot springs Garm Chashma and Shrine of Ali (who probably discovered this spring). You can have a nice relaxing bath there. If time permits possible to visit another hot spring in the village of Oudj.
Across the river see a pass leading to the open valleys of Afghanistan it was the path probably taken by Marco Polo on his journey to Badakshan, he mentions about the famous Ruby mines so called Lali Badahshan (Queen’s Crown does have the famous ruby from these mines!)
On arrival to Yamg transfer to the Guest house for overnight.
Dinner and overnight: Guest house
Day 13: Yamg - Langar – 100 km
Morning start beautiful drive for Langar village en route visit:
Namadgut village to see Kushan Empire time Fortress Kah-Kah, nice local Museum (history, local embroidery, excavation subjects) and typical Ismaili shrine Oston-I Shobi Mardon 11 c with unique beautiful wood carvings and petroglyphs.
On Afgan site across Panj river visible Zulhumor fortress.
Yamchun village: Bibi Fatima hot spring, ruins of Yamchun fortress (3-1 c BC).
After having bath in hot spring you can enjoy unforgettable view of the most picturesque part of Pamir valley! Nearby see small village of Yamg with museum of local astronomer and poet Sufi Muboraki Vakhoni and his solar calendar, possible visit local Pamiri house to have cup of tea and talk with people.
See the famous Wakhan corridor across in Afghanistan later continue to Lyangar
On arrival transfer to a local Family Traditional Pamiri House for overnight.
Dinner and overnight: Home stay
Day 14: Langar
Full day walking tour in Langar:
Visit local ancient Bazaar in Lyangar.
Later climb up 300-400 m to see the largest gallery of petroglyphs, located in this area.
Afternoon you will climb up for about 30 minutes to visit the ancient Pamiri fortress Abreshim-kala.
Dinner and overnight: Home stay
Day 15: Langar – Murghab – 250 km (3630m)
Morning before departure visit local shrine Mazor-I Shoh Kambar-I Oftob (Master of sun)
Start unique drive towards to Murghab through Wahan region.
Today we cross high Khargush (4344m) and Nauzetash (4314m) mountain passes and Alichur village (3863m) – the name means ‘Ali’s curse, en route see holy pool with fish Ak Balik. The scenery here is mountain semi desert. Later you will cross another mountain pass Nayzatosh (3137m)
On arrival to Murgab possible to visit local handicraft shop to take a Pamiri traditional hand made souvenir for good memory.
Overnight: Basic Guest House
Day 16: Murghab - Kizil Art Pass - Sary Tash – 233 km
Morning depart to Sary Tash via Akbaital Pass (4655m), Uybulok pass (4232m) and Kyzyl Art Pass (4336m) en route see mountain desert sceneries, Karakul Lake (3914m), (Lenin peak 7134 m is visible from here)
After the border formalities at Tajik part we start driving to Kizil Art and soon after the Tajik border point we proceed down the pass with high rising Pamir ranges and arrive late evening to Sary Tash Yurt Camp (3153 m)
Overnight: yurts
Day 17: Sary Tash – Osh – 300 km
Morning drive to Osh via mountainous road.
Lunch en route.
On arrival to Osh transfer to hotel.
Remainder of the day at leisure.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel
Day 18: Osh – “Dustlik” border– Ferghana – 95km
Morning drive to Kyrgyz-Uzbek border “Dustlik”. After border formalities transfer to Fergana. En route visit Kuva, which is also one of the most ancient towns of Fergana Valley. Remains of city buildings of III century BC were found in the ancient town of Kuva. Buddha temple of VI - VIII AD was excavated on the territory of ancient town.
On arrival to Fergana transfer to hotel.
Lunch and Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel
Day 19: Ferghana
Full day sightseeing tour in Ferghana valley:
Visit Rishton – center of unique ceramic production in Uzbekistan. It is certainly not by mere chance that Rishtan has become famous for its ceramics. There are deposits of rich red clay, natural minerals and mountainous vegetation, the masters use for the production process.
Visit workshop.
Lunch at local restaurant
Later visit Margilan to see whole process of hand made silk production at famous Yodgorlik factory. Locating in south-east of Ferghana Valley, Margilan is considered to be one of the ancient cities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, as well as a big centre of international trade. The caravan routes connected Europe with the East Asia via Margilan. The beautiful silk fabric and the pedigreed horses were the main goods on this route. From time immemorial, population of Margilan was busy with manufacturing beautiful silk fabrics making thus Margilan city well-known all over the world. Skilled artisans obtained the fine threads of the silkworm cocoons for manufacturing marvelous silk fabrics that have been in great demand in Euro-Asian countries.
Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight at hotel
Day 20: Fergana – Tashkent - 330km
Early morning drive to Tashkent en route visit Dangara village – house of woodcarving master. See unique ancient (more then 200 years old) woodcarving ornaments. You will have opportunity to carve yourself some ready made designs on the walnut pieces of wood.
Visit Kokand. Excursion to the major sights:
Khudayar Khan Palace, Jommi Mosque, Narbutabey and Dasturkhanchi Madrassah, Royal Cemetery and Khaidarov Workshop (museum of Kokand woodcraft).
Proceed to Tashkent.
On arrival transfer to hotel. Check in.
Overnight at hotel
Day 21: Tashkent – Departure
Morning transfer to the airport
End of the tour
The tour includes:
- Meeting and seeing off at the airport
- Booking and accommodation in the hotels;
- Transport;
- Guides throughout the tour;
- Entrance fees to all attractions;
- Meals - full board;
- Water.
The tour not includes:
- International flight;
- Medical insurance;
- Optional excursions outside the tour program;
- Tips for guides and drivers;
- Photo and video shooting.