ARRIVAL AT TASHKENT

ARRIVAL AT TASHKENT

Welcome to Uzbekistan. The largest city in Central Asia with a population of over 2 million, Tashkent is a mix of Russian and Uzbek style, an indication of the fact that for many years it was a key city of the USSR. Extravagant mosques, both ancient and new, sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. On arrival at Tashkent Airport, meet your Peregrine representative and transfer to your hotel. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm today. If you have time beforehand, take a walk to see some of the contemporary architecture that sets this city apart from many other Silk Road destinations. Dinner at Indian Restaurant.

TASHKENT SIGHTSEEING

Breakfast at hotel. Spend a full day exploring Tashkent on a city tour. A highlight is the Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in Central Asia. Wandering through this giant marketplace is a fantastic way to see locals going about their daily lives. Uzbeks are some of the friendliest people in the world and you will find yourself chatting to many locals who are keen to get to know you. Be sure to try some of the fresh produce on offer. After wandering through the bazaar, explore some of the rich cultural history of Uzbekistan, including the 16th-century Kulkedash Medressa – an Islamic school that sits beside the 15th-century Juma (Friday) Mosque. The History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan provides an introduction to the country and the region in general, from the Silk Road era to Soviet times. A brief tour of Tashkent’s metro system will reveal some beautiful stations (note that photography is not allowed in the subway). Also visited will be Amir Temur Square (the central park with the statue of Amir Temur on the horseback just outside the imposing Hotel Uzbekistan), the Khast Imom Complex including the Barak Khan Madrasa (a college for Islamic instruction), Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, Quran Library and Mosque, and the Roman Catholic Church of Tashkent. After a full day of sightseeing, perhaps go to the ballet or opera at the stunning National Theatre in the evening if there is a performance tonight. Your leader can assist you with what's on and buying tickets.  Dinner at Indian Restaurant.

TRIP TO CHARVAK LAKE & CHIMGAN MOUNTAINS

After Breakfast we will Proceed to visit the beautiful Charvak Lake where you may enjoy (weather permitting) Para Sailing, Jet Boating, ATV Quad Biking etc(onown expense).After that we will proced for Lunch and enjoy ride the Chair Lift Cable Car on the top of Chimgan Mountain. If during the snow season, you may enjoy the Snow - Clad mountain views from the beautiful Peak.Dinner at Indian restaurnant on arrival late night.  Dinner at Indian Restaurant.

TASHKENT - SAMARKAND, LOCAL SIGHTSEEING

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the station this morning and take the 8am high speed “Afrosiab” train to Samarkand (approximately 2 hours). This is a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other. From its foundation in the 5th century BC, Samarkand has been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army. From Alexander the Great who stormed its walls in 329 BC, to the Soviet occupiers who declared it the original capital of the Uzbek SSR in 1924, Samarkand’s history is as rich as it is complex. Keep your camera at the ready, as this destination is a photographer's dream, with colourful domes and minarets gracing the skyline. Begin your tour of the city’s sights on arrival. Make a visit to the Gur Amir Mausoleum – the final resting place of the mighty Timur and his sons and grandsons. The city flourished under his rule in the 14th century. For a man of his stature, it is quite a simple tomb. Continue to the Shah-i-Zinda complex, the so-called ‘Town of the Dead’ necropolis, with more than 20 beautifully decorated unique buildings. It’s a holy site for local Muslims and is where the Prophet Mohammed's cousin is buried. Nearby is the Ulugbek Observatory, built in the 1420s by the Timurid astronomer of the same name. It is considered by scholars to have been one of the finest observatories in the Islamic world, and the largest in Central Asia, before it was destroyed in 1449. Finish the day’s tour with a stop in the Afrosiab Museum, which houses a 7th century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhouman.  Dinner at Indian Restaurant.

SAMARKAND SIGHTSEEING

Breakfast at hotel. A highlight of this trip is standing on the iconic Registan Square with the three medressas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tilla-Kari) towering over you. The Registan is probably the most recognisable of all Central Asia's monuments. The facades of the two medressas facing the central square are decorated in elaborate mosaic, tiles and intricate geometric brickwork, flanked by towering minarets and topped by azure-hued domes. The interiors of some of the buildings are just as impressive and there's so much to explore, including the many handicraft and souvenir stalls in the courtyards and rooms. While here you will visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built by Timur. It is often compared to the Taj Mahal as it was built as a grand and timeless symbol of a man's love for his wife. This mosque overlooks the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, where photographers will delight in taking photos of the many bustling stalls and the huge array of produce, as well as encountering friendly greetings from the local traders.  Dinner at Indian Restaurant.

SAMARKAND TO TASHKENT

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the station this morning and take the 8am high speed “Afrosiab” train to Tashkent (approximately 2 hours), arriving in the Uzbekistan capital just after 11 am. Visit the Navoi Theatre, named for one of the nom de plume’s of Ali-Shir Nava’I, a 16th century writer and mystic. The multi-arched façade was partially constructed by Japanese prisoners of war. Next, spend some time pondering the works within the modern Art Gallery of Uzbekistan. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a final optional dinner and say farewell to this spectacular Silk Road country.  Dinner at Indian Restaurant.

DEPARTURE FROM TASHKENT

Breakfast at hotel. You can choose to kill some time at the main shopping street which for some reason, is called Broadway or hang around Amur Timur Square for a glimpse of local urban life. Later our representative will drop you at Tashkent International airport as per your onward flight timings.