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The charming mix of the Great Silk Road, magnificent Islamic architecture, soviet influence and warm hospitality, this is what you read the most about Uzbekistan. Today, encountering transformative changes and opening up to the world, Uzbekistan is ready to show more of itself. Besides diving into new and old history of Uzbekistan through visiting ancient cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara, experiencing the rich culture and enjoying warm local hospitality, we are also going to discover and learn about new socio-economic dynamics from an insider perspective with representatives of academia, civil society and decision-makers.
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Along the Great Silk Road we discover the treasures of Uzbekistan
Once an ancient network of trade roads connected East and West; starting from China, it went through Eurasia and ended in Europe. Caravans and ships carried diverse commodities, but also knowledge, which catalyzed huge exchange and development. Since the precious good was silk, it was called the “Great Silk Road”. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva were the centers and crosspoints on this road, their gravity attracted travellers, merchants, scholars from all over the world. Today this mixed atmosphere is still alive in small and narrow streets, in colorful bazaars, magnificent architecture and in the people of Uzbekistan. Within our tour, we will visit those ancient cities and will try to grasp how this historical and cultural heritage is shaping modern Uzbekistan.
While diving into these fairytale cities, we will nevertheless also have a chance to experience one of the biggest environmental catastrophes of the 21st Century firsthand - the shrinking Aral Sea. We will see the ghost of the sea, face its consequences and meet the people who are struggling with the expanding desert on the ground.
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New Dynamics
Since 2017 Uzbekistan is encountering transformative changes; it is opening its borders to neighboring countries and simplifying visa procedures. The government initiated active dialogue between the state and its citizens, it is openly speaking about problems and showing readiness to work on solutions. The government has started a large-scale reform process in different sectors and is showing big political will. During our tour meetings we will focus on social, cultural and economic aspects of those transformations from insider perspectives; understand current realities and learn more personal stories.
Nature highlights during our tour: swimming in the Aral Sea, camping in the desert and hiking in the mountains
All the impressions, insights and discussions from the tours and meetings, we will digest in the diverse nature of Uzbekistan. Our first destination will be the Aral Sea, where we will have a chance to swim. Furthermore, we will enjoy a beautiful night sky in the desert, and end the tour in the most scenic mountain areas of Uzbekistan - the Chimgan Mountains.
Included services:
- 12 nights in mid-range hotels and guesthouses
- One night in a yurt camp
- Half board
- Accompanied by a German and English-speaking tour guide
- All entries to museums and attractions
- Transportation in a private coach, one domestic flight, high-speed trains
- Water and snacks
Excluded services:
- Flights to and from Usbekistan (Alsharq TRAVEL can assist)
- Visa fees Travel Insurance (Alsharq TRAVEL can assist)
- Single room supplement
- Tips
- Guest gifts
Tour program:
- Individual arrival in Tashkent
- The first night is already included. However, people might arrive throughout the night or the next morning
- No official program on that day
- Official start of the tour around 10:00 AM
- Getting to know each other and programme / country overview
- Presentation on Uzbekistan (focus on politics, society and economy)
- Meeting with Civil Society representatives / Academia
- Day tour: hiking at the Ugam-Chatkal National Park
- Lunch near the fountain (picnic)
- Transfer to Charvak Reservoir and return to Tashkent
- Exploring the old and new city of Tashkent
- Meeting with Academia: Uzbekistan and Central Asia
- Evening flight from Tashkent to Nukus (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Departure from Nukus via Moynaq (approx. 3 hours, 210 km) to the shore of the Aral sea (approx. 4 hours, 110 km)
- Meeting with local expert or activist on Aral Sea
- Tour to the “Moynaq ship cemetery”, short hike and swimming in the sea
- Dinner and camping at Aral Sea (Yurt camp)
- Departure from Aral Sea via Moynaq to Nukus (full day, including several stops / visits)
- Late afternoon/evening in Nukus
- Visit Savitsky Museum
- Evening transfer to Bukhara by train (approx. 8-10 hours)
- Guided walking tour in the old city of Bukhara
- Input: Islam and Uzbekistan
- Bukhara’s Jews and visit of the synagogue
- Transfer from Bukhara to Shahrisabz region
- City tour and preparing for a hiking trip in the mountains (near Surkhandarya region)
- Full day exploring rural Uzbekistan with hiking and visiting villages
- Another full day exploring rural Uzbekistan with hiking and visiting villages
- Transfer to Samarkand in the morning
- Guided walking tour in Samarkand: old and new city
- Talk with senior representative of Uzbek Civil Society : Concept of “Mahalla”- “Local self-government body”
- Cooking together and dinner with an Uzbek family
- Breakfast
- Individual departure
Reisehinweise Ende:
Alsharq Reise GmbH has the right to cancel the tour if the number of participants is too low. We therefore recommend to wait with the flight booking until Alsharq Reise confirmed the tour. If you have any questions, please send us an email or give us a call.
