 |
| Vendor, Tashkent bazaar; image: R. Marshall |
Because of flight schedules you may find yourself in Uzbekistan with some time up your sleeve. For ideas on exploring Tashkent independently, review earlier posts 48 Hours in Tashkent and Another 48 Hours in Tashkent.
Here are a few short trips further afield that may be of interest:
- The ancient Silk Road and Buddhist centre of Termez
- The lush Ferghana Valley in the east
- Hiking in the mountains near Tashkent
You may also like to participate in a master class, ranging from woodblock printing to bread making.
Uzbek Journeys offers two optional tours to the ancient city of Termez, in southern Uzbekistan. These independent excursions can be taken on dates which suit you.
Overview
Located strategically on the banks of the Amu Darya (Oxus) river, which forms the border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, archaeological excavations indicate that Termez has been settled since the 3rd century BC under Greco-Bactrian rule. Later it was the centre of Buddhism under the Kushan empire (1st - 2nd centuries AD) and later an important Islamic centre. Genghis Khan conquered Termez and under Amir Timur it prospered again.
When Termez was absorbed into the Tsarist empire in the 19th century, a modern city was built and it became an important garrison town. During the Soviet era Termez was a remote outpost of the USSR. However, starting in 1926 three major archaeological expeditions yielded significant finds. Today the area is being explored by French and Japanese archaeological teams in collaboration with Uzbek scholars. Termez was the main supply route for the Red army during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980’s. It is a fascinating region to visit.
 |
| Kyrk Kyz fortress, near Termez |
Back to top
Tour #1: 3 days/2 nights
Day 1: Fly from Tashkent to Termez. Transfer to hotel, lunch. Visit the excellent Termez Archaeological Museum, then to the early 12th century Jarkurgan Minaret, 38 kms from Termez. Overnight Termez.
Day 2: After breakfast visit the Buddhist site of Zurmala Tower and then the Hakim Al Termizi mausoleum. This beautiful garden and complex contains the tomb of this 9th century Sufi mystic. From here you can see across the Oxus to Afghanistan. Later, visit Fayaz Tepa, the 1st century AD Buddhist temple complex.
Visit Kara Tepa, located just at the border with Afghanistan. Kara Tepa is one of the world’s oldest surviving Buddhist cave monasteries. Because Kara Tepa lies in international no-man's-land, special permission must be obtained to visit. At least one month's notice is required, and permission is not guaranteed.
Later drive to the Sultan Saodat complex, a collection of seventeen mausoleums, restored in 2002. Then the nearby Kokil Dara Khanagha and the Kyrk Kyz fortress. Overnight Termez.
Day 3: Visit the local market and the Russian Orthodox church, built in 1901. Transfer to the airport for flight back to Tashkent.
Cost: Prices are listed per person based on the number of people travelling together
1 person: $1415; 2 people: US$850; 3 people: US$770; 4 people: US$700; 6 people: US$640
Single room supplement: US$70 Back to top
 |
| Kushan prince's head, 2nd century AD |
- Flight ticket Tashkent/Termez/Tashkent
- Twin room with private facilities
- Breakfast days 2 and 3
- Local English-speaking guide in Termez
- Transport in and around Termez
- Transfers to/from Tashkent airport
- Transfers to/from Termez airport
- Entrance fees at monuments and museums
- 1 litre mineral water per person per day
- Personal charges in hotels
- Meals not specified above
- Photo camera fees
- Tips for guide and driver
Tour #2: 4 days/3 nights
Day 1: Fly from Tashkent to Termez. Transfer to hotel, lunch. Visit the excellent Termez Archaeological Museum, then to the early 12th century Jarkurgan Minaret, 38 kms from Termez. Overnight Termez.
Day 2: After breakfast visit the Buddhist site of Zurmala Tower and then the Hakim Al Termizi mausoleum. This beautiful garden and complex contains the tomb of this 9th century Sufi mystic. From here you can see across the Oxus to Afghanistan. Later, visit Fayaz Tepa, the 1st century AD Buddhist temple complex.
 |
| View of Fayaz Tepa Buddhist complex, Termez |
Later drive to the Sultan Sanjar complex, a collection of seventeen mausoleums, restored in 2002. Then the nearby Kokil Dara Khanagha and the Kyrk Kyz fortress. Overnight Termez.
Day 3: Drive to the unique, mountain village of Boysun, 150kms north of Termez. Boysun is now on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list. Craft and applied arts remain strong in the Boysun district: ceramics, skullcaps, embroidery, metal work, leather goods (for horse equipment), clay toys and wooden items. Visit local masters' workshops in the Boysun Craft Centre/Museum. Lunch in either a local teahouse or private family.
Drive to Khodja Mokhi Khona where there is a picturesque gorge and canyon. Then head to Sairob where you can view two 950-year old plane-trees (sycamores) and water ponds with fish. Late afternoon drive back to Termez, enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery. Overnight Termez.
Back to top
 |
| Boysun area landscape |
Cost: Prices are listed per person based on the number of people travelling together.
2 people: US$1025; 3 people: US$970; 4 people: US$850; 6 people: US$770
Single room supplement: US$100
Inclusions:
- Flight ticket Tashkent/Termez/Tashkent
- Twin room with private facilities
- Breakfast days 2, 3 and 4
- Local English-speaking guide in Termez
- Transport in and around Termez and to Boysun
- Transfers to/from Tashkent airport
- Transfers to/from Termez airport
- Entrance fees at monuments and museums
- 1 litre mineral water per person per day
- Personal charges in hotels
- Meals not specified above
- Photo camera fees
- Tips for guide and driver
How to book: Please contact me.
Back to top
 |
| Hiking with Vasiliy in Chimgan, spring |
This 2-day excursion includes hiking and staying at the 4-star Beldersay hotel. Three-day excursions are also possible. Read the post Hiking with Vasiliy Eremin in the Chimgan Mountain Range for a description of a one-day hike.
Day 1: Tashkent-Beldersay (80 km)
After an early breakfast, transfer from Tashkent to Beldersay area in the Chimgan mountains. Check into the hotel. Walk to the Mramornaya river (altitude1500m), walk up the stream to the Urta Kumbel Pass. After a short rest trek up to the pass, at 1850m. Easy trek down to Beldersay river gorge. Lunch break.
After lunch trek up to the second pass of Chet Kumbel, 1880m. After spending time viewing the beautiful scenery, trek towards the cable way. While trekking to the cable way discover magnificent views of the Beldersay river valley, Western Tian Shan mountain range, Pskem and Charvak water reserves. From the cable way walk down to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Beldersay-Tashkent
After breakfast transfer to Charvak lakeside. From end of May through end of August, you can enjoy swimming in the lake. You can also hire boats and go rowing. Lunch either at the Hotel Pyramids café or a at local restaurant. Afternoon drive back to Tashkent.
Inclusions:
- Transportation to/from Beldersay resort in either an air-conditioned sedan (for two passengers) or a van for 2+ passengers
- Trekking with an experienced, English speaking trekking guide
- Lunch boxes during trek
- Accommodation at the 4-star hotel Beldersoy Oromgohi (twin room with breakfast)
Tour price will vary according to the number of hikers. Also, longer hiking trips as well as a day hiking trip from Tashkent can be arranged. Please contact Uzbek Journeys.
Back to top
Master Classes
 |
| Embroidery master class, image R. Marshall |
Programs include:
- woodblock printing,
- ceramics,
- Uzbek cuisine and bread making,
- traditional dance,
- wood carving,
- embroidery.
Cost: This will depend on the number of people, which master class you would like to do, the cost of materials, etc. Perhaps you have another craft you wish to learn? Please contact me.
Back to top
