A journey through history - from Khorezm to Sogdiana

The land along the upper Amu Darya, Syr-Darya and their tributaries has always been different from the rest of Central Asia – more settled than nomadic, the population of Khorezm, Bactria and Sogdiana had a high economic and cultural potential. Suffice it to say that the founder of one of the ancient world’s religions of divine revelation – Zaratushtra, whose importance in the development of the mankind can be compared only to that of Buddha, was born on the bank of the Amu Darya River in the vicinity of Nukus. Throughout centuries-old history of this region various ancient empires succeeded each other; great trading cities grew up on the crossroads of the Silk Routes.

This tour is designed to give a traveler an opportunity to conjure up Uzbekistan’s fertile past and trace the development of artistic and architectural genius of its people: from antique fortresses of Khorezmian khans and noblemen (1st-6th centuries) to sober grandeur of Samanid decorative brickwork (9th century) and polychrome mosaic and tilework of the Timurids and Shaibanid dynasties (14th –17th centuries).

The tour has several zests.

First of all, a trip along the area called ‘The Golden Ring of Khorezm’ will enable you to make acquaintance with a unique and ancient culture mentioned in the Holy Book of Zoroaster and Chinese Chronicles. The fascinating monuments of Karakalpakistan, which are rarely included into tours of the acting travel companies of Uzbekistan, deserve the attention of the travelers. Among them Mizdakhan  archiological site – a city built in honour of Akhuramazda, the main deity of Zoroastrianism (4th century B.C. – 13th century A.D.);  Khorezm fortresses of Hellenic and medieval periods: Gyaur Kala, Jampyk Kala, Toprak Kala; Ayaz Kala (6th-7th centuries)  - an aggregate of country estates and fortresses of Khorezmian agricultural aristocracy (at the edge of the Kyzyl Kum desert); Zoroastrian religious constructions: Koykrylgan Kala - cult structure used for astronomical observations, and Chilpyk Zoroastrian  dahma.

Secondly, you will spend a short overnight stay in the desert on your way from one architectural gem of Uzbekistan to another. Ayaz Kala camping, a spectacular base for exploring ancient Khorezm, is a permanent campsite located close to the ruins of the ancient Ayaz Kala fortress. This campsite offers you an unforgettable night in nomadic yurts, starry campfires and a real feast of exotic national Kazakh and Karakalpak dishes supported by local wine. Enchanted by the surroundings your mind will waft to worlds and times long passed.

Thirdly, you’ll have the opportunity to see the unique and finest collection of Russian avant-garde art of the twentieth-fortieth of the last century exhibited in Karakalpak State Art Museum located in Nukus.

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Destinations:

Tashkent - Nukus - Urgench (Khiva) - Ayaz Kala - Bukhara - Shakhrisabz - Samarkand - Tashkent