The nature of Uzbekistan is unusually diverse and is represented by the mountain systems of the Tien Shan and Gissar-Alai, steppes, the Kyzyl Kum desert, tugai and juniper forests.
In Uzbekistan, there are 8 reserves, 2 National Natural Parks, the Lower Amu Darya State Biological Reserve, 9 state orders. The total area of protected natural areas is 20 520 km2 (5% of the entire territory of Uzbekistan).
The fauna of Uzbekistan totals more than 600 species of vertebrates, of which 97 species of mammals, 424 species of birds, 58 species of reptiles. The flora of Uzbekistan is represented by more than 4,100 species of higher plants. Some rare animals can also be observed in the eco-center “Dzheyran”, Zerafshansky, Nuratinsky, Amudarya, Surkhandarya reserves. Here, work is underway on the reproduction of rare animals: Severtsev rams, goat goats (marhurs), gazelles (steppe antelopes), Przhevalsky horse, kulans, bustard-beauty.
Day 1 Arrive to Tashkent
Arrive to Tashkent’s airport at TBA from TBA, meet and greet service (COMPANY SIGN for meeting), transfer to hotel.
Short tour in Tashkent: Independence Square, Museum of Applied Arts, Amir Temur square, city fountains and modern monuments.
Day 2 Tashkent to Samarkand (320km)
Breakfast at hotel and check-out.
Transfer to Samarkand, settlement at the hotel. After short rest evening tour in Samarkand: Registan square – Madrassa Ulugbek (15th c.), Madrassa Sherdor (17th c.), Madrassa Tilla-Kori (17th c.). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 Samarkand to Asraf village (Jizzah Region) (300km)
Breakfast at hotel. Check out from hotel.
Continue tour of Samarkand visit the Museum of Ulugbek’s observatory with the original part of main instrument sextant, Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, Bibi-Khanum Mosque and Siyab bazaar.
In the afternoon drive to Asraf village, located in the beautiful and pristine nature of this remote area. Walk around the village to see the daily livelihood activities of the rural people or have a rest and relax on one of the tapchans (comfortable tea beds) or on a supa (traditional loom built tea bed) in the garden. The guesthouse has a big lush green garden with a brook passing under one of the tapchans, which makes it pleasant during hot summer days.
Overnight in guest house.
Day 4 Asraf village
Breakfast at guesthouse.
After breakfast start guided hike up from the guesthouse to the mountains (5 hours). Particularly in spring, you can see the diverse flora and fauna of the region and admire lush green landscape. You have a great view of Lake Aydar and the vast plains of the Kyzylkum steppe.
Return to guesthouse and have a Lunch.
In the afternoon, excursion to the next village of Eski Forish. On the way see ancient petroghlyps site, visit historic look-out point in Eski Forish which was used to observe the Kyzylkum plains to avoid sudden attacks of enemies.
Return to Asraf and watch or participate in traditional cooking practices.
Day 5 Asraf – Nurata
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to the Yurt Camp via Lake Aydar (150km/ 2 hours)
Arrive at the lake, depending on the time of the year you can have a swim, walk along the lake shore or watch the rich aquatic birdlife (cranes, pelicans, many duck and goose species and numerous waders etc.).
Continue to the Yurt Camp. Arrive and settle at the camp. Ride on the camel or just walk around the dunes.
Depending on the time of the year you might spot steppe tortoises, hares and desert agamas.
Overnight in desert Yurts, the house of former nomads
Day 6 Nurata – Bukhara (220km)
Breakfast in Yurts
Transfer to Bukhara, city tour in the afternoon after short rest and refreshment in Bukhara.
Visiting: The trade domes, Magoki-Attor mosque, Lyabi-Khauz complex consisting of Nadir-Divan Begi Madrasah and Khanaka, and the Khauz-water-reservoir.
Overnight in Bukhara
Day 7.Bukhara
Breakfast in hotel and continue in Bukhara visiting: The Ark, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Samanid Mausoleum, Mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub, city walls, Kalon Minaret, Mir-Arab Madrasah, Kalon Mosque. Visit Madrasah of Ulugbek, Madrasah of Abdul-Aziz khan,
Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 8 Bukhara – Tashkent
Breakfast and Check out from the hotel.
Transfer to the airport in Bukhara for the morning flight to Tashkent according to schedule. Arrive to Tashkent and continue with half day city tour in: Independence Square, Barak-Khan Madrassah (16th c.), The Kaffal-Shashi mausoleum (15th c.), Kukeldash Madrassah (16th c.), the Jum’a mosque (9th c.), the monument of Courage, Tashkent TV tower view, from outside, and the monument of repression victims.
Overnight in Tashkent
Day 9 Tashkent and departure to next destination
Transfer to the International Airport for the flight to next destination.