8 days | Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Fergana valley (Margilan, Andijan)
Behagen March 29, 1906 and December 21, 1908, Baron Gustav Mannerheim conducted an expedition to the north and west of the Qing Empire (China). He took with him 490 kg of luggage. including a Kodak camera, photographic plates and chemical reagents and went on his fascinating journey. His way to the Qin Empire ran through the territory of modem Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan. Tajikistan. During the trip, Baron Mannerheim described and taked photos of the magnificent natural landscapes of Central Asia. the way of life and culture of local residents. as well as historical sights that have survived to this day.
The travel company "UZHOLIDAY" has carefully studied this route and wants to invite you to act as a researcher of Central Asia, but not in the 20th, but in the 21st century! You will be able to walk through all those places in Uzbekistan that General Gustav Mannerheim once admired, and compare how life has changed in recent years.
Day 1:Home country - Urgench - Khiva
The route of the outstanding statesman and military figure of Finland began with his arrival along the Trans-Caspian railway to Bukhara through the Zarafshan district, formed from the eastern part of the Bukhara Khanate. Since the journey to Uzbekistan will begin with an arrival in Urgench, we will begin our journey from the ancient city of Khiva (Transfer Urgench-Khiva 30 km). In 1906, the status of the Khanate was a Russian protectorate. The khan declared himself a “humble servant” of the Russian emperor, and all the lands of the khanate along the right bank of the Amu Darya went to Russia. These lands became part of the Amudarya department of the Turkestan region.
Meeting with the guide and transfer to the hotel. We will begin with the visit of the Ichan-Kala architectural complex: Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark Castle, Mohammed Rahim Khan Madrasa. Lunch. Islom Khodja Madrasa and Madrasa Tash Hovli Architectural Complex, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Mosque, Madrasa Allikulikhan. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2:Khiva - Bukhara
Breakfast. Departure by car along the road to Bukhara through the Kyzyl-Kum desert (7 hours 440 km). On the way, make a stop to see the Amu Darya River. Lunch in a lunchbox.
For Baron Gustav Mannerheim, it was Bukhara who began acquaintance with the major cities Of Uzbekistan. He arrived in Bukhara by the Trans Caspian railway. Bukhara is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, the city's age exceeds 2500 years. At the time of Mannerheim visit to Bukhara, about 50 bazaars, 2 synagogues, 364 mosques were located in the city, and the population of the city was more than 150 thousand people. Beginning of the sightseeing tour of Bukhara: “Poi Kalon Complex”, Kalon Minaret - the main symbol of sacred Bukhara (XII century), “Kalon Mosque”, Mir Arab Madrasah (current madrasah, one of the most revered spiritual Islamic universities) “Toki Zargaron” – Jewelers’ Dome, Ulugbek Madrasah (the first three madrasahs built by Tamerlane’s grandson Ulugbek: Abdulazizkhon Madrasah, Abdullakhan Madrasah, Imam Al-Bukhari Madrasah), Magoki Attori Mosque - the oldest quarterly mosque of Bukhara - a masterpiece of Bukhara architecture, Nodir Devon Begi Khanaka and madrasahs used by Sufis as housing and mediation century. During dinner, you will also be able to enjoy the performance of the Nodir Devon Begi show in the ancient madrasah, and get acquainted with national Uzbek dances and musical instruments. Overnight in Bukhara.Day 3:Bukhara - Samarkand
After breakfast at the hotel we invite you to visit the magnificent Palace of Sitorai Mokhi Khosa - the residence Of the last Bukhara Emir. The name of the palace is translated as "Palace like the stars and the moon." We suggest that you evaluate it and personally admire the unique exhibits that the museum palace stores. Then you visit the ancient citadel Ark. which was a symbol of the greatness of ancient Bukhara. After lunch we invite you to continue the path of the great traveler and go to Samarkand by train.
At 15:46 departure from Bukhara, at 17:29 arrival in Samarkand. Samarkand has always been considered the pearl of the East, it was founded in the 8th century and was the center of the state of Sogdiana and was one of the main cities of the great Silk Road. In 1888, the Trans Caspian railway was brought to the railway station of the city, according to which baron Mannerheim arrived in Samarkand and on which you will arrive in Samarkand. Dinner at the national restaurant. Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 4:Samarkand
In the city of Samarkand, Mannerheim had to choose his followers for the way. At that time, in Samarkand, the Second Ural Cossack regiment was quoted, from which the traveler took two Cossacks as escort. Also during his stay in the city of Samarkand, the baron made many photographs, on which were recorded the historical sights of the city, as well as the panorama of the city.
We suggest you to make a tour of these historical sites: Gur Emir Mausoleum, Registan, Bibi Khanum Madrasah then you will be delighted by the charm of oriental Siab bazaar. After lunch: Shakhi Zinda Necropolis and Ulugbek's observatory. Dinner. Overnight in Samarkand.
Day 5: Samarkand - Tashkent
From Samarkand, Mannerheim left with two Cossacks to Tashkent, then through Andijan, to visit Osh.
Breakfast. We sagest you to move by train from Samarkand to Tashkent (06:13-08:23). Upon arrival in Tashkent, we will visit the old part of the city: Khasti Imom, including Madrasa Barak Kan, Madrasa Kafal Shoshi, the Library, located in the same square and is important for housing the Koran of Usman. We will continue with the madrasas Kukaldosh and Abdulkasim. We will also approach the eastern market of Chorsu. Lunch. In the afternoon you visit Amir Temur Square. This Square was laid in front of the headquarters of the Turkestan Military District, where Mannerheim, received a road map and information on the living conditions in the border strip. Dinner at the national restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 6:Tashkent - Margilan
Breakfast. On the sixth day we invite you to visit the Museum of History of Uzbekistan, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the history of Uzbekistan from ancient times to our days.
Tashkent is one of the densely populated cities in Uzbekistan and throughout Central Asia. And as any metropolis should, it has its own unique metropolitan. All metro stations have their own unique architectural appearance. Here you can observe finishing works with marble and granite, columns and bas-reliefs, ganch and various mosaic ornaments. Therefore, we will definitely go down to the metro and explore all its beauties. After lunch, we sagest you to move by train from Tashkent to Margilan (17:22-22:34) Kamchik is a mountain pass located in the east of Uzbekistan, bordering on Kyrgyzstan in the north and Tajikistan in the south. Previously, the pass was the only land route between the Tashkent region and the Pap district of the Namangan region of the Fergana Valley.Baron Mannerheim overcame this pass. Now we can use a comfortable train that passes through the 19-kilometer Kamchik tunnel. It made it possible to connect the Fergana Valley with the rest of the regions of Uzbekistan. Dinner. Night in Fergana.
Day 7:Margilan - Andijan - Tashkent
After breakfast at the hotel we can visit the Yodgorlik factory and get acquainted with the traditional national Uzbek fabrics. Lunch.
Then you will visit the city of Andijan - the last stop of Baron Mannerheim in Uzbekistan. where he procured the necessary equipment and then went to Osh. In Andijan, you can walk through the central bazaar, where Mannerheim in due time made purchases for his travel. Then you will return to Tashkent by train (15:55-21:45). Dinner in a Lunchbox. Overnight in TashkentDay 8:Tashkent-Home Country
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the international airport. End of trip.