The route of Baron Mannerheim in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
12 days | Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Fergana valley (Margilan, Andijan), Osh, Gulcho, Uzgen, Manas (Jalal Abad), Chichkan, Bishkek
Tour description
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.
Tour itinerarygram
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 Arrival in Urgench. Meeting at the airport with the guide. Transfer to Khiva (30 km, ~40 min). Breakfast at the hotel. (early check-in included)
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. We will begin with the visit of the Ichan-Kala architectural complex: Kalta Minor, Kunya Ark Castle, Mohammed Rahim Khan Madrasa. Islom Khodja Madrasa and Madrasa Tash Hovli Architectural Complex, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Mosque, Madrasa Allikulikhan. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2:Khiva - Bukhara
Breakfast. Early morning departure by car/bus along the road to Bukhara through the Kyzyl-Kum desert (7- 8 hours 451 km). On the way, make a stop to see the Amu Darya River.
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. In the evening, we will attend a traditional folklore show at Nodir Devon Begi Madrassah with dinner, set in the atmospheric courtyard of a 17th-century monument. Overnight in Bukhara.Day 3:Bukhara - Samarkand
After breakfast at the hotel we invite you to visit the magnificent Sitora Palace of 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 we invite you to continue the path of the great traveler and go to Samarkand by train. At 16:16 departure from Bukhara, at 18:05 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. 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 we visit: Shakhi Zinda Necropolis and Ulugbek's observatory. Overnight in Samarkand
Day 5: Samarkand - Tashkent
From Samarkand, Mannerheim left with two Cossacks to Tashkent, then through Andijan, to visit Osh. We sagest you to move by train from Samarkand to Tashkent (05:21-07:42)
Upon arrival in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel for breakfast (early check-in is not included; however, guests may leave their luggage at the hotel lobby). After breakfast, we will visit the old part of the city: Khasti Imom, including Madrasa Barak Kan, Madrasa Kafal Shoshi. We will continue with the madrasas Kukaldosh and Abdulkasim. We will also approach the eastern market of Chorsu. 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. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 6:Tashkent - Margilan
Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel is at 12:00. The sightseeing program is planned to start at 11:00. On the sixth day we invite you to visit the Museum of History of Uzbekistan, (Temporarily closed) 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. As an alternative, we suggest visiting the Museum of Applied Arts, where you can explore Uzbekistan’s rich artistic traditions and craftsmanship. 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. Transfer to the railway station for the train to Margilan (17:55-23:29) 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. Overnight in Fergana.
Day 7:Margilan – Andijan – Dustlik border (Osh)
After breakfast at the hotel we can visit the Yodgorlik factory and get acquainted with the traditional national Uzbek fabrics. 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. Cross the border to Dustlik into Kyrgyzstan where you will meet your new guide and driver afternoon and driven to the city of Osh. Mannerheim arrived here in July 1906. Osh served as the starting point for his caravan before crossing the mountains into China. Here he assembled his caravan, purchased pack horses, and hired guides for the difficult mountain crossing. In his journals, he described Osh as an ancient and multifaceted trading city. He spent a great deal of time at the local markets, observing the goods and the people. Mannerheim took numerous photographs of the city, including panoramas of Osh and views of the sacred Mount Sulaiman-Too, which struck him with its significance for pilgrims We've organized a sightseeing tour of Osh for you which will include a trip to the colorful bazaar to sample local produce and examine the gold and handicrafts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before visiting Sulayman Mountain, an important Islamic shrine in Central Asia named after Soloman - a prophet in the Quran. You can climb to the top for fantastic views in the knowledge that you are on the midpoint of the ancient Silk Road. Overnight in Osh. (Meals: -/ - / Dinner)Day 8:Osh – Gulcho – Uzgen – Manas (Jalal Abad)
Breakfast. Today you will go to the Gulcho town. While in the region, Mannerheim met the legendary Kurmanjan Datka (the “Queen of Alay”), who was 94 years old at the time. Mannerheim took a famous photograph of the queen on horseback, which was later used as the image on the 50-som banknote.
You will have the felt carpert show in Gulsho. Lunch After lunch drive to Jalal Abad town. On the way visit to Uzgen Town. Mannerheim visited Uzgen, His attention was drawn to the famous Uzgen minaret and the mausoleums of the Karakhanid dynasty (11th–12th centuries). He took detailed photographs of these structures, which today allow historians to see the condition of the monuments at the beginning of the 20th century. He also documented life at the Uzgen bazaar, noting its unique atmosphere. Uzgen town, once a capital of the Kharakhanids. Visit market. Continue drive to Jalal Abad. Dinner in the local restaurant. Overnight in the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)Day 9:Manas (Jalal Abad) – Chichkan
Breakfast. This morning you will transfer from Jalal Abad where you've been staying to Chichkan. We will drive along the vast Toktogul reservoir. The biggest water reservoir in Central Asia with Hydro Electro Power dams.
On the way stop by the Toktogul water reserve and it is the lunch time then possible to have the famous deep fried fish (Forelle). Upon arrival to Chichkan you will be accommodated in the guesthouse. Walk around. The view from the top of the hill is very picturesque. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)Day 10 :Chichkan gorge – Bishkek
Breakfast. Transfer to Bishkek. Drive along the Chichkan gorge and crossing the Ala Bel pass you will see the beautiful Suusamyr valley.
The summer pasture for the cattle’s. On the way you will drive through the Too Ashu tunnel on altitude of 3586m. From the pass you will have good view to the Suusamyr valley from above. Lunch on the way. Upon arrival in Bishkek check in to the hotel. Dinner in the local restaurant. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)Day 11:Bishkek
Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing walk in Bishkek, visiting Osh Bazaar, the historical museum, Oak park, Ala-Too central park, White House, old square. Lunch.
Continue city tour. During the city tour, you will learn the history of both Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan, as part of the Great Silk Road, and the more recent Soviet Union. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)Day 12:Bishkek – Home Country
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport for your departure.
- 7 nights stay at the planned or similar hotels
- The Bukhara-Samarkand/Samarkand-Tashkent/Tashkent-Margilan(economy class)
- Lunch-box (Khiva-Bukhara)
- Full board in Kyrgyzstan
- Tickets for museums, monuments and historical sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- English speaking guide on all excursions
- 1l water per person every day
- Shou Nodir Devon Begi
- Felt workshop visit in Gulcho
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Destinations: Uzbekistan