Visitors to this "city-museum" are plunged into a fully immersive historical experience and delighted by its ancient wonders including the Kalyan Minaret with its Kalan Mosque, the awe-inspiring Ark Fortress and the city's beautiful covered bazaars and markets.
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Since the Shaybanid era in the 16th century, the area around the Lyabi Hauz has become a warren of covered bazaars, teeming with activity. The lanes are lined with market stalls with their domed roofs and, despite a dramatic overhaul during Soviet occupation, remain a wonderful treasure trove of souvenirs.
An architectural ensemble built around one of the city’s few remaining pools, shaded by mulberry trees that date back to the 17th century when it was built, this is one of the most pleasant sites in Bukhara. The plaza is framed by two madrassas and a khanaka - a lodging house. By the pond sits a statue of Nasruddin Hodja, a character who appears in many children’s folk tales in central Asia.
Samani Park is home to two of the city’s most interesting mausoleums. Ismail Samani Mausoleum was built in the 9th century and, as the resting place of the Samanids - the last Persian dynasty to hold power, is an important Islamic landmark. Nearby is the mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub in which there is a natural spring reputed to have been brought forth by Job when he struck his staff on the spot. The waters are said to have healing properties.
This historical architectural complex was built in the 16th century around the base of Kalyan Minaret, which dates back to the 12th century. It includes the Mir-i Arab Madrasa and the Kalan Mosque, through which visitors can access the 105 steps that lead to the top of the Minaret. The Kalyan Minaret was at one time the tallest in central Asia. Sometimes known as the Tower of Death, in medieval times it was the site for criminal executions.
Built in the 5th century AD both for military purposes and as royal living quarters, the dramatic and imposing Ark was a mini town within the city, which housed the various courts who held power over Bukhara right up until it was bombed by Russia in 1920. Now its ruins are home to various mosques and museums that chart the city’s history.
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Delve deep into Uzbekistan's rich historical, religious and cultural tapestry in this unforgettable 10-day trip. After exploring the capital, Tashkent, it’s on to the beautifully blue-washed alleyways of Khiva. Meander around the holy city of Bukhara, before discovering the beloved and spiritual city of Samarkand.
This 11-day itinerary takes you on a whirlwind culinary journey across Uzbekistan from Tashkent and Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand. Snack on spiced lamb samsa, taste some of the sweetest melons and fruits fresh at the market, sample regional specialties of green noodles and fried fish, break bread with your hands, and devour skewers of tender grilled meats. Besides tasting some of the country’s best dishes, you’ll also get hands-on and learn how to cook them as well. After this tour, you’ll likely share the country’s obsession with plov!
Turn back time on this two-week tour of two amazing countries. Explore historical wonders of Tashkent and Khiva and uncover the crumbling cities of Merv and Mary and the fortress of Nissa. Camp by burning gas craters, get up close to the famous Akhal Teke horses of Turkmenistan and discover the palaces and mausoleums of mighty Emirs.
This nine-day tour will whisk you through the wonders just waiting to be uncovered in Uzbekistan. Travel across this stunning country by train alighting to delight in the jaw-dropping architecture of the mosques and madrasahs of Tashkent, Bukhara and Khiva, the dramatic reds of the Kyzyl Kum desert and the beauty of the Amu Darya river.
Fourteen days, two countries, eight cities and one rocket launch: there are not many journeys that you’ll make quite like this one. Over the course of two weeks, you’ll be treated to all the important historic sites of Uzbekistan and its ancient Silk Road cities, as well as witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event – the “Soyuz” rocket being launched into space from the cosmodrome in Baikonur.
Witness the wonders of southern Uzbekistan on this ten day adventure. Gaze at Tashkent’s marvellous mosques and minarets, the mosaics and madrasahs in Bukhara and the treasures of Tamerlane in Samarkand. Delve into the Uzbek countryside, stay in a local home in Darband and meet authentic practising shamans before returning to Tashkent.
This 11-day journey follows the ancient Silk Road of Uzbekistan, encompassing the historic trade cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. The beauty, as well as the sheer scale of construction is enough to captivate thousands pilgrims and tourists alike. You'll also have time for a camel ride and night under the stars in the Uzbek desert.
Discover the hidden treasures of two countries on this two-week tour. Marvel at the ancient architecture and explore the bustling bazaars of Uzbekistan’s big cities and plunge into the lakes, mountains and canyons of scenic Kyrgyzstan, where you’ll bathe in hot springs, picnic in meadows and even stay in a rustic local home.
There’s a world of culture, history and nature waiting to be uncovered by those daring enough to be different. This two-week itinerary through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan offers exactly that - something a little different. A truly memorable 14-day trip through this fascinating yet often overlooked part of the world.
An 11-day trip that takes you across the evolving landscape of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, passing empty deserts, negotiating snow-topped mountains and exploring ancient trade cities. Witness luxurious, awe-inspiring palaces and mosques alongside modest mountain villages reflecting the untouched lifestyle of the famously friendly Uzbeks.
Built in 2006, this 96-room hotel in central Bukhara allows guests easy access to the city’s main historic attractions. Part of a respected hotel chain within Uzbekistan, the Asia Bukhara Hotel is built in the style of a traditional madrasa and offers travelers welcoming three-star service, with facilities that include an outdoor swimming pool, business center with conference rooms and fitness center. The hotel also offers massage services to help travelers recuperate after a day exploring Bukhara’s ancient sites. Guest rooms include a modern bathroom with tub and shower, a minibar, air conditioning, satellite TV, and in the deluxe rooms, a safe. The on-site restaurant serves up national and international dishes and a bar and nightclub gives visitors the chance to socialize with fellow travelers and locals after hours. The Asia Bukhara Hotel is located in the heart of the ancient city, and guests will find many historic sites of note within walking distance.
Positioned in the heart of the Old City, Lyabi Khauz Hotel provides warm Uzbek hospitality in a beautifully restored 19th-century house. All 40 rooms have been refurbished in a comfortable, modern manner with traditional Uzbek accents and mod-cons such as satellite TV, air conditioning, fridge, work desk and full bathroom. Accommodation is available as single, twin or triple rooms with the option of a Junior Suite for travelers who require more space. Among the highlights of this beautiful hotel are its original facade and a central dining room and hall with ornate tiles and antique decorations. The place was designed and built by architect Usta Shirin Murad, whose other works include the Summer Palace of the Emir of Bukhara and the Ballet Theatre. Not only is the hotel a valuable part of Bukhara heritage itself, it’s located in the historic center of town, within steps of the 16th-century Silk Road marketplace where travelers can pick up souvenirs and handicrafts. The Lyabi Khauz Hotel is also equipped with a business center, bar, 24-hour room service and laundry service. The restaurant serves up more than 100 local Uzbek dishes, plus international favorites and vegetarian fare.
Named after the legendary philosopher, astronomer, mathematician and poet, the Omar Khayyam Hotel offers guests an authentic experience in the heart of ancient Bukhara. With 22 rooms, including one apartment-style studio and several deluxe suites, this property features ornate stucco arches and balconies that overlook a central courtyard. In-room amenities include satellite TV, air-conditioning, fridge, work desk and modern bathroom with hairdryer. The restaurant serves up traditional Uzbek meals as well as European dishes, vegetarian fare and Korean cuisine. In the summertime, the courtyard sets the scene for an open-air bar and cafe, providing a wide range of drinks and a taste of local sweets. For the executive traveler, there’s a business center with internet access and safety boxes. The hotel also provides laundry services and access to medical care, if required. Many of this UNESCO city’s major historic attractions - the Po-i-Kalyan complex and the 5th-century Ark-Citadel, for instance - are within walking distance of the hotel.
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