Tours from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan.

“Does progress mean that we dissolve our ancient myths? If we forget our legends, I fear that we shall close an important door to the imagination” 

James Christensen.

Short description of program on natural and historical sights in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan:

Ashgabad – Darvaza crater – Mary and Merv - settlement Serdar - Yangikala canyon – Turkmenbashi town – Avasa resort center -  check point of "Garabogaz"\"Temirbaba" – Mangyshlka peninsula - hollow Karynzharyk - Boszhira valley – Beket ata mosque – Baysary valley – Bokty mount – Shopan ata mosque – Tuzbair saline march – town Beiney  - Сheck point "Tazhen” \”Karakalpakiya” – town Kungrad - lake Sudochye - Aral Sea - Muinak settlement - Nukus town – town  Khiva – town Urgench – town Tashkent.

Distance of the route: 3575 km.
Season: April - September.
Best time for an excursion: April, May, September.
Duration of tour: 19 days, 18 nights.
Additional option in Uzbekistan: 6 days and 5 nights.
Maximum quantity in group: 10 people.

Detailed description of program of tour day by day from Ashgabad to Mangistau to Karakalpakstan and in Khiva:

Tour from Beyneu to Nukus.

Day 1. Ashgabad – Darvaza crater (192 km).
Arrival in Ashgabad. A meeting at the airport. Transfer to hotel, accommodation. Early check-in. Short night rest. Breakfast. Half day city tour including to National Museum, Neutrality Arch and Independence park. After lunch,
Departure from Ashgabad. Transfer: Ashgabad - settlement Bakhordok - kishlak Erbent (165 km). On road for Ashgabad the great and boundless desert of Turkmenistan – Kara-Kum begins, infinite barchans and mountains of sand will accompany on travel on desert of Turkmenistan. Arrival in kishlak Erbent. In a kishlak there live local residents who grow up sheeps and camels. Here it is possible to get acquainted with a life of Turkmen nomads. For the summer they leave for desert and there among sand their sheeps and camels are grazed. Visiting of houses of local residents. Walk on settlement Erbent.
Transfer: kishlak Erbent - Turquoise lake in a crater (85 km). Following local sights in desert Karakum, it is a crater filled by water which has a shade of turquoise. The crater is near to road. Walk to a crater, photographing of vicinities.
Further transfer: Turquoise lake - Mud crater (15 km). A stop at a crater, walk in vicinities, survey and photographing of the Mud crater.
Further transfer: the Mud crater - gas crater Darvaza (12 km). We pass yurts Turkmen nomads at road and soon we leave asphalt road and we turn off to the right on road which leaves in sand. Arrival on gas crater Darvaza, this unique technogenic show in sand of Kara-Kum which we shall observe, in a crater burns gas since 1971. Walking and photographing of vicinities. Dinner and overnight in tents near the crater.
Day 2. Darvaza – Ashgabad – Mary (544 km).
Breakfast. After breakfast transfer: crater Darvaza - Ashgabat (192 km). Arrival in Ashgabad. Traditional national lunch. Visit to the Carpet Museum.  The national museum of Turkmen carpet was created in Ashkhabad by presidential decree in 1993.The museum was opened in order to recreate and preserve the national traditions of Turkmen carpet-weaving and also for carpet popularization of Turkmenistan.
It was designed for the collection of the best samples of carpet art, study, restoration and farther development  of a manual carpet-weaving.
Now the museum has up to 8000 different exhibits,the smallest carpet is 0,01 sq. metre and that which is considered as the biggest one in the world is 301 sq. metre, entered the Guiness Book of Records in 2003.
Transfer to airport. Depart to Mary at 17.20 h with flight T5-131. Arrival in Mary, at 18.00 h. A meeting at the airport. Transfer to hotel, accommodation. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 3. Mary - Ashgabad (387 km).
Breakfats. On the way following the Karakum Canal and the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains. Transfer: Mary – Baitamaly settlement - historical park Merw (36 km). Visit of the historical park, including Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, Sultan Kala, Abdulla Khan Kala and Bairamali Khan Kala and the most relevant remaining monuments such as the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, the Shahriar Ark, the Kyz Kala Emsemle, Graves of the Ashkhabis, and the mausoleum of Ibn Zaid. Lunch in Mary. After excursion transfer to Mary. Lunch.
After lunch transfer: Mary – town Tedzhen -  settlement Dushak - tomb Malik Adzhar Palvan and ancient settlement Ulug-tepe (185 km). The ancient settlement Ulug-depe - the basic in Central Asia with chronology from the end of the Neolithic till the akhemenidy period. It logs in large settlements of ancient farmers of a foothill strip of Kopet Dagh - Cara-depe, to Namazga-depa, Altyn-depe and Yylgynly-depa. However in the XX century this monument was practically not investigated. The exception is made by local works of V. I. Sarianidi in the late sixties on opening of ceramic furnaces for roasting of pottery which were carried out for the purpose of studying of features of ancient potter's production of an era of an eneolit and bronze.
Transfer: Tomb Malik Adzhar Palvan and ancient settlement Ulug-tepe - ancient settlement Abiverd (47 km). Visit to monument. The archaeological site was created in 1993 and comprises some 200 objects in Kaka and Tejen districts of Akhal Region. The core of the reserve is a medieval town Abiverd or Peshtak (west Kaka) - in the past, one of the largest cities in Northern Khorasan, often cited in written sources along with Nisa, especially since the Arab conquest.
Transfer: Ancient settlement Abiverd  - Mosque Seyit Dzhemal Etdin (101 km). In the ancient settlement of Anau, in 18 kilometers from Ashgabat mosque ruins Seyit Jahmal-Etdin - "The house of beauty" are visible. This history is more than five centuries old. To this beauty and now will delight anyone. On the mausoleum, an entrance arch two impressive dragons - "azhdarkh" stylistically reminding traditions of imperial China were represented earlier. Scientists notice that these "living beings", and their images, as is well-known - taboos for architects of Islam, were a totem at one of the Turkmen tribes.
After visit to mosque Seyit Dzhemal Etdin transfer to Ashgabad (18 km). Arrival in Ashgabad, transfer to hotel, accommodation. Dinner followed by city-by-night tour. Overnight.
Day 4. Ashgabad – settlement Serdar (256 km).
Breakfast. Visit Akhalteke horse stables. After visit to Akhalteke horse stables transfer to Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum in settlement Kipchak (17 km). Visit to to Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. The mosque was built in 2002 - 2004 on the initiative of Turkmenbashi and named after him. Its word-for-word translation means “the mosque of Turkmenbashi spirituality” or “the mosque of spirit of Turkmenbashi”. By the way the mosque is located in Gypjak – the Turkmenbashi native village.
The construction of the mosque cost to Turkmenistan $100,000,000. The whole complex is built in white marble by French company Bouygues. The total area occupied by the complex is 18,000,000 m2. The mosque itself is a one-domed building, surrounded by 4 minarets. The height of the mosque is 55 m, and that of the minarets is 91 m to symbolize the year 1991 – when Turkmenistan gained independence. The building is accessible through 9 entries with arches. Around the mosque there are numerous fountains as though the mosque stands on the water and it makes the mosque look very good.
After visit to mausoleum Turkmenbashi transfer to Geok Depe settlement (30 km). Visit to Mosque Saparmurat khadzhi. Saparmurat Khadzhi mosque (turkmen. Saparmyrat Hajy metjidi) - the mosque in the city of Gyokdepe (earlier of Geok-Tepa) in Turkmenistan. It is constructed in memory of soldiers defenders of Geoktepe fortress.
The mosque has four minarets. The project was developed by the Ashgabat architect Kakadzhan Durdyev. The mosque was open in 1995, and is called in honor of the President of Turkmenistan. The mosque was built by the French company Bouygues in one year.
Further transfer: Mosque Saparmurat khadzhi – Kow-ata Underground Lake (45 km). Visit to Kow-ata underground lake. A unique cave with the underground lake Kov-ata. The cave is 250 m long, 65 m deep and 50 m wide. The water of this lake is constantly warm, clean and transparent with an admirable amethyst color and contains 27 elements of the periodic table.
The underground lake Kow-ata south- west of Ashgabat to see the Bakharden underground lake with swimming facilities all a year round. The lake  is located in the biggest cave of the Kopet Dag mountains, called Kow-ata.
After visit to lake Kov-ata transfer to Nohur village (52 km). Arrival in Nohur village. Explore Nohur village (visit silk weaving and tribal cemetery). Deep in the mountains, at height of 1000 - 1100 meters there lies Nokhur. The way to this “compact world” is long and difficult: grades, slopes, mountainous hairpin curves.
But you will forget all travelling difficulties when you see this place, rare in its beauty and protected from four sides with high mountains. According to the legends, its name originates from the Bible prophet Noah, whose Ark after a forty-day’s sailing landed to Manoman Mountain, that is why the words “nokh” or “nukh” are translated as “hit”.
After visiting the village Nohur transfer to settlement Serdar (112 km). Arrival in settlement Serdar, transfer to Guesthouse, accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5. Settlement Serdar – Yangikala canyon (399 km).
Breakfast. Transfer: settlement Serdar – settlement Bereket  - settlement Kumdag – town Balkanabad – Oglanly settlemen –  Yangikala Canyon. Walking in canyon Yangikala. In Yangi-kala cayon erosion, wind, weather, and tectonic shifts have all contributed to the development of the current curious landscape that was unfolding in front of our eyes. We saw long stretches of red-white-brown layered rock formations like table mountains in the otherwise flat plains. When we reached a small pass, a spectacular landscape suddenly opened up before us: up to 100 metre high cliffs of intensely red, white and brown rock formations were visible in various parts. Dinner and overnight in the tents.
Day 6. Yangikala canyon - town Turkmenbashi (211 km).
Breakfast. Transfer: Yangikala canyon - Gozli-ata mausoleum (50 km). Visit to Gozli-ata mausoleum and pilgrim site. Gozli Ata was a Sufi who lived here in the XIVth century, and who is buried in a mausoleum in this desolate location. We walked among the old tombstones, saw our first fertility site where women wanting to get pregnant tie up pieces of cloth or leave small dolls in makeshift cradles, saw the mausoleum of Gozli Ata, and enjoyed the view of the typically coloured mountains. We still had a lot of driving to do, and continued driving the canyon.
Transfer: Gozli-ata mausoleum – town Turkmenbashi (144 km). Arrival in Turkmenbashi, transfer to restaurant – lunch. After lunch  sightseeing in Turkmenbashi, visit to Russian Orthodox Church, market and harbor on the Caspian Sea.
Afternoon transfer to Awaza resort center (17 km) near Turkmenbashi. Accommodation in the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7. Town Turkmenbashi  - check point of "Garabogaz"\"Temirbaba" - hollow Karynzharyk (482 km).
Departure from Avaza resort center at 5.00. Breakfast (lunch-boxes) on the way. Transfer: Awaza resort center - check point of Garabogaz\Temirbaba (244 km). A meeting at check point of Garabogaz\Temirbaba.
Transfer: Check point of "Garabogaz"\"Temirbaba" - gulf Kenderli - sands Karynzharyk - Ustyurt reserve Onere cordon (220 km). Ours a way goes north on the Kenderli-Kayasansky plateau. 88 kilometers after the check point of Temirbaba we transfer on the highway along which there is a Central Asia-Center gas pipeline, on it gas comes from Turkmenistan to Russia. We reach to the gulf Kenderli, located on east coast of the Caspian Sea and we turn on the southeast on the steppe country road.
In the environs of the railway station Kurmash we move through the railway crossing of the railroad Zhanaozen - Ashgabad. We reach to well Karynzharyk, from here we turn on the northeast and we move along sands Karynzharyk which are from us to the north. Arrival on Onere cordon, going through formalities with admissions in reserve.
Transfer: Onere cordon - panoramic point Kyrynzharyk (18 km). Arrival on panorama Karynzharyk, placing of camp, dinner and overnight. 
Day 8. Hollow Karynzharyk – Boszhira valley (130 km). 
Breakfast. Sunrise – photographing. Walk in vicinities of depression Karynzharyk, descent to bottom of depression, walk on shor Karynzharyk. Photographing. At the bottom of hollow Karynzharyk there is the biggest in Mangistau areas saline land Kenderli. This place is the most attractive part of a hollow.
A highlight saline land Kenderli-sor - five beautiful mountains, towering more than on 100 meters on height in the middle of salty and white silence. In the most southern part of hollow Karynzharyk there is a mountain with height in 116 meters above sea level named among local population - Tortkul.
Three from them cost it is close to each other, therefore local local residents name these mountains «Three batyr» or «Three brothers». The bottom saline land always damp also is covered by a layer of salt which on the sun becomes covered by infinite cracks.
Transfer: Hollow Karynzharyk - settlement of Akkuduk - mount Karashek - rise on the Ustyurt plateau - sixth panorama Ushkir tau of the valley Boszhira (130 km). We leave one of the most beautiful places of Mangyshlak and road conducts us on the south to new and novel beauty Mangyshlak.
On a way the small settlement Ak-Kuduk which has got lost in sand of Mangyshlak is passed, here it is possible to fill up stocks of water. Lunch in way. In the environs of saline land Karashek rise on a northeast slope on the Western cliff of Ustyurt. Arrival on the Sixth panorama Ushkir tau of the valley of Boszhira. Walks in vicinities, photographing of a decline, dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 9. Boszhira valley (71 km).
Breakfast. Visit of the Sixth, Fifth, Fourth, Third, Second and First panoramas of Boszhira (25 km). We transfer by car along breaks of the Western chink of Ustyurt with which we observe and we photograph Boszhiraa panoramas. Boszhira valley is in the western part of the Ustyurt plateau on the peninsula of Mangyshlak of Mangystau province.
The valley is located near hollow Karashek. Boszhira valley, is an island mountain ridge on the suburb of the Western cliff of Ustyurt. Boszhira valley is at the bottom of the greatest canyon. Boszhira the valley sight of Mangyshlk occupies the huge space, this unique.
We transfer on Zhusaly descent to the Top plateau of the valley of Boszhira (18 km). Lunch. Walk in the environs of the Top plateau. Walk to the Main canyon of the Top plateau, walk in the neighborhood of the mountain Shoky tau.
Walk on the mountain Ulken keme (1500 m). This mountain on which we shall make walk is called – Ulken Keme. It is a part island mountain has the extended, oval form, on district he was stretched from northwest on a southwest. From western and east party he has breakages in height on 20 meters and in some places of a precipice of breakages much more. Extent  Ulken keme from a place of an output on it, from a stone ancient wall, before breakage to Azu tisteri - 200 meters.
In the most southern part Ulken keme the width it does not exceed 20 meters, and in initial, northern part, width - hardly more than 40 meters. These eminences - mountains are separated from the main thing Western precipices Ustyrt and are in depth of a hollow.
The hollow saline land Karashek is in 10 kilometers to the south from valley Boszhira. The way on Ulken keme begins with the western party where the highway comes to an end at cretaceous downturn, which tourists name Harbour on which it is necessary for us to rise on a small cretaceous plateau which Borly tau and Ulken keme is between mountain.
Having risen on a plateau, we go on northwest crossing a small canyon, we pass cretaceous mountain on the right which closely adjoins east slopes Ulken keme and gradually we rise to east slopes of mountain, then we pass hiking east slope on cretaceous gullies going on the south. Tracks it is not visible, but the logical way of movement is visible along east slope and soon we come to a place, whence it is already visible a track which deduces us to an ancient stone wall.
This ancient wall, has been combined by hands of people to fence off a steep place escaped precipice from other part of mountain, thus it was original shelter. We pass a gate of a stone wall and we leave on a surface escaped ancient precipice and here we on Ulken keme. In some places surface Ulken keme is cut up by cracks.
It is necessary to be extremely cautious at approach edge of breakage. Many tourists like to be photographed on edge of southern breakage, on a background of Azu tisteri Boszhira. I recommend to lay down in the beginning on a stone surface and then to creep up to the edge of breakage, thus it is possible to secure myself against unpleasant sensations of approach a precipice. Returning to Top plateu on a way of rise.
Transfer: Top plateau of Boszhira - Oynak Boszhira (27 km). With Oynak Boszhira it is possible to see all main and unique sights of the valley Boszhira: mounts Ulken keme, Borly tau, Azu tisteri, Ushkir tau, Borly tau. Walk in vicinities. Tents camp in Boszhira Harbour. Dinner and overnight. 
Day 10. Boszhira valley – mount Bokty (95 km).
Breakfast. At sunrise photographing of island mountains Azu tisteri, Borly tau, Ushkir tau, Ulken keme. After lunch transfer: First panorama of Boszhira - Beket-ata mosque (21 km). Before turn on northeast on the right there is a well-known valley Boszhira. Soon the road turns on the north and results us in valley Oglandy.
After visiting mausoleum Oglandy-aта descent on steps, to underground mosque Beket-ata. The distance from descent with cliff up to underground mosque makes, approximately, 1 kilometer of 200 meters, on time it - from 25 till 30 minutes.
Difference on height from edge cliff Ustyurt (breakage) up to mosque Beket ata about 50 meters. Visiting of mosque Beket-ata. Walk to the most ancient and known necropolis in the Western Kazakhstan which is below mosque in 300 meters. Under legends, Beket-ata veins in two cretaceous rooms which have been cut down in a stone slope.
A fine ornament of a trip to underground mosque Beket-ata can be meetings with Corsican moufflon (Ovis ammon) which have chosen valley Oglandy, here they live and are made multiple copies under protection sacred Beket-ata. Returning on steps to top mosque Beket-ata (45 minutes - 1 hour). Visiting of top mosque Beket-ata.
Transfer: Beket-ata mosque - Zhusaly descent - Baysary valley (36 km). Return from Beket-ata mosque on the grader to Zhusaly descent. We pass Boszhira valley and our way to Baysary valley. Baysary valley on Mangystau is, approximately, on the middle of a way between the mountain Bokty and Boszhira valley.
After we pass Zhamanauliye litter, rise on cliff with which on the South begins the view of Kamysty valley opens. Kamysty valley quite extensive area which is in the lowland in the western part of this area cretaceous columns of the natural boundary of Baysary settle down. Baysary are put by absolutely white breeds. In a sunny weather it is impossible to watch shine of a slope which is cut through by columns. Everywhere only chalk is visible. Walks in the environs of Baysary valley.
Transfer: Baysary valley - mount Bokty (13 km). Arrival to Bokty mount, walks in vicinities. Photographing of a decline. Dinner and overnight.
Day 11. Mount Bokty – saline land Tuzbair (145 km).
Breakfast. Transfer: mount Bokty - mosque and necropolis Shopan-ata (46 km). Arrival on the mosque and necropolis Shopan-ata. Walk to the underground mosque and necropolis Shopan-ata. Ritual walk by the top part of the underground mosque.
Transfer: Shlopan-ata mosque - mausoleum Kuy Tam XIIIth century (2 km). Our way lies on the North from where Mangyshlak Muslim shrines begin, the mausoleum to Kuy-tam opens a way for pilgrims to the most significant mosques of Mangyshlak. Soon to the right of the road the platform for parkings of cars, is the mausoleum to Kuy-am, visit of the mausoleum, photography here.
Transfer: mausoleum Kuy-tam – saline land Tuzbair (68 km). Our way lies on the northwest. In the West sands Bostankum in the east sands Tyshkaykum.
Further transfer on saline land Tuzbair along the Western cliff of Ustyurt (29 km). Here we will see mount Tortkol 285 meters above sea level, the mount Tuzbair of 272 meters above sea level. Lunch on the way. Walks in the environs of the well-known Arch Tuzbair, the mount Tuzbair 272 meters above sea level. Dinner and overnight.
Day 12. Saline land Tuzbair - town Beyneu (254 km).
Breakfast. Transfer: saline land Tuzbair - Pass Manata (13 km). A stop in the environs of the pass, photographing of landscape panoramas and the mausoleum of Manata.
Further transfer: Pass Manata - mosque Korkembay (191 km). Visit of the mosque, walk in vicinities.
Further transfer: mosque Korkembay - mosque and necropolis Old Beyneu (29 km). 
The underground mosque Old Beineu is in a southeast from regional center Beineu, in 21 kilometer, to the right of a motorway of the to in Aktau. Entrance to a mosque Old Baineu is symbolized with a brick, beautiful arch and kilometer avenue of trees which leads to an extensive complex of ancient burial places - Old Beineu. South to the west from a spring and dwelling of shepherds there is the extensive necropolis divided channel of two ravines on two half.
Transfer: mosque Old Beyneu - town Beyneu (21 km). Arrival in Beyneu, transfer to the hotel, accommodation. Evening walk by the central part of town Beyneu. Dinner and overnight.
Day 13. Beyneu - Kungrad (409 km).
Breakfast. Early departure from Beyneu. Transfer: Beyneu - Tazhen check point (82 km). Going through formalities of the customs and border service of Kazakhstan. Transfer: Tazhen check point - Karakalpakstan check point (21 km), going through formalities of the customs and border service of Uzbekistan. Group meeting at the checkpoint.
Transfer: Karakalpakstan check point - settlement of Zhaslyk - town of Kungrad (306 km). Lunch on the way. Arrival in Kungrad, transfer to guest house or health resort, accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 14. Kungrad – settlement Muynak  (182 km).
Breakfast. Transfer: Kungrad – village Ravshan – lake Sudochye (72 km). he road runs through Kungradsky district, which was once one of the shopping centers on the Great Silk Road. On the way, you will pass by the ruins of the lighthouse and the abandoned village of Ugra. Short stop at Lake Sudoche.
Lake Sudochie in Uzbekistan is located in the western part of the Amu Darya delta, and is the largest inland water reservoir of the Amu Darya. The arms of the Amu Darya Raushan and Priemuzyak feed it. In the background, the Ustyurt plateau rises. Until the Amu Darya made the Sudochye Lake full, it connected to the Aral Sea through the channel. 
Today, the big water left about 150 km from here, and the lake became shallower and disintegrated into several smaller ones. And now they speak about the Sudochie system of lakes. Lunch on the way.
Transfer: Sudochye lake – village Urga (20 km). Walk on vicinities. In the middle of last century on the bank of the lake Sudochye there was a fishing settlement of Urga with the population in several hundreds of people. It was the first Russian settlement in the territory of Khorezm.
The last inhabitant left the settlement in 1971. Today ruins ghosts of half-ruined houses of this left settlement represent very sad show. Near the settlement there is the Russian cemetery, on the bank of the lake Sudochye. The village Urga was the place of the reference of Old Believers, and in Soviet period the settlement was fishing state farm.
Transfer: village Urga – Ustyurt plateau - bottom of the dried Aral Sea - settlement of Uchsay (75 km). At the bottom of the Aral Sea Aralkum the new desert appeared. The flat gray earth is covered with a salt crust. Dust lies on it a thick layer. It seems that air over pustyyny Aralkum sticky, dusty and salty.
UNESCO supports the project of creation there of a vegetable cover which has to reduce amount of dust in air and attract wild animals.Walk on vicinities in settlement Uchsay In front of many houses in the village Uchsay the mascots protecting from a malefice are hung out. Often as charms choose bright pepper or magic objects in bottles.
Transfer: Settlement Uchsay – settlement Muyinak (15 km). Arrival in Muinak, transfer to guest house or yurt camp, accommodation.  Walk on the settlement. In Muynak we will visit "The cemetery of the ships", the museum in Recreation center of Muynak, there are works of artists F. Madgazin and R. Matevosyan which imprinted the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya River on the cloths. Here it is possible to compare the Aral Sea before and after.
Day 15. Settlement Muynak – town Nukus (202 km).
Breakfast.  Transfer: settlement Muynak – settlement Altynkol -  settlement Khodzheyli - architectural complex of Mizdahkan (182 km).  On the way visit The grand ancient archeological and architectural complex of Mizdahkan (IV century BC - XIV century AD, XVII - XX centuries) is located on the hills along major trunk roads leading to the plateau of Ustyurt and Muynaku, 3 - 4 km. south of the city of Khodjeyli ("Khodjeyli" translates as "the land of pilgrims"), not far from Nukus in Karakalpakstan and occupies a large area of ​​200 hectares.
Mizdahkana is a huge complex of antiquated antiquities and includes one of the most ancient cemeteries in Central Asia (with the mausoleums of Shamun-nabi, Mazlumkhan Sulu, Khalfa Erezhep and the hill of Jumart-kassab), as well as the city of Golden Horde times, caravanserai, ruins of individual estates and locks, the remains of irrigation systems. Earlier it was believed that the complex included the site of Gyaur-kala, but later it was proved that it was a separate monument. During the Middle Ages, Mizdahkan was the third largest city of Khorezm.
Transfer: Settlement Khodzheyli – town Nukus (20 km). Arrival in Nukus, transfer to hotel, accommodation. A dinner in a national house. Overnight in Nukus.
Day 16. Nukus – Yurt camp «Ayaz kala» (191 km).
Breakfast. On this day you will visit the famous Savitsky Museum. The museum holds the second largest collection of Russian avant-garde art in the world and an exposition of applied art objects of Karakalpakstan, collected by the Russian artist and patron of art I.V. Savitsky. Lunch in Nukus Master class for smoking fish. In museum there are fine masterpieces of painting of artists Rafael Matevosyn and Faim Madgazin, esoteric to Aral sea and Southern Priaralye.
After lunch we go to tower Chilpyk (Tower Silence) (III - VIII с.с. and X - XIV с.с.) (50 km). Arrival to tower Chilpyk, walks in vicinities of monument, rise on tower. The age of this Zoroastrian ancient monument - dakhma Chilpyk (Shylpyk, Chilpak Kala) is more than 2200 years. Chilpyk is a round roofless tower, 15 meters high and 65 meters in diameter, built at the top of the rounded natural hill, 43 km away from Nukus. The Zoroastrians used it for burial of the dead. The remains of the deceased were thrown in the tower to the birds of prey.
Transfer: tower Chilpyk - ancient settlement Dzhanpyk kala (I - II с.с and IX - XIV с.с.) (53 km). Arrival on site of ancient settlement Dzhanpyk kala. Walks in vicinities of site of ancient settlement, photographing of fortifications, search of archeologic artefacts in vicinities of site of ancient settlement.
The date of the last habitation of Dzhanpyk-Kala, is dated back to 1345 - 1346. Based on the detected coin, ancient pottery found by archaeologists (IV to I century BC), one can assume that people came to these places at the same time.
Until these days, only pahsovy walls of the citadel, which was located in the eastern part of the settlement and presumably had a complex configuration, survived. Fragments of its walls are decorated with serried half-columns, topped with stepped arches. Near to site of ancient settlement Dzhanpyk kala there is biospheric reserve Badai Tugai, walk ot reserve.
Transfer: Dzhanpyk kala - necropolis Sultan Uvais (XIII - XIV с.с.) (33 km). Arrival on necropolis Sultan Uvais (town Dead), visit of necropolis, visiting of mausoleum Sultan Uvais bobo, photographing of town Dead. Visiting of local market before necropolis Sultan Uvais.
The mountain top at the head of the valley contains a number of small inundations, purported to be the footprints and knee prints of Sultan Uvays Bobo. Although these are quite underwhelming we still recommend the trip, firstly to get a good view of this barren and empty region and secondly to get an understanding of local beliefs by observing the pilgrims and their ritual offerings. There is an open area for parking and, in the summer, a row of merchants selling amulets and other religious paraphernalia.
The path winds up into the rocks above, where there are small shrines consisting of tree branches covered with strips of brightly coloured knotted rags. These simple offerings have been made by the faithful in the hope of fulfilling a wish – for a cure for a sick relative or a baby for a barren wife. Lunch on the way.
Transfer: necropolis Sultan Uvais – Bustan settlement - ancient settlement Toprak kala (III - IV с.с. B.C.) (20 km). Arrival on site of ancient settlement Toprak kala. Walks in vicinities of ancient city on fortifications, photographing of ruins of antiquities. This settlement Toprak kala belongs to the list of the most important historical and cultural monuments of Khorezm of the first and fourth centuries AD. In the third century, here located the main city of the Empire, the active study of which domestic archaeologists began in mid-1938.
Scientists found out that the settlement had the correct form of a rectangle, in the north-west corner of which were the mansions of lords. To the south of the castle, which had three towers, a temple of fire adherents was located.
Transfer: Toprak kala - yurt camp «Ayaz kala» (35 km). Arrival in yurt camp «Ayaz kala», accommodation in yurts. Photographing at sunset Ayaz kala. Dinner and overnight at the Yurt camp.
Day 17. Yurt camp «Ayaz kala» - town Khiva (184 km).
Breakfast. After breakfast excursion on fortress Ayaz Kala (1 km). Arrival on fortress Ayaz Kala, walk on vicinities of ancient fortress, photographing of fortifications of ancient city. From height of fortification the panorama on second fortress Ayza Kala opens.
Transfer to fortress Ayaz Kala-II (3 km). Arrival on fortress Ayaz Kala-II, walk on vicinities of an ancient fortress, photographing of fortifications. Without false modesty, this fortress, built in the desert, can be attributed to the list of the most majestic and important fortification buildings of Ancient Khorezm. Numerous legends suggest that the fortress got its name thanks to the famous warrior Ayaz -Ayaz. It is believed that he not only fought for justice, but also ventured to win the hand and heart of the leader of the Amazons.
Transfer: Fortress Ayaz Kala-II - ancient settlement Kyrkyz Kala (16 km). Arrival on site of ancient settlement Kyrkyz Kala, walk on vicinities of an ancient fortress, photographing of fortifications. These two fortresses were probably named Kyrk-Kyz by local Karakalpaks at some time during the past two hundred years.
The appellation Kyrk-Kyz z refers to the Karakalpak oral epic or da'stan "Forty Girls", which describes how the sixteen-year-old heroine Gu'layım created her own fortress and then trained forty virgin girls to become a formidable platoon of combatants. When the Karakalpak lands were finally attacked by the ruthless Kalmuk Khan, Gu'layım and her friends rode to the rescue and freed their Karakalpak brethren from the heartless oppressors.
Transfer: Kyrkyz Kala - ancient settlement Qurkgashin kala (14 km). Arrival on site of ancient settlement Qurkgashin kala, walk on vicinities of ancient fortress, photographing of fortifications. Qurkgashin kala was one of the frontier fortresses defending the northern flank of Khorezm from nomadic attack. It was built around the end of the 4th or possibly in the early IIIrd century BC.
It may have been garrisoned by professional troops. A preliminary investigation of Qurgashin kala was undertaken by Sergey Tolstov and some of his colleagues from the Khorezm Archaeological Expedition in 1939. More detailed excavations were undertaken by Kolyakov in 1986 and 1991 and the military architecture was studied by Xojaniyazov in the 1980s. 
The fort is dramatically situated on the edge of a slightly elevated plateau so that when seen from the west it appears to be raised up above the level of the desert plain. It is this south-western flank that is in the best preserved condition. 
Transfer: Qurkgashin kala – Guldursun kala (60 km). The Guldursun kala that we see today was mainly built in the XIIth century and is what remained after the city was overwhelmed by the Mongols in 1221. Fortunately the city was not completely obliterated and since the right bank of Khorezm became part of the ulus of Chaghatay rather than Jöchi, it was never subsequently redeveloped. As such it provides a fine example of an urban centre dating from the time of the Anushteginid dynasty of Khorezmshahs. On the way visit to Narinzhan Baba mosque in the Bustan village.
Transfer: Guldursun kala – settlement Turtkul – town Beruni – town Urgench – town Khiva (90 km). On the way we will see the structure of ancient fortresses along the valley of the Amu Darya River, which is dotted with many old fortresses on both sides. Arrival in Khiva. Transfer to hotel, accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 18. Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent (30 km).
Breakfast. During tomorrow, the performance of the Khorezm traditional Khalpa, with a lapar and traditional dances (according to the traditions of the Uzbeks, the morning meal was always accompanied by music and dancing.
City Tour. The fortress of Ichan-Kala (XVIII - XIX) is a historical inner city of Khiva which was included in the Unesco World Heritage List. Mausoleum of Said-Allauddin, Minaret of Kalta-Minor, madrasah of Muhammad Amin Khan. .(There is an interesting legend about the origin of Khiva, an alleged legend that the city grew up around the well with incredibly tasty and cool water Hey-wah, which was dug out by the order of the son of Noah's biblical Noah-Sim. In the old part of Khiva - Ichan-Kala - today you can see this well.
Khiva is a unique city, rightfully claiming the title of "the seventh miracle of the world", thanks to its authentic atmosphere of the "era of the beginning of time." Most of the city of Khiva is like an open-air museum, and the core of this museum is the fortress of Ichan-Kala. complete immersion in the past Made possible by the fact that all monuments are located nearby). Lunch at the restaurant. Continuation Excursion program in Khiva: Alla-Kuli-Khan complex XIII - XVII Medress in Ichan-Kala.
Mausoleum of Pakhlavon Mahmud (XVII – XIX c.c.), Tash-Hauli Palace, Cunya-Arc Fortress (XIX c.), Minaret and Mosque of Khodja-Islam (1908 - 1910), Gate of Palvan-Darbaz (XIX c.). Dinner at will in the national restaurant.
Transfer to Urgench 30 km to the airport. Flight to Tashkent HY 56 Urgench - Tashkent, departure time is 20.10. The arrival in Tashkent is 22.40. Meeting in airport, transfer to hotel, accommodation, overnight.
Day 19. Tashkent (30 km).
Breakfast. Excursion program "Old city of Tashkent": architectural and cult complex Khast Imam (Khazret-Imam), with a grandiose Friday mosque, medieval mausoleums of Yunus-Khan and Kafal Shashi (XVI  entury), Madrasah Barak Khan and Kukeldash (XVI- XVII century), Madi Mui-Mubarak (XIX century), where a unique artifact is stored - the oldest Koran of Osman.
Not far from the complex is one of the oldest Synagogues in Central Asia. Walking along the old streets of Tashkent, photo session (Lunch in the old part of the city "Chigatai." "Chigatai" was the entrance to the biggest bazaar in the Chor-Su region, there were hundreds of caravan-sarays, guest houses and teahouses.
There was always a lot of bazaar contingent and traditions food of different layers of the population. You can try this "Moshkchiri" - a soup giving a huge strength and a warming body, restoring energy after physical exertion.
Dinner at the National Restaurant. In the evening, the Gastronomic Art show "Eastern Bazaar" in the restaurant "Tarona". A theatrical show with the participation of tourists, in which improvised teaching etudes of the oriental bazaar will be played, in which tourists can study the ethics and ethical norms of behavior in the Eastern society.
At the end of the program, Oriental pilaf with the removal from the chef. All the time the dinner is organized, tourists can watch the stages of preparation of the national budget ... (Art show - only if there are groups, and I wish tourists, for a fee). Transfer to the airport. End of the tour and seeing off. Departure.

The price of the program: ($)

2 + 1 – 7024
4 + 1 – 5046
6 + 1 -  4299
8 + 1 – 4315
10 + 1 – 4126

The price includes:

Visa support (Letter of Invitation, State Registration, Travel Pass) in Turkmenistan: Accommodation based on shared trekking tent (incl. sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow), including breakfast and BBQ dinner – in Turkmenistan: Domestic airline ticket Ashgabat-Mary (Boeing 717-200): Bottled drinking water en route: Porter services en route; all land transfers; services of guide; services of guide in Uzbekistan 6 hours in Nukus and Khiva; tents during on double basis; equipments; accommodation at hotels standard twin room (twin standard rooms with breakfast) in Kazakhstan; sightseeing; entry fees; ecological taxes; guide consultations; full board; bottled water on transfers 1,5 l/day/person; air tickets Urgench – Tashkent Y class.

The price doesn’t include:

Turkmenistan visa 55+4 USD per person, when obtained at land border post (subject to change)
Turkmenistan migration tax  10+4 USD per person, to be paid at land border post (subject to change)
Photo/video fees at historical parks and in museums; tips; insurance and other medical subcosts; additional excursions, not mentioned in the program; personal extras like luggage overweight; laundry, phone, fax, e-mail services; alcohol drinks; mini bar and other extra services at the hotels.

Hotels in Uzbekistan:
rest home «Train road” in Kungrad, Yurts camp on Muybak settlement and Ayaz kala, «Ratmina-3*** in Nukus, “Orkanchi-Khiva”**** (Khiva).

Notes in Turkmenistan:

• Carpet Museum is closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
• National Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
• Weekend Bazaar (aka Tolkuchka or Altyn Asyr Gundogar Bazaar) is best visited on Sundays, when there is an additional livestock section. On Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays this bazaar is closed, but other city bazaars are open (no photography permitted)

Hotels in Uzbekistan:
rest home «Train road” in Kungrad, Yurts camp on Muybak settlement and Ayaz kala, «Ratmina-3*** in Nukus, “Orkanchi-Khiva”**** (Khiva).

On request (option) (6 days, 5 night).

Day 18. Khiva – Bukhara (510 km).
Breakfast. Transfer: Khiva – town Urgench – town Beruni – settlement Turtkul – settlement Gazli – town Bukhara (510 km). Departure to the famous city-museum-Bukhara, crossing the sand dunes of the Karakum, along the Amu Darya and the old abandoned fortresses of the ancient Silk Road.
Stop for lunch and of course a photo session on a natural background of Fortresses and deserts. Arrival in Bukhara after lunch. Recreation. Accommodation in the hotel "Grand Bukhara" 4 **** (the hotel is located in the historical part of Bukhara in the heart of the town-museum-museum). Free time. At 20.00 dinner at the national restaurant. Show "Uzbek wedding", where tourists will be able to participate in the games. Overnight.
Day 19. Bukhara.
Breakfast. Excursion program for "Bukhara - i - Sharif". Visiting: Labi Khavuz ensemble and Madrasah Nadir Divan Begi (XVIIth century) Khanaka, Bolo Havuz Ensemble, Magoki-Atteri Meghet, Ulugbek and Kukeldash Madrassah, Poi-Kalon Ensemble.
Madrasah Amir Alim Khan, Medrese Miri Arab, ARC, mausoleum of Ismail Samoniy, Mausoleum of Chashma Ayub. Lunch anfd dinner. At the end We will visit the most famous blacksmith of Bukhara. He will show you and tell you how to make a famous Bukhara steel blade from a simple piece of metal.
At will Tour of the summer residences of the Bukhara Amir "Sitorai Mohi Hossa". Dinner in Bukhara - at the choice of the famous Bukhara dish "lamb in tandoor", with the removal from the chef's chief, and the final Bukhara red wine to lamb, from the classic varieties of grapes. Uzbek wines are not much different from Italian wines, but they are more tart, sour-sweet, but have a beautifully transparent amber light that has a bright wine flavor.
Taste Uzbek wines, I think from a huge number of wines, you will like it, although there is some imbalance of acid and tannin, but they are energetic and alive, they give a quick effect of heat ... the effect on the body is wonderful. Overnight.
Day 20. Bukhara - Samarkand.
Breakfast. Transfer: Bukhara - Gijduvan (40 km). Departure to Samarkand. On the way, we will be at the most sacred place in Bukhara - in the mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi. The grave of the founder of the Sufi Order of Naqshbandiya is in the village of Kasri Orifon. Then ride on the grave of Abduhalik Gijduvani (1103 - 1179). On the way arrival to Gijduvan. Visit to the ceramic workshop, where you can not only get acquainted with the works of Gijduvan masters, but also take part in making souvenirs for yourself.
Lunch in town Navoi. You will have an excellent "master class" with a hot tandir, and you will see how traditionally bake Uzbek cakes, For lunch, a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, and of course this day we try Uzbek pilaf, with tonic green tea .
For those who wish, an hour is given with caraway or St. John's wort, or mint tea. In the east, the medicinal properties of these plants have been used for more than 3000 years, and as Ibn-shino wrote, "Tmin-it is possible to treat all diseases except death."). Arrival in Samarkand, transfer to hotel, accommodation, dinner and overnight.
Day 21. Samarkand.
Breakfast. Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded around the 8th century BC. He is the same age as ancient Rome. In 2001, Samarkand was included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List, as the City - Crossroads of Cultures. In ancient history, Samarkand is known as the capital of the most ancient state of Sogdiana, described back in the VI. BC. e. in the sacred book of Zoroastrianism - "Avesta". First mentioned under the name of Marakanda in the writings of Roman and Greek historians] - biographers of Macedon, who conquered Samarkand, which by that time was well developed  and fortified city, in 329 BC.
Excursion program. Architectural ensemble Registon :( Madrasah Ulugbek (XVth century), Bibi Khanum Mosque (XVth century), Gur-Amir Mausoleum (XVth century)), Ulugbek Observatory (XVth century), 13.00 Lunch at the national restaurant. (Special Samarkand "Mahora", with Samarkand spring dish "Bichak").
Architectural Complex "Necropolis of Shahi Zinda (XI - XVth century)". Visit to the famous "Siyab" bazaar. Once you in the East, mean you should see "Eastern Bazaar". Dinner (wine tasting is possible in the cellars of the old winery named after Prof. Khovrenko) or, if desired, a walk through the city with a visit to the Boulevards and Guzarov.
Additional excursions: Visit to the workshop in Konigil. Visit to the winery "Khavrenko". Visiting the carpet factory, dinner and overnight.
Day 22. Samarkand - Tashkent (283 km).
Breakfast. We continue our sightseeing tour in Samarkand. Lunch at a restaurant in Samarkand. You will try to taste the famous Samarkand "Kuza shurpa" (soup in pots), which is prepared according to old recipes (each master dynasty has its own recipe, which is kept secret) and using light Samarkand white wine and of course many different types of spices. This soup is considered curative, and it normalizes the pressure, restores tone, removes the "alcoholic syndrome", it is useful for colds and for heat stroke, etc..
Transfer to the train station, departure to Tashkent (283 km) at 17.20 in express train “Afrasiab”. Arrival in Tashkent 21.30. On the way, light meals and films about Uzbekistan are provided. Meeting at the train station in Tashkent, transfer to the hotel, accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 23. Tashkent.
Breakfast. Excursion program "Old city of Tashkent": architectural and cult complex Khast Imam (Khazret-Imam), with a grandiose Friday mosque, medieval mausoleums of Yunus-Khan and Kafal Shashi (XVI century), Madrasah Barak Khan and Kukeldash (XVI- XVII century), Madi Mui-Mubarak (XIX century), where a unique artifact is stored - the oldest Koran of Osman; Not far from the complex is one of the oldest Synagogues in Central Asia. Walking along the old streets of Tashkent, photo session.
(Lunch in the old part of the city "Chigatai." "Chigatai" was the entrance to the biggest bazaar in the Chor-Su region, there were hundreds of caravan-sarays, guest houses and teahouses. There was always a lot of bazaar contingent and traditions food of different layers of the population.
You can try this "Moshkchiri" - a soup giving a huge strength and a warming body, restoring energy after physical exertion. Dinner at the National Restaurant. In the evening, the Gastronomic Art show "Eastern Bazaar" in the restaurant "Tarona".
A theatrical show with the participation of tourists, in which improvised teaching etudes of the oriental bazaar will be played, in which tourists can study the ethics and ethical norms of behavior in the Eastern society. At the end of the program, Oriental pilaf with the removal from the chef ... All the time the dinner is organized, tourists can watch the stages of preparation of the national budget ... (Art show - only if there are groups, and I wish tourists, for a fee). End tour, transfer to the airport, departure from Tashkent.

The price of the program: ($)

2 + 1 –1102
4 + 1 – 836
6 + 1 -  544
8 + 1 – 499
10 + 1 – 455

Basic hotels: «Grand Bukhoro**** (Bukhara), «Orient Star****» (Samarkand), Grand Atlas**** (Tashkent).

Price includes:
 Accommodation in 2-bed rooms/BB, transport under the program (4 x 4), excursion program, with a certified guide, entry tickets, accompanying guide, air-tickets  Urgench-Taskent (65 $).

Price doesn’t include:
Full boord  (FB), art-show according to the program, master class for cooking pilaf, spending in your spare time, alcoholic beverages, payment for Spending in your spare time, alcoholic beverages, payment for photos and videos, travel insurance tip, photos and videos, travel insurance tip.

Extra pay ($): HB - 33 pp, FB - 68 pp

 Note:
Author program of Alexander Petrov. Copying and introduction -  from the sanction of the author  petrovsra@mail.ru

Alexander Petrov
photos by.