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13 to 30 Sept 2024 (18-days) 2 Stan Exploration - Tajikistan and Uzbekistan with half days trekking

Estimate Trip Ground Cost RM12,500 (per pax for group 9pax), RM12,000 (per pax for group 10-13pax), RM11,500 (14-15pax), RM11,000 (16-19pax)

Update 7 April 2024 Trip updated as Uzbek Airways flight schedule changed for KUL to Tashkent. Now we fly 1 day earlier with Batik Air for this sector. Also added 1 extra night in Bukhara so we catch the same flight out with Uzbek Airways Tashkent to KUL.

Update 21 Oct 2023 Trip ground cost will include most entrance fees, 1 train ride in Uzbekistan and several meals. Not included is return Uzbek Airways flight ticket, waiting more airlines to publish their rates for 2024. We will be using 2 separate guides and transport as we journey across the 2 neighboring Central Asian countries.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is meant to be a "free and easy" adventure trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humor, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fussy-pots, and other similarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun !

Come journey across these 2 Central Asian countries located along the Great Silk Road. We begin in Tajikistan, to enjoy its nature and walking. We then cross into Uzbekistan for its history and stunning architecture, home to several UNESCO listed sites. These travel dates provide pleasant weather to experience these 2 countries.

HIghlights of this trip include:

- Tajikistan being a mountainous country offers plenty of lakes and valleys for our half day treks with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

- Explore some of the world's oldest civilisations which were important bases along the ancient Silk Route

- Discover the local culture through its handicrafts, food and bustling bazaars. The variety of culture includes ancient Persian to contemporary Russian during its USSR years.

B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1 PLANE- Tashkent: Assemble in KLIA by 2PM on 13 Sept 2024 SAT for Batik Air direct flight OD751 departing 5:00PM. Flight time 7hr 50min and we arrive 9:50PM in Tashkent, capital city of Uzbekistan. Check in to hotel for good night rest. Batik Air check-in luggage 1pc 30kg, hand-carry 1pc 7kg.

Day 2 Khujand, Tajikistan (B/L): After breakfast, we drive south and cross the border into Tajikistan heading towards Khujand 180km away. Khujand is the further point where Alexander the Great reached in Central Asia. It has also grown into a major entreport along the Silk Road. We visit several important sites today, including Kamoli Khujandi Square, Muslihiddin memorial complex, Panjshanbe Bazaar and Arbob Palace. O/N hotel

Day 3 Dushanbe (B/L): Today we travel towards the Dushanbe, capital city of Tajikisan. Along the way, we make a stop at Istaravshan well known for their blacksmiths. We visit Hazrati Shoh complex, Fortress Mug located on the site of the ancient civilisation dating back to 7th-8th centuries and the local bazaar. Lunch included along the way. Arrive Dushanbe by late afternoon and proceed to check-in for next 2 nights. O/N hotel

Day 4 Dushanbe (B/L): Full day to explore Dushanbe, the biggest and capital city of Tajikistan. This include the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities, where a famous sleeping Buddha statue can be seen and Museum of Musical Instruments and Folklore. We also take some time out walk through Rudaki park, dedicated to the great Persian poet and visit the great Ismail Somoni statue. Being the capital city, Dushanbe offers plenty of eating options for dinner. O/N hotel for 2nd night

  

Famous sleeping Buddha inside Tajikistan Museum of Antiquities / Colorful parks around Dushanbe

Day 5 Saritag (B/L/D): Today we began our nature explorations around Tajikistan. We drive about 130km towards Iskanderkul, named after Alexander the Great or Iskander as he was known in the East. After lunch, we will have a short walk towards a nearby waterfall. Weather permitting, boat ride is possible on the lake. Drive towards Saritag village (2,380m above sea level) for our 2 nights simple homestay with dinner included

Day 6 Saritag (B/L/D): After breakfast, we have a half day walk 4-5 hours inside beautiful Karakul Valley with packed lunch. Karakul valley is located at the junction of 2 major mountain ranges in the Fan mountain systems, making it a popular place for hiking and mountaineering. Elevation ascent/descent = 455m. Return to Saritag for our 2nd night stay with dinner included.

Day 7 Artuch (B/L/D): After breakfast, we have a scenic mountain drive towards Artuch tourist camp through Zaravshon valley. Arrive in Artuch tourist camp for our next 2 nights stay with dinners included

Day 8 Artuch (B/L/D): Today we have a short day hike 3-4 hours about 4km towards Chukurak lake (2,450m above sea level) with excellent views of Fan mountains. Carry our packed lunch to be enjoyed besides the lake. Return back to Artuch tourist camp for 2nd night stay with dinner included

Day 9 Panjakent (B/L): After breakfast, we drive westwards 70km towards Panjakent which was a major city established back in 5th century. At Panjakent, we visit Rudaki Historic ethnographic museum, ancient Panjakent settlement, local bazaar and mosque. O/N hotel for next 2nights.

Day 10 Panjakent (B/L): Today is our last experience with Tajik's nature at Haftkul or Seven Lakes. These colorful lakes are located at Fann mountains, in the gorge of Shing river. Elevation here will range from 1,640m to 2,400m for the highest lake. Lunch included at a local homestay. After lunch, we drive up to lake no 6, where we walk to lake no 7 for about 1.5hr. We return back to lake no 6 where our transport will take us back to Panjakent. O/N hotel for 2nd night.

  

Walking up from Lake No 6 to Lake No 7 at Haftkul / Scenic river and mountains towards final 7th Lake at Haftkul

Day 11 Samarkand, Uzbekistan (B): Today we cross into Uzbekistan and meet our Uzbek local guide and drivers in Samarkand - Crossroads of Cultures. Our city tour around UNESCO listed site of Samarkand includes Gur-Emir mausoleum & the majestic Reghistan square. O/N hotel for next 2 nights

  

Registan complex in Samarkand / Colourful indoor market in Tashkent

Day 12 Samarkand (B): We continue our exploration around Samarkand to visit Ulugbek observatory, Shakhi Zhinda necropolis, Bibi Khanum mosque and local bazaar. Stay 2nd night Samarkand.

Day 13 Bus to Bukhara (B/L): After breakfast, we drive about 270km westwards towards Bukhara, where the historic city is now inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage site. Along the way, we have a stop at Gijduvan to learn more about the exquisite Uzbek pottery-making. After arrival in Bukhara, we start our walking tour to visit key sights including Lyabi Hauz, Magoki Attari mosque (one of the oldest surviving mosque in Bukhara), several stunning madrassa and the iconic Kalon minaret. O/N Bukhara hotel for next 2 nights

Day 14 Bukhara (B/L): We continue our exploration of Bukhara at the Ark fortress, Chasma-Ayub (translates to "Source of Job", Samanid Mausoelum and summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara. Today we join a cooking class to learn more about the Uzbek culture with either lunch or dinner included. Stay 2nd night Bukhara

Day 15 Tashkent (B) Today we take the fast train 4hr towards capital city of Tashkent. Check in to hotel for next 2 nights. Tashkent is home to more than 2.5million and famed for its colorful metro stations built during the Soviet era. Being a busy modern capital city, Tashkent offers plenty of dining options for members to check out for own dinner. O/N Tashkent hotel

Day 16 Tashkent (B): Full day to explore the major sites around Tashkent, which includes Khazrati Imam mosque, Independence Square, Amir Temur square, several mosques, Tashkent metro and the bustling Chorsu Bazaar. Stay 2nd night hotel

Day 17 Home: Final day in Tashkent which is free & easy. Members have the option for day trip out to Chimgan mountains & Lake Charvak, more shopping at Chorsu Bazaar, visit some of the famous museums or just take the metro and visit the many colorful stations built during the Soviet year. Late flight 29 Sept using Uzbekistan Airways departing Tashkent 1140PM direct flight about 7.5hr back to KUL, arriving next morning. Uzbekistan Airways check-in luggage 1pc 23kg, hand-carry 1pc 8kg.

Day 18 Home: Arriving KLIA 10:10AM 30 SEPT 2024 MON 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Trip Ground Cost includes, accommodation, entrance fees, meals where indicated and travelling to sites mentioned above. Own meals budget at 17 X USD15 = USD255
2. Ground cost includes 1 train ride economy class in Uzbekistan (Bukhara to Tashkent)
3. Accommodations will be in twins/doubles for guesthouses and hotels. There will be some home stays in Tajikistan where toilets are shared
4. Not covered are Batik Air KUL to Tashkent and Uzbek Airways Tashkent to KUL
5. Cost is subject to change depending on fluctuations in exchange rates and/or airfares. Ground costs calculated based on USD1.00 = MYR4.70 as at 21 Oct 2023
6. A deposit of Rm3,500 will be payable to confirm your place.
7. We may quickly call in more deposits to buy lower PROMO fares either online or through ticketing agent.

Email wyeyim@gmail.com or yongo123@gmail.com
Phone Wye Yim 012 233 4717
Phone Lee Min 016-220 9033 or 603-4031 6225
Address No 19 Lorong Air Bersih Tiga, Air Panas, 53200 Kuala Lumpur