Central Asia
in the footsteps of
alexander the great
trip highligh­­­ts
Discover the desert city of Bukhara
Take in the fabled Silk Road city of Samarkand
Hike around the picturesque lake of the
Fann mountains, Lake Iskander‑Kul
Marvel at splendid markets, minarets and medressa
Experience the historic centre of Shakhrisabz
Journey to the ancient city of Khujand
Trip Duration15 days
Trip Code: IFA
GradeIntroductory
ActivitiesAdventure Touring
Summary15 day trip, 12 nights hotel, 2 nights homestay
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our In the Footsteps of Alexander the
Great trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the
beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill
of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness
regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that
our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for
the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have
been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure
holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience,
designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our
vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible
tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include
trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World
Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for
a life changing experience!!
1 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 5/4/2017 1:45:39 PM
why travel with World Expeditions?
When planning travel to a remote destination, many factors need to be
considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on
the ground ensure that you will have a memorable experience. Every trip
is accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as support staff
that share a passion for the region, and a desire to share it with you.
We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. In most cases,
all internal transport, entrance fees, national park fees and transfers
are included in the cost of your trip. Most importantly, our adventures
always aim to benefit the local people we interact with, safeguard the
ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in
the regions we experience.
in the footsteps of
alexander the great
Kazakhstan
Tashkent
Bukhara
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
Uzbekistan
Khujand
Samarkand Tajikistan
Dushanbe
Turkmenistan
trip cost
Joining Tashkent:$2920
All prices are per person
options & supplements
Single Supplement:
$330
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will
arrange for you to share accommodation with
another traveller of the same gender and if we can
not match you up we will provide a single room at
no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single
supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.
The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
For Competitive aiurfares to Tashkent and stopover
ideas,contact our expert staff today to recieve a detailed quote.
the trip
Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and discover the fabled Silk Road oasis towns
of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. After exploring the famous museums of Tashkent we
travel to Samarkand with one of the most impressive sights in the region, Registan Square.
Discover some of the oldest towns in the world with ancient mosques and palaces, citadels,
minarets, colourful bazaars, highly‑adorned mausoleums, and age‑old traditions. This
unforgettable adventure travels through the ancient cultural landscapes and spectacular
landscapes of Tajikistan, one of Central Asia’s most picturesque countries. Visit the stunning
alpine lake of Iskander‑Kul on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains,
where according to tradition the lake takes its name from Alexander the Great. If you are
looking for an unforgettable experience exploring the hidden heart of Central Asia ‑ its natural
wonders are perfectly combined with cultural highlights to discover in depth the beauty of this
historical region.
at a glance
DAY 1ARRIVE TASHKENT
DAY 2TRANSFER TO SAMARKAND
DAY 3SAMARKAND SIGHTSEEING, TRANSFER TO BUKHARA
DAYS 4-5BUKHARA
DAY 6DRIVE TO SHAKHRIISABZ VIA NAUTAKA AND KATTA LANGAR VILLAGE
DAY 7DRIVE TO TERMEZ VIA BAYSUN REGION
DAY 8SIGHTSEEING IN TERMEZ
DAY 9TRANSFER TO DUSHANBE
DAY 10TRANSFER TO MARGIB VILLAGE
DAY 11TRANSFER TO SARITAG VIA ISKANDERKUL
DAY 12TRANSFER TO KHUJAND (ALEXANDRIA ESHATA) VIA ISTRAVSHAN
DAY 13KHUJAND, TRANSFER TO TASHKENT
DAY 14SIGHTSEEING IN TASHKENT
DAY 15TASHKENT, TRIP CONCLUDES
what’s included
14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
airport transfers (day 1 and 15 only)
comfortable hotels on twin share basis
local sightseeing guide
entrance fees to museums and monuments
private transport throughout
medical kit
2 nights homestay on a multishare basis
Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the
adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the
local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of
cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have
chosen a policy not to ask for such payments.
2 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 5/4/2017 1:45:39 PM
in the footsteps of
alexander the great
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
trip dates
DAY 1Arrive Tashkent
2017
02Jul - 16Jul
30Jul - 13Aug
03Sep - 17Sep
01Oct - 15Oct
2018
detailed itinerary
On arrival into Tashkent you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the day is at
leisure. This evening you will meet the rest of the group for dinner. Overnight Hotel
meals: D
DAY 2Transfer to Samarkand
30Apr - 14May
03Jun - 17Jun
01Jul - 15Jul
29Jul - 12Aug
02Sep - 16Sep
30Sep - 14Oct
important notes
Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2017. For trips departing
after this date, the price will likely increase subject to
local inflationary pressures on operational costs.
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
Visas:
Yes*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are
available for this trip*
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Leader:
Expert local leader
Brochure Reference:
Asia
*Ask our staff for more information.
This morning we drive from Tashkent to the ancient city of Samarkand (300 km, 5 hrs). The rest
of the day is dedicated to sightseeing of Samarkand’s major attractions such as Registan Square
considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Being the “heart” of Samarkand and city’s
main square it is enclosed by three spectacular madrassah dating back to 1400s with quite inner
courtyards. These huge buildings adorned with domes and minarets are intricately laid in charming
azure blue glazed tiles. We will also visit the grandiose Cathedral Mosque Bibi-Khanum, nearby Siab
Bazaar with its colorful stalls and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the resting place of Timurid royal family.
Overnight Hotel
meals: B,L,D
DAY 3Samarkand sightseeing, transfer to Bukhara
After breakfast we check out from the hotel and proceed for Samarkand sightseeing covering the
remains of meridian quadrant of Ulugh Beg’ observatory which allowed Samarkand’s astronomers
to produce the most accurate calibration of the stars position. Their outstanding body of work
comprised “Zidj -e - Kuragoni” , astronomic tables featuring the most exact coordinates of 1018
stars; Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, resting place of princesses and princes of Timurid dynasty, as well
as aristocracy of the that period boasting unique architectural masterpieces of intricate tile patterns
which turn this sanctuary into a real heaven of green turquoise and blue azure colors. Both sights
are located on the ancient hill from which the city of Marakanda, once conquered by Alexander the
Great, majestically dominated the area. We will also get acquainted with the Hellenistic period in
the history of Samarkand exploring the exhibits of local Afrosiab Museum. After lunch we drive to
Bukhara. Overnight hotel.
meals: B,L,D
DAYS 4-5Bukhara
Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on the sacred hill, it is supposed
to be founded in the 13th Century BC during reign of Siyavushids who came to power 980 years
before Alexander the Great. The name of Bukhara originates from the Sanscrite word “vihara” which
stands for “Buddhist monastery”. The city with its 140 architectural monuments was once a large
commercial centre on the Great Silk Road. The old city of Bukhara consists of a maze of narrow
streets, busy bazars and colorfully tailed historic landmarks mainly dating back to the Middle Age.
Visit mausoleum of the founder of Samanid dynasty which plan reminds the geometric pattern of
Buddhist mandala, Bukhara’s citadel belted by massive defensive walls and overlooking the Old City.
We will also visit ancient mosques, madrassah and ancient domed bazaars as well as the Summer
Residence of the last rulers of Bukhara located in the city’s suburb. Overnight hotel.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 6Drive to Shakhriisabz via Nautaka and Katta Langar village
Today we drive to Shakhrisabz. Along the way we will visit major sights of Nautaka ( present day
Karshi) located on the bank of Limpid River (Kashkadarya ) and Katta Langar village. In Nautaka
Alexander the Great with his army passed two winters and planned his Indian campaign. Here
we will visit Odina Madrassah, the oldest female educational establishment of the region once
erected on the sight of Khan’s residence. It is now converted in little local museum. The biggest
and the most beautiful mosque of the city, Kok-Gumbaz, built in XVI c. in the basement of the
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in the footsteps of
alexander the great
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors
to minimise the impact of our presence.
World Expeditions were the proud recipients
of the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook.
This detailed guide to responsible &
sustainable travel is provided to all World
Expeditions clients before they travel.
Please ask your consultant if you have
not received your copy of our award
winning book. Alternatively, you may like
to download a copy from our website
www.worldexpeditions.com
trip grading
Introductory
On our journey we want to keep the
‘accent on the active’. We therefore
suggest that any physical training you
complete before undertaking the trip will
be to good effect. The fitter you are the
more this will enhance your experience.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of
aerobic type exercise, (either cycling
or jogging) three times a week. For
trekking, hill walking with a daypack
in variable weather conditions is also
recommended. For a cycling adventure,
road cycling twice a week for three months
prior to departure is recommended.
older Namosgokh Mosque and adorned with majolica glazed tiles. In the picturesque Katta langar
mountain village we will see ancient mosque which for many decencies housed world’s oldest copy
of Holy Koran once belonging to Caliph Osman (VII). In Shakhrisabz we will visit Burial places of
Timurid royalty in their hometown - Shakhrisabz and will explore the ruins of Tamerlan’s summer
residence, the Ak-Sarai Palace (1380-1404). Overnight hotel.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 7Drive to Termez via Baysun region
Today we drive to Termez. Along the way we will have half day sightseeing in Baysun. Baysun is
a picturesque region situated in the grand Ketmen-Chapti massif. Its deeply rooted folk traditions
were included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today we will also meet
renowned Baysun artist Tura Shomirzaev who will introduce us to the lifestyle, traditions and culture
of local people. Along the way to Baysun we will visit 1000 years old “chinara” (plane tree) in Sayrob
mountain settlement, 10th century Towering minaret of Jarkurgan and the sight known as the bridge
of Alexander the Great. Overnight hotel.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 8Sightseeing in Termez
Today we will have full day sightseeing in and around Termez. We will first visit ruins of Buddhist
monastic complex with stupa “Fayaz tepe”; resting place of Samanid aristocracy; Kyrk-Kyz country
estate of Samadid dynasty; archeological site of Kampyr-Tepe with its maze of excavated walls as
well as Termez archeological museum. Overnight hotel.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 9Transfer to Dushanbe
After breakfast we commence our drive to “Saryosiyo” border point where we will complete border
formalities and cross on foot into Tajikistan. Today we will have excursion around Dushanbe. We will
explore Dushanbe modern landmarks : Independent Square, Monument erected to the founder of
Tajik State , Ismail Samani; Rudaki Avenue as well as city’s museum with interesting collection of
ancient artifacts. Overnight Hotel.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 10Transfer to Margib village
Margib is an ancient Tajik ethnic settlement situated in the Valley of Yagnob River. Its inhabitants
called Yagnobiens are descendants of ancient Sogdians. Today we will hike along the grandiose
gorge of Zamin-Karor rocky massif and get familiar with the lifestyle of local people. Overnight
homestay.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 11Transfer to Saritag via Iskanderkul
Iskanderkul is the biggest and the most picturesque lake of Fann mountains. Today we will hike
around the lake and to the “Fann Niagara”- 40 meters high waterfall. Picnic by the lake. After lunch
we will drive to Saritag village where we will be acquainted with traditions and the daily life of local
people. Overnight in Saritag village.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 12Transfer to Khujand (Alexandria Eshata) via Istravshan
Today we set off for Khodjent our route will lay through the mountain pass “Shakhristan”. Along the
way we will visit the ancient city of Kiropolis, present day Istravshan, founded by Persian King Cyrus
in 7th century B.C. We will explore old city with its bazaar Kok Gumbaz Mosque(XVI) and Mug hill.
After lunch we continue the drive to Khujand (Alexandria Eshata). Overnight Hotel
meals: B,L,D
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in the footsteps of
alexander the great
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant of travel agent.
important note
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary,
and may supersede any information in
the current brochure, including but not
limited to the itinerary and price.
DAY 13Khujand, transfer to Tashkent
Today we will get around Khujand and visit its main sights such as Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mausoleum
and Mosque (XIV-XIX c.c.), Payshambe bazaar and Country estate of Urumkhodjaev family which
bears resemblance to the palace of Russian tsars in Petergof. After lunch we commence our drive
to the “Oybek” border point and after completing border formalities enter into Uzbekistan. Overnight
Hotel.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 14Sightseeing in Tashkent
Today we will get around Tashkent and get acquainted with its main sights: Khast-Imam( Jhazret –
Imam) complex including Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Barak Khan madrassah, Muyimuborak madrassah
converted in library-museum and housing the world’s oldest copy of the Koran once belonging to
Caliph Osman (VII). Overnight hotel.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 15Tashkent, trip concludes
Today in Tashkent, your trip concludes.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian
diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please
ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to
your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen
adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or
alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with
special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a
peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for
the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food
allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
accommodation on the trip
The hotels used in Central Asia are usually 3 star properties on a twin share basis. Generally
Russian in style. All rooms have private facilities, however please bear in mind that plumbing
can at times be dubious in Central Asia, even in the best hotels. If you have a problem, advise
your group leader, or floor attendant. on this trip there will be two nights homestay which are
on a multi share basis.
During our time in Tajikistan we will spend 2 nights in homestays, with local Tajik families. This
experience is appreciated by our clients, many of whom consider it a highlight as it provides
an authentic cultural experience, interaction with a local family, and home cooked meals. The
home stay accommodation is basic with simple facilities and is typical of the homes in the
area. Accommodation is multi‑share (3/4 per room) with mattresses and bedding provided
by our hosts and shared toilet facilities. Showers are available but hot water may be limited
depending on demand. These are not hotels and you should be prepared for a down to earth
experience where you will be welcomed by the local community to learn of their way of life.
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in the footsteps of
alexander the great
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
what you carry
In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and
personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc.
equipment required
There is no specialised equipment required for this trip however a suggested gear list is supplied
in the pre‑departure information provided on booking.
vehicles & safety
During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose
and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety
may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have
seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus
transfers or specialised transport such as ‘tuk‑tuk’s’ could be another. Where seat belts are not
provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times.
what’s not included
International airfares and departure taxes
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Visas
Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft
drinks, alcohol etc
Optional activities and sightseeing during free time
Still/video camera fees at monuments
visas
Uzbekistan
Visas are required for Uzbekistan for passport holders from the following countries:‑
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
Currently if you do not have an embassy in your home country your visa is obtained on arrival.
We will issue you with a visa authorization letter & number which will be used on arrival in
Uzbekistan. In order to arrange your Visa on Arrival (VOA) please provide copies of airline
tickets, a scanned copy of your passport and completed Visa Support Form (provided by us).
On arrival you will need to have the US$ cash available. The cost of this visa also changes
regularly, however it should be around US$70.
Clients travelling from the following countries carrying the relevant passports must obtain their
visa at the Uzbekistan Embassy in their home country ‑ Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy,
Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States
You should carry spare passport photos to obtain visas on arrival (approx 2 photos).
It is very important that upon arrival in Uzbekistan you fill in a customs declaration form in
duplicate and retain one form in your passport for your departure from Tashkent.
All other nationalities please check with your reservations consultant.
6 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 5/4/2017 1:45:39 PM
in the footsteps of
alexander the great
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
Tajikistan
E‑Visas are required for Tajikistan for passport holders from the following countries:‑
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
The visa is applied for online at https://www.evisa.tj/index.evisa.html
You will be required to pay US$50 by visa card on this website. You are required to print and
carry with you this document, which you should show on arrival in Tajikistan. This document will
be the visa.
Visa regulations change and you should be prepared for this. If you are stopping over or
transiting other countries en‑route to your destination, you should also check the visa
requirements for that destination. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas.
All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.
Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or
transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements
of all countries you will visit. Visa costs and requirements do change regularly so we suggest
you check with your travel agent or World Expeditions reservations consultant. It is your
responsibility to obtain all necessary visas.
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special
evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and
passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or
register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
private groups
The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for
many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can
organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even
work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from
itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.
subscribe to our e-newsletter
Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure
opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter!
You can do this online through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
social networking
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability as we
operate strictly small group adventures. Many of our adventures require us to secure services
on your behalf; such as permits, hotels and flights to name but a few. The demand for these
services is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
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in the footsteps of
alexander the great
A spectacular journey of discovery in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form which is found at
the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.worldexpeditions.com.
On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest World Expeditions office along with your
non‑refundable deposit. World Expeditions has access to competitive airfares to Morocco.
Call your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel
arrangements including flights, travel insurance and additional accommodation.
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