A Carpet Ride to Uzbekistan

If you’re yearning for an adventure beyond the well-trodden path, come join us on a one-of-a-kind journey through a country still tucked away from the world, and widely unexplored by the masses: captivating Uzbekistan.

There’s so much to discover, so much to delight. Humongous mosques shimmer in gold. Farmer’s markets sell buckets of the ripest, reddest strawberries. You’ll visit a mediaeval observatory that catalogued 1000s of stars, years before the invention of the telescope. And be swept away by the stories of the merchants and mighty, ferocious conquerors of the legendary Silk Road.

We’ll start our journey in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Explore a city where medieval madrasahs rub shoulders with curious-looking Stalin-era buildings and tall skyscrapers, promising an unexpected sight at every turn. Then dive into the bustle and colour of Chorsu bazaar (one of Central Asia’s largest and oldest markets) filled with yummy and strange foods and souvenirs. You cannot leave Tashkent without seeing the beauty of the Uzbekistan countryside, which we’ll do on a visit to the scenic Chimgan Mountains and Charvak landscapes.

Next, onwards to Samarkand, a glorious Silk Road city, that transports you to a bygone era with its incredible monuments by conquerors and kings, and markets of spices and pomegranates. The exploits of Uzbekistan’s famous emperor Tamerlane come alive as we visit famous buildings including the Bibi Khanum Mosque – funded by the spoils of Tamerlane’s invasion of India, his grand Registan complex, and the beautiful mausoleum where he is buried.

Our last stop will be in beautiful Bukhara, Uzbekistan’s most charming city. Here, we’ll visit some of the most instaspectacular and historically significant monuments in the city including the Po-i-Kalyan complex, the Bolo Hauz Mosque and Lyabi Hauz complex which looks like it belongs to a story from’ One Thousand and One Nights.’

And throughout this one-of-a-kind journey, you’ll enjoy plenty of ‘me time’, eat delicious local meals, and discover the bond between India and Uzbekistan, whether through our similar food, shared history, or love of Bollywood (Uzbekis love Indian cinema and may know all the names of all the celebrities)!

• City of surprises – Tashkent: Explore a city like none other, where Soviet-era buildings, madrassas, and mighty skyscrapers await around every corner. You’ll never know what you might find.
• Sands of time in Samarkand: Samarkand, a city draped in the allure of the Silk Road, enchants with its majestic blue-domed mosques, ornate minarets, and ancient history etched into every architectural marvel.
• Chimgan and Charvak rugged beauty: Deep in the Uzbekistan countryside lie the stunningly beautiful Chimgan mountains and Charvak lake. Rolling hills, meadows of wildflowers, and clear waters – all under an endless bright blue sky await.
• Wonders of Bukhara: Explore the most charming of Uzbekistan’s cities, that is dotted with former merchant houses, B&Bs, lovely little boutiques, bazaars of spices, rugs, and jewellery, and lots of intriguing religious monuments.
• Visit the Registan complex: This beautiful courtyard is one of the most amazing sights in Central Asia. Three grand madrasas stand tall, covered in shimmering blue mosaic tiles and glistening gold, leaving you in awe.
• Take a pic at the Insta-perfect Lyabi Hauz complex: Framed by centuries-old mulberry trees, this historic square, with its serene pond and timeless architecture, is simply captivating.
• The Ulugbek Observatory: Visit one of the most advanced observatories of the ancient world. Can you imagine that, from here, years before telescopes were invented, the astronomers catalogued 1000 stars and their locations in the night sky?
• Poi Kalan mosque complex: The complex is said to be so beautiful that even Genghis Khan couldn’t bring himself to destroy it in the 13th century.
• Shopping at local Bazaars: Join locals as they do their weekly shopping at this local market, chatting and bargaining like we do at home. There are lots of great local handicrafts to buy and local foods – oriental sweets, fresh bread, pomegranates – to taste-test.
• Eat with a local family and stay in central comfortable 4-star hotels

COST

• Rs. 1,55,900 / head on a twin-sharing basis
• Rs. 39,000 single supplement
  (Includes GST. Excludes TCS)

EARLY BIRD OFFERS:

• Rs. 5000 off for the first 2 spots
• Rs. 2500 off for bookings till the 3rd of February 2024

PAYMENT PLAN

• Please pay INR 20,000 as a booking deposit to reserve your spot.
• Balance payment due by 25th February 2024

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Up to 120 days before departure– booking deposit is non-refundable
• Between 90 days and 75 days – booking deposit is non-refundable
• Between 75 days and 60 days – 70% refund
• Between 60 days and 45 days – 30% refund
• Between 45 days and 30 days – 10% refund
• No refund thereafter for any cancellation or no-show

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
• Visa
• GST at 5%
• Transportation as mentioned in the itinerary (airport/train transfer is a group transfer. If your flight arrives at a different time, cost of the transfer would be separate and additional).
• All entrance fees as mentioned
• 2 bottles of water (500 ml) per person during all excursions & transfers.
• Hotel taxes included.
• Other Excursions according to the attached program.
• All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Services of an English-speaking guide for planned excursions.
• Services of a trip lead from WeGoBond throughout the trip.

EXCLUSIONS

• International flight
• TCS – 5% – 20% depending on your international expenditure in the financial year
• Travel medical insurance.
• Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, including bottled water
  (except on table in meals included in the itinerary).
• Any personal expenses, such as laundry, phone calls, porterage, etc.
• Any items or services not mentioned in Inclusions above.
• Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like ill‐health, land blocks, bad weather, etc.