Bukhara

Overview

Gallery

Itinerary

• Ismail Samaniy mausoleum (IX-X centuries)u2014 the oldest, best preserved and most breathtakingly original building in Bukhara.

• The mausoleum of Chashmai Ayub (u201cProphet Jobu201d)u2014 according to the legends the prophet Job came to the Zerafshan Valley and witnessed a great and terrible drought. As people perished of thirst around him, Job struck the dusty earth with his staff and a cool source of sweet spring water brought liquid salvation. The Chashmai Ayub (u201cthe Spring of Jobu201d in Uzbek) commemorates this site.

• Abu Abdullah Mohammed ibn Ismail Imam Al Bukhariu2014 after the Koran, the book most revered by Muslims is the collection of Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Mohammed) selected by, amongs others, Abu Abdullah Mohammed ibn Ismail Imam Al Bukhari. At the age of 16 he made pilgrimage to Mecca and then Al Bukhari was set on his chosen task of roaming the Islamic world in search of Hadith. His book u201cAl Jomiy Al Saheeh (Secure book)u201d took 16 years to compile from over 600,000 traditions, gathered from over 1000 sheikhs.

• Bolo Hauz mosque (XVIII century)u2014 it is a functioning Friday mosque from XVIII century and consists of reservoir, mosque and minaret (Note: this mosque you can visit from outside, since it is functioning Friday mosque).

• The Citadel Ark (I-XX centuries)u2014 the construction of the citadel is dated to beginning of the 1st millennium BC. During the history the fortress has been destroyed several times but has been restored again. All buildings of the citadel have been reconstructed mainly during the XVIII-XX centuries.

• Poi Kalon complex (u201cThe foot of tallu201d in Uzbek) from XII-XVI centuries. Consisting of mosque, madrassah and minaret, one of the great centre of trade and scholarship along the Silk Road. The beauty of the minaret amazed Genghis Khan (Temuchin or Temujin).

• Magoki-Attari Mosqueu2014 Central Asiau2019s oldest surviving mosque. Prior to the Arab invasion there was a Buddhist monastery and then a Zoroastrian temple on the site. It now houses the dull Museum of the History of Carpet Weaving.

• Labi Hauz Complex (u201cThe edge of the pondu201d from Persian) constructed by Nadir Divan Begi, The Grand Vizier of Bukhara, around 1620.

• XVI century Synagogueu2014 to the south of Labi Hauz Square spreads the Jewish Quarter of the old town. Jews have been an important minority in Bukhara since their forced migration from Merv and Shiraz in the 14th century (the majority having emigrated to Israel and the US since 1970s). (Note: most of the time it is closed if it is open travelers can visit inside and see old Torah)

• Statue of Hodja Nasruddinu2014 the homespun philosopher and humorist on his donkey. Elsewhere in the world he is generally accepted as Turkish, but Uzbeks claim he was born in Bukhara and is one of their own.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Infants are required to sit on an adultu2019s lap

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• Total duration of the tour is from 6 to 7 hours which includes lunch break as well. On this tour you visit architectural marvels which have a rich history and important religious sites. Itu2019s recommended to follow a specific dress code when visiting these iconic landmarks. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing tight, revealing, or transparent clothing. Women should cover their hair with a headscarf or shawl when they enter to holy places.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.