Medicine and Society in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan

Uzbekistan is the land-locked heart of Central Asia’s evocative Silk Road. The stunning architecture of its ancient cities links the empires of China and Persia, reflecting history that encompasses the pinnacles of civilization and science as well as oppression.

On this tour you will explore the historical and contemporary medicine and society of the Silk Road. Travel in the footsteps of Silk Road caravans through Uzbekistan and make a visit to Tajikistan, centre of the ancient Sogdian empire. Continue to explore Turkmenistan’s desert cities, which have silently observed the passing of some of history’s most dominant empires.

Visit the birthplace of Avicenna and learn of the legacy of this 12th century physician, whose work and thinking influenced medical practice. Meet your medical peers and come away with a deeper understanding of both healthcare and society.

There is a pre tour extension to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, offering the opportunity to travel through stunning mountain scenery and explore five nations at the heart of the ancient Silk Road.

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Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

UZB0527-1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Professional

Profession

Medicine

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Active

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Tashkent

Monday

May

Arrive in Tashkent, the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Central Asia, and transfer to the hotel. Take an orientation tour before a local dinner.

Tashkent

Tuesday

June

Begin in Tashkent’s old town at Khast Imam. Walk across Independence Square, then explore the city’s ornately decorated metro stations. Stop at Kosmonavtlar Station before visiting the Museum of Applied Arts, where a curator will guide you through Central Asian decorative arts. Visit a Tashkent public polyclinic before the welcome dinner at a local winery.

Tashkent / Samarkand

Wednesday

June

Take the train to Samarkand. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Visit the tomb of Tamerlane and majestic Registan Square.

Samarkand

Thursday

June

A full day in magnificent Samarkand will take you to the Ulugbek Observatory, Daniel’s Tomb and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Visit a public cardiology clinic, and walk to the winery for wine and cognac tasting before dinner in a local restaurant.

Samarkand

Friday

June

Visit Langar village, nestled deep in the surrounding foothills, and continue to Shakre Sabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Visit a local herbalist. Return to Samarkand and at leisure before dinner in a private house.

Samarkand / Tajikistan / Samarkand

Saturday

June

Drive to Tajikistan and visit Penjikent, the old centre of the Soghdian Empire, which was abandoned at the end of the 8th century and never built over. Walk streets laid out much the same way as they were the day the Arabs arrived in 772 AD and visit the archaeological site overlooking the Zarafshan Valley and the Rudaki Tajik Museum. Lunch and visit the local market before returning to Samarkand.

Samarkand / Bukhara

Sunday

June

Take the train to Navoi. Visit the pottery centre at Gijduvan, where sixth generation potters produce needle-fine work in traditional vividly coloured floral designs. Continue and drive to Bukhara, check in to the hotel before a city orientation tour, including the Kosh and Ulubek Medressa, and see the synagogue. Rooftop dinner at Minzifa café.

Bukhara

Monday

June

Spend the next day exploring Bukhara, which looks much as it did 200 years ago. Visit Miri Arab Medressa and the Domes of the Jewellers, Hatters and Money Changers. Lunch is at Lab-i Hauz, a cool plaza surrounding a pool which is shaded by mulberry trees dating back four centuries. Visit the Ismail Samanid Mausoleum, the Bolo Haouz Mosque and the lovely Chor Minor.

Bukhara

Tuesday

June

Visit Bukhara’s great fortress and the zindan (prison) with its notorious bug pit. Visit the village of Afshona, the birthplace of Avicenna. Visit the Museum of Abu Ali Ibn Sino (Avicenna) and its medicinal herb garden. Candlelit dinner on the hotel terrace overlooking the 47-metre Kalon Minaret, which is so impressive that even Genghis Khan was moved to spare its destruction.

Bukhara/ Khiva

Wednesday

June

Drive across the desert, crossing the River Amudarya (Oxus). Arrive in the living museum of Khiva and transfer to the hotel. Dinner on a terrace with a view of the walled city.

Khiva

Thursday

June

Explore Khiva, which is perhaps the best preserved of all the Silk Road cities. Explore the city gates and walls, with the option to climb up to the gatehouse for magnificent views, and the Mohammed-Amin Khan Medressa, the Kalta Minor minaret and the Palace of the Khan. Enjoy lunch at Zainab’s House before visiting the Museum of Khorezm History and the prison.

Khiva / Ashgabat

Friday

June

Cross the border into Turkmenistan and visit the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench (Old Urgench). Drive to Dashguz, where you will have lunch before flying to Ashgabat.

Ashgabat

Saturday

June

Tour of Ashgabat including Independence Square, the Arch of Neutrality and the National Museum. Visit Nissa and the village of New Nissa and visit the stables of the famous Akhal-Teke (Golden) Horses. Return via the Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum. Caviar and vodka tasting followed by farewell dinner.

Ashgabat

Sunday

June

Depart hotel after breakfast.

What to expect

Tour highlights

The ancient Silk Road

Uzbekistan

Travel by train along the ancient Silk Road to Samarkand.

Registan Square

Samarkand

Visit the tomb of Tamerlane and majestic Registan Square.

Local cuisine

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan

Explore local cuisine including dinners at private houses and Uzbek wine and cognac tasting. Enjoy Caviar and Vodka tasting on your final evening in Ashgabat.