About this experience
If you have already explored Bukhara itself, let's take a journey through its surroundings. I will show you picturesque corners around the city and reveal the history of the best structures. The Emir's palace and Sufi residences, the craft center and the merchant's house museum - this will be an immersion into local life! You will feel how the country's culture and all facets of Eastern wisdom unfold before you.
What to Expect
To reach the unusual places around Bukhara, you won't have to travel far - just 45 kilometers from the city lies an area known for its craft centers and folk art. We will visit the city of Gijduvan: once visited by merchants from Asia and Europe to purchase ceramics, gold jewelry, and carpets. And to this day, there are many places where skilled craftsmen demonstrate their unique products.
Route
Rural Palace of the Emir of Bukhara
An architectural complex combining Eastern architectural traditions and motifs of Russian architecture. You will admire the interiors and stained glass of the residence and understand its complex structure. I will tell you about the fate of the last ruler of the Bukharan Emirate, the former life of the palace, and its present. Afterwards, we will head to the garden to feed the peacocks.
Memorial Complex of Abdukhaliq Gijduvani
In the memorial place of the great Sufi, the founder of the Khodja sect, you will get closer with the Sufism movement and the ideas related to it. You will also test a legend: if you pass under the trunk of an ancient tree 3 times, the desired wish will come true.
Potter's House
Local master potters will tell you in detail about the craft traditions and show you the entire process of pottery production, including firing the finished products. If you wish, you can participate in a master class and create your own piece.
House-Museum of a Wealthy Merchant
Here, besides a brief history of a very wealthy man who lived in the 19th century, you will learn about the culture, life, and customs of Uzbek families. You will hear a detailed story about cooking Bukhara pilaf in a copper cauldron. Also, if desired, you can arrange a photo shoot in traditional costumes.
Organizational Details
- The cost of the tour includes transfer in a comfortable class car
- Entrance tickets are paid additionally - about $6 per person
- Additional expenses (optional): ceramic master class, kebab and fish tasting, traditional photo shoot - all together around $45-50 per person
- Visitors to the Abdukhaliq Gijduvani complex are subject to a dress code: clothing below the knee, head and shoulders covered with a light shawl
