Experience Uzbekistan New Year, NAVRUZ, with Zulya Rajabova

Sept. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Chester, NJ, September 22, 2014– Silk Road Treasure Tours, specialists in travel to Central Asia, announces a rare opportunity to witness a facet of the Uzbek culture that comes but once a year: the celebration of Navruz.

Here in the West we associate the New Year with winter, but the ancient Zoroastrian Persians and the Central Asians who lived within their empire felt that the New Year actually began when the earth renewed itself in the Spring. Special feasts mark this holiday, when the flowers start to bloom and the grape arbors are in leaf. An infectious spirit of gratitude and affirmation spreads itself to all corners of Uzbekistan.  What better time to visit and to share in these good feelings in the exotic ancient cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, amidst stately madrassas and fascinating marketplaces. Visit with an Uzbek family, and savor the holiday treat of of sumulyak, a special grain pudding whose dark sweetness comes simply from long slow cooking. Enjoy this 3000 year old ritual, and prepare to shop, sightsee, and party, Uzbek style!

As a special bonus, Silk Road Treasure Tours own Zulya Rajabova (recently dubbed “trusted travel Expert for Uzbekistan and the Silk Road’ by TripADvisor’s Wendy Perrin) will accompany this tour. Why?  Because Zulya was born and raised in Bukhara, where the main celebrations will take place.  As she says: “ I am from there, and I want my travelers to visit MY Bukhara; the Bukhara that tourists usually do not get to see. I look forward to taking them to the big celebration of Navruz, where I have arranged front row seating.”

The ten day tour starts out in Tashkent, the cosmopolitan capitol city of Uzbekistan, travelers will visit the Old City with its sites, and the huge outdoor Chorsu market where just about anything- from hand carved cradles and Koran holders to fine silks and wedding costumes --and much more-- can be found. The next day, fly to the walled city of Khiva, one of the prime stops on the Silk Road. Wander down its many side streets and soak up its history, its palaces, caravanserais and mosques and end the day with a relaxed dinner on a terrace overlooking the city, where visitors can watch the sunset spread its glow over the numerous adobe rooftops, minarets, and domes. The Next stop:  Bukhara! Instead of taking a plane travelers will take an early sightseeing drive, stopping en route in the vast Kyzyl Kum desert, home to nomads, still living off their herds. On arriving in Bukhara travelers visit the center of the old city, the 17^th century Labi Haus Pond, and complex, with its statue of Nosiriddin Xo'ja, who was part sage/part gadfly, and whose writing is known throughout the Muslim world. A visit to the extensive domed market is a must, where one can choose from a dizzying display of handicrafts. It is in Bukhara that the festivities for Navruz will reach its peak, and the city will become a carnival for families to have fun, with dancing, singing, games, performances and street art --and of course, feasting. Samarkand awaits next, with stops along the way to experience the smaller towns and villages en route.  Samarkand itself never disappoints, with its stately Registan Square, the magnificent tomb of Timur, the tile encrusted necropolis of Shaq-i-zinda and the Bibi Hanum palace, perhaps the most ambitious piece of religious architecture in Central Asia in its day. A day of buying and bargaining follows, before the return to Tashkent via fast train.

This group tour has 2 guaranteed departure dates from May 16-25 2015, and March 17-26, 2016. Group tours cost $4,320 per person, and  $630 for single supplement.

Price includes all costs aside from consular fees, gratuity for the guides and international airline flights: Visa support; local air tickets from Tashkent to Urgench; air-conditioned ground transportation; English-speaking guides/escort; hotel accommodations in double room; meals: breakfast and dinner; entrance fees to museums and monuments; folklore show in Bukhara; wine tasting; pre-departure travel package and Silk Road gifts; Uzbek language classes; unlimited travel counseling.

About Silk Road Treasure Tours

Silk Road Treasure Tours specializes in custom private and group tours to Central Asia Stan countries and the most fascinating destinations along the Silk Road. Zulya Rajabova, owner of Silk Road Treasure Tours and winner of Conde-Nast’s award for Best Travel Specialist, 2012 and 2013 provides expert advice to craft authentic and unforgettable journeys for tourists, academics, historians, business and special interest groups that suit both travel goals and budget. Along with a first-rate team of talented, multi-lingual professionals in Central Asia, Silk Road Treasure Tours offers a wealth of local knowledge and provides itinerary planning, travel arrangements, and the best in accommodation and tour guides that satisfy even the most inquisitive traveler.

For more information visit: www.silkroadtreasuretours.com. Reservations and information can be obtained from Zulya Rajabova at (888) 745-7670 or info@silkroadtreasuretours.com.