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On The Trail of Conquerors: The Millennial Journey to Termez and Shakhrisabz — 3 Days

S&P Travel unveils the forgotten soul of the Silk Road, where history meets the emerald.
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Imagine a path beaten by silk and spice caravans, trodden by the legions of Alexander the Great marching towards India, and chosen by the legendary Tamerlane to expand his empire. S&P Travel invites you to traverse this mythical route. Our exclusive four-day extension, "On the Trail of Conquerors," immerses you in the historical and spiritual richness that links Samarkand to the far south of Uzbekistan, bordering Afghanistan.
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This tour is an immersion into ancient Bactria and the Kushan kingdom, a time when Hellenistic influence merged with nascent Buddhism. Prepare for an odyssey where every stone tells a legend.
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Your journey begins with a crossing south to Termez, the ancient crossroads city. Your first stop is the majestic Sultan Saodat Complex, a sanctuary dating from the 10th century, the final resting place of the Sayyids of Termez, direct descendants of Prophet Muhammad. This is a place of profound Sufi spirituality. You will then travel back in time by exploring the Kyrk Kyz Fortress, the "Fortress of 40 Maidens," whose labyrinth of mud-brick corridors bears witness to the resilience of the past. The day concludes with a welcome to Termez and a flavorful dinner, a perfect introduction to local tastes with the achik-chuchuk salad.
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The second day is dedicated to exploring the region's unique cultural influences. The Termez Archaeological Museum will reveal invaluable treasures, from objects of the Greco-Bactrian era to Buddhist relics of the Kushan kingdom. History comes alive at Fayaz Tepe, the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery near Termez. You will walk through this 1st-century CE site, discovering the remains of its stupas and paintings, protected by a modern dome. After lunch, serenity will envelop you at the Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-Termezi, the holiest site in the city, located near the Amu Darya river. 
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You will continue your journey towards Shakhrisabz, Tamerlane's birthplace, anticipating the architectural wonders that await you, celebrated with a dinner where shurpa will bring you comfort.
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The final day is dedicated to the glory of Tamerlane. In Shakhrisabz, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will visit the Dorut-Tilovat Complex, the resting place of Tamerlane's mentor, Shamsiddin Kulal. You will admire the majestic Kok Gumbaz Mosque, built by Ulugh Beg, whose shimmering blue dome is an emblem of Timurid architecture. In the heart of the city, at Amir Timur Square, you will contemplate the colossal statue of the site's most famous figure, the conqueror himself. Finally, you will visit the crown jewel: the Ak-Saray Palace, Tamerlane's former summer residence. Let your imagination soar as you admire the blue and green mosaics, witnessing imperial celebrations. After this immersion, a short two-hour journey will bring you, enriched, back to Samarkand.
 
Let S&P Travel guide you beyond the citadels. Your millennial journey begins here.
• After breakfast, you will be transferred to Termez – a 7-hour drive. • Break for lunch. • Upon arrival in Termez, you will visit the Sultan Saodat Complex, dating from the 10th century. It includes the crypt of Emir Hussein, the fourth descendant of the Prophet, and the vaults of the Sayyids of Termez, descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Over the succeeding centuries, it was notably the descendants of Emir Hussein who were buried there. • Next, you will visit the Kyrk Kyz Fortress (the Fortress of 40 Maidens). You will wander through the labyrinth of corridors and chambers with mud-brick walls. • Arrival at the hotel for check-in. • Free time to rest or explore the area. • You will conclude your day with dinner at a typical city restaurant to sample local specialties like the achik-chuchuk salad.

Day 01

Termez, The Legacy of the Sayyids:
Samarkand — Sultan Saodat Complex — Kyrk Kyz Fortress

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• Breakfast. • Visit the Termez Archaeological Museum and its collection of Buddhist treasures, and objects from the Greco-Bactrian and Kushan periods. • Next, you will visit Fayaz Tepe, a Buddhist archaeological site located in Bactria, from the Afghan border, built in the 1st century CE. Fayaz Tepe is the largest and oldest monastery near Termez, housing many paintings, statues, and pottery. The monastery and the stupa are protected by a recent dome. • Break for lunch. • Visit the Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-Termezi, near the Amu Darya river. This site is dedicated to a Sufi philosopher and is the holiest site in Termez. • You will continue your journey to Shakhrisabz. • Arrival at the hotel. • In the evening, you will have another opportunity to dine at a typical restaurant to sample other Uzbek dishes, such as kurut.

Day 02

Treasures of Bactria and Buddhist Mysteries:
Termez Archaeological Museum — Fayaz Tepe — Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-Termezi — Shakhrisabz

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• After breakfast, you will visit the Dorut-Tilovat Complex. You will immerse yourself in the spirituality and history of this sacred site developed in the 14th century, where Shamsiddin Kulal, Tamerlane's mentor who helped spread Sufism in Central Asia, rests. • Then, you will visit the majestic Kok Gumbaz Mosque, also called the "Abdulatif Mosque." Built by Ulugh Beg, Tamerlane's grandson, in the 15th century, this mosque is a perfect example of Timurid architecture, with its blue dome shimmering under the equally blue sky and the opal sun of the desert. • Your next stop will take you to Amir Timur Square, the heart of Shakhrisabz, to admire the colossal statue of the most famous figure of the place, Tamerlane, whose empire stretched from Delhi to Damascus. • You will then visit the Ak-Saray Palace, undoubtedly the crown jewel of Shakhrisabz. This palace, built in the 14th century and still highly impressive, was Tamerlane's summer residence. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can wander through the same vestibules once traversed by embassies from around the world. By admiring the blue and green mosaics decorating its walls, let your imagination transport you to that era when imperial diplomacy hosted countless feasts. • After visiting Shakhrisabz, a two-hour journey will take you to your final destination: Samarkand, one of the most iconic cities of the Silk Road.

Day 03

Shakhrisabz, Crown Jewel of the Timurid Empire:
Shakhrisabz — Tilovat Complex — Kok Gumbaz Mosque — Amir Timur Square — Ak-Saray Palace — Samarkand

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