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This trip is a pilgrimage, an inner journey into essence and contact with the “cave of the heart.” For anyone who was been involved in the Fourth Way, much of what we study and work with comes from Central Asia and in particular the heart of Central Asia, Bukhara and Samarkand. We will work deeply with the heart and the soul of these teachings. This is an event of potential transformation; an opening of our hearts to humility, presence and a contact with the higher.
Inspired by one of the remarkable journeys of G.I. Gurdjieff, this pilgrimage has the intention to reconnect with the ancient Sufi Masters who lived in the area and who attracted seekers of the “Truth” such as Gurdjieff.
As part of our inner and outer journey we will meet local people and share meals together, to appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of their lives.
Turkmenistan has been one of the most visited and mysterious countries of Central Asia, now attracting travelers from all over the world. It is the land of rich for distinctive traditions, picturesque landscapes, and unique historical sites.
Day 1 • Arrival in Tashkent
Arrive in Tashkent. You will be met by one of our representative's drivers and transferred to hotel. Check in to the hotel at noon. Meet your guide to start sightseeing in the capital of Uzbekistan, the biggest city in Central Asia. Visit Old City section of Tashkent with Khast-Imam complex where the world famous Quran of Caliph Uthman–Ottoman has been preserved. In Khast-Imam visit Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. Explore Chorsu bazaar. Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to city center with Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and Applied Arts Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 • Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Urgench (1093 km, 1 h. 40 min.). Arrival in Urgench, transfer to the hotel in Khiva (30 km, 35 min.). Later proceed for guided walking sightseeing tour in UNESCO World Heritage site Itchan-Kala. Visit Mukhammad Aminkhan madrasah, Mukhammad Rakhimkhan madrasah, Kalta-Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, Kunya-Ark, minaret of Islam-Khoja. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 • Khiva – Kunya-Urgench – Dashoguz – Ashgabat
In the morning drive to Turkmenistan border point Shavat-Dashoguz (60 km, 1 h.). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available). Meet your Turkmenistan guide and drive to Kunya-Urgench (100 km, 1 h. 30 min.). Visit mausoleums of Turabek Khanum,Sultan Tekesh, Sultan Il-Arslan, Najmuddin-Kubra, Sultan Ali. Discover the Kutlug-Timur Minaret and Kyrk Molla Hill. In the afternoon drive to Dashoguz airport (120 km, 1 h. 30 min.), take an evening flight to Ashgabat (580 km, 50 min.). Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 • Ashgabat
Sightseeing tour in Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan which has experienced boom of “Marble Architecture” for the past 15 years. Explore archaeological site of Old Nisa (included in UNESCO World Heritage list) and Spiritual Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. Visit the National Museum of History, and continue to Monument of Neutrality. In the afternoon drive to “Bedev” hippodrome stables to see Akhalteke horses, pride of Turkmen nation. Continue the tour with visits to Presidential Square, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the newly built Independence Park. and the Monument of Lenin. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 • Ashgabat – Mary – Merv – Turkmenabat
Take a morning flight to Mary (370 km, 40 min.). Upon arrival drive to Merv (40 km, 30 min.), an ancient city that was a major center of international trade and crafts located on the Silk Road. Discover historical park with Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, Large and Small Gyz Gala, Erk Gala, Gyaur Gala, Keshk Fortress, and others. In the afternoon depart to Turkmenabat (200 km, 4 h. 30 min.). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 • Turkmenabat – Bukhara
In the morning transfer to Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border point (45 km, 1 h.). Go through border formalities on both checkpoints. Cross 1.5 km neutral zone (transportation may not be available). Meet your driver and continue to Bukhara (100 km, 1 h. 30 min.). Arrival in Bukhara, check in to the hotel. Free time in Old City. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 • Bukhara
We spend the day in Bukhara. We tour some of the sacred sites of this extraordinary city, the center of Central Asian Sufism, the center and home to the Masters of Wisdom and the Naqusbandi path. We make pilgrimage today to some of the most important places near this city. We visit the tomb of Abduholiq Gijduvaniy (1103–1179) located in the town of Gijduvan, 40 km from Bukhara, who was the Grandfather of the Naqushi order. On the way back to Bokhara we stop to meditate at the burial site of the great Shaykh Sufi Master Ubaidullah Ahrar, who was so influential in JG Bennett’s life. We spend the day visiting many other tombs and holy places in and around Bukhara. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 • Bukhara
Today is one of the most important days of this journey. We spend a good deal of the day at one of the power points on the planet. We do a silent walking pilgrimage to the holiest ensemble of Bukhara, the burial place of Hazrati Bahouddin Naqshband, the founder of Naqshbandiya Order, located in the village of Qasri Orifon, 7 kilometers from Bukhara. Personal time for meditation at the site, transfer to Bukhara and rest of the day is free for personal meditation and hanging out in the fascinating markets of Bukhara. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 • Bukhara
Today we tour the enchanting city of Bukhara itself, its many sites, architecture, history and markets. It is the cauldron of Central Asia and the Silk Road. We visit the Chor-Bakr necropolis, a complex located 6 kilometers from Bukhara city in Sumiton village. In the afternoon, sightseeing of Bukhara: Lyabi Hauz Complex, Kalon Mosque and Poi Kalon Minaret, and much more. Free time in the city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 • Bukhara–Khartang–Samarkand (290 km)
Today we drive to Samarkand. En route we visit the memorial complex of Abu Abdullah Muhammad Al-Bukhari and continue to the burial place of Hazret Makhdumi A’zam Dahbediy (1461–1542), a Sufi philosopher, and descendant of Hazret Ali. Arrive Samarkand and check in to hotel. Free time in Samarkand. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 • Samarkand
Today we visit Samarkand which has often been called the Garden of the Soul, the Jewel of the World, and the center of the universe. The Registan, the heart of Samarkand ranks first in Central Asia as one of the greatest and magnificent works in all the world. We visit the capital of Tamerlane. After breakfast in the hotel, we visit the heart of Samarkand: the complex Khoja Akhror Vali, Khoja al Mansoor al Matrudi, and the Bibi Khanum mosque. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Registan Square (XV–XVII cc), one of the noblest squares in the world, the Observatory of Ulugbek, and Samarkand local bazaar. End sightseeing tour with visit to Gur Emir mausoleum, the graveyard of Tamerlane and the Timurids. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 • Samarkand–Tashkent, (300 km, 2.5 hours)
Continue guided visit in Samarkand. Check-out from hotel at noon. Transfer by bus to Tashkent, to visit the old city: the Khast Imom Complex, where you will see Barakhan Madrasah, the mausoleum of Abubakr Kaffal Shosh and the Museum of Koran where the original VII century Osman Qoran written on a deer skin is preserved. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 • Departure
Transfer to the airport for flight home.
The order of events and visits may be subject to change .
Price includes:
Accommodations in double occupancy
Board - to be determined
Local assistant
Qualified guides
Entrance fees as per program
Private transportation with air conditioning and comfortable vehicles.
Price does not include:
International flights. However we will be happy to assist you with flight quotations.
Insurance for medical assistance, loss or damage of baggage, cancellation fees. However we are able to offer medical, luggage and cancellation insurance upon request.
Beverages
Personal expenses
Anything that is not mentioned in the price includes
