Built in between 9th and 12th centuries, Askhab Mausoleum is dedicated to Abu Dhar al-Ghifari and Abu Buraidah al-Aslami, the two earliest companions or associates of Prophet Muhammad. The mausoleum got its name as “Akshab”, which means “companions” or “masters”. Though the constructions were built in Seljuq era, the mausoleums are known to be the shrine of Timurid-era.
On Turkmenistan Tours, you can see the mausoleums in the form of two iwans or monument portals near to each other. There are two tombs over the burial place of two great Islamic preacher and were built in the 7th century. This is the only structure of this type which has been existed from the period of Sultan Kala.
Merv is one of the Turkmenistan - Places of Attractions for the ancient archaeological excavations and monuments. These monuments are: Abdullakhan-Kala, Bairamalikhan-Kala, Mohammed ibn-Zeid Mausoleum, Askhab Mausoleum, Sultan Sandzhar Mausoleum, Gyaur Kala, Sultan Kala, Ekedeshik cave settlement and others. Crossing over Amu Darya River and the main route for Bukhara and Samarkand, Merv oasis can be found in the Karakum Desert. In Merv oasis, the existence of earliest Bronze Age dating back to the period in between 2500 BC to 1200 BC can be found. In 651, Merv was conquered by the Arabians in the time of Sasanids.
Askhab Mausoleum was destroyed in the Mongol invasions by Genghis Khan in early 13th century. In between 15th and 16th centuries, the mausoleums in Merv were rebuilt again in Timurid era. The restoration of Merv was begun by Shakhruh, the son of Amur Timur in 1418.
The Askhab Mausoleum can be found in the southern section of Sultan Kala in Merv during Turkmenistan Tours.
As one of the Turkmenistan Highlights, the complex of Sultan Kala includes a sardoba, reception building and the tomb area. The reception building is for pilgrims to rest and have a meal.
The iwans of Askhab Mausoleum have a height of 12 meters and the original tiles from the Timurid era can be seen. The Iwans are connected to each other by an archway that offers the most spectacular view of the old city walls of Sultan Kala. The right iwan has restored completely with the new tile work, while the left iwan are in the middle of restoration process till now with the original tiles still in place.
You can wander the parking area of sardoba and there is a modern prayer hall, consists of two-room refectory north of the sardoba.
To explore the sites of Merv along with Askhab Mausoleum, March to early June and September to October is the best Travel Time To Visit Turkmenistan.
For Turkmenistan Travel Costs and Transportation In Turkmenistan, you can ask any professional and experienced tour operator or may follow the Turkmenistan Travel Advice.
EuroAsia Travels is a well experienced and reputed tour operator which provides most comfortable accommodations, excellent services and most suitable packages for both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. To make your trip most unique and memorable, visit @ http://ea-travel.uz/
Start planning your tailor-made tour to Uzbekistan with one of our hand-picked local Travel Expert .
There is nothing as per law in Uzbek that a woman must wear, so you can bring your clothes that you love to wear. However, the country has its own culture and we believe you won’t like to offend it. So, we recommend packing some light shirts, t-shirts, jeans and long-sleeved dresses covering knees. You need to wear a scarf or something that covers your head while entering a mosque. You can pack some swim-dress to wear near your pool at your hotel.
Well, it’s really up to you. Bring as much as you want to spend in Uzbekistan. The country is not much expensive but most for paying most of the things you will need cash. Cards are not much accepted here. You can exchange your money at the airport or in any hotel or banks of Uzbekistan (both in private & govt. bank). Keep in mind that you need to pay tips in restaurants and to porters (not mandatory, but expected as it’s almost a custom to tip).
No, drinking tap water isn’t considered safe in Uzbekistan. We highly recommend using bottled water while you are in Uzbekistan. Also, make sure to eat clean and well-cooked food. If you are visiting Uzbek inn hot time make sure to keep big water bottles as you will feel thirsty due to the hot climate especially in the day time.
Well, the answer is No. Uzbekistan is not only a magical country with a rich history and spectacular natural beauty but also a very friendly country to visit. If you are afraid of if it is safe, then let us tell you even the country is safe for solo woman travelers. Uzbek people are warm and friendly. They will easily welcome you as their guest. Choose a reliable tour operator and explore the best of the country without any fear.
Of course, you can avail alcohol in Uzbekistan. It is kind of part of their life. Alcohol is taken by many Uzbek people especially, the Russians. Soviet people introduced Vodka and other alcoholic drinks that are now a part of their life. However, some very strict Muslims don’t prefer drinking. However, it is allowed and legal in the country.
Uzbekistan is famous for its ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Tashkent that are explained in many historical stories. These places have some stunning old Islamic architecture buildings that make it famous. As well, the natural beauty, mountains, and rich history of the country usually fascinate its travelers.
Uzbek people eat many types of food in their daily life. The dishes of Uzbekistan are delicious. Mostly they eat and drink soups, meat dishes, floury dishes, bread, milk, and oriental sweets. They share their culinary style mostly with Turkic people. Mostly they have a whole meal in one pot. You can try some local cuisine during your visit to Uzbekistan like; Plov, Shashlik, Lagman Soup, Shurpa, Dimlama, Chuchvara, Samsa, and more.
While visiting to Uzbek you are recommended to have the following vaccination-
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Polio
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
The country is best to visit at any time except the summer season (July & August). During these 2 months, the country is at its highest temperature that goes up to 40-degree Celsius. However, spring and autumn are a great time to visit Uzbek i.e. from April to May and September to early November. During this period the country remains dry with a clear sky and cool temp.
The tropical climate of the country is great for malaria mosquitoes; hence once malaria was the worst health threat in Uzbekistan. To protect people from falling ill in malaria the govt. of Uzbek has taken various steps and in 2010 the country became malaria-free. Now it has won the WHO certificate as a malaria-free country. Hence, you can stay stress-free about malaria.
In July 2018, Uzbekistan started an E-visa facility and there are 76 nationalists can apply for a visa online. You can go to the official E-visa site, and apply for your e-visa by filling a form online. The total cost is 20USD. It takes 2 to 3 working days for processing your visa and then you can get a confirmation in your mail. The payment you can do only in the working hours. If you are not from a country where you can go for e-visa, then you can go with the traditional way. You can book it from the embassy.
There are 21 countries that enjoy visa free entry to Uzbekistan. Here is the cost for Uzbekistan-
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa- US$60 to US$100 for most nationalities
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa - $160 for US nationalities
Additional entry cost- $10Per entry