On this captivating mountain journey, you’ll feel like a true explorer, discovering ancient human creations from thousands of years ago in Uzbekistan’s mountains. The stunning landscape of gorges, caves, vast plains with firs or wheat fields is perfect for hiking. Wander through green fields with grazing horses, hills with vibrant yellow Ferula bushes, ancient junipers, majestic mountain ranges, and Stone Age petroglyphs. Uzbekistan’s rich culture, scenic highlights, and warm hospitality make this trip unforgettable.
Detailed 15-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Tashkent
Arrive in Tashkent at midnight or early morning. Your guide escorts you to your hotel for rest. After breakfast, city tour of Uzbekistan’s capital. Visit Khast-Imam Square with Barak-Khan Madrassa, Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, and a library housing the 7th-century Osman Quran. The old town’s adobe houses survived the 1966 earthquake. Explore Chorsu Bazaar, famous since the Middle Ages along the Silk Road. Afternoon tour of modern Tashkent: Independence Square, Mourning Mother Monument, Alisher Navoi Opera House, Amir Timur Park. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 2: Tashkent – Beldersay
Morning drive through Uzbek villages, gardens, and rivers to the Chimgan Mountains (80 km, ~2 hours). Check-in at the hotel, lunch. Cable car to Kumbel (2,080 m), home to Uzbekistan’s longest ski slope. Hike (45 minutes) to the summit (2,350 m) for breathtaking views – Tashkent visible in clear weather. Return hike along the ski slope to the hotel (1,800 m). Dinner and overnight in Beldersay.
Day 3: Beldersay – Tashkent
After breakfast, descend to the Mramornya River (1,500 m). Hike along the river to a birch grove, then a 45-minute ascent to Urta-Kumbel Pass (1,820 m) overlooking Beldersay Valley and Chet-Kumbel Pass. Easy descent to Beldersay River for a picnic in a shaded grove. Ascend to Chet-Kumbel Pass (1,850 m) with views of the valley, Nurekata River, and Great Chimgan (3,309 m). Hike to Beldersay cable car station (1,550 m), drive back to Tashkent. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 4: Tashkent – Urgench – Khiva
Early morning flight to Urgench, drive to Khiva (40 km). Tour Ichan-Kala old town with its oriental charm and massive walls. Highlights: Kunya Ark, Muhammad Rakhim Khan Madrassa, Pakhlavon Makhmud Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Madrassa and Minaret, Tash-Khovli Palace, Djuma Mosque with 212 carved wooden pillars. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Khiva.
Day 5: Khiva – Bukhara
Drive through the lush Kyzylkum Desert (“Red Sand,” 420 km) to Bukhara, stopping for lunch at an Uzbek teahouse. Evening arrival in Bukhara, free time to explore the old town. Dinner at a local restaurant. Two nights in Bukhara.
Day 6: Bukhara
Visit Ismail Samani Mausoleum and Chashma-Ayub, followed by a walking tour. Bukhoroi Sharif impresses with domed bazaars, active mosques, and madrassas (e.g., Miri-Arab, Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque). Explore Lyabi-Khauz ensemble with trading domes, mosques, madrassas, and Nadir Divanbegi Khanaka. Visit Toki Zargaron, Toki Telpakfurushon, and Toki Saraffon bazaars. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Bukhara.
Day 7: Bukhara – Nurata – Yurt Camp
Morning free to explore Bukhara. Drive to Nurata (~3 hours), visiting ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress and Chashma spring. Continue through Kyzylkum Desert to Yangigazgan’s yurt camp. Camel ride to prepare for trekking. Lunch with a family in Nurata. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.
Day 8: Camel Trekking
After breakfast, camel trekking (one camel per two people, alternating riding/walking). Afternoon visit to a small desert farm. Set up tents for a night under the stars. Picnic lunch, dinner by campfire. Overnight in a tent.
Day 9: Aydarkul Lake – Sentob Mountain Village
After breakfast, final desert trekking stage. Farewell to camels, drive to Aydarkul Reservoir for swimming and a beach picnic. Travel to Nuratau Mountains, arriving at Tajik Sentob village. Explore the village, fortress ruins, or daily life (e.g., irrigation systems, bread baking). Dinner with the family. Two nights in Sentob.
Day 10: Sentob Village
6-hour hike along a mountain river with natural pools, passing an old watermill and Arabic rock inscriptions. Birdwatching and flora/fauna exploration. Alternative: Village activities. Picnic lunch, dinner with the family. Overnight in Sentob.
Day 11: Hayat Mountain Village
Drive to Hayat (~45 minutes). Visit the Severtsov Argali reserve with rare wild sheep. 4- to 5-hour hike in Nuratau Nature Reserve (entry included). Observe or assist in preparing plov. Dinner with the family. Overnight in Hayat.
Day 12: Uhum and Ashraf Mountain Villages
Hike (3 hours) to Uhum via Guzar and Sari-Bedak Passes (1,035 m) with mountain views. Visit Sogdian fortress ruins and a watermill if time allows. Lunch in Uhum. Hike (3 hours) to Ashraf, passing Mongolian fortress ruins “Qorgoni Honkeldi” with views of Aydarkul Lake and Kyzylkum Desert. Relax in Ashraf at a family’s home with a stream and garden. Evening with a local musician. Dinner and overnight in Ashraf.
Day 13: Samarkand
Drive to Samarkand. Visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square with three madrassas, and Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Bazaar stroll with tasting of raisins, apricots, and nuts. Tour Samarkand’s wine museum with tasting of 10 Uzbek wines and cognacs. Dinner and overnight in Samarkand.
Day 14: Samarkand – Tashkent
Visit Afrosiyob Museum, Saint Daniel’s tomb, Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, Mukhtarov brothers’ silk paper factory, and Ulugh Beg Observatory. 18:00 departure on the “Afrosiyob” high-speed train to Tashkent (arrival 20:08). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tashkent.
Day 15: Tashkent – Return Flight
After an early breakfast, transfer to Tashkent airport for your return flight.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Booking Information
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