Hiking Tour in Uzbekistan

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you will be greeted by our local team and transferred to your hotel. Immediate check-in can be arranged at an additional fee should you arrive before 2:00 p.m. Following a smooth check-in process, you will head off to explore the modern Uzbek capital.

Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent metro, and other sites of interest will constitute your first sightseeing discoveries in Uzbekistan. At the end of the day, you will enjoy some free time and relax before savouring a welcome dinner in a restaurant.

Overnight stay at the hotel. (D) NB: different transfer options are possible should you arrive from different countries. Please contact us and keep us apprised of all necessary information so we may make the best possible arrangements for your arrival.

This morning, you will board a local train from Tashkent to travel to Bukhara. Upon arrival at the railway station, you will transfer to your hotel located right at the heart of the old city. After lunch, the rest of the day will be spent exploring the main historical monuments of Bukhara where you will discover the magnificent mosques, madrasas, and many other wonders. Alongside these unique buildings, your guide will tell you everything about the history of this ancient city’s unconventional water reservoir tradition. At the end of the day, you will enjoy some relaxing free time during which you can take the opportunity to stroll around the old streets and have dinner at your leisure wherever you like. Overnight stay at the hotel. (B) Train departure and arrival times: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

This morning, you will visit the Ark of Bukhara, a huge fortress built and occupied around the 5th century AD that currently houses museums covering its history. You will be treated to a breathtaking view from the highest floor of the Bukhara Tower. Some welcome free time will enable you to explore the Bukhara Bazaar where you should definitely taste different local sweet delicacies!

The Samanid Mausoleum, located in the northwestern part of Bukhara’s Old District, will constitute the last visit of the day. Following a leisurely visit marvelling at the beauty of this monument, enjoy a free lunch before heading to the Jewish Bukharin quarter of Bukhara. Mid-afternoon, free time will provide you with the perfect opportunity to wander around the Old District on your own.

End the day with free time for dinner at a restaurant, overnight stay at the hotel. (B)

Today you will embark on a bus journey for a 4 to 5-hour drive leading you to the Yurt camp located in the Kyzyl-Kum desert. En route, you will stop off in Gijduvan to visit the renowned ceramic and embroidery museum. This art form survived the Soviet era thanks to the efforts of its craftspeople. You will make another stop to visit the city of Nurata where you will enjoy lunch in a traditional local household.

According to scientific research, this city was founded by Alexander the Great before he invaded Samarkand. Nowadays, visitors can explore the ruins of its fortress and a holy spring teeming with fish. Late afternoon, you will arrive at the Yurt camp.

Once you have settled in, you are invited to savour a welcome tea and revel in the beauty of the desert. A picturesque sunset over the desert hills will give you a glimpse of nomadic life you’ll never forget. Dinner and a performance with a Kazakh singer around a campfire will close your day of adventures.

Overnight stay under a yurt. (B, L, D) NB: Each yurt accommodates up to 4 people, bathroom/toilet located outside the yurt.

Does the night air smell of camels? You are right! That’s because the yurt is entirely covered in camel wool felt! That doesn’t mean you won’t get a good night’s sleep! After a hearty breakfast at the Yurt camp, it will be time to begin your desert hike (around 8 km, 1h30) with the camels.

You will be invited to try yourself at camel ridding, or simply walk alongside them until you reach Lake Aydarkul depending on your preference. Known as the turquoise sea in the sand, this lake is considered to be the best place to unwind, according to the locals.

Weather permitting, you can enjoy taking a dip or simply stroll along the shores of the lake. You will enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by the camp staff before being driven to Sentob, a village tucked away in the Nuratau mountains (2h drive). Upon arrival in the village, you will check into your family homestay where you will spend the next two nights. Round off the day and dine with your host family, learning about their daily lives. (B, L, D)

Today your mountain guide will take you for a full-day hike in the Nuratau mountains. Be ready to hike for around 6 hours on a path that will lead you through easy mountain rocky routes. To begin with, you will walk through the village at a leisurely pace and meet the locals going about their daily lives.

Making progress, you will stop to observe the Arabic writings on the rocks. Then, you will continue walking to the water spring where you will enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the outstanding mountain view.

After a bit more hiking, you will retrace your steps back to your homestay where you will arrive at the end of the day. There, you can relax, and for those who wish, why not help your hosts prepare the evening meal? Dinner with your host family and overnight stay at the homestay. (B, L, D)

The day will start with a short transfer to the next valley called Majrum, where another amazing day of hiking will start. To begin the adventure, you will go to see a hundred-year-old arborvitae tree. Next, you will start your hike at a leisurely pace across a rocky path.

You will be amazed by the wonderful scenic view over Lake Aydarkul and the steppes. After hiking for around 5 hours, you will board the minibus to travel to another cosy family homestay in the village of Ukhum. Dinner and overnight stay at the homestay. (B, L, D)

Today, you will enjoy another day of hiking in the Nuratau mountains. The path you will take won’t be too challenging and we will explore the neighbouring village of Hayat. You will start with an ascent to reach the high viewpoint of the mountain pass and move on closer to the Nature Reserve where you will see more than 40 steinbocks, a protected endangered species.

After strolling around the Natural Reserve and taking in the scenic landscapes, you will head back to your homestay. Time to relax and enjoy a peaceful rest in the courtyard, the perfect time to read a book!

Dinner and overnight stay at the homestay. (B, L, D)

This morning, it’s time to say goodbye to your host family and embark on a 4-hour drive to Samarkand. Described as the City of Fairies in the Eastern tales, Samarkand is an ancient city brimming with magnificent and renowned monuments. After lunch and a smooth check-in at your hotel, the afternoon will be dedicated to visiting the magnificent Registan Square.

This famous location comprises three main buildings. You will also visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur, also known as Tamerlane, the founder of the Timurid Dynasty. After a day full of sightseeing and discoveries, enjoy a free evening and dinner at your leisure, overnight stay in Samarkand. (B)

Today is the final day of your visit to Samarkand where you will enjoy some more sightseeing and explore the ancient wonders of the city. The Shah-i-Zinda ensemble will take you along a highly unusual avenue of mausoleums. You will also visit the Ulugh Beg observatory a testament to the scientific atmosphere of Samarkand.

After a day packed with visits, you will enjoy some free time to stroll around Registan Square before heading to a restaurant. Farewell dinner and a 30-minute evening walk to admire the illuminated monuments of Samarkand.

Overnight stay at the hotel. (B, D)

Time to say goodbye! We will arrange your transfer from your hotel to Samarkand International Airport. NB: This itinerary is given as an example and can be tailored to meet your wishes. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss this further.