A Journey Through Uzbekistan’s Mountain Villages

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64
11 Days / 10 Nights
Availability : All year round
Tashkent
Nurata, Samarkand, Bukhara
Min Age : 10+
Max People : 10
Tour Details

Route in brief:

Tashkent – Nuratau Mountains – Nurata – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Uzbekistan’s mountain villages with our “A Journey Through Uzbekistan’s Mountain Villages” tour. This unique adventure invites you to experience the vibrant culture and ancient traditions of the resilient mountain communities that have thrived for centuries.

As you traverse breathtaking mountain trails, you’ll engage with local residents who will welcome you with open arms, sharing their time-honored customs and culinary delights. Participate in the preparation of traditional Uzbek dishes and, if you wish, lend a hand with rural activities that showcase the daily lives of these incredible people.

Marvel at the stunning landscapes, from dramatic rock formations and cascading waterfalls to ancient petroglyphs and a 1,200-year-old tree. Explore the vast Kyzylkum Desert and the serene Aydar Lake, where you can relax and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

After your immersive mountain experience, continue your journey in the historic cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, where architectural wonders and bustling bazaars await. Discover the rich history that permeates these iconic destinations and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure that blends cultural immersion, natural beauty, and historical exploration. Book your spot today and step into the heart of Uzbekistan’s mountain life!

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Tashkent

Upon your arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can unwind and settle in. Following your check-in, we will conduct a comprehensive briefing about the tour itinerary, providing you with all the necessary details to ensure a smooth journey ahead. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Tashkent at your leisure, allowing you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Uzbekistan’s capital.

Day 2Tashkent to Nuratau Mountains

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive from Tashkent to the Nuratau Mountain range, covering a distance of approximately 270 kilometers, which will take around four hours. Our journey begins with a delightful lunch at a serene oasis near the village of Karatash, where ancient chinar trees provide a tranquil setting. This area is a popular pilgrimage site, attracting many visitors seeking blessings and wellness from the local saint. Post-lunch, we will set off on a hiking adventure around the impressive basalt rock formations that resemble the spine of a prehistoric dinosaur. This hike will cover about 10 kilometers and last approximately three hours. In the evening, we will transfer to a picturesque yurt camp located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, where you will spend the night in traditional yurts, experiencing the authentic nomadic lifestyle.

Day 3Hiking from Yurt Camp to Yangikishlak

Today’s hike will take us from the yurt camp to the village of Yangikishlak, covering a distance of 12 kilometers over the course of four hours. We will begin our trek with a one-hour ascent from the lush oasis of the yurt camp to one of the high points of the Nuratau range, reaching an elevation of 1,153 meters. From here, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Aydarkul Lake and the various mountain villages that dot the landscape like green islands.

As we descend through rolling hills and small valleys, we will arrive at the Kelvasay area, where a bus will be waiting to take us to Yangikishlak for lunch at a local chaikhana, offering a rich selection of traditional Uzbek dishes.

After our meal, we will continue our journey to the exotic mountain village of Hayat, situated at 970 meters, located beneath the towering peak of Hayatbashi, which rises to 2,169 meters. Here, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the genuine lifestyle and customs of the mountain residents. You will stay overnight in a guesthouse, where the simplicity of rural accommodations is compensated by the stunning natural scenery that surrounds you.

Day 4Hiking from Hayat to Majrum

Our hiking adventure continues today as we trek from Hayat to the village of Majrum, covering approximately 14 kilometers over 4.5 hours. One of the highlights of this day will be a visit to a local sanctuary where you can observe the rare Severtzov sheep, an endemic species native to this region.

After this fascinating encounter, we will navigate through a small pass into the Majrum valley, where you will find another remarkable natural treasure: the ancient Biota tree, estimated to be between 1,200 and 1,500 years old. This colossal tree has multiple trunks arising from a single root, with a base diameter of 8.5 meters and a branch circumference of around 24 meters. We will spend the night in a guesthouse in Majrum, located at an altitude of 670 meters.

Day 5Hiking from Majrum to Sentyab

On this day, we will conclude our hiking journey with a trek from Majrum to Sentyab, spanning 12 kilometers over approximately four hours. The day begins with an ascent to a shepherd’s summer camp on a small mountain plateau known as Paring. Our trail will then lead us around the majestic Anderwok Mountain (1,130 meters) as we descend towards Sentyab, which is situated in the shadow of the towering Gaukum Peak (1,525 meters).

Historically, Sentyab was a site for gold mining as early as the 5th century, and the local residents continue to uphold their ancient traditions and way of life. You will witness unique houses constructed from flat stones, perched on steep cliffs. The gentle Sentyab-Say River flows through the village, creating a pleasant microclimate in this charming location, which lies at the border of the mountains and the arid desert. Tonight, you will stay in a guesthouse in Sentyab, located at 700 meters above sea level.

Day 6Hiking from Sentyab to Sob and Transfer to Safari Yurt Camp

After breakfast, we will hike from Sentyab to Sob, covering 7 kilometers. This trek will take approximately two hours, allowing you to enjoy the serene landscapes and the unique flora of the region. Upon reaching Sob, we will board a comfortable vehicle for a two-hour transfer to the Safari Yurt Camp, located 110 kilometers away in the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert. The camp is situated just 5 kilometers from the stunning Aydarkul Lake, where you can indulge in activities such as camel rides and exploration of the tranquil surroundings.

The Safari Yurt Camp is one of the largest and most comfortable yurt accommodations in Uzbekistan, featuring 20 beautifully decorated Kazakh yurts. Each yurt is adorned with handcrafted carpets and traditional textiles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. These eco-friendly dwellings, made from natural materials such as wood and felt, are designed to provide comfort regardless of the season.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to relax by the expansive Aydarkul Lake, where you can swim and unwind amidst the picturesque desert landscape. As dusk approaches, we will gather for a hearty dinner, followed by a delightful evening around the campfire, where local musicians will entertain you with traditional songs. You will spend the night in the yurts, soaking in the unique ambiance of the desert.

Day 7Transfer to Nurata and Exploration

Following breakfast at the camp, we will embark on a one-hour transfer to Nurata, covering a distance of approximately 70 kilometers. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a guided tour of this charming town, beginning with a visit to the sacred spring known as “Chashma,” where more than a thousand “holy” fish swim. This site is a popular pilgrimage destination for locals and visitors alike. Additionally, you will have the chance to explore ancient irrigation systems known as kyarizes, which continue to function, delivering underground water from the Nuratau Mountains to the valley below. Our exploration will also include a visit to the ruins of an ancient fortress, further enriching our understanding of the region’s historical significance.

After a fulfilling lunch in Nurata, we will continue our journey with a transfer to Bukhara, which is approximately 200 kilometers away and takes about 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in Bukhara, you will check into your hotel and have the evening free to relax and enjoy the ambiance of this historic city.

Day 8Discovering Bukhara's Rich Heritage

Today, we will embark on an extensive sightseeing tour of Bukhara, starting with the Labi-Hauz complex, which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. This vibrant area serves as the heart of old Bukhara, featuring the Nadira Divanbegi Medrese and Khanaka, the Kukeldash Medrese, and the oldest artificial pool in Central Asia, surrounded by ancient chinar trees. Next, we will visit the Poi-Kalyan complex, a hallmark of Bukhara, which includes the Miri-Arab Medrese, the Kalyan Mosque, and the impressive Kalyan Minaret, standing tall at 69 meters.

Our tour will continue with visits to the Ayyub Mazar, a mausoleum built over a revered ancient spring linked to the biblical figure Job (Ayyub). We will then explore the trading domes of Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Sarrofon, and Telyak-Furushon, where local artisans have historically sold their crafts. Here, you can shop for exquisite souvenirs, including gold embroidery, carpets, and ceramics. Finally, we will visit the Samonid Mausoleum, a prime example of ancient architecture, and the Ark Fortress, the oldest structure in the city, which served as the residence of Bukhara’s emirs.

Day 9:Bukhara and Train to Samarkand

Our exploration continues with a visit to the Chor-Minor Minaret, a unique mosque characterized by its four minarets, followed by a trip to the summer residence of the Bukhara emirs, Sitora Mohi Khosa. After our sightseeing, we will transfer to the train station for the high-speed Afrosiab train to Samarkand, departing at 15:50 and arriving at 17:30. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax after a day filled with exploration.

Day 10:Samarkand Highlights and Return to Tashkent

Today, we will delve into the wonders of Samarkand, starting at the iconic Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to three magnificent madrasahs: Sherdor, Ulugh Beg, and Tilya-Kori. We will also visit the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the stunning Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane) and his family. Our tour will include the Ulugh Beg Observatory, a testament to the city’s historical significance in astronomy, and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, known for its beautifully adorned mausoleums.

After lunch, we will head to the Siab Bazaar for some local shopping before boarding the Afrosiab train back to Tashkent, departing at 17:30 and arriving at 19:40. You will then check into your hotel for your final night in Uzbekistan.

Day 11:Departure

On your last day, after breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time to do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Later, you will be transferred to Tashkent International Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey through the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Uzbekistan.

Tour Cost
Number of Tourists 1 2 3 4 5
PRICE ON REQUEST $ $ $ $ $
Price Includes
Price Excludes
  All transportation throughout the tour (car/train)
  Local hiking guide in mountains
  Guides in each city for excursions 
  Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights
  5 nights IN 3* hotels / 1 night in yurt / 4 nights in family guesthouses
  Full board on days 2-7
  Single accommodation
  Any Private Expenses
  Lunches, Dinners not included in the program
  Tips are not included, but would be appreciated
  Travel insurance

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From$1,600
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