Set off to explore Uzbekistan’s mountain landscapes at the heart of the legendary Silk Road. This adventure of a lifetime takes you across three unique mountain ranges located in different regions of the country. Expect moderately challenging hikes, with daily walking times ranging from 4 to 7 hours and elevation gains of 500 to 700 metres. Your journey begins in the majestic Tian Shan Mountains, often called the Mountains of Heaven, a remote and pristine region untouched by mass tourism. You will then immerse yourself in the millennia-old culture of Samarkand, before heading south of the city to hike through the Zerafshan Mountains. The next leg of your adventure leads you to the Nuratau Mountains, where you’ll discover stunning landscapes and insights into daily life in the villages you pass through. Your sporting adventure in Uzbekistan is rounded off with a unique overnight stay in a traditional nomadic yurt in the desert. But the journey doesn’t end here! The wonders of Bukhara and Khiva, two unmissable gems of the Silk Road, await to make your stay in Uzbekistan truly unforgettable.
Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, you will be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel. After settling into your room, you’ll have some time to recover from your journey. Later, you’ll meet your guide and set off to explore the city of Tashkent. Your discovery begins in the historic heart of the city, with a visit to the lively Chorsu Market, bustling every day of the week. Next, you’ll board the famous Tashkent metro to explore the more modern part of the city. You’ll stroll through Independence Square and Theatre Square and admire other iconic landmarks reflecting the city’s Russian architectural heritage. Free time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category
Meals: breakfast and dinner included
Guide: English-speaking
Transport: minibus
In the morning, you’ll leave Tashkent by private transport and head to the nearby Tian Shan Mountains. After an hour’s scenic drive, you’ll arrive in the mountain village of Khumsan, where your loop hike begins. The route first crosses the village before gradually climbing along mountain trails. Throughout your hike, you’ll enjoy stunning views over Charvak Lake, created in the 20th century. Several stops are planned along the way, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery and capture the moment. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed en route, before reaching the end of this beautiful hike in the late afternoon. Transfer by vehicle to your bungalow. Dinner and overnight stay on site.
Accommodation: local bungalow
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Distance: 10.3 km
Elevation gain: + 580 m/- 590 m
Walking time: Approximately 5 h 30
Guide: English-speaking
Transport: minibus
After breakfast at the bungalow, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to the starting point of the day’s hike. You’ll enjoy an approximately 6-hour hike through a beautiful woodland area. The route begins beneath the tree canopy before gradually opening out onto the hills, offering exceptional views of the surrounding mountains. A pleasant downhill trail brings this day of hiking in Uzbekistan to a gentle close. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Tashkent to board the evening train to Samarkand. Overnight stay in the city.
Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Distance: 10.2 km
Elevation gain: + 460 m/- 720 m
Walking time: Approximately 6 h 30
Guide: English-speaking
Transport: minibus
Train schedule: 8:32 p.m. – 11:41 p.m. (subject to change upon booking)
Enjoy a gentle start to the day as you take in the atmosphere of the legendary city of Samarkand. After breakfast, you’ll set out on foot to discover the city’s must-see landmarks. The morning programme includes a visit to Registan Square, with its three monumental buildings dating from the 15th and 17th centuries, followed by the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, built by Amir Timur in honour of his favourite wife. A break will allow you to wander through the lively Siyob Market and enjoy lunch in a traditional chaikhana (tea house). In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Shaki Zinda Necropolis, one of the Samarkand’s most remarkable architectural ensembles. In the late afternoon, enjoy some free time to stroll at your own pace. Overnight stay in the city.
Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category
Meals: breakfast and dinner included
Guide: English-speaking
Transport: minibus
This fifth day marks the beginning of two days of adventure in Uzbekistan! After breakfast, you’ll travel by private transport to the village of Tersak, located in the Zerafshan Mountain Range, the starting point of your next hike (approximately 6 hours). You’ll follow an easy trail leading towards the surrounding hills. From there, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Tersak village oasis before stopping for a picnic in the heart of these spectacular landscapes. At the end of this rewarding day of hiking, you’ll join your hosts at their home, where you’ll spend the night. Once settled, you can relax or join in the preparation of the evening meal. Dinner and overnight stay with your host family.
Accommodation: guesthouse offering simple comfort, with shared bathroom facilities
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain: + 670 m/- 780 m
Walking time: Approximately 6 h 30
Guide: English-speaking
Transport: minibus
After bidding farewell to your hosts, you’ll head out to cross one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the country: the Amankutan Pass, which rises to an altitude of 1,800 metres. At the summit, you’ll find a market selling spices and dried fruits, a favourite among travellers. From this point, you’ll begin today’s hike, a 5-hour loop through rocky landscapes and rugged mountains. At the end of the day, you’ll meet your drivers who will take you back to Samarkand. Upon arrival, settle in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the city at your leisure. Free time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category
Meals: breakfast and dinner included
Distance: 12.7 km
Elevation gain: + 520 m/- 505 m
Walking time: Approximately 5 h 30
Guide: English- and French-speaking
Transport: minibus
The morning will be spent exploring the city of Samarkand. You’ll start your day by visiting the Timurid Mausoleum, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, where the founder of the Timurid dynasty is buried. Next, you’ll explore the Ulughbek Observatory and its enormous sextant, followed by a visit to the Afrosiyob Museum, home to a stunning mural. Lunch in the city, departure by private transport for the Nuratau Mountains. You’ll reach your local host’s home by the end of the day, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Dinner and overnight stay at your host’s home.
Accommodation: guesthouse offering simple comfort, with shared bathroom facilities
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Guide: English-speaking
Transport: minibus
Travel time: Approximately 4 h
On the eighth day of your sporting adventure in Uzbekistan, you’ll embark on a 5-hour hike taking you through the Nuratau Mountains. You’ll set off directly from your guesthouse, beginning with a walk through the village of Ukhum. This will be a great opportunity to meet the locals and catch a glimpse of their daily life. The trail then climbs gently into the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. You’ll enjoy a picnic in lush natural surroundings, an ideal spot to observe local wildlife and vegetation. Before returning to the guesthouse, you’ll have the chance to admire ancient petroglyphs along the way. Back at the guesthouse in the late afternoon, you can choose to relax or enjoy a quiet moment reading in the courtyard. Dinner and overnight stay at your host’s home.
Accommodation: guesthouse offering simple comfort, with shared bathroom facilities
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain: + 540 m/- 565 m
Guide: English-speaking
Walking time: Approximately 5 h
A leisurely day devoted to exploring the nearby oases. You’ll begin with a leisurely stroll around the nature reserve, home to over 40 protected ibexes. Next, you’ll head to the mountain trails near the village of Hayat. After a picnic lunch enjoyed en route, you’ll meet up with your driver who will take you to the Kyzylkum Desert. Upon arrival, once you have settled in a yurt, you can take a walk around the camp. For those interested, a camel ride is available! Dinner and concert around the campfire, featuring a Kazakh singer. Overnight stay in the yurt.
Accommodation: traditional yurt offering simple comforts, with shared bathroom facilities
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Distance: 7 km
Elevation gain: + 300 m/- 325 m
Walking time: Approximately 2 h 30
Guide: English-speaking
Transport: minibus
Travel time: Approximately 2 h
After breakfast, you’ll set off on foot towards Aydar Lake. A short 8 km hike will lead you across the desert along a sandy trail. The landscapes, which are a stark contrast to those of previous days, will offer a fresh and striking perspective on your journey in Uzbekistan. Once you reach the lake, you’ll have the chance to swim or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shore. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake before continuing your journey to Bukhara. Along the way, you’ll stop in Nurota, a legendary city founded by Alexander the Great. Upon arrival in Bukhara, you’ll check into a charming hotel and have time to explore the city. Free time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category
Meals: breakfast and dinner included
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: + 100 m/- 125 m
Walking time: Approximately 1 h 30
Guide: English-speaking
Transport: minibus
Travel time: Approximately 4 h
You’ll have the entire day to discover another iconic city along the Silk Road. Bukhara boasts over 200 historical monuments, each with a story to tell! Prepare for a day filled with remarkable discoveries as you explore ancient caravanserais (roadside inns), magnificent mosques, towering minarets, and beautifully crafted madrasas (Islamic schools) that dot the old town. Your guide will also share the fascinating history of Bukhara’s ancient irrigation system, which once included 108 water reservoirs. You’ll also visit the historic Jewish quarter before concluding the day by relaxing around the tranquil Lab-i Hauz pool with a refreshing drink. Free time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category
Meals: breakfast and dinner included
Guide: English-speaking
Departure for Khiva, located 450 km north of Bukhara in northern Uzbekistan. Your journey will take you through lush green areas and the vast Kyzylkum Desert, known for its striking red sands. You’ll travel alongside the Amu Darya River, which forms the natural border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. There will be several opportunities to stop and take stunning photographs along the way. Lunch will be enjoyed en route. Upon arrival in Khiva, you’ll settle into a charming hotel for a two-night stay.
Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category
Meals: breakfast and dinner included
Guide: English- and French-speaking
Transport: minibus
Travel time: Approximately 6 h
This day is dedicated to exploring Itchan Kala, the inner town (protected by brick walls some 10 m high) of the old Khiva oasis, and its ancient monuments and centuries-old houses. The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its remarkably well-preserved architecture. You’ll visit the city’s landmark monuments and learn about the key historical events that have shaped its past. At the end of the day, you’ll have time to wander through Khiva at your leisure and admire its fairy-tale atmosphere one last time.
Farewell dinner and overnight stay in the city.
Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Guide: English-speaking
Early in the morning, our team will take you to Urgench International Airport for your flight home. We wish you a safe journey home!
This tailor-made hiking tour is given as an example and can be modified or customized to your wishes. For more details and information, please contact our agency.
