Shah-i-Zinda necropolis – Samarkand

Transfer to Samarkand by train, among the oldest cities in the world, cultural crossroads and fundamental stop along the Great Silk Road.

We visit the iconic Registan Square, home to some of the world’s finest examples of Islamic architecture, dominated by the impressive Sher-Dor, Ulugbek and Tilla-Kori madrassas.

Afterwards we explore the enchanting Shakhi Zinda complex adorned with an extraordinary array of blue tiles, the Tomb of Timurids – Guri Amir, burial ground of the Timurid dynasty, a unique architectural monument, and the sparkling turquoise dome of the Bibi Khanum cathedral mosque dedicated to Timur’s favourite wife.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Transfer to Samarkand by train, among the oldest cities in the world, cultural crossroads and fundamental stop along the Great Silk Road.

After breakfast we travel to Sentyab village (4h) in the foothills of the Nuratau Mountains. The village (650m above sea level) has been inhabited for over 2000 years and is set in a fertile valley off the beaten track, thus offering a special opportunity to experience the rural lifestyle of the place.

Afternoon hike in the area with a local experienced guide. We visit the ruins of ancient houses built of flat stones on steep walls.

As we continue the hike along the gorge, we reach a small waterfall where we can enjoy a relaxing break.

Included : Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, dinner, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

Fazilman Lake © Carpodacus / CC BY-SA

In the morning we continue the excursion by following the path that leads to the pass under the majestic peak of Mount Gaukum (1516 m.).

Along the route we admire the Sentyabsai river gorge, the view over Sentyab village, the peaks of the Nuratau mountain range and the Aidar Kul lake in the distance.

After about 1h30′ we reach the small mountain lake Fazilman, at an altitude of 1640 meters, where we stop for a packed lunch.

If you wish, you can continue the hike by climbing to the peak of Kichik Fazilman Hill at an altitude of 1833 metres.

Afterwards, return to Sentyab village (2h30 ‘).

Included : Guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, dinner, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

Uzbek yurt

After breakfast we travel to Lake Aydar Kul and settle into a yurt, the typical nomadic dwelling, circular in shape and decorated with locally made sherdoke carpets. The camp has 10 yurts, a hut for preparing meals, shared outdoor toilets and hot showers.

During your stay you can take part in the preparation of typical local meals as well as ride through the desert on Battrian camels to learn about the local flora and fauna. If you are lucky and patient, you may spot giant monitor lizards, desert partridges, tortoises and other indigenous animals.

Included : Yurt, breakfast, lunch, dinner, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

After breakfast walk along the shore of Lake Aydar Kul where you can take a swim or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful landscape.

After a packed lunch at the lake, transfer to Bukhara, formerly the intellectual and cultural centre of the Islamic world, and a flourishing city on the Silk Road, which has hardly changed since the days of the merchant caravans.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, lunch, tour guide, private transportation 

Po-i-Kalyan Complex

Visits the Ark Citadel, the massive fortress built in the 5th century for military purposes and used as a residence of the royal courts until 1920.

Visit to Lyabi Khauz architectural complex in the city center where we can admire the wonderful mosaics of the Divan Beghi madrasa, the madrasas of Khanaqa Divan Beghi and Kukeldash.

We continue to the Po-i-Kalyan religious complex overlooking the iconic square dominated by the Kalyan Mosque, Miri-Araba Madrasa and Kalyan minaret, symbol of Bukhara, used for centuries as a beacon to guide the caravans arriving from the desert.

We visit the Chor Bakr necropolis, the Samanid mausoleum, the oldest funerary building in Central Asia and an icon of early Islamic architecture, and the Chashma Ayub mausoleum where we find a water spring named after the prophet Job (Ayuba).

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

Chimgan Mountains © Sardorbek Rakhimov

Express train transfer to Tashkent. Then on to Chimgan, part of the Tian Shan Mountain range dominated by Greater Chimgan (3309 m).

Upon arrival we hike in the area. Nearby is the Beldersoy Gorge with the cable car leading to the longest ski slope in Uzbekistan.

Afternoon transfer to Tashkent and check-in at the hotel.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, lunch, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Chorsu Market – Tashkent

Free time for a final stroll through the capital or to go shopping in the exotic and colourful Chorsu Bazaar market surrounded by the scent of spices, dried fruits and delicious Uzbek bread.

Afterwards, transfer to the international airport in time for your departure flight.

Included : Breakfast, tour guide, private transportation and private airport transfer