Hike along the famous Silk Road, visit the cities of Samarkand and Tashkent, and stay in a traditional yurt with nomadic hosts on this exciting hiking tour to a land-locked country few Western visitors have set foot in.
- Cook traditional Uzbek cuisine
- Sleep under the stars in a nomad yurt camp
- Walk in the Great Chimgan Mountains
- Follow the Silk Road trading route
Exploring two of the Silk Road's most important cities - Tashkent and Samarkand - you can gain a real insight into this multicultural destination in Central Asia. Offering a variety of activities, in addition to beautiful walking trails, we explore majestic mountains, multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, learn how to cook traditional Uzbek cuisine and eat dinner under the stars.
Travelling through the country by bus and train, discover the country's natural wonders and serene beauty, including arid deserts, unique flora and fauna, alpine-esque lakes and vivid green mountain villages every day, each with their own varied landscapes and incredible scenery.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Tashkent.
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Day 2: Arrive Tashkent
Arriving into Tashkent early this morning, we're met at the airport by our local English-speaking guide and transferred to our hotel. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Hasrati Imam Complex, the Kaffal Ash Shashe mausoleum, Barakchan Madrassah and a Qur’an museum.
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Day 3: Hiking in the Tschimgan Mountains
After breakfast, we transfer (approximately two hours by road) into the Chimgan Mountains, where our first trek begins. Starting with a slightly steep path over the Tachta Jaylau Pass (approximately 1,900 metres), we hike up, then down to the Marble River, before continuing uphill again to Chalk Pass and Chetkumbel Pass (approximately 1,900 metres).
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Day 4: Walk to Pesochniy Pass & the Gate of Gulkamsay
Trekking through picturesque birch forest, we make our way to Pesochniy Pass (approximately 1,800 metres). Depending on the ability of the group, we have the option to climb Little Chimgan which sits at 2,100 metres and offers spectacular panoramic views over the Chimgan Mountain Range. Today's trail will include using a ropeway and walking through streams.
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Day 5: Journey to Samarkand, City Tour
This morning we take a train journey to Samarkand. The rest of the day is spent exploring the city. During a walking tour we visit Registan Square with its three Madrasahs, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and Bibi Khanum, the largest mosque in Central Asia.
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Day 6: Sightseeing in Samarkand
This morning we continue our sightseeing in this fascinating city with visits to attractions such as the Ulugbek Observatory and Gur Emir Mausoleum.
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Day 7: Hayat Mountain Village & Village Walk
A short transfer takes us to Hayat mountain village, and from here we take a gently ascending path through the valley.
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Day 8: Hayat Mountain Village & Soyi Soyadon River Hike
Today we conquer a mountain pass with far-reaching panoramas. We continue by passing a vibrant river until we reach a local village.
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Day 9: Hiking in the Kadwansai Mountain River Valley
Today's walk leads us through walnut forests into the valley of the Kadwansai Mountain River. This afternoon is left free to enjoy at your leisure.
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Day 10: Hike to Aydarkul Lake
Starting our hike after breakfast, we head through the Kysylkum Desert, continuing this afternoon to the green mountain village of Sentob. On this walk we pass some castle ruins, an old mosque and rock paintings dating from the 5th-6th Century BC.
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Day 11: Camel Riding & Visit to Dungalak Village
After breakfast, we walk or ride a camel on a short but exciting trek. Later, the adventure continues to a local village where we're introduced to ancient customs and unique traditions of their people. We finish the day with transfer to Bukhara for the night.
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Day 12: Walking City Tour of Bukhara
Our walking tour starts at the Labi House (Chaus water basin) where we can enjoy the unique atmosphere of the ancient and medieval Bukhara. Throughout the day we explore some of the city's most famous monuments, such as the beautiful Samanid Mausoleum and the Chor Minor Madrasah, built in an Indian style.
Tonight we're invited into the home of an Uzbek family where we see the process of cooking ‘Plov’, the national and main dish of Uzbek cuisine.
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Day 13: Explore Bukhara
Finishing our exploration of Bukhara, this morning we visit the suburbs of the city, visiting the summer palace of Sitorai Mokhi Khosa and Chor Minor Madrasah. This afternoon, depart on a high-speed train to Tashkent.
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Day 14: Fly back to the UK
After a leisurely morning, we're transferred to the airport in time for our return flight to the UK.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 13 days from £1,689 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 14 days from £2,489 per person
- Single room supplement: From £120
- Walking grade: Demanding
- Guiding: Guided Group
- Max alt: 2,100m
- Group size: 4-12
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 8 nights, simple homestay x 3 nights, traditional yurt camp x 1 night
- 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 12 dinners
- Experienced English-speaking guide
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Choose your preferred departure date from the 2 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Starts | Ends | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Holiday Status | Options |
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All prices are per person.
All our guided group trips can be taken as a private guided itinerary, tailored to dates within the holiday's ‘when to go’ range. Please contact us to discuss your plans. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, contact us for more details. |
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| 2026 | 24 May | 5 Jun | £1,689 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 8 Sep | 20 Sep | £1,689 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
