Mountains and Pearls of the East

Tajikistan, Uzbekistan | 15 days | 14 nights
Itinerary

Tour itinerary:

Day 1:Europe – Tashkent

Departure by scheduled flight from Europe.

Day 2:Tashkent – Samarkand

Arrival from Europe by... Airlines to Tashkent and transfer to the hotel. After shower and breakfast beginning of the city tour and visit Chorusu bazaar where they are put for sale a variety of local products and crafts. After visiting old city: the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shaoshi ,Madrassa Barak Khan ,the mosque Telyashaykh, Madrassa Kukeldash , Juma Mosque. And proceed the visit from Amur Temur square and in the afternoon transfer to Samarkand by vehicle (car, minibus or bus). Arrival in Samarkand and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in the group hotel in Samarkand.

Day 3:Samarkand

After breakfast starting of sightseeing tour in “Eden of the Orient”- that name was given to Samarkand by the philosophers and poets of the past.
Today you will see this famous city in all its beauty : visit Registan square (XVII c) including Ulugbek Madrassah (1417-1420), Sher-Dor Madrassah (1619-1636), Tillya-Kori (1647-1660) Madrassah, Gur-Emir mausoleum , Bibi-Khanum mosque (XVc.), Shokhi-Zinda (XII-XVc) architectural assemble, Ulugbek observatory(XVc.).
Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 4:Samarkand – Shakrisabz – Bukhara

You drive westward to Bukhara via Shakhrisabz (360 km, 5-6 hours driving). The name of this city means - green city and was birthplace of Tamerlane. During the stop in Shakhrisabz, you explore the remnants of the great White Palace built by Tamerlane, as well as Kok Gumbaz and Doru Saodat, where relatives and close friends of the Emperor were buried. After lunch, you head to Bukhara. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 5:Bukhara

Full day tour of Bukhara, the city of 1001 Nights. You attend the Ark fortress, Bolo Hauz mosque, mausoleum of Ismail Samani, Chashma Ayub, Kalyan minaret and mosque, Lyabi Hauz square with the spectacular Nadir Divan Begi Madrassahs. Also, you will see Chor-Minor situated backstreets of Bukhara. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 6:Bukhara - Khiva

You take a long drive (480 km, 6-8 hours) through the desert along the course of the Amudarya River to the capital of ancient Khorezm, Urgench (Khiva). The rest of the day is devoted to checking in the hotel and leisure. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 7:Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent

You enjoy a full day tour of Khiva, the city of a thousand and one domes. Ichan Kala, the inner fortress, is a museum in the open. You will visit Muhammad Aminkhan Madrassah and its minaret, Kunya Ark and Juma Mosque with 218 wooden pillars, the Harem of Khiva Khans, mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmud, a famous ancient wrestler and poet who patronized Khiva. Islam Khodja complex will provide you with a breathtaking view of Khiva from the top of its minaret. Upon completion of the excursion transfer to Urgench city and you fly back to Tashkent by Uzbekistan Airways (1.5 hours).

Day 8:Tashkent – Oybek border – Churmash (Tajikistan)

After breakfast transfer to the border and drive along the road leading to east toward the mountains of Tajikistan. In the afternoon, you arrive to Chourmash village, starting point of the trek. The mule team organized for the start of the next day. Overnight in home stay. 8 hour drive with 450 km of drive.

Day 9:Churmah – Sngui Safed (2520 m)

Our team set begin for the first day's trek in the Tajik mountains. We go through the traditional villages of Passroude, Margouzor and then Immat Valley before joining Sangui Safed. 6-7 hours of walking with 600m ascend.

Day 10:Sangui Safed –Aladdin lake (2700 m)

The trail leads us to the Col de Bodkhona (3420 m) descend on the shores of beautiful Lake Alaudin, with turquoise waters. You can face to peaks of Bodkhona (4500 m) and Tchapdara (4200. Camping on the banks of the lake. 7 hours walk with 1100 m ascend.

Day 11:Aladdin lake – Mutniy Lake – foot of glacier Chimtarga – Aladdin Lake

The day of exploring the high mountains surrounding the lake Aladdin. You ascend to Lake Moutny (3500 m) in 4 hours walking. Its banks are surrounded for many peaks over 4000 meters, Peak Mirali (5480) Peak Energy (5120), as well as starting point to Peak Chimtarga (5485 m),the highest peak in the region. Glaciers flow down from the steep rock walls. In the afternoon way back to camp Alaudin.6 hours walking with 800 m of ascend.

Day 12:Aladdin Lake – Kulikalon Lake

We cross the neck of Aladdin (3620 m) descend to the of colorful Koulikalon Lake(2800) where turquoise lakes reflect the glaciers coming down from peak Maria. We set up our camp besides Kulikalon Lake. 7 hours walking with 800 m of ascend.

Day 13:Kulikalon Lake – Chukurak lake

We ascend to cross the Chukurak Pass (3100) and drop into Chukurak Lake(2400) and the braves can swim in the lake. We set up our camp besides lake and meeting Tajik shepherds who live in the shelters near the lake.6 hours of walking with 700 m of ascend.

Day 14:Chukurak Lake – Oybek border - Tashkent

In the morning we descend to the camp of mountaineers Artoutch and drive by 4x4 to the border. After the formalities Tajik-Uzbek (second time entrance to Uzbekistan), and we drive to Tashkent. Overnight at the group hotels.

Day 15:Tashkent – Departure flight

Departure flight to Europe.

Prices
Price upon request booking

Price includes:

  • A single Tashkent Airport transfer at the beginning and end of the trip
  • A total of 8 nights in hotels, guesthouse and home stay accommodation in Tashkent - Samarkand and Chormash
  • All meals are included
  • When trekking a full service is provided with baggage transport by donkeys and by porters - a cook team - all food and all camping equipment and 6 nights at tents (excluding personal equipment)
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for monuments and museums

Price not includes:

  • Travel insurance
  • Uzbekistan and Tajikistan visa fees
  • Tips for local guides and support staff
  • Fees for using a camera at some of the monuments in Samarkand
  • Miscellaneous expenses - souvenirs and drinks etc