This combined tour to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan joins two kinds of travelling: easy trekking in the Fann Mountains, one of the most beautiful regions of the Pamirs; and an excursion route through the world famous Great Silk Road cities – Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
A group tour starts in the capital of Uzbekistan – Tashkent, then we move to Samarkand and Uzbek-Tajik border, and next few days we will enjoy the beauty of colorful lakes, high snowy peaks, fragrant juniper forests and green meadows, deep gorges and mountain rivers. The group is accompanied by a mountain guide and service staff.
During the second part of the tour we will explore ancient cities of Uzbekistan. Excursions in Samarkand and Bukhara will immerse you in the medieval architecture, noisy bazaars, delicious cuisine, sunny weather and warm hospitality of locals.
Transfer to “Jartepa” Uzbek-Tajik land border, customs formalities. Further transfer to the Zeravshan river valley and the mountain camp “Artuch”.
Here our trekking in the Fan Mountains starts. This region is an incredibly beautiful corner abounding in alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks, situated at the junction of two major mountain ranges in the Pamir-Alai system – the Hissar and Zeravshan Ranges.
Overnight in the mountain camp “Artuch” (2200 m).
Well-trodden trail takes us up to Kulikalon lakes along the scree slope of the western part of the Kulikalon basin. We steadily climb up and enjoy a view to three peaks – Adamtash (4579 m), Mirali (5106 m) and Maria (4790 m) which making the famous Kulikalon Rock Wall. At the foot of the wall there are turquoise necklace of amazing Kulikalon Lakes. Our camp is located on a green meadow, on the shore of one of the lakes, Bibidjanat Lake.
Travel time: 5 hours; altitude difference: +642 m.
Overnight in tents (2842 m).
While ascending to the Alaudin Pass (3757 m) we enjoy a bird-eye view of Kulikalon Wall, Dushaha Lake and the entire Kulikalon Lake system at its foot. From the pass there's a grand view of amazing Alaudin Lakes, as well as the snow-&-ice-clad 5000+m peaks of the Fan Mountains: Chapdara Peak (5049 m), Bodkhona Peak (5152 m) and Zamok Peak (5020 m).
Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: +915 m; –971 m.
Overnight in tents (2786 m).
Today our point of destination are Mutnye Lakes, they got their name because of the deep gray color of the water. The trail passes by the small lake Piala named for its round-shape bottom, and then takes us to the Mutnye Lakes located in the very heart of the Fan Mountains and surrounded by the most beautiful 5000+m peaks: Chimtarga (5489 m), Energiya (5120 m), Mirali (5106 m), Zamok (5020 m), Bodkhona (5152 m). They are especially beautiful after sunset, when the surrounding peaks are reflected in the water as in a mirror.
Travel time: 4 hours; altitude difference: +700 m.
Overnight in tents (3490 m).
The ascent to the cirque of Chimtarga pass is not difficult technically, but the altitude difference between Mutnye Lakes and the place of our next tent camp is more than 1000 m. Efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views of the dominant peaks – Chimtarga (5489 m) and Energiya (5105 m). Our camp is located at a height of 4500 m, that is the highest point of overnight stay on the entire route. The weather is quite cold there, and warm clothes will be required.
Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: +1010 m.
Overnight in tents (4500 m).
Today we will ascent to the highest point of the entire route – the Chimtarga pass (4780 m). Stunning views open from the pass: from the both sides of the pass there are Energiya Peak and Chimtagra Peak, and on the opposite side – the peaks of the Mutnye Lakes circle: Zamok (5020 m), Bolshaya (Big) Ganza (5306 m), Malaya (Small) Ganza (4946 m), Krasnye Zori Peak (4746 m) and others. Quite far away, on the south there seen the peaks of Hissar Range and on the North – the peaks of Zeravshan Range. Undoubtedly, most of us feel these moments as a climax of the trek. From the pass we descend to the Zindon Praviy (Right) River valley and get to the Bolshoje Allo Lake. Lake Bolshoje Allo was formed as a result of an earthquake in 1912, in a hollow between huge vertical rock walls.
Travel time: 8 hours; altitude difference: +280 m; –1670 m.
Overnight in tents (3110 m).
Descent along the Zindon River valley to the Archimaidan River valley. We overcome a giant blockage that collapsed in the earthquake of 1912 and formed Bolshoje (Big) Allo Lake. We overcome a giant blockage that collapsed in the earthquake of 1912 and formed Lake Bolshoje Allo. Then we will see the emerald-turquoise Maloje (Small) Allo Lake, located at an altitude of 2340 m. Visiting the shepherds' dwelling and tasting ayran – a healthy and refreshing fermented milk homemade product.
After descending to the Archimaidan River valley – transfer to Penjikent and check-in at the hotel.
Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: –1146 m.
Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer to “Jartepa” Tajik-Uzbek land border, customs formalities; further transfer to Samarkand.
Samarkand is probably the best-known Uzbekistan’s historic city. Over 2,750 years of age, it has a rich history and boasts world-famous masterpieces of medieval Islamic architecture, most of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Accommodation at the hotel after 14:00. Leisure time.
Overnight at the hotel.
Sightseeing in Samarkand: the most famous and impressive square in the entire Central Asia – the Registan Square, surrounded by three monumental madrasahs – Madrasah of Ulugbek, Sher-Dor Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah; Gur-e Amir Mausoleum – the grand dynastic tomb of Tamerlane and necropolis of the Timurids, which served as a prototype for the Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra; the largest cathedral mosque in Central Asia, embodying majesty and beauty – Bibi-Khanym; the largest market in Samarkand – Siab Bazaar; an architectural ensemble of 11 medieval mausoleums – Shah-i-Zinda; and the Ulugbek Observatory Museum - one of the most important observatories of the Middle Ages, where a giant angelometer (sextant) is preserved underground.
Overnight at the hotel.
Samarkand – Bukhara (2 hrs 24 mins). Bukhara (sightseeing).
Free time to explore Samarkand on your own.
Transfer to Bukhara by day train (12:42-15:06*, travel time 2 hrs 24 mins).
Bukhara is one of the world’s oldest cities and one of the seven holy cities of Islam. It is over 2,500 years old, and seems to be emanating the breath of history. The city was a large political and religious center in the Middle Ages with over 350 mosques and 80 madrasahs (Islamic colleges), many of which survive. The historic center of Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sightseeing in Bukhara: Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble – the most famous square in Bukhara with an artificial pond around which are Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, Khanaka, the famous monument of Khoja Nasreddin and many cosy cafes. A visit to the 16th-century domed shopping arcade, where you can find folk craft workshops.
A visit to the exciting puppet workshop in Lyab-i Hauz Square. Heritage craftsmen will show how stunning puppets are made, and then bring them to life with a short performance. It is easy to find your 'double' among the many handmade puppets and take it home as a souvenir from Bukhara.
Overnight at the hotel.
Continuation of sightseeing in Bukhara: Mausoleum of Samanids – dynastic tomb combining the traditions of Sogdian and Islamic architecture; unusual mausoleum in the shape of an oblong prism, associated with the biblical legends of the wandering Job – Chashma Ayub Mausoleum; Bolo-Khauz Complex – monument of the monumental Registan of Bukhara, consisting of a water reservoir, minaret and mosque, decorated with 20 carved wooden columns; Citadel of ancient Bukhara, 'city in the city' – the ancient fortress Ark; the oldest building of the Parade Square, the central ensemble and the main symbol of Bukhara – the Po-i-Kalyan Complex, including the famous Kalyan Minaret (46.5 m), Kalyan Mosque and Miri-Arab Madrasah; stunning Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, richly decorated with intricate ornaments; austere and balanced Ulugbek Madrasah.
Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer to Khiva through the famous Kyzylkum Desert along the Amu Darya River. We take the same road once used by countless caravans on the Silk Road. Kyzylkum' means 'red sand', and the sand here is indeed reddish. We will make several stops and walk along the picturesque dunes, admiring the boundless panorama of one of the two largest rivers in the region – the Amu Darya River.
Arrival in Khiva. Check-in at the hotel.
Walking around the historical district – Itchan Kala (XVIII century) which is the walled inner town of the Old Khiva and State Museum-Reserve protected as a World Heritage Site.
Overnight at the hotel.
Khiva is more than 2500 years old; it is a museum-like city of the ancient Khwarazm, colorful and barely touched by humans, and a true example of a medieval city in Middle East. Khiva is the only city in Uzbekistan nowadays where a its shakhristan (inner city), Itchan-Kala, has been preserved almost entirely in its untouched state.
Excursion around Khiva (Itchan-Kala): Pakhlavan Makhmoud Complex, which is considered a place of pilgrimage; Kunya-Ark Fortress – the heart of Itchan-Kala, the citadel of the rulers and another 'city within a city'; Islam Khoja Madrasah and Minaret – the symbol of the city, the highest minaret in Khiva (56.6 m); Tash Khauli Palace – the main residence of Khiva's rulers; Alakuli Khan Madrasah, where the Avicenna Museum of Medical History is located; Juma Mosque – the central and most unusual mosque in Khiva with 213 carved wooden columns, Mukhammad Aminkhan Minaret & Madrasah – the largest madrasah in Khiva and one of the largest in Central Asia.
Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport of Urgench city. The end of the tour program.
Departure from Urgench.
Reservation of the trip begins after receiving of the appropriate request to our e-mail address. Depending on the trip we may ask the Customer to provide passport copy (necessary for issuance of special permits or visa invitations/visas) or passport details (necessary for purchasing the local train and air tickets).
Further information:
Method of settlements:
1. Settlements for services are carried out in the following way: the advance payment at the rate of 100 % from the cost of services to be paid not later than for 10 days prior to the beginning of rendering of services.
2. All sums under the present Agreement can be paid both in non-cash form by transferring them into the bank account of the Contractor, and in cash form by their entering into cash desk of the Contractor according to the Central Asia states legislation. In case of the services cashless payment given according to the present Agreement all sums are paid by the Customer in US dollars.
3. Tour’s cost is not included: trips independently undertaken by tourists and the services which have been not specified in the Appendixes of the present Agreement. All services and additional expenses which have been not specified in the Appendixes of the Agreement are paid independently by the Customer suit place of rendering of services and expenses occurrence. Also the Contractor does not refund to the Customer expenses if during trip not due to the Contractor fault the Customer has not taken advantage of all or part of given services.
Cancellation policy:
1. Cancellation without penalties can be performed 45 days before the start date of services provision.
However:
* In case the Customer cancels the tour after visa invitations are already issued, the Contractor retains cost of the invitation.
* In case the Customer cancels the tour after the local or international flights had already been issued, the Contractor retains the amount of penalties, which the air desk takes from the Contactor during returning of the flight ticket.
2. Cancellation with penalty of 10% from the total cost of the services should be done 35 days before the start date of services provision.
3. Cancellation with penalty of 50% from the total cost of the services should be done 10 days before the start date of services provision.
4. Cancellation with penalty of 80% from the total cost of the services should be done 3 days before the start date of services provision.
5. Cancellation with penalty of 100% from the total cost of the services should be done at the start date of services provision.
Force-major circumstances:
1. Any of the parties will not bear responsibility for full or partial non-performance of any of duties if non-performance is a consequence of force-major circumstances (acts of nature, epidemic, military actions, strikes, important and undeclared beforehand changes of the citizens departure and entrance rules of the Central Asia states by the state bodies, etc.), occurring after the conclusion of the Agreement and being out of the control of the Parties. However, the Contractor will use the best efforts to render the reasonable help and to limit to the maximum a possible damage to the Customer.
“Artuch” mountain camp:
Accommodation in cottages, for 4 persons in a cottage
Fann Mountains:
Tent camp
Penjikent:
Penjikent Plaza 3+* / Rudaki 3* or similar
Samarkand:
Arba 3* / Marokand Spa Hotel 3* or similar
Bukhara:
Ayvan Boutique 3* / Nostalgia Boutique 3* or similar
Khiva:
Shokh Jahon 3* / Silk Road 3* or similar
Meeting/send-off at the airport, group transfer from the airport to the hotel and back for each flight
All transfers according to the tour program
- All needed documents arrangement for visiting the Fann Mountains region.
- Services during the trekking in the Fann Mountains:
full board (three hot meals a day).
accommodation in twin sharing tents.
services of an English-speaking mountain guide, cook and service staff.
donkey rental for personal and team luggage transportation.
porters’ service for personal equipment transportation (weight max.10 kg per person).
bivouac and kitchen equipment (tents, kitchenware);
first-aid kit.
- Economy class railway tickets for the “Sharq” high-speed train from Samarkand to Bukhara
- Bottled mineral water per day/per person.
- Souvenirs.
- Personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, camping sleeping pad, trekking poles, shoes, clothes).
- The cost of meals not mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees to the monuments and museums listed above (can be paid on the spot).
- Porters at the railway stations and airports.
- Tips and gratitudes.
Guided sightseeing tours according to the tour program
Uzbekistan
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