Tien Shan and Uzbekistan (15 days)

Transfer from Osh to Aflatun river valley, which is located in the eastern part of the southern slope of the largest range in the Western Tien Shan – Chatkal Range. We set up a tent camp in a picturesque place, right at the confluence of the Aflatun and Utur rivers, in the shade of walnut trees.

Travel time: 7 hrs; altitude difference: +340 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1300 m).

Start of the trekking route. Trekking up along the South Aflatun river valley to its confluence with the Uyalma tract. A rather good dirt road runs along the canyon of the river among the picturesque spruce forests, it perfect fits for the first day of the route.

Lunch in the birch forest by the river. Then we continue the trekking up along the gorge to the confluence of the rivers, which forms a wide valley covered with green lawns and spruce forest.

Travel time: 7 hrs; altitude difference: +630 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1930 m).

Trekking over Kuldambes pass (2946 m) and then descent to Lake Sary-Chelek via Ashuu pass (2551 m).

Easy trekking over Kuldambes pass is done at the background of picturesque landscapes of Uyalma Valley and the Chatkal Ridge. After crossing Kuldambes pass we continue the way to Ashuu pass – the viewpoint with stunning views of lake Sary-Chelek and the valley. 

Descent from Ashuu pass to the lake Sary-Chelek valley. Lake Sary-Chelek is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes and the third deepest lake in Central Asia. Sary-Chelek resulted from an enormous landslide blocking the eponymous river, which happened about 10000 years ago. 

Travel time: 8 hrs; altitude difference: +1016 m; -1016 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1880 м).

We leave lake Sary-Chelek shores and trek upstream the Sary-Chelek river to its confluence with the Makmal river. A path along the river will lead us first to alpine meadows, and then to the wide saddle-point of Makmal pass (2654 m). From the saddle of the pass it is possible to make a simple ascent to the nearby summit. Lunch at the pass.

Descent along the Kurumdu river to the Kara-Suu river valley.

Travel time: 7–8 hrs; altitude difference: +774 m; -804 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1850 м).

After two intense previous days, the descent along the river valley to the lake Kara-Suu (Karakamysh) is very light and slow. The lake is incredibly beautiful and is located in a very picturesque gorge. The main highlight is the stunning view from the shores of the lake to the Min-Teke mountain range.

After lunch, horseback riding, acquaintance with the life of nomads.

Travel time: 3-4 hrs; altitude difference: -50 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1800 m).

After trekking along lake Kara-Suu we start an easy ascent to Kuturma pass (2446 m). A picturesque path runs between juniper trees and rocks. From the pass there opens a stunning panorama of southern part of lake Sary-Chelek. Descent from the pass is quite steep, but not too long, and soon we pass through the flowering fields and reach the banks of the lake Iri-Kol. We proceed our way to the place of overnight stay, which is located between picturesque lakes Tuyuk-Kol and Kyla-Kol.

Travel time: 6 hrs; altitude difference: +646 m; -546 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1900 m).

Trekking to the southern part of the lake Sary-Chelek. The route runs through apple orchards along numerous turquoise lakes. Along the way, magical landscapes of the most beautiful mountains of Kyrgyzstan continue to open at each new turn.

Transfer to Osh, check-in at the hotel. Free time without transportation or guided excursions.

We recommend a self-guided walk through the city center. You can visit the Osh Bazaar to purchase souvenirs or hike up the sacred, two-peaked Suleiman Mountain. The stairway trail takes about 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint at 1,092 meters, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city. At the top, you'll find a massive Kyrgyz flag and the historic Babur’s House (15th-16th centuries), the residence of Tamerlane’s grandson. The mountain’s location in the heart of the city makes it even more impressive, and if you visit around sunset, you’ll witness some of the most stunning views.

Travel time: 9 hrs; altitude difference: -940 m.

 Meals: breakfast, lunch.

 Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, customs formalities.

Transfer to Rishtan, a town renowned since ancient times for its stunning glazed ceramics. The distinctive blue pottery of Rishtan is exceptionally beautiful and highly popular among tourists as a souvenir.

Excursion to the Ceramics Center, where we will meet local artisans and learn about their craft. Demonstration of the ceramic pottery-making process.

Transfer to Kokand, the former capital of the Kokand Khanate (18th–19th centuries).

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

Kokand, located at the entrance to the fertile Fergana Valley, was an important hub along the Great Silk Road and part of the ancient state of Davan. Its golden age was in the 18th century, when it became the capital of the Kokand Khanate (18th–19th centuries) and a major religious center, with around 40 madrasas and more than 300 mosques.

Sightseeing in Kokand: Visit to the Palace of Khudoyar Khan, also known as "Kokand Urda", the residence of the last ruler of the Kokand Khanate; the Madari-Khan Mausoleum, decorated with intricate patterns and delicate white ganch stalactites, built by order of the famous Uzbek poet Nadira; the Jami Mosque, renowned for its magnificent elmwood columns, made from an exceptionally durable tree species; and the Dakhma-i-Shahon Necropolis, the burial site of Kokand's khans and one of the city's most important historical landmarks.

Transfer to Tashkent via the scenic Kamchik Pass (2285 m), a route of vital importance for the country as it serves as the main transport and passenger corridor between the capital and the Fergana Valley.

Arrival in Tashkent, check-in at the hotel. Free time.

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

Sightseeing in Tashkent (Old City): visit to Hast-Imam Square, the spiritual center of the city, where the original manuscript of the Uthman Quran and a strand of the Prophet Muhammad’s hair are preserved; the Barak-Khan Madrasa and Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, among the oldest architectural monuments in the Uzbek capital.

Visit to Chorsu Bazaar, the most famous and historic market in Tashkent. Under its massive domed structure, you can find local products, fragrant spices, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. In the Old City, beyond its traditional oriental architecture, you will see authentic mahallas—historic residential quarters with adobe houses, narrow streets, and a timeless atmosphere.

Lunch at the famous Central Asian Plov Center "Besh Qozon", where 10 tons of delicious plov are cooked daily in giant cauldrons.

Transfer to Samarkand, the ancient capital of Sogdiana, once known as Marakanda. One of the oldest cities in the world and the former capital of Tamerlane's vast empire, Samarkand is a living museum and a historic hub of the Silk Road. To this day, it retains the unique aura of medieval Asia.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

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.

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

08:00 – transfer to Gijduvan, a town renowned for its centuries-old ceramic traditions. Visit the Narzullaev family, a dynasty of master potters, to learn about the Gijduvan school of ceramics, from shaping and firing to intricate hand-painting.

Enjoy a traditional lunch at the potters' home, featuring a tasting of the famous Gijduvan kebabs.

Continue to Bukhara, one of Uzbekistan’s most ancient cities and a key stop along the Great Silk Road. In the Middle Ages, Bukhara was a major political, cultural, and religious hub of the Islamic world. Today, more than 140 architectural monuments remain, including grand madrasahs, mosques, and the iconic Kalon Minaret, as well as the Ark Fortress, medieval bathhouses, and domed shopping arcade. The historical center of Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Out-of-town guided sightseeing tour (4 km from Bukhara): visit the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the opulent summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, blending Oriental and European architectural styles.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, check-in at the hotel. Sightseeing in Bukhara: starting with Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the city’s most famous square with an artificial pond, surrounded by the Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, and Khanqah. Nearby is the beloved statue of Nasreddin Hodja, a legendary folk character. Explore the domed shopping arcade of the 16th century, where local artisans continue the traditions of silk weaving, embroidery, metalwork, and ceramics.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Overnight at the hotel.

Continuation of the Bukhara Sightseeing Tour:

Visit to the Samanid Mausoleum, a dynastic tomb blending Sogdian and Islamic architectural traditions, considered one of the finest examples of early Islamic architecture in Central Asia.

Explore the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, an unusual structure shaped like an elongated prism, associated with biblical legends of Job (Ayub), who is said to have struck the ground here, bringing forth a sacred spring.

The tour continues at the Bolo-Hauz Complex, a historic landmark of Bukhara’s Registan Square. This ensemble consists of a picturesque water reservoir, a minaret, and a mosque, adorned with 20 intricately carved wooden columns.

Step inside the Ark Fortress, an ancient citadel known as a "city within a city." This massive stronghold once housed Bukhara’s rulers and remains one of the most significant monuments of the city's past.

Discover the Poi-Kalyan Complex, the central architectural ensemble and the most iconic symbol of Bukhara, featuring the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah.

Admire the Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah, a masterpiece of Islamic artistry, richly decorated with intricate patterns and vibrant ornamental details.

Finally, visit the Ulugbek Madrasah, a striking example of Timurid-era educational architecture, with its balanced and refined design reflecting the ruler's passion for science and learning.

Transfer to Tashkent by train. Meeting at the railway station, check-in at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport. The end of the tour program.

Departure from Tashkent.