Mountain worlds and minarets of Uzbekistan (15 Days)

Short city tour, you visit the Khasti Imam Square with the beautiful Barak Khan Medrese, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum made of simple brickwork. Here you can take a look at the Koran handwritten by the third Caliph Osman (644-656). Continue with a visit to the huge Chorsu bazaar, whose oriental smells and spices will transport you into the fairy tales of 1001 nights. In the early afternoon we drive to the Kumyskang valley, north of Tashkent. We spend the evening with the family of the escort team who will accompany us with the pack animal in the coming days. Overnight with the host family.

After making breakfast with our hosts, we reach the hills on the other side of the village. Below the height we find the whole chain of Chimgan and the southern agricultural plains. But the path leads very slowly, following an old track. This hike every balcony offers great views of the countryside and see the shepherds with their sheep in the summer grazing. We cross the pass and pitch our tents at the foot of the Kizilnura ridge (the "red earth" in Uzbek). Overnight in a tent.

Walking time: 7-8 hours. Ascent: 1610 m. Descent: 180 m. 15 km.

We start our hike in connection through the peaks of Kizilnura 600 meters above us. The road is winding and steep in places, but without major difficulties. From above we have a great view: Chatkal, Grand Chimgan, the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and neighboring Kazakhstan and the distant Fergana Valley. We follow a long time on the ridge several kilometers before the descent. A series of climbs and descents then brings us into the wide, flat valley of Kakzai. Overnight in a tent.

Walking time: 5-6 hours. Ascent: 750 m. Descent: 1240 m. 11 km.

We climb a small hill overlooking our camp in a limestone area, strikingly contrasts with the ocher land or shell area. We then cross a long plateau without following a specific path, in the midst of wetlands and pastures. Then we reach an old track at the neck of Aktahta and we follow it to climb up side to get closer to the top of the Barangur. After a few small passes, we go to camp at his feet on the edge of a stream that bears his name. Overnight in a tent.
Walking time: 5-6 hours. Ascent: 640 m. Descent: 610 m. 14 km

We slowly descend into the valley, enjoying the late sun rays and the atmosphere. We admire one last look at the valley and then back to where we just spent the night and then we go on an easy path. At over 2500 meters, we walk without difficulty within a wide plateau, a few peaks and valleys interrupted from time to time. We are gradually approaching from the summit of the Great Chimgan, which finally appears before us, massive and imposing in panorama. It is time for us to put our bags and enjoy the surrounding view and a good hot tea. Overnight in a tent
Walking time: 5 hours. Ascent: 860 m. Descent: 500 m. 12 km

Today we go straight towards the summit of the Great Chimgan to 3310 meters! The path is easy to follow in the footsteps of shepherds and their flocks to the left. We walk away on the south side before moving briefly on the western slope. The top is overdue and we have to use our hands to lift ourselves up. This fantastic view we are considering over 360 degrees Uzbek mountains, Kyrgyz and Kazakhs. After a few photos taken the same trail as on the trail before they turn the steep slopes of the southern slope to the right of us. Overnight in a tent.
Walking time: 7 hours. Ascent: 920 m. Descent: 1180 m. 11 km

We continue our descent and are close to the path of the ancient petroglyphs representing almost 9000 years of animals then living in the region. At the bottom of the valley, the shepherds take their flocks to the hills, while some miserable dwellings filter the smell of baked bread. A little effort and we spend a small pass in front of the Beldirsay descending. We say goodbye to our team and wish them a safe return before taking the road to Tashkent. In the late afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Urgench. Transfer to Khiva oasis in the desert region of Khorezm. First immersion in Ichan-Kala (the city center and fortress), surrounded by walls made of brick and mud from the seventeenth century. Overnight at hotel.
Walking time: 4 hours. Ascent: 300 m. Descent: 1140 m. 9 km. 80 km. 1 hour 30 minutes drive.

Khiva is a city from the fairy tale “A Thousand and One Nights”. City tour. In the Ichan- Kala fortress you will visit: Kunja fortress, mausoleum of Allakulikhan, madrasah of Muhammad Aminkhan (XVIII century) madrasah of Muhammad Rakhimkhan, Kalta Minor, madrasah of Shergasikhan (XVIII century). Continuation of the excursion. Visit Djuma mosque (18th century) Medrese Allakulikhan, Tash-Khovli palace, Pachlovon Makhmud mausoleum, Islam Khodja minaret. Overnight at hotel.

As you drive through the Kyzylkum Desert, you will discover that the seemingly wasteland also has a lot to offer. You will drive along the Amu Darya River, the life-giving stream of Central Asia. In addition, your guide will use the time to tell you interesting facts about the country and its people. So you can look forward to a varied journey. Overnight in Bukhara.

This city, which lies in the Serafshan Valley, has retained its original charm. Once one of the main cities of the Silk Road, where all traders rushed to sell their wares, including carpets and jewelry. Although Islam was born elsewhere, Bukhara was an important focus of its development. The city is home to hundreds of Islamic schools, madrasas, and so many mosques and shrines. Historical sights such as the Ark (Citadel of I-IV centuries), the whole Poi-Kalan (XV-XVI centuries), Medresen Ulugbek and Abdul Aziz (XV-XVII centuries) all recall the Labi-Khouse (XVI-XVII centuries) medieval centuries. Overnight at hotel.

Drive to Samarkand, the city of fairy tales from 1001 nights (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the Middle Ages it was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On the way you will visit the family of the master potters and their handicraft workshop in the town of Gijduvan. You will then visit the old Rabati Malik and Sardoba caravanserai (water storage facility). Arrival in Samarkand. Overnight at hotel.

Capital of Tamerlane, the great city of the ancient Sogdiana, lies at the crossroads of the main trade routes from China, Siberia, Persia and the west. This step alone is an essential point on the journey to understanding the power of the Khan dynasty at that time. Be amazed by these amazing shades of blue over sights such as the famous mosque of Bibi Khanum, the Gur-Emir (tomb of ruler Timur and his descendants) or the famous Registan Square (XV century XVII) that are never indifferent to any traveler. Overnight at hotel.

Continuation of the sightseeing program through Samarkand. Today you will visit the Afrosiab Museum, once the heart of ancient Samarkand and now a unique archaeological city; the Ulugbek observatory (XV century), which tells the fascinating story of the little son Tamerlane; the tomb of St. Daniel and Konigil village, where you will learn about the traditional production process of paper from mulberries. You also have the opportunity to stroll through the oriental bazaar. In the evening you will take the train back to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent.

Transfer to the airport in Tashkent. Here we say goodbye to the group. We have unforgettable memories. Flight home.