Tajikistan Uzbekistan - Trekking and cultural highlights of the ancient silkroad

Best travel season:

September

Trip duration:

18 days

From/To:

Dushanbe/Tashkent

Trek duration:

9 days

Trek duration

9 days

Accommodation:

Hotel / Homestay / Tent

Difficulty:

Moderate - Demanding

Difficulty

Moderate - Demanding

See our detailed Travel Notes (PDF Download)

Group size:

8 to 12 travellers

Tour leader:

Local English-speaking mountain guide

Price:

2.080,- land only

Trek the pristine Fan mountains and explore mythical Samarkand and Bukhara

Trek through the tajik Fan Mountains in 9 days and explore the Western part of the High Pamir.

Cross several passes and hike amidst the impressive and colourful mountain landscapes of the Fan Mountains.

Enjoy encounters with the very hospitable and warm-hearted Tajiks while walking through pristine villages.

Camp on the picturesque shores of gorgeous mountain lakes.

After crossing the border to Uzbekistan you'll reach the mythical city of Samarkand.

Discover the cultural highlights along the Ancient Silk Road and be enchanted by the mystic cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.

Explore the world famous, stunningly colourful madrassas and their azure domes.

Enjoy free time in the ancient cities and a city tour in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, at the end of the trip.

Detailed itinerary

DAY

1

Individual arrival in Dushanbe

Early arrival in Dushanbe and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. After check-in you can relax after the long flight. After lunch, we’ll stroll along Rudaki Boulevard and visit the bustling and energetic capital of Tajikistan.
At night, you’ll have dinner together with the rest of the trekking group in the renowned restaurant Rochat, located on Rudaki.

Accommodation:	Hotel, Dushanbe
Meals:	L D

DAY

2

From Dushanbe to Penjikent

A scenic drive from Dushanbe takes you north through the Fan Mountains, the western spur of the Pamir. Soon you’ll leave the plain around Dushanbe behind and get your first sights of the impressive Tajic mountain landscape. A short detour will take you to the big, turquoise blue Iskander Kul. The picturesque lake, nestled in the Fan Mountains, is named after Alexander the Great. In the late afternoon, you’ll reach the city of Penjikent, near the Uzbek border, where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.

Drive:	300 km / approx. 6,5 h
Accommodation:	Hotel, Penjikent
Meals:	B D

DAY

3

From Penjikent to the Fan Mountains

Leaving the wide and fertile valley of the Zarafshon river, you’ll head south on gravel roads into the Fan mountains. The lush Shing valley and the seven magnificent lakes, all of different colours, are the first scenic highlights of the trip. There will be a stop at Marghuzor Lake (2200 m), where the first camp will be set up next to a small settlement.

Drive:	approx. 2 h
Accommodation:	Tent (2200 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

4

Start of the trekking: Across Tawasang Pass

Early in the morning, you’ll meet our local trekking staff and their packing animals. They‘ll quickly pack the mules with your luggage and off you go on your first trekking day.
You’ll hike through the wild, rough but also charmingly beautiful mountain landscape of the Fan Mountains along the Teogli brook. The trail takes you east and up to the approx. 3300 m high Tawasang Pass. From the top, you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view into the heart of the western Fan Mountains and the beautiful Saramat Gorge, which you’ll hike through the following day.
After a well-deserved rest at the pass, you’ll walk down to our first camp site in the long and impressive Saramat Gorge (approx. 2350 m).

Ascent:	1150 m
Descent:	950 m
Walking Time:	approx. 7 h
Accommodation:	Tent (2350 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

5

Trek through the Saramat Gorge

Today you’ll follow the lively Saramat stream, an easy path through the wooded bottom of the deep gorge. You’ll walk through the small settlement of Khomori Goitan and soon reach the confluence of the Saramat and Archamaidon rivers. At Duoba (approx. 1850 m), the next camp will be set up.

Descent:	400 m
Walking Time:	4 - 5 h
Accommodation:	Tent (1850 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

6

Along Archamaidon River to Zimtut

Today’s easy hike on a barely used cart track along the Archamaidon River takes you through small villages, where you’ll be welcomed by the outgoing local people. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the locals and of course to make use of great photo opportunities. Around noon, you’ll reach the large village of Zimtut (approx. 1700 m.a.s.l.), where you’ll stay overnight in a small, cosy family homestay. In the afternoon, there will be time to explore the small, friendly village on your own.

Ascent:	50 m
Descent:	300 m
Walking Time:	3 - 4 h
Accommodation:	Family homestay (1700 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

7

Crossing Guitan Pass and hike to Lake Chukurak

After yesterday‘s stage full of encounters, you’ll trek into more remote territory today. You’ll leave Zimtut and head east and up to Guitan Pass (approx. 2650 m) and then down to the beautiful Lake Chukurak (approx. 2450 m). Its idyllic shores are excellent for the next camp.

Ascent:	1100 m
Descent:	250 m
Walking Time:	approx. 6 h
Accommodation:	Tent (2450 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

8

Across Chukurak Pass to Kuli Kalon lakes

Today, you’ll climb Chukurak Pass (approx. 3150 m). At the top, you’ll have a very good view of today’s destination, the colourful Kuli-Kalon Lakes in the midst of a stunningly beautiful landscape. Lake Kuli-Kalon proper is the second largest lake in the Fan Mountains. The other small lakes around the big lake are also charming and form a veritable chain of lakes of various colors.
From the pass you’ll hike down to the campsite on the lake shore (approx. 2820 m).

Ascent:	750 m
Descent:	400 m
Walking Time:	approx. 4 h
Accommodation:	Tent (2820 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

9

Across Alaudin Pass

Today‘s trekking stage is longer and takes us past several of the Kuli-Kalon lakes and up to the 3860 m high Alaudin Pass. At the pass, you can admire – weather permitting - a unique panorama while having your lunch: the colourful lakes behind you, embedded in a lovely rugged mountain landscape, the ice and snow covered peaks of the central Fan Mountains to the South and the indescribably beautiful, bright blue lakes Alaudin and Guitara at your feet.
After an unhurried rest at the scenic pass, you’ll walk down to Alaudin Lake (approx. 2800 m), where camp will be set up for two nights.

Ascent:	900 m
Descent:	950 m
Walking Time:	6 - 7 h
Accommodation:	Tent (2800 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

10

Sidetrip to Lake Mutnoe and back

If you feel like hiking to the foot of the glaciated Fan Mountains, you can hike to Lake Mutnoe at the foot of Mount Chimtarga (5490 m) today, the highest mountain in the Fan Mountains. The ascent leads past the Alaudin and Guitara lakes and over talus and scree to the "dirty" Mutnoe lake. It lies in a large alluvial basin and the tiny particles deposited in the water by the glacier makes its waters murky. After lunch break in the midst of the high alpine surroundings, you’ll retrace your steps to Lake Alaudin.
Alternatively, a leisurely rest day can be spent on the banks of the picturesque (but icy cold) lakes of Alaudin and Guitara.

Ascent:	720 m
Descent:	720 m
Walking Time:	approx. 6 h
Accommodation:	Tent (2800 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

11

Cross Laudan Pass and trek back to the Kuli Kalon lakes

A short descent takes you from the camp at Lake Alaudin to the alpine camp "Vertical", a former Soviet mountaineering camp. A wider and gentle trail takes you up to Laudan Pass at 3600 m, a little to the north of the higher Alaudin Pass which you crossed on the way to Lake Alaudin two days ago. At your feet, the impressive lake scenery of Kuli-Kalon unfolds again.
After a rest, you’ll descend bearing west to the Kuli-Kalon Lakes and set up camp in this now familiar - and still impressive - landscape.

Ascent:	900 m
Descent:	800 m
Walking Time:	6 - 7 h
Accommodation:	Tent (2820 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

12

End of trekking tour and drive to Samarkand, Uzbekistan

It’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful, idyllic Fan Mountains and our friendly and courteous trekking staff. But before that, you’ll descend from the plateau of the Kuli-Kalon lakes and walk through the Artuch gorge to the alpine camp by the same name. You’ll reach the alpine camp Artuch around noon and now it’s time say goodbye to the staff.
After lunch, you’ll hop into off-road vehicles and travel on a bumpy track from the alpine camp to the main road leading to Penjikent and on to the Uzbek border. The departure from Tajikistan as well as the entry into Uzbekistan may take some time - formalities! You may even have to carry your luggage yourself from the Tajik to the Uzbek border post...
On the Uzbek side, your Uzbek driver will be waiting for you. A good road will take you to Samarkand within an hour, where you’ll check-in at a nice hotel in downtown Samarkand and enjoy the first shower after trekking for days!
In the evening, there will be some time left for visiting some of the sight, e.g. the Gori Amir Mausoleum (Tomb of Timur), an enchanting sight at night and taster for the magnificent architecture in the days to come.

Descent:	500 m
Walking Time:	approx. 3 h
Drive:	120 km / approx. 2,5 km
Accommodation:	Hotel, Samarkand
Meals:	B L D

DAY

13

Sightseeing in Samarkand

This day is entirely dedicated to the breathtaking city of Samarkand, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
In addition to the many mausoleums and madrassas, a visit to the huge Registan Square, landmark of Samarkand, with its three large madrassas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tilya Kori) is certainly one of the absolute highlights of any trip to Uzbekistan.
Another highlight is the visit to the necropolis Shahisinda with its numerous colourful mausoleums as well as the visit to the observatory of Ulugbek, built in the 15th century.

Accommodation:	Hotel, Samarkand
Meals:	B D

DAY

14

Samarkand and transfer to Bukhara

In the morning, there will be some more time to visit one or two more monuments in Samarkand before heading to the large Siyob Bazaar for some additional oriental flair. After a tasty lunch, you'll travel in a comfortable bus and on good roads through the red desert Kyzyl Kum all the way to Bukhara. Thanks to intensive irrigation, the desert has turned into a very lush landscape of cotton fields and fruit groves. You’ll stay in the fairytale-like city of Bukhara, your second stop on the legendary Silk Road, for three nights. The beautiful hotel is located directly at the edge of the old town.

Drive:	280 km / approx. 4,5 h
Accommodation:	Hotel, Bukhara
Meals:	B D

DAY

15

Sightseeing in Bukhara

Bukhara is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia (about 2500 years old) and was once one of the most important and prosperous hubs along the historic Silk Road. The old town is UNESCO world cultural heritage and impresses with its incomparable oriental architecture.
You’ll visit the Mausoleum of Ismail Somoni, the earliest still preserved evidence of Islamic architecture in Central Asia, as well as the only monument of the Samanid dynasty that has been preserved to this day. You’ll also visit the 17th century Ark Fortress and the Bolo Hauz Mosque. The sightseeing tour will also include the Kalon Mosque and the 46 m high Kalon Minaret as well as the Madrassas Mir-I-Arab, Ulugbek, Aziz Khan and Devanbegi.

Accommodation:	Hotel, Bukhara
Meals:	B D

DAY

16

Sightseeing in Bukhara and free time

Today’s destination is a popular place of pilgrimage outside of Bukhara. Its main feature is the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Bakhauddin Nakshbandi. Your next stops will be the summer palace of the last emir of Bukhara and the gatehouse of the Chor Minor madrassa, one of Bukhara‘s landmarks. It has four minarets! The afternoon is free to meander through the old town of Bukhara on your own.

Accommodation:	Hotel, Bukhara
Meals:	B D

DAY

17

Flight to Tashkent and sightseeing

In the morning, you’ll take a plane from Bukhara to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. After a leisurely lunch, a tour of the city, including the large mosques and madrassas of the Hast-Imam complex with its turquoise domes and slender minarets, is next. As a contrast, we will also visit the mundane part of Tashkent around the great Amir Timur Square.
In the evening, you’ll have a last dinner with your trekking mates in a beautiful oriental restaurant before you’ll head for the capital‘s airport in the late evening.

Flight:	approx. 1 h
Accommodation:	Hotel, Tashkent
Meals:	B D

DAY

18

Flight home or onward journey

You’ll leave Uzbekistan in the early morning hours and return to Europe by plane.

Meals:

B

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

Difficulty rating - altitude acclimatisation - preparation

Overall Difficulty

Moderate to demanding

Technical difficulty

Easy to moderate

No alpine difficulties, solid sure-footedness required. Most of our trek follows narrow but good hiking trails without technical difficulties. There will also be some easy backcountry terrain. Very few passages on steep trails need to be tackled, e.g. when hiking up to a pass. The mule caravan will take the same trails.

Fitness stamina

Moderate to demanding

Ascents and descents of up to approx. 1100 m in altitude difference per day. Most stages will be less. Walking times can add up to 8 hours a day, but most stages of the tour are shorter. The long climbs to the passes (e.g. day 4, 7, 9) can be demanding if the temperatures are high. At regular intervals, there will be shorter stages to relax.
Good physical condition is required and a prerequisite.

Altitude acclimatisation

In the course of this trek, we’ll climb to altitudes of a maximum of 3900 m (Alaudin Pass), but we’ll spend most of our time at altitudes of about 3000 to 3500 m. The highest sleeping altitude will be around 2800 m.
The altitude acclimatisation during the trek is unproblematic and very well-tolerated: We’ll climb steadily and slowly to only moderate heights. Nevertheless, some respect is appropriate for heights around and above 3500 m.

Please help your body in this important process by:

• starting the journey in good health and well-rested,
• avoiding any unnecessary efforts during the first days of the trek,
• walking relatively slowly, especially when ascending
• drinking lots of fluids (water)
• trusting and following the instructions and advice of your guides.

Requirements and preparation

This trip is ideal for mountain hikers with a good level of fitness, accustomed to day hikes of 1000 m to 1200 m of ascent/descent in the Alps and who do not shy away from longer tours of 1500 m of ascent/descent either. As a participant, you follow a regular exercise regime of (endurance) sports and may already have trekking experience. It is helpful to have hiked or mountaineered in altitudes around 4000 meters before, but this is not a prerequisite.
Endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: Regular running (jogging), cycling and long mountain hikes carrying an average daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) are best for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.

10.05. - 27.05.2021

Available

€ 2.080,-

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30.08. - 16.09.2021