Silk Road Adventure: Fann Mountains & Best of Uzbekistan
Trekking in the Fann Mountains in the Pamirs and excursions in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
| Destinations: | Tajikistan, Pamir-Alay mountains, Uzbekistan | View the route map »» |
| Duration: | 15 days / 14 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Tashkent – Samarkand – Mountain camp “Artuch” – Kulikalon Lakes – Alaudin Lakes – Mutnye Lakes – Chimtarga Pass – Bolshoje Allo Lake – Maloje Allo Lake – Archimaidan River Valley – Penjikent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Urgench | |
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.
- ITINERARY,
SERVICES & COST - USEFUL INFORMATION
VISA, PERMITS
| Itinerary | ||
| Day 1. | Arrival in Tashkent. Meeting at the airport. Transfer and check-in at a hotel after 14:00. Free time without transportation and excursion service. Tashkent is the flavorful capital of Uzbekistan: it carries in itself both the modern infrastructure and the preserved cozy Old Town. Tashkent’s architecture is striking in its diversity and variety: archaeological monuments from the Zoroastrianism era that are more than 2200 years old, architectural masterpieces of the Middle Ages, monumental buildings of the late 19th century, the most beautiful underground subway in the world, and of course, the numerous contemporary buildings. We recommend taking a walk through the central districts of Tashkent. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 2. | Tashkent – Samarkand (330 km, 2 h). Samarkand – Mountain camp “Artuch” (60 km, 2 h). The way to the Fan Mountains lies through the Anzob Pass (3373 m) on the Hissar Range towards the Zeravshan River valley. 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. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in the mountain camp “Artuch” (2200 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 3. | Mountain camp “Artuch”– Kulikalon Lakes (7 km, 5 h). 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. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (2842 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 4. | Kulikalon Lakes – Alaudin Pass – Alaudin Lakes (7 km, 6 h). 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. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (2786 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 5. | Alaudin Lakes – Mutnye Lakes (5 km, 4 h). 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. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (3490 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 6. | Mutnye Lakes – the cirque of Chimtarga pass (4 km, 6 h). 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. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (4500 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 7. | Chimtarga pass – Bolshoje Allo Lake (12 km, 8 h). 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. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (3110 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 8. | Bolshoje Allo Lake – Archimaidan River (10 km, 6 h). Transfer to Penjikent (70 km; 1,5 h). 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. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 9. | Penjikent – “Jartepa” land border – Samarkand (60 km, 2 h). Transfer to “Jartepa” Tajik-Uzbek land border and 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. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 10. | Samarkand (sightseeing). At 10:00 – sightseeing in Samarkand: Gur-e Amir Mausoleum – necropolis of the Timurids; the most impressive square in the entire Central Asia – the Registan Square (Madrasah of Ulugbek, Sher-Dor Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah); Bibi-Khanym Mosque; the famous Siab bazaar; architectural ensemble Shah-i-Zinda; Ulugbek Observatory museum. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 11. | Samarkand – Bukhara (280 km, 4–5 h). Bukhara (sightseeing). Transfer to Bukhara, another ancient city in Uzbekistan which also used to be part of the Great Silk Road. Medieval Bukhara was one of the main political, cultural, and religious hubs of the Middle East. Over 140 architectural monuments have been preserved here. The historical center of Bukhara is included in the list of World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. Sightseeing in Bukhara: Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Ensemble, Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah. domed shopping arcade. Visit the shopping district with domed shopping arcade of the 16th century, where national arts and handicrafts workshops are presented. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 12. | Bukhara (sightseeing). Continuation of sightseeing in Bukhara and surroundings: Mausoleum of Samanids, Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, Bolo-Khauz Complex, Ark Citadel, Po-i-Kalyan Complex, Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah, Ulugbek Madrasah; Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, Bakhautdin Nakshbandi Sufi Complex. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 13. | Bukhara – Khiva (440 km, 8 h). Transfer to Khiva through the famous Kyzylkum desert along the Amu Darya River. We will pass along the road, where many Silk Road caravans once slowly followed. “Kyzylkum” translates as “Red Sands”, and the local sand really has a reddish tint. We will make several stops and walk along the picturesque dunes, admire the amazing panorama of the Amu Darya River from a viewing point. Arrival in Khiva. Walking around the historical district – Itchan Kala (18 century) which is the walled inner town of the old Khiva oasis and State Museum-Reserve protected as a World Heritage Site. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 14. | Khiva (sightseeing). Khiva (over 2500 years old) is a bright and almost untouched example of a medieval Orient city. Itchan-Kala will appear before us in the guise of a revived city from an oriental fairytale. Every building of Ichan-Kala is a unique architectural monument and on its own is an attraction for tourists. Sightseeing in Khiva (Itchan-Kala): Pakhlavan Makhmoud Complex, Kunya-Ark Fortress, Islam Hajji Madrasah & Minaret, Tash Khauli Palace, Alakuli Khan Madrasah, Juma Mosque, Mukhammad Aminkhan Minaret & Madrasah. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 15. | Khiva – Urgench (40 km, 1 h). Transfer to the airport of Urgench city. The end of the tour program. Departure from Urgench. Meals: breakfast. |
|
|
|
||
|
||||||
| ||||||
The cost of the tour includes:
The cost of the tour doesn’t include:
|
Additional Services:
- Supplement for additional night on departure:
- Single room – 50 USD / per room / per night,
- Double room – 60 USD / per room / per night.
- Domestic flight Urgench – Tashkent: from 60 USD for a ticket.
- Supplement for an individual transfer airport – hotel – airport:
- sedan: +25 USD one way,
- minibus: + 40 USD one way
Accommodation:
This tour comes with the following accommodation:
| Location | Accommodation |
| Tashkent | Reikartz Xon / Sato 3* or similar |
| Mountain camp “Artuch” | Accommodation in cottages, for 4 persons in a cottage |
| Fann Mountains | Tent camp |
| Penjikent | Penjikent Plaza 3+* / Rudaki 3* or similar |
| Samarkand | Arba 3* / Jahon Palace 3* or similar |
| Bukhara | Kabir Hotel 3* / Kavsar Hotel 3* or similar |
| Khiva | Shokh Jahon 3* / Silk Road 3* or similar |
Transport:
During the tour the following types of transport will be provided depending on the number of people in a group:
In Tajikistan:
| Group | Venicle |
| Group 1–5 pax | “Hyundai Starex” |
In Uzbekistan:
| Group | Venicle |
| Group 1–2 pax | "Chevrolet Lacetti" |
| Group 3–6 pax | "Hyundai Grand Starex" |
| Group 7–9 pax | "Toyota Hiace" / "King Long" |
| Group 10–15 pax | "Eurise" |
| Group 16–45 pax | "Golden Dragon" |
► Memo: Useful tips for tourists »»
Visa, permits
No visa is required to enter Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for nationals of Russia and some of the CIS countries, however, foreign nationals are required to have a valid foreign passport.
Citizens of the most European and far abroad countries need visas to enter Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The details on Uzbek and Tajik visa, rules of entry and stay on the territory of these countries you can find here.
To enter the territory of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan the foreign national must have a foreign passport valid for not less than 6 months following the termination date of the tour.
It is also important that before their trip foreign nationals arrange travel medical insurance with coverage of up to $10,000-15,000.
Please note that in order to formalize necessary papers (registration in a local foreign visits registration police department transliterated from Russian as OVVIG; also called OVIR) you should provide us with photocopy of your passport not later than 30 days prior to your arrival.
In case you can’t find the answer to your question on our site, please call our tour operators team for assistance.
E-mail: adventure@centralasia-travel.com
Photo of the tour:
 |
 |
 |
 |
Our video gallery:
 Trekking to Lake Sary Chelek |
 Riding motorbikesthrough Kyrgyzstan |
 In an off-road vehicle across Kyrgyzstan |
 RideThePlanet:Kyrgyzstan Whitewater |
© Material presented by «Central Asia Travel».
Copying and using all presented information and material is possible ONLY by authority of the originator.
Recommended heritage group tours: |
Recommended adventure group tours: |
Other interesting tours: |
Usefull links: |
TOUR ORDER
×
Book a guided tour
×
×
To submit the form you need to consent to the processing of personal data.
