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 | |
| Duration: | 15 days / 14 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Samarkand – Penjikent – Sangi Safed Gorge – Alaudin Lakes – Mutnye Lakes – Laudan Pass – Kulikalon Lakes – Chukurak Pass – Chukurak Lake – Guitan Pass – Penjikent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Tashkent | |
GUARANTEE DATES OF GROUP TOUR 2026:
Group #1. 06.07–20.07.2026
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 in Uzbekistan.
The group tour starts in Samarkand, and next few days we will enjoy the beauty of colorful mountain 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, Bukhara and Khiva 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 Samarkand. Samarkand – Penjikent (60 km, 2 h). Meeting at the airport. Transfer to “Jartepa” Uzbek-Tajik land border, customs formalities. Further transfer to Penjikent – one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with a history spanning 5,500 years. Penjikent (meaning "Five Towns") was a major cultural and craft center of Zoroastrian Sogdiana. It was often called the "Central Asian Pompeii" for how breathtakingly beautiful and unique it was. On the outskirts of the city, well-preserved Sogdian wall frescoes can still be seen today. Overnight at a hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 2. | Penjikent – Sangi Safed Gorge (160 km, 4-5 hours). After breakfast, we transfer to the Sangi Safed Gorge, whose name translates to "White Stone" or "White Rock." This name comes from the distinctive, light-colored limestone cliffs that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding dark slopes. 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-Alay system – the Hissar and Zeravshan Ranges. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (2350 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 3. | Sangi Safed Gorge (2350 m) – Alaudin Lakes (2750 m). Trekking time: 4-5 hours. After breakfast, we begin our ascent along a mountain trail. After several hours, the Alaudin Lakes will come into view – one of the crown jewels of the Fann Mountains and the most beautiful lakes in the Pasrud River basin. Their waters, with an average depth of 16 meters, are astonishingly clear and pure, without a trace of silt. All the Alaudin Lakes are dammed by natural stone bars, creating a cascading effect as water flows from one level to the next. The lake valley opens to the north, while a wall of snow-capped, glacier-topped ridges protects it from the south. Despite the considerable altitude of around 2700 meters, the climate here is surprisingly mild and warm. There is no fish in these lakes. A picnic lunch awaits on the shore of one of the lakes, followed by time for a leisurely stroll to soak in the views. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (2750 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 4. | Alaudin Lakes (2750 m) – Mutnye (Turbid) Lakes (3500 m) – Alaudin Lakes (2750 m). Hiking time: 5-6 hours. 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. Four glaciers feed the lakes – from the Kaznok Pass and the nearby summits – and their meltwater gives the lakes their characteristic glacial turquoise hue. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch by the Mutnye Lakes before returning to our camp at the Alaudin Lakes (2-2.5 hours of hiking). Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (2750 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 5. | Alaudin Lakes (2750 m) – Laudan Pass (3600 m) – Bibijanat Lake (2841 m) – Kulikalon Lakes (2800 m). Trekking time: 6-7 hours. In the morning, after breakfast, we ascend to the Laudan Pass (3600 m). Impressive panoramas unfold along the way, featuring peaks like Adamtash (4579 m), Mirali (5106 m), and Maria (4790 m), which crown the famous Kulikalon rock wall. At their feet lies a stunning necklace of lakes of the same name. After crossing the pass, we descend to Bibijanat Lake (2841 m) and then to the other Kulikalon Lakes (2800 m), where we will set up camp on a green meadow by one of them. The Kulikalon Lakes are a chain of breathtaking, multi-hued glacial lakes of various sizes, nestled in the Kulikalon cirque at about 2800 meters amidst remnants of an ancient juniper forest. They are fed by meltwater from the Chimtarga Glacier. Kulikalon, one of the largest lakes in this system, is the second biggest lake in the Fann Mountains and is the source of the Artuch River. Alpine meadows stretch around the lakes, serving as summer pastures (jailoo) in the warmer season. Picnic lunch en route. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (2800 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 6. | Kulikalon Lakes (2800 m) – Chukurak Pass (3180 m) – Chukurak Lake (2430 m). After breakfast, we ascend to the Chukurak Pass (3180 m) in the northern spur of the Zeravshan Range. The approximately 2-hour climb takes us over grassy and rocky slopes. From the pass, a magnificent view of the entire Kulikalon lake chain unfolds. Next is a descent to the picturesque Chukurak Lake (2430 m), famous for its ability to change color throughout the day: from emerald green at noon to deep blue in the evening. This twin lake is set in a grand rocky amphitheater at the foot of steep slopes covered in dense juniper (archa) thickets. Water cascades from the upper (larger) lake into the lower (smaller) one, though the flow diminishes significantly by late summer: the large lake becomes shallow, and the small one may dry up completely. The Chukurak River flowing from the lake is also highly seasonal – its current weakens, and it soon disappears among the stone screes further down the gorge. Picnic lunch en route. About 1.5 km north of the lake, at 2200 m, lies the "Artuch" mountaineering camp. Our overnight camp will be set up nearby. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight in tents (2200 m). |
|
|
|
||
| Day 7. | Chukurak Lake (2430 m) – Guitan Pass (2640 m) – Guitan Village. Transfer to Penjikent (80 km, 1.5 hours). We ascend to the Guitan Pass (2640 m), located in the southern spur of the Guitan Range. The approximately 2-hour climb follows gentle slopes covered in alpine meadows. From the top, an impressive panorama opens up of the main peaks of the Fann Mountains: Chimtarga (5489 m), Mirali (5106 m), and Maria (4790 m). Then, we descend into the Archimaydan River valley to the scenic mountain village of Guitan, surrounded by magnificent landscapes. Picnic lunch en route. Transfer to Penjikent (80 km, about 1.5 hours). Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 8. | Penjikent – “Jartepa” land border – Samarkand (60 km, 2 h). 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. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 9. | Samarkand (free day). Free time to explore Samarkand (without any transportation and excursion services). Meals: breakfast. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 10. | Samarkand. After breakfast we set off to discover the treasures of Samarkand, one of the most dazzling cities of the Silk Road. Our tour begins at the iconic Registan Square, framed by three grand madrasahs – Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Qori – each a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. We continue to the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Tamerlane and his dynasty, with its turquoise dome and richly decorated interiors. After lunch, we visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world, and wander through the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where vibrant blue-tiled mausoleums line a narrow medieval street. The day ends at the Ulugbek Observatory, where the great astronomer charted the stars centuries ago. Return to the hotel for overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 11. | Samarkand – Bukhara (by road, 280 km). After breakfast we depart for Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric cities along the Silk Road. The journey takes us across the Kyzylkum plains — once the route of ancient caravans linking oasis to oasis. Upon arrival, we step into the old town, where centuries of history seem to linger in every brick and dome. We’ll begin our exploration with the majestic Po-i-Kalyan Complex, its elegant minaret once guiding weary travellers by torchlight. Nearby, we’ll visit the Miri-Arab Madrasa, the Magoki-Attori Mosque, and Ulugbek Madrasa, each telling its own story of faith and learning. The day concludes at the tranquil Lyabi-Hauz Square, where mulberry trees shade the reflecting pool and local life unfolds around us. In the evening, we check into our hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 12. | Bukhara. Breakfast at the hotel. Today we continue our discovery of Bukhara, one of the most atmospheric cities on the Silk Road. We’ll start with the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, associated with the legend of the Prophet Job. Then we’ll wander through the bustling local bazaar, before visiting the elegant Bolo-Khauz Mosque and the mighty Ark Citadel with its old Zindan prison — echoes of the city’s rich and sometimes dramatic past. In the afternoon, we head beyond the city to explore the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, once the lavish summer residence of the last emir, and the Mausoleum of Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Central Asia. As evening falls, we’re welcomed into a traditional Uzbek home for a heartwarming culinary experience. Together with our hosts, we’ll take part in a plov master class, learning how to prepare Uzbekistan’s most beloved dish step by step — before sharing a delicious homemade dinner filled with laughter, aromas, and stories of local life. Meals: breakfast, dinner. Overnight at the hotel. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 13. | Bukhara – Khiva (by road, 460 km). After breakfast we set off on a long but scenic journey across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and along the mighty Amudarya River. This vast landscape of golden sands and rippling dunes gives a real sense of the Silk Road’s endurance. We stop for lunch en route and continue our drive to Khiva, a perfectly preserved medieval city that feels like an open-air museum. On arrival, we have leisure time to wander its narrow streets, visit traditional workshops, and browse local souvenir shops. Meals: breakfast. Overnight in Khiva. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 14. | Khiva – Urgench (by road, 30 km). Urgenh – Tashkent (evening flight). After breakfast we explore Ichan-Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mudbrick walls, minarets, and madrassahs create one of the most atmospheric cities in Central Asia. Highlights include the Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, the Kunya-Ark Fortress, and the tall Islam Hajji Minaret. After lunch, we visit the ornate Tash Khauli Palace, the Juma Mosque with its 200 carved wooden columns, the Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah, and the Avesta Museum. In the evening we transfer to Urgench for the flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, check-in and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
|
|
|
||
| Day 15. | Departure from Tashkent. Early morning transfer to the airport for your international flight. Depending on flight time, breakfast or a lunch-box will be provided. Meals: breakfast. |
|
|
|
||
|
||||||
This is a guaranteed departure and will run regardless of the number of participants. | ||||||
The cost of the tour includes:
The cost of the tour doesn’t include:
|
Central Asia Travel may occasionally adjust the order of visits and activities (museums and sites) if required due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be made with your comfort and overall experience in mind.
Accommodation:
| Location | Accommodation |
| Fann Mountains | Tent camp |
| Penjikent | Penjikent Plaza 3+* / Rudaki 3* or similar |
| Samarkand | Arba 3* / Marokand Spa Hotel 3 or similar |
| Bukhara | Asal Boutique 3* or similar |
| Khiva | Darvaza Hotel 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 |
| 1-2 travelers | "Chevrolet Lacetti" or similar |
| 4 travelers | Hyundai Starex minivan for 6 seats |
| 6-8 travelers | King Long minivan for 10 seats or similar |
| 9-14 travelers | Eurise minivan for 18 seats or similar |
► 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.
