14-Day Highlights of Uzbekistan Tour – Autumn edition

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent and city tour

Day 2: Tashkent – Tian Shan Mountains, 8km hike

Day 3: Tian Shan Mountains, 8km hike – night train to Khiva

Day 4: Khiva

Day 5: Khiva – Bukhara

Day 6: Bukhara

Day 7: Bukhara – Chasma – Chaldyrak Spring, 16km hike

Day 8: Chaldyrak Spring – Honaqo, 20km hike

Day 9: Honaqo – Langar, 8km hike – Kyzylkum Desert

Day 10: Camel ride or desert walk (6km) to Aydarkul Lake

Day 11: Kyzylkum Desert – Samarkand

Day 12: Samarkand

Day 13: Samarkand – Tashkent

Day 14: Departure from Tashkent

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent

Welcome to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s lively and ever-evolving capital. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Around noon, you will meet your tour leader, Ismat, and fellow travellers before setting out on a guided city tour, your first introduction to Uzbekistan’s history, culture and everyday life. Together, we explore highlights such as the historic Hast Imam complex, and the colourful Chorsu Bazaar.

After the city tour, we share our first Uzbek dinner as a group.

To join the complete city programme, plan to arrive in Tashkent before noon. Travellers arriving later will be transferred to the hotel and can join the group when possible.

Meals included: Dinner.
Accommodation: Shared twin room in hotel
Facilities: wi-fi, electricity, hot shower, western-style toilets.

Day 2: AUTUMN HIKE IN THE TIan SHan MOUNTAINS

Hike distance: 8km Hike time: around 4-5 hours Ascent/descent: +400m/ -500m

Our first hike follows the slopes of Mount Kyzyl-Dzhar, known for its striking red cliffs and wide views across the surrounding mountains. The trail passes juniper and old trees before climbing towards a viewpoint overlooking the Kungur-Buka Mountains and Chimgan village.

The red and ochre rock formations are particularly atmospheric in the softer autumn light. After a picnic in the mountains, we descend through pastures and orchards towards Chimgan, where we spend the night in a simple mountain chalet.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the views.

Important note: The precise hiking route may be adjusted by the guide if weather or trail conditions require it.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared room in chalet
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot showers, Western-style toilets.

Day 3: Hike in Chimgan – Tashkent – Night train to Khiva

Hike distance: 8km Hike time: around 4-5 hours Ascent/descent: +520m/ -600m

After breakfast, we drive to the starting point of our second Tian Shan hike and begin climbing towards Small Chimgan Peak at approximately 2,100 metres.

The trail crosses sandy terrain, juniper-covered slopes and rocky ridges, with a rest at Pesochny Pass at 1,830 metres. From higher on the route, expansive views open across Lake Charvak, Chimgan Valley and the distant peaks of the Tian Shan.

After a picnic in the mountains, we descend and return to Tashkent. Following dinner, we board the overnight train to Khiva. Travelling by train is an experience in itself and a wonderful opportunity to share the journey with local passengers.

Important note: The precise hiking route may be adjusted by the guide if weather or trail conditions require it.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Individual bunk in a shared night-train compartment
Facilities: Bedding and shared Western-style toilet on the train

Day 4: DISCOVER THE SILK ROAD CITY OF KHIVA

After a relaxed morning aboard the train, we arrive in Khiva and transfer to our hotel.

We then begin exploring Itchan Kala, Khiva’s beautifully preserved UNESCO-listed old town. Behind its ancient walls lies a maze of blue-tiled madrasas, mosques, minarets, caravanserais and former palaces.

During our guided walk, we visit highlights such as the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa and Kunya-Ark Citadel while learning about Khiva’s fascinating history along the Silk Road.

In the evening, we enjoy traditional Khivan cuisine before spending the night in the heart of the old city.

Meals included: Dinner.
Accommodation: Shared twin room in family-owned hotel.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower and Western-style toilet.

Day 5: KHIVA TO BUKHARA – ACROSS THE KYZYLKUM DESERT

After breakfast, we board the train to Bukhara. The approximately six-hour journey takes us across the vast plains of the Kyzylkum Desert, one of Central Asia’s largest deserts.

We arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon and check into our hotel. As the bustle of the day begins to fade, we head out for a short introductory walk through the historic centre and experience Bukhara around sunset.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Shared twin room in hotel.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower, western-style toilet.

Day 6: THE HISTORIC HEART OF BUKHARA

Today we dive deeper into the history of Bukhara, once one of the most important trading and learning centres along the Silk Road.

Our guided tour takes us through winding streets and past some of the city’s most impressive monuments, including the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Lyabi Hauz and the magnificent Poi Kalon complex.

The afternoon is free to explore independently, browse the bazaars or relax beside Lyabi Hauz. In the evening, we meet again for dinner in a traditional Uzbek restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared twin room in hotel.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower, western-style toilet.

Day 7: INTO THE REMOTE NURATAU MOUNTAINS

Hike distance: 16km Hike time: approximately 6 hours Ascent/descent: +350m/ -300m

After an early breakfast, we leave Bukhara and begin our three-day trekking adventure through the remote Nuratau Mountains.

Along the way, we stop at the ruins of an ancient Silk Road caravanserai and water well before continuing to Chashma village. Here, we meet the muleteers who will transport the camping equipment and larger bags.

Our hike begins across open plains before entering a landscape of granite mountains, quiet valleys and dramatic gorges. Autumn brings softer light and warm tones to the otherwise arid landscape.

By late afternoon, we reach our campsite beside a river, where we enjoy dinner beneath the stars.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared two-person tent with another traveller of the same gender
Facilities: None.

Day 8: REMOTE VALLEYS AND MOUNTAIN VILLAGES

Hike distance: 20km Hike time: around 7 hours Ascent/descent: +350m/ -200m

After breakfast, we continue through one of the most picturesque valleys of the Nuratau Mountains.

The trail passes small mountain villages, natural springs and grazing areas used by local shepherds. We see how the scarce mountain water supports pockets of green pasture and village life among the dry slopes.

Along the way, we may encounter shepherds tending Angora goats and Karakul sheep. After a picnic in the mountains, we continue to our second remote campsite near a natural spring.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared two-person tent with another traveller of the same gender
Facilities: None.

Day 9: ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS TO THE KYZYLKUM DESERT

Hike distance: 8km Hike time: around 4 hours Ascent/descent: +500m/ -200m

Our final trekking day takes us across the Yomon Kechi Pass at approximately 1,500 metres. During the ascent, we are rewarded with impressive views of rocky peaks, deep valleys and isolated villages.

After descending towards Langar village, we meet our driver and continue to the Kyzylkum Desert. On the way, we stop for lunch with a local family in the Nuratau region.

By late afternoon, we arrive at our yurt camp near Lake Aydarkul. Watch the sun set across the desert before sharing dinner at the camp..

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt for 4 travellers
Facilities: Shared showers and toilets; limited electricity, generally available after sunset

Day 10: CAMEL RIDE OR DESERT WALK TO LAKE AYDARKUL

After breakfast, we set out across the desert on camelback, following in the footsteps of the traders who once travelled along the Silk Road. Travellers who prefer not to ride can explore the desert on foot.

After approximately two hours, we reach Lake Aydarkul, an immense blue lake surrounded by desert and open steppe. There is time to relax beside the water and, if conditions allow, swim before lunch.

In the afternoon, we walk approximately six kilometres back to the yurt camp. Along the way, we take a closer look at the resilient plants of the Kyzylkum Desert, including saxaul and desert acacia.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt for 4 travellers
Facilities: Shared showers and toilets; limited electricity, generally available after sunset

Day 11: FROM THE KYZYLKUM DESERT TO SAMARKAND

After breakfast, we leave the desert and drive approximately four hours to Samarkand, the legendary “Pearl of the Orient”.

After lunch and checking into the hotel, we begin our introduction to the city at the spectacular Registan. Its three monumental madrasas are covered in intricate mosaics and blue tiles and form one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Central Asia.

We continue to Gur-e-Amir, the grand mausoleum of the conqueror Amir Timur. The remainder of the evening is free after dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared twin room in hotel.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower, western-style toilet.

Day 12: THE ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS OF SAMARKAND

This morning, we continue exploring the extraordinary history and architecture of Samarkand.

Our guided tour includes the beautiful Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the enormous Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the colourful Siyob Bazaar. Together, these sites reveal why Samarkand became one of the greatest cities of the Islamic world and a vital crossroads along the Silk Road.

The afternoon is free to revisit your favourite monuments, browse for souvenirs or explore independently before we meet again for dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared twin room in hotel.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower, western-style toilet.

Day 13: SAMARKAND TO TASHKENT

Enjoy a free morning in Samarkand to revisit your favourite monuments, shop for souvenirs or discover another side of the city.

You could explore the historic Jewish Quarter, visit a traditional hammam or learn how Uzbekistan’s famous silk carpets are made. In the afternoon, we board the train back to Tashkent.

After checking into the hotel, we gather for a final dinner and celebrate the many experiences we have shared: from the blue-tiled cities of the Silk Road to the autumn landscapes of the Tian Shan, Kyzylkum Desert and Nuratau Mountains.

Meals included: Breakfast, farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Shared twin room in hotel.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower, western-style toilet.

Day 14: Departure from Tashkent

Day 14 is the departure day. Many international flights leave shortly after midnight or early in the morning, so departing during the night between Day 13 and Day 14 is also possible. Otherwise, you can enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your airport transfer.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Note: This itinerary can be modified in case of weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.