Arrival in Tashkent at 6:35 AM.

Departure for the first discovery of the country’s capital:

• Khast Imam architectural complex, which includes the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashiy, Barak Khan madrasah, and three mosques.
• One of these madrasahs houses the oldest Quran in the Muslim world.
• Visit to Chorsu Bazaar.

After lunch, departure for Hayat village (270 km). Arrival and homestay accommodation.

Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.

Breakfast.

Hayat is a village located on the edge of a protected reserve, home to various wild animals such as lynxes, mouflons, and wild goats. It is a typical village with flat-roofed houses, flower gardens, and fruit trees like walnut, apricot, and mulberry trees.

We explore Hayat and the surrounding mountains on foot.

Picnic lunch.

Departure for Oxum village, located in the Nurata mountain range. Time to discover this beautiful traditional village.

Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.

Breakfast.

Departure for Sentyab village (7 km) to experience the lifestyle of mountain villagers.

Lunch.

We take a hike (1h 30 min) around the village, following the Sentab Soy River, which flows through the canyon. Along the way, we discover several petroglyphs, the oldest of which is over 900 years old.

We then explore the mountains surrounding the canyon, where we may spot wild horses, eagles, and partridges.

Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.

Breakfast.

We set off on foot, crossing beautiful gardens on our way to the Fazilman Valley (1,640m), a vast expanse surrounded by mountain peaks.

Along the way, we visit ancient petroglyphs and stone kurgans.

We then reach Lake Fazilman, a small lake covered in reeds, and set up our camp in Shepherd’s Gorge, a lush green valley near Mount Fazilman.

Picnic lunch.

Free time in the afternoon. For those interested, an optional 2-hour ascent to Mount Fazilman (1,833m) is available.

Dinner at the campsite.

Breakfast.

We begin the day with a 2 to 2.5-hour ascent to the 2035m pass, followed by a 2.5 to 3-hour descent to the village of Sob, where our transport awaits.

From there, we drive to Aydarkul Safari Camp, where we settle into traditional yurts.

In the afternoon, we take a walk along the shore of Lake Aydarkul, with an opportunity for swimming.

Dinner at the camp.

Overnight in yurts.

Breakfast.

We depart for Bukhara, making several cultural stops along the way:

• Visit to the Chashma Complex in Nurata, which includes the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress and a sacred spring.
• Stop in Gijduvan to visit a ceramic workshop, where artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of Uzbek pottery.

Arrival in Bukhara and check-in at the hotel.

Dinner.

Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast.

Start your guided tour of Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with a history stretching back over 2,500 years. This UNESCO-listed city was a major center of Islamic culture, trade, and scholarship along the Silk Road.

Sightseeing highlights:

• Kalon Mosque & Minaret – The highest minaret in Bukhara, standing at 48 meters, once served as a lighthouse for caravans.
• Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (16th century) – A still-functioning Islamic school with stunning blue domes.
• Ulugh Beg & Abdulaziz Khan Madrasahs – Two contrasting madrasahs from different eras, showcasing elegant Persian architecture.
• Ark Fortress – The ancient residence of Bukhara’s emirs, a city within a city.
• Ismail Samani Mausoleum – One of the oldest surviving Islamic mausoleums (10th century), famous for its unique brickwork patterns.
• Chashma Ayub Mausoleum – Named after the Prophet Job, believed to have miraculously brought forth a sacred spring here.

Dinner.
Overnight in Bukhara.

Breakfast.

Depart for Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the great conqueror Tamerlane (Amir Timur). This ancient city, over 2,500 years old, is home to impressive architectural monuments from the Timurid era.

City tour of Shakhrisabz:

• Ak-Saray Palace – Timur’s once-grand summer residence, known for its massive entrance arch and elaborate tilework.
• Dorus-Saodat Complex – home to Timur’s intended tomb and the mausoleum of his eldest son.
• Dorut-Tilavat Complex – resting place of Timur’s father and spiritual mentor, featuring exquisite Timurid architecture.

Evening: Drive to Ayaktchi village, where you will experience authentic Uzbek rural life.

Dinner.
Overnight at a local homestay.

Breakfast.

Today, we begin our trekking adventure from Ayaktchi village (650 m) towards the Albastykoul Lake (1,150 m). This 6-hour hike will take us through picturesque valleys, rugged terrain, and scenic landscapes, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

After a picnic lunch, we continue our journey, passing through the Tchakatache Pass (1,250 m). From here, we descend towards the upper reaches of the Ayaktchidarya River, surrounded by untouched wilderness and alpine scenery.

By the evening, we arrive at Sholipoya (1,200 m), where we set up camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, experiencing the peacefulness of the Uzbek mountains.

Overnight in tents.

Breakfast.

Departure for a 7-hour hike through the Uzbek mountains towards the village of Tersak. We cross the Tchimbay Pass (1,750 m), offering spectacular panoramic views of the valley below.

After crossing the pass, we begin a gradual descent towards Tersak (1,245 m), a charming village nestled at the foot of the mountains.

Upon arrival, we settle in at a French teacher’s home, where we will have the opportunity to exchange insights about the culture and daily life of the local people.

Dinner and overnight stay with a host family.

From the village, we drive to a pilgrimage site revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians, nestled in the mountains.

To reach Saint David’s Cave, we climb 1,300 steps, rewarded with breathtaking views and a sacred atmosphere.

Return to Samarkand.

Dinner and overnight stay in Samarkand.

Breakfast in Samarkand.

City tour of Samarkand’s landmarks:

• Gur-e Amir Mausoleum – the dynastic tomb of the Timurids (15th century).
• Registan Square – the historical heart of the city.
• Bibi-Khanum Madrasa, built in honor of Timur’s beloved wife, Saray Mulk.
• Shakhi Zinda Complex, where the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin is located.

High-speed train to Tashkent.

Farewell banquet.

Overnight stay in Tashkent.

Transfer to the airport for the return flight home.