The mountains and villages of the oasis
Let yourself be swept away by the quiet beauty of a hidden Uzbekistan, where the mountains stand guard over timeless villages.
As you walk winding paths, the murmur of rivers accompanies your steps, earthen homes open their doors, and every smile tells a story from long ago.
In these tranquil oases, between sun-drenched peaks and living traditions, you’ll experience a journey that is both simple and profound—rooted in generous nature and the warm spirit of its people.
Seyahat programı
TASHKENT – HAYAT – OXUM – SENTYAB – SOB – AYDARKUL – BUKHARA – SHAKHRISABZ – AYAKTCHI – ALBASTYKUL – SHOLIPOYA – SAINT DAVID – SAMARKAND – TASHKENT
1. Gün
Tashkent – Hayat
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.
2. Gün
Hayat – Oxum
Kahvaltı.
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.
3. Gün
Oxum – Sentyab
Kahvaltı.
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.
4. Gün
Sentyab – Lake Fazilman – Shepherd’s Gorge
Kahvaltı.
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.
5. Gün
Shepherd’s Gorge – Sob – Aydarkul
Kahvaltı.
We begin the day with a 2 to 2.5-hour ascent için 2035m passardından bir 2.5 to 3-hour descent için 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.
6. Gün
Aydarkul – Nurata – Gijduvan – Bukhara
Kahvaltı.
We depart for Buhara, making several cultural stops along the way:
- Visit to the Chashma Complex içinde 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.
Varış yeri Buhara ve otele giriş.
Dinner.
Geceleme Buhara'da.
7. Gün
Buhara
Kahvaltı.
Start your guided tour . Buhara, 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 - Bu 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 Kalesi – The ancient Buhara emirlerinin ikametgahı, a city within a city.
- İsmail Samani Türbesi - Bir tanesi 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.
Geceleme Buhara'da.
8. Gün
Bukhara – Shakhrisabz – Ayaktchi
Kahvaltı.
Depart for Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the great conqueror Tamerlane (Emir 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: Şuraya sür Ayaktchi village, where you will experience authentic Uzbek rural life.
Dinner.
Overnight at a local homestay.
9. Gün
Ayaktchi - Albastykul - Sholipoya
Kahvaltı.
Today, we begin our trekking adventure from Ayaktchi village (650 m) towards the Albastykoul Lake (1,150 m). Bu 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.
10. Gün
Sholipoya - Village of Tersak
Kahvaltı.
Departure for a 7-hour hike aracılığıyla 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.
11. Gün
Tersak – Saint David’s Cave – Samarkand (70 km)
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.
12. Gün
Samarkand – Tashkent
Breakfast in Samarkand.
City tour of Samarkand’s landmarks:
- Gur-e Amir Anıt Mezarı - ve dynastic tomb of the Timurids (15th century).
- Registan Meydanı - ve historical heart of the city.
- Bibi-Khanum Madrasa, built in honor of Timur’s beloved wife, Saray Mulk.
- Shakhi Zinda Complex, where the Peygamber Muhammed'in kuzeninin mezarı is located.
High-speed train to Tashkent.
Farewell banquet.
Overnight stay in Tashkent.
13. Gün
Tashkent – Departure
Transfer to the airport for the return flight home.
Notlar
Fiyata Dahil Olanlar
Meet and assistance and transfer to the airport
Accommodation in B&B hotels and homestays as per the program
Half-board meals (breakfast and dinner). Note: In the mountains half board (HB) changes to full board (FB)
Services of a English-speaking guide-interpreter
Tickets for entry to historical monuments
1L of drinking water per day
Uzbek gastronomy experience
Final ziyafeti
Train tickets Samarkand – Tashkent
Fiyata Dahil Olmayanlar
Uluslararası uçuşlar
Additional services at hotels
Fees for photographing historical sites
Medical insurance
Alcoholic beverages
İpuçları
SSS
Do I need a visa to visit Uzbekistan?
Most nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Others can apply for an e-visa online. Check the official government website for details.
What is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best weather for sightseeing. Summers are hot, and winters can be cold but still enjoyable.
What currency is used in Uzbekistan? Can I use my credit card?
The Uzbek Som (UZS) is the official currency. Cash is widely used, but credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in big and small cities.
Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists?
Yes, Uzbekistan is one of the safest countries in the world. People are friendly, and crime rates are low. Just follow standard travel precautions.