A 12-day expedition tour through the mountains of Uzbekistan, This tour combines mountain hiking, basic tent camping, and accommodations in mountain village guesthouses and hotels along the route. It's designed for those who want to experience authentic mountain treks, explore remote natural sites, and experience life in mountainous regions.
The trip is a private, itinerary-based experience. Much of the program takes place away from tourist centers: in the Aksagat Canyon, the Chimgan Mountains, and the valleys and villages of Nuratau. Hiking alternates with travel and recovery days, maintaining a balance between challenge and comfort.
In the first part of the route, participants go through trekking The Tashkent Mountains offer canyons, passes, marble belts with fossils, peaks, and waterfalls. The second part of the tour takes place in Nuratau, where the focus shifts to long mountain trails, ethnography, traditional villages, and nature reserves. The final days complement the route with panoramic and historical sites in the region.
Main impressions
Tour itinerary
The tour program is designed for 12 days The route is designed to gradually introduce participants to the hiking rhythm, adapt to the mountainous terrain, and consistently explore the route's key natural zones. The tour begins in the mountains of the Tashkent region and then continues to the less touristy Nuratau region.
The route is designed as a sequential expedition trek, moving from the mountains of the Tashkent region to the more remote and sparsely populated areas of Nuratau, logically ending at the region's major bodies of water.
Transfers are used only to connect key regions and approaches to treks. The main value of the route is the hiking, the diversity of landscapes, and the immersion into life in mountainous regions where mass tourism is virtually nonexistent.
Aksagata Canyon is the confluence of the Aksagata and Nurekata rivers.
Departure from Tashkent at 08:00.
Arrival at the starting point of the walking part at 09:00.
We take light backpacks with us with personal medications, water, lunches and necessary things depending on the weather and season of the tour.
Lunch 13:00–14:00 at the confluence of the Aksagata and Nurekata rivers.
After rest, we continue our hike to the camp, located in a shady grove.
The camp will be set up by the team in advance, and dinner will be prepared.
The camp has a covered toilet with a plastic toilet and all necessary hygiene products.
Optional: swimming in a mountain river.
After dinner, lights out in the tents.
Meals are included in the price.
Petroglyphs, Chet-Kumbel Pass – views of the Greater Chimgan
Breakfast 07:30–08:30.
Departure on route at 09:00.
Lunch 13:00–14:00 at the petroglyphs with a view of the southern slopes of the Greater Chimgan, the valleys of the Nurekata and Beldersay rivers.
During the hike, you may encounter livestock, shepherds, birds of prey, foxes and hares.
In spring, endangered tulips, mountain irises and other plants bloom.
Descent to the camp along the watershed ridge of Beldersay and Nurekata through the Chet-Kumbel pass.
Arrival at camp by 17:00.
Relaxation, swimming in the river, tea drinking.
In the evening - a hot dinner cooked over a fire.
Night in tents.
Meals are included in the price.
Chet Kumbel pass - Urta Kumbel - Marble baths - Archazor
Breakfast 07:30–08:30.
Packing up camp.
The walking part starts at 09:00.
Crossing the Chet-Kumbel Pass into the Beldersay River Valley. In spring, fording the river is possible.
Herds of horses live in the area, and it is possible to encounter a shepherd's camp.
Exit to the Urta-Kumbel pass and overcoming it.
Descent to the marble river, rest and lunch.
The further path goes along a shady gorge downstream along the river.
Visit the marble pools, formed in marble rock with a large number of fossilized shells over 10 million years old.
Climbing a narrow path to an asphalt road.
Transfer to the Archazor hotel.
Dinner is at your own expense.
Relaxation, sauna, hammam and swimming pool are included in the price of accommodation.
Pesochny Pass - Maly Chimgan - Gulkam Gorge
The route passes through the Pesochny Pass and the Maly Chimgan peak (2096 m).
At the summit - lunch and rest.
Next, we descend along the ridge into groves of walnut, hawthorn and cherry plum.
Arrival at the national park.
Dinner cooked over a fire, relaxing with a view of the summit of Big Chimgan.
Swimming in the mountain river Gulkamsay with a sandy and rocky bottom.
Overnight in tents set up in a clearing with wild sage and tansy (flowering depends on the season).
The camp has a covered toilet with a plastic toilet.
Lunch and dinner are included in the price.
A night in tents can be replaced by a night in a hotel.
Paltau waterfall - Obi-Rakhmat grotto - Tashkent
Breakfast.
Pack up camp and head to Paltau waterfall (about 20 minutes).
Registration at the national park.
The hike begins through an almond grove. The trek leads to a viewing platform overlooking the valleys of the Paltau and Chatkal rivers, the Charvak Reservoir, and the rocky slopes of Okhotnichy Peak (3,099 m).
Descent to the Paltau River and exit to the Paltau waterfall, more than 30 meters high.
Lunch and rest on the tapchans.
If the trestle beds are occupied, the route continues to the birch grove, where lunch is organized.
Descent to the checkpoint of the national park.
Departure to Tashkent.
Check-in at the Shokhjakhon Hotel.
Relaxation, sauna and swimming pool are included in the price.
Dinner is at your own expense.
Tashkent - Jizzakh - Sentob
Departure from Tashkent after breakfast at 09:00.
Along the way is the Syr Darya River and the city of Jizzakh, where lunch is possible (samsa, shashlik; for vegetarians - salads and grilled vegetables).
Continuation of the journey through the Nurata steppe.
In spring, poppies, endemic plants, rapeseed, ferula, wormwood and other herbs bloom.
It is possible to encounter herds of karakul sheep.
Arrival in the village of Sentyab.
Check-in to a guest house with comfortable conditions.
Dinner in nature.
Hiking in the village of Sentob
Breakfast at the guest house.
The route leads through the village to a mountain trail along a stream and unique stone buildings.
The route leads through the village to a mountain trail that meanders along a small mountain stream and past unique stone buildings that sparkle with a silver sheen in the sun's rays.
During the hike we will have small ascents and descents, and the picture will constantly change along with the landscape.
The key point of the visit is the rock carvings in Arabic script - excerpts from the Muslim holy book, the Koran.
Returning along a different path.
In spring, almonds and apricots bloom.
Lunch by the stream in a grassy clearing next to weathered rocks of bizarre shapes.
Dinner at the guest house.
Transfer to the village of Hayat via Majerum
Breakfast at a guest house in Setyaba.
Packing up and leaving for Majerum.
After arriving at the outskirts of the village of Majerum, an easy walk along a mountain river awaits us and visiting the Eastern Biota whose age is estimated to be 1500 years.
Nearby there is an ancient garden of centuries-old elms and poplars, and in the shade of the Biota there is an ancient mosque, of which only the adobe walls and wooden columns remain today.
After the walk, return to the vehicle and transfer to the village of Khayat, which in Turkic languages means - life.
Check-in to a comfortable family guest house, delicious lunch in the fresh air in the garden.
A short rest after lunch and the start of an easy hike through the village and to the reserve where the endangered Severtsev sheep are bred.
After completing the circular hike, we will have some rest and a hearty dinner.
Hayat - Uhum
Breakfast in the open air.
Departure lightly towards the village of Ukhum, through a small pass.
A walk along the sai, through mountain gardens, terraces and "dungeon" gardens.
Arrive at the reserve's border, visit the petroglyphs, and rest and lunch in a walnut grove.
Transfer back to the village of Ukhum and check-in at a guest house with comfortable conditions.
Dinner.
All items will be delivered from the village of Khayat to the village of Ukhum separately.
Uhum - Asraf.
Breakfast at the guest house.
Exit downstream of the river through the village.
Visit to an ancient water mill that is still in operation.
Getting to know the infrastructure of a mountain village and the way of life of local residents.
Crossing a small pass with panoramic views of Aydarkul.
Late lunch in the fresh air.
Rest and free time.
In the evening, there will be a show program of local musicians during dinner.
Khanbandi Dam - Pistalitau - Lake Tuzkan - Samarkand
At the group's request, a later rise is possible.
Transfer to Samarkand. En route, visit the 13th-century Khanbandi Dam.
Next, we head to the Pistalitau ridge.
Photo walk with panoramas of the Tuzkan reservoir.
Optional: descent to the fake castle that was used in the filming.
Lunch or snack on the way (not included in the price).
Arrival in Samarkand. Check-in at a hotel (Sultan Boutique, Camila Boutique, Minor, Crystal, or similar).
Dinner is at your own expense.
Samarkand — Tashkent
Transfer to Tashkent airport. Or a tour of Samarkand and transfer to Samarkand airport.
Important to know
Is it possible to change the tour program?
Yes, the tour itinerary is flexible. The city and mountain sections can be adjusted or swapped by agreement with the group, within the budget or for an additional fee.
When is the best time to go on this tour?
The best time to travel is spring and fall, when the weather is most comfortable for excursions and mountain hikes. Higher temperatures are possible in summer, especially in desert areas.
Transport and moving
The tour's logistics are designed to minimize the burden on participants and conserve energy for the hiking trails. Transportation is used to connect remote regions, access trailheads, and transportation after the hikes are completed.
How are the moves organized?
- All transfers are carried out by vehicle with a driver; in mountainous areas, off-road vehicles are used.
- Transport provides:
- transfer of the group and equipment to the starting points of the trek;
- leaving hard-to-reach areas after hiking routes;
- travel between Tashkent region and Nuratau region;
- final transfers to bodies of water and tour completion points.
Drop off and bivouac
On days with a tent bivouac:
- tents, kitchen equipment and the main part of the equipment are delivered by transport;
- Participants travel lightly, with day backpacks;
- Logistics allow us to set up camp in remote, but safe and picturesque places.
Long journeys
Long car journeys (for example, the crossing to the Nuratau region) are scheduled on separate days and used as:
- recovery stages;
- the ability to change landscapes;
- a logical transition from mountainous regions to steppe and foothill zones.
Transportation on a tour is a tool for the expedition, not a replacement for hiking. The core value of the trip remains in the trekking and accommodations along the route.
Accommodation and meals
The tour's accommodation and food arrangements are designed to maintain a balance between the route's autonomy and the basic comfort needed to recover from active hiking days.
Accommodation
During the tour, several accommodation formats are used, corresponding to the stages of the route:
- Tent camp in the Tashkent mountains.
An organized camp with three-person tents (2 people per tent), camping furniture and a kitchen.
Tents, sleeping bags, and mats are provided (or you can use your own). There's a designated dining area and basic sanitation. - Guest houses in Nuratau
Accommodation in traditional houses in the mountain villages of Sentyab, Khayat, Ukhum, and Asraf. These simple yet cozy accommodations allow you to experience the region's way of life and relax after a day of trekking. - Hotels according to the program.
They are used on recovery days and at the end of the active part of the route.
The program may include hotels with additional infrastructure (sauna, hammam, swimming pool).
Nutrition
Meals are organized taking into account the physical activity and format of the expedition:
- Breakfasts and dinners - at the accommodation or in the bivouac;
- Lunches - in the form of snacks or lunch boxes along the route;
- On travel days, meals are provided in cafes along the route or at accommodations.
The diet is tailored to active days and provides sufficient caloric intake. Individual preferences can be accommodated in advance.
Equipment
Mandatory equipment for participation in the tour:
- trekking boots with good foot support;
- comfortable day backpack;
- sun protection (cap, glasses, cream);
- wind and water resistant jacket;
- warm clothes for evenings in the mountains;
- individual first aid kit and personal medications.
Sleeping bags and mats are provided or personal ones can be used by arrangement.
Climate and weather
Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. Temperature fluctuations, wind, and precipitation are possible throughout the day.
In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the route or timing can be adjusted by the guide without losing key objects.
Contact and conditions
In mountainous areas, connection may be unstable or absent.
This is part of the expedition format and an opportunity to temporarily disconnect from the daily routine.
How long does the tour last?
The tour includes 12 active days. Arrival day (meeting and hotel check-in) is not included in the active portion.
What is the difficulty level of the route?
This tour is classified as a moderate-difficulty trek. The program includes daily hikes through mountainous terrain, with ascents and descents.
Will there be heavy backpacks?
No. Participants carry day packs; their main equipment and luggage are transported.
Is this tour suitable for a first visit to Uzbekistan?
Yes, if the purpose of the trip is active trekking and nature, and not sightseeing.
Do you need trekking experience?
Hiking experience is preferred, but not required. Good physical fitness and a willingness to undertake daily activities are essential.
Tour conditions
Tour starting point
Tashkent
Duration
12 days/ 11 nights
Included in the price
- Transport services throughout the entire route;
- Accompanied by an experienced guide throughout the active part of the tour;
- Accommodation according to the program;
- Tent equipment for bivouac;
- Meals according to the program;
- Organization and implementation of all walking routes;
- Visiting all natural and historical sites indicated in the tour program;
- Organizational support and route coordination throughout the entire trip.
Paid separately
- Visa (the cost of the visa depends on citizenship)
- Tourist tax
- Air travel
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional services and activities not included in the main program
Additional information
- Prepayment 50%;
- You can choose to stay in tents or hotels.
Tour cost
The price of an expedition trekking tour in the mountains of Uzbekistan is fixed and depends on the number of participants in the group. All prices are in US dollars.
| Number of participants | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 4 630 $ |
| 2 people | 2 445 $ |
| 3 people | 1 975 $ |
| 4 people | 1 900 $ |
| 5 people | 1 730 $ |
| 6 people | 1 615 $ |
| 7 people | 1 665 $ |
| 8 people | 1 585 $ |
| 9 people | 1 525 $ |
| 10 people | 1 475 $ |
| 11 people | 1 435 $ |
| 12 people | 1 405 $ |
| 13 people | 1 375 $ |
| 14 people | 1 350 $ |
Who is this tour suitable for?
This route is designed for travelers who are looking for a real active adventure and are ready to traverse the mountainous regions on foot, with accommodation along the route and immersion in the natural and cultural environment.
This tour is suitable for:
- for lovers of trekking and hiking;
- travelers in good physical condition;
- those who already have experience of active tours or regularly engage in sports;
- participants looking for non-mass routes and remote regions;
- those who are interested in natural objects, geology and archeology;
- for travelers prepared for simple living conditions in the mountains.
This tour is for those who want to complete the entire route, see remote areas of Uzbekistan, and gain experiences that are impossible to obtain on standard tourist trips.
Geography and logic of the route
- Tashkent Mountains — start of the active part: Aksagata canyon, the confluence of the Aksagata and Nurekata rivers, Kumbel petroglyphs, Chet-Kumbel and Urta-Kumbel passes, marble geological sites, Maly Chimgan and Paltau waterfall, Obi-Rakhmat grotto.
Here, participants gradually get into the rhythm of walking and adapt to the terrain. - Crossing to Nuratau — a change in landscapes: from humid mountain valleys to drier ridges and steppe spaces.
- Nuratau — the main part of the expedition: the villages of Sentob, Hayat, Ukhum and Asraf, ancient plane trees, the pistachio mountains of Pistalitau, specially designated natural areas and historical sites, including the 13th-century Khanbandi dam.
- The finale of the route is a panoramic view of Lake Tuzkan, a summary of the active part, and a return from the mountainous regions.
The crossings are used only to connect key regions and approaches to the tracks. Main The value of the route is the hiking, the diversity of landscapes and the immersion into the life of the mountainous regions, where mass tourism is practically absent.