Uzbek Hikes and Encounters

Welcome to Uzbekistan! Your French-speaking guide greets you on arrival at the airport, and you go straight to enjoy a delicious breakfast at a chaykhana, a traditional Uzbek tea house. Then you take your first steps in the Uzbek capital, at the crossroads of the famous Silk Road and the Gold Road. Tashkent has kept an exotic atmosphere with its open-air markets and parks with vegetation typical of the region's oases. Visit the superb Museum of Applied Arts and explore the intoxicating Chorsu Bazaar. In the afternoon, a flight to Urgench awaits, before heading to nearby Khiva. Settle in comfortably at the hotel and take a walk around the area for a first glimpse of the town. Night at the hotel.

This morning you set off to explore Khiva, a genuine open-air museum. You wander the lanes of Itchan Kala, the famous fortified city at the town's heart, where countless madrasas, mausoleums and mosques intermingle. Among this abundance of monuments, you discover the Kalta Minor, symbol of the city of Khiva, and the Muhammad Amin Khan complex, one of the largest madrasas in Central Asia. Explore inside the ramparts to find the Ak-Sheikh-Bobo Tower, the Muhammad Rakim Madrasa, the Said Alauddin Mausoleum, the Juma Mosque, as well as the Islam Khoja Minaret and the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. Finish with the caravanserai, now converted into a covered bazaar, and the Tosh Hovli Palace. At the end of the day, keep your eyes open, as you'll witness a fantastic Khorezm dance performance. Night at the hotel.

Early morning departure towards the legendary city of Bukhara. Following the banks of the Amu Darya, which winds through the Kyzylkum Desert, you reach the cotton plains reclaimed from the desert through irrigation with waters from the Aral Sea. You then arrive in this genuine oasis in the middle of the red Kyzylkum desert. Once called the 'pearl of Islam', Bukhara has preserved its oriental spirit. As a concentrate of all of Central Asia's architecture, it is one of the most striking stops on a trip to Uzbekistan. Check in to your hotel for a first night in Bukhara.

On foot, still with your guide, set off for a full discovery of the fabulous city of Bukhara. There's so much to see here: start with the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Job's Spring and the Bolo Hauz Mosque. Continue with the Ark citadel or Emir's fortress and Poi Kalyan Square, the town's most beautiful and monumental square. Discover three imposing monuments there: the 48-metre-high Kalyan Minaret, the vast Kalyan Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. Finish your exploration of the town with the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, the Magoki-Attari Mosque and the Khanaka, not forgetting the Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasa and the Kukeldash Madrasa. Night at the hotel.

After yesterday's wonderful day, you head out of town for an excursion to the great pilgrimage site of Bahauddin Naqshband. Uzbek pilgrims come here in large numbers from all over Uzbekistan to venerate the tomb of Saint Sufi Naqshband. You admire the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Summer Palace, residence of Bukhara's last Emirs, and the Chor Minor Madrasa, unique in its architectural style. Take a break from historical sightseeing and turn to local crafts, visiting the Suzani House, the renowned embroidery workshop of Mr Rakhmon Toshev. In the afternoon, wander freely through the heart of the city: the crowds and souks, the drink and music kiosks — breathe in the vibrant, authentic side of Bukhara. Night at the hotel.

This morning, head to Yangigazgan, a small village of Kazakh shepherds. On the way, visit the famous traditional pottery workshop at Gijduvan and stop off at Nurata. There you discover the ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, shaped like the Little Bear, the Chilustun Mosque with its 40 columns, the Panjvakhta Mosque and the Mausoleum of Sheikh Abdul Hasan Nuri. Today you enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family, a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with locals. Finally, you arrive at the yurt camp, where your hosts invite you to an outdoor dinner with a recital of Kazakh songs around the fire. Night in a yurt.

After a gentle wake-up in the middle of the desert, you head to Lake Aydarkul for an hour's walk and a picnic by the lake. Take the road towards the village of Sob, located in the Nuratau Mountains. Once in this small village tucked away deep in the valley, you are welcomed by your hosts, who offer you traditional chai. You appreciate the hospitality of the Uzbek people. After settling into your room, you meet the village children by visiting their school. Dinner and night with your host.

Walking time: 1h

From the Sob valley, you quickly leave crops and orchards behind to reach the Nickarte Pass, which opens onto the Sentob valley. A rocky atmosphere dominates. Descend towards Sentob to reach the track leading to the village, where you stop for lunch with local people. After this good meal in the company of this family, you are taken to the village of Hayat, where you spend the night. A charming welcome awaits you, and you already feel at home. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk exploring the surroundings of the village. Night with your host.

Walking time: 3h/ Ascent: 500m/ Descent: 430m

After a hearty breakfast, set off hiking towards the village of Eski Forish. Walk through the heart of a region with a rich, protected ecosystem: admire the flora and fauna around you. Take a break in the village of Ashraf to have lunch with a local family. A stop that once again promises a warm encounter. Then continue your hike towards the village of Eski Forish, where you enjoy a restful night with a local family.

Walking time: 4h/ Ascent: 600m/ Descent: 530m

Today you reach the legendary city of Samarkand! A mythical city on the Silk Road and capital of one of the greatest empires that ever ruled, Samarkand leaves no one indifferent. The magnificent domes and minarets make up all of the city's splendour, not to mention the sublime, oversized monuments that are a true treasure at the heart of the citadel. Take your first steps in Samarkand by visiting the remains of Ulugh Beg's giant observatory, once used to calculate the position of the stars, and the Afrasiyab Archaeological Museum. Wander through the historic Afrasiyab site at sunset before returning to your hotel for the night.

This morning you're ready to discover one of the oldest cities in the world. You begin with the famous Shah-i-Zinda complex. This necropolis is an avenue of tombs, each more beautiful than the last. It's one of the oldest buildings in Samarkand and an important pilgrimage site. Then walk through the Bibi-Khanym Mosque before heading to the Siab Bazaar, the best show in town. In the afternoon, discover the city's treasure: Registan Square, comprising the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, the Sher-Dor Madrasa and the Tilya-Kori Madrasa. Finish your exploration with Samarkand's most famous monument, now its emblem: the Gur-e-Amir, or tomb of the Emir. Night at the hotel.

Today you travel back in time and follow the footsteps of the warrior Timur, who became a legendary figure of Uzbekistan and the East by conquering his home city: Shakhrisabz. Your driver takes you to the town, set at the foot of the Zeravshan Mountains, where you find the remains of Timur's palace: the Ak-Saray, or white palace. You visit the Kok Gumbaz Mosque and the Gumbazi Seyidan Mausoleum. Return to Samarkand during the day to spend a final evening there. Night at the hotel.

Wake up gently and enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel. Today you have the morning free to wander around Samarkand in search of souvenirs and gifts! Once your shopping is done, you're transferred to the station in the late afternoon, where you board the 'Afrosiyob' train, Uzbekistan's high-speed train, bound for Tashkent. On your return to Tashkent, you check into your hotel and go out for dinner to enjoy a pleasant final evening in the Uzbek capital.

For your last day of this trip to Uzbekistan, you devote your morning to visiting the Kukeldash Madrasa and the Khasti Imam complex, made up of the Barak Khan Madrasa, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum. After taking in yet more beautiful sights, savour delicious Uzbek specialities one last time before packing your bags and heading to Tashkent airport for your return flight. Amazed throughout your stay by the little-known beauty of Uzbekistan, you already know that Central Asia deserves far more than just a detour. End of our services.