Trekking in the Nurata mountains of Uzbekistan

After breakfast, you'll depart for the Nurata Mountains, passing through the Syrdarya and Djizzakh regions, and reach the village of Eski Forish. Arrival in the village is expected in the afternoon. Check-in at the guesthouse, lunch, and a stroll through the village to meet the locals. Dinner and overnight stay with the family.

Hike to the historic viewpoint, once used to observe the Kyzylkum Desert plains (red sands) and warn of sudden enemy attacks. The trail winds through village orchards, steep pastures, and an increasingly rocky landscape. Eagles, partridges, and sometimes ibex are frequently spotted. Arrival at the village of Achraf. Check-in at the guesthouse, lunch, and a stroll through the village. We climb a hill to admire the view of the village. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.

You leave the village of Achraf for another charming neighboring mountain village, Oukhoum. During the day, you'll cross several hills and pass through hamlets with a warm, rural atmosphere. It's not uncommon to be invited for tea on an Uzbek tapchan (traditional Uzbek flat-bottomed house). Upon arrival, you'll settle into your guesthouse, have lunch, and enjoy free time to wander around the village, meet the locals, and observe their daily activities. Dinner and overnight stay with the family.

Departure by car for the village of Sentob. Walk through the village to the guesthouse, check-in and lunch. Stroll through the charming village with its stone houses, nestled at the foot of the mountain, beside a river and surrounded by lush orchards. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

A full day's hike to Lake Fazilman, in the heart of the Nurata Mountains. A challenging trek, not technically difficult but suitable for experienced hikers. Once over the pass, continue across the Fazilman plateau. Relax by the lake, near the Shepherd's Gorge, a beautiful, verdant gorge not far from the Fazilman summit. Enjoy a picnic lunch. For those who wish, the ascent can continue to Mount Fazilman at 1833m (an additional 2 hours of hiking), then descend to Sentob. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Journey to the desert to discover nomadic life. Begin a desert hike towards Lake Aydar (9 km). Upon arrival at the shores of Lake Aydar, continue along the lake's banks to observe the birdlife that inhabits the shores (pelicans, cormorants, ducks, etc.). Swimming in the lake is possible. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake. Arrive at the yurt camp in the late afternoon. Experience a memorable camel ride across the steppe. Free time to watch the desert sunset. Overnight in a yurt.

After breakfast, drive to Bukhara. Before arriving in Nurata, visit the ruins of Alexander the Great's garrison and the Nurata oasis. Stop at the village of Gijdovan, famous for its fine ceramics. Arrive in Bukhara in the early afternoon. Most of Bukhara's attractions are concentrated in the old city of Shakhristan and are best explored on foot. Enjoy an evening stroll. Overnight at the hotel.

The entire day is dedicated to exploring the old part of Bukhara – made famous by its ancient carpet market. A living museum amidst the sands, Bukhara will enchant you with the atmosphere of its old alleyways and remarkable monuments, transporting you back to the era of the Silk Road caravans. First, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum (9th-10th century), the oldest building in the city and one of Uzbekistan's most beautiful treasures, then the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum (12th-14th century), the Bola Hauz complex (18th century), and the Ark Citadel. The symbol of the Emirate of Bukhara stands majestically in Registan Square, a reminder of the terror of the Mangit era. The Ark, the residence of the lords of Bukhara, is as old as Bukhara itself.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Free time in Bukhara to enjoy the city at your own pace: stroll through the historic alleyways, do some shopping in the traditional bazaars, or savor a final cup of green tea in a teahouse. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Late afternoon transfer to Bukhara train station for the train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and then begin your exploration of the legendary city of Timur (Tamerlane) with a visit to the majestic Timur Mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece with turquoise domes.

Dinner in a traditional restaurant, followed by a pleasant evening stroll in Samarkand, when the monuments are illuminated and reveal their full splendor. Overnight stay at the hotel.

The entire day is dedicated to exploring Samarkand, the ancient capital of Timur's empire. A true crossroads of the Silk Road—leading to Persia in the west, China in the east, and India in the south—the city was marked by the passage of Alexander the Great, ravaged by Genghis Khan, and then elevated to the status of capital by Tamerlane. Its turquoise domes and blue mosaics continue to captivate travelers today.

You will begin with a visit to the famous Registan Square, one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Central Asia, followed by the Bibi-Khanoum Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world. The tour continues to the necropolis of the "Living King," Shah-i-Zinda, a complex of richly decorated mausoleums.

Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world. Stroll through the Siyob Market, where you can discover local products, then free time in Samarkand.

Departure in the morning for Tashkent. Arrival around noon, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the old city, the historical and spiritual heart of the Uzbek capital. You will visit Khast-i Imam Square, a major religious site housing the Barak-Khan Madrasa, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece, as well as the mausoleum of Kaffal Shoshi, one of the city's most revered saints. You will also discover the Academy for the Study of Islamic Civilization, where the famous Uthmanic Quran is kept.

Continue with a visit to Chor Sou Market, literally "the four paths," one of Tashkent's most authentic bazaars. Its colorful stalls, aromas of spices, and daily bustle offer a true glimpse into local life. Dinner and

Check-in and overnight stay in Tashkent.

Free time, depending on your flight time, to stroll around the city at your own pace. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.