11-Day Uzbekistan Hiking Tour: Discover Authentic Experiences & Culture

Embark on an enriching 11-Day Uzbekistan Hiking Tour that seamlessly blends Uzbekistan’s rich Silk Road history with authentic cultural immersion and breathtaking natural beauty. This journey takes you through the vibrant cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, and into the heart of the picturesque Nuratau Mountains for an unforgettable Uzbekistan hiking holiday filled with adventure and connection.

Start in Tashkent, where modernity meets tradition. Explore bustling bazaars, the iconic Khast Imam Complex, and the beautifully designed Tashkent Metro. In Samarkand, marvel at Silk Road treasures like Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and the legendary Siyob Bazaar. Continue to Bukhara, a city steeped in history, with its ancient mosques, madrasas, and fortresses showcasing the grandeur of the Silk Road.

Throughout the tour, accommodations have been carefully selected to enhance your experience. In cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, you’ll stay in small guesthouses or family-run establishments that provide a warm, personalized touch. In the Nuratau Mountains, enjoy cozy homestays that are part of a Community Based Tourism network run by our company. These stays offer an authentic cultural hiking experience in Uzbekistan while directly benefiting the local economy, supporting conservation efforts, and preserving cultural heritage.

The highlight of this guided hiking tour in Uzbekistan lies in the Nuratau Mountains, where guided hikes reveal stunning landscapes and lead you to Hayat Bashi Peak, the highest point in the range. Your guided hiking tour will immerse you in the traditions of local communities, enjoying homemade meals, connecting with families, and learning about their daily lives.

From hiking adventures in Uzbekistan on scenic mountain trails to exploring the vibrant cultural heritage of its Silk Road cities, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, history, and authenticity. If you’re looking for a hiking vacation in Uzbekistan that combines breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural experiences, this 11-day Uzbekistan Hiking Tour is the perfect choice. Book now to discover the best of Uzbekistan!

If our 11-Day Hiking Uzbekistan Tour doesn’t align with your holiday schedule, explore our shorter 7-Day and 4-Day village-to-village hiking tours. If you need further guidance to choose the right tour for you don’t hesitate to contact us!

Day 1 – Tashkent
Arrive at Tashkent International Airport in the afternoon, where our driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may go out for dinner to experience authentic Uzbek cuisine or relax in your hotel. This marks the beginning of your journey into Uzbekistan’s rich history and cultural traditions.

Overnight: Small family-run hotel or guesthouse
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Day 2 – Tashkent
Today, spend the whole day exploring sights on a Tashkent city tour. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, which has existed for more than 2,000 years. The city was completely rebuilt after being flattened by the devastating earthquake of 1966. Our first stop will include visits to Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, and the History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan. Continuing on, visit the Khast Imam Complex, which contains the oldest known copy of the Koran dating from 655 AD.

From Khast Imam visit the nearby Chorsu Bazaar – the largest and oldest market in Central Asia. Wandering through this huge bustling market is a great way to see local people going about their daily lives. You will also meet many friendly local vendors who will engage with you as you pass by. The 16th-century Kukaldosh Madrasa – Tashkent’s most renowned Islamic learning center and 15th-century Juma Mosque are also both located at a short walking distance from Chorsu Bazaar. Next, take a ride on the Tashkent Metro, famous for its beautifully designed stations. If time permits, visit the Museum of Applied Arts.

Overnight: Small family-run hotel or guesthouse
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Day 3 – Tashkent – Samarkand
This morning, take a train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide at the station. One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Samarkand is a jewel of the ancient and modern Silk Road. Founded in the 5th century BC, it has been a center of artisans and traders, playing a key role at the crossroads of trade between China, Persia, and India. The city was conquered by Alexander the Great in 329 BC, devastated by Genghis Khan, and flourished as the capital of Amir Timur’s empire in the 14th century.

After checking in at your guesthouse, begin the sightseeing tour with a visit to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, originally built by Timur for his grandson and later becoming the resting place for Timur, his sons, grandsons, and teachers. Continue to the Registan ensemble, home to the Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari madrasas. These medieval academies, adorned with intricate blue tiles and majolica, are among Central Asia’s most captivating monuments. From the Registan, head north along Tashkent Street, lined with handicraft and souvenir stalls, toward the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. According to legend, this grand mosque with its massive cupola was commissioned by Bibi-Khanym, Timur’s wife, to surprise him while he was away at war. Nearby, explore the bustling Siyob Bazaar, where local merchants offer fresh produce and handicrafts, providing an excellent photo opportunity and a chance to engage with hospitable locals. The evening is free to explore the vibrant streets and evening ambiance of Samarkand.

Overnight:  Jahongir Guesthouse or similar
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Day 4 – Samarkand – Sayyod Yurt Camp
After an early breakfast, begin a half-day city tour with visits to the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, Afrosiab Museum, and Ulugbek’s Observatory. Located near Siyob Bazaar, Shah-i-Zinda, also known as the “Town of the Dead,” features a stunning row of mausoleums adorned with intricate blue tiles and majolica. The site’s most significant landmark is the shrine of Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of Prophet Muhammad and one of the first to preach Islam in the region.

After exploring Shah-i-Zinda, continue to Ulugbek’s Observatory with a stop at the Afrosiab Museum along the way. Ulugbek, Timur’s grandson, is renowned as a medieval astronomer rather than a ruler. His observatory was a groundbreaking structure, allowing him to calculate the length of the year with remarkable precision. The half-day city tour concludes after visiting the observatory. In the afternoon, a driver will transfer you to Sayyod Yurt Camp nestled in the Nuratau Mountains. Sayyod Yurt Camp in the late afternoon, settle into one of the 11 traditionally decorated yurts, each equipped to accommodate 2 to 4 guests. The mountain yurt camp combines authentic charm with modern comforts, featuring an on-site restaurant, a well-maintained ablution block with showers and toilets, and even an outdoor pool for relaxation. As the sun sets, gather for a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties, prepared fresh at the camp. After the meal, spend a relaxing evening by the fireplace.

Travel time & distance: approx. 175 km/3h
Overnight: Sayyod Yurt Camp
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Day 5 – Full-day hike from Sayyod Yurt Camp
An early breakfast sets the tone for a full day of adventure. Embark on a day-long guided hike to the mountain plateau (15 km/7 hours). Traverse through valleys, ascend to the plateau, and descend to lush green landscapes, all while relishing breathtaking views of the vast Kyzyl-Kum steppe, Lake Aydarkul, and neighboring villages. Savour a picnic lunch along the way. Later, visit Sayyod village, where a rural tapestry of farming, livestock keeping, and agricultural practices unfolds. Engage with locals, witness their daily activities, and feel the warmth of their hospitality.

Hike: approx. 15 km/7 h / +996 -998 m
Overnight: Sayyod Yurt Camp
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Day 6 – Sayyod Yurt Camp – Uhum village
Following breakfast, set out on an easy hike in the afternoon, treating yourself to panoramic views of the Nuratau Mountains. Enjoy lunch at the camp before transferring to Uhum village. Upon arrival at Uhum, you will be welcomed by your host and shown the homestay facilities, followed by lunch with the family. After lunch, relax on the tapchans under huge walnut trees and get to know your host family. In the evening, you may wander around the village watching people doing their daily chores or help the family prepare traditional dish from homegrown vegetables and mountain spices.

Hike: approx. 6 km/3 h / +327 -328 m
Travel time & distance: approx. 66 km/1.5h        
Overnight: Ulugbek’s homestay or similar
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Day 7 – Uhum – Hayat Peak – Hayat village
After breakfast with the host family, start your whole day hike to Hayat Bashi Peak (2 169 m), the highest point in the Nuratau Mountain range. The trail begins from the homestay, ascending toward the Nuratau Nature Reserve. Along the way, see the ruins of ancient irrigation channels and visit a petroglyph site, offering insight into the area’s ancient history. Continue through a picturesque valley filled with walnut trees to reach the summit, a journey that takes approximately 3.5 hours. The hike offers a chance to spot endangered Severtzov’s wild sheep, with the Nuratau Mountains home to about 90% of their global population. From the summit, take in breathtaking views of the mountains and nearby villages. After a rest, descend through Hayatsay Valley to Hayat village. Upon arrival, your host will welcome you and show you the homestay facilities so you can get settled in. This homestay has six separate guestrooms, furnished with carpets, kurpacha mattresses, and pillows. The owner of the homestay, Khushvakt Musaev, works as a warden in the Nature Reserve. This is another member of our Community Based Tourism network, ensuring that your stay supports the local economy and benefits the community. Enjoy a homemade dinner.

Hike: approx. 18.5 km/ 6-7 h
Overnight: Shodmon’s homestay or similar
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Day 8 – Hayat – Asraf village – Bukhara
After breakfast with the family, begin a morning hike from Hayat to Asraf village. Along the route, pass through Uhum village and visit the operational community watermill of the Kasymov family. Take in stunning panoramic views of the village while your local guide shares fascinating insights into the village’s history and the traditions of its people. Arrive at Aslon’s homestay in Asraf by lunchtime. After lunch with the family, depart for Bukhara. En route, stop in Nurata to explore the ruins of the ‘Nur’ fortress, founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, and visit the nearby holy spring and Juma Mosque. Arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon and settle in your hotel.  The evening is free for you to wander around and explore Bukhara on your own.

Hike: approx. 12 km/4 h
Travel time & distance: approx. 290 km/4.5 hours (without breaks)
Overnight: Bukhara Zaringiz or similar guesthouse
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Day 9 – Bukhara
The sightseeing program in Bukhara is spread over two days to fully explore the city’s remarkable sites. With over one hundred unique monuments, Bukhara is known as the ‘Bastion of Islam’ and the holiest city in Central Asia. The full-day tour begins with visits to Lyabi Hauz, the 9th-century Maghoki-Attar Mosque, and the Nadir Divan Begi Madrasa. Passing through medieval trading domes, the tour continues to the Abdul Aziz Khan and Ulugbek Madrasas before reaching the Kalon Ensemble, which includes the Kalon Minaret and Kalon Mosque. The 47-meter Kalon Minaret, built in 1127 by ruler Arslan Khan, is also called the “Tower of Death” due to its historical use for executions on market days. Opposite the Kalon Mosque is the 16th-century Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, still in operation. Further west lies the Ark Fortress, dating back to the 5th century AD, once the ancient center of Bukhara and the site of many historic events. Inside the Ark, visit the Juma Mosque, Reception and Coronation Court, Zindon Prison (the “Bug Pit”), and the emir’s place of worship, Bolo-Hauz Mosque. After leaving the Ark, pass through Registan Square to Samani Park and visit the 10th-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum. The evening is free to explore Bukhara’s vibrant atmosphere at your leisure.

Overnight: Bukhara Zaringiz or similar guesthouse
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Day 10 – Bukhara – Tashkent
Today, a half-day Bukhara tour begins with a visit to Sitorai Mohi Hosa, the summer palace of the last emir. Built with contributions from both Russian and local craftsmen, the palace showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, featuring elaborately decorated halls with paintings and carpets.

After exploring Sitorai Mohi Hosa, continue to the village of Qasri Orifon to visit the Bakhautdin Naqshband complex, with a stop en route at the Chor-Bakr necropolis. Bakhautdin Naqshband (1318–89), the founder of one of Central Asia’s most influential Sufi orders, is commemorated within this revered complex, which includes mosques, a minaret, and his mausoleum, making it a prominent pilgrimage site.

In the afternoon, take a train to Tashkent. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.

Train journey: approx. 4.5 hours
Overnight: Small family-run hotel or guesthouse
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Day 11 – Tashkent
Check out from the hotel by noon and you will be transferred to the Tashkent International Airport.

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End of the trip

All our tours are available as private tours. To request private tour departure dates you can send us an enquiry here. Please fill in your details and select your preferred hiking tour in the form below and we will get back to you with available departure dates.