Scenic Mountain Hikes
Authentic Rural Experice
UNESCO Treasures
Experience Authentic Village Life and Scenic Hikes in Gelon with Shakhrisabz Exploration
Experience the charm of rural Uzbekistan on this two-day Gelon Village tour from Samarkand, a hidden gem nestled in Uzbekistan’s picturesque highlands. This remote adventure combines authentic Uzbek village experiences with breathtaking natural beauty. Known locally as Gilan or Gilon, this high-mountain village offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional village life while enjoying scenic hiking tours in the mountains of Uzbekistan.
Your journey begins with a picturesque drive from Samarkand, including a stop in Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur. Here, you’ll explore its magnificent Timurid-era monuments, including the Ak-Saray Palace and the Dorut Tilavat and Dorus Saodat complexes. This unique combination makes the Gelon Village tour an unforgettable cultural and natural experience.
Upon arrival in Gelon Village, you’ll step into the heart of rural Uzbekistan, where traditional lifestyles remain untouched by time. Engage with the friendly locals, visit unique sites such as a traditional water mill, blacksmith’s forge, and mosque, and learn about the village’s ingenious irrigation systems. You’ll stay overnight in a cozy homestay, enjoying home-cooked meals and the tranquil pace of mountain life.
For outdoor enthusiasts, this tour offers picturesque hiking trails through lush fields, rugged mountain ridges, and serene valleys. Whether you choose a moderate hike to a nearby village or a more challenging loop trail featuring historic shrines and panoramic views, the experience will leave you with lasting memories of Uzbekistan’s natural beauty.
This two-day journey is the perfect escape for adventurers and culture seekers alike. From the historic landmarks of Shahrisabz to the authentic charm of Gelon Village, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions and landscapes that define rural Uzbekistan.
Highlights of the Tour
Immerse yourself in rural Uzbek hospitality with an overnight stay in a cozy homestay in Gelon Village.
Explore the iconic Timurid monuments of Shakhrisabz, including the Ak-Saray Palace and Dorut Tilavat Complex.
Embark on scenic hikes through lush valleys, rugged ridges, and serene mountain landscapes in Gelon.
Visit traditional sites in Gelon Village, such as the water mill, blacksmith’s forge, and village mosque.
Connect with friendly locals and observe or participate in traditional cooking practices.
Enjoy delicious home-cooked Uzbek meals in a tranquil highland setting surrounded by natural beauty.
Day 1 – Samarkand to Gelon Village via Shakhrisabz City: At 8:00 AM, your driver will pick you up from the meeting point in Samarkand for the journey to Gelon Village. On the way, stop in Shakhrisabz to explore its historical highlights such as the Ak-Saray Palace, Dorut Tilavat Complex, and Dorus Saodat Complex. Arrive in Gelon Village around 4:00 PM and settle into your homestay. In the evening, explore the village and visit key sites.
Day 2 – Hike around Gelon and return to Samarkand: Choose between a hike to Kol Village (12 km/ 3 hours) or a loop hike (15.5 km/ 7 hours). Along the way, see scenic mountain landscapes offering panoramic views. Enjoy the valley’s diverse birdlife, flora, and fauna. Return to the homestay and have lunch with your host family. After lunch, say goodbye to your hosts and transfer back to Samarkand.
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Click the “Itinerary” tab to see a detailed itinerary.
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Trip Details
Trip Details
- Tour Dates: Group departures are available on every Tuesday and Saturdays, from April to November.
- Seasonal Considerations: The best seasons for this tour are June, July, and August.
Private tours can be organized starting from any date.
- Joining point and time: In Samarkand, meet at 7:40 AM at the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. Upon request, private and small groups (2-3 participants) can be picked up from their hotels. The departure time is 8:00 AM.
- Ending Point: In Samarkand, you will be dropped off at Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum at around 6:00 PM. Upon request, private and small groups (2-3 participants) can be dropped off at their hotels.
Instructions
To find your driver:
Please be ready near the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and look for our driver holding a sign with our company name – NURATAU TRAVEL. For any issues or delays, contact our team using this emergency number: +998 90 2650680 (also WhatsApp).
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in the homestay.
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
- Transportation: Transfers include:
- From Samarkand to Shakhrisabz and Gelon village.
- From Gelon village to Samarkand.
- Entrance tickets: All entrance tickets per itinerary.
- Guide: Mountain guide on Day 2.
- Registration: The registration will be issued by the homestay owner, please present your passport upon arrival.
- Guide in Shakhrisabz: The visit includes your exploration, the guide can be hired for 45 EUR per group.
- Travel Insurance: We want you to have a safe and worry-free adventure, so we kindly ask all participants to have travel insurance. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re protected and can fully enjoy your activities with peace of mind.
- Tips: Tipping is not mandatory but is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the services provided by guides, drivers, and hosts. A general guideline is €4–€9 per person per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service.
- Homestay Details: The homestay has 6 rooms furnished with kurpacha matrasses. There is an ablution block that contains a shower and hand-washing basin. The toilet is located outside. The village has a mobile network and stable internet connection via Uzmobile cellular network.
- Transport Details: For groups of 2-3 participants, transportation is provided by an air-conditioned sedan car. For groups of 4 or more, a minibus is used.
- Guide: We provide with local mountain guide during the hiking on Day 2. The guide speaks basic English.
- Minimum and Maximum Participants: The tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 12 participants.
Participant Requirements
- The tour includes two hiking options on Day 2:
- Option 1 (Kol Valley): A moderate 12 km hike with 610 m elevation gain and descent, suitable for those comfortable walking on uneven terrain at a steady pace. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
- Option 2 (Loop Hike): A moderate 15.5 km hike with 910 m elevation gain and descent over 7 hours, including steep sections, requiring good physical fitness and stamina.
- Age Restrictions: The tour is best suited for individuals aged 14 and above
- Experience: The tour caters to all experience levels. Option 1 (12 km to Kol Valley) is beginner-friendly and requires no prior hiking experience. Option 2 (15.5 km Loop Hike) is moderate, with steep sections, and suits participants with some hiking experience. Both options require good health and reasonable fitness.
- Clothing:
- Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November): Layered clothing to accommodate varying temperatures. Pack long-sleeved shirts, a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings, and comfortable trousers.
- Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen shirts and trousers. A wide-brimmed hat or cap is essential for sun protection. Consider bringing a light scarf or shawl for additional coverage.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable trainer shoes with good grip to navigate uneven mountain terrain safely.
- Other Essentials: Ensure you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
- Luggage Transport: Your luggage will be transported by car during the tour. Please let us know in advance if you have accusive luggage or have any specific luggage transportation requirements.
- Size and Weight Limits: It’s advisable to pack light for ease of travel. A medium-sized suitcase or backpack should suffice for the duration of the tour.
Please review our booking terms and cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions page.
2-Day Tour to Gelon Village from Samarkand Itinerary
Day 1: Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Gelon
At 8:00 AM, your driver will pick you up from the meeting point in Samarkand to begin the journey to Gelon Village (also called Gilan or Gilon), a scenic mountain village in southern Uzbekistan.
On the way, stop in Shakhrisabz to explore its historical highlights, including the Ak-Saray Palace, Dorut Tilavat Complex, and Dorus Saodat Complex, which showcase the grandeur of Amir Timur’s legacy. If desired, you can hire a local guide for 45 EUR per group for a more in-depth experience.
Arrive in Gelon Village around 4:00 PM and settle into your cozy homestay. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, the village offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of its friendly residents. In the evening, explore the village and visit key sites such as the water mill, blacksmith’s forge, village mosque, museum, and the artist’s workshop. Also, you can observe the locals as they go about their daily routines or join the family in preparing a traditional dish using fresh, homegrown vegetables and mountain spices.
Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner with your hosts before an overnight stay in the homestay.
Overnight: Kimyo’s homestay or similar.
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Day 2: Gelon – Samarkand
After a hearty breakfast with your host family, immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty surrounding Gelon Village with a guided hike. Choose one of the following options:
- Option A: Gelon to Kol Village Hike (approx.12 km / 3 h, elevation: +609, -605m). This moderately challenging trail takes you through lush agricultural fields and scenic mountain landscapes, offering panoramic views along the wa The hike ends in Kol Village, where your driver will meet you for the return journey to Samarkand.
- Option B: Loop Hike into the Mountains (approx. 15.5 km/ 7 h, elevation +915, -913m). This adventurous loop hike offers breathtaking views of the mountains and Gelon Village from above. Along the way, visit the shrine of Turki Tugon, a local pilgrimage site steeped in history and spirituality. This option is ideal for those seeking a more challenging and rewarding hiking experience.
If hiking isn’t your preference, enjoy a relaxing morning at the homestay, taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the village and interacting with your hosts.
In the afternoon, depart Gelon Village and begin the drive back to Samarkand, arriving in the late afternoon. Your driver will drop you off at ending point, marking the end of this memorable cultural and natural adventure.
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End of the trip
Map
Private Tour Enquiry
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 adventure tour in the form below and we will get back to you with available departure dates.
