Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

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14 Days From

$3371

$3265

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

14 Days Starting and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Visiting: Tashkent, Artuch Base Camp, Kulikalon Lakes, Alauddin Lake, Guytan, Penjikent, Samarkand, Nurata, Bukhara

Tour operator:

World Expeditions

Tour code:

PTR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Camping

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3371 $3265 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$106

NB: Prices correct on 05-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Fann Mountains and the legendary Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This adventure offers breathtaking views of the Fann Mountains' towering peaks, as you trek through isolated valleys and cross the Alauddin Pass. Camp beside the stunning Alauddin Lakes and experience the warmth of local Tajik hospitality with homestays in remote villages. Discover the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, where history comes alive amidst architectural wonders. Enjoy a unique stay in a yurt camp in the Kyzylkum Desert, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of Central Asia. With comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and a blend of trekking and cultural exploration, this tour promises an enriching and adventurous experience.

Highlights

  • Behold views of some of the Fann Mountain's 5,000m plus peaks.

  • Trek isolated valleys, alpine meadows, and cross the Alauddin Pass (3,530m).

  • Camp beside the stunning Alauddin lakes in the Chapdara River valley.

  • Journey to the fabled Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.

  • Experience a Yurt Camp in the Kyzylkum Desert.

  • Explore the ancient city of Bukhara with its 140 architectural monuments.

  • Visit the impressive Registan Square in Samarkand, a wonder of the ancient world.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival In Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Location: Tashkent

Accommodation Name: Gabrielle International Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Upon arrival into Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, you will be met with a private transfer to the group hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax and refresh. This evening you will meet the rest of the group for a welcome dinner and your guide will provide a trip briefing.
Note: Hotel check-in time today is 14:00. Should your flight arrive earlier, please discuss arrangements for early room access with your Adventure Travel Consultant.
Overnight: Gabrielle International Hotel or similar

Day 2 : Into Tajikistan & To Artuch Base Camp

Location: Artuch Base Camp

Accommodation Name: Local cottage

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we first drive to the Oybek border point, where we complete border formalities and cross on foot into Tajikistan. You will need to carry your own luggage across this border for approx 1,200m. Once in Tajikistan, we'll drive to Khujand (100km,2hrs) where we enjoy a brief tour before continuing on to our final destination for the day, Artuch base camp. En route we'll travel over the Shakhristan pass (3378m) and into the amazing Zeravshan Valley. This area is famous for its unique mountain landscapes and stunning alpine lakes. Artuch base camp comprises of wooden chalets and cottages set amidst a wide expanse of juniper woods and it is here that we will meet our trekking guides, cook and porters.
Driving: Tashkent to Uzbek/Tajik border ~100km, 2hrs, to Artuch base camp 350km, 6hrs
Overnight: Local cottage (2,200m)

Day 3 : Trek To Kulikalon Lakes

Location: Kulikalon Lakes

Accommodation Name: Tented camp

A well trodden trail takes us up the Urjam River valley through mixed juniper and deciduous groves covering two giant scree dams steeply rising up the right hand side of the tight gorge. The dams serve as a natural filter for water running into the stream. The track levels out and once we top the upper dam, the turquoise necklace of Kulikalon Lakes frame the jagged summits of the Fann Mountains including Maria (4970m) Mirali (5120m), Rudaki (4900m) and Adamtash (4700m) which are known as the "Kulikalon Wall". After a picnic lunch we continue through the juniper forest and head to the eastern shore of Bibidjanat Lake for our first night camping. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset over Mirali Peak.
Hiking: ~10 km, 5hrs, +800m
Overnight: Tented camp (3,000m)

Day 4 : Alauddin Pass (3860M) To Alauddin Lake

Location: Alauddin Lake

Accommodation Name: Tented camp

After a hearty breakfast we pack up camp and head steeply uphill out of the juniper forest and alpine meadows to the Alauddin Pass (3860m). Here we will be able to see the entire Kulikalon Lakes system. The impressive snowcapped peaks of Chapdara (5050m), Bodhona (5138m) and Zamok (5070m) can also be viewed. After a picnic lunch we descend steeply on a rocky path to our campsite in a clearing beside Alauddin Lake. This afternoon you can opt for an easy walk around the lakes or relax at our campsite.
Hiking: ~7km, 7 hrs, +860m/ -1060m
Overnight: Tented camp (2,800m)

Day 5 : To Mutnoye Lake, Return To Alauddin Lake

Location: Alauddin Lake

Accommodation Name: Tented camp

We begin today with an optional walk. There are some steep ups and downs and we make our way up to Mutnoye Lake. We will see trailing glaciers, abrupt rock walls and rare birch trees. Nicknamed "Piala" for its round form, this is the smallest lake of the system which we will see today. Or you are free to stay and explore the area around the camp site.
Hiking: ~8 km, 6 hrs, +800m/ - 800m
Overnight: Tented camp (2,800m)

Day 6 : Laudan Pass (3630M) To Kulikalon Lakes (2900M)

Location: Kulikalon Lakes

Accommodation Name: Tented camp

The track climbs up the pass to a saddle from which the huge hollow of Kulikalon Lakes and the western part of the wall are almost completely visible. We will then descend on a wide track to our camp at Kulikalon Lake. Today, weather permitting is fantastic for photography as we will have unforgettable panorama views of all surrounding mountains.
Hiking: ~14km, 7 hrs, +1130m/ -1030m
Overnight: Tented camp (2,900m)

Day 7 : Via Chukurak Pass (3160M) And Gujtan Pass (2640M) To Guytan Village (1840M)

Location: Guytan

Accommodation Name: Local homestay

The ascent of Gujtan Pass is relatively difficult, following a track amongst a grove of fir trees. After approx. 2 hours we descend from the pass to the gorge of the Gujtan River and onto the picturesque village of Guytan where we will overnight in a homestay. You will be treated to some local food and hospitality readily offered by the people of Guytan.
Hiking: ~14km, 7 hrs, +720m/ -1780m
Overnight: Local homestay (1,840m)

Day 8 : Transfer From Guytan Village To Pendjikent

Location: Penjikent

Accommodation Name: Sughd Hotel or similar

Today the tour will return to civilisation, to the rural city of Penjikent.
Located in the Zerafshan Valley, Penjikent is located on a piece of prime flat ground, a scarce commodity in the middle of high mountains. With a history extending back to the times of the ancient Silk Road, and celebrated for its ties with treasured poet Rudaki, the city boasts an archaeological site, an intriguing regional museum and a colourful, energetic bazaar. The nearby border was long closed and so this region has seen very few visitors for many years. You will be sure to be warmly welcomed.
Driving: 65km, 2hrs
Overnight: Sughd Hotel or similar

Day 9 : To Samarkand

Location: Samarkand

Accommodation Name: Hotel Dilshoda or similar

Meals Included: Lunch

After breakfast we transfer to the Uzbek - Tajik border at Jartepa and then on to Samarkand. You will need to carry your own luggage across this border for approx 800m. Following lunch, we head out for our first exploration of this ancient and important Silk Road city.
Driving: To border 20km, 30mins/ to Samarkand 40km, 1hr
Overnight: Hotel Dilshoda or similar

Day 10 : Explore Samarkand

Location: Samarkand

Accommodation Name: Hotel Dilshoda or similar

Today we enjoy a full days sightseeing in and around Samarkand. First we visit the impressive "heart" of Samarkand, Registan Square enclosed by three spectacular madrasah. These huge buildings with domes and minarets covered in a mosaic of azure tiles were built from the 1400s. Registan Square is truly one of the wonders of the ancient world. We will also visit the beautiful 15th centrury Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siyob Bazaar and Ulugh Beg Observatory which dates back to the 1420s.
Overnight: Hotel Dilshoda or similar

Day 11 : To Aydar Yurt Camp

Location: Nurata

Accommodation Name: Yurt camp

Meals Included: Dinner

Today is a long drive through the Kyzylkum Desert. Throughout the desert more than 4,000 petroglyphs dot the slopes of the Sarmysh River. Despite the carvings dating back to the Stone Age, many have the appearance of being carved just yesterday. We will stop to view some of the best. En route we also visit Nurata, an ancient town founded in 327BC by Alexander the Great. The remains of this military fortress rise above the town and represent one of the most ancient archaeological monuments of the region. We arrive at our Yurt Camp late in the afternoon where we enjoy a hearty dinner round the camp fire in the company of local akyn (folklore singers).
Driving: 260km, 4hrs
Overnight: Yurt camp

Day 12 : To Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

Accommodation Name: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we pack up camp, bid farewell our hosts and drive to the beautiful Adyarkul Lake where we will enjoy a swim and stop for a leisurely lunch. Then we continue on to Bukhara to check into our hotel and you can enjoy an evening of free time, at your leisure.
Driving: 240km, 3½ hrs
Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Day 13 : Explore Bukhara

Location: Bukhara

Accommodation Name: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on a sacred hill where sacrifices were made by fire-worshippers in springtime. Bukhara City was founded in the 13th Century BC during the reign of Siyavushids who ascended to power 980 years before the arrival of Alexander the Great. The city's name originates from the word "vihara" which is Sanskrit for monastery. The city was once a large and important commercial centre on the Great Silk Road. Bukhara boasts more than 140 architectural monuments dating back to the middle Ages. The city consists of atmospheric narrow streets, open green parks and gardens, and superb historical and architectural monuments. This evening we celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Day 14 : Train To Tashkent, Trip Concludes

Location: Tashkent

We enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding the late afternoon train to Tashkent. You will be met at the train station and transferred to either the airport or the post tour hotel. Trip concludes.
On the final day the train usually used arrives into Tashkent at approximately 19:45pm. For this train, departure flights should not be earlier 23:00pm on the final day. However, sometimes this train is fully booked which means we would use the later train, arriving into Tashkent at 22:13pm.
Note: Unless you have booked a late night departure flight, you may require a night's accommodation. Please discuss arrangements with your World Expeditions Adventure Travel Consultant.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    6 nights hotel

  • 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners

    The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners.

  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Tashkent

    Airport transfers upon arrival and departure in Tashkent are included.

  • Comfortable hotels on twin share basis

    Accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis is included.

  • Local sightseeing guide & mountain guide on trek

    A local sightseeing guide and a mountain guide during the trek are included.

  • 50l kit bag for personal items provided during trek with 12kg allowance

    A 50-liter kit bag for personal items with a 12kg allowance is provided during the trek.

  • Group camping equipment

    Group camping equipment is included in the tour.

  • Porter and cook services on trek

    Porter and cook services are provided during the trek.

  • Pack animals for porterage

    Pack animals are used for porterage during the trek.

  • Train ticket from Bukhara to Tashkent

    A train ticket from Bukhara to Tashkent is included.

  • Entrance fees to museums and monuments

    Entrance fees to museums and monuments are included.

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What's Not Included

  • Sleeping bags are not provided but can be hired

    Sleeping bags are not provided but can be hired if needed.

  • International airfares

    International airfares are not included in the tour.

  • Visas

    Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Travel Insurance (Compulsory)

    Travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour.

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program

    Any meals and beverages not mentioned in the program are not included.

  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol, etc

    Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, and alcohol are not included.

  • Tips and gratuities

    Tips and gratuities are not included in the tour.

Accommodation

Experience a mix of 3-star hotels, homestays, and yurt camps. Hotels offer twin-share rooms with private facilities, though plumbing can be unreliable. Homestays provide a cultural experience with local families, while yurt camps offer a unique multi-share setting. Be prepared for basic amenities and wilderness camping.

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.

Grading

On a moderate trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day. On a moderate adventure the physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on moderate trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare in the mountains.
To prepare for a moderate trek you should begin training at least three months before your departure. As a benchmark, an hour of aerobic exercise three times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you know you can cope with a moderately graded trek. Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and rhythm are.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes private transfers, drives through scenic landscapes, and a train journey from Bukhara to Tashkent. Expect to carry your luggage across borders on foot. Pack animals assist with porterage during treks, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the trek in the Fann Mountains?

    During the trek in the Fann Mountains, you will be staying in tented camps on a twin share basis. The trekking infrastructure in Tajikistan is basic, so you should be prepared for a down-to-earth experience with limited facilities.

  • Will I have the opportunity to interact with local communities during the tour?

    Yes, you will have the opportunity to interact with local communities, especially during the homestay experience in Tajikistan. You will stay with local Tajik families, which provides an authentic cultural experience and the chance to enjoy home-cooked meals.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners. Meals are provided during the trek and at various accommodations throughout the tour.

  • Are there any special requirements for crossing the border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan?

    Yes, when crossing the border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, you will need to carry your own luggage across the border for approximately 1,200 meters.

  • What should I carry in my daypack during the trek?

    In your daypack, you should carry extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm. Porters and mules will carry all group gear and your trek pack.

  • What is the difficulty level of the trek, and how should I prepare?

    The trek is graded as moderate, which means physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day. You should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain and expect long steep climbs and descents. To prepare, you should begin training at least three months before departure, with an hour of aerobic exercise three times per week as a minimum requirement. Bushwalking with steep ascents and descents is recommended for preparation.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.

  • What about environmental impact?

    We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.

  • What should I pack?

    Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.

  • Are tips included in my trip price?

    Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.

  • Am I suited to small-group travel?

    We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.

  • Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?

    While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

M. Woodhill(Pymble, NSW)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

04 Oct 2018

I went to Tajikistan with little concept of the beauty we were about to witness. The stark contrast between the vast grey scree of the mountains to the luminous blues & greens of the Kulikalon Lakes system took my breath away. To back this with a week strolling in the heart of Uzbekistan made the whole trip enchanting.

Elaine Thomas(Vic, Australia)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

27 Aug 2024

Very informative. The general and specific trip details pdfs are very useful. The portal worked well for uploading everything.

Cameron Ainslie(Lane Cove, NSW Australia)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

22 Oct 2023

A lovely blend of trekking and experiencing a fascinating section of the spice route. Interactions with the locals were always pleasant, and the trip provided an excellent taste of the history of the region.

Bryan Land(London, United Kingdom)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

27 Aug 2024

The combination of mountain hiking and city sightseeing was what attracted me to this trip and it met my expectations. The hiking was very well organized with an excellent team of guide and support personnel. The sightseeing was organized flexibly in view of the intense heat.

H. Koh(Singapore)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

04 Oct 2018

The itinerary is a good mix of trekking and sight seeing. The team involved were professional. I had a really good time.

Davor Kostelic(Icici, Croatia)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

8 Aug 2023

Part of desert in Uzbekistan, with sleeping in jurta-s was completely unnecessary

Anne Keaney(Stanwell Park, NSW Australia)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

9 Jul 2024

Trek part physically harder than expected. Very much straight up and straight down. Scenery was fabulous. The crew were good. Cook excellent. Suggest plunger coffee for Australians. Tour leader Sorbonne was disinterest but not incompetent. He never asked/learned our names. Uzbek part. Good but very hot. Tahir our guide was very professional. Van was not sufficiently air conditioned. It was very hot. However the driver was excellent. We all felt very safe. Trip notes say a customs clearance form is required on entry into Uzbek. This is not correct and should be deleted.

Stephen Mead(Matlock, United Kingdom)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

17 Sep 2024

Great opportunity to trek through some stunning mountain scenery and enjoy the wondererful buildings of Samarkand and Bukhara

Karmen Vovk(Ljubljana, Slovenia)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

4 Sep 2024

Tajikistan is a true gem and an unexpected discovery. This time, I was fascinated by the combination of trekking and the cultural experience of the cities of the Silk Road. The trek takes place in a beautiful part of the Pamir Mountains, full of mountain lakes and stunning views. Although it lasts only 5 days, it should not be underestimated. The guides, equipment, and organization were flawless. A special charm is added to this trip by homestays and overnight stays in yurts. Samarkand and Bukhara impressed me with their history and magnificent architecture.

Cecilia Hughes(Calgary, Alberta United Kingdom)  

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

19 Sep 2023

Great trek in the Fann mountains but if you are a vegetarian you need to bring protein options with you.

Read all 23 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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