Trek to the heart of the Fansky Mountains & exploration of the legendary cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand.
You will like…
Explore the sparkling glaciers and multicolored lakes of Aloudine and Kulikalon,
Go meet the shepherds in the mountains in the heart of the still preserved region of the Fansky Mountains,
Admire the spectacular architecture of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva,
Experience the diversity of populations and their exceptional welcome from Central Asia.
Your adventure
This trip is a discovery of the best preserved trails of the Little Pamir Mountains. The meeting of the Himalaya-Karakorum ranges with those of the Tian Shan gave birth to the Pamirs, from which long mountainous areas emerge… One of them teasing the domes of Samarkand, the Fansky mountains. From April, as we delve into the heart of small valleys dotted with typical villages, we will be able to admire a symphony of snow-capped peaks and a string of enigmatic colored lakes. This magnificent trek in Tajikistan will continue with an exploration of the legendary cities of Uzbekistan. We will be dazzled by the beauty and treasures of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Set off on a unique adventure between breathtaking panoramas of the passes of the Fransky Mountains of Tajikistan and the infinite blue domes of Uzbekistan.
Day 1
Flight to Dushanbe.
Flight to Tajikistan. Dinner and overnight on board.
On board
Day 2
Arrival in Dushanbe, gateway to our adventure.
On our arrival in the early morning, we will be welcomed by our local team and then transferred to the hotel. Depending on our flight schedules, we will enjoy a little rest before the start of our exploration. Perched at an altitude of 850 m, Dushanbe is a unique capital with its wide avenues and magnificent gardens. Strolling through this city is in itself a timeless getaway. During our exploration, we will be able to admire the Tajiks in their traditional clothes and we will be dazzled by the bright colors of the long dresses that the women wear. This mix between modernity and tradition will be the common thread throughout our trip. After lunch, we will discover the must-see attractions of Dushanbe, the Haji Yacoub Mosque, Rudaki Park and the bazaar. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Discovery (3 hours)
Day 3
Camp on the banks of Lake Tchukurak, perched at 2,423m.
Breakfast at the hotel then early departure towards the Alpine camp along the river. Lunch en route. Then, we will continue our route to the Gusar region, famous for its magnificent landscapes. On our arrival in the afternoon at the alpine camp, we meet the local team to begin our hike to Lake Tchukurak at an altitude of 2,423 m. We will eventually reach the shores of the lake where we will set up camp. Dinner and night in the tent.
Road transport time: approx. 6:30 a.m. / approx. 290km
Under tent
Hiking (2 hours / 286 km)
200m
Day 4
Head towards the 12 lakes with turquoise waters of the Koulikalon cirque.
Breakfast at the camp. This morning, we will start our day with a gradual climb towards the Tchukurak pass, perched at an altitude of 3,180 m. We will eventually reach the pass where a grandiose panorama awaits us on the peaks of Chimtarka and Mirali which peak at 5,490 m and 5,100 m respectively. Then, we will descend to reach the dozen lakes with turquoise waters in the heart of the Koulikalon cirque. We will set up our camp on the banks of Lake Koulikalon. Dinner and night in the tent.
Under tent
Hiking (6 hours)
800m
300m
Day 5
Admire the massifs of Mount Pamir at the top of the Alaoudin pass.
Breakfast in front of the snow-capped mountains and turquoise-colored lakes. We will begin our climb towards the Alaoudin pass at 3,800 m. At the top of the pass, we will contemplate the spectacular panorama of the Chapdara (5049 m) and Bodkhona (5152 m) mountains. The varied landscape will allow us to guess the lakes and massifs of Mount Pamir. We will then begin the descent towards Lake Alaoudin. Be careful, this part of our trek is quite steep. Along the way, we will stop to enjoy our picnic lunch. We will eventually reach Lake Alaoudin, nestled in the heart of the national park which is home to some wild animals. If the weather permits, we will treat ourselves to a relaxing break by swimming in the crystal clear waters of the lake. We will set up our camp on the banks of the lake. Dinner and night in the tent.
Under tent
Hiking (6 hours)
900m
1050 m
Day 6
On the trails of Moutnye glacial lake at 3,540m altitude
Wake up gently. After breakfast, we will take the hiking trails for a beautiful walk to the glacial lake of Moutnye at an altitude of 3,540 m. The climb is gradual with some more complicated passages in scree. We will continue our way to the foot of the Chimtarga summit which culminates at 5,489 m and the Mirali and Energy peaks. We will take the time in this enchanting setting to enjoy our picnic lunch. At the end of the day, we will eventually return to camp. Dinner and night in a tent on the banks of Lake Alaoudin.
Under tent
Hiking (6 hours)
790 m
Day 7
Last hike to Lake Koulikalon and its alpine camp.
Breakfast. For our last day of walking, we will begin our morning with a descent to the Russian camp then a climb to the Laoudan pass at an altitude of 3,620 m. We will then descend towards Lake Koulikalon to continue our descent to the Alpine camp nestled at an altitude of 2,200m. When we arrive, we will settle into the camp shelter. This accommodation is equipped with electricity and showers. Dinner and night at the refuge.
GOOD TO KNOW: this day is punctuated by a long hike of around 7 to 8 hours of walking, or even 9 to 10 hours depending on the snow conditions on the pass, if a detour is necessary.
At the shelter
Hiking (8 hours)
970 m
1500m
Day 8
Road from Pendjikent to Samarkand, legendary Uzbek city.
After breakfast, we will take the road towards Penjikent in the heart of the Zeravshan River valley. 1.5 km from the city of Penjikent are the ruins of the ancient site of the Sogdian city founded in the 5th century BC. BC, and abandoned in the 8th century with the arrival of the Arabs. The foundations of the houses in the lower town were excavated. The treasures that were unearthed are today kept in the Historical Museum of Tashkent and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. Breakfast in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit the city museum and the colorful bazaar. We will continue our way towards the Uzbek border. After passing through the border post, we will be welcomed by the Uzbek team to finish our journey to Samarkand. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Road transport time: approx. 3h / approx. 150km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (3 hours)
Day 9
The unmissable Reghistan Square & Bibi Khanum Mosque.
Breakfast. Today, our day will be dedicated to exploring Samarkand and its must-see attractions. We will explore the different sites that make this unique city famous. We will start with the legendary Registan Square, a true masterpiece of Persian art, with its 3 imposing Medersas. Lunch before continuing towards the great mosque of Bibi Khanum, named after Tamerlan’s Chinese wife. It is one of the emblems and its unique beauty is a testimony to its tumultuous history. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (5 hours)
Day 10
The jewels of Samarkand.
Breakfast. Today, we will continue our discovery of Samarkand and its most beautiful buildings. We will delve into the heart of the majestic mausoleums of Chakhi Zinda. This jewel with its infinite blue palette houses the remains of Tamerlane, his sons and Ulug-Beg. Lunch in a local restaurant. Our afternoon will be punctuated by a visit to the Ulug-Beg observatory and the Afrasiab History Museum dedicated to one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
GOOD TO KNOW: if time permits, attend the sound and light show on Reghistan Square (at your own expense).
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (5 hours)
Day 11
Departure for Bukhara, the oldest city in Central Asia.
After breakfast, departure this morning for Bukhara, the oldest city in Central Asia, at the gates of the Kyzyl Koum desert. Lunch on arrival before starting our visits to the heart of the tourist district of Bukhara. Bukhara is one of the cradles of Islamic architecture and the perfect example is without context the majestic Po-i-Kalyan ensemble. Nestled at the foot of the Kalon minaret, it brings together the Kalon mosque and the Mir-i Arab and Ali Khan madrasahs. We will continue our exploration towards the impressive Ark citadel. This fortress built by the Chaybanid dynasty is an architectural gem, and remains, even today, one of the historic must-sees of Bukhara. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Road transport time: approx. 4h / approx. 270km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 12
Bukhara and its unique architectural heritage.
Breakfast. This morning, we will continue our exploration of Bukhara. This Central Asian city was imagined thanks to the most talented artists and artisans of the Mongol empire, the neighboring kingdoms of Persia, Iraq and even India. Even today, it has lost none of its splendor and is home to a unique architectural heritage. For this, we will discover the magnificent Bolo-Khauz mosque, the mausoleum of Ismaïl Samani, and the Medressa of Ulug-Beg. We will focus on the Liabi-Khaouz complex which brings together the spectacular Nadir Divan-Beghi and Koukeldach madrasas on the edge of its basin. Lunch. Free afternoon for a more personal exploration. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (4 hours)
Day 13
Heading towards Khiva through the Kizil Koum desert.
Breakfast. We will take the road towards Khiva through a landscape of sand dunes and saksaouls of the Kizil Koum desert. Lunch en route. When we arrive during the day, we will settle into our hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
Road transport time: approx. 6:30 a.m. / approx. 450km
In the hotel
Day 14
Exploration of Khiva, city in the heart of the Khorezm oasis.
Breakfast. Nestled in the heart of the Khorezm oasis, this ancient city of Turkestan, capital of the khanate from the 17th century, was one of the largest markets in Central Asia and its prosperity lasted until the beginning of the century. According to legend, Khiva was founded at the place where Shem, the son of Noah, dug the well of Keivah. Today, the inner city “Itchan Kala” is a real open-air museum. We will get lost in this labyrinth of alleys, in search of the Tach-Khaouli Palace, once home to the women of the harem. During our city hike, we will discover numerous madrassahs, mausoleums and mosques, always dominated by their unique minarets. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (5 hours)
Day 15
Our last hours in Tashkent…
Breakfast. According to our flight schedule transfer to Urgench airport and flight to Tashkent. Meals and free time to enjoy the capital and do some final shopping. Night at the hotel.
Road transport time: approx. 1h00 / approx. 36km
In the hotel
Culture and civilizations (3 hours)
Day 16
Flight to France.
According to our flight schedules, transfer to the airport and flight to France.
NB: Flight very early in the morning, so little rest this day.
N.B.:
In 16 days, we will go hiking in the mountains of Tajikistan, then just 2 steps from the latter, a whole different universe!!! we will travel to the heart of historic Uzbekistan: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand.
Trekking trip to Tajikistan and quiet trip to Uzbekistan. Note that the trek in Tajikistan despite the many sometimes steep climbs and descents, acclimatization to the altitude is gradual. This itinerary is subject to modification and improvement before departure depending on technical and political information that reaches us or even during the trip.
The progress of the program is therefore given as an indication and the stages may be modified on site for weather, security, organizational reasons, plane schedules or any unexpected event. In these difficult times, the local guide will do everything possible to mitigate the effects of these events beyond our control.
