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11th Sep 2027 - 19th Sep 2027
9 days/Uzbekistan /Challenging
Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders on this unforgettable Silk Road trekking adventure.
Discover the incredible beauty of the dramatic Fann Mountains of Tajikistan before exploring the historic cities of Uzbekistan.
Starting in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe our journey quickly heads into the rugged Varzob Valley, where the adventure begins amid the stunning alpine scenery of Sangisafed Gorge. Over four days of trekking, you’ll traverse remote mountain passes, cross glacial valleys, and camp beside pristine jewel-like lakes, including the spectacular Alaudin and Mutnoe Lakes. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the towering peaks of the Fann Mountains, including the region’s highest – Chimtarga. Reaching altitudes of up to 3,625m, this is a challenging and rewarding trek through one of Central Asia’s most beautiful and untouched landscapes.
Your adventure continues along the ancient Silk Road city of Penjikent and the UNESCO-listed Sarazm ruins, before crossing into neighbouring Uzbekistan. Explore the legendary city of Samarkand, once a glittering hub of trade and culture, where stunning Islamic architecture, bustling bazaars, and stories of the Timur dynasty await. This unique itinerary combines wilderness adventure and rich cultural discovery – perfect for those seeking a deeper, more immersive experience along the historic Silk Road.
You can also choose to extend your stay in Uzbekistan to explore the historic cities of Bukhara and Tashkent. For those eager to venture even further, continue to neighbouring Kyrgyzstan — spend a night in a traditional yurt beside the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake, meet a local eagle hunter, and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of Fairy Tale Canyon on this unforgettable trip extension.
This trip is graded as Challenging. The mountainous terrain is steep in parts and you will be trekking for up to 7 hours a day, starting early in the morning, over consecutive days over varying terrain.
You will also be trekking at altitudes between 2,200m to 3,625m.
Although tough, this challenge is achievable for anyone with a good level of fitness who has trained appropriately. It is important that you stay positive, remember your goal, and keep your own steady constant pace.
The trek is accompanied by local English-speaking guides who have an excellent knowledge of trekking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be supported by an excellent team of assistant staff, cooks and drivers and a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.
You must be 18+ to join this trek. It may be possible for you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old if accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit.
An ideal candidate for the trek would be someone who enjoys being out of their comfort zone and trying something new. Adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected so do not expect standards to be the same as you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable (be it because of group pace, weather conditions, local bureaucracy or other factors) and itineraries may be altered to allow for this.
For you to get the most out of your challenge it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. Suitable fitness preparation before departure forms part of this.
The terrain is mountainous so there will be lots of uphill and downhill areas. There are some steep sections, some flat-ish areas, as well as descents so trekking poles are recommended, particularly for those with knee issues.
Underfoot you will find rocky ridges to grasslands, woodlands, and arid expanses. It is critical that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients while carrying a heavy backpack.
You should have a good level of fitness to ensure fast recovery from each day of trekking.
You must engage in training (including plenty of walking up and down hills) before departure to ensure your best chance of enjoyment on the trip. This could include hill walking, running, cycling, gym workouts, boot camps, etc.
You can download a number of free apps to help you train and track your progress e.g. MapMyWalk, C25K, MyFitnessPal etc. Attempting to complete the trek without training will make it more challenging than necessary and will be detrimental to your experience, and the experience of your teammates.
During the trek, temperatures can range from 15°C to 35°C during the day and can drop to around 0°C at night however you must be prepared for variations to this which are out of our control.
In Uzbekistan, the average daytime temperature in September is about 30-35°C dropping to 22-25°C overnight.
Although the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate, climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. Should this happen, the guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately, the safety of the group as a whole.
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Cuisine in this region is very meat-heavy with many dishes featuring beef and lamb and influenced by Persian, Afghan and Russian culture.
Breakfast typically involves bread, scrambled eggs, whole grain cereals, cheese, sausages, followed by jam, honey, tea, coffee and biscuits.
During the trek, you will be supplied with a picnic lunch which you will carry yourself. This will typically include: a sandwich or a salad, canned tuna fish with cooked rice or potatoes, seasonal fruit, energy bars, chocolate bars, cookies, and dry fruits.
Dinners will include first and second courses followed by various types of cooked salads, herbal tea, dry fruits, cookies, candies, jam and honey.
Popular menu items include plov (similar to a pilaf/pilau rice), qurutob (vegetarian bread salad), manti (steamed meat or pumpkin dumplings), sambusa (puff pastry with meat), laghman (noodle soup with meat), rice, french fries, shish kabab, soups, fresh salad and fruit.
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if we are advised in advance but please note that we cannot guarantee that food preparation will have taken place in a contamination-free environment.
You will be camping on the trek and also stay in hotels in the cities. Accommodation is on a twin or triple share basis throughout.
During the trek you will sleep in tents (two to a tent). Foam sleeping mats are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping bag.
You will spend a night in a traditional yurt and in a guesthouse on the optional extension to Kyrgyzstan.
The hotels have en-suite facilities with flushing toilets and hot showers. Toilet paper should always be placed in the bin, not flushed.
During the trek, toilet facilities consist of a small toilet ‘tent’ covering a hole in the ground. There are no showers or bathing facilities so you must bring a pack of baby wipes.
The highest point on the trek is 3,625m. This is above the generally agreed threshold for some people to start feeling some mild symptoms of altitude exposure.
Your local guides are very experienced in spotting the signs of altitude sickness but it is important that you also do some research into the effects so you can be aware of how your body is adjusting. A great source of information can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Altitude-sickness/Pages/Introduction.aspx or http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm.
Any luggage that is not used during your trekking day will be carried by mules/horses, with a maximum weight of 15kg per person.
UK – Dushanbe
Take an overnight flight to Dushanbe.
Dushanbe – Sangisfedad Gorge*
Upon arrival, we transfer to a hotel to freshen up before embarking on a brief city tour. After lunch, we set off through the scenic Varzob Valley (approx 5 hours drive) to reach the breathtaking Sangisafed Gorge (2,200m altitude) and the starting point for our trek. Surrounded by nature, we will set up camp near the confluence of the Imat and Fann rivers.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Camping
*Please note that all arrangements today are subject to flight timings
Sangisafed Gorge – Alaudin Lakes (Trek Day 1)
After breakfast at camp, we commence our trek along the Pasrud River and up to the stunning Alaudin Lakes (2,780m altitude). Set amongst ancient glacial remains and encircled by juniper woodlands, the towering cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to these untouched alpine lakes. If you are feeling brave, you may want to take a dip in the icy waters before relaxing at camp this evening.
Distance: 14kms
Ascent: +460m (highest point 2,780m)
Duration: 5 – 6 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Overnight: Camping
Alaudin Lakes & Mutnoe Lakes (Trek Day 2)
Today’s destination is Mutnoe Lake (3,540m). Along the way, take in stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Zamok, Pakhamber, Energia and Chimtarga, the highest peak in the Fann Mountains. After enjoying lunch on the shores of Mutnoe Lake, we descend back to the same campsite for a second night.
Distance: 12kms
Ascent: +/- 730m (highest point 3,540m)
Duration: 6-7 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Overnight: Camping
Alaudin Lakes – Laudan Pass – Kulikalon Lakes (Trek Day 3)
Today, we reach the highest point of our trek as we ascend the Laudan Pass (3,625m) en route to the Kulikalon Lakes. We’ll enjoy views across to Peak Maria, and there is another chance for a dip when we reach camp this evening.
Distance: 13.5kms
Ascent: +995m, -940m (highest point 3,625m)
Duration: 6-7 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Overnight: Camping
Kulikalon Lakes – Artuch – Penjikent (Trek Day 4)
Our final day of trekking starts with an ascent up through the Chukurak Pass (3,175m) before descending to Chukurak Lake, enjoying stunning views of the Chimtarga Range as we go. Our final destination is Artuch Camp, where the vehicles will be waiting to take us to Panjakent (approx 1.5-2 hours drive), a once-thriving city on the Silk Road. This afternoon we may have time to explore the cities ancient ruones and historical museum before checking into our hotel for the night.
Distance: 7.5kms
Ascent: +328m, -1015m (highest point 3,175m)
Duration: 3-4 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Overnight: Hotel
Penjikent – Samarkand
After breakfast, it’s a short drive to the Sarazm Ruins, Tajikistan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 4th millennium BC. After some time to explore, we head to the nearby border and cross over into Uzbekistan, from where it is about an hour’s drive to Samarkand. There should be some free time to relax and explore this evocative city independently this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Hotel
Samarkand
Legendary Samarkand has long enchanted visitors across the centuries, and today’s sightseeing tour will introduce you to the main sights. Marvel at Registan Square, one of the most iconic landmarks along the Silk Road, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, a breathtaking structure from the Timur Dynasty, and the fascinating Ulugbek’s Observatory. We will celebrate with a farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Hotel
Samarkand – UK
Transfer to the airport for the return flight back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Samarkand – Bukhara
We leave Samarkand this morning to take the high-speed train to Kagan, from where it’s a short drive (around 30 mins) to reach the fascinating city of Bukhara, a prominent trading post on the Silk Road. After a quick stop at the hotel to check in, we will explore the city with a guided tour, taking in the local covered bazaars, Fortress Ark and Chor Minor.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Hotel
Bukhara
A free day to enjoy the sights or the peaceful surroundings of Bukhara. No meals are included today, so you can enjoy the city at your complete leisure!
Meals: None
Overnight: Hotel
Bukhara – Tashkent
The morning is free to explore more of Bukhara, or perhaps just sit on one of the beautiful squares with a coffee and watch the world go by! This afternoon we take the high-speed train to Tashkent, arriving this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Hotel
Tashkent
Our final destination awaits, another city with a fascinating history from the Silk Road era. Here, more recent Soviet Architecture sits alongside the 7th century Khast Imam Complex, where what is thought to be one of the world’s oldest Qurans is housed, and Chorsu Market, selling everything from spices to local handicrafts. We’ll also enjoy a ride on the Tashkent Metro, famous for its stunning decorations.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Hotel
Tashkent – UK
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel
Tashkent – Bishkek
Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek. On arrival, we will meet the local guide and transfer to the hotel to relax for the rest of the day.
Meals: None
Overnight: Hotel
Bishkek – Tamga
After breakfast, we set off to Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountainous lake in the world, at an altitude of 1,600m above sea level. Along the way, we make a stop to visit a family who make traditional wooden yurt frames, and also witness an eagle-hunter in action. Later on, we will enjoy a walk in the Fairy Tale Canyon with its unusual rock formations and magical colours. Tonight we stay in a yurt camp close to the lake.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Drive time: 5 hours
Overnight: Yurt Camp
Tamga – Jeti Oguz – Karakol
This morning we drive to the Jeti-Oguz Gorge, where we take an easy walk to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the valley. We continue to Karakol town, where we visit sights including the Dungan Mosque, Orthodox Church and the Museum of Prjevalskiy.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Drive time: 2 hours
Overnight: Hotel
Karakol – Chon Kemin
Today’s journey brings us along the northern shore of the lake to Cholpon-Ata City, where we visit the open-air Museum of prehistoric stone circles, statues and petrogliphs. After a boat trip on the lake, we continue to Chon-Kemin Nature Park, a river basin rich in natural habitat.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Driving time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Guesthouse
Kemin – Burana – Bishkek
Our first visit today is to Burana Tower, a remnant from the Karakhanid Empire. We will be hosted by a local family for lunch before our drive back to Bishkek in time to take a walking sightseeing tour to learn more about the city’s role along the Silk Road.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Driving time: 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel
Bishkek – UK
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
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