Fragrance of Ouzbékistan and beauty of Tajikistan

After breakfast, you are driven to the airport to catch your flight to Ourguentch.

You head towards Khiva for a journey of approximately 30 km.

The entire day is dedicated to discovering the old town of Itchan Kala, a true fortified city at the heart of Khiva, surrounded by brick walls about ten meters high. Access is through the Ota Darvoza gate, a monumental entrance to this city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inside the enclosure, you discover the Médersa Mohammed Amin Khan, built in 1854, the largest in Central Asia, capable of accommodating up to 260 students. Nearby stands the Kalta Minor minaret, recognizable by its 14-meter diameter base and height of over 30 meters.

After lunch, the visit continues with the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Makhmoud, an important place of prayer for the local population.

You then discover the Tach Khovli palace, built in the 19th century by Alla Kouli Khan, the khans of Khiva's second residence, consisting of the courtyard, the guest pavilion and the harem, decorated with ceramic majolica.
You also visit the Djouma Mosque (10th–18th centuries), the former Friday mosque, remarkable for its carved wooden columns, some of which are very old.

The discovery continues with the Islam Khodja complex, dating from the early 20th century, which includes a Islam Khodja Minaret 44.5 meters high, a school and a médersa now transformed into a museum of decorative arts.
In the evening, dinner and a folk dance show in the Alla-kouli Khan médersa.

Night stroll through the city, in the atmosphere of the "Arabian Nights".

Departure at 8:30 AM towards Bukhara.

During the first kilometers, you cross the villages of the Khorezm region before continuing the road through the Kyzylkoum Desert, the "red sand". A few stops punctuate the journey to enjoy the landscapes and take photos.
Lunch in a "chaykhana", traditional café located by the roadside.
Arrival in Bukhara in late afternoon and hotel check-in.

If you wish, a first stroll through the old town allows you to familiarize yourself with the place and soak up the local atmosphere.

Departure towards the village of Abou-Abdulloh-Guijdovani – Guijdovan (70 km), renowned for the fineness of its ceramics.

Along the way, possibility to observe petroglyphs engraved on the rocks of the small Sarmish.
A stop is planned in Vabkent for the visit of the Karakhanid minaret (12th century), which rises to 39 meters in height.

The journey continues to Guijdouvan, where you visit a family ceramic workshop.

You can observe the different stages of pottery making and, if you wish, participate in the activity in order to leave with a creation made by your own hands

Continuing north, you stop in Nourata, an ancient city that once held a strategic position between cultivated lands and the steppe.

You can climb the hill known as Alexander the Great's Hill, offering a viewpoint over the Nomozgokh Mosque and the sacred spring "Chachma", the main pilgrimage site of the region.

According to tradition, this spring is said to have appeared when Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, struck the ground with his staff. In its mineral-rich waters live numerous fish considered sacred.

Route towards the Aydar yurt camp and check-in to your accommodation.

The Kazakh yurts, circular tents mounted on a wooden structure, present a sober exterior but reveal, inside, a decor rich in colors, composed of hangings, blankets and traditional embroidery.
At the end of the day, you enjoy a camel ride to admire the sunset over the steppe.
In the evening, dinner at the yurt camp accompanied by the traditional singing of a Kazakh akhoun.

Around 2 p.m., departure to the capital of Tamerlane's empire via the Navoi region, arrival in Samarkand in the evening and hotel check-in.

In the morning, departure towards Ourgout, a small town located at the foot of the Tajik mountains.

You take the time to stroll through its market, which takes place on certain days in a lively and friendly atmosphere, offering the opportunity to observe local life and exchanges between Uzbek and Tajik communities.

You then discover the sacred spring "Tchor-Tchinor", located not far from the market. This site is home to four plane trees whose age is said to exceed one thousand years. It is possible to get there on foot by taking the village streets.

Return to Samarkand.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, you head towards Bekobod, a border crossing point.

A little patience may be needed to complete the administrative formalities.

You then continue your journey with entry into Tajikistan, a territory that was once part of Alexander the Great's empire.

You then take a mountain path towards the village of Artoutch, where you meet your guides and their mule caravan.

This first night is spent with a local family, for a time of exchange close to local life.

You join the Kulikaon Cirque (2,800 meters), where you discover the turquoise waters of its lakes, in the heart of a high mountain environment.

Setting up camp at the foot of the Mirali and Maria peaks (5,000 meters).

Estimated hiking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Ascent of the Alaudin Pass (3,860 meters), before descending to the lake of the same name where the bivouac is set up for the night.
Estimated hiking time: 7 hours

Elevation gain: +850 m

Elevation loss: -750 m

Climb to the Tchapdara Pass (3,420 m), where you can enjoy wide panoramas, particularly of Bodkhona Peak (5,000 m).

You then continue to the Sangui Safed Alpine Pastures.
Night under canvas.
Estimated walking time: 5 hours Elevation gain: +430 m

Early in the morning, transfer towards the border passing through the city of Khoudjand, then towards the Oybek checkpoint.

Border crossing is done on foot for approximately 800 meters.

You then continue by road towards Tachkent(90 km).