Specialization– combined mountain trekking with visits to ancient oriental cities.

 

Durationis 10 days

 

Best timeto travel is May the 1^st to October the 30^th

 

This tour is held on western spurs of the Gissarskiy range, , Kashkadarya region of Republic of Uzbekistan.

The well-known Tamerlane’s cave is located on western spurs of the Gissarskiy range on the territory of Uzbekistan. This natural salty cavity of corridor-grotto type, 860 m length, with obvious indications of adaptation for dwelling of men inside. The period of the second part of the 14^th century is most historically popular, when Tamerlane the Great with his army have hidden there. Investigations and excavations in this cave showed that it had been inhabited in the Stone Age and in the Greek-Baktria period (3-4 BC). In farthest halls of this cave tourists will see lime deposits-stalactite, stalagmite and curtain. At the end of this cave, there is a large hall with the biggest lake in it. 

 

Programme

Day 1.Arrival in Tashkent. Met at the airport and transfer to a hotel. Check in the hotel. A time to relax. Lunch. Excursion around the architectural monuments of Tashkent city, including visit to Kukeldash Medresseh (CXVI), Barak-Khan Medresseh (CXVI), Kaffal Al Shashe Mausoleum (CXVI), Khast-Imam complex and Orient Bazaar of Chor-Su,visiting old city, including Yunus-Khana Mausoleum, Museum of Applied Art, Square of Independence, Friendship Peoples Square, Metro, and the National Theater of Opera and Ballet for 4 hours. Dinner.Overnight at a hotel.

Day 2. Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Samarkand. (D=290km, T=4.5 hrs). Upon arrival in Samarkand check in a hotel. Lunch in a restaurant. Enjoy sightseeing in Samarkand including visiting the Guri-Emir Mausoleum (XV cc.), Registan Square (XVII cc.), Bibi-Khanum Cathedral Mosque (XV cc.), Ulugbek Observatory (XV cc.), Shakhi-Zinda Mausoleums ensemble, and Al-Bukhari complex and local bazaars. Dinner.

Day 3.Breakfast at the hotel. Continuing full day sightseeing tour around Samarkand. Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 4.Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Shakhrizhabz (D=120km, T=2-2.5 hrs.). Upon arrival in Shakhrizhabz check in a hotel. A time for refreshment. Lunch in a restaurant. Sightseeing tour around Shakhrizhabz for 3 hours, including visit to Ak-Saray palace, Complexes of Darut Tillavat and Darus Saodat. Dinner.

Day 5.Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Kartakul village by a special vehicle. A little rest near the spring. Continue driving to Tashkurgan settlement across the Kuldara pass (H=2905 m). Look over the old mosque. Lunch. Drive up to the end of the motorway. Onward walking to the Kolosay river. Set the camp. Dinner.

Day 6.Walk to the cave (T=3-4hrs.) Lunch. Survey of the cave (T=4hrs). Descend to the basic camp.

Day 7.Walk along the Zarmas gorge. Set the camp.

Day 8.Continuing passage to Tatar mountain village. Conclude trekking. Transfer to Samarkand. Upon arrival in Samarkand check in a hotel. Lunch in a restaurant. A time to refresh. Free time, visit to orient bazaar. Dinner.

Day 9.Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tashkent. Lunch in the river site restaurant. Sightseeing programme with a private local guide. Dinner.

Day 10.Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Departure from Tashkent.

 

Transport:

Tashkent– Samarkand – Shakhrizhabz – Samarkand - Tashkent - on a comfortable bus

On trek – to carry the basic camp and clients’ baggage - on a general-duty cross-country vehicle

Accommodations:

Tashkent– a hotel

Shakhrizhabz – a hotel

Samarkand– a hotel

On trek – equipped basic camp with the accommodation in tents (2 for a tent)

Food:

3 meals a day in the cities

on trek – breakfast, dinner (hot course) 

lunch - dry ration, hot tee, coffee.

The price quoted for this programme includes the following:

1.        transfers to and from airports, A/C transportation

2.        double/twin sharing accommodation on B&B basis with private bath or shower in each hotel of different category  

3.        All meals (FB)

4.        national guide (escort) speaking your native language and accompanying you for the entire itinerary

5.        visa invitation letter (visa authorisation letter)

6.        license fees

7.        mountain guide

8.        cook

9.        rent of necessary equipment (tents, dishes, gas container, etc.)

The price excludes the following:

1.        Visas

2.        Single supplement charge

3.        Travel Insurance

4.        Tipping

5.        Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, drinks, etc.