UZBEKISTAN - HISTORIC HEART OF THE SILK ROAD

Backabush is off to Uzbekistan for an incredible journey of exploration along the ancient Silk Road. Expect superb hiking in remote mountains, sublimely beautiful architecture in the ancient cities, friendly rural villages and a unique cultural experience!

Nights - 10. Cost - £999. Maximum group size - 16.

A limited number of single occupancy places available for the 5 hotel nights. A single supplement of £150 is required. The village homestays and yurt camp are multi share only.

Our incredible journey will take us to the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, through the stunning Nuratau Mountains, plus offer us views across the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and a chance to swim in the sparkling waters of Lake Aydarkul.

Accompanied by experienced local guides, we’ll follow scenic trails visiting traditional villages and rural communities that blend natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.

Along the journey, we’ll uncover fascinating sites, including ancient petroglyphs that reveal stories from centuries ago. Every stage of our adventure offers new insights into the history, landscapes, and traditions of the region. As we pass through charming villages like Sentob, Hayat, and Uhum, we’ll have the opportunity to stay in welcoming family-run homestays. More than simply providing accommodation, these stays support local households and help preserve the area’s cultural identity. Spending time with residents gives us the chance to learn about their everyday lives, customs, and traditions, creating genuine cultural connections between visitors and local communities.

Various hikes allow us to take in sweeping views across the landscapes of Central Asia and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Aydarkul. This is a trip for adventurous hikers who love to be surrounded by spectacular scenery while also having the chance to connect with hospitable locals and gain a deeper appreciation for the region. This experience is not only about discovering remarkable landscapes, but also about supporting sustainable tourism that benefits both nature and the communities along the way.

TRIP OUTLINE:

Saturday 27 March
Arrive Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. Overnight in hotel.

Sunday 28 March
Morning train from Tashkent to Samarkand. Afternoon free to explore.
Overnight: hotel.

Monday 29 March
Day in Samarkand. Alluring and historic Samarkand is renowned as a jewel of the ancient Silk Road and one of Central Asia's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Overnight: hotel.

Tuesday 30 March
Transfer from Samarkand to Sayyod Yurt Camp, arriving around 1pm. After settling in, enjoy free time in the mountain surroundings. In the afternoon, take a 6 km / 3-hour hike through the Nuratau Mountains. In the evening, enjoy dinner and relax around the campfire.
Overnight: Sayyod Yurt Camp
Meals: - / lunch / dinner

Wednesday 31 March
In the morning, set off on a medium to difficult hike to the mountain plateau (15 km / 7 hours). During the hike, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Aydarkul, the Nuratau Mountains, and neighboring villages. Depending on the weather, you may also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool upon your return.
Overnight: Sayyod Yurt Camp
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Thursday 1 April
After breakfast, transfer to Uhum village, upon arrival meet our mountain guide and begin the hike to Uhum village through Guzar and Sari Bedak passes (approximately 12 km). Along the way, enjoy views over Karaul Peak and Hayat village, while observing traditional village life, including bread baking, weaving, and other local household activities. We will also visit ancient irrigation canals and a historical petroglyph site before arriving at our homestay in Uhum village.
Overnight: Uhum
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Friday 2 April
After breakfast, transfer by car from Uhum to Majerum village to visit the gigantic arbor vitae tree. After having lunch, continue with the hike from Majerum to Sentob village (11 km / 3.5 hours) along the buffer zone of the Nuratau Nature Reserve. Along the route, enjoy distant views of the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and Lake Aydarkul.
Overnight: Sentob
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Saturday 3 April
Hike the Kadvan Valley (14 km / 6.5 hours). Along the route, discover ancient fortress ruins, a traditional watermill, and medieval Arabic rock inscriptions while enjoying the diverse bird life, flora, and fauna of the valley.
Overnight: Sentob
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner

Sunday 4 April
Transfer from the Nuratau area to Bukhara. Along the way, stop Lake Aydarkul, where there will be an opportunity to swim or relax by the lakeshore and visit Chashma Spring, the ruins of Nur Fortress in Nurata, before continuing to Bukhara.
Meals: breakfast / lunch
Overnight: hotel.

Monday 5 April
Day in Bukhara. This city boast fabulous Islamic architecture, traditional backstreets and bustling bazaars.
Meals: breakfast
Overnight: hotel.

Tuesday 6 April
Trip ends in Bukhara.
Meals: breakfast

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a provisional itinerary which is subject to change based on various unpredictable factors like weather, road conditions, trail closures. This is adventure travel into wild and remote places!

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Ten nights accommodation. We will sleep 5 nights in hotels, 3 nights in the local homestays and 2 night at Sayyod Yurt Camp. The homestays and yurt camp will be in multi-share rooms.
• Train travel between Tashkent and Samarkand.
• All transport from Samarkand to Bukhara.
• Local hiking guides (English speaking).
• Backabush trip organiser (qualified Mountain Leader & Outdoor First Aid certified).
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Regulations 2018.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Any meals not specified.
• Flights to and from Uzbekistan.
• Airport transfers (taxis are cheap to use).
• Entrance fees.
• Guides in the historic cities and en-route to/from Nuratau. We can explore these together. Various tip based walking tours are also a great way to lean about these fascinating cities of the Silk Road.
• Travel Insurance.
• Tips for our local guides and drivers.

FLIGHTS:

Our adventure begins in Tashkent on Saturday 27 March during the Easter holiday weekend and there are numerous possible flight options to get there. Overnight flights departing Friday 26 March could be convenient.

The Turkish Airlines flights from Heathrow might suit some people. Select the 'Multicity' search function on the Turkish Airlines website to find these flights:

Outbound - Friday 26 March
Turkish Airlines (connection in Istanbul)
Departs LHR London Heathrow 17:45
Arrives TAS Tashkent 08:35 Saturday 27 March

Return - Tuesday 6 April
Turkish Airlines (connection in Istanbul)
Departs BHK Bukhara 08:55
Arrives LHR London Heathrow 15:10

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

The total cost for this trip is £999 per person. This payment is non refundable and is payable in full or in installments with a deposit to secure your reservation, then as follows:

• £333 due on booking
• £333 due by Monday 31 August 2026
• £333 due by Tuesday 31 December 2026

To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking. Only payment secures your place. Please use UZBEKISTAN as your payment reference.

The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment. Thanks. :)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.