Uzbekistan Backpacking Tour

• Location: Chimgan Mountains
  Accommodation: Archazor Mountain Resort

  Summary: Upon arriving in Tashkent, head to the serene Chimgan Mountains for a refreshing start to your Uzbekistan adventure. Located just two hours away from Tashkent, the Chimgan Mountains provide a quiet retreat with stunning views, hiking trails, and fresh air.

  Highlights:

• Arrival at Tashkent International Airport: After clearing passport control and customs, purchase an Uzbek SIM card and meet your pre-arranged taxi driver.
• Taxi to Chimgan: A scenic 2-hour drive takes you to the Chimgan Mountains. En route, enjoy views of the countryside and local Uzbek villages.
• Check-in at Archazor Mountain Resort: Relax and enjoy the spa facilities, including saunas, steam baths, and indoor swimming pools. The resort’s outdoor pools open during summer months.
• Optional Activities: Take a leisurely walk around the resort or simply unwind in the peaceful mountain setting.

• Location: Chimgan Mountains
  Accommodation: Archazor Mountain Resort

  Summary: Spend a full day exploring the Chimgan Mountains. Enjoy light hikes, a visit to Chavak Lake, and a scenic cable car ride at Amirsoy Resort, offering breathtaking views of the region.

  Highlights:

• Morning Visit to Chavak Lake: Start your day with a visit to Chavak Lake (15-30 minutes is sufficient), where you can take photos and appreciate the calm beauty of the area.
• Amirsoy Resort: Head to Amirsoy for a cable car ride to the top of the mountains. Buy an Amirsoy Express and Prima ticket for a return trip.
  • At the Peak: Enjoy the panoramic views from 2290 Bar while sipping on gin and tonics or enjoying Apfelstrudel. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are short hikes to nearby spots.
• Afternoon Hike: You can hike further into the mountains or enjoy a picnic with views of the majestic Chimgan range.
• Return to the Resort: In the late afternoon, return to the resort for relaxation.

• Location: Tashkent
  Accommodation: Sapiens Hotel

  Summary: Return to Uzbekistan’s capital city to experience the modern and cultural delights of Tashkent. Explore its vibrant streets, sample local cuisine, and enjoy its nightlife.

  Highlights:

• Taxi to Tashkent: A scenic drive back to the city (approximately 2 hours).
• Check-in at Sapiens Hotel: After check-in, explore the local area around your hotel.
• Lunch at Socials Café: Head to Socials Café for a modern lunch with a local twist.
• Afternoon Walking Tour: Explore Sailgokh Street, where you can play table tennis and observe local street life. Admire the architecture of Hotel Uzbekistan nearby.
• Wine Tasting at Silk96: Visit Silk96 Wine Bar, a popular international wine bar where you can sample wines and enjoy snacks.
• Dinner at RONI: End your day with pizza and drinks at RONI, known for its modern ambiance and Neapolitan pizza.

• Location: Tashkent to Khiva
  Accommodation: Overnight on Night Train

  Summary: Dive into Tashkent’s rich history and culture with visits to its famous markets, mosques, and metro stations before embarking on the night train to Khiva.

  Highlights:

• Morning Visit to Chorsu Bazaar: Explore Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in Central Asia. Wander through the stalls selling everything from spices to crafts.
• Visit to Hoja Ahror Valiy Mosque and Kukeldash Madrasah: Take in the architectural beauty of these two historic religious sites.
• Tashkent Metro Tour: Uzbekistan’s metro stations are an attraction in themselves, each showcasing a unique artistic style. Visit the most famous stations, including Alisher Navoi, Kosmonavtlar, and Mustaqillik Maydoni.
• Plov at Beshqozon: Watch Uzbekistan’s national dish, Plov, being prepared in massive cauldrons at the Beshqozon Pilaf Center. Enjoy a meal of plov with local ingredients.
• Board the Night Train to Khiva: In the evening, board the 14-hour night train to Khiva. This train ride offers a nostalgic Soviet-style travel experience, complete with sleeper cabins. Opt for first-class for more comfort.

• Location: Khiva
  Accommodation: Islam Khodja Guesthouse

  Summary: Arrive in Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its stunning old town. Known as an open-air museum, Khiva’s ancient buildings and minarets will transport you to a different era.

  Highlights:

• Arrival in Khiva: Early morning arrival in Khiva. Transfer to your guesthouse and check-in.
• Explore Ichan Kala: Wander through the walled old town of Ichan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit Kalta Minor Minaret: Admire the unfinished Kalta Minor Minaret, famous for its turquoise tiles and towering presence.
• Islam Kodja Minaret: Climb the tallest minaret in Khiva for panoramic views of the city.
• Lunch in Khiva: Enjoy a traditional Uzbek meal at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon Exploration: Visit Juma Mosque, with its 218 wooden columns, and explore Tash Khauli Palace, a 19th-century palace showcasing intricate tilework.
• Evening in the Old Town: Walk through the old town at dusk when the city takes on a magical atmosphere under the evening lights.

• Location: Khiva
  Accommodation: Islam Khodja Guesthouse

  Summary: Continue exploring the historic city of Khiva, visiting its remaining monuments, madrasahs, and hidden courtyards.

  Highlights:

• Morning Visit to the Islam Khodja Complex: Start your day by visiting the Islam Khodja Complex, including its towering minaret and museum dedicated to the history of Khiva.
• Wander through Khiva’s Alleys: Spend time exploring the narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards, and less-visited parts of Ichan Kala.
• Lunch: Have a traditional meal of shashlik or lagman at a local eatery.
• Rest at Your Guesthouse: Spend the late afternoon relaxing at your guesthouse.

• Location: Bukhara
  Accommodation: Old Gate Hotel

• Morning: Board the morning train from Khiva to Bukhara, an 8-hour journey through the scenic desert landscape.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Bukhara, check into Old Gate Hotel, and have lunch at a nearby café.
• Late Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Poi Kalyan Complex, featuring the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. These iconic landmarks are some of the most photographed in Uzbekistan.
• Evening: Explore the Ark Fortress, Bukhara’s ancient citadel, and learn about its history as a royal residence and military stronghold.
• Dinner: Enjoy tea and snacks at a traditional Silk Road Teahouse, a quaint spot offering a range of flavored teas and sweets.

Location: Samarkand
Accommodation: Furkat Guest House

• Morning: Take the Afrosiyob train to Samarkand, a 2.5-hour ride.
• Late Morning: Arrive in Samarkand, check into Furkat Guest House, and grab lunch at a local café.
• Afternoon: Visit the stunning Registan Square, a collection of three madrassahs adorned with intricate blue tiles. Take your time to explore the Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori Madrassahs, marveling at their grandeur.
• Late Afternoon: Head to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), known for its ornate, golden interior and massive dome.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant near Registan Square, offering traditional Uzbek cuisine.

Location: Bukhara
Accommodation: Old Gate Hotel

• Morning: Visit the peaceful Lyab-i-Hauz, a central pond surrounded by madrassahs and shaded by mulberry trees. It’s the perfect spot for a morning stroll and photos.
• Midday: Explore the famous Samanid Mausoleum, one of the oldest monuments in Bukhara, known for its unique architecture and brick patterns.
• Lunch: Dine at a local restaurant and try manty (steamed dumplings) or shurpa (lamb soup).
• Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at Bukhara’s Trading Domes, a series of bazaars where you’ll find handmade silk, carpets, jewelry, and pottery.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a quiet evening at Lyab-i-Hauz, where the madrassahs are beautifully illuminated at night.

Location: Samarkand to Tashkent
Accommodation: N/A

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to Shah-i-Zinda, a stunning necropolis known for its beautiful mausoleums with vivid blue and turquoise tiles.
• Late Morning: Head to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in Central Asia, and visit the nearby Siab Bazaar, where you can buy fresh fruits, nuts, and local crafts.
• Lunch: Enjoy a final lunch in Samarkand before heading back to Tashkent.
• Afternoon: Take the Afrosiyob train back to Tashkent (2-2.5 hours).
• Evening: Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.

Basic Gear:

1. Backpack with rain cover (50-60 L) with comfortable shoulder straps
2. Day pack with rain cover (20-30 L) if off-load opted
3. Walking stick (at least one, advisable)

Food and Medical:

1. Small size tiffin/lunch box (1)
2. Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ORS
3. Personal Medical Kit (consult your doctor)

Clothing:

1. T-shirt (Synthetic quick dry) – 1 full sleeve, 2 half sleeves
2. Fleece T-shirt (1)
3. Wind stopper/Fleece jacket (1)
4. Windproof jacket (1)
5. Down feather/Hollow jacket (1)
6. Thermal inner (upper and lower, 1 pair)
7. Trek pant (Synthetic quick dry, 2)
8. Wind stopper/Fleece pant (1)
9. Waterproof gloves (1 pair)
10. Fleece/woolen gloves (1 pair)
11. Poncho/Waterproof jacket and pant (1)

Head Gear:

1. Head torch (1)
2. Sun cap (1)
3. Woolen cap (1)
4. Balaclava (1)
5. Buff/Neck-gaiters (1 synthetic, 1 woolen)

Foot Gear:

1. Trekking shoes (1 pair, waterproof, high ankle, good grip)
2. Floaters/Flip-flops (1 pair)
3. Cotton socks (6 pairs)
4. Woolen socks (1 pair)
5. Gaiters (1 pair, provided when required)
6. Micro spikes (1 pair, provided when required)

Utilities:

1. Sunscreen (1)
2. Moisturizer (1)
3. Chap-stick/Lip balm (1)
4. Toothbrush and toothpaste (1)
5. Toilet paper and wipes (1)
6. Soap/Hand sanitizers (1)
7. Antibacterial powder (1)
8. Quick dry towel (1)

Others:

• Sunglasses (UV with dark side cover, for those who wear spectacles: Use contact lenses or photochromatic glasses)
• Water bottle/Hydration pack (2 bottles of one liter each or 1 hydration pack and 1 one-liter bottle, plus one thermos flask)​

Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the trip:

• Refund options:
  • 5% deduction of trek fee
  • 100% cash voucher for any trip valid for one year
  • Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to a friend

Cancellations between 24 to 15 days before the start of the trip:

• Refund options:
  • 30% deduction of trek fee
  • 100% cash voucher for the same trip valid for one year
  • 85% cash voucher for any trip valid for one year
  • Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to a friend

Cancellations between 14 to 10 days before the start of the trip:

• Refund options:
  • 50% deduction of trek fee
  • 80% cash voucher for the same trip valid for one year
  • 70% cash voucher for any trip valid for one year
  • Book the same trek in the same season with any other batch
  • Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to a friend

Cancellations less than 9 days before the start of the trek:

• Refund options:
  • No cash refund
  • 20% cash voucher for the same trip valid for one year
  • 10% cash voucher for any trip valid for one year
  • Transfer your trek (same trek, same date) to a friend

If Adventure Club Pune cancels a trek:

In the unlikely event of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, safety risks, etc.), Adventure Club Pune will issue a voucher equivalent to the amount paid, redeemable for any of our treks within the next year.

Note:

• A voucher is not issued if you are required to descend from the trek due to health concerns, fitness issues, or rule violations (such as smoking, drinking, etc.).
• Batch changes depend on availability.
• Transferred treks must meet Adventure Club Pune’s requirements.
• Adventure Club Pune reserves the right to modify/cancel policies without prior notice.
• Cash refunds are only applicable for bookings made without using promotional codes or vouchers.

Cash Voucher Terms:

• Vouchers are non-transferable.
• Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Valid for treks booked directly with Adventure Club Pune.
• Redeem using your registered phone number or email ID.
• Adventure Club Pune may update terms without notice.