Hiking To The Gorge Omonqutan And Shakhrisabz
About this tour
Forty kilometers south of Samarkand, the gorge Omonqutan is located. This beautiful area of valleys and high mountains has attracted naturalists, nature lovers and travelers around the world from time immemorial. Through the tract lies a path trodden for centuries, which connects Samarkand and Kesh, as well as historical Bactria and Sogda in the past. It was the shortest way at all times. Caravans walked along it. Omonqutan is not a very large tract in the extreme west of the Pamir-Altai. Today you have opportunity to discover the part of the Pamir Alay Mountains and visit Shakhrisabz is one of the most beautiful and colorful cities in Uzbekistan, located about 80 km south of Samarkand. The 2,700-year-old city played a significant role in the history of the Central Asian region.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
After breakfast we meet our guide and driver to start an easy hiking tour in the surroundings of Samarkand. Transfer from Samarkand to Omonqutan village. We hike in to the small valley. There is a historical route in the valley used by Tamerlane to move from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz. Later, this path was rebuilt by Russians and paved with stones. Today this road is no longer used for cars. Various trees grow densely along the road and look like a forest. We slowly go up the valley to the Takhta Karacha pass. From the pass we have a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of Ghisar mountain range. We enjoy it and continue walking on the pass to the highway where our driver is waiting for us. Continue to Shakhrisabz. The 2,700-year-old city played a significant role in the history of the Central Asian region. Explore the birthplace of Timur, the legendary warrior and founder of the Timurid Empire. Today, Shakhrisabz is home to the ruins of Timur’s palace, Ak-Saray, which took 24 years to build, and the tomb of Jahangir, Timur’s favorite son. Finish up the tour with the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and the Dor-ut Tilavat Ensemble, dedicated to a religious leader of the region. Return to Samarkand. Walking time: 3-4 hours, altitude 1750 m, distance 7 km, ascent 350 m
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the city tour An experienced local guide Entrance to the national park, museum and monuments Lunch and water
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Samarkand, Uzbekistan