Gelan - an exotic mountain village

Gelan, perhaps the most exotic village in Uzbekistan, is located high in the Hissar Mountains on the border with Tajikistan and was long closed to tourists. It is now becoming a popular ethnographic site. Situated at an altitude of 1,800-2,200 meters above sea level, Gelan is surrounded on all sides by high mountains, reaching over 4,000 meters in the east. Residents of the village have been growing potatoes on the steep mountain slopes for 800 years, preserving ancient customs and way of life. The surrounding area of Gelan, as well as the road leading to it, are incredibly beautiful.

Tour program

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Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Miraki - Gelan

After breakfast, we'll depart your hotel for ancient Shakhrisabz, a small, cozy town at the foot of the Hissar Mountains and the birthplace of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), the great military leader and founder of a vast medieval empire. The journey is 90 km, and the journey takes 2.5-3 hours, with stops at observation points. En route, we'll stop at the Shaitan Jilga plateau and the Takhtakaracha pass. Upon arrival in Shakhrisabz, a tour will take in fragments of Tamerlane's grand Aksaray Palace (14th century), the majestic monument to Amir Temur (Tamerlane), the Dorus-Siyadat complex (14th century) with the mausoleum of Amir Temur's sons Jahongir and Umarsheikh, the Hazrat Imam Mosque (early 19th century), the Dorus-Tilyavat complex (14th century) with the mausoleum of Tamerlane's father, Amir Taragay, and Sheikh Shamsutdin Kulyal, Tamerlane's spiritual mentor, and the magnificent Kok-Gumbaz Mosque (first half of the 15th century).

Lunch at a local teahouse (not included). After lunch, drive through orchards and vineyards, the picturesque Gissarak Reservoir, and the Aksu River canyon to the mountain village of Gelan (80 km, 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into a homestay in an Uzbek-style guesthouse. Stroll through the exotic village, visiting working watermills, a blacksmith shop, a local artist, and a teahouse. Climb to a vantage point with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, fields, and local gardens. Groups can enjoy folklore performances during dinner.

Gelan - Samarkand.

8:00 AM. Breakfast. 9:00 AM. Transfer to Samarkand (150 km, 3.5-4 hours). A lunch stop at a café on the Takhta Karacha pass is possible. Here you can try the best tandoor kabob in Uzbekistan (meat cooked in a tandoor on juniper branches).

At an additional cost, tourists can enjoy light hiking in the surrounding mountains, horseback riding, and a visit to the picturesque Suvtushar Waterfall.