Trekking Uzbekistan. The Barlas Trail through the Zarafshan Range.

Season of the event: mid-May – October

An interesting and easy trekking trip takes place along the spurs of the western part of the Zarafshan Range, which stretches for 370 km in the territories of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This region is distinguished by an abundance of sun, dry and clean healing mountain air.

The trekking route begins in the Samarkand region, crosses the watershed of the Zarafshan and Kashkadarya river basins and ends in the Kashkadarya region. It is in this region that the descendants of an ancient clan live – the Barlas warriors, to which the great Amir Temur (Tamerlane) belongs. Tourists will walk along good paths, see picturesque mountain landscapes, mountain rivers, canyons, waterfalls, blooming alpine meadows with mountain flowers, tulips, poppies, bizarre rocks, meet a few flocks of sheep and freely grazing horses.

Trekking takes place at altitudes from 700 to 2020 m above sea level. The distance of daytime transitions is 10 - 15 km (route length - 40 km), with an amplitude of 800 to 970 m. All camping equipment and inventory, as well as tourists' things, are carried on donkeys. The tour does not require special training and is available to almost healthy tourists. After the tour, tourists can visit the fabulous cities of the East, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva on their own or by ordering a tour from us.

Tour program

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Trek 15 km, +830 m, -330 m

Transfer from Shakhrisabz to the trekking start point (50 km, 1 hour), located in a picturesque area on the southern slopes of the Zeravshan Range (700 m).
Beginning of the trekking section. The route passes through the upper part of an exotic mountain village, then a gentle climb along a good trail through a picturesque gorge along the river to the Eagle Rocks. Picnic along the way. Camping on the bank of a mountain river, 1200 m.

Trek 15 km, +978 m, -966 m

Continue trekking along the river and continue climbing towards the Bekaz Pass, 2020 m. Picnic before the pass near a spring. This is the highest point of our route. Rest and a photo shoot with a panoramic view of the villages of the Kashkadarya region to the south and the city of Samarkand to the north. Nearby rises the dominant peak of the region, Kemkutan Peak, 2,189 m. Descent from the pass into the gorge to the confluence of two mountain sais. Dinner and overnight in tents by the river.

Trekking 10 km, +297 m, -642 m

In the morning, we will take a short walk into a picturesque canyon to a stunning 30-meter waterfall (1.5 km, 1 hour). After the photo shoot, we return to camp. We continue the route descending a beautiful rocky gorge along the river. We have a picnic in a clearing, where you can optionally take a dip in the mountain baths – natural pools. Then we descend to the road, where transport will wait for us to take us to Samarkand (35 km, 50 minutes).

Tour price

Included

Accommodation in double tents (2 nights)
Sleeping bags and sleeping pads for participants
Transportation - throughout the tour according to the program
Meals - full board according to the program
Mountain guide + donkey drivers
Guide-interpreter
Cook, kitchen equipment, utensils for eating
Registration with OVIR on trekking days

Not Included

Single occupancy in a tent - $10USD
Alcoholic drinks
Medical insurance
Personal equipment
Any additional expenses
Tips for staff