Hiking the Omonqutan Gorge

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

8h

Group size

2-6 tourists,
over 12 y.o.

🌄 Discover the Untamed Beauty of Zarafshan Mountains! 🌄

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Zarafshan. Experience stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys while connecting with the warm-hearted locals.

Join us for an unforgettable journey to Omonqutan Valley, just 40 km from Samarkand. Enjoy a scenic hike through charming clay houses in Kizyl Tourouk Valley, and meet friendly locals along the way. As we ascend the Bergbauer piste, be captivated by panoramic vistas of the majestic Ghissar mountain range.

Feel the fresh mountain air as you encounter free-roaming horses, sheep, and goats. Walk along the ridge for spectacular views of Samarkand and Schakhrisabs before reaching the breathtaking Takhta Karacha pass.

With 5-6 hours of hiking, this adventure promises peace, beauty, and connection with nature. Book your escape today! 🏞️✨

National Park Tours

Sherali D. is the provider and guide of this trip

The provider speaks: English, German, French, Uzbek

My name is Sherali, I am 35 years old. I was born and raised in Samarkand and still live there with my family. After studying German and English in Tashkent, I decided to share my passion for culture and history with others. Following my tour guide training, I have been working as a freelance study and hiking tour guide since 2015. What particularly sets me apart is my strong interpersonal skills. It is especially important to me to ensure that my guests have a wonderful stay and unforgettable moments. I organize tours for visitors to our beautiful country and am always happy to support them with my experience and knowledge.

Tour highlights

Discover the Wild Zarafshan Mountain

Soak in the natural beauty of the region

Cultural Connection

Meet friendly locals along the way

Wildlife Encounters

Enjoy the sight of free-roaming horses, sheep and goats

Route details

Today we drive to the valley of Omonqutan, 40 km away from Samarkand. There we go on a nice hike along the valley to the pass. We walk gently through the clay houses in the Kizyl Tourouk valley, a good encounter with locals. We slowly climb up the pass through the Bergbauer piste. We reach the plateau from where we have a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of Ghissar mountain range. We meet horses, sheep and goats running free upstairs. We walk on the ridge with a view of the plains of Samarkand and Schakhrisabs into the narrow valley, from where we ascend to the Takhta Karacha pass. Then we reach the pass. Our driver is waiting for us on the pass. We make the way back to Samarkand.

Walking time: 5-6 hours, altitude 1860 m, distance 16 km, ascent 650 m, descent 400 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

Forty kilometers south of Samarkand, the tract 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.

Conditions

Included

round trip / excursions and transfers in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
local tour guide throughout the trip
entrance to the national park
meals (1 packed lunch and 1 liter of water)
Uzbekistan tourist map.

Extras

tips and personal expenses.

It's important to know

In case of booking cancellation the next policy applies. Tourists will receive a full amount they paid for the reservation in case they cancel more than 35 days in advance of the tour start date. In the event of cancellation within the period of 34 to 16 days before the tour start date - they are entitled to receive 50% of the booking amount. Cancelations made within 15 days before the tour starts will not be entitled to a refund.