4-Day Hiking Tour: Hayat, Uhum & Asraf with Village Homestays

Live tour guide

Guide Information: A local mountain guide with basic English proficiency will meet you at 9:00 AM on Day 2&3 to lead the hike.

• •Trekking through dramatic mountain landscapes
• •Village homestays & yurt stays
• •Ancient irrigation channels & petroglyphs
• •Hands-on cultural experiences with local communities

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Day 1 – Arrival in Hayat Village

9:00 AM: Meet your driver at the tour start point and depart for Hayat Village. Arrive around lunchtime and be warmly welcomed by your local host. Settle into your homestay and relax.

Afternoon: Take a short walk through the village and visit a nearby breeding enclosure protecting the endangered Severtsov's wild sheep. Hike up the hill opposite the enclosure to see abandoned houses from the 1950s Soviet resettlements. Continue into Hayat Valley, observing the region's diverse flora and fauna and enjoying the lush landscape, especially in spring.

Evening: Return to the guesthouse and enjoy a relaxing evening wandering around the village.

Day 2 – Hike to Uhum Village

Morning: After breakfast, meet your mountain guide and begin the hike to Uhum Village via Upper Ukhum (12 km / approx. 4 hours). From the mountain pass, enjoy panoramic views of the village below. In Upper Ukhum, see ancient irrigation channels still in use and visit a historic petroglyph site before returning to Hayat Village.

Afternoon: Relax at the guesthouse and take a gentle walk around the village, soaking in local life.

Day 3 – Hike to Asraf Village

Morning: After breakfast, prepare for your hike to Asraf Village. Your mountain guide will lead the way while your luggage is transported separately. Trek through Ukhum Valley to Asraf (11 km / approx. 4.5 hours). Along the way, visit the old community watermill, still in operation using a hydro pump without electricity, and watch locals demonstrate its workings. Continue to Asraf Village.

Afternoon: Upon arrival, your host will welcome you and show you the homestay facilities, followed by lunch. Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the village or observing local life.

Evening: Participate in preparing a traditional Plov using homegrown vegetables and mountain spices alongside your host family.

Day 4 – Hike to Eski Forish and Return to Samarkand

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a guided hike along the buffer zone of the Nuratau Nature Reserve to Eski Forish Village (10 km / 3–4 hours round trip). Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Aydar and the Kyzylkum steppe. Along the way, discover ancient petroglyphs and visit the ruins of a medieval lookout once used to monitor the plains against nomadic raids.

Afternoon: Return to Asraf Village for lunch, then transfer to Samarkand to conclude your tour.

What's Included

• ✓Accommodations: 3 nights in the local homestays
• ✓Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
• ✓Guided Tours: A local mountain escort guide will accompany you on the hike during the Day 2, 3 and 4.
• ✓Transportation: Transfers include: From Bukhara to Hayat village. From Asraf village to Samarkand.

What's Not Included

• ✗Personal Expenses: Any items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, snacks, or drinks.
• ✗Travel Insurance: For your safety and peace of mind, we strongly recommend that all participants have travel insurance. It ensures you can fully enjoy your adventure worry-free.
• ✗Tips: Tipping is not mandatory but is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for your guides, drivers, and hosts. A suggested guideline is €5–€10 per person per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service.