You will be hiking up to eight hours a day. The maximum ascent each day will be 1000 meters. You will be hiking at altitudes from 2000 meters to 3800 meters. We will be following ancient trading/herding paths.

The weather is generally stable at this time of year. Temperatures in Samarkand and other lowland areas will be around 25 to 30 degrees centigrade. Temperatures in the mountains will be around 20 degrees centigrade in the daytime and possibly down to zero degrees centigrade at night. It will be colder in September if you choose this trip. Have a look at the Kit List section for the clothing and camping equipment you need to provide.

For the first two nights we will be staying in simple but comfortable guesthouse accommodation. For six nights we will be camping, each person sharing a two person tent.

We will be staying in conveniently located three or four star hotels. Accommodation is based on sharing a twin bedroom.

Both countries feel safe to travel in. All the locals are very friendly. It is now 20 years since the tajik civil war ended with the population now largely living peacefully. There was an isolated terrorist incident attributed to daesh in 2018 in the south of tajikistan. This was the first and only incident of its kind in tajikistan.

Yes, there will be others coming on their own. Others may know each other from previous trips. By the end of the trip you will have made new friends through sharing in an amazing adventure.

The group will not be larger than ten.

Yes you will need travel and hiking insurance for travel and hiking up to 4000 meters in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Normal uk spring / autumn outdoor clothing.  You will be spending time around the campsite and when the sun goes down it can feel very cold. See the kit list section for a full list of clothing and other kit to take.

Yes you will need a single entry visa for entry into tajikistan. Uk nationals do not require a visa to travel to Uzbekistan. A Tajik visa can be obtained online from evisa.tj and currently costs 70 usd. Please check on your particular visa requirement on line at  www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tajikistan/entry-requirements

There is very little to buy except snacks and drinks. You will need to buy two lunches when in Samarkand. I suggest you bring 100 us dollars and change it into local currency when needed. You cannot get Uzbek or Tajik currency in the UK.

The food is very simple and based on what is available locally. It is very tasty and nutritious, ideal for trekking in the mountains. Vegetarian meals can be provided but it maybe difficult to cater for more specific diet requirements. Please enquire before booking.

No not normally as it is a muslim country, we may be able to track down an odd beer or two at the end of the trip!

Details of inoculations can be found at: www.travelhealthpro.org.uk

The preferred carrier is Turkish airlines to Tashkent via Istanbul.  Do not book your flight until wild hikes has notified you that the trip has enough people signed up for it to run.

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