Samarkand-Nurata-Lake Aydarkul-Yurt Camp

Nurata - Nurata, a city encircled by the Nurata Mountains, derives its name from “Nur,” meaning Light or Holy, and “Ata,” meaning Father. This historic town was strategically located at the boundary between cultivated lands and the steppe. With a population of 32,000, Nurata is famous for its marble and astrakhan production and has preserved several sacred sites that have drawn pilgrims from across Central Asia.

Chashma - Notable attractions include:

1. Alexander’s Fort—Strategically perched atop a hill south of the town, this fortress was reportedly commissioned by Alexander the Great, who instructed one of his generals to construct an impregnable stronghold here during his campaign in Bactria and Sogdiana. Upon Alexander’s return, his forces were unable to breach the gates or scale the walls, a testament to the fortress’s formidable construction.
2. Chashma Spring—Associated with Hazrati Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law, this spring is the centerpiece of a complex where visitors collect water for good fortune and health for their loved ones. The mineral-rich spring water maintains a constant temperature of 19 °C year-round. The pool’s Marinka fish population thrives, as the site is considered sacred, prohibiting fishing.

Aydar Lake - Lake Aydarkul was formed in 1969 when severe spring floods necessitated the diversion of excess water from the Syrdarya River into the Arnasay Depression. Since then, Aydarkul has consistently expanded and now spans an area of 4,000 square kilometers.

Yangikazgan - Following a visit to Lake Aydarkul, travelers proceed to Yangikazgan for a yurt camp experience (a 40-minute drive). Upon arrival, guests check into yurts equipped with proper beds, firm mattresses, and pillows. During early spring and late fall, the desert nights can be quite chilly, so guests are provided with ample warm blankets. Yurts offer basic amenities such as an electric wall lamp (though a personal torch is recommended) and a rubbish bin. Activities at the yurt camp include camel riding, bird watching, and enjoying live music by Kazakh musicians around the campfire after dinner.

Yurt Camp-Bukhara

Bukhara - After a camp-style breakfast, travelers embark on a drive to Bukhara (200 km).

• All transfers, including hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary

• English guide
• Gratuities
• Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary

This tour is ideal for those journeying between Samarkand and Bukhara, offering an opportunity to explore Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes, stay in a traditional yurt, and immerse in nomadic culture. The tour begins in Samarkand, includes a visit to Alexander’s Fort in Nurata, and continues to Lake Aidarkul, where swimming is possible if weather conditions allow, before heading to a yurt camp for an overnight stay.
All transfers are included, with hotel pick-up and drop-off provided.
Enjoy a camel ride in the desert and listen to nomadic music around a campfire.
Experience the nomadic lifestyle by staying in a yurt.
Explore the natural beauty of Uzbekistan at your own pace.

• Yurt camp opens from the beginning of March to mid of November
• Please note: First part of the journey is a good road. In general it is a long and shaky ride to the Yurt Camp even so it is asphalt road but condition of the road is not good.
• When travelers visit Chashma Spring complex there is a small mosque if you want to enter both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing tight, revealing, or transparent clothing. Women should cover their hair with a headscarf or shawl when they enter to holy places
• Overnight in Yurt Camp (2 people per yurt, shared bathroom facilities)
• If it is hot do not forget to put on sun sunscreen before going to visiting Chashma Spring complex (and just above the complex is Alexander’s Fort)
• It is possible to start the tour from Bukhara and finish in Samarkand
• If travelers after overnight stay in a yurt (if they do not want to drive to Bukhara) we can bring them back to Samarkand
• Yurts have proper beds with a bit hard mattresses and pillows. An early spring and late fall the desert can get pretty cold at night, so travelers supplied with a pile of nice warm blankets. Inside the yurt there are some basic amenities like an electric wall lamp (although it is still recommended bringing a personal torch) and a rubbish bin.
• Please note: this activity is not available from 20 November to 10 March, as the yurt camps are seasonal and weather conditions during this period are cold. As an alternative, instead of a stay at a yurt camp and Aydarkul Lake, we offer accommodation in a guesthouse in the Nurata Mountains, where guests can experience village life and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.