Explore Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes, sleep in a traditional yurt, and experience nomadic culture on a self-guided tour from Samarkand to Bukhara.
Samarkand-Nurata-Lake Aydarkul-Yurt Camp
Nurata - Nurata—this city is surrounded by the Nurata Mountains. Nurata (“Nur means Light or Holy and Ata means Father”), this ancient town held a strategic position on the frontier between the cultivated lands and the steppe. The population of the town is 32,000 people and renowned for marble and astrakhan production, Nurata has retained some of the holy sites that attracted pilgrims from all over Central Asia.
Chashma - Visiting sights are:
- Alexander’s Fort—it is strategically located on the top of the hill to the south of the town, and Uzbek sources suggest that Alexander instructed one of his generals to build an impenetrable fortress here while he continued his conquest of Bactria and Sogdiana. When Alexander returned, his troops could neither break down the gates nor scale the walls, such was the strength of the construction.
- Chashma Spring—This spring is linked to Hazrati Ali (son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad). The center of the complex is a pool where the faithful come to collect water as good luck and health to relatives and friends. Regardless of the time of the year, the mineral-laden spring water is said to remain at a consistent 19 °C. The population of Marinka fish in the pool is thriving as it is considered as a holy spot and hence no one is allowed to catch them.
Aydar Lake - Lake Aydarkul was created in 1969 when catastrophic spring floods made people drain excess water from the Syrdarya River into the Arnasay Depression. Since then Aydarkul has been steadily growing in size. Nowadays lake covers an area of 4,000 square kilometers.
Yangikazgan - After visiting Lake Aydarkul drive to Yangiganzan to yurt camp (40 minutes’ drive). Upon arrival, travelers check in to the yurt. Yurts have proper beds with a bit of hard mattresses and pillows. In early spring and late fall, the desert can get pretty cold at night, so travelers are 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 to bring a personal torch) and a rubbish bin. Activities to do in yurt camp: camel riding, watching the birds, and after dinner live music by Kazakh musicians around the campfire.
Yurt Camp-Bukhara
Bukhara - After camp-style breakfast, 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
This tour is ideal for travelers journeying between Samarkand and Bukhara who wish to explore Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes, sleep in a traditional yurt, and immerse themselves in nomadic culture. The tour begins in Samarkand, includes a visit to Alexander’s Fort in Nurata, a drive to Lake Aidarkul with an opportunity to swim (weather permitting), and an overnight stay at a yurt camp.
- All transfers, including hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Camel ride in the desert and nomadic music around the campfire
- Experience the nomadic lifestyle by staying in a yurt
- Discover the natural beauty of Uzbekistan at your own pace
- Yurt camp opens from the end of March to late October
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
