General information

In central Uzbekistan (see the map), within the territory of the future Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve, tourist guesthouses are located amongst the walnut forest gardens of the green valleys of Hayat, Uhum, Asraf, Madjerum and Sentyab villages. Situated in the south of Lake Aidarkul, the Biosphere Reserve is a great hiking and bird-watching area. In the frame of a community based eco-tourism project five families converted their homes into rustic guesthouses. They are designed and constructed in a traditional rural manner. Mountain streams pass by tapchans, which are comfortable platforms where you can take tea, nuts, and various national dishes, or a glass of wine or beer. All three houses have all the most necessary living facilities such as bedrooms, outdoor showers and toilets, electricity and drinking water.

Those who wish can take part in traditional cooking lessons such as baking traditional bread in a clay tandyr oven. There are few places in Uzbekistan where tourists have a better chance to experience everyday rural life. After a relaxing day of hiking, horse riding, participating in housework or traditional handicrafts you can take a refreshing shower under the open sky. You can choose whether you want to sleep on tapshans under the bright Milky Way or in specially prepared bedrooms.

There are many opportunities, particular during spring and autumn, to witness “Kupkari” events – a traditional game on horseback. This archaic spectacle will be unforgettable for any visitor.Visitors also have a chance to purchase traditional Tajik handicrafts to remember their fascinating trip.

Habiba’s guesthouse in Hayat Location: Farish district of Djizzakh region Owners: Sattor Ahmetov, Bazargul Ahmetova. The house has two rooms for six guests but up to nine people can sleep from spring till autumn on tapchans in the garden. There are a small fish pond and a charming water fall. The flour of the homemade bread is prepared in a traditional water mill. Learn more...

Djumagul’s guesthouse in Uhum Location: Farish district of Djizzakh region Owners: Bahrom Kasymov, Djumagul Kasymova. The charismatic hosts of this guesthouse will entertain you with local stories and jokes. You will be living right within a traditional household and you will have the chance to see the real everyday live of rural Tajik people. Learn more...

Rachima’s guesthouse in Sentyab Location: Nurata district of Navoi region Owner: Gulmurod Zarifullaev, Rachima Zarifullaev This guesthouse is a perfect starting point for more advanced hikes. Steep valleys, rivers with rapids, high mountains, ancient ruins, mosques and rock paintings make this an exciting area. Learn more...