General information

In central Uzbekistan (see the map), south of Lake Aydar in the Nuratau Mountains a community based eco-tourism project was initiated in 2007. As a result, several rural family accommodation facilities were established. In six of the lush green river valleys, in the villages Eski Forish, Asraf, Uhum, Upper Uhum, Hayat and Sentyab ten families converted parts of their homes into rural guesthouses. All the buildings were designed according to the tradition and constructed out of local rocks. They are located in big gardens under old walnut and mulberry trees. Mountain brooks pass by the houses where you can relax on tapchans - comfortable platforms where you can drink tea, eat nuts or various national dishes or simply relax with a book and a glass of wine or beer. All houses have essential facilities such as bedrooms furnished with kurpacha mattresses, blankets and pillows, showers, simple but clean toilets and good drinking water.

Due to the variety of habitat types (mountain, steppe, desert and wetland vegetation) the area is famous for its high biodiversity in particular its rich birdlife (see checklist of birds).

After an active day of hiking, horseback riding or swimming in the lake located 30-40km further north, you can take a refreshing shower. Those who wish can then watch or take part in traditional cooking or baking bread in a clay oven (tandir). You can choose whether you would like to sleep outside on a tapchan or in a specially prepared bedroom.

There are many opportunities, particularly during spring and late autumn, to witness the “Kupkari” events – a traditional game on horseback. This spectacle is an unforgettable event for every visitor. You might also have the chance to take part in a local wedding or another traditional festivity.
There are few places in Uzbekistan where tourists have a better chance to experience everyday rural life.
The main attraction of the area is its people who have maintained many of their old customs and traditions. Guests will be able to enjoy the very personal attention and the overwhelming oriental hospitality of the hosts. Thus a stay in the Nuratau Mountains will compliment a classic Uzbekistan journey.

About the guesthouse organization Tabiati Forish

In 2008, the guesthouse owners formed the guesthouse association Tabiati Forish (the Nature of Forish) to market the rural tourism offer jointly. Ten guesthouse owners are members of this self-help organization and have elected Komil Shokirov as their director. The small organization also provides advice and organizes trainings for the guesthouse owners and mountain guides.

The Tabiati Forish office is located in Yangiqishloq village (often referred to as Forish) 65km North-West of Jizzakh. Here, tourists can receive information on the guesthouse facilities, on the flora and fauna of the region, on the activity offers and on transport options. Furthermore, there is a photo gallery, which gives visitors an overview of the ecology and the socio- economic conditions of the Nuratau-Kyzylkum area.