Authentic Desert Living
Camel Ride
Lake Aydarkul
A Magical Desert Yurt Camp Getaway
Embark on an enlightening 2-day yurt camp tour in the Uzbekistan desert, a journey that intertwines ancient history, authentic cultural encounters, and the captivating allure of the desert landscape. This insightful experience allows you to step back in time and explore the remnants of the past, believed to date back to the era of Alexander the Great. As you traverse the desert, you’ll find yourself staying in traditional yurts, offering a unique glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the region.
Venture beyond the yurt camp and set out on a 4 km hike to the desert village of ‘Dungalak.’ This walk not only showcases the stark beauty of the desert landscape but also provides a window into the daily lives, livelihoods, and land-use practices of the local desert inhabitants. A harmonious blend of history and nature, this tour also offers the choice between a leisurely camel ride or a car journey to explore the captivating surroundings, culminating in a visit to Lake Aydarkul. This expansive man-made lake, situated 8 km southeast of the yurt camp, presents a serene backdrop for exploration.
As the day winds down, the enchantment continues around the campfire, where the melodies of local bards weave stories of the desert’s past and present. This journey promises to be an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and the untamed beauty of the desert.
Highlights of the Tour
Explore the ancient ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress in Nurata city
Settle into traditionally decorated yurts in the picturesque desert yurt camp
Engage with village life in Dungalak, a window into desert livelihoods
Delight in a camel ride or leisurely strolls amidst the serene dunes
Enjoy a serene lakeside picnic with an optional refreshing swim
Day 1 – Transfer from Bukhara through Nurata to desert yurt camp: At 9:00 am depart from Bukhara or Samarkand via Nurata city to the desert yurt camp located near the village of Dungalak (total 5 hours of drive). On the way to the yurt camp, stop in Nurata to visit the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, holy spring, and other sights. After having lunch in Nurata, continue to the desert yurt camp. Upon arrival, settle into your yurt, enjoy a leisurely camel ride, or walk around the dunes before enjoying the evening around the fireplace listening to local bards tell stories through music.
Day 2 – Visit to desert village Dungalak & Lake Aydarkul then return to Samarkand:
After breakfast, you can get a car ride or walk to the nearby desert village Dungalak (4km) to get familiar with the life of village people who mainly live on livestock and sheep farming. After visiting the village, drive by car or ride on the camels (an additional 20$ per camel) from the camp to Lake Aydarkul located 8 kilometers (15 min) to the southeast. Aydarkul is an artificial salty lake that stretches 180 km to the east, being the largest wetland body in the area it is home to many aquatic birds such as cranes, pelicans, numerous waders, many ducks, and goose species. Enjoy a picnic at the lake. Depending on the season you can swim or just stroll along the lake shores observing the birds. In the afternoon transfer to Samarkand/Bukhara (5 hours of drive).
END OF THE TRIP
Click the “Itinerary” tab to see a detailed itinerary.
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Trip Details
Trip Details
- Tour Dates: Group departures are available every Tuesday and Friday from Aprel to the end of October.
- Seasonal Considerations: The optimal seasons for this tour are April – May and September – October.
- Meeting Point and Time: In Bukhara, meet at 8:40 AM at the statue of Nasreddin near Lyabi Hauz Pool. Upon request, small groups (2-3 participants) can be picked up from their hotels. The departure time is 9:00 AM.
- Ending Point: In Samarkand, you will be dropped off at Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum at around 5:00 PM. Upon request, small groups (2-3 participants) can be dropped off at their hotels.
- Accommodations: Overnight in the Yurt Camp. Each group will be provided with a private yurt (2-4 pax in a yurt).
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
- Transportation: Transfers include:
- From Bukhara to Desert Yurt Camp village via Nurata.
- From Desert Yurt Camp to Samarkand
- Camel riding around the yurt camp: The tour includes 20 minute camel riding around the yurt camp
- Traditional song performance: The local bard sings a traditional song around the fire in the evening.
- Entrance tickets: Entrance tickets to the sites in Nurata city
- Registration: The registration will be issued by the Yurt Camp owner, please present your passport upon arrival.
- Guide: A guide is not included; however, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking driver
- Travel Insurance: We want you to have a safe and worry-free adventure, so we kindly ask all participants to have travel insurance. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re protected and can fully enjoy your activities with peace of mind.
- Tips: Tipping is not mandatory but is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the services provided by guides, drivers, and hosts. A general guideline is €4–€9 per person per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service.
- Yurt Camp Details: The yurt camp comprises 20 traditional yurts, each furnished with bedding and towels. A communal ablution block, featuring toilets and showers, is conveniently located within the camp. Electricity is available throughout the premises. Please note that mobile network coverage is limited; however, certain areas may receive a weak UzMobile signal.
- Amenities: The yurt camp offers traditional tapchans (raised wooden sitting platforms) and benches for relaxation. Additionally, a fireplace provides a cozy gathering spot for guests.
- Cultural Experience: Visiting the village of Dungalak.
- Transport Details: For groups of 2-3 participants, transportation is provided by an air-conditioned sedan car. For groups of 4 or more, a minibus is used.
- Minimum and Maximum Participants: The tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 12 participants.
- Fitness Level: The tour is suitable for participants with all fitness levels.
- Age Restrictions: We recommend participants be aged 12 and above. This ensures guests can comfortably engage in activities such as camel rides and exploring the desert terrain. Families with children are welcome, provided the young participants are prepared for the tour’s physical aspects.
- Clothing:
- Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November): Layered clothing to accommodate varying temperatures. Pack long-sleeved shirts, a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings, and comfortable trousers.
- Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen shirts and trousers. A wide-brimmed hat or cap is essential for sun protection. Consider bringing a light scarf or shawl for additional coverage.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip to navigate uneven desert terrain safely.
- Other Essentials: Ensure you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
- Luggage Transport: Your luggage will be transported by car during the tour. Please let us know in advance if you have any specific luggage transportation requirements.
- Size and Weight Limits: It’s advisable to pack light for ease of travel. A medium-sized suitcase or backpack should suffice for the duration of the tour.
- Please see the booking terms and cancelation policy clicking on this link: https://nuratau.com/terms-conditions/
Your 2-Day Desert Yurt Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Bukhara – Nurata – Yurt camp
At 9:00 AM, our driver will collect you at the meeting point. Embark on a picturesque 5-hour drive to the desert yurt camp nestled near the charming village of Dungalak in the Kyzyl-Kum desert. En route, make a stop in Nurata city for lunch and get a glimpse of local attractions, including the remnants of Alexander the Great’s fortress, a holy spring, and a historical mosque. As you explore Nurata, you’ll uncover fascinating legends interwoven with its history and name. Delve into the 9th-century mausoleum, mosque, and the remnants of Alexander the Great’s fortress, immersing yourself in a tapestry of heritage. Continue your journey towards the yurt camp, 65 kilometres and an hour’s drive away. Upon arrival, settle comfortably into your traditional yurt accommodation.
In the afternoon, take a camel ride or leisurely stroll across the mesmerising desert dunes. Depending on the season, you might encounter steppe tortoises, agile hares, and the vibrant hues of desert agamas. A delicious dinner awaits, followed by the enchanting melodies of local bards around a crackling campfire. Later, retire to your cosy yurt for a good night’s rest surrounded by the tranquillity of the desert.
Day 2 – Yurt camp –Lake Aydarkul – Samarkand
After breakfast, explore the nearby desert village, Dungalak, situated only 4 kilometres away from the yurt camp. Engage with the local village life, centred around livestock and sheep farming, and gain insights into the rhythms of rural existence. Later, you can choose to traverse to Lake Aydarkul, either by a comfortable car ride or atop a camel companion (with an additional camel fee of $20). This lake, stretching 8 kilometres southeast from the camp, presents Aydarkul’s allure. As the largest artificial salty lake in the region, it sprawls 180 kilometres eastward and serves as a sanctuary for a vibrant array of aquatic birds, including cranes, pelicans, ducks, and geese.
Indulge in a picnic by the lakeside, and depending on the season, go in for a swim or stroll along the tranquil shores while observing the lively birdlife. With memories of the desert village and the mesmerising lake etched into your journey, embark on the afternoon transfer, a 5-hour drive back to Samarkand.
Map
Private Tour Enquiry
All our tours are available as private tours. To request private tour departure dates you can send us an enquiry here. Please fill in your details and select your preferred adventure tour in the form below and we will get back to you with available departure dates. Please note, private tours can depart from Samarkand or Bukhara.
