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.
During your stay, immerse yourself in the serene beauty and timeless rhythm of the desert. Enjoy a leisurely camel ride around the yurt camp and visit Lake Aydarkul, where the tranquil waters offer a striking contrast to the surrounding arid desert.
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
Day 1 – Transfer from Bukhara to Nurata and the Desert Yurt Camp: Depart at 9:00 AM from Bukhara via Nurata to the desert yurt camp located in the Kyzylkum Desert (Sputnic or Safari Yurt Camp). En route, stop in Nurata to visit the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, the sacred spring, and other local sights. Continue to Lake Aydarkul for lunch at a lakeside restaurant. Depending on the season, you may walk along the shore or take a swim. Then proceed to the yurt camp, settle into your yurt, and enjoy a short camel ride or a stroll through the dunes before spending the evening around the campfire listening to local bards perform traditional music.
Day 2 – Morning Departure from the Yurt Camp and Return to Samarkand: After breakfast, depart for Samarkand. The drive takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, our driver will drop you off at the designated meeting point. Private groups or groups with fewer than 6 participants will be dropped off directly at their hotels.
For those interested, a 1-hour camel ride into the desert can be arranged before departure for an additional €20 per person.
END OF THE TRIP
Note: This tour can also be arranged to start in Samarkand and end in Bukhara upon request.
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, private and 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 1:00 PM. Upon request, private and small groups (2-3 participants) can be dropped off at their hotels.
Instructions
To find your driver:
Please be ready near the Khoja Naseriddin statue and look for our driver holding a sign with our company name – NURATAU TRAVEL. For any issues or delays, contact our team using this emergency number: +998 90 2650680 (also WhatsApp).
- Accommodations: Overnight in the Yurt Camp. Each group will be provided with a private yurt (2-4 pax in a yurt).
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch 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.
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Yurt Camp Details: You will be accommodated at either Sputnik or Safari Yurt Camp. Both camps feature 20 traditional yurts, each equipped with bedding and towels for your comfort. A shared ablution block with toilets and showers is located within the camp, and electricity is available throughout the premises. Please note that mobile network coverage is limited, though a weak UzMobile signal may be accessible in certain spots.
Amenities: Each yurt camp includes a restaurant and outdoor seating areas for relaxation. Fireplaces are also available, providing a cozy gathering spot for guests in the evenings.
- 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 – Transfer from Bukhara to Nurata, Lake Aydarkul & the Desert Yurt Camp
At 9:00 AM, our driver will pick you up from the meeting point in Bukhara. Begin your journey through the Kyzylkum Desert with a scenic 5-hour drive to the desert yurt camp. En route, stop in Nurata to explore key historical sites, including the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, the sacred spring, and the adjacent mosque. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region.
Continue toward Lake Aydarkul, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant. Depending on the season, you may walk along the peaceful shoreline or take a refreshing swim in the lake’s clear waters.
After lunch, proceed to the yurt camp. Upon arrival, settle into your traditional yurt. In the late afternoon, you may take a short camel ride or enjoy a relaxed walk through the surrounding dunes. In the evening, gather around the campfire to enjoy dinner and a performance by local bards, who will share traditional music under the desert stars.
Overnight in your yurt.
Day 2 – Morning Departure from the Yurt Camp and Return to Samarkand
After breakfast, depart for Samarkand. The drive takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, our driver will drop you off at the designated meeting point. For private groups or those with fewer than 6 participants, drop-off will be directly at your hotel.
If you wish, a 1-hour camel ride into the desert can be arranged before departure for an additional €20 per person.
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 day 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.
