Traditional Activities
Guided Mountain Hike
Immersive Village Experience
Explore Authentic Village Living & Hike Amidst The Nuratau Mountains
Venture deep into the heart of the Uzbek countryside on a captivating 2-day hiking excursion around Uhum. This journey offers a unique window into the lives of those inhabiting a remote village nestled within the Nuratau Mountains range. As you traverse the rustic landscapes, you’ll be afforded the remarkable opportunity to intimately acquaint yourself with the daily livelihood activities that shape the existence of the local community.
During your homestay with a welcoming local family, you’ll have the chance to observe or actively participate in the preparation of traditional meals crafted from homegrown vegetables. Your friendly host will guide you on a short yet enlightening hike through the mountains, enabling you to explore the breathtaking surroundings and gain insights into the natural beauty that envelops the village.
By embarking on this enriching hiking tour, you play a vital role in sustaining the local village community. Your participation in homestays directly contributes to the economic well-being of the families you encounter. Beyond being an observer, you become an integral part of the intricate tapestry of daily life, fostering cultural exchange and generating a positive impact on the local economy. Prepare to create a meaningful exchange that transcends borders, enriching both your personal journey and the lives of those you encounter along the way.
Highlights of the Tour
Settle into a charming homestay that boasts a vast garden dotted with fruit trees
Delve into the daily routines of Uhum villagers as you witness and participate in activities such as firewood collection, butter making, weaving, and corn grinding
Help your homestay family in the preparation of Plov, a traditional dish crafted from homegrown vegetables and mountain spices
Share a delightful dinner with your gracious hosts, engaging in cultural exchange and creating lasting memories of shared experiences
Take guided hike to the buffer zone of the Nuratau Nature Reserve to encounter ancient irrigation channels, explore petroglyph sites reflecting the region's history, and visit an Islamic priest's mausoleum
Day 1 – Transfer from Bukhara to Uhum village: At 9:00 AM, meet with our driver at the tour’s start point and start driving to Uhum village. Arrive in Uhum village by lunchtime and settle in the homestay. In the afternoon, walk around to explore the village and get to know the people. Relax on the tapchan or supa under the walnut trees. Help or observe the preparation of the traditional dishes.
Please note that on this day you explore the village on your own, and the guided tour starts on the next day.
Day 2 – Morning hike then transfer from Uhum village to Samarkand: After breakfast, go on an easy, guided hike to the Nuratau Nature Reserve. See ancient irrigation channels, a petroglyph site, and the mausoleum of Islamic priests. Return to the homestay for lunch, then transfer back to Samarkand.
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 Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday throughout the year.
- Seasonal Considerations: The optimal seasons for this tour are March to May and September to November.
- 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 around 6:00 PM. Upon request, 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 stay in a local homestay.
- Meals: One breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
- Guided Tours: A local mountain escort guide will accompany you on the hike during Day 2.
- Transportation: Transfers include:
- From Bukhara to Uhum village.
- From Uhum village to Samarkand.
- Registration: The registration will be issued by the homestay owner, please present your passport upon arrival.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature.
- 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.
- Homestay Details: The homestay features 12 traditionally decorated rooms with beds. The towels and bedding are provided. Most rooms have private showers and toilets. During the summer months, meals are served in the garden on tapchans (traditional wooden sitting platforms); in colder months, meals are served in the kitchen. The homestay has no cellphone reception.
- Amenities: The homestay offers free Wi-Fi and garden seating areas, including tapchans and chairs.
- Cultural Experience: Guests are welcome to join the host family in preparing traditional meals or assisting with daily household chores.
- 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.
- In-Tour Transport: Local drivers for smaller groups will not stay at the homestays, while minibus drivers will remain at the homestays as they are not locals.
- Guide Information: A local mountain guide with basic English proficiency will meet you at 9:00 AM on the second day to lead the hike.
- Minimum and Maximum Participants: The tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 12 participants.
- Fitness Level: The tour includes an 8-kilometer (approximately 5-mile) guided hike, estimated to take around 3 hours. This hike is considered moderate in difficulty, requiring participants to be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and gentle inclines. A reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness is recommended to maintain a steady pace throughout the hike.
- Age Restrictions: The tour is suitable for individuals aged 12 and above.
- Experience: No prior hiking experience is necessary. The tour is designed for travelers interested in cultural immersion and light outdoor activities. However, familiarity with walking longer distances can enhance the experience.
- 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: Comfortable trainer shoes are recommended for exploring the village’s uneven terrain.
- Other Essentials: Ensure you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
- Luggage Transport: Your luggage will be transported by car during the tour. Hikes are conducted around the homestay, allowing you to store your luggage securely at the homestay.
- 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 review our booking terms and cancellation policy by visiting our Terms and Conditions page.
Please click here: https://nuratau.com/terms-conditions/
Your 2-Day Uhum Homestay Mountain Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Bukhara – Uhum village
Meet at the start point of the tour at 9:00 AM and start driving to Uhum village. Set against the backdrop of Uzbekistan’s stunning mountains, you’ll be driven to Uhum village, arriving in time for lunch. Discover the joys of relaxation as you unwind on the tapchan – traditional tea beds – situated in the homestay’s expansive garden adorned with abundant fruit trees. Following your settling-in period, the gracious host family will extend a warm introduction to their facilities, fostering a sense of connection and hospitality. Share a delightful lunch with the local family, delving into authentic flavours that reflect the region’s culinary heritage.
In the afternoon, embark on an enriching exploration of Uhum’s daily livelihood activities and land-use practices. Engage with the villagers as you witness firewood collection, butter making, corn grinding, and weaving – traditions that have been passed down through generations. Experience the vibrancy of the community firsthand, from preserving fruits to the delicate art of silkworm rearing during spring.
Later in the afternoon, observe or actively participate in crafting the traditional dish, Plov. Engage in a culinary process as you collaborate with the family, using homegrown vegetables and mountain spices to create a flavorful masterpiece. Partake in a heartwarming dinner with your hosts, exchanging stories and cultural insights. Retire to your local homestay for a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the embrace of genuine Uzbek hospitality.
Day 2 – Uhum village – Samarkand
Today you embark on an enriching adventure guided by an experienced escort, who will lead you on a hike to the buffer zone of the renowned Nuratau Nature Reserve. This invigorating hike covers a distance of approximately 8 kilometres, lasting around 2,5 – 3 hours. As you traverse the scenic landscapes, immerse yourself in the captivating narratives that unfold before you. Marvel at the ancient irrigation channels, a testament to the ingenious water management systems that have sustained this region for generations. Gaze upon petroglyphs etched into the landscape, serving as vivid reminders of the ancient settlements that once thrived here. As you continue your exploration, encounter the mausoleum of an Islamic priest that stands as a tribute to the spiritual heritage of the area. This sacred site provides insights into the religious practices and beliefs that have shaped the lives of the local community over centuries.
Return to the homestay for a last lunch with your host family before being transferred back to Samarkand.
Map of Uhum Village
Private Tour Enquiry
All our tours are available as private tours, the private tours can depart from Samarkand or Bukhara. To request private tour departure dates you can send us an enquiry here. Please fill in your details and select your preferred hiking tour in the form below and we will get back to you with available departure dates.
Not Ready to Let Your Trip Come to an End?
Why not make it longer? We have more exciting activities in store for you! If you have a private tour booked with us, extend your 2-Day Nuratau Mountain Homestay in Sentob with further cultural and historical exploration. Check out these extension trips to add an extra “check” to your Uzbekistan holiday wish list!
Yurt Stay & Camel Ride near Lake Aydarkul
Price includes:
1 night Yurt stay including all meals and registration
20 minutes of camel riding
A trip by car to Lake Aydarkul
Transport to/ from Yurt Camp
Alexander the Great’s fortress and Holy Spring in Nurata City
Price includes:
Entrance tickets in Nurata city
Transport to/ from Nurata
Petroglyphs in Sarmish Gorge
Price includes:
Entrance tickets to Sarmish Gorge
Transport to/ from Sarmish
