Scenic Mountain Hikes
Traditional Yurt Experience
Cultural Exploration
Uncover the Rich Heritage of Uzbekistan's Iconic Silk Road Cities
Discover the perfect way to journey between the iconic Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara with our Hiking in the Nuratau Mountains and Yurt Stay Tour. This 2-day adventure combines seamless travel with outdoor exploration and cultural discovery, making it an enriching stopover between two of Uzbekistan’s most famous destinations.
Stay in a cozy yurt camp in Uzbekistan, set in the tranquil foothills of the Nuratau Mountains. Enjoy a scenic 6 km hike with picturesque views of the valleys, mountain ridges, and the distant Lake Aydarkul, offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Uzbekistan.
Along the way, stop at Lake Aydarkul, where you can walk along its peaceful shores or take a swim if the weather permits. Continue your journey with a visit to Nurata city, renowned for its rich history. Explore the ruins of a fort believed to have been built by Alexander the Great, a sacred spring, and other cultural landmarks.
With comfortable accommodations in traditionally adorned yurts, delicious Uzbek meals, and the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, this tour is an excellent way to experience the landscapes and heritage of Uzbekistan while traveling between Samarkand and Bukhara.
Highlights of the Tour
Hike the Nuratau Mountains, taking in scenic views of valleys, ridges, and Lake Aydarkul.
Stay in a traditional yurt camp, blending local heritage with modern comforts.
Explore Nurata city, home to ruins of a fort built by Alexander the Great.
Visit Lake Aydarkul, Uzbekistan’s largest saline lake, perfect for a stroll or swim.
Relax at a mountain yurt camp, with time to unwind by the pool or campfire.
Day 1 –Samarkand to Sayyod Yurt Camp
At 9:00 A.M meet your driver and head to Sayyod Yurt Camp. Arrive by lunchtime and settle into your yurt. In the afternoon, take a 6 km, 3-hour hike through the Nuratau Mountains. Enjoy dinner and spend the evening relaxing by the campfire.
Day 2 –Sayyod Yurt Camp to Bukhara via Lake Aydarkul and Nurata
In the morning, depart for Bukhara, stopping at Lake Aydarkul for a short visit or a swim if the weather allows. Continue to Nurata to explore a local site before arriving in Bukhara by late afternoon.
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 Wednesday and Sunday from April to the end of October.
- Seasonal Considerations: The optimal seasons for this tour are April to June and September to October.
- Meeting Point and Time: In Samarkand, meet at 8:40 AM at Gur Amir Mausoleum. 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 Bukhara, you will be dropped off at Lyabi Haus Pool around 6:00 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 parking lot of Gur Emir Mausoleum 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).
Disclaimer: This tour starts in Samarkand but can also begin in Bukhara when booked privately. If starting in Bukhara, Lake Aydarkul and Nurata are visited on Day 1.
- Accommodations: 1 night at Sayyod Yurt Camp, with private yurts allocated for each group (2-4 persons per yurt).
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
- Entrance tickets in Nurata city.
- Guided Tours: A local mountain escort guide will accompany you on hikes during Day 1.
- Transportation: Transfers include:
- From Samarkand to Sayyod Yurt Camp.
- From Sayyod Yurt Camp to Bukhara via Lake Aydarkul and Nurata.
- Registration: The registration will be issued by the staff of the Sayyod Yurt Camp, please present your passport upon arrival.
- 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.
- Optional Activities: Additional activities offered at the camp are available at an extra charge.
- 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 camp features 12 yurts with a communal ablution block located separately. Bedding and towels are provided for your comfort.
- Amenities & Activities: Enjoy complimentary amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, a fireplace, and various seating areas in the garden. Guests can also use a small telescope for stargazing, play table tennis, or practice archery at no additional cost. Optional activities like cooking classes, horse riding, and mountain bike rentals are available for an extra fee.
- Cultural Experience: The tour includes visits to historical sites in Nurata, with lunch at a local family’s home. You will also visit Sayyod village during the tour.
- Transport Details: For groups of 2-3 participants, transportation is provided by 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 yurt camp, while minibus drivers will remain at the camp as they are not locals.
- Guide Information: A local mountain guide with basic English proficiency will meet you at 2:00 P.M on the first days to lead the hikes.
- Minimum and Maximum Participants: The tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 12 participants.
- Fitness Level:
- Day 1 Hike: Moderate difficulty. Length: 6 km (approximately 3.7 miles). Duration: ~3 hours. Elevation gain: 327 m (1,073 feet). Elevation loss: 328 m (1,076 feet). Suitable for individuals aged 12 and above with reasonable fitness levels.
Packing List
- Clothing:
- Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): 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: Ordinary trainer shoes are suitable for these hikes.
- Other Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a phone charger.
- Luggage Transport: Your luggage will be transported by car during the tour. Hikes are conducted around the yurt camp, allowing you to store your luggage securely at the camp.
- 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 on our Terms and Conditions page.
2-Day Mountain Yurt Stay & Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Samarkand – Sayyod Yurt Camp
At 9:00 AM meet your driver at the tour starting point and start driving to Sayyod Yurt Camp, located in the heart of the mountains. Upon arrival around lunchtime, settle into one of the 11 cozy yurts, beautifully decorated in traditional nomadic style, offering a comfortable and authentic experience. Take some time to explore the camp and enjoy its tranquil mountain surroundings.
In the afternoon, set off on an easy 3-hour, 6 km hike through the stunning Nuratau Mountains. The trail begins at the camp, winding gently through a picturesque valley. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including distant glimpses of Lake Aydarkul and neighboring villages. The hike reaches a high point, perfect for capturing panoramic photos and soaking in the picturesque views.
After returning to the camp, enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local flavors. Spend the evening unwinding around the swimming pool or gathering by the warm campfire, sharing stories under the stars.
Travel time & distance: Approx. 175km/3 h
Overnight: Yurt Camp
Hike: 6 km/3 h, (+327, -328 m)
(-/L/D)
Day 2 – Sayyod Yurt Camp – Bukhara via Lake Aydarkul
After breakfast, depart from the Yurt Camp and head towards Bukhara, with a stop at Lake Aydarkul along the way. Take time to walk along the lake shores and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If the weather is warm, you can also take a refreshing swim in the lake.
Next, continue to Nurata, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local guesthouse. After lunch, explore Nurata’s key attractions, including the ancient ruins of a fort believed to have been built by Alexander the Great. Visit the holy Chashma Spring, a revered natural site, and discover other local landmarks that showcase the area’s rich history and culture.
Resume your journey to Bukhara, arriving in the late afternoon.
Travel time & distance: Approx. 410 km/6 h (excludes breaks)
(B/L/-)
End of the trip
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 cultural tour in the form below and we will get back to you with available departure dates.