Traditional Activities
Guided Mountain Hike
Immersive Village Experience
Experience Heartwarming Hospitality in Remote Villages of the Nuratau Mountains
Embark on a captivating 3-day journey through the pristine beauty of the Nuratau Mountains, where you’ll unravel the tapestry of traditional village life while nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Uzbekistan. Settle into the comfort of local homestays, with your first night in Asraf and second night in Sentob, and get a firsthand glimpse into the daily rhythms of the communities as they engage in activities such as harvesting, butter-making, and preserving fruits.
En route between the villages, a detour to the mesmerising Lake Aydarkul promises encounters with the rich aquatic birdlife that calls its shores home. Whether you choose to swim, stroll the lakeshore, or observe the vibrant avian residents, the lake’s allure is irresistible.
This immersive experience serves as more than just a journey; it’s a bridge that connects you to the heart of these remote valleys. Your presence resonates positively, contributing to the well-being of the communities you visit. Each step fosters sustainable growth, enabling locals to thrive and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage for generations to come.
Highlights of the Tour
Experience rural Uzbek hospitality in not one but two different remote villages nestled in the Nuratau Mountains
Discover the enchanting Lake Aydarkul, a serene oasis amidst the vast Kyzyl-Kum steppes
Spot wildlife such as steppe tortoises, hares, and desert agamas as you traverse the unique ecosystem
Explore Sentob village with a leisurely walk to discover the mosque, local school, village shop, and the architecture that defines the local houses
Connect with your host family, and observe or participate in traditional cooking practices
Day 1 – Bukhara to Sentob Village with a Stop at Lake Aydarkul
9:00 AM: Meet your driver at the designated starting point and begin your journey to Sentob village. Along the way, stop at the serene Lake Aydarkul for a picnic lunch by the water. Continue to Sentob and arrive in the afternoon. After settling into your homestay, take time to explore the village, unwind on a traditional tapchan or supa under the shade of walnut trees.
Day 2 – Hike to Kadvan Valley and Transfer to Asraf Village
Start your morning with a guided hike to Kadvan Valley, where you’ll visit the ruins of an ancient fortress, explore an abandoned village, and discover fascinating rock inscriptions. Return to Sentob and transfer by car to Asraf village. Upon arrival, settle into a local homestay and enjoy some free time to explore the village at your own pace. You may also participate in the preparation of traditional meal.
Day 3 – Transfer from Asraf to Samarkand: After breakfast, leave for your next destination.
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 Thursday throughout the year.
- Seasonal Considerations: The optimal seasons for this tour are March – May and September – 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 at around 12:00 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: 2 night accommodation in the local homestays
- Meals: 2 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. 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 Sentob village via Lake Aydarkul.
- From Sentob to Asraf village
- From Asraf 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: You will stay in two different homestays, each offering 4 to 6 traditionally decorated rooms with comfortable beds. Towels and bedding are provided. Communal toilets and showers are conveniently located in the yard. In warmer months, meals are served in the garden on tapchans—traditional wooden sitting platforms—while in cooler periods, dining takes place in the kitchen. The first homestay provides UZMobile cellular network coverage, and the second offers UMS network access.
- Amenities: The homestays offer basic internet access via mobile networks, suitable primarily for checking messages. The gardens feature seating areas, including traditional tapchans and chairs, providing comfortable spots to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- 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 Day 2 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 a 15-kilometer (approximately 9.3-mile) guided hike, estimated to take around 7.5 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 3-Day Rural Homestay in Nuratau Mountain Villages Sentob & Asraf Itinerary
Map of Asraf & Sentob Villages
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 3-Day Nuratau Mountain Homestay 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
