Off the Beaten Track
Local Hospitality
Scenic Trails
Off-the-Beaten-Path Hiking Adventure in Uzbekistan’s Nuratau Mountains
Embark on a unique Uzbekistan trekking experience with this exclusive 3-day hiking tour in the beautiful Nuratau Mountains. Perfect for adventurers seeking hidden trails in Uzbekistan, this off-the-beaten-path journey combines scenic hikes, a traditional homestay, and an unforgettable stay in a mountain yurt camp.
Your journey begins with a drive from Samarkand to the picturesque village of Narvon, where you’ll settle into a cozy Uzbek homestay. Explore the village and meet local artisans, renowned for their traditional carpet weaving. The next day, set out on a guided hike across the Nuratau Mountain ridge, enjoying stunning views of the Kyzyl-Kum steppe, Lake Aydarkul, and the lush valleys below.
After arriving at Sayyod Yurt Camp, relax and enjoy the serene mountain environment. Spend the night in a luxury traditional yurt before embarking on another hike the following morning. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Nurata, where you’ll explore the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress and other historic landmarks, before heading to Bukhara.
This unique trekking tour in Uzbekistan offers rare access to hidden trails, panoramic views, and the authentic charm of mountain life. Book now to discover the best hiking experiences in Uzbekistan !
Highlights of the Tour
Exclusive hiking route in Uzbekistan’s scenic Nuratau Mountains
Stay in an authentic Uzbek homestay and experience village life
Guided trek with stunning views of Lake Aydarkul and valleys
Overnight in a traditional mountain yurt camp
Visit Nurata and explore Alexander the Great’s ancient fortress
Perfect mix of adventure, nature, and Uzbek culture
Day 1 – Drive to Narvon Village from Samarkand
Meet your driver and transfer to Narvon village. Settle into your traditional Uzbek homestay and explore the village, meeting locals and learning about traditional carpet weaving.
Day 2 – Guided Hike to Sayyod Yurt Camp
Begin a scenic guided hike over the Nuratau Mountain ridge. Visit Narvon Ota pilgrimage site and enjoy stunning views of Lake Aydarkul and the Kyzyl-Kum steppe. Stay overnight in a mountain yurt camp.
Day 3 – Hike and Transfer to Bukhara via Nurata
Enjoy a morning hike with panoramic views of surrounding valleys. Visit Nurata to explore Alexander the Great’s fortress before continuing to Bukhara.
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 and Thursday from April to October.
- Seasonal Considerations: The best seasons for this tour are April–May and September–October.
- Meeting Point and Time: In Samarkand, meet at 8:40 AM at Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. Upon request, private and small groups (2-3 participants) can be picked up from their hotels. The departure time is 9:00 A.M.
- Ending Point: In Bukhara, you will be dropped off at Lyabi Haus Pool around 6:00 PM. Small groups (2-3 participants) can be dropped off at their hotels upon request.
Instructions
To find your driver:
Please be ready near the Gur-e-Amir 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 usually starts in Samarkand but can also begin in Bukhara. If starting in Bukhara, and Nurata are visited on Day 1.
- Accommodations: 1 night in homestay, 1 night at Sayyod Yurt Camp, with private yurts allocated for each group (2-4 persons per yurt).
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners. 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 Days 2 and 3.
- Transportation: Transfers include:
- From Samarkand to Narvon village.
- From Sayyod Yurt Camp to Bukhara via Nurata.
- Registration: The registration will be issued by the homestay owner and 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.
- Homestay Details: The homestay has 3 basic rooms with comfortable beds. Towels and bedding are provided. Communal toilets and showers are conveniently located in the yard.
- Yurt Camp Details: The camp features 12 yurts with a communal ablution block located separately. Bedding and towels are provided for your comfort. 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 star gazing, 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. The homestay in Narvon offers great opportunity to learn about local people, their culture and traditions.
- 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 homestay and 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 9:00 A.M on the second and third 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 2 Hike: Moderate difficulty. Length: 13.5 km (approximately 8.3 miles). Duration: ~4.5 hours. Elevation gain: 1,031 m (3,382 feet). Elevation loss: 1,001 m (3,284 feet). Suitable for individuals aged 16 and above with a high level of physical fitness and hiking experience.
- Day 3 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
- 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. During the hike from Narvon to Sayyod, we will transport your luggage by car.
- 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.
Your 3-Day Off the Beaten Track Hiking Itinerary
Day 1 – Samarkand to Narvon village
At 9:00 A.M, meet your driver at the tour’s starting point and begin the drive to Narvon village. Arrive in Narvon by lunchtime and check into your homestay. After settling in, spend the afternoon exploring the village, meeting the locals, and observing their daily activities. You may also have the opportunity to see traditional carpet weaving and learn about the process of making handmade carpets. Later, watch or join the host family in preparing a traditional meal.
Dinner and overnight stay at the local homestay.
Please note: On this day, you will explore the village on your own, and the guided tour will begin the following day.
Travel time & distance: Approx. 97 km/ 2,5 hours
Overnight: Local homestay
(-/L/D)
Day 2 – Narvon – Sayyod Yurt Camp
After breakfast, begin the guided hike over the mountains from Narvon Village to Sayyod Yurt Camp. Along the way, visit the local pilgrimage site of Narvon Ota, located just off the hiking trail. Continue hiking northward, steadily ascending to the top of the Nuratau Mountain ridge. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the vast Kyzyl-Kum steppe, Lake Aydarkul, and the surrounding villages. Upon arrival at Sayyod Yurt Camp, check into your yurt. In the afternoon, you can relax in the camp or participate in an optional activity, such as a cooking class. The camp has internet access, an outdoor swimming pool, table tennis, archery, and a small telescope for stargazing.
After dinner, enjoy a cozy evening around the campfire.
Hike: 13.5 km/ 4.5 hours, (+1031, -1001 m)
Overnight: Yurt Camp
(B/L/D)
Day 3 – Sayyod to Bukhara via Nurata city
In the morning, embark on an easy 3-hour, 6 km hike through the mountains. From this viewpoint, enjoy stunning panoramas of the surrounding villages. After returning to the camp for lunch, depart for Bukhara. On the way, stop in Nurata to visit the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, the holy spring, and other local attractions. Continue your journey and arrive in Bukhara in the late afternoon.
Hike: 6 km/ 3 hours, (+327, -328 m)
Travel time & distance: Approx. 340 km/5 h (travel time by car 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 trekking tour in the form below and we will get back to you with available departure dates.