Traditional Activities
Guided Mountain Hike
Immersive Village Experience
Hike The Scenic Nuratau Mountains While Immersing in a Rural Homestay
Embark on a transformative 3-day adventure to Sentob village, where you’ll not only traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Nuratau Mountains but also delve into the annals of time through exploration of historical landmarks.
Nestled within the majestic Nuratau Mountains, Sentob stands as a testament to centuries of history. Serving as a vital hub for caravan routes connecting Bukhara and Tashkent, the village’s fortress offered respite to weary traders on their perilous journeys. Your journey is elevated by the immersive experience of staying with a welcoming local family in a traditional mountain homestay. This unique opportunity unveils the rustic essence of village life, as you partake in daily activities, share stories, and forge connections that bridge the past and present.
Your presence and engagement provide economic support to the local community, enabling families to sustain their traditional practices and preserve their cultural heritage. The homestay experience not only offers you a unique glimpse into their daily livelihood activities but also fosters a sense of pride among the villagers, as they share their traditions and stories with you.
Highlights of the Tour
Wander through Sentob village to explore the mosque, ancient fortress ruins, and other historical sites that dot the landscape
Discover the distinct building style of Sentob's houses, a testament to the village's preservation of traditional construction techniques using local rocks
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Kadvan valley or challenge yourself with a hike to the stunning mountain Lake Fazilman
Enjoy meaningful interactions where you can chat with your host family and even participate in traditional cooking practices
Day 1 – Transfer from Bukhara to Sentob: At 9:00 am, meet our driver at the tour’s start point and begin driving to Sentob village. Arrive by lunchtime and settle in the homestay. In the afternoon, wander around the village to see local sights, and village building style and get to know the daily activities of the villagers. Enjoy your free time with the homestay owners in the afternoon. Please note that on this day you explore the village on your own, and the guided tour starts on the next day.
Day 2 – Full-day Hike from Sentob Village: Meet with your mountain guide in the morning and start the day’s hiking tour to the mountains around Sentob. Choose between two options of hiking route: Kadvan Valley or Fazilman Lake.
Day 3 – Transfer from Sentob – Samarkand: After breakfast, leave for the 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 Tuesday 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.
- From Sentob 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 has 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 homestay provides UZMobile cellular network coverage.
- Amenities: The homestay offers basic internet access via mobile networks, suitable primarily for checking messages. The garden features sitting 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 two hiking options on Day 2:- Option 1 (Kadav Valley): A moderate 15 km hike with 350 m elevation gain and descent, suitable for those comfortable walking on uneven terrain at a steady pace. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
- Option 2 (Fazilman): A challenging 22 km hike with 950 m elevation gain and descent over 10 hours, including steep sections, requiring good physical fitness and stamina.
- Age Restrictions: The tour is best suited for individuals aged 14 and above
- Experience: The tour caters to all experience levels. Option 1 (15 km to Kadav Valley) is beginner-friendly and requires no prior hiking experience. Option 2 (22 km to Fazilman) is more challenging, with steep sections, and suits participants with some hiking experience. Both options require good health and reasonable fitness.
- 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 Homestay in Sentob & Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Bukhara – Sentob village
At 9:00 am, meet our driver at the tour’s start point and begin driving to Sentob village. Arriving by lunchtime, your host will welcome you and show you the homestay facilities so you can get settled in. Most of the local houses have large fruit tree gardens where the villagers have tapchans under the walnut trees to sit in the summer. Once you’ve settled in you’ll enjoy lunch with your host family. After lunch, wander around the village to see the mosque, ruins of an ancient fortress, and the building style of the local houses. Sentob is one of the few villages where almost all the houses are built in a traditional way using local rocks. Wandering through the village is a fantastic way to see locals doing their traditional livelihood activities. You will meet many friendly villagers who’ll be curious to talk with you. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to chat with your host family and help or observe them in their regular activities, including the dinner preparation in which you may participate or simply watch.
Day 2 – Sentob Village
After breakfast, your local mountain guide will take you on a whole day’s hiking tour. Since the hike is a long one, you can choose between two different routes:
Route A:
Hike to the Kadvan Valley (7.5-8 hours round trip). Traverse past an ancient fortress and explore an intriguing site adorned with ancient Arabic script. Progress your hike to encounter a tranquil small waterfall, offering a refreshing opportunity to unwind in the natural swimming pools. Around lunch time enjoy a picturesque picnic amidst the surroundings. The valley presents an ideal setting for birdwatching enthusiasts, boasting a rich tapestry of diverse flora and fauna. Conclude your expedition by retracing your steps back to Sentob through the same scenic route.
Route B:
For dedicated hikers seeking an immersive experience, we recommend an invigorating ascent to the captivating mountain Lake Fazilman, encompassing a challenging 10-hour trek covering a total of 22 kilometres for the round trip. Begin by hiking through the Chavaksoy valley, covering 8.3 kilometres over 3 ½ hours to reach Guzbin. Ascend to the mountain pass near the peak Gaukum and continue your journey onto the plateau leading to Lake Fazilman, spanning a 2.8-kilometer distance in approximately 1 hour. Pause for a delightful picnic and rejuvenating break at the serene lake, before embarking on the return journey to Sentob via an alternative route. Conclude your day with a convivial dinner shared with your host family, followed by a restful overnight stay in a local homestay.
Note: In spring, when water levels in the river are high, the hiking route may be adjusted for safety.
Day 3 – Sentob – Samarkand
After breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and transfer back to Samarkand.
Map of Sentob 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?
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A trip by car to Lake Aydarkul
Transport to/ from Yurt Camp
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Entrance tickets in Nurata city
Transport to/ from Nurata
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Transport to/ from Sarmish
