3-Day Nuratau Mountain Horse Riding

Scenic Horse Rides

Historical Exploration

Authentic Homestays

Explore Remote Picturesque Villages and Valleys on Horseback

Discover the mesmerising Nuratau Mountains on horseback with our 3-Day Horse Riding Tour from Bukhara. Gain insight into authentic village life in the remote villages of Asraf and Hayat, where you’ll be warmly taken in by your local homestay hosts. Explore the neighbouring village Eski Forish as you traverse breathtaking landscapes upon your hoofed companion, alongside a knowledgeable local mountain guide. As you ride from village to village soak in the panoramic views of Lake Ayudardul, and set your sights on unique landmarks, from the ruins of Uhum’s Mongol Fortress to the ancient arbour vitae tree in Majerum, rumoured to have roots in Alexander the Great’s era.

This tour promises an escape away from busy city life and into the charm of rural life, leaving you with indelible memories of scenic rides, cultural treasures, and warm Uzbek welcomes.

Highlights of the Tour

Engage with the warm hospitality of homestays, meeting families in Asraf and Hayat village

Enjoy a test horse ride in the company of friendly locals

Embark on thrilling horse rides each day and explore the picturesque landscapes of Eski Forish and Uhum village

Marvel at the breathtaking panoramas of Lake Aydarkul and the vast Kyzyl-Kum steppe as you ride through the charming villages of Hayat and Majerum

Watch or participate in traditional cooking practices and indulge in a heart-warming dinner with your host family

Day 1 – Transfer from Bukhara to Asraf village: Upon arrival at your homestay in Asraf village enjoy a hearty lunch and later test your riding skills with a 2.5-hour horse ride to the neighbouring village of Eski Forish.

Day 2 – Ride from Asraf to Hayat village: Take in the views of Lake Aydarkul and the Kyzyl-Kum steppe. Explore the ruins of the Mongol Fortress in Uhum village, followed by a 2-hour horse ride to Upper Uhum village for more sightseeing.

Day 3 – Ride from Hayat to Majerum: Discover the ancient arbour vitae tree with ties to Alexander the Great as you ride on horseback to Majerum village. Enjoy lunch at a local farmer’s house before being transferred to Samarkand.
END OF THE TRIP

Click the “Itinerary” tab to see a detailed itinerary.

Trip Details

Tour Dates: Group departures are available every Wednesday 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, private and 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 6 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 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 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
Guided Tours: A local horse-riding tour guide will accompany you during the whole tour.
Transportation: Transfers include:
- From Bukhara to Asraf village.
- From Majerum to Samarkand.
Registration: The registration will be issued by the homestay owner, please present your passport upon arrival.
Horse rental and helmets.

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 traditional homestays. The homestays have 4-11 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 UMS cellular network coverage and the second homestay offers UzMobile network coverage.
Amenities: The fist homestay offers basic internet access via mobile networks, suitable primarily for checking messages. The second homestay has free Wi-Fi. There are sitting areas, including traditional tapchans and chairs in the gardens that provide 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 horse-riding tour guide with basic English will be provided. The guide meets you on Day 1 upon arrival in the village.

Minimum and Maximum Participants: The tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 12 participants.

Horse Riding Experience: This tour is suitable for participants with some familiarity with horse riding. Professional guides will provide a test ride and basic riding instructions on Day 1 to ensure all participants feel confident and prepared for the journey.
Age Restrictions: The tour is suitable for individuals aged 14 and above. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fitness Requirements: Participants should possess a basic level of physical fitness, as the tour involves riding horses for approximately 2 to 5 hours daily on uneven. Riders must be comfortable maintaining balance throughout the ride.
Health Considerations: Individuals should not have significant back, joint, or mobility issues that could render horseback riding uncomfortable or unsafe.
Weight Limit: To ensure the safety and well-being of the horses, the maximum recommended rider weight is 90 kg (200 lbs).

Clothing:
- Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November): Layered clothing is essential to accommodate fluctuating 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 crucial for sun protection. A light scarf or shawl is recommended for additional coverage and protection from dust.
Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots with a low heel (1-1.5 inches) are required to ensure safety and prevent slipping in the stirrups. Avoid sandals or running shoes.
Other Essentials: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle are vital for protection against the sun and staying hydrated. A small daypack is recommended for carrying personal items such as snacks, water, and extra clothing.

Luggage Transport: Your luggage will be transported by car during the village to village horse riding tour.

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.

Weather chart Nuratau Mountains

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 Horse Riding in the Nuratau Mountains Itinerary

Day 1 – Bukhara – Asraf

At 9:00 AM, meet our driver at the start point of the tour in Bukhara to drive to Asraf village. During the 4.5-5 hour drive, you’ll be able to set your sights on the mesmerising mountainous landscapes, and also have the possibility of an en route visit to Nurata city, and the ancient Sarmish petroglyph site upon request.

You’ll arrive in Asraf by midday where you’ll be warmly welcomed into your homestay by your hosts, Yahshigul, a dedicated local teacher, and Mr. Bobojon Kozokov’s. Post-lunch, your guide will be waiting for you to join them to initiate a test horse ride so you can get acquainted with your nobel companion. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on your first 2.5-hour horse ride to the neighbouring village of Eski Forish, which will be the perfect opportunity for you to gain insight into the local rhythms of village life.

Overnight: Aslon’s homestay

(-/L/D)

Day 2 – Asraf – Hayat Village

After a hearty breakfast, saddle up for a 12-kilometre, 3-hour horse ride from Asraf to Shiringul’s homestay in Hayat village. Along the way, you’ll encounter the intriguing ruins of the Mongol Fortress in Uhum village, accompanied by panoramic views of Lake Aydarkul and the vast Kyzyl-Kum steppe.

Upon arrival at Hayat village, settle into your accommodations at Shiringul’s homestay. In the afternoon, you have the option to take a 2-hour scenic ride to Upper Uhum village, where traditional stone and mud houses stand alongside ancient fortress ruins. You can also request to explore more of the area and extend your horse-riding adventure to visit the petroglyph site in the Nature Reserve.

Overnight: Shodmon’s homestay

(B/L/D)

Day 3 – Hayat – Majerum – Samarkand

Commence your third day with a leisurely breakfast before getting ready for your 4-hour horse ride from Hayat to the charming village of Majerum. On today’s journey you’ll traverse undulating landscapes and soak in the breathtaking natural surroundings that these remote villages have to offer. Upon arrival in Majerum, pause for a delightful lunch at a local farmer’s house, where you can savour the flavours of regional cuisine. With your horse riding adventure reaching its pinnacle in Majerum, bid adieu to your hoofed companions. After lunch, take a brief car trip to visit the ancient arborvitae tree, believed to have been planted by Alexander the Great’s soldiers during his Central Asian campaigns, before departing for Samarkand. Arrive in Samarkand in the late afternoon.

(B/L/-)

Map

3-Day Nuratau-Mountain Horse Riding Tour 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 horse riding tour in the form below and we will get back to you with available departure dates. Please note, private tours can depart from Samarkand or Bukhara.

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Which tour are you interested in?
- 2-Day Horse Riding Tour in the Nuratau Mountains
- 3-Day Village to Village Horse Riding Tour in the Nuratau Mountains
- 4-Day Horse Riding Tour in the Nuratau Mountains
- 5-Day Horse Riding Tour in the Nuratau Mountains
- 6-Day Horse Riding & Camping Tour in the Nuratau Mountains
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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 Village to Village Horse Riding Tour in the Nuratau Mountains with further cultural and historical exploration. Check out these extension trips to add an extra “check” to your Uzbekistan holiday wish list!