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.
Click the Tabs to Find out More
Trip Details
Trip Details
- 2 – 6 travellers: EUR 390 per person
- 7 – 12 travellers: Upon request
Please use our Private Tour Enquiry tab to enquire about pricing for private tours.
9am
Your hotel in Bukhara
All year round.
Check the availability for this tour on the sidebar calendar.
3 days
From 2 to 12 travellers
- 2 night homestay
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Horse rental and helmets
- Local guide
- Transport: Bukhara – Asraf village – Samarkand
- Registration
- Additional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips
- Items of personal nature
- Homestay host
- Horse riding guide
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 trekking 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.
Accommodation: Homestay in Asraf Village
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 will embark on a 2-hour horse ride to Upper Uhum village, where traditional stone and mud houses echo tales of a bygone era. 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.
Accommodation: Homestay in Hayat village
Day 3 – Hayat – Majerum
Commence your third day with a leisurely breakfast before getting ready for your 3-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, you’ll visit the ancient arbour vitae tree, believed to have been planted by the soldiers of Alexander the Great during his Central Asian conquests.
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, our driver will transfer you to Samarkand.
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.
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!
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