Traditional Yurt Experience
Scenic Mountain Views
Cultural Exploration
Tranquil Yurt Camp Getaway: Hike The Nuratau Mountains and Uncover Lake Aydarkul
Step into the charm of ancient Nurata city and embark on a delightful 3-day adventure that promises relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. Our Yurt Stay, Hiking, and Lake Aydarkul Tour offers you a unique blend of comfort and discovery. As you journey through the Nuratau Mountains, you’ll find yourself on an enjoyable hike that caters to various skill levels, from easy to medium difficulty.
Experience the allure of Lake Aydarkul, Uzbekistan’s largest saline lake, where the landscape will captivate your senses. Your accommodation will be in traditionally adorned yurts, each offering cosy comfort and a genuine taste of local heritage. Our mountain yurt camp boasts modern amenities, including an onsite restaurant, a convenient ablution block with showers and toilets, and even an inviting outdoor swimming pool. Stay connected with Wi-Fi coverage spread across the camp. Immerse yourself in the local rhythm by taking a leisurely stroll to the charming village of Sayyod. This delightful encounter unveils the daily lives and traditional practices of rural Uzbek communities.
Highlights of the Tour
Unearth history as you explore the ancient Nurata city, wandering amidst the ruins of a fort attributed to the legendary Alexander the Great
Discover the allure of Lake Aydarkul, Uzbekistan's largest saline lake
Embrace the nomadic heritage with a stay in traditionally adorned yurts, equipped with modern comforts
Embark on captivating hikes, from an easy exploration of the Nuratau Mountains to a challenging ascent of a mountain plateau
Step into the daily lives of locals in Sayyod village, witnessing age-old practices like bread baking, butter making, and more
Day 1 – Transfer from Bukhara through Nurata and Lake Aydarkul to Sayyod Yurt Camp:
At 9:00 am depart from Bukhara via Nurata city to the mountain yurt camp located in the village of Sayyod in the Jizzakh Region (5-hour journey). On the way to the yurt camp, stop in Nurata to visit the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, holy spring, and other sights. After having lunch, continue to the Lake Aydarkul. Arrive at the lake and walk along the lake shores watching birds, you may also swim depending on the weather. You will arrive at Sayyod Yurt Camp in the late afternoon and settle in the yurts. Enjoy the evening around the fireplace.
Day 2 – Sayyod Yurt Camp:
In the morning, set off on a medium to difficult hike to the mountain plateau (7 hours/15 km). During the hike, you will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Aydarkul, the Nuratau Mountains, and neighboring villages from the top of the mountain plateau. A picnic will be provided en route and before returning to the camp you will visit the village of Sayyod to get to know the local people and their livelihoods. Upon your return to the yurt camp, depending on the temperature, you can refresh yourself in the outdoor swimming pool.
Day 3 – Transfer to Samarkand: In the morning, start 3 hours/6km hike in the mountains. You will return to the camp around lunchtime. After having lunch at the camp, our driver will return you to your hotel in Samarkand (3 hours).
Optional:
- The yurt camp offers hands-on cooking classes with a market visit (45$ per participant), it is possible to participate in the class and leave for Samarkand in the late afternoon.
- You may also hire a horse in the yurt camp and explore the area on horseback. Additionally, it is also possible to hire a mountain bike.
Note: If you start the tour from Samarkand, the visit to Nurata city will be on Day 3.
END OF THE TRIP
Click the “Itinerary” tab to see a detailed itinerary.
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Trip Details
Trip Details
9am
In Samarkand: at Gur Amir Mausoleum
In Bukhara: at the statue of Naserridin at Labi Haus Pool
All year round. Recommended to visit during April to the end of October.
Check the availability for this tour on the sidebar calendar.
3 days
From 2 to 12 travellers
TBC
- 2 nights in the yurt camp (private yurt for the group)
- 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Mountain guide -2 days (2nd and 3rd day)
- Transport throughout the tour
- Entrance tickets in Nurata city
- Registration
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages in the yurt camp (can be purchased)
TBC
Mountain guide for days 2 and 3
Your 3-Day Yurt Stay, Aydarkul River & Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Bukhara to Sayyod Yurt Camp
At 9:00 depart from the meeting point to the picturesque Sayyod Yurt Camp nestled in the Nuratau Mountains (316 km / 5 hours). En route, pause in Nurata city (a 2.5-hour drive from Bukhara) to explore the remnants of Nurata fort, a relic attributed to Alexander the Great. Also, discover the sacred spring and an adjacent pilgrimage site. From Nurata you will then drive to the Lake Aydarkul. The lake and adjacent wetlands serve as vital habitats for diverse bird species. Walk along the lake’s shores, perhaps even taking a refreshing swim, weather permitting. From the lake continue to the Lake Aydarkul. Upon arrival, find your comfort in one of the 11 traditionally adorned yurts, each accommodating 2 to 4 beds. The camp offers modern amenities, including an onsite restaurant, an ablution block with showers and toilets, and an outdoor pool.
Day 2 – Exploration from Sayyod Yurt Camp
An early breakfast sets the tone for a full day of adventure. Embark on a day-long guided hike to the mountain plateau (15 km / 7 hours). Traverse through valleys, ascend to the plateau, and descend to lush green landscapes, all while relishing breathtaking views of the vast Kyzyl-Kum steppe, Lake Aydarkul, and neighboring villages. Savour a picnic lunch along the way. Later, visit Sayyod village, where a rich rural tapestry of farming, livestock keeping, and agricultural practices unfolds. Engage with locals, witness their daily activities, and feel the warmth of their hospitality.
Day 3 – Sayyod Yurt Camp to Samarkand
Following breakfast, set out on an easy 3-hour, 6 km hike in the afternoon, treating yourself to panoramic views of the Nuratau Mountains and Lake Aydarkul. You will have a lunch at the camp before returning to Samarkand. Your adventure concludes with a transfer to Samarkand, arriving in the afternoon.
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 adventure 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.
