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
- Tour Dates: Group departures are available every Tuesday and Saturday from April to the end of October.
- Seasonal Considerations: The optimal seasons for this tour are April to June and September to October.
- 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 around 6:00 PM. Upon request, small groups (2-3 participants) can be dropped off at their hotels.
- Accommodations: Two nights at Sayyod Yurt Camp, with private yurts allocated for each group (2-4 participants per yurt).
- Meals: Two breakfasts, three lunches, and two 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 Bukhara to Sayyod Yurt Camp via Nurata and Lake Aydarkul.
- From Sayyod Yurt Camp to Samarkand at the end of the tour.
- Registration: The registration will be issued by Sayyod Yurt Camp staff, please present your passport upon arrival.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature.
- Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance prior to the tour.
- 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.
- Yurt Camp Details: The camp features 12 yurts with a communal ablution block located separately. Bedding and towels are provided for your comfort.
- Amenities & Activities: 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 stargazing, 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. You will also visit Sayyod village during the tour.
- Transport Details: For groups of 2-3 participants, transportation is provided by AC 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 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 AM 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: Challenging difficulty. Length: 15.1 km (approximately 9.4 miles). Duration: ~5 hours 35 minutes. Elevation gain: 1,471 m (4,826 feet). Elevation loss: 1,475 m (4,839 feet). Suitable for individuals aged 16 and above with a high level of physical fitness and hiking experience.
- Day 3 Hike: Moderate difficulty. Length: 6.39 km (approximately 4 miles). Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes. Elevation gain: 529 m (1,736 feet). Elevation loss: 512 m (1,680 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. Hikes are conducted around the yurt camp, allowing you to store your luggage securely at the camp.
- 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 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.
Map of Asraf & Sentob Villages
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.
