Breathtaking Landscapes

Historic Horseback Rides

Cultural Immersion

Homestays & Horse Riding Adventure in the Nuratau Mountains

Embark on a horse riding escapade that offers an intimate encounter with the nation’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Over four days, you’ll traverse the Nuratau Mountains, immersing yourself in the welcoming embrace of traditional homestays, the untouched beauty of the Nuratau Nature Reserve, and the intriguing history embedded in ancient ruins.

Guided by local experts, you’ll not only navigate the picturesque terrain on horseback but also delve into the stories and legends that make each village a living testament to Uzbekistan’s past. Engage in local history, explore ancient ruins, and journey across picturesque landscapes in the company of knowledgeable mountain guides.

Highlights of the Tour

Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of local homestays in Asraf, Hayat, and Majerum

Feel the rhythm of hoofbeats as you embark on a horse riding adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Nuratau Mountains

Engage with local communities and gain firsthand insights into Uzbek traditions

Explore the charming Upper Uhum village, known for its traditional stone and mud houses

Uncover ancient art in the petroglyph site nestled within the Nuratau Nature Reserve


Day 1Transfer from Bukhara to Asraf village: Upon arrival in Asraf village, get settled into your homestay and get acquainted with your noble companion with a test horse ride, lasting 2.5 hours to the neighbouring village of Eski Forish.

Day 2Ride from Asraf to Hayat village: After breakfast, embark on a scenic horse ride to Hayat village. On the way, discover the ruins of the Mongol Fortress in Uhum village. Settle into Shiringul’s homestay and later explore Upper Uhum village on horseback.

Day 3Ride from Hayat to Majerum village: Embark on a morning ride to the village of Majerum where you’ll be welcomed into Muhammad Ali’s homestay. Visit the ancient arbour vitae tree and explore the Nuratau Nature Reserve on a 2-hour horse ride.

Day 4Ride from Majerum to Sentob village and transfer to Samarkand: Exploring ancient Sentob on horseback, and enjoy lunch at a local homestay. In the afternoon, transfer to Samakand.
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 Friday 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 6 PM. Upon request, small groups (2-3 participants) can be dropped off at their hotels.

  • Accommodations: 3 night accommodation in the local homestays.
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 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 Sentob village 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 $5–$10 per person per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service.

  • Homestay Details: You will stay in three 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. Most homestays have UzMobile cellular network coverage.
  • Amenities: The homestays offer basic internet access via mobile networks, suitable primarily for checking messages. The homestay in Hayat village 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: The driver drops you at the first homestay and picks you up from the last one at the end of the tour.

  • 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: Prior horse riding experience is necessary for this tour. 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 reasonable level of physical fitness, as the tour involves riding horses for approximately 2 to 5 hours daily on uneven terrain. 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


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Your 4-Day Horse Riding in the Nuratau Mountains Itinerary

Day 1 – Bukhara – Asraf village

At 9:00 AM, meet our driver at the start point of the tour in Bukhara to drive to Asraf village, a scenic journey lasting 3 hours. Arrive in Asraf by lunchtime and settle into your warm local homestay. After a delightful lunch, your guide will introduce you to horse riding with a test ride. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a scenic 2.5-hour horse ride to the neighbouring village of Eski Forish.

Accommodation: Homestay in Asraf village


Day 2 – Asraf – Hayat village

After breakfast, you’ll set off on horseback from Asraf to the quaint Hayat village, a 12km journey taking about 3 hours. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the ruins of the Mongol Fortress in Uhum village. Upon arrival in Hayat, you’ll settle into Shiringul’s homestay. In the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour horse ride to Upper Uhum village, where you’ll discover traditional building styles and explore the ruins of an ancient fortress. If time allows, you can extend your ride to the petroglyph site within Nuratau Nature Reserve.

Accommodation: Homestay in Hayat village


Day 3 – Hayat – Majerum

Your morning unfolds with a 3-hour horse ride from Hayat to the village of Majerum. You’ll explore the ancient arbour vitae tree, steeped in local legend, believed to have been planted by the soldiers of Alexander the Great during his Central Asian invasion. Arrive at the welcoming Muhammad Ali homestay, owned by Mr. Koldosh, a local farmer. In the afternoon, once you have settled into your homestay, a 2-hour horse ride to the Nature Reserve awaits.

Accommodation: Homestay in Majerum village


Day 4 – Majerum – Sentob – Samarkand

On the final day, you’ll ride from Majerum to Sentob village, a 3-hour journey exploring the ancient sites of Sentob on horseback. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local homestay to conclude your horse riding adventure. The tour ends in Sentob, and in the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Samarkand, a 4.5-hour drive away.

Map

4-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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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 4-Day 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!

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