Local Hospitality
Breathtaking Landscapes
Scenic Riding Routes
A Uzbekistan Horse Riding Expedition with Authentic Homestays
Get ready for an enchanting 5-day journey, where the rhythmic hoofbeats of your trusted steed pave the way for an immersive exploration of Uzbekistan’s hidden gems. Gallop through authentic villages and embrace the warm hospitality of rural homestays. This isn’t just a horseback ride; it’s a passage through time, revealing the ancient secrets of Sentob village and the picturesque landscapes that connect Majerum, Hayat, and Asraf.
Guided by experienced local guides, each day promises new adventures, from uncovering arbour vitae legends to encountering endangered wildlife and relishing in the tranquillity of nature reserves. As your equine companions carry you from village to village, our carefully curated itinerary ensures an unforgettable blend of cultural immersion and natural wonders.
For nature lovers, to make your horse riding experience even more magical, you may be interested in our 6-Day Camping & Horse Riding Tour, for an opportunity to explore scenic valleys and camp near picturesque lakes under the stars.
Highlights of the Tour
Immerse yourself in the heartwarming hospitality of local homestays
Saddle up for thrilling horse rides, winding through the stunning Kadvan valley and beyond
Discover Majerum's serene beauty, highlighted by its ancient arbour vitae tree and a 2.5-hour horse ride through the captivating Nature Reserve
Traverse the reserve, discovering its unique flora and fauna, complemented by a visit to the petroglyph site
Benefit from knowledgeable mountain guides who share not only the trails but also the rich history and culture of each destination
Day 1 – Transfer form Bukhara to Sentob village: Begin with a scenic 3-hour drive to Sentob village. Settle into a homestay, acclimate to horses with a test ride, and explore ancient Sentob on horseback in the afternoon.
Day 2 – Ride from Sentob to Majerum village: Embark on a 2.5-hour ride to Majerum. Stay at Muhammad Ali’s homestay, delve into the Nature Reserve on horseback, and visit the revered arbour vitae tree with deep local lore.
Day 3 – Ride from Majerum to Hayat village: Enjoy a picturesque 3-hour ride to Hayat village, pausing to spot endangered Severtzov’s wild sheep. Explore Upper Uhum village’s ruins and petroglyph site, returning to Hayat for a serene evening.
Day 4 – Ride from Hayat to Asraf: Saddle up for a 2.5-hour ride from Hayat to Asraf, discovering Mongol Fortress in Uhum village. Unwind at Yahshigul’s homestay, then venture on a 2.5-hour horse ride to Eski Forish.
Day 5 – Transfer to Samarkand from Asraf village: Our driver transfers you to Samarkand, to drop you off at your hotel.
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 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 1 PM. Upon request, small groups (2-3 participants) can be dropped off at their hotels.
- Accommodations: 4 night accommodation in the local homestays
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 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 Sentob village.
- From Asraf 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: Participants are responsible for securing their own travel insurance to cover potential risks or unforeseen events.
- 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 four 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 of the homestays have UzMobile 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: This tour is suitable for participants with a basic level of physical fitness and some familiarity with horse riding. While prior horse-riding experience is not mandatory, participants should be comfortable spending up to 5 hours on horseback each day and navigating uneven terrain. 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 over varied 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.
Please review our booking terms and cancellation policy by visiting our Terms and Conditions page.
Please click here: https://nuratau.com/terms-conditions/
Your 5-Day Horse Riding in the Nuratau Mountains Itinerary
Day 1 – Bukhara – Sentob
At 9:00 AM, meet our driver at the start point of the tour in Bukhara to drive to Sentob village. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in local hospitality at a welcoming homestay. After a delightful lunch, your guide introduces you to your horse for a test ride so you can get familiarised. In the afternoon, the real magic begins with a 2.5-hour horseback journey through the picturesque Kadvan Valley, revealing ancient Sentob sites rich with history.
Accommodation: Homestay in Sentob village
Day 2 – Sentob – Majerum
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before saddling up for a 2.5-hour ride from Sentob to the neighbouring Majerum village. Arrive at the Muhammad Ali’s homestay, where you’ll experience genuine rural living. Later in the day, a 2.5-hour horse ride takes you to the Nature Reserve. Discover an ancient arbour vitae tree that local villagers consider to be holy.
Accommodation: Homestay in Majerum village
Day 3 – Majerum – Hayat
Embark on a delightful 3-hour horse ride from Majerum to Hayat village. Your base, Shiringul’s homestay, offers a cosy retreat. After lunch with your homestay hosts, explore the enclosure of endangered Severtzov’s wild sheep. The afternoon continues with a 2.5-hour horse ride to Upper Uhum village. Marvel at the ancient fortress ruins and, if time permits, delve into the petroglyph site for a glimpse into ancient civilizations.
Accommodation: Homestay in Hayat village
Day 4 – Hayat – Asraf
After breakfast, prepare for a scenic 2.5-hour horse ride from Hayat to Asraf village, passing the ruins of the Mongol Fortress in Uhum village. Settle into Yahshigul’s homestay, your home away from home. In the afternoon, embark on a 2.5-hour horse ride to the neighbouring village of Eski Forish.
Accommodation: Homestay in Asraf village
Day 5 – Asraf – Samarkand
Bid farewell to your homestay hosts and hoofed companions as our driver picks you up to transfer you to Samarkand.
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.
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 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