6-Day Horse Riding & Camping Tour in the Nuratau Mountains

Day 1 – Transfer from Bukhara to Safar Ota: At 9:00 AM, meet our driver at the start point of the tour in Bukhara to drive to Safar Ota village. Upon arrival, a 2-hour test ride awaits to journey to your first valley camping area.

Day 2 – Uhum Valley Exploration: A 3.5-hour ride to Uhum Valley, ascending ridges with panoramic views. Set up camp at Patandaz peak where you’ll explore ancient petroglyphs.

Day 3 – Lake Fazilman: Ride to Hayat Bashi Peak for sweeping views, and continue on a 25km, 5-hour journey to mountain lake Fazilman where you’ll set up camp.

Day 4 – Ride from Fazilman to Sentob village: Descend to Sentob village, where you’ll explore Deh fortress ruins, and enjoy lunch at a local homestay. Later, continue riding 25km, (5.5-hour) to the steppe.

Day 5 – Lake Aydarkul: Venture to Lake Aydarkul, a 25km, 5-hour ride. Set up camp lakeside, and enjoy a refreshing swim, and birdwatch.

Day 6 – Last horseback ride before transfer to Samarkand: Set out on a 25km, 4-hour northward ride, encountering nomadic shepherds along the way. Reach Jizzakh-Nurata tar road where our driver will transfer you to Samarkand.
END OF THE TRIP

Click the “Itinerary” tab to see a detailed itinerary.

• Tour Dates: Group departures are available twice a month from March to September.
• Seasonal Considerations: The optimal seasons for this tour are March – May and September.

• 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: 5 night camping in the tents.
• Meals: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 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 Safar Ota village.
  • From Asraf to Samarkand.
• Registration: The registration will be issued by our staff member, 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.

• Camping details: We provide 2-person tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and all necessary tableware and cooking utensils. Meals will be freshly prepared by our dedicated cook. Please note that showers and toilets are not available during the trip. Guests can use nearby rivers for washing and the surrounding bushes for their needs.

• 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 starting point and picks you up at the ending point 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 mandatory 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 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. We also recommend you to take a torch. A small daypack is recommended for carrying personal items such as snacks, water, and extra clothing.

• Luggage Transport: Your luggage will be transported by pack horses throughout the tour, allowing you to enjoy the ride without any burden. We recommend packing light and using durable, weatherproof bags to ensure your belongings remain safe and protected during the journey.
• Size and Weight Limits: It’s advisable to pack light for ease of travel.

Please review our booking terms and cancellation policy by visiting our Terms and Conditions page.
Please click here: https://nuratau.com/terms-conditions/