This is a reversed version of our classic rural tour to the Nuratau Mountains and Aydarkul, with the start and finish swapped. Your journey will begin in Samarkand and end in Bukhara.
This 3-day rural tour in Uzbekistan offers a unique opportunity to experience village life in the Nuratau Mountains and stay in yurt camps near Lake Aydarkul. You will witness the daily lives of local people, with all their joys and challenges. Enjoy walking along mountain slopes, watching traditional bread-making, riding a camel, and spending an evening by the fire under a starry sky.
This tour provides a deeper perspective on the country and serves as a great introduction to Uzbekistan’s popular tourist routes.

Responsible hiking: Advantour supports local guides in keeping mountain trails clean by compensating them for collecting litter they find along hiking routes. We also ask travellers to take all their waste with them and help us leave the mountains as they found them.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Samarkand – Mountain Village Ashraf / Uhum in the Nuratau Mountains

In the morning, depart from Samarkand to one of the mountain settlements in the Nuratau Mountains – Ashraf or Uhum village (220 km, 4 hrs*). These villages have been inhabited for over 2,000 years, dating back to the time of Alexander the Great. Women cook over open fires, bake their own bread, spin yarn, and weave fabrics, while men herd cattle, farm, and build houses using local stone, clay, and wood. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to learn about local life, take a short hike in the mountains, and ride a donkey.
Additional Program:
Option 1: A guided walk around the area, including a visit to petroglyphs (6-7 km, 2-3 hrs one way). Return to the guest house.
Cost: $20-40 for guide services.
Option 2: A donkey ride.
Cost: $20-40 for guide services.
Overnight at the guest house.
Option 3: A visit to a village school for some Happy English Chats. (upon availability)
Cost: Please bring some candies to gift for children.
Meals: lunch, dinner
*Travel by minivan or bus typically takes about one hour longer.

Day 2: Nuratau Mountains – Lake Aydarkul – Yurt Camp

In the morning, after breakfast, depart for Lake Aydarkul. Enjoy free time by the lake.
Additional Program:
Option 1: Camel ride through the desert to Lake Aydarkul (8.5 km, 3 hrs). Rest by the lake and lunch.
Cost: $50 per person, including a camel and camel driver.
Option 2: A short camel ride to the neighboring village of Dungalak (1.5 km, 30 min). Here, you will get acquainted with the daily life, culture, and traditions of the villagers. You will also have the chance to observe and participate in the traditional Uzbek bread-making process – baking non. Return to the camp.
Cost: $20 per person, including a camel and camel driver.
After visiting Lake Aydarkul, arrive at the yurt camp. In the evening, enjoy dinner around the campfire, accompanied by traditional folk songs performed by a Kazakh akyn. Overnight stay in a yurt.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner**
**Although meals are included in the program, based on guest experiences and recommendations, we advise bringing snacks, as there are no stores near the yurt camp.

Day 3: Yurt Camp – Nurata – Bukhara

In the morning, after breakfast, depart from the yurt camp for Bukhara (230 km, 4 hrs*). Along the way, visit Nurata, where you will explore a local mosque with a holy spring. Just before reaching Bukhara, stop at the Gijduvan pottery workshop. Upon arrival in Bukhara, the 3-day rural tour to the Nuratau Mountains and Lake Aydarkul comes to an end.
Meals: breakfast
*Travel by minivan or bus typically takes about one hour longer.

Price includes:

All transfers: 1-3 travellers by sedan type car; 4-7 travellers by minivan type car;
Accommodation in the yurt camp and guesthouse;
Full board (dinner, breakfast, lunch/picnic).