Things to do in Nurota

Day 1 - Bukhara-Nurata city -Desert Yurt Camp At 9:00, depart from Bukhara via Nurata city to the desert yurt camp located near Lake Aydarkul (total 5 hours of drive). 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. Have lunch in Nurata and then continue to the desert yurt camp. Upon arrival, settle into your yurt, enjoy a short camel ride, or walk around the dunes before enjoying the evening around the fireplace listening to songs of a local bard. Day 2 - Desert Yurt Camp-Lake Aydarkul-Samarkand After breakfast, visit the nearby village of Dungalak by getting a car ride or walking on foot (4km). During the village visit, you can get familiar with the life of village people who mainly live on livestock and sheep farming. You will then drive by car or ride on the camels (an additional 20$ per camel) from the camp to Lake Aydarkul (8 km to the southeast). Aydarkul is an artificial salty lake that stretches 180 km to the east, being the largest wetland body in the area it is home to many aquatic birds such as cranes, pelicans, numerous waders, many ducks, and goose species. Enjoy a picnic at the lake. Depending on the season you can swim or just stroll along the lake shores observing the birds. In the afternoon transfer to Samarkand (5 hours of drive). *Please note: private tours can be started from Samarkand as well.

Pick-up from your hotel in Bukhara. Departure. It takes 4-5 hours drive with stops to the Yurt Camp at the Aydarkul Lake (±270 km). Route: Bukhara - Navai (ancient caravanserai and water reserve) - Sarmish (petroglyphs) - Nurota - Yurt Camp (dinner, songs of local nomads around the campfire, dancing, night in Yurt) Description: Day 1: Departure. Along the road estimated photostops and visits. - Navai: Visit the an ancient 14th century caravanserai and a nearby underground reservoir where rain and melting snow flows. - Sarmish: Along the way on a small hill you can see petroglyphs where different animals are depicted - Nurota complex: In this place you can see the ruins of an Ancient Citadel of Alexander the construction of which is prescribed to Alexander Great. Furthermore, there are 2 mosques of XVI th century. In the center there is a pond where numerous fish live but it is forbidden to catch them. - Aydarkul Lake: Lunch at the lake shore, swimming if the weather allows. Description: - Yurt Camp: while dinner is cooked, travelers may enjoy camel riding, watch the sunset, and after dinner relax in a company at the camp fire listening to folk songs of local nomads, than explore the milky way in the clear sky. - Night in Yurt Camp Day 1: Route: Yurt Camp – Bukhara (or Samarkand) Breakfast and free time for a walk on the dunes. Departure towards Bukhara (drop-off you can select Samarkand) It takes 4-5 hours drive towards Bukhara (±270 km) / Samarkand aprx. 5hrs (330 km). Approximate time of arrival 15:00. - Bukhara (or Samarkand): Arrival to Hotel / Airport / Railway Station

Departure from Samarkand. It takes 4-5 hours drive with stops to the Yurt Camp at the Aydarkul Lake (±250 km). Route: Samarkand - Nurota - Yurt Camp (dinner, songs of local nomads around the campfire, dancing, night in Yurt) Description: Day 1: - Nurota complex: In this place you can see the ruins of an Ancient Citadel of Alexander the construction of which is prescribed to Alexander Great. Furthermore, there are 2 mosques of XVI th century. In the center there is a pond where numerous fish live but it is forbidden to catch them. - Aydarkul Lake: Lunch at the lake shore, swimming if the weather allows (Yurt Camp base keep the rights change lunch location from Lake Shore to Yurt Camp). - Yurt Camp: while dinner is cooked, travelers may enjoy camel riding, watch the sunset, and after dinner relax in a company at the camp fire listening to folk songs of local nomads, than explore the milky way in the clear sky. - Night in Yurt Camp Day 2: Breakfast and free time for a walk on the dunes. Departure. It takes 4-5 hours drive towards Bukhara (±270 km). Approximate time of arrival 18:00 Route: Yurt Camp - Sarmish (petroglyphs) - Navai (ancient caravanserai and water reserve) – Bukhara Description: - Sarmish: Along the way on a small hill you can see petroglyphs where different animals are depicted - Navai: Visit the an ancient 14th century caravanserai and a nearby underground reservoir where rain and melting snow flows. - Bukhara: Arrival to Hotel / Airport / Railway Station

Day 1: Samarkand or Bukhara- Nurata - Yurt camp Meeting guests at the hotel in Samarkand or Bukhara. Transfer to the city of Nurata. Visit the memorial complex "Chashma" and the ruins of the garrison of Alexander the Great. Lunch at a local house. Trip to the Yurt Camp. Rest. Dinner at the camp. Folk songs of the Kazakh akyn. Overnight in yurts. Day 2: Yurt camp - Aydarkul - Bukhara or Samarkand Breakfast at the camp. Camel riding. Transfer to Aydarkul lake. Enjoy desert entertainment. Picnic on the lake. Trip to Bukhara or Samarkand. Stop at the Rabat-i-Malik caravanserai. Visit to the pottery workshop in Gijduvan. End of services.

Please note: we can pick you up from Samarkand or Bukhara and we will drop you off in Samarkand or Bukhara, your choice! Spend an unforgettable night under the desert stars in this adventurous trip to Aydatkul lake in the middle of the Desert. Along the way you will experience the wild life of the deserts and the historical monuments dated back the thousands of years in the period of Alexander the Great invasion. Day 1: Samarkand - Nurata - Yanghi-Gazgan We drive to East, to the old oasis of Nur, modern city Nurata. We visit Alexander the Great's fortress ruins, Cahshma Mosque and an ancient irrigation system, before continuing our drive to Yanghi-Gazgan and our overnight yurt accommodation. Day 2 Aydarkul lake - Bukhara or Samarkand After breakfast, we have the chance to take a camel ride. We then drive north to Lake Aydarkul, where we go for a hike to meet fishermen, take a picnic lunch and maybe even have a swim. Road to Samarkand through the Khartang village where we visit the complex of monuments of Ismail Al-Boukhari great scholar of Islam, who collected the Hadith (sayings of prophet Muhammad) are considered most accurate. Arrival in Samarkand or Bukhara. Please take a not on November and December, picnic in Aydar Lake is not included because the restaurant will be closed but you can still go and see the Aydar Lake!

Embark on an unforgettable overnight adventure to Aydarkul Lake, set against the stunning backdrop of the Kyzylkum Desert. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Uzbekistan, encounter the diverse wildlife of the desert, and spend a magical night under the stars in a traditional yurt. Experience the ancient culture and natural beauty of the region as you journey through historic sites and remote landscapes. Day 1: Samarkand - Nurata - Yanghi-Gazgan Your adventure begins in Samarkand, where you’ll set out on an eastward journey towards the ancient oasis of Nurata, known in antiquity as the city of Nur. This area is steeped in history, dating back thousands of years to the time of Alexander the Great. Visit the remnants of the fortress believed to have been constructed by Alexander the Great during his military campaign. The ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and a chance to walk in the footsteps of one of history's greatest conquerors. Next, visit the Chashma Mosque, a sacred site with a spring that local legends attribute to divine intervention. Nearby, you’ll discover an ancient irrigation system that has supported agriculture in the region for millennia. This system, which still functions today, showcases the ingenuity of the area’s early inhabitants. After immersing yourself in the historical significance of Nurata, continue your drive to Yanghi-GazganUpon arrival, settle into your cozy yurt, a traditional round tent used by nomads for centuries. As night falls, enjoy a delicious dinner and the enchanting experience of stargazing in the desert's clear night sky. Day 2: Aydarkul Lake - Bukhara or Samarkand Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a camel ride through the desert. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the traditional way of travel in the region and to enjoy the vast, open landscape from a unique perspective. Following your camel ride, you’ll head north to the serene Aydarkul Lake, an expansive body of water that appears like a mirage in the midst of the desert. Here, you can take a hike along the lakeshore, meet local fishermen, and perhaps even take a refreshing swim in the cool waters. A picnic lunch by the lake offers a perfect moment of relaxation amidst the natural beauty of this remote location. After your visit, continue your drive back to Samarkand, where you’ll arrive in the evening. If your destination is Bukhara, you’ll proceed to this ancient city, known for its rich cultural heritage.

Tour Outside of Ancient Bukhara: Duration: 4–5 hours Pickup & Drop-off: From your hotel in Bukhara Discover the hidden gems beyond Bukhara’s Old City on this enriching half-day tour. With comfortable transportation and a professional local guide, explore sites full of history, spirituality, and architectural beauty. 1. Bakhauddin Nakshband Mausoleum 2. Sitorai Mokhi Khosa – The Summer Palace of the Emir 3. Chor Bakr Necropolis – The City of the Dead 4. Chor Minor Madrasah This Tour Outside of Bukhara offers a peaceful, inspiring experience just beyond the city walls — a must for travelers seeking depth, beauty, and authentic local history. 2 Days Aydarkul Yurt Camping Tour from Bukhara or Samarkand: Departure from Bukhara or Samarkand Day 1: Journey to Yurt Camp & Aydar Lake Exploration -Pickup from your hotel in Bukhara or Samarkand -Scenic drive through the Kyzylkum desert and steppe landscapes -Stop in the town of Nurata to visit local highlights such as Chashma Spring, the Nurata Mosque, and the ruins of Alexander the Great’s Fortress -Enjoy a traditional Uzbek lunch at a local guesthouse -Continue the journey to the Yurt Camp near Aydar Lake -Arrival at the camp and check-in to your traditional yurt -Visit Aydar Lake for swimming, relaxing, or a peaceful walk along the lakeshore -Enjoy a traditional dinner at the camp -Evening campfire under the stars, with folk music performance Overnight stay in a yurt Day 2: -Breakfast at the Yurt Camp -Free time for a camel ride, nature walk, or simply relaxing in the peaceful surroundings -Begin the return journey to Bukhara or Samarkand -Drop-off at your hotel in Bukhara or Samarkand

Itinerary_______ Day 1 Bukhara – Nurata city - Sarmishsay - Sentob village. Your driver will pick you up hotel at 9:00 from Bukhara. Transfer to Sentob village located near Lake Aydarkul (total 5 hours of drive) via Sarmishsoy gorge where you will see the petroglyphs and Nurata city to where you will stop in Nurata you’ll also explore the city’s monuments, founded by Alexander the Great. Then drive to Sentob village. Go for a stroll around the village. A unique chance to recognize the cultures, long-standing traditions, and ways of life of the locals is provided by staying in the villages. Experience the comforting ambiance of home, gain a true understanding of culture, and unwind after seeing tourist attractions and the urban way of life.Traditional dinner with the local family. Resting time in the evening. Overnight in guesthouse. Day 2 Sentob village - Samarkand Breakfast at the guesthouse. Enjoy the lovely weather and attractive vistas of rural life while strolling the short distance between the villages of Sentab and Asraf. A local family greets guests with lunch when they arrive in Asraf. Transfer to Samarkand by enjoying beautiful views and local life scenery.Arrival in Samarkand, transfer to the hotel.