From Bukhara through the sands of Kyzylkum and to Samarkand
ATTENTION! The excursion is individual, for any day you need and DOES NOT IMPLY joining any group.
Bukhara-Gijduvan-Nurata-yurt camp Safari – Samarkand.
This is an interesting trip for nature and adventure lovers.The short tour is full of many events, meetings, discoveries and impressions. You will visit the workshop of the Narzullaev family of potters and ceramicists, the cult complex “Nur” - a place of pilgrimage for Muslims, the ruins of an ancient fortress built by Macedonian warriors, swim in the huge Lake Aydarkul, sandwiched on all sides by sand, get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the desert, ride camels -Bactrians, spend the night in a real nomadic yurt, listen to the songs of the local poets by the fire, and see incredibly close and bright constellations.
Tour program
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1
Bukhara – Gijduvan – Sarmish – Nurata – Yurt Camp
Departure from Bukhara (transport will be provided at your hotel) to Gijduvan (50 km, 1 hour) A short stop at the family workshop of the Narzullayev ceramicist dynasty, including an introduction and demonstration of traditional ceramic production techniques, with an opportunity to purchase original handmade items We then continue to the Sarmish Petroglyph Park (100 km, approx. 2 hours) After exploring the petroglyphs, we drive over a mountain pass to Nurata – a small town and sacred pilgrimage site centered around the ancient Nur complex Visits include a medieval mosque, a pool with sacred fish, and the ruins of an ancient fortress traditionally associated with the era of Alexander the Great. Lunch is available at a local café (optional), after which we continue by road (60 km, approx. 1 hour) to the yurt camp. Here the desert landscape begins, with saxaul trees and sand dunes. Upon arrival, accommodation in traditional yurts (2–4 persons per yurt) Camel riding on Bactrian camels in the camp area, leisure time, and swimming at Lake Aydarkul Watching the sunset from a sand dune. Dinner. Evening campfire with a solo performance of traditional Kazakh songs by a local akyn. Overnight at the yurt camp.
2
Yurt Camp – Samarkand
After breakfast, we will depart for the legendary Samarkand (300 km, 5 hours). The picturesque road crosses the Nurata mountain range at the Lyangar pass. Here we will stop for a photo session near huge whimsical granite boulders. After descending from the pass, we continue our journey along the Bukhara-Samarkand highway.
