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Main / Uzbekistan / Cultural tours in Uzbekistan / From Samarkand through the sands of the Kyzylkum desert to Bukhara

From Samarkand through the sands of the Kyzylkum desert to Bukhara


ATTENTION! The excursion is individual, for any day you need and DOES NOT IMPLY joining any group.
Samarkand-Nurata-yurt camp Safari–-Gijduvan-Bukhara.

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  

Samarkand – Nurata – Yurt Camp in the Kyzylkum Desert (300 km, 6-7 hours with stops, walks, and lunch)

9:00 AM. Departure from Samarkand (transport will be provided to your hotel) to the Safari/Aydar Yurt Camp (300 km, 6-7 hours with stops). Our route initially follows the Samarkand-Bukhara highway, then we turn north and cross the picturesque Nurata mountain range. Here, in the area of the Lyangar Pass, we will stop for a photo session by huge whimsical granite boulders. After descending from the pass, we continue our journey to Nurata – a small town and a sacred place for pilgrims at the ancient Nur complex.
 
We will visit a medieval mosque, a pool with sacred fish, and the ruins of an ancient fortress attributed to the time of Alexander the Great's invasion. Afterward, lunch can be had at a local café (not included in the price), as we have another hour-long drive (60 km) to the yurt camp. Here, the desert begins, with saxaul trees and sand dunes. Upon arrival at the camp, accommodation will be in yurts (2-4 people per yurt, toilet and shower outside the yurt, 20-30 m away).

There will be a camel ride on Bactrian camels around the camp, relaxation, and swimming by Aydarkul Lake. We will observe the sunset from a sand dune. Dinner will be served, followed by a campfire with solo performances of Kazakh songs by a local akyn. Overnight stay.
2  

Yurt Camp – Nurata – Gijduvan – Bukhara (250 km, 5 hours)

8:00 AM breakfast. 9:00 AM departure to Bukhara. On the way, we will stop in the small town of Gijduvan at the family workshop of the Narzulaev ceramicists' dynasty (7 generations). Here you will learn about the technology of ceramic production from shaping products to preparing natural glazes, painting, and firing.
 
You will also have the opportunity to purchase their original products. If desired, you can order lunch or tea/coffee with Eastern sweets here. Upon arrival in Bukhara, accommodation will be at your hotel.
For additional enjoyment on Day 2, on the way from Nurata to Bukhara, there is an option to visit the Sarmish Petroglyphs Park for an extra fee of $10 per person. The duration of this visit is 2-3 hours

Highlights

  • Flora and fauna of the Kyzylkum desert
  • Huge Lake Aydarkul
  • Ceramic workshop in Gijduvan

Tour price

person Tour price UZS/person Tour price USD/person
2 2,806,000 230
3 2,684,000 220
4 2,318,000 190
5 2,074,000 170
6 1,952,000 160
Ask the operator for group (more than 6 people) and seasonal prices

Included

  • Transport:
    Chevrolet Cobalt – up to 3 people
    Hyundai H-1 – up to 6 people
    Toyota Hiace – up to 10 people
  • Accommodation in a yurt camp with lunch, dinner, and breakfast
  • Camel ride near the camp
  • Beach on Lake Aydarkul
Not Included
  • Entrance tickets to monuments
  • Guide ($300)

ACTIVITIES