Hiking To The Nurata Mountain
About this tour
This hike is an unusual journey to the huge lake in the middle of the Kyzylkum Desert and Nurata Mountains. You travel to the yurt camp, which is not far from the shores, and can enter the world of nomadic life. You will stay in the yurt, surrounded by the endless desert, spend the evening around the fire under the starry sky and enjoy the folk music. You take a short hike along the lake. There is also a unique opportunity in Nurata mountains, which is parallel to the lake, to go hiking and discover the ordinary life of the locals. Hiking around the village. This tour is an excellent experience for those who want to learn more about the nomadic lifestyle and experience nature.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Samarkand, Uzbekistan to Ukhum, Uzbekistan
At 9:00 AM, meet with our driver at the tour’s start point and start driving to Ukhum village. Arrive in Ukhum village by lunchtime and settle in the homestay. In the afternoon, walk around to explore the village and get to know the people. You hike from the guest house over a small pass to the next valley, Hayat, to see the Severtsov wild sheep in the nature reserve. Back to Ukhum Valley, to the guesthouse. From the pass you can enjoy panoramic views of the village. The valley is very green with many trees. Dinner in the guest house. Walking time: 3-4 hours, distance 8 km, ascent 300 m, descent 300 m
Day 2: Ukhum, Uzbekistan to Sentyab, Uzbekistan
Hike around along the long and wide valley in Nurata Mountains. You enjoy the beautiful landscape and the pure air of the mountains. We hike along the valley to the nature reserve. There we enjoy a beautiful view of the highest peaks of the Nuratau mountains Hayotboshi (2169 m) from the pass. We go back to the village. Lunch at guesthouse. In the afternoon transfer to Sentop, largest village in Nurata mountain. Walking time: 4-5 hours; Ascent: 430 m. Descent: 430 m. distance 12 km
Day 3: Sentyab, Uzbekistan to Aydar Lake, Uzbekistan
Hiking to the Kadvan Valley in Sentop. Enjoy the wonderful view to the Nurata mountain and walk through Sentop village to explore the mosque, ancient fortress ruins, and other historical sites that dot the landscape. We continue our journey into the desert, where we spend the night in a yurt camp. In the evening, the camel herders sing their own nomad songs around the fire. Overnight stay in a yurt in Yangigazgan. Walking time: 4-5 hours; Ascent: 330 m. Descent: 330 m. distance 14 km
Day 4: Aydar Lake, Uzbekistan to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Drive to the picturesque Aidarkul Lake, which will impress you with a length of 200 kilometers. Here you can fortify yourself with a delicious picnic on the shore and have a little time to relax and dream. Continue to Samarkand or Bukhara. On the way visit Nurata, Nurata is a famous pilgrimage site where you will visit the Chil Ustun Mosque as well as the ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress. The place is also famous for its Chashma spring - it is sacred along with the fish swimming in the water and the destination of many pilgrims. Drive to Samarkand or Bukhara.
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the city tour An experienced local guide Overnight at guesthouse and yurt camp Meals: 3x B, 4x L, 3 x D Entrance fees to nature reserve and museums
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Samarkand, Uzbekistan to Ukhum, Uzbekistan