2 days hiking tour from Koytash to Sayyod Yurt Camp

Day 1 – Samarkand – Koytash – Sayyod Yurt Camp

At 9.00 transfer by car from Samarkand to Koytash village located in Jizzakh region (2.5 hours drive). From the village of Koytash, we will hike to Sayyod Yurt Camp located at a 16.6 km distance in Sayyod village on the other side of the Nuratau Mountains.

Koytash is famous for its Rock Garden which has countless rock formations with interesting shapes. Once we arrive in Koytash we start our 16.6 km/ 5 hours hike by ascending through the valley to the mountain plateau. Heading up to the top of the mountains we will be passing the endless number of rocks with interesting shapes. Before reaching the top of the plateau we stop for taking photos in a scenic place where we will also have our picnic (we will provide it).

After having our picnic, we will continue to the top of the mountain plateau passing a large tv antenna on our way. From the top of the ridge, we then continue generally to the northwest towards the village of Sayyod. The view of the Kyzilkum steppe and Lake Aydarkul from the top of the mountain ridge is stunning. In the spring there will be shepherds with their herds of ship and horses on the top of the mountains.

We will arrive at Sayyod Yurt Camp in the afternoon and settle in one of 11 traditionally decorated yurts. Depending on the size of the yurt, there are 2 to 4 beds in each yurt. The yurt camp has an onsite restaurant, an ablution block that consists of showers and toilets, and an outdoor swimming pool. The camp has access to the internet as well. After dinner, you may relax around the swimming pool or around the campfire.

Day 2 – Sayyod Yurt Camp – Lake Aydarkul-Bukhara

At 10.00, we start an easy 3 hours /6 km hike to the mountains. Starting from the camp you will gradually accent through the valley eventually reaching the highest point on this hike from where panoramic views of neighboring villages and mountain peaks open up. We will return from the hike by taking a different route on the way to visit the village mosque. By the time we return to the camp, our delicious lunch will be ready at the camp.

After lunch, we depart for Lake Aydarkul (a 40minute drive on the dirt road). Lake Aydar and Tuzkan and their adjacent wetlands are habitat types that cover extensive areas of the region. They are important breeding, resting, and wintering areas for more than a hundred species of birds. Arrive at the lake and walk along the lake shores to get to know the area. You may also swim if the temperature of the weather allows.

From Lake Aydarkul, we will be transferred to Bukhara (5 hours drive).

END OF PROGRAM.