Three days tour to Nuratau Mountains and Lake Aydarkul

Day 1 – Samarkand – Sayyod Yurt Camp

At 9.00 depart for Sayyod Yurt Camp located in the Nuratau Mountains (2,5-3 h /170 km).

Arrive at the mountain camp at about 12:00 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 outdoor swimming pool.

After lunch, start an easy 3 hours /6 km hike to the mountains. The hike offers picturesque views of the Nuratau Mountains and Lake Aydarkul from distance. 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 lake Aydarkul opens up. You will return taking a different route to the camp. After dinner, you may relax around the swimming pool or make a campfire.

Day 2 – Sayyod Yurt Camp

After early breakfast, start a whole day hike to the top of the mountain plateau (15 km / 7 hours). Start hiking through the valley up to the plateau, then continue hiking on the plateau before descending down to the lush green valley. The scenery during the hike is stunning as you will have the opportunity to see the vast Kyzyl-Kum steppe, lake Aydarkul, and villages on the other side of the Nuratau Mountains.

A picnic lunch will be provided during the hike. Today’s hike ends in the yurt camp, however, it is also possible to extend the hike further down to explore the village of Sayyod. Most people in the village make their living keeping livestock, they also grow a lot of wine and walnut trees. In the month of May, many families rear silk worms so you may visit local houses if it happens during your visit to Sayyod.

Day 3 – Sayyod Yurt Camp – Nurata – Bukhara

At 10:30 transfer to Lake Aydarkul (a 40-minute drive). 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. You will be provided with a picnic lunch.

After lunch transfer via Nurata to Bukhara. On the way to Bukhara stop in Nurata for en-route sightseeing. In Nurata visit the ruins of a fort believed to be built by Alexander the Great, you will also see the holly spring and a local pilgrimage site located next to each other. Complete the sightseeing and continue to Bukhara.

Arrive in Bukhara at about 6 pm.

END OF PROGRAM