Tour from Bukhara to Samarkand is ideal for travelers who wish to discover and experience the diverse landscapes of Uzbekistan, spend a night in a traditional yurt, and immerse themselves in nomadic culture firsthand. During this journey, travelers begin in Bukhara and conclude in Samarkand, visit Alexander’s Fort in Nurata, drive to Lake Aidarkul—with the opportunity to swim if weather conditions permit—and observe authentic village life in the mountain regions of Uzbekistan.
All transfers, including hotel pick-up and drop-off
Camel ride in the desert and nomadic music around campfire
Experience the nomadic lifestyle staying in a yurt
Discover natural beauty of Uzbekistan at your own pace
Day 1: Tour from Bukhara to Samarkand begins with meeting the driver holding a sign with your name in the hotel lobby, followed by the start of the journey to the Yurt Camp (please contact us in advance to confirm the exact pickup location for the tour). The tour continues with a drive to Nurata.
Route: Bukhara-Nurata-Lake Aydarkul-Yurt Camp
Nurata—this city is surrounded by the Nurata Mountains. Nurata (“Nur means Light or Holy and Ata means Father”), this ancient town held a strategic position on the frontier between the cultivated lands and the steppe. Population of the town is 32,000 people and renowned for marble and astrakhan for production, Nurata has retained some of the holy sites that attracted pilgrims from all over Central Asia.
Visiting sights in Nurata:
Chashma Spring—this Spring linked to Hazrati Ali (son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad). The centre of the complex is a pool where the faithful come to collect water as a good luck and health to relatives and friends. Regardless of the time of the year, the mineral-laden spring water is said to remain at consistent 19 °C. The population of Marinka fish in the pool is thriving as it is considered as a holy spot and hence no-one is allowed to catch them.
Alexander’s Fort—it is strategically located on the top of the hill to the south of the town, and Uzbek sources suggest that Alexander instructed one of his generals to build an impenetrable fortress here while he continued his conquest of Bactria and Sogdiana. When Alexander returned, his troops could neither break down the gates nor scale the walls, such was the strength of the construction.
Lake Aydarkul was created in 1969, when catastrophic springfloods made people drain excess water from the Syrdarya River into the Arnasay depression. Since then Aydarkul has been steadily growing in size. Nowadays lake covers an area of 4,000 square kilometers.
Drive to yurt camp. Upon arrival, travelers check in to yurt. Travelers sleep in the bed it might be a bit hard and there is an electricity inside of the yurt. Activities to do in yurt camp: camel riding, watching the birds and after dinner live music by Kazakh musician around the campfire.
Overnight in Yurt Camp (shared bathroom facilities)
Day 2: Yurt camp—Asraf village
Tour from Bukhara to Samarkand continues with a transfer to Asraf village. Upon arrival in this charming village, you will be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the local community, followed by a delicious home-cooked lunch. After lunch, you will have time to rest and enjoy a short hike in the mountain.
Overnight in guest house (shared bathroom facilities)
Day 3: Tour from Bukhara to Samarkand concludes with a drive to Samarkand after enjoying breakfast in the village
