Aydarkul lake Trip from Samarkand to Bukharais ideally suited for travelers journeying between Samarkand and Bukhara who wish to explore the diverse landscapes of Uzbekistan. The itinerary offers a unique opportunity to experience both cultural and natural attractions while enjoying a relaxing stay on the shores of Aydarkul Lake.
The journey begins in Samarkand and continues to Nurata, where visitors can see the historic Alexander’s Fort. From there, travelers proceed to a resort at Lake Aydarkul, where accommodation is arranged in either a hotel or a capsule hotel located near the lakeshore. If weather conditions permit, guests may swim in the lake or enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline, creating a pleasant beach-style holiday experience in the Uzbek countryside.
All transfers, including hotel pick-up and drop-off
Discover natural beauty of Uzbekistan at your own pace Relax in the tranquility of nature
Relax in the tranquility of nature
Day 1: Meet your driver with the sign of your name in the hotel lobby and start the tour to Aydarkul lake (Please contact us to let us know the exact pickup location for the tour) Drive to Nurata.
Route: Samarkand-Nurata-Lake Aydarkul
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.
Drive to Lake Aydarkul resort
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.
The hotel where you will stay is located on the shore of Aydarkul Lake, offering an excellent setting for swimming, relaxation, leisurely walks along the lakeshore, and sunbathing. It provides a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere for spending quality time with family and friends. Massage services are also available at the hotel upon request for an additional charge.
Overnight in either a hotel or a capsule hotel located near the lakeshore
Day 2: After breakfast, drive to Bukhara
An optional stop can be arranged in the town of Gijduvan, which is well known for its traditional pottery craftsmanship. If travelers wish, our driver can make a stop in this town to visit the pottery workshops. Please kindly let us know in advance if you would like to include this stop in your itinerary.
Gijduvan is a town which is located 45 km north-eastern of Bukhara. Since ancient times Gijduvan has been known as a craft and trade centre. The incredibly beautiful and truly unique ceramics is a special pride of the town.
Pottery workshop—the family of Alisher Narzullayev is the sixth generation has been making pots in the town of Gijduvan. The guests have a chance to learn more about Gijduvan school of pottery and have guided tour in the pottery centre. This school makes tea cups, bowls and dishes in traditional floral designs of local browns and yellows.
Note please the trip to Aydarkul Lake can be arranged either from Samarkand to Bukhara with an overnight stay, or from Bukhara to Samarkand with an overnight stay. Both options allow travelers to enjoy the journey and spend time relaxing near the lake.
Kindly provide us with the following details to arrange your trip:
Date of travel
Number of participants
Dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian) or any food allergies
Hotel pick-up and drop-off requirements
Please indicate your preferred type of accommodation: hotel room, Capsule A3 or Capsule C5
Aydarkul lake resort standard room with Samaria Travel
Aydarkul lake resort Capsule A3 with Samaria Travel
Aydarkul lake resort Capsule C5 with Samaria Travel
