Uzbekistan Yurt Camp Tour — The journey begins with visits to the renowned historical cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, followed by an unforgettable yurt stay in the Kyzyl Kum Desert. For many centuries, these cities were part of the great realm of Amir Temur (known in Europe as Tamerlane). Highlights of the tour include majestic high minarets, exquisite blue domes, ancient madrassahs, mosques, mausoleums, vibrant eastern markets, captivating legends, as well as the warm hospitality of the local population and their rich cultural traditions.
Uzbekistan Yurt Camp Tour — Itinerary & Details — The Uzbekistan Yurt Camp Tour provides a comprehensive and enriching travel experience, combining visits to major historical cities with an authentic stay in a traditional yurt camp. The itinerary and details are thoughtfully arranged to ensure comfort, cultural immersion, and smooth logistics throughout the journey, offering travelers a well-organized and memorable exploration of Uzbekistan’s heritage and natural landscapes.
Day 1: Tashkent
Uzbekistan Yurt Camp Tour — Arrival in Tashkent, where guests are met in front of the airport’s arrival building by the designated driver and transferred to their hotel in the city for check-in and rest.
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and has approximately 3 million inhabitants. The city is located in the north eastern part of the republic, in the valley where the river Chirchik is located. In the North of Tashkent the snow-covered tops of Big and Small Chimgan mountain can be seen. Tashkent is the fourth largest in the Commonwealth of Independent States after Moscow, St Petersburg and Kiev.
The sightseeing in Tashkent city:
Earthquake Memorial— this memorial is devoted to the tragic date of earthquake in Tashkent on April 26th of 1966 and is erected in the approximate spot of the earthquake epicenter.
Khazrati Imom Complex (XVI-XX centuries) the historical spiritual heart of the city (consists of functioning Friday mosque “Khazrati Imom Mosque” from 2007, Barak-Khan Madrassa from XVI-XVIII centuries—present-day serving as shopping place, Tellya Sheikh Mosque from XIX century, Muyi Moborak Library— holds rare Oriental manuscripts collection, among which the world-famous Caliph Osman- Koran from the VII century and the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Mohammed Kaffal Shashi, the first Koran preachers of Central Asia, who was also a famous scientist).
The market Chorsu (“four roads” in Uzbek, the commercial heart of the city and has been for hundreds of years).
Metro riding (the only Central Asian Underground, built in 1977).
Amir Timur Square—the centre of the modern city, is green space with plenty of flowers and fountains. The square covers the most important buildings both political and cultural. In the middle of the square is the statue of Amir Timur (known in Europe as Tamerlane) on horseback, hotel “Uzbekistan” which was built in 1974, University of Law (former Women’s Gymnasium), Museum of Amir Timur, well-known Tashkent Clock Towers (the first tower was constructed in 1947 to house the clock mechanism from Eastern Prussia, a war trophy brought back to Tashkent by watchmaker Ayzenshteyn), and Uzbekistan Forums Palace.
Day 2: Tashkent—Samarkand (by train)
In the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to the railway station of Tashkent. Take the train to Samarkand.
Samarkand, one of the most ancient cities of the world, a contemporary of the Rome, Athens and Babylon, has a 2750-year-old history. “The Mirror of the World”, “The Garden of the Soul”, “The Jewel of Islam”, “The Precious Pearl of the Moslem World” are some the names given to this unique city. In ancient Greece, this city was known as Marakanda.
The sightseeing in Samarkand city:
Samarkand Handmade Paper Centre— for centuries Samarkand was famous for its mulberry paper and famed for its durability and resistance to insects. Production died out in the 18th century and this UNESCO backed project in the eastern suburbs aims to revive the 2000-year-old tradition. Guests can see process of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark.
The Ulugbek Observatory, built by Amir Temur’s grandson astronomer-king Ulugbek in XV century.
Bibi Hanim mosque XV century. The mosque was built in honour of Temur’s chief wife, Saray Mulk Khanum.
Local Siab market (“black river” in Uzbek). Travelers can find in this market spices, fresh and dry fruits and different souvenirs
Day 3: Samarkand
The sightseeing in Samarkand city:
Registan square (“sandy place” in Uzbek) from XV-XVII centuries. A spectacular architectural ensembles, with fantastic Islamic designs and calligraphy etched into the facades of its mosques and madrassahs.
Ulugbek Madrasah built between 1417 and 1420 is the oldest madrasa in Registan square. This construction work was carried on under Ulughbeg (the Astronomer King, the author of astronomic tables known throughout the world), Temur’s grandson, who was both an eminent ruler and scholar.
Tilya-Kori Madrasah means Gold-covered madrasa was built in XVII century in Registan square. This is the one madrasa the travelers must go inside: the golden ceiling of the mosque, to the left of the courtyard, is utterly enthralling, and it is this gilt that gives the madrasa its name.
Sher Dor Madrasah means the tiger or lion madrasa built between 1619 and 1636 by Yalangtush Biy, must be one of the most-photographed buildings in existence.
Gur-Amir mausoleum (“the tomb of the king” in Uzbek) from XV century.
The complex Shahi Zinda (“alive king” in Uzbek) from XII-XX centuries. Burial place of royal persons and nobles. One of the most spiritual places in Uzbekistan.
Day 4: Samarkand-Nurata-Lake Aydarkul-Yurt Camp
Uzbekistan Yurt Camp Tour — Samarkand–Nurata–Lake Aydarkul–Yurt Camp itinerary offers a seamless journey from the magnificent architectural heritage of Samarkand to the historic town of Nurata, continuing toward the tranquil shores of Lake Aydarkul and culminating in an authentic overnight experience at the traditional 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.
Drive to Lake Aydarkul (60 km)
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.
After visiting Lake Aydarkul drive to Yangiganzan to yurt camp (40 minutes’ drive). 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 a yurt.
Day 5: Yurt camp—Gijduvan—Bukhara
The importance of community and familial ties in the creation of Gijduvan ceramics cannot be overstated. Artisans typically inherit their skills from previous generations, ensuring that traditional practices endure. This generational lineage has contributed to the survival of these unique artistic methods, with families such as that of Alisher Narzullayev representing the 6th and his son Olimjon already the 7th generation of master ceramicists committed to preserving this craft. As a custodian of Gijduvan’s artistic heritage, Narzullayev continues to elevate the craft both locally and globally, fostering an appreciation for the rich history and intricate techniques that define Gijduvan ceramics.
Materials they use all come from the area. As preservation of the cultural heritage of Gijduvan ceramics is their aim they still use the traditional manufacturing process. The herbs for producing the glaze are grinded in their own donkey driven mill. During the firing process, the pieces are stacked using the traditional tripod. The markings left by this are today the unmistakable trademark of Gijduvan ceramics. Patterns are painted on white, red or yellow foundation.
Day 6: Bukhara
The sightseeing in Bukhara city (walking tour)
The Citadel Ark (I-XX centuries)— (visit from outside) the construction of the citadel is dated to beginning of the 1st millennium BC. During the history the fortress has been destroyed several times but has been restored again. All buildings of the citadel have been reconstructed mainly during the XVIII-XX centuries.
Poi Kalon complex (“The foot of tall” in Uzbek) from XII-XVI centuries. Consisting of mosque, madrassah and minaret, one of the great centre of trade and scholarship along the Silk Road. The beauty of the minaret amazed Genghis Khan (Temuchin or Temujin).
Labi Hauz Complex (“The edge of the pond” from Persian) constructed by Nadir Divan Begi, The Grand Vizier of Bukhara, around 1620.
XVI century Synagogue— to the south of Labi Hauz Square spreads the Jewish Quarter of the old town. Jews have been an important minority in Bukhara since their forced migration from Merv and Shiraz in the 14th century (the majority having emigrated to Israel and the US since 1970s). (Note: most of the time it is closed if it is open travelers can visit inside and see old Torah)
Statue of Hodja Nasruddin— the homespun philosopher and humourist on his donkey. Elsewhere in the world he is generally accepted as Turkish, but Uzbeks claim he was born in Bukhara and is one of their own.
Day 7: Bukhara—Khiva by minivan
Transfer to Khiva by car crossing the river Amu Darya (in the antique called Oxus) and the desert Kizilkum.
Arrive to Khiva and check in to hotel.
Day 8: Khiva city tour
Khiva, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, has a 2500-year-old history. Khizauv “Fort”, Kheykanik (the name of canal which run in the area), Kheykanik, Kheyvak and Khiva are some the names given to this unique city.
The sightseeing in Ichan Qala Fort Khiva city (walking tour):
Ichan Qala Fort— is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Present day Ichan Qala is open-air museum. It represents the old part of the city, surrounded with wall and turned into the State Historical Archaeological Museum. The area of Ichan Qala is 26 hectares. The feeling in Inner Fortress transfers people into the past in a city with narrow lanes, low houses, mosques, mausoleums and madrassahs (Quran or Koran schools).
Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassa— (1855) the largest in the city and named after one of the city’s more impressive khans. Madrassa’s 125 hujra (rooms) cells, once housing the madrssa’s students, are currently home to the atmospheric Hotel Khiva.
Kalta Minor— belong to Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassa and supposed to be the world’s tallest minaret, but abandoned as too costly after the khan was murdered three years later.
Kunya Ark (“Kuhna Ark” in Uzbek)— fortified palace was built in XVII century by Arang Khan, son of Anusha khan. It was town within town, with its own defensive walls, mosques and offices, stables, arsenal and mint as well as residential areas. (Note: there is a watch tower and from the top is the best view of whole inner fortress—Ichan Kala and climbing the tower is 100.000 sum per person and it is not included to the tour price).
Muhammad Rakhim Khan Madrassa— (1871) a museum dedicated to the khan, who was also known for his poetry, written under the name Feruz Shah.
Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum— one of the holiest sites in Khiva which commemorates the poet, wrestler and patron saint of Khiva who died here in 1325. The XIX century tomb contains some of the city’s best tile work and also the largest cupola in Khiva.
Islam Khoja Madrassa— is named after the enlightened early XX century grand vizier who built public school and modern hospital. Built in 1908, it is the last Islamic monument to be built in the city before the arrival of the soviets.
Islam Khoja Minaret— the tallest minaret in the city (Note: climbing the minaret 100.000 sum per person and it is not included to the tour price).
Juma Mosque— (1788) supported by a dense forest of 213 wooden pillars that are cleverly arranged to allow the entire congregation a view of the mihrab (niche pointing the derection to Mecca). Aptly, the mosque holds an exhibition of carved karagach (elm) wood.
Tash Hauli Palace (“Stone Palace” in Uzbek) — (1832-38) home to the court of Allah Kuli Khan (1826-42) and a highlight of the city. A secret corridor connects the fabulously decorated inner harem (Note: separate entrance) to the reception court (ishrat hauli) and law courts. The intricately carved columns are particularly fine, as are the majolica tiles in the harem’s inner courtyard.
Day 9: Khiva—Urgench transfer to the airport and fly to Tashkent
In the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to International airport of Urgench and fly to Tashkent
Day 10: Tashkent
Uzbekistan Yurt Camp Tour — The tour concludes with a scheduled departure to Tashkent International Airport, marking the end of the Uzbekistan Yurt Camp experience.
