Yurt Camp from Samarkand to Bukhara Self-Guided Tour
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About This Tour in Samarkand
Why Visit Samarkand?
Samarkand, Uzbekistan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Samarkand provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Samarkand
You can reach Samarkand, Uzbekistan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- All transfers, including hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Dinner
- Breakfast
What's Not Included
- English guide
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Yurt camp opens from the beginning of March to mid of November
- Please note: First part of the journey is a good road. In general it is a long and shaky ride to the Yurt Camp even so it is asphalt road but condition of the road is not good.
- When travelers visit Chashma Spring complex there is a small mosque if you want to enter both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing tight, revealing, or transparent clothing. Women should cover their hair with a headscarf or shawl when they enter to holy places
- Overnight in Yurt Camp (2 people per yurt, shared bathroom facilities)
- If it is hot do not forget to put on sun sunscreen before going to visiting Chashma Spring complex (and just above the complex is Alexander’s Fort)
- It is possible to start the tour from Bukhara and finish in Samarkand
- If travelers after overnight stay in a yurt (if they do not want to drive to Bukhara) we can bring them back to Samarkand
- Yurts have proper beds with a bit hard mattresses and pillows. An early spring and late fall the desert can get pretty cold at night, so travelers supplied with a pile of nice warm blankets. Inside the yurt there are some basic amenities like an electric wall lamp (although it is still recommended bringing a personal torch) and a rubbish bin.
- Please note: this activity is not available from 20 November to 10 March, as the yurt camps are seasonal and weather conditions during this period are cold. As an alternative, instead of a stay at a yurt camp and Aydarkul Lake, we offer accommodation in a guesthouse in the Nurata Mountains, where guests can experience village life and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery.
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Pickup Time: 5 minutes before departure
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Samarkand-Nurata-Lake Aydarkul-Yurt Camp
Nurata—this city is surrounded by the Nurata Mountains 4 hours
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. The population of the town is 32,000 people and renowned for marble and astrakhan production, Nurata has retained some of the holy sites that attracted pilgrims from all over Central Asia.
Visiting sights are: 1 1 hour
Visiting sights are: 1. 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. 2. Chashma Spring—This spring is linked to Hazrati Ali (son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad). The center of the complex is a pool where the faithful come to collect water as 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 a 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.
Lake Aydarkul was created in 1969 when catastrophic... 2 hours
Lake Aydarkul was created in 1969 when catastrophic spring floods 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... 1 hour
After visiting Lake Aydarkul drive to Yangiganzan to yurt camp (40 minutes’ drive). Upon arrival, travelers check in to the yurt. Yurts have proper beds with a bit of hard mattresses and pillows. In early spring and late fall, the desert can get pretty cold at night, so travelers are supplied with a pile of nice warm blankets. Inside the yurt there are some basic amenities like an electric wall lamp (although it is still recommended to bring a personal torch) and a rubbish bin. Activities to do in yurt camp: camel riding, watching the birds, and after dinner live music by Kazakh musicians around the campfire.
Yurt Camp-Bukhara
After camp-style breakfast, drive to Bukhara (200 km) 4 hours
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
