Adventure to Desert Kyzyl Kum and Yurt Camp
Nurata, Yurt Camp, Aydarkul lake · 2 days / 1 night
Uzbekistan isn’t just known for its historic cities—it also has a breathtaking natural side waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to experience this is on a two-day tour to Aydarkul Lake, with a stop in Nurata and an overnight stay at the Safari Yurt Camp. Nurata is famous for its ancient petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. The tour also includes a visit to a fortress built by Alexander the Great and Chashma, a sacred spring with stunning views. At night, the desert comes alive under a sky full of stars, with the warmth of a campfire and the sounds of traditional folk music. In the morning, take a camel ride to the lake, where you can go for a swim if the weather is nice. This tour is the perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure, making it an ideal choice for adventurous travelers.
DAY BY DAY
1Day 1 — Samarkand/Bukhara – Nurata – Yurt Camp
Day 1 — Samarkand/Bukhara – Nurata – Yurt Camp
In the morning, drive to the yurt camp in the Kyzylkum Desert (270 km, about 5 hours). Along the way, stop in Nurata to visit a local mosque with a sacred spring. Continue the journey to the Safari Yurt Camp. Upon arrival, settle into your yurt, take a camel ride, and enjoy some free time. In the evening, have dinner by the campfire while a Kazakh akin sings traditional folk songs. Overnight stay in a yurt.
Meals: Dinner
Although meals are included, based on guest feedback, we recommend bringing some extra snacks, as there are no shops near the yurts.
2Day 2 — Yurt Camp – Samarkand/Bukhara
Day 2 — Yurt Camp – Samarkand/Bukhara
In the morning, visit Aydarkul Lake and enjoy some free time by the water.
Optional Activities:
• Option 1: Ride a camel through the desert to Aydarkul Lake (8.5 km, about 3 hours). Relax by the lake and have lunch.
• Cost: $30 per person (includes camel and cameleer service).
• Option 2: Take a shorter camel ride to the nearby village of Dungalak (1.5 km, about 30 minutes). Try your hand at baking traditional non bread, take a short walk through the village to experience local life, and return to the camp.
• Cost: $20 per person (includes camel and cameleer service).
In the afternoon, depart the yurt camp and drive to either Samarkand (270 km, approx. 5 hours) or Bukhara (250 km, approx. 5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel or the train station, marking the end of your 2-day Aydarkul Lake tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, or picnic.
What's included
- All transfers: sedan for 1-3 travelers, van for 4-8 travelers.
- Accommodation at the yurt camp.
- All meals: dinner, breakfast, and lunch (picnic).
Not included
- Accommodation in Samarkand or Bukhara.
- Tips (not included but appreciated).
- Travel insurance.
Photos
Booking request
Adventure to Desert Kyzyl Kum and Yurt Camp
Request for: Nurata, Yurt Camp, Aydarkul lake · 2 days / 1 night