Yurts and camels · Uzbekistan
Nurata & Lake Aydarkul
A night in a desert yurt camp between Bukhara and Samarkand.
Between Bukhara and Samarkand, the Kyzylkum desert meets the Nuratau mountains and the large, man-made Lake Aydarkul. Several yurt camps in the desert offer a night in a felt yurt, a short camel ride, dinner around a fire and often traditional akyn songs.
It is the easiest way to add a desert night to a classic Uzbekistan route, and a favourite with families.
- Time needed
- 1 night
- Best time
- April–June and September–October
- Getting there
- About 4 hours from Bukhara or Samarkand by road; usually done on the way between the two.
Don’t miss
Sights in Nurata & Lake Aydarkul
Don’t miss
Highlights
- 01
Yurt camp
Felt yurts, a campfire dinner and a sky full of stars.
- 02
Camel ride
A short ride over the dunes at sunset.
- 03
Lake Aydarkul
Swim in season, or picnic on the shore.
- 04
Nurata
A spring-fed pool full of sacred fish, and the ruins of a fortress attributed to Alexander the Great.
Nearby
Continue your journey
