2-Day Desert Yurt Experience: From Samarkand or Bukhara to Nurata, Yanghi-Gazgan & Aydarkul Lake
2-Day Desert Yurt Experience: Journey from Samarkand or Bukhara to Aydarkul’s Sands
Step into a world of timeless nomadic life on this unforgettable 2-Day Desert Yurt Experience!
Departing from either Samarkand or Bukhara, your journey takes you deep into Uzbekistan’s heart — through the historic oasis town of Nurata, the quiet village of Yanghi-Gazgan, and the shimmering shores of Aydarkul Lake.
On your first day, explore Nurata’s ancient ruins, including the sacred Chashma Spring and the fortress of Alexander the Great. Continue to Yanghi-Gazgan, where you’ll settle into a traditional desert yurt camp, surrounded by golden sands and open skies.
As evening falls, enjoy a local dinner under the stars, complete with optional camel rides across the dunes. Cozy up inside your private yurt and experience the magic of desert silence.
On day two, venture to the sparkling Aydarkul Lake — a serene oasis where you can relax by the water, meet local fishermen, hike along the lakeshore, or even take a refreshing swim. After a scenic picnic lunch, continue your road journey back toward Samarkand or Bukhara, reflecting on a truly authentic desert adventure.
Tour Highlights:
✅ Visit to Nurata: Chashma Spring & Fortress of Alexander the Great
✅ Overnight stay in a traditional desert yurt camp
✅ Camel ride opportunity at sunset
✅ Scenic exploration of Aydarkul Lake
✅ Authentic Uzbek meals under the stars
✅ Return transfer to Samarkand or Bukhara
Why Book This Tour?
✔ Authentic nomadic yurt stay experience
✔ Seamless transfers from Samarkand or Bukhara
✔ Stunning desert landscapes and cultural immersion
✔ Ideal for travelers seeking something truly unique in Uzbekistan
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to live like a nomad and discover the hidden gems of Uzbekistan’s desert heartland.
🌟 Book your 2-Day Desert Yurt Experience today!
Day 1: Samarkand – Nurata – Yanghi-Gazgan (Desert Yurt Camp)
Day 1: Samarkand – Nurata – Aydarkul Lake – Desert Yurt Camp
Your unforgettable 2-day Desert Yurt Experience begins with a morning departure from Samarkand (or Bukhara), journeying through the vast, golden landscapes of Uzbekistan.
✅ Discover the Ancient Oasis of Nurata
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Visit the historic ruins of Alexander the Great’s Fortress, overlooking the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert.
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See the sacred Chashma Spring, revered for its healing properties.
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Explore the Chashma Mosque and the ingenious underground Karez irrigation system, a marvel of desert survival engineering.
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Enjoy a traditional Uzbek lunch at a local guesthouse before continuing your journey.
✅ Swim and Relax at Aydarkul Lake
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After lunch, head to the tranquil shores of Aydarkul Lake, an unexpected oasis in the desert.
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Take a refreshing swim, stroll along the peaceful lakeside, or simply unwind and soak in the serenity.
✅ Evening in the Kyzylkum Desert
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By late afternoon, arrive at a traditional desert yurt camp, where your private or shared yurt awaits.
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Take an optional camel ride over the sand dunes as the sun sets.
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Savor a delicious Uzbek dinner, followed by an atmospheric folk music performance or storytelling around a crackling campfire.
🏕️ Overnight: Private or shared yurt accommodation
🍽️ Meals: Lunch and dinner included
Day 2: Aydarkul Lake – Samarkand or Bukhara
Day 2: Sardoba, Ceramics & Cultural Journey to Bukhara
Wake up to the serene silence of the desert and enjoy a traditional Uzbek breakfast at the yurt camp. After a peaceful night under the stars, your second day continues with cultural discoveries and artisan experiences.
✅ Visit the Ancient Sardoba Reservoir
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Begin the morning with a visit to a historic sardoba — a domed stone water reservoir once vital for Silk Road travelers and caravans crossing the desert.
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Learn about its ingenious construction and importance in desert survival.
✅ Experience Traditional Uzbek Pottery in Gijduvan
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Continue to Gijduvan, renowned for its vibrant ceramic arts.
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Visit the famous Narzullaev family workshop, masters of Uzbek pottery across generations.
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Watch skilled artisans at work and try your hand at the potter’s wheel if you wish.
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Enjoy a delicious homemade lunch in the serene courtyard of the pottery house, rich with tradition and flavor.
✅ Journey to Bukhara
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After lunch, set off for the final leg of your journey: the drive to the historic city of Bukhara, a key Silk Road treasure.
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Arrive in Bukhara by late afternoon and check in at your hotel with memories of desert nights, sacred springs, artisan heritage, and local hospitality.
🏨 Overnight: Optional hotel booking in Bukhara upon request
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
Number of People | Price per person $ |
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1 | 260 |
2 | 160 |
3 | 130 |
Price Includes
- Round-trip transportation from Samarkand or Bukhara
- Dinner, breakfast, and picnic lunch
- Transport: Samarkand - Nuratau - Yurt Camp
- Yurt accommodation
- Entrance fees
- Camel ride (short experience included)
Price Not Includes
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
Booking & Payment Terms
Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of written acceptance and a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost. Following your acceptance of the quotation, an invoice detailing the deposit payment instructions will be sent via email.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days prior to departure, without the need for a reminder. For bookings made less than 30 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of confirmation.
Client Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel your booking, the following terms apply:
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More than 45 days before departure: Full refund minus a $100 administrative fee per person
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44 to 30 days before departure: 50% of the total trip cost will be retained
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29 to 15 days before departure: 75% of the total trip cost will be retained
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Less than 15 days before departure: No refund
Please note:
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Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email.
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The date we receive your cancellation will determine the refund amount.
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No refunds will be issued for any trip that is interrupted, shortened, or unused due to personal reasons.
Cancellation by Jahongir Travel
In rare cases, Jahongir Travel may be required to cancel a trip due to force majeure (e.g., political instability, safety concerns, etc.). In such instances, a full refund of all payments made will be issued. However, no further compensation or additional claims will be considered.
Additional Info
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Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
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Not wheelchair accessible
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Stroller accessible
