Day 1 - Bukhara-Nurata city -Desert Yurt Camp

At 9:00, depart from Bukhara via Nurata city to the desert yurt camp located near Lake Aydarkul (total 5 hours of drive). On the way to the yurt camp, stop in Nurata to visit the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, holy spring, and other sights. Have lunch in Nurata and then continue to the desert yurt camp. Upon arrival, settle into your yurt, enjoy a short camel ride, or walk around the dunes before enjoying the evening around the fireplace listening to songs of a local bard.

Day 2 - Desert Yurt Camp-Lake Aydarkul-Samarkand

After breakfast, visit the nearby village of Dungalak by getting a car ride or walking on foot (4km). During the village visit, you can get familiar with the life of village people who mainly live on livestock and sheep farming. You will then drive by car or ride on the camels (an additional 20$ per camel) from the camp to Lake Aydarkul (8 km to the southeast). Aydarkul is an artificial salty lake that stretches 180 km to the east, being the largest wetland body in the area it is home to many aquatic birds such as cranes, pelicans, numerous waders, many ducks, and goose species. Enjoy a picnic at the lake. Depending on the season you can swim or just stroll along the lake shores observing the birds. In the afternoon transfer to Samarkand (5 hours of drive).

*Please note: private tours can be started from Samarkand as well.