Uzbekistan · Hiking

4-Day Nuratau Mountains Hiking Tour from Bukhara to Samarkand

4 Days Round trip from Bukhara Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the unique culture and lifestyle of villagers in the Nuratau Mountains
02 Discover ancient petroglyphs and ruins
03 Visit the Nuratau Nature Reserve and see mountain goats
04 Enjoy picturesque hikes through barren mountains and Kyzylkum desert steppe
05 Take in panoramic views towards Aydarkul Lake

Explore the Nuratau Mountains on a 4-day journey from Bukhara to Samarkand, combining village life, hiking, archaeology, and wildlife. Visit Majrum village to see its ancient fir tree, mosque, and abandoned ruins, then hike through barren mountain landscapes and the Kyzylkum desert steppe to Hayat and Ukhum. Along the way, discover petroglyphs, traditional houses, and the everyday lifestyle of local people. The tour also includes a visit to the Nuratau Natural Reserve to spot mountain goats and finishes with panoramic views towards the Kyzylkum desert and Aydarkul Lake.

After returning to the guesthouse in Hayat village, take a short rest and then go to the Nuratau Natural Reserve to see mountain goats.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Bukhara, Samarkand, Nurota

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Majrum Village and Explore Its Ancient Sights

After breakfast at 9:00 AM, meet your driver at the tour's starting point and begin the drive to Majrum village.
Arrive by lunchtime and settle into the homestay.
In the afternoon, wander around the village to see the ancient fir tree, believed to date back to the period of Alexander the Great, as well as the mosque and the ruins of abandoned villages. Overnight in Majrum.

Day 02

Hike from Majrum to Hayat Village

After breakfast, start a hiking tour to the next village, Hayat (15 km).
During the hike, you can observe the lifestyle of local people and enjoy the landscape of barren mountains and the Kyzylkum desert steppe. Overnight in Hayat village.

Day 03

Hike to Ukhum Petroglyphs and Visit Nuratau Natural Reserve

After breakfast, start hiking to the petroglyphs in Ukhum village (13 km).
During the hike, you can see the everyday lifestyle of the people, some ancient village ruins, and the traditional building style of the houses.
After returning to the guesthouse in Hayat village, take a short rest and then go to the Nuratau Natural Reserve to see mountain goats. Overnight in Hayat.

Day 04

Hike to Asraf Village and Transfer to Samarkand

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque hike to Asraf village, following the charming paths of Ukhum.
Along the way, enjoy the stunning views of the houses lining the riverbanks, each with its own story.
As you ascend to the viewpoint, take time to soak in the breathtaking panorama of the Kyzylkum desert stretching towards the tranquil Aydarkul Lake.
Have lunch in Asraf village and then transfer to Samarkand.

End of the tour.