Hi everyone! I’m currently planning my trip from Bukhara to Samarkand and recently stumbled upon the fascinating petroglyph sites at Sarmishay. I’m considering adding this to my itinerary but would love some advice.
Here’s what I’m thinking:
Has anyone done something similar? I’ll have my luggage with me, so I’m wondering how best to organize this. I’ve seen organized tours that include an overnight stay in a yurt, but I’m not keen on that—I’d prefer something greener and more mountainous after spending time in the desert around Karalpakstan.
Would hiring a private guide for a couple of days be the best option? If so, any recommendations and approximate costs? Alternatively, if this route proves too complicated, I’d still like to visit the petroglyphs as a day trip. Any tips for that?
Thanks in advance for your help!
We’re actually planning a similar route between Bukhara and Samarkand! We’ve arranged our trip through Nurata Tours and will be staying overnight at their guesthouse in Nurata. You can check out their website for more details—they seem quite organized.
There are also several homestays in the area, and I believe they can help arrange transportation as well. As for the scenery, it’s definitely mountainous, though how green it is depends on the time of year.
I did a similar trip last summer and can highly recommend it! I hired a private guide for two days, which gave me the freedom to explore Sarmishay and then head to Nurata for an overnight stay. The guesthouse I stayed at was simple but comfortable, and the mountain views were breathtaking.
The cost for the guide and transportation was around $150–$200, depending on the vehicle and services. It’s definitely worth it if you want to make the most of your time and see the petroglyphs without feeling rushed.