We booked our trip with local travel agency, and they were generally very good. They picked us up from our hotel in Bukhara, and after a scenic drive, we arrived in Nurata around 3 PM. We made a quick stop at the ruins of an ancient caravanserai, which added a nice touch to our journey. If you enjoy history and rock art, the petroglyphs are definitely worth the trek, but be prepared for some challenging paths. I opted to stay back at a certain point, while my husband ventured further with the help of our driver, who was incredibly kind and supportive.

As for accommodations, we found a cozy guesthouse in Nurata surrounded by beautiful gardens. It wasn’t luxurious, but it had a charming atmosphere and a rich historical backdrop that made our stay enjoyable. The following day, we had planned to head to Samarkand through the Dara Valley, hoping to catch some stunning mountain views. Unfortunately, our driver was rather unprofessional, and the detour turned out to be a letdown, wasting both our time and money. I’d recommend heading straight to Samarkand instead.

Despite this hiccup, we cherished our time in Nurata. Many travelers opt for yurt camping, which could be a fun experience, but we found it a bit pricey and not quite our style.

I hope this helps you in planning your trip! Feel free to check out more reviews to get a fuller picture.