For those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, the Aydarkul Lake Tour offers an unparalleled adventure in Uzbekistan’s lesser-known landscapes. While the country is renowned for its grand cities and historic monuments, this tour highlights the serene and awe-inspiring environment of the Kyzylkum Desert. Nestled in this vast expanse is Aydarkul Lake, a hidden gem offering tranquility and a glimpse into the traditional nomadic lifestyle.
The journey begins with a drive through picturesque desert scenery to the Yurt Camp, located approximately 270 kilometers from the bustling city of Samarkand. Along the way, we make a fascinating stop in Nurata, a town rich in history. Here, you can explore ancient petroglyphs that offer a window into the lives of prehistoric peoples, and visit a local mosque with a revered holy spring.
Once we reach the yurt camp, you’ll have the chance to experience life as the nomads do. Settle into your cozy yurt and enjoy a traditional camel ride through the desert landscape. As night falls, gather around the campfire for a memorable dinner, accompanied by the soulful melodies of Kazakh folk music. The desert sky, illuminated by countless stars, provides a perfect backdrop for an evening under the open sky.
On the second day, embark on a camel ride to Aydarkul Lake, where you can relax and perhaps take a refreshing swim if the weather permits. For those keen to immerse themselves further, optional activities include additional camel rides or village visits, providing deeper insights into local traditions and lifestyles.
After your desert adventure, we head back to either Samarkand or Bukhara, concluding your tour with an enriching experience of Uzbekistan’s natural and cultural treasures
In the morning, embark on a drive to the Safari or Aydar Yurt Camp in the Kyzylkum Desert, covering a distance of 270 kilometers (approximately 5 hours). En route, stop in Nurata to visit a local mosque featuring a holy spring. Continue the journey to the yurt camp and check into your yurt accommodation. Enjoy camel riding and explore the area at your leisure. As evening falls, savor dinner by the campfire, with traditional Kazakh folk songs enhancing the experience. Overnight stay in the yurt.
Meals: Dinner
(Note: While meals are included, we recommend bringing additional food supplies as there are no nearby shops.)
Begin the day with a visit to the picturesque Aydarkul Lake. Spend some time relaxing by the lake and enjoying the peaceful desert environment. Optional activities include a camel ride to the lake (8.5 km, 3 hours) for $30 per person, or a shorter camel ride to the nearby village of Dungalak (1.5 km, 30 minutes) for $20 per person, where you can learn about traditional bread baking and local village life. After your desert adventure, depart the yurt camp and drive back to Samarkand (270 km, 5 hours) or Bukhara (250 km, 5 hours). Arrival and transfer to your hotel or train station.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Picnic
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist * | $330 | $200 | $150 | $170 | $140 |
Transportation for the tour Accommodation in the yurt camp Full board (breakfast, lunch/picnic, dinner)
Camel riding Any Private Expenses Accommodation in Samarkand or Bukhara Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance
The Aydarkul Lake tour was a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. The camel ride to the lake was an unforgettable experience, and the yurt camp provided a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. I particularly enjoyed the evening with traditional music and the serene night under the stars. The visit to Nurata and its petroglyphs added a historical touch to the trip. Swimming in Aydarkul Lake was refreshing, and the option to visit a local village and bake bread was a unique cultural experience. Be sure to pack snacks, as food options are limited at the camp.
The Aydarkul Lake tour was an incredible experience. The drive through the desert landscape was awe-inspiring, and the yurt stay was both comfortable and unique. I enjoyed the camel ride and the swim in Aydarkul Lake, which was invigorating. The highlight of the trip was the evening entertainment with Kazakh folk music around the campfire. Visiting Nurata and seeing the ancient petroglyphs and the holy spring was fascinating. If you’re considering this tour, be prepared for some basic conditions at the yurt camp, but the experience is well worth it.
This tour to Aydarkul Lake exceeded my expectations. The yurt camp offered a charming glimpse into nomadic life, and the camel ride through the desert was both thrilling and serene. I loved the evening by the campfire with local songs and the clear night sky. The visit to Nurata was fascinating, particularly the petroglyphs and the holy spring. Swimming in the lake was refreshing and a great way to cool off. The chance to participate in baking traditional bread in the village was a delightful addition. Overall, it was an adventurous and culturally enriching experience.
The Aydarkul Lake tour was a wonderful escape from the city. The drive to the yurt camp was long but scenic, showcasing the beauty of the Kyzylkum Desert. Staying in the yurt and experiencing traditional Kazakh music was special. I opted for the camel ride to Aydarkul Lake and enjoyed a peaceful swim in the lake. The option to visit the nearby village and learn about traditional bread baking was an added bonus. The only downside was the limited food options at the camp, so bring some snacks. Nevertheless, the tour was memorable and well-organized.
Our Aydarkul Lake tour was an unforgettable adventure. The journey to the yurt camp was scenic and captivating, with the highlight being the camel ride through the vast desert. The overnight stay in the traditional yurt was a unique experience, complete with a cozy fire and Kazakh folk music. Swimming in Aydarkul Lake was refreshing, and the star-filled sky at night was mesmerizing. The visit to Nurata, especially the ancient petroglyphs and the holy spring, added a rich historical layer to the trip. Overall, this tour perfectly blended nature, culture, and adventure. Highly recommended!