Mountain Villages of the Farish District

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Mountain Villages of the Farish District

Many travelers yearn to immerse themselves in the lives of the local inhabitants, and the mountain villages of Asraf, Uhum, Hayat, Majrum, and Sentyabsay offer an ideal opportunity for such an experience. Nestled on the southern slopes of the Nurata mountain range, these villages are located just 5 to 8 kilometers away from the district center of Farish.

Each village is situated in a picturesque mountain gorge, removed from the hustle and bustle of the Jizzakh-Nurata highway. Tourists often take leisurely strolls through the scenic surroundings, soaking in the natural beauty while listening to the melodious songs of birds. Hiking along mountain trails from one village to another is a popular activity, allowing visitors to witness the daily lives of the locals firsthand. As they wander through the villages, tourists can observe the residents engaged in their everyday tasks: tilling the soil, gathering fodder for livestock, repairing homes, making yogurt, and practicing traditional handicrafts. The villagers are known for their hospitality and often invite guests into their homes to enjoy a cup of traditional Uzbek tea. In the evenings, after dinner, a concert is organized where local musicians play traditional instruments and sing folk songs.

In the vicinity of the villages, visitors can explore ancient rock carvings, marvel at a millennia-old plane tree (Eastern biota) near Majrum, and visit a nursery of endemic Kyzylkum sheep near Hayat.

Tourists have the opportunity to stay in traditional homes of the locals, which have been specially prepared to accommodate foreign visitors. The homeowners have undergone training as part of a European project aimed at supporting rural communities in tourism. Each house typically features 2 to 3 rooms, ranging from 6 to 20 square meters, capable of hosting 2 to 6 guests. In these homes, beds are not provided; instead, residents traditionally sleep on special mattresses placed on the floor. The bedding is laid out before sleep and collected in the morning to be stored against one of the room’s walls. Each sleeping set includes a mattress, sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels. Toilets and showers are located outside in the courtyard. Each home is surrounded by a garden filled with fruit trees. Meals are prepared by the hostess using traditional ingredients cooked over wood fires in specially designed hearths, while bread (lepeshki) is baked in traditional clay ovens known as tandyrs. Fruits and vegetables are typically sourced from their own gardens. The cuisine mainly features Uzbek dishes, including vegetable soups with sautéed and then boiled meat, dough-based meals, traditional Uzbek pilaf (rice, meat, and vegetables), potatoes with fried meat (beef or lamb), and dablyama (a stew of braised vegetables). Sweet treats are served alongside tea.

Tourists are encouraged to observe and even participate in the cooking process. Traditionally, yogurt made from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk is served before lunch or dinner. Visitors may also have the chance to join in the milking of goats, making for a truly immersive experience in the heart of this enchanting region.

Discover the Wonders of Nurata: Steppe, Desert, and Lakes Tour

From$80
2 Days / 1 Night

Scenic steppe photography opportunities
Refreshing lake swimming sessions
Camel rides through the desert
Visit traditional Kazakh nomad village
Desert walking and exploration
Yurt camping under the stars

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Nurata, where stunning landscapes of steppes, deserts, and tranquil lakes await. Choose from day tours or immersive overnight experiences, featuring camel rides, yurt camping, and cultural encounters with local nomadic life.