Adventure to Desert Kyzyl Kum and Yurt Camp
Location: Jizzakh Region, Uzbekistan
Price: $228 per person
Rating: 3.3/5 (based on 9 reviews)
Supplier: Orient Travel Uzb
Starting with the essentials
This tour takes you into the vast, sunbaked Kyzyl Kum Desert, starting from Samarkand or Bukhara, depending on your preference. For $228, you’ll spend a night in a traditional Yurt Camp, with the chance to experience desert life, enjoy local meals, and visit historical sites like Alexander the Great’s fortress ruins and the ancient irrigation system in Nurata. The trip includes transportation between key spots—Nurata, Aydarkul Lake, and the Yurt Camp—and a couple of meals, making it a reasonably priced way to add some rugged adventure to your Uzbekistan itinerary.
What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the authentic chance to sleep under the stars — a rare opportunity for most travelers. The journey also offers moments of cultural insight, like visiting the monument of Islamic scholar Ismail Al-Boukhari, and a taste of desert wildlife and traditional life at Aydarkul Lake.
However, be mindful that the tour’s value can vary. Some travelers have found the organization a bit inconsistent, especially regarding guides and activities. For those looking for a seamless, fully guided experience with lots of explanation, this might not be the tour for you.
Overall, it suits adventurous travelers who want to combine history, nature, and a night in a traditional yurt in a remote desert setting—especially if you’re comfortable with some variability in service and language barriers.
Key Points
- Authentic Yurt Experience: Spend a night in a traditional desert tent, offering a rare chance to sleep under the stars.
- Historical and Cultural Sites: Visit Alexander the Great’s fortress ruins and a significant Islamic scholar’s complex, adding depth to the trip.
- Natural Beauty: Meet fishermen at Aydarkul Lake, go for a hike, and enjoy the scenic desert landscape.
- Flexible Transportation: Pickup and dropoff options in Samarkand or Bukhara provide convenience for travelers.
- Mixed Reviews on Guides: Some travelers praise the guides’ professionalism, while others found communication and activities lacking.
- Value for Money: The tour includes meals, entrance fees, and overnight accommodation, but some feel the organization could improve.
The Experience in Detail
Itinerary Breakdown and What You’ll Encounter
Day 1: From Samarkand or Bukhara to Nurata and Yurt Camp
The journey begins with a scenic drive eastward. If you’re in Samarkand, you’ll appreciate the smooth ride and the anticipation of reaching a less-traveled part of Uzbekistan. The first stop is Nurata, a city famed for its ancient fortress ruins and Islamic monuments. Here, you’ll visit Alexander the Great’s fortress, and explore the Cahshma Mosque and ancient irrigation systems. These sites remind us how long this region’s been a crossroads of cultures and empires, dating back thousands of years.
Traveling further to Yanghi-Gazgan, you’ll arrive at the Yurt Camp—a traditional setup in the middle of the desert. The camp’s appeal is unmistakable: a cozy, often picturesque yurt, set against the stark beauty of the desert. Some reviews mention the camp’s charm and hospitality, while others note issues like the cold in winter or lack of amenities like fans or water. Still, the experience of staying overnight in such a setting is memorable.
Day 2: Aydarkul Lake and Return
After an early breakfast, you might enjoy a camel ride—a short, but quintessential desert activity that gives you a taste of nomadic life. Then, the highlight—Aydarkul Lake. Here, you can hike around the lake, meet local fishermen, and enjoy a picnic lunch. The landscape is striking, with the lake’s shimmering water contrasting with the arid desert. Some travelers, like Enrico, found the experience worthwhile, especially for testing their ability to adapt and enjoy the simplicity of desert life.
In warmer months, swimming in the lake is a possibility. One caveat: during late fall or winter, picnic plans might be disrupted due to restaurant closures, but you can still admire the scenery. The drive back takes you through Khartang village, where you visit Al-Boukhari’s complex, a highlight for those interested in Islamic scholarship.
What the Tour Feels Like in Practice
While the set itinerary is straightforward, the actual experience can be quite variable. For some, it’s a genuine adventure—sleeping in a yurt, sharing meals with fellow travelers, and gazing at the starry sky. The landscape is vast and beautiful, offering a sense of timelessness.
However, some reviews point out organizational issues. One traveler described their guide as friendly but not speaking English, which led to a lack of explanations and minimal engagement. Others lamented the absence of activities after arriving at the camp and the limited duration of experiences like the camel ride. The camp environment can also be cold or basic, with limited amenities.
Transportation & Group Size
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Samarkand or Bukhara and transported comfortably to Nurata, the desert camp, and back. The driver, often praised for professionalism, makes the experience smoother. The fact that the tour offers flexible pick-up and drop-off points is a plus, especially if you are moving between these major cities.
Most travelers seem to join small groups, but some reviews suggest that booking the yurt or the driver separately can save money and improve flexibility. The tour duration is two days, and the pace is fairly relaxed, allowing for scenic stops and photo opportunities.
More Great Tours NearbyFood and Accommodation
Meals are included—lunch, dinner, and breakfast—offering a taste of local cuisine in a rustic setting. The camp’s dinners are generally well-received, with some travelers praising the hospitality. The overnight stay in a yurt is a highlight, though some find it too cold or basic, especially in winter months. Travelers recommend bringing extra towels or fans if possible.
The Good, the Bad, and the Practical
Positive aspects:
– Authentic experience sleeping in a yurt beneath the stars
– Scenic landscapes and a chance to see rural desert life
– Cultural visits like Nurata fortress and Al-Boukhari’s complex
– Good value for the price considering transportation, meals, and accommodation
Challenges:
– Variable guide quality; language barriers can be an issue, as some reviews mention guides not speaking English
– Limited activities at the camp and short camel rides
– Comfort concerns in the yurt, especially in colder months
– Organization and communication could be improved, as some felt the experience lacked explanation and coordination
Who is This Tour Best For?
This tour suits adventurous travelers who are open to a bit of rustic living and want to experience desert nights in a traditional yurt. It’s ideal if you’re eager to see Nurata’s historical sites and Aydarkul Lake’s natural beauty without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that service levels can be inconsistent, and the experience is as much about the environment and culture as it is about smooth logistics.
If you’re someone who values authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures and doesn’t mind basic amenities or language barriers, this trip will deliver a memorable night under the stars and a glimpse into Uzbek nomadic life. However, if you prefer highly guided tours with detailed explanations and luxurious comforts, you might want to consider alternative options or book parts of the trip independently.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a unique combination of history, nature, and traditional life in the Uzbek desert. While it’s not flawless, the overall value lies in the authentic experience of sleeping in a yurt, the stunning desert scenery, and visiting historical sites. It’s perfect for independent-minded travelers looking for a hands-on adventure and willing to accept some organizational quirks.
The guided visits to Nurata and Al-Boukhari’s complex add educational value, and the chance to meet local fishermen at Aydarkul Lake makes this more than just sightseeing. Just be prepared for potential cold nights, language barriers, and the need to manage expectations regarding the level of service.
If you’re looking for a memorable, culturally rich outing in Uzbekistan’s deserts, and you enjoy a bit of rustic charm, this tour can be a worthwhile addition to your journey. Just pack your patience, a warm layer, and a spirit of adventure—you’ll love the views and the stories you’ll bring home.
FAQ
Is transportation included from Samarkand or Bukhara?
Yes, the tour includes transport between Samarkand or Bukhara, Nurata, the Yurt Camp, and back to your chosen city.
What meals are provided?
The tour includes one breakfast, one dinner, and two lunches, giving you a good taste of local food.
Can I stay in the yurt overnight?
Absolutely. The main highlight is sleeping in a traditional yurt, which offers a unique experience. Be aware that some reviews mention it can be cold or basic.
Are there guided explanations during the sites?
This can vary. Some travelers report detailed guides, while others experienced minimal explanations, especially if guides don’t speak English.
What is the activity level like?
The activities are relatively light—mainly a short camel ride, walking around Aydarkul Lake, and visiting historical sites. The focus is on experiencing the environment more than strenuous activity.
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, especially since some reviews mention private options and personalized experiences. It’s a good choice if you enjoy independent adventures within a small group setting.
In the end, this tour offers a chance to connect with the raw beauty of Uzbekistan’s desert landscapes and traditional nomadic culture. It’s best suited for travelers seeking authenticity over luxury, and those with a flexible, open mind. Prepare for a night under the stars, some historical discovery, and a taste of desert life—an experience you’ll remember long after returning home.
You can check availability for your dates here: