Aydarkul Lake Adventure: Desert Stars & History
4.9
15 Ratings

Spend an unforgettable night under the desert stars on this adventurous trip to Aydarkul Lake, located in the heart of the desert. Along the journey, you’ll encounter the desert’s wildlife and explore historical monuments dating back thousands of years to the era of Alexander the Great’s invasion.

Duration: 2 days
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Day 1: Samarkand or Bukhara – Nurata – Aydarkul – Yurt Camp

Samarkand - Pickup from Samarkand or Bukhara
Guests are greeted at their hotel, train station, or airport.
Nurota - Nurata – Chashma Complex
Tour the “Chashma” memorial complex, a revered spring and pilgrimage destination.
Ruins of Alexander the Great’s Fortress
Discover the ancient…

see more
What's Included
  • Registration
  • Driver/instructor and all transfers
  • Camel riding 10-15 minutes
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Traditional music performance by a local bard around the fire
What's Not Included
  • Tour Guide
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for driver
  • Personal travel insurance
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(15 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Silkeb2019
Oct 1, 2025
Great Tour - Our tour from Samarkand to Bukhara via Nurata, Lake Aydarkul, and a Yurt Camp was wonderful. Our driver Hasan, who spoke very good English, was very friendly and helpful. We had two great days during which we got to see a lot. The highlight for us was the Yurt Camp, where we spent a wonderful evening. We were absolutely satisfied with the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephengq3931wy
Sep 30, 2025
This is how to see Uzbekistan beyond its cities - We would definitely recommend this private overnight excursion as a way to see Uzbekistan beyond its major cities. We were picked up very promptly from our hotel in Samarkand by our driver Hassan, who first took us to Nurata (fortress ruins and holy spring), then Aydarkul Lake, and then to the Sputnik Navoi Yurt Camp, where we arrived just in time for a sunset camel ride before dinner. The following day we set off around 9am, with stops at a historic caravanserai site and a ceramics workshop (with a resident donkey) en route to Bukhara, where we were dropped off at our hotel around 2pm. Overall, it felt very relaxed, with Hassan happy to go at our pace, and making sure we were never stuck in the car for more than two hours at a time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Depa_dan
Sep 4, 2025
Very good experience - The trip is well-organized. I recommend everyone do as we did: after lunch in Nurata, go to the lake, then transfer to the yurt camp not long before sunset. This way, you'll avoid spending the entire afternoon in the camp (unsure of what to do). The next morning, ask for a detour to visit the mountains southeast of Nurata, near Lyangar. This way, the experience will be five-star. Our driver was attentive and skilled (even if he was constantly on his smartphone...)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside57026307313
Jun 28, 2025
Amazing! - It was amazing experience! Hassan our driver was super nice and very helpfull. He made a stop wherever we wanted to take a photo. He speaks english so it was additional advantage. Food in yurt camp was delicious. Visit in ceramic workshop let us to see how the ceramic has been making here from 300 years.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valeriamw6541ko
Apr 30, 2025
Beautiful experience - All very nice and perfectly organized. Our Muhammed driver was always very kind and helpful. Sleeping in the yurt is an experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faraway797170
Apr 26, 2025
Two days immersed in local culture - The tour was very nice, we spent two days immersed in the local culture, visiting places off the tourist routes but still full of charm and history. This gives you the opportunity to really get in touch with the local culture and learn so much about it. The night in the Yurt is then a must-see on a trip to Uzbekistan. Our driver Khasan was perfect! He accompanied us to every place, leaving us free to explore at our own pace and was willing to adapt the tour according to our preferences. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ornellad424
Oct 20, 2024
OUTSTANDING - Staff very helpful! Everything up to the task, we were very satisfied! Many thanks to our talented drivers!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
695marijan
Sep 22, 2024
What an amazing experience - This was one of the most authentic experiences that you could have. Traveling through the rural parts of Uzbekistan, having traditional meals, sleeping in yurts, riding camels… Organization was amazing and our driver Hasan was perfect. He took care of everything, helped us with our issues and was in general just an amazing and kind person, making this trip even more enjoyable. Thank you Hasan
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David
Jul 20, 2024
Beautiful, relaxing experience to do in low season. Organization available and in permanent contact. - We stayed in the low season, when tourism is predominantly domestic. The place on the lake was gorgeous, large and deserted beach, delicious fish and healthy Uzbek atmosphere. Even the night in the yurt camp, with only four other people, was beyond expectations. On the way back we modified the route according to our needs and the climate of the season, without problems and with a very helpful and kind driver. Recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B8873tfmb
Jul 5, 2024
Highly recommend! - Great trip. We had a fantastic night sleeping under the stars in a yurt, with a camp fire and traditional music! The food and hosts were excellent. Special thanks to our kind driver and guide Hasan who is a lovely person and made our trip even more enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $155
From $155
up to 7 guests
1 - Adult
Select a date
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).
More activities from this operator
From $100
5.0
3 Ratings
Samarkand to Tajikistan: Explore Seven Lakes
Samarkand
From $40
5.0
1 Rating
Bukhara Walking Tour: Discover Historical Highlights
Bukhara