Main Info
Aydarkul Lake Tour
For all of the monumental cities in Uzbekistan, there’s also a more natural side to the country. The best way to experience this is through a tour to Aydarkul Lake, with a stop in Nurata and an overnight at the Safari Yurt Camp. Nurata is famous for its large assortment of petroglyphs, the most vivid mark left behind by prehistoric peoples in the region. Additional stops take you to a fortress built by Alexander the Great and Chashma, a holy spring with wonderful views. The desert is most striking at night, with the sky awash with stars and warmth provided by a cozy fire and lively folk music. Then take a morning camel ride out to the lake, and go swimming if the weather is nice enough. For a taste of nomadic life and prehistoric history, the Aydarkul Lake Tour is the best possible tour and ideal for extra-adventurous travelers.
Aydarkul Lake Tour descriptions
| Price Discount | 1 person – no discount 2 persons – 10% discount 3 persons – 20% discount 4 persons and up – 30% discount |
| Price Currency | USD |
| Destinations | Aydarkul Lake |
| Offered | Any time |
| Deadline | Get confirmation 3 days before the departure date |
| Included | English speaking guide; All transfers: 1-3 travellers by sedan type car; 4-8 travellers by van type car; Accommodation in the yurt camp; Full board (dinner, breakfast, lunch/picnic). Lunch |
| Excluded | Travel insurance. Tips are not included, but would be appreciated; |
| Accommodation | N/A |
Must visit on your Aydarkal Lake tour
Lake in the middle of desert is not the mirage, but the real miracle of nature. It is called Aydarkul. Origin of crystal pure lake on the south-east of Kyzylkum desert is very mysterious. Although there is the scientific explanation. Earlier excess of drainage waters discharged to Arnasay Hollow with saline land. But in summer of 1969, extremely high water on the river Syrdarya exceeded the capacity of Chardarya Reservoir, and water filled the Arnasay Hollow. A lot of fish appeared in the lake.
Today the area of Aydarkul lake is 3000 square meters, the length – nearly 250 km and width – from 8 to 15 km. The area around the lake best suites for walks and rides on horse back and camelback. Fauna is very rich. In spring and in summer alpine grasslands abounds in variety of colors – bright-red tulips and snowy-white acacia. High up in the mountains black storks build its nests. This bird specie is listed in the Red Book of many countries. In early spring, when Arnasay is filled with water, thousands of ducks, geese, pelicans and herons flock together here. Tourists can fish, swim and get a tan here.
Itinerary
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In the morning drive to yurt camp located in Kyzylkum desert (270 km, 5 h). On the way stop in Nurata town and visit a local mosque with holy spring water. Continue driving to yurt camp. Arrive in Safari Yurt Camp, accommodation in yurt. Camel riding and free time. In the evening dinner near the camp fire with Kazakh akin singing folk songs. Overnight in the yurt.
Meals: dinner
Though meals are included, based on the experience and tips of our guests, we advise to take some food in advance, as there are no shops around yurts.
Duration: 4-5 hours
In the morning visit desert Aydarkul Lake. Free time on the lake.
Extras to do in the area:
Option 1. Camel ride to Aydarkul Lake through the desert (8.5 km, 3 h). Enjoy your time on the lake and have lunch.
Cost: $30 per person for a camel and cameleer service.
Option 2. Take a short camel ride to a nearby village Dungalak (1.5 km, 30 min). Participate in baking traditional bread “non”. Take a short walk in the village to see life of locals and return to the camp.
Cost: $20 per person for a camel and cameleer service.
In the afternoon depart the yurt camp and drive to Samarkand (270 km, 5 h) / Bukhara (250 km, 5 h). Arrival in Samarkand/Bukhara, transfer to hotel/train station.
Meals: breakfast, lunch or picnic
