Day 1: Bukhara – Gijduvan – Rabat-i-Malik – Nurata – Aydarkul – Yurt Camp

Begin your journey from Bukhara and travel across the landscapes of the Kyzylkum Desert.

Your first stop is Gijduvan, famous for its centuries-old ceramic traditions. Visit a local pottery workshop and discover the unique techniques and colourful patterns passed down through generations of master artisans.

Continue to the historic Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai, an impressive 11th-century Silk Road stop once used by travelling merchants and caravans.

Arrive in Nurata to explore the sacred Chashma Complex, home to a natural spring, ancient mosque, and the ruins associated with Alexander the Great’s fortress.

Later, head to the peaceful shores of Aydarkul Lake, where you can relax, enjoy the desert scenery, and take memorable photos of the surrounding nature.

In the evening, arrive at a traditional yurt camp in the desert. Experience a camel ride across the dunes, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and spend the evening around the campfire listening to folk songs performed by a traditional Kazakh akyn. Overnight stay in a cosy yurt beneath the starry desert sky.

Day 2: Yurt Camp – Samarkand

After breakfast at the yurt camp, depart for Samarkand through the changing desert landscapes of central Uzbekistan.

Arrive in the legendary Silk Road city of Samarkand, famous for its magnificent blue domes, ancient monuments, and rich cultural heritage. Drop-off at your preferred location, including your hotel, train station, or airport.