Embracing Nomadic Life in the Nurata Mountains

Day 5 took us deeper into the heart of Uzbekistan’s natural beauty and nomadic traditions. From swimming in the calm waters of Lake Aydar to getting a glimpse into life in a Kazakh village and sleeping in yurts, this day had lots to offer.

But first a word of caution:

Practical Tip 💡

Make sure to set the right expectations of what you can manage in one day. Even prior to booking, we had felt that the proposed schedule was a bit light and we asked for longer hikes and a compressed timetable.

Nonetheless, we had more downtime than we would have wanted for that amount of money. If you are not part of a larger, more mature, tour group, we recommend making this very clear to whoever you’re booking with.

A Morning by the Lake

Our day began with a refreshing swim in  Lake Aydar  near the Nurata mountains. It felt ironic to swim in one of the world’s only two double-landlocked countries, but the water was inviting and the landscape picturesque. Unlike the dwindling Aral Sea, this lake still held its charm (and liquid contents), though the towering resort being built may be a sign of things to come… For now, we appreciated the empty beach (except for the odd ground squirrel, a meerkat-like creature when viewed from afar) and free sun beds, offering a relaxing start to our day.

Afternoon: Kazakh Village and Cultural Interaction

Visit to a Kazakh Village

After our morning swim, we were driven to a nearby Kazakh village. The village felt quite desolate, with few people around and no explanation about what this visit was meant to convey. It felt like the low point of our trip, as the lack of interaction left us feeling “processed” in the way the sorts of tourists are that we don’t want to be. Adding to the disappointment, we then joined other guests from the yurt camp in returning to the same village, just an hour later.

Spotting Wildlife and Local Hobbies

Thankfully, this time around, the village offered some unexpected delights. We spotted a steppe tortoise and finally had the chance to exchange, unsurprisingly, a few sports-related words and gestures with some villagers. It would have been great to learn more about the difference between Kazakhs and Uzbeks/Tajiks but perhaps this has to wait for another trip.

Evening: Yurt Camping Experience

Settling into Yurts

As evening approached, we settled into our yurts. Contrary to the romantic notion of being “in the desert,” the yurts were near a road with trucks roaring by, and the light from the nearby village dimmed the starry sky’s potential. Nonetheless, the experience was unique and memorable.

Evening Entertainment and Reflections

Around the bonfire, we were treated to some local music. The elder’s lute playing about everyday life in the Central Asian steppe – possibly about lifestock? possibly about fair women? – added a traditional touch to our day’s end, even if the lyrics remained a mystery.