• Breakfast at your accommodation in Samarkand: Start the day with a traditional Uzbek breakfast. Ensure you pack essentials, such as a camera, comfortable shoes, snacks, and any personal items for the overnight stay.
• Depart from Samarkand to Ashraf Village: Begin your journey from Samarkand to Ashraf Village. The drive will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through beautiful countryside landscapes.

Overnight stay in the homestay

• Arrival in Ashraf Village: Once you arrive in Ashraf, check in at a local homestay or guesthouse to drop off your bags and prepare for your day of exploration.
• Explore Ashraf Village: Take a guided walk around the village to discover its traditional architecture, narrow streets, and the local culture. Visit historical landmarks that are part of the village’s heritage.

• Welcome Lunch: Enjoy a delicious traditional meal at a local restaurant or your accommodation. A great chance to sample regional delicacies and meet locals.
• Visit the Petroglyph Area: Head out to explore the Petroglyph Area, a site rich in ancient rock carvings. These petroglyphs depict scenes of prehistoric animals, hunters, and symbols that offer a glimpse into the daily life and spiritual practices of early humans. Your guide will provide context and insights into the significance of these carvings.
o Petroglyph Highlights: The carvings are spread out over various rock formations, and many are believed to date back to the Bronze Age (around 3000-1500 BCE). The depictions of wild animals such as horses, deer, and camels, as well as figures of people hunting, dancing, or performing rituals, offer fascinating insights into ancient Central Asian culture.
o The Petroglyphs are situated in a natural, rugged landscape, adding to the charm and mystery of the site.
• Return to Ashraf Village: After exploring the petroglyphs, head back to Ashraf Village. Enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding hills and fields as you drive back.

Return to your accommodation for a traditional dinner. Depending on availability, enjoy a cultural performance, such as folk music or dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• Relax and Rest: After a day of exploration, enjoy a peaceful evening at your guesthouse or homestay. Relax under the stars and enjoy the tranquility of rural life.

• Breakfast at your accommodation: Enjoy a traditional breakfast of bread, cheese, and tea at your homestay or guesthouse.
• Depart for Majrum Village: After breakfast, begin your drive from Ashraf to Majrum Village, which will take around 20-30 minutes.

• Majrum is a picturesque mountain village nestled in the Nurata Mountains of Uzbekistan’s Navoi region. Known for its traditional stone houses and serene landscapes, it offers visitors a glimpse into the rural life of the region. The village is home to an ancient tree, believed to be over 20 meters in diameter, and is situated near the Nurata Natural Reserve.
• Nuratau city start a visit to the sacred Chashma Spring, a historical and spiritual site known for its mineral-rich, healing waters. The spring, believed to have been discovered by Alexander the Great during his conquest of Central Asia, is revered for its therapeutic properties.
• Explore the Chashma Complex: Take time to explore the Juma Mosque, a beautiful 16th-century structure above the spring, and visit the Mausoleum of Nur-ata, dedicated to the founder of the city. Enjoy the serene mountain views and peaceful surroundings.
• Gijduvan Craft Centre (Approx. 2-hour drive from Nuratau)
• Arriving at Gijduvan: Your next stop takes you to Gijduvan, a town renowned for its centuries-old tradition of ceramic craftsmanship. Visit the Gijduvan Craft Centre, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe skilled artisans at work, creating traditional ceramics with intricate geometric and floral designs unique to the Gijduvan style.
• Tour the Ceramic Workshops: Explore the various pottery workshops, meet master potters like the Narzullaev family, who are the torchbearers of this craft, and watch the entire process of pottery-making—from shaping clay on the wheel to glazing and firing.
• Arrival in Bukhara: Continue your journey to Bukhara, one of the most historic and culturally significant cities in Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, the day’s adventure can end with a relaxing evening or an introductory tour of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.