Nurota Chashma complex and Aydar Lake
- Abulqosim Amoniloyev
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Nur Ota Complex is located in the Navoi Region of Uzbekistan, at the foot of the Nurata Mountains.“Nur” means light, and “Ota” means father in Uzbek. Together, Nur Ota means “Father of Light”, a name full of spiritual meaning. It was built in the 9th century and is one of the most spiritual places in the country.For centuries, Nur Ota was a key rest stop for travelers on the ancient Silk Road, especially between Samarkand and Bukhara. It’s easy to reach from major tourist cities:
From Bukhara: ~170 km (about 2.5–3 hours by car)
From Samarkand: ~220 km (about 3.5 hours by car)
At the heart of the complex is the Chashma Spring, which is believed to be holy. According to legend, the spring appeared when a meteorite fell from the sky. The water is said to have healing powers, and people still visit it today to pray and make wishes.
The complex includes:
Juma Mosque – a peaceful place for prayer. Built in the 16th century, the Juma Mosque features a large dome, stone columns, and a peaceful courtyard — a great place for reflection.
Nurata Fortress – was originally built by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. It was part of his military strategy to control Central Asia.
Sacred fish pool – where feeding the fish is a symbol of blessing.
Just about 60 kilometers from Nur Ota, travelers can find themselves in a completely different kind of wonder: Aydarkul Lake. This massive, tranquil lake stretches out across the Kyzylkum Desert, offering a peaceful natural retreat. Visitors often combine a trip to Nur Ota with a visit to Aydarkul, where they can relax by the water, take camel rides across the dunes, or even stay overnight in traditional yurt camps under the stars.
The contrast between the spiritual atmosphere of Nur Ota and the natural beauty of Aydarkul Lake creates a perfect two-part journey — one that touches both the soul and the senses.In the morning, you can wake up early to catch the sunrise over the desert, go for a camel ride, or take a quiet walk along the edge of Aydarkul Lake, where the water reflects the golden hues of the desert.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or peace, a night in the yurt camp offers something rare: a true connection to nature, tradition, and the simple joys of life.
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