Nurata is a small city in Navoyi region of Uzbekistan. It locates on the top of mountains and has a fantastic panoramic view from there. This place is a real citadel of local culture. 

Nurata mountains have 170 km length. According to legends this area was inhabited by people who were looking for a best place for living. During the way, piligrims almost lost their hope to find the better place, but suddenly light ray showed them the right way. The name of city starts from “Nur” and means ray of light. 

In the 4th century, the fortress was built in Nurata. Historians suggest it was built by Alexander the Great. Fortress ruins are still existing nowadays, so you can see them by your own. They are the cultural object of the city. 

Another astonishing legend is telling about appearing of health healing lake. By legend, a meteor had fallen and created a crater which later was filled by water. The lake water is clean and has healing features. On the branch of the lake there were built a mosque with a big cupola. Another amazing feature of lake: its water has always the same temperature equals 19 degrees. Composition of water has silver, brom, iodine and other micro elements. It positively influences on human's body and nerve system. Besides, lake is full of fishes but its prohibited to catch them as it believed, they are holy creatures.

Near the lake, there is mazar with hallows of Nurata prophet. The name of this memorial complex is “Chamsha”.

Nurata city is famous for its saved ancient water communications of delivery water from holy lake - Kyarizs. They are unique as their main functions still working. If you are planning to visit Nurata, we highly recommend you to include Namazhokh mosque in your checking list. It was built in the 10th century by Emir Abdulla. This mosque is impressing by its beauty and composition of 25 cupolas. 

Near the Nurata, there are tops of Karatau mountains. Scientists found there well saved carving paintings of ancient people, who lived ther in the bronze century. Many of drawings dated Eneolithic and Neolithic ages. There are over 4 000 carving writings and drawings describing different scenes of style living, ceremonials and traditions of people. 

The real pearl of the region is Aydarkul lake, where tourists and local people are relaxing and fishing. It has clean waters. There are a great variety of fish species as silurus, sanders, carps and many other fresh water fishes. Moreover, in this region there are 100 kinds of birds, 11 kinds of them are included in International Red Data Book. 

Near the city, there are some reservations where people live in the camps of national nomand gets (yurta). The life style of local people is very interesting, colorful and multifarious. Tourists has a great opportunity to visit these authentic camps.