15/12/2020
Due to the variety of landscapes presented in the biosphere reserve (mountains, steppe, desert, etc.), this area is distinguished by a special variety of bird species
Among other things, in the Nurata Mountains, tourists will have a good opportunity, especially in spring and autumn, to see the real "Kup-kary" - a traditional game with the participation of horses. This archaic performance will be unforgettable for every visitor.
The distinctive lifestyle of the local population offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get acquainted with ancient handicrafts and feel like a part of the daily life of the Tajik highlanders. A visit to an old water mill, a silk farm or a traditional musical instrument maker is one of the many possibilities for a tourist offer in the area.
In the guest houses of the Nurata Mountains, tourists will have the opportunity not only to observe, but also to take a direct part in the spinning, weaving or production of multi-colored felt carpets.
In spring and autumn, holidays become one of the components of rural life. Held on special occasions such as weddings or Navruz, the mesmerizing riders' kup-kary games are the highlight of the program not only for visiting guests. The Uzbek name "kup - kary" (literally translated - "the work of many people") is "ulak". In Russian, the game is also called "goat".
"Kup - kary" is the most widespread type of equestrian sport not only for Tajiks and Uzbeks, but also for other neighboring peoples - Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Afghans, Karakalpaks and Turkmens. Everyone calls the game in their own way, but, despite some differences, its essence is the same: to take possession of the carcass of a goat full of salt and deliver it to the finish line.
The most popular "kup - kary" happens during large weddings. Traditionally, weddings in the republic take place mainly in late autumn (after the harvest), or in early spring (before the main agricultural work). Guests come from the nearest neighborhood and distant places. The prizes include camels, horses, bulls, goats, carpets, fabric cuts, household items and even cars.
Game rules: Riders are not allowed to jump towards the spectators. It is forbidden for outsiders to serve the goat carcass from the ground. The player must not run the horse over a bent rider. It is also forbidden to dump the rider who has captured the trophy from the horse, and to pull the carcass from the player's back.
The Nurata Mountains offer a very rich variety of routes for tourism lovers. Along with easy walks in the mountains, on foot, on horse or donkey, the diversity of the region also offers the possibility of multi-day tours of varying degrees of difficulty (from easy tours to medium difficulty tours). Various natural and cultural monuments (ancient rock paintings - petroglyphs, ruins of fortresses, settlements, mosques, etc.), stories about the historical significance of Nuratau, will not leave anyone indifferent. One of the additional tourist attractions in the region is the possibility of observing the endemic Severtsov ram, the species with the smallest number of its kind. Trips to the Kyzyl K*m desert to the nearby Aydar-Kul lake, the opportunity to swim in it, ride a boat, complement the variety of services available in this area.
Of particular interest is the huge species diversity of birds inhabiting the territory of the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve. Those who love to observe the feathered representatives of the fauna will get an unforgettable impression of what they see, the rest will be able to enjoy their singing in the gardens of the guest houses