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Lying at the foot of the picturesque Nurata Mountains, the old city of Nurata is famous for having been used as a strategic military fortress by the legendary Alexander the Great in 327 BC. It is located in the vast deserts of Central Asia, and is widely recognized as the only town in Uzbekistan that retains a working system of deep wells and underground water pipelines. With its incredible array of Arab architecture and cultural heritage, this quaint and off-the-beaten-path town has made its fame as a Muslim pilgrimage center.

The city is proud of its several beautiful and significant archaeological wonders. Though small, it has enough attractions to satisfy the cravings of many well-worn travelers. The reputed Chashma Spring is one of them, a mineral body of water considered by Muslims as holy. According to folklore, it was created by the great Prophet Mohammed's son, Hazret Ali using only his staff, which he struck on the ground. An important destination is the imposing Nurata Citadel, the remnants of a military stronghold strategically placed in order to be able to attack surrounding territories as well as to function as a defensive position.

Nurata is also acclaimed the world over for its suzani (needlework), which is a large and exquisitely embroidered cloth that is a source of pride for the townspeople. This is usually inimitably designed with a beautiful flower and bird motif, and is highly prized by tourists and collectors. Another noteworthy attraction is the majestic Aydarkul Lake, the country's largest freshwater lake. A feat of human engineering, it is wholly man-made and is widely referred to as a "geological wonder." Tourists would also be persuaded to try the incredibly unique kumis, the traditional drink in the region. A beverage of ancient times, it is essentially horse milk that has been fermented and churned for hours or even days to make it a mild alcoholic drink.

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