Futher north from Sarmysh the road passes through the Karatau hills and reaches Nurata town. Once known as Nur this town dates back to the period before arrival of Alexander the Great.

The ruins of citadel in the centre of Nurata mark its history. It was rebuild by soldiers of Alexander before the siege of Samarkand.

Chashma Spring, which is considered to be holy, is one of revered places of this area. The legend has it that was formed when Hazrat Ali – the son in law of Mohammed – struck the ground with his stuff. Mineral water is full of holy (unfishable) fish. Locals take this water into bottles for ailing relatives.
Archaeologists suggest that soldiers of Alexander dug the well, which is next to the spring.