Summary
Uzbekistan’s treasures of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva consistently captivate visitors with their exquisite mosques, medressas, and mausoleums. However, beyond the UNESCO-listed Silk Road cities and lively bazaars lies an abundance of authentic historical and natural experiences patiently awaiting discovery. By allocating some additional time to explore beyond the main attractions, travelers can uncover mountain homestays, desert forts, ancient cities, and an incredibly welcoming culture nestled in some of the country’s most fascinating yet less-frequented regions.
Uzbekistan’s extensive range of vistas and terrains frequently surprises newcomers. Spanning from the scorching plains of the Amu-Darya (historically referred to as the Oxus River) in the southern regions to the rocky deserts of Karakalpakstan, as well as the oasis towns of the Ferghana Valley and the alpine mountains located just an hour’s drive from the capital, Tashkent, Uzbekistan is a heterogeneous nation eager to be explored.
Journey to Bactria
Few travelers venture into Surkhandarya province in the southern part of Uzbekistan; nonetheless, it is one of the most compelling areas in the country, historically known for its flourishing Buddhist monasteries, powerful Kushan kingdoms, and Silk Road ports situated far from the nearest sea.
An overnight train journey (which is an exceptional experience in itself) or a brief flight will bring you to Termiz, from where you can embark on a day trip to the ancient 2000-year-old Buddhist stupa of Fayoz-Tepe and the adjacent ruins of Kampyr Tepe, where Alexander the Great and his army likely traversed the Oxus River (Amu-Darya) in 329 BC before advancing into Central Asia.
Allocate an hour to investigate the remnants of city walls and mud-brick complexes that date back to the 4th century BC, followed by a visit to Termiz’s enlightening archaeological museum. This museum offers insight into a long-forgotten Central Asian narrative shaped by classical Greek, Buddhist, and inner Asian civilizations.
Community-based Homestays in Nuratau
While the renowned cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva showcase some of the Islamic world’s most stunning architecture, after a few days of admiring mosques, medressas, and minarets, one may desire a different kind of experience. Recharge by traveling north from Samarkand into the secluded mountains of the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve.
Here, you can enjoy a few delightful days traversing from village to village along mountain trails, passing by remote petroglyphs and traditional water mills, and experiencing overnight stays in homestays where you can unwind on a traditional tapchan (tea bed) before learning to bake non bread in a classic tandyr oven. This is a quintessential Central Asian cultural experience and serves as a perfect antidote to the overwhelming view of medressas.
For an enriched experience, consider spending a night in a Kazakh-style yurt at the nearby Aidarkul Reservoir, allowing you to embrace the tranquility of the Central Asian desert.
History & Handicrafts in the Fergana Valley
The Fergana Valley serves as the agricultural epicenter and craft production hub in Uzbekistan, and its accessibility is enhanced by a comfortable daily train service from the capital, Tashkent. The journey begins at the palace of Khudayar Khan in Kokand, the power center of the 19th-century khanate which extended from present-day Tajikistan to Kazakhstan.
A few hours later, in Margilon, you will find the Yodgorlik Silk Factory, where women can be seen boiling silk cocoons and spinning threads in a manner that mirrors the techniques utilized by their ancestors 2000 years ago. The lively Kumtepa Bazaar on Sundays, situated just outside the city, arguably represents the premier destination in the country for purchasing Uzbekistan’s renowned ikat-style silks, available in a dazzling array of vivid designs.
History enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Andijon, the birthplace of Babur, who was the remarkable great-great-grandson of Timur (Tamerlane). Exiled from Samarkand to Kabul in 1504, he later invaded India and established the illustrious Mughal dynasty. The Babur Literary Museum in Andijon showcases sections from the Baburnama, Babur’s crucial work which is regarded as one of the significant historical autobiographies in history.
The Fergana Valley is also an excellent location for observing traditional Uzbek craftsmanship. Visit the town of Chust to acquire a typical Central Asian knife, ideal for slicing the region’s sweet melons, or travel to Rishton, where several family-run workshops craft some of Central Asia’s finest ceramics.
Beyond the Silk Road Cities
Uzbekistan’s cities are not the sole locations rich in Silk Road history; the routes connecting them are also adorned with a series of ancient forts, crumbling cities, and caravanserais. The contemporary highway connecting Samarkand and Bukhara, for instance, flows directly past the evocative gateway of the 11th-century Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai in Karmana, constructed as an overnight station for camel caravans.
Travel the route from Bukhara towards Karshi, and you will pass directly through the ancient city walls of Erkurgan, a 1600-year-old Hepthalite settlement. If you choose to journey southwest toward Turkmenistan, you can discover the nearly forgotten ruins of Paikend, once the prominent trading hub on this side of the Amu-Darya. There is a genuine sense of excitement in realizing you are among the few foreigners who have explored these historical sites in the past millennium.
Karakalpakstan – the ‘Stan Within a ‘Stan
This autonomous republic within Uzbekistan, known as Karakalpakstan, offers a unique opportunity to venture off the beaten path. This area is particularly famous for its collection of over 50 ancient forts scattered across the landscapes and dunes north of Urgench.
For a memorable experience, consider exploring several of these forts, ascending the remarkable Zoroastrian platform at Chilpak, and then spending the night at the striking cliff-top fort of Ayaz Qala within a yurt camp.
From this location, a journey north to the regional capital, Nukus, allows for immersion in the renowned Savitsky Museum, which hosts one of the world’s foremost collections of avant-garde Soviet art.
Sufi Shrines – the Soul of Uzbekistan
The most insightful place to gain an understanding of Uzbekistan’s essence is at one of the country’s celebrated Sufi shrines, ideally during a feast day when extended families prepare vast pots of plov (pilau rice).
Some of the more prominent ensembles, such as the Bakhauddin Naqshbandi shrine located outside Bukhara, qualify as some of Uzbekistan’s most grand architectural compositions. More intimate pilgrimage locations can be found at the Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-Termezi near Termiz, where pilgrims visit to recite prayers, tie wish-granting scraps of cloth onto sacred trees, and touch the tombs of the revered 9th-century saint.
Other intriguing shrines to explore include the tomb of the prophet Daniyar (known from the Old Testament) in Samarkand, Zangi-Ata in Tashkent, or the cemetery of Mizdakhan located outside Nukus in remote Karakalpakstan.
Mountain Escapes
If the summer heat in Tashkent becomes unbearable, consider venturing an hour northwest into the Ugam-Chatkal National Park, where an array of outdoor activities beckons in the foothills of the Western Tien-Shan mountains.
Hiking trails lead up to the summit of Big Chimgan peak (3309m), providing expansive views over Charvak Reservoir. For the adventurous, rafting excursions down the Ugam and Pskem rivers offer an adrenaline rush. During winter, skylined slopes await at Amirsoy, Uzbekistan’s foremost ski destination, featuring exhilarating opportunities for Central Asian heli-skiing.
Ultimately, whether immersing yourself in snow or rock, city or caravanserai, Uzbekistan’s diversity of attractions and landscapes caters to a wide array of travelers.
Sponsored by Uzbekistan Tourism Board
As an entertainment and inspirational media outlet, we may incorporate brand sponsors into our initiatives, which are clearly identified across our platforms.
This narrative was collaboratively developed between the Uzbekistan Tourism Board and GoTravelDaily. Both entities contributed research and curated content to create this narrative. We clarify when information is not solely from our resources.
Within sponsored content, GoTravelDaily and our brand collaborators each have specific responsibilities:
-
Brand partner
Defines the concept, provides briefing, research materials, and may offer feedback.
-
GoTravelDaily
We furnish expertise, firsthand insights, and validate with third-party sources as necessary.
