Recognised by UNESCO for its cultural landscape, the Boysun Mountains in southern Uzbekistan offer rugged terrain, deep gorges and remote villages. Trekking in this region combines natural beauty with ancient traditions, folklore and archaeological remains. It is an excellent choice for experienced travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
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Uzbekistan things to see and do
Boysun Mountains
Bukhara
Bukhara is a remarkably well-preserved medieval city, offering an immersive step back in time. Its compact old town is filled with mosques, madrasas, caravanserais, and traditional trading domes, many of which are still in use today. Wandering its narrow streets reveals a living city where history, religion and everyday life remain closely intertwined.
Samarkand
One of Central Asia's most celebrated cities, Samarkand is synonymous with the Silk Road. Its monumental architecture includes vast blue-tiled madrasas, grand mosques and historic squares that reflect centuries of Persian, Islamic and Turkic influence. The Registan, with its trio of majestic madrasas, is the city's centrepiece and is particularly atmospheric at sunset, when the tiles glow in warm light.
Aral Sea
Once one of the world's largest inland seas, the Aral Sea is now a stark reminder of environmental change. Visiting the former shoreline towns and ship graveyards offers a sobering yet compelling experience, illustrating the dramatic impact of water-diversion projects on both the landscape and livelihoods.
Chatkal Biosphere Reserve
Located in the western Tian Shan mountains near the border with Kazakhstan, the Chatkal Biosphere Reserve protects alpine forests, river valleys, and high-mountain ecosystems. It is home to wildlife such as ibex, marmots and birds of prey, and is one of the best places in Uzbekistan to experience untouched mountain landscapes. Access is limited and often requires permits, but guided visits reward travellers with dramatic scenery and quiet trails.
Fergana Valley
The fertile Fergana Valley is the country's agricultural heartland and a centre of traditional crafts. Towns such as Margilan are renowned for silk production, while local markets showcase regional foods and everyday life. The valley provides insight into rural Uzbekistan and offers a slower-paced alternative to the major tourist cities.
Khiva
Khiva feels like an open-air museum, enclosed within the mud-brick walls of its inner city, Itchan Kala. Inside, visitors find minarets, palaces and courtyards that appear almost unchanged for centuries. The city is especially striking in the early morning or evening, when tour groups thin out and the architecture takes on a timeless quality.
Nurata Mountains
For travellers seeking nature and village life, the Nurata Mountains offer hiking, homestays and encounters with traditional rural communities. The region is dotted with small settlements, ancient petroglyphs and scenic landscapes, providing a quieter and more intimate experience of the country.
Tashkent
Uzbekistan's capital offers a contrast to the country's ancient cities, blending Soviet-era architecture with modern developments and leafy boulevards. Highlights include museums, bustling bazaars such as Chorsu, and an impressive metro system decorated with ornate station designs. Tashkent also serves as a cultural and culinary hub, with a growing café and restaurant scene.
Teshik-Tash Cave
One of Uzbekistan's most famous caves, Teshik-Tash is an important archaeological site where Neanderthal remains were discovered in the 1930s. Set high in the Boysun Mountains, the cave is reached by a scenic hike and offers both historical significance and impressive mountain views.
Ugam-Chatkal National Park
This vast protected area is one of the country's top hiking and outdoor destinations. Rolling alpine meadows, forests and snow-capped peaks make it ideal for trekking, horseback riding and camping during the warmer months. Trails range from gentle valley walks to more challenging mountain routes, with summer (June to September) offering the best conditions.
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