In the natural locations of Uzbekistan, it is easy to realize that a person is just a grain of sand in this world. So local mountains, desert, waterfalls, rivers amaze with their size and grandeur, in no way inferior to the historical sights of the country. Let's talk about the picturesque places of the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan is both world-famous architectural monuments included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List, and ancient cities, and bright modernity, gastronomy and impressive nature. Therefore, everyone can find something for themselves in this country.
ATOR Bulletin begins a series of publications dedicated to the most picturesque landscapes of the country, which are created by high mountains, desert, crystal clear rivers and lakes. Today's review will be devoted to the Jizzakh region, one of the most beautiful regions of Uzbekistan.
Before we move away from civilization and stay alone with nature, we will once again remind readers of a new special project dedicated to the tourism opportunities of Uzbekistan. It was created specifically for tourists who want to see the most diverse and interesting images of the country. Right there, on the website of the special project, it is also possible to choose a tour operator from whom you can buy a tour to Uzbekistan.
JIZZAKH REGION
The Jizzakh region, located in the central part of Uzbekistan between the Syrdarya and Zerafshan rivers, is famous for its multifaceted nature, the uniqueness of which is given by the mountain necklace of the Turkestan Range, healing springs and unique historical sights.
The nature of the Jizzakh region captivates at first sight. Photo: provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
Among the places that you must see when you come here are the Nurata Reserve, Aydarkul Lake in the Kyzylkum Desert, on the shore of which you can watch pink pelicans and swans.
As well as the Zaamin National Natural Park, popularly called the “Uzbek Switzerland” for the beauty of the mountains and the healing air.
And you should definitely try the traditional Jizzakh samsa, see the giant thousand-year-old Savr tree, ancient rock paintings.
ZAAMINSKY NATIONAL PARK
Zaaminsky National Natural Park was created in 1928 on the mountain range of Turkestan for preservation of unique juniper forests and rich wildlife.
The National Park fascinates and captivates with mountain landscapes, rivers, clear air filled with the aromas of mountain flowers and herbs, a special atmosphere of tranquility, enchants tourists with every moment of their secluded life.
Impressive landscapes of the Zaamin National Park. Photo: provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
The reserve is equally famous for its impressive mountains, waterfalls and rich historical heritage. Therefore, both those who want to admire the beauty and inquisitive tourists will like it here.
Tourists explore the national park as part of hiking and horseback riding. While traveling, they get acquainted with an ancient walnut tree, the estimated age of which is 700 years.
Zaamin reservoir. Photo: courtesy of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
Hiking to high red stones of bizarre shape, located in a clearing in Kyzyl-Ataksai, is popular with tourists. You can often see travelers near the Sherbulok spring with icy spring water.
Let to the cave Pishagor. Photo: provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
And not far from the national park there is a shrine “Khujaiserob-ota”. There is a mosque, the mausoleum of the famous scientist Mavlono Muhammad Pishogoriy and a healing spring that fulfills wishes.
shrine “Khujayserob-ota”. Photo provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
In the village of Pishogor, not far from the Zaamin nature reserve, there is the Pishagar cave, where stone age objects were discovered, and rock paintings on the walls.
WHERE TO LIVE FOR TOURISTS, FOR VISIT TO THE ZAAMINSKY NATIONAL PARK
To feel the beauty of the local nature, the philosophy of a leisurely lifestyle in general, and at the same time improve your health, it is worth spending several days in the Jizzakh region. In the recreational zone there are boarding houses, sanatoriums, campsites, rest houses, and children's camps.
Health complex Zaamin. Photo: courtesy of the State Committee for Tourism Development of Uzbekistan
The most popular among tourists here is one of the best sanatoriums in Uzbekistan – the Zaamin health complex, located near the national park, at an altitude of 2 thousand meters, surrounded by fantastic mountain landscapes.
People who rested there say that there is only one the local mountain air is able to heal both the spirit and the body. In the sanatorium itself, they offer a variety of both light health and professional treatment programs.
NURATA RESERVE
Another miracle of nature in the Jizzakh region, worthy of the attention of impression seekers, is the Nurata Reserve, which was created in the 70s of the last century to preserve the population of a special subspecies of argali – the Severtsev sheep, listed in the International Red Book and the Red Book of Uzbekistan.
There are other representatives of the Red Book of Uzbekistan in the park – the gray monitor lizard, the pepper-striped wolftooth and the Central Asian cobra.
The nature of the reserve is idyllic: mountains, rivers, springs with the purest water, gorges, fruit trees, animals, birds, plants, including those listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan.
Nurata Reserve. Photo: provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
Particular attention of tourists traveling through the park is attracted by the colorful mountain villages of Ashraf, Hayat, Ukhum, Sentyabsay and others. Fazilman lake, Khonbandi dam (X-XI centuries). As well as ancient rock paintings on the Nurata Range, various archaeological sites and the thousand-year-old tree Savr – Eastern Biota. They say that Alexander the Great himself planted this tree.
The diameter of the giant tree is about 8 meters, and the circumference of its central trunk is 12 meters. 4-5 people can fit on the roots of the tree. The locals treat the tree with great respect and consider it sacred. Tourists whose wishes were fulfilled by the tree call it magical.
Millennial Savr tree in the Nurata Reserve. Photo: courtesy of the State Committee for Tourism Development of Uzbekistan
Travelers wishing to visit the Nurata Nature Reserve are offered hiking, horse riding tours, programs aimed at getting to know rural life and nature, excursions to mountain villages.
As part of the latter, you can see with your own eyes the real life of the inhabitants of in the mountains of the Nurata Range, get acquainted with the traditions, take part in preparing dinner, take a walk in the picturesque surroundings.
WHERE TO STAY FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE NURATA RESERVE
Guests of the Nurata Reserve are accommodated in colorful guest houses located in the villages adjacent to the reserve. As a rule, the houses are surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Moreover, guests have the opportunity to observe the life of local residents. See, for example, how brynza, cheese, traditional decorations “suzane”, “pate” are made.
It costs very little money to stay in such houses, but there will be a lot of impressions.
AIDARKUL LAKE
One of the mandatory points of the travel program in the Jizzakh region should be a meeting with Aydarkul Lake, located in the endless Kyzylkum desert. For the beautiful color of the water and impressive size, the photogenic lake is often called the “turquoise sea in the sands.”
Lake Aydarkul. Photo: provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
Tourists love this place for many kilometers of beaches, the opportunity to admire the pristine nature, watch birds (pink pelicans, swans, egrets and many others), for the opportunity to visit yurt camps on the banks of Aydarkul as part of ethnographic excursions.
WHERE LIVING ON AIDARKUL LAKE
Guests of Aydarkul Lake have a unique opportunity to spend the night in a yurt, surrounded by an endless desert. The evening will be held by the fire under the starry sky to the sounds of live folk music.
View of Aydarkul Lake, Uzbekistan. Photo: courtesy of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
In the morning, you can set off to explore the inspiring surroundings on camelback. Just like a traveler on the Great Silk Road. After the walk, you will need to swim in the cleanest lake.
TAMERLANE GATE
The list of the most beautiful locations in the Jizzakh region also includes the Temir Darvoz Gate, called the Amir Temur Gate.
The Temir Darvoz Gate is the narrowest gorge (width 120-130 m), located in the foothills of Morguzar, separated from the Nurata mountains by the Sangzor river valley.
Gate of Temir Darvoz. Photo: provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
It seems that the mountains parted on purpose to let the river and two roads (road and railway) run in parallel. In ancient times, this was the only way from Samarkand to the steppes of Kazakhstan.
There are ancient inscriptions on the rocks that form the gate. One inscription in Old Persian. She tells about the campaign of Mirzo Ulugbek. The second tells about the massacre of Abdullah Khan, the son of Iskander Khan. There was also a third inscription, which was made by Nicholas II at the end of the 19th century, but in Soviet times it was removed from the stone.
CUISINE OF JIZZAKH REGION
The Jizzakh region is not only beautiful, but also delicious. Gastronomic brands here are tandoor kabob, jiz and juicy, crispy, most delicious Jizzakh samsa in Central Asia. These dishes are prepared everywhere and are inexpensive. Come to any cafe and enjoy. And don't forget about tea with Jizzakh mountain honey.
The most delicious samsa in Central Asia is cooked in the Jizzakh region. Photo: provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
A distinctive feature of the Jizzakh samsa is its size and taste. One serving of Jizzakh samsa can replace a whole complex lunch. And the taste will be appreciated even by the most demanding connoisseurs of taste. The filling of samsa consists of large slices of meat, onion and slices of lamb fat tail.
Jizzakh samsa pleases the most demanding gourmets. Photo: provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan
Despite the fact that Jizzakh samsa is very satisfying, it is customary to eat it with bread that needs to be dipped in tomato sauce.
NATURAL ADVENTURES IN UZBEKISTAN WILL CONTINUE
At this delicious moment, we are finishing the first issue of the nature guide to Uzbekistan.
In the next issues of the ATOR Bulletin, we will go to explore the beauties of the Namangan region, Andijan region, Ferghana and Navoi regions. Prepare to be amazed.
Alexandra Polyanskaya