Exploring Beyond the Silk Road in Uzbekistan

While Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva dazzle with their stunning mosques, medressas, and mausoleums, there’s a treasure trove of authentic historical and natural experiences waiting beyond these UNESCO cities. Take the time to wander off the main path and uncover mountain homestays, desert forts, ancient ruins, and a culture rich in hospitality nestled in some of the country’s most intriguing, lesser-known areas.

Uzbekistan surprises with its vast array of landscapes and attractions. From the scorching plains of the Amu-Darya in the south to the rugged deserts of Karakalpakstan, and from the lush oasis towns of the Ferghana Valley to the picturesque alpine mountains just an hour from Tashkent, this diverse nation is eager to be discovered.

Expedition to Bactria

Surkhandarya province, located in the deep south of Uzbekistan, is often overlooked by travelers, yet it holds some of the country’s most fascinating history, once flourishing with Buddhist monasteries, powerful Kushan kingdoms, and Silk Road ports far from the nearest coastline.

A delightful overnight train ride (a unique experience on its own) or a quick flight will take you to Termiz. From there, you can embark on a day trip to the ancient 2000-year-old Buddhist stupa at Fayoz-Tepe and the nearby ruins of Kampyr Tepe, believed to be the crossing point for Alexander the Great and his army over the Oxus River (Amu-Darya) in 329 BC as they moved into Central Asia.

Dedicate an hour to exploring the remnants of city walls and mud-brick structures from the 4th century BC, and conclude your visit with a stop at Termiz's enlightening archaeological museum. This museum offers a fascinating look into a bygone Central Asian era influenced by classical Greek, Buddhist, and inner Asian cultures.

Community-Based Homestays in Nuratau

While the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are renowned for their stunning Islamic architecture, after a few days of admiring mosques, medressas, and minarets, you might crave a different adventure. Revitalize your travel experience by heading north from Samarkand into the secluded mountains of the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve.

Here, you can enjoy several wonderful days hiking between villages on scenic mountain trails, passing ancient petroglyphs and traditional water mills. Spend the night in a homestay, where you can unwind on a traditional tapchan (tea bed) and learn to bake non bread in a classic tandyr oven. This offers an authentic Central Asian cultural experience, perfect for balancing out the medressa overload.

Consider adding an overnight stay in a Kazakh-style yurt by the Aidarkul Reservoir to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Central Asian desert.

History & Handicrafts in the Fergana Valley

The Fergana Valley is widely regarded as the agricultural backbone and center for artisanal crafts in Uzbekistan, easily accessible via a comfortable daily train service from the capital, Tashkent. Your journey begins at the palace of Khudayar Khan in Kokand, the dominant power of the 19th-century khanate, which extended from present-day Tajikistan to Kazakhstan.

A few hours later, in Margilon, you can visit the Yodgorlik Silk Factory, where artisans continue the age-old tradition of boiling silk cocoons and spinning threads, just as their ancestors did two millennia ago. On Sundays, the vibrant Kumtepa Bazaar located just outside the city is arguably the best spot in the country to purchase Uzbekistan's renowned ikat-style silks, presented in a dazzling array of iridescent rainbow patterns.

History enthusiasts should make their way to Andijon, the birthplace of Babur, the intriguing great-great-grandson of Timur (Tamerlane). Exiled from Samarkand to Kabul in 1504, Babur later invaded India and founded the illustrious Mughal dynasty. The Babur Literary Museum in Andijon showcases excerpts from the Baburnama, Babur's remarkable work, regarded as one of the great historical autobiographies.

The Fergana Valley is also a prime destination for traditional Uzbek craftsmanship. In Chust, you can find a classic Central Asian knife, perfect for enjoying the region's delectable melons, or visit Rishton, where several family workshops produce some of the best ceramics in Central Asia.

Exploring Beyond the Silk Road Cities

Uzbekistan's rich Silk Road history extends beyond its cities; the ancient routes connecting them are dotted with historic forts, abandoned cities, and caravanserais. For instance, the modern highway linking Samarkand and Bukhara runs past the evocative 11th-century Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai in Karmana, designed as a stopover for camel caravans.

Travel southeast from Bukhara to Karshi, and you will pass through the ancient walls of Erkurgan, a settlement from the Hepthalite era that dates back 1600 years. Alternatively, head southwest towards Turkmenistan to uncover the nearly forgotten remnants of Paikend, once the most significant trading hub on this side of the Amu-Darya. There’s an exhilarating sense of discovery knowing you are among the few foreigners to have wandered these sites in the past millennium.

Karakalpakstan – the ‘Stan Within a ‘Stan’

This autonomous republic within Uzbekistan, resembling a Russian doll, is inhabited by the Karakalpak (Black Hat) ethnic group and offers an exceptional opportunity to venture off the usual path. Its highlight is the stunning collection of more than 50 ancient forts that adorn the terrain and sands north of Urgench.

For an unforgettable experience, visit several of these forts, ascend the striking Zoroastrian platform at Chilpak, and spend the night at a yurt camp situated atop the dramatic cliff fort of Ayaz Qala.

From here, make your way north to the regional capital Nukus to explore the renowned Savitsky Museum, which houses one of the world’s finest collections of avant-garde Soviet art.

Sufi Shrines – the Heart of Uzbekistan

To truly glimpse Uzbekistan's spirit, head to a popular Sufi shrine, especially on a feast day when families gather to prepare large pots of plov (pilaf rice).

Among the more significant sites is the Bakhauddin Naqshbandi shrine near Bukhara, known for its stunning architecture. Meanwhile, the Mausoleum of Al-Hakim al-Termezi near Termiz serves as a more intimate pilgrimage spot, where visitors pray, tie wish-granting pieces of cloth to sacred trees, and touch the tombs of the esteemed 9th-century saint.

Other intriguing shrines worth visiting include the tomb of the prophet Daniyar (the Daniel famous for the lion's den in the Old Testament) in Samarkand, Zangi-Ata in Tashkent, or the Mizdakhan cemetery located outside Nukus in the remote region of Karakalpakstan.

Mountain Getaways

If the summer heat in Tashkent becomes overwhelming, take a drive an hour northwest to Ugam-Chatkal National Park, where a variety of outdoor activities await you in the foothills of the Western Tien-Shan mountains.

Hiking trails ascend to the summit of Big Chimgan peak (3309m), providing stunning views over Charvak Reservoir, while adventurous souls can tackle the white water rapids of the Ugam and Pskem rivers. In winter, glide down the powdery slopes of Amirsoy, Uzbekistan's top ski resort, or indulge in an unforgettable Central Asian heli-skiing experience.

Whether you prefer snow or stone, city or caravanserai, Uzbekistan's diverse array of sights and landscapes caters to every type of traveler.