As spring unfolds in Uzbekistan, there’s a noticeable surge in interest towards domestic tourism. People are eager to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and seek out new experiences. Kursiv Uzbekistan has curated a list of lesser-known yet equally captivating travel destinations that are worth a visit this season.
Sentob Village
Nestled in the Navoi region, the picturesque village of Sentob is located in the Sentobsay gorge on the slopes of the Nuratau Mountains. This enchanting destination is one of the most sought-after spots for ecotourism in Uzbekistan, thanks to its remarkable natural beauty and authenticity.
Surrounded by lush green valleys, towering rock formations, and crystal-clear mountain rivers, Sentob boasts an incredible atmosphere enriched by local walnut groves, pomegranate trees, and diverse flora and fauna. Two years ago, it was recognized as the best tourist village in the country.
Visitors can enjoy hiking along scenic mountain trails, exploring ancient petroglyphs, birdwatching for rare species, and relaxing in charming guesthouses. The area also features ancient ruins, caves, small waterfalls, and springs with pristine water.
Reaching Sentob from Tashkent can be accomplished in various ways, but the most convenient option is by car. The journey takes approximately five to six hours, following the M39 highway towards Samarkand. While the road is generally good, the last few kilometers are unpaved, so it's advisable to use an SUV or a vehicle with high clearance. Alternatively, you can take a train to Navoi and then continue by taxi, which will take around six to seven hours.
Lake Tuzkan
Lake Tuzkan is a saline body of water located in the Jizzakh region, south of the Aral Sea. Part of the Aydar-Arnasay lake system, it covers an area of approximately 230–300 square kilometers, depending on the season and water levels.
This remote lake is a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts a variety of avian species, including flamingos and pelicans. The shores are predominantly barren, lacking developed infrastructure, which adds to its appeal for nature enthusiasts.
To reach Lake Tuzkan from Tashkent, you can drive approximately 250–270 kilometers, which takes about four to five hours. Public transportation does not operate in this area, making it challenging to access without a car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can take a taxi to the nearest settlement (such as the villages near Aydarkul) and then seek out private transport.
The Ayaz-Kala Fortress
The Ayaz-Kala Fortress is a historical stronghold located in the Kyzylkum Desert, near the city of Muynak in Karakalpakstan. This archaeological complex dates back to the late antiquity and medieval periods, having been constructed in the 4th to 3rd centuries BC. It served as a crucial defensive structure along the Silk Road, protecting the trade routes traversing the desert.
Ayaz-Kala comprises several fortifications, including well-preserved walls, towers, and gates, all strategically positioned on a high hill that offers excellent visibility of the surrounding areas.
Although reaching Ayaz-Kala can be challenging, it is certainly possible. The fortress is located 200 kilometers from the Aral Sea. You can travel from Urgench, which is about 80 kilometers away. Intercity buses run from Urgench to Buston, and from Buston, you’ll need to cover an additional 20 kilometers to reach the fortress.
Gissar Reserve
The Gissar Reserve, situated in the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan on the western slopes of the Gissar Mountains, spans elevations from 1,750 to 4,349 meters. It borders the Surkhandarya region and Tajikistan. Established in 1983 through the merger of the Kyzylsuy and Mirakin reserves, Gissar has become the largest reserve in Uzbekistan, covering an area of 80,986 hectares.
The reserve consists of four sections, each with its unique features. The Tashkurgan section is notable for its colorful gypsum-bearing rocks and tectonic fault along the Kyzildarya River. The Mirakin section is characterized by its rugged terrain, difficult-to-navigate valleys, and rockfalls. The Gilan and Tanhiz sections are the highest, featuring alpine meadows, large rockfalls, and the largest glacier in Uzbekistan, the Severzova Glacier.
One way to reach the Gissar Reserve from Tashkent is to take a bus or train to Samarkand or Bukhara, then transfer to transportation heading towards the reserve. Another option is to rent a car or take a taxi along the M39 highway through Kashkadarya, with a travel time of about four to five hours.
The Sangardak Waterfall
The Sangardak Waterfall is situated in the Sariasiy district, approximately 30 kilometers from Denau and 205 kilometers from Termez. This area is renowned for its subtropical climate and stunning natural landscapes. The hills and elevations are lush with greenery, and the region is crisscrossed by mountain rivers, including the Surkhandarya, Tupalandarya, and Obizarang.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted to encounter various species, including gazelles, wolves, foxes, snow leopards, and even brown bears. The diverse plant life features junipers, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, apple trees, barberry, and wild rose bushes.
To reach the Sangardak Waterfall from Tashkent, you can drive, which will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions. The route traverses mountainous regions, and part of the journey may involve unpaved roads, so a reliable vehicle is recommended.
Barsakelmes Salt Lake
“Barsakelmes,” which translates from Turkic as “you’ll go and never return,” is the name of a salt lake and area located on the Ustyurt Plateau in Uzbekistan. It was once an island in the Aral Sea but became a peninsula after the water receded.
Barsakelmes is characterized by a desert landscape with unique geological formations that resemble extraterrestrial shapes, formed millions of years ago. The Barsakelmes depression is a vast salt flat covering nearly 2,000 square kilometers, featuring salt deposits left by the ancient Tethys Sea.
The approximate straight-line distance from Tashkent to Barsakelmes is about 900 to 1,000 kilometers, depending on the route taken. You can reach this intriguing site by renting a car.
Paltau Waterfall
The Paltau Waterfall is an extraordinary natural phenomenon standing at 38 meters high, located within the Ugam-Chatkal National Park. Its source is the Chatkal River, which originates in the Koksu Mountains, bordering Kyrgyzstan.
Paltau, meaning “iron mountain” in Turkic, is surrounded by slopes rich in iron ore, giving the area a unique atmosphere. The site has yielded medieval artifacts, including a smelting furnace, as well as remains of ancient humans, with bones and teeth discovered in the Obi-Rahmat cave, where archaeologists found evidence of Paleolithic human habitation.
The region is home to rare plant species such as yellow wild rose, hawthorn, sea buckthorn, and juniper, while just beyond the pass lies a birch grove.
To reach the Paltau Waterfall, you should drive from Tashkent towards the Sayram district, then continue to the Chatkal Mountains where the waterfall is located. It’s best to use personal transport or hire a taxi, as the mountain roads can be challenging.
Uzbekistan is a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, and spring is the perfect time to explore its hidden gems. From the serene beauty of Sentob to the historical significance of Ayaz-Kala, each destination offers a unique experience that captures the essence of this remarkable country. Whether you’re hiking through lush valleys, birdwatching by tranquil lakes, or discovering ancient fortresses, Uzbekistan promises unforgettable adventures this spring.
