Southern Uzbekistan
The southern part of Uzbekistan shares borders with Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and is a land of culture and history as rich and diverse as its environment. The area has a checkered past under the empires of the Kusham and Greco-Bactrian Empires, and was ruled by Genghis Khan, who put his army's horses out to pasture here in the summer, while the Chagatai Mongols were responsible for some of the astounding architecture in the ancient city of Qarshi.
From the border-marking river of Amu Darya to the craggy peaks of the mountains of Hissar to the wonderful wildlife at Dengizkul lake, the region boasts both rich ecology and stunning scenery, which is responsible for much of the country's production of wheat, cotton and silk, not to mention the varieties of wine made in the vineyards at Denau. Travelers to the south of Uzbekistan are sure to be delighted by the area's beauty, charm and hospitality.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Dengizkul Lake
In the southwest of Uzbekistan, near the Turkmenistan border, lies lake Dengizkul. Surrounded by hot dry desert and banked with sand dunes, the lake is home to countless species of birds and other wildlife. Visitors flock to the lake to spot protected birds, such as the endangered Marbled Teal and white-headed ducks in their natural habitat.
Kok Gumbaz Mosque, Qarshi
The city of Qarshi is famous for many things, including woven flat carpets and teeming bazaars, but most of all, its historical buildings. The mosque known as Kok Gumbaz is part of a 16th century complex of buildings built in the style of Timur, commissioned by Abdullah Khan. It includes public baths and the mosque itself, both of which are still functioning.
Kyrk-Kyz
Just a short drive outside the city of Termez is the ruin of Kyrk-Kyz, which has been considered a palace country estate, a fortress and an abbey. The name means ‘forty girls’ and legend has it that the princess Guilam and 40 of her ladies-in-waiting resisted a siege here. The vast building and its walls are now crumbling but well worth a visit.
Regional Museum
To the north of Qarshi’s busy market square, the 500-year-old Khoja Abdul Aziz Madrassah, is the largest in town and now houses the regional museum of south Uzbekistan. The exhibits are a testament to Uzbekistan’s mixed history; in the right wing are countless photographs of Soviet labor accomplishments, while in the left wing are artifacts from the Bukharan emirate.
Sultan Saodat Ensemble
This religious complex was built and formed in the city of Termez between the 11th and 17th centuries and has enormous significance to Muslims today. It includes the graves of the Sayyid Dynasty, who are said to be direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed. Domed mausoleums are connected with vaulted galleries with colorful glazings to ancient mosques.
Uzbek Wine Tasting
In the southwest of the country, on the banks of the river Surkhandarya, lies the small, pretty town of Denau. Situated in a valley, the town enjoys a subtropical climate which makes it ideal for producing local wine varieties including ‘Novbakhor’, ‘Morastel’ and ‘Uzbekistan’, which are acclaimed for their full-bodied bouquets.
Uzbekistan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Remote Lands’ Dozen Dream Destinations 2019
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Remote Lands is proud to present the Dozen Dream Destinations 2019, from tented camps in the jungle and secluded seaside villas to diving with hammerheads and exclusive private jet journeys.
Design an Asia Foodie Adventure with Remote Lands
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Kaiseki in Kyoto, samsa in Samarkand, or bibimbap in Busan — Asia is a foodie feast for every kind of traveler.
One Day in Osh: Exploring Kyrgyzstan’s Second City
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It’s not the most popular city in Central Asia, but for those with one day in Osh, there is plenty to see for those who like history, mountains, and uniquely photogenic markets.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A Couple from California
Our guide in Uzbekistan seemed to know everyone wherever we went which made us feel like locals.
A couple from California
It was everything we expected and then some. Remote Lands was great and I would definitely use your agency again for another trip
Friends from Washington DC and New York
The guides they selected were very good and, in three cases (Seoul, Hoi An/Hue, and Angkor Wat) simply outstanding.
