Surxondaryo Province: Ancient Sites and Nature

Surxondaryo Province brings together archaeological remains, striking landscapes and regional traditions. It is the southernmost region of Uzbekistan; the Amu Darya forms its southern border. A tourist map brings together historical monuments, museums, pilgrimage sites, national cultural centres and natural landmarks in a three-point route through the region. Termez International Airport is considered the region’s gateway by air.

Archaeology and History in Surxondaryo

Termez is home to the Buddhist temple complex of Fayaztepa, which dates back to the 1st century BC. It once comprised a temple, a monastery and a courtyard with utility rooms. A replica of the Fayaztepa Triad can be seen at the Termez Archaeological Museum. The site thus connects a specific place with insights into the region’s Buddhist history.

Dalverzintepa also preserves the ruins of a Buddhist temple: founded at the beginning of the 1st century AD, it is considered the oldest Buddhist structure in Uzbekistan. The ancient settlement is in Shurchi District, 60 kilometres from Termez. Those interested in archaeological sites will find a different historical layer here than at Fayaztepa.

The Sultan-Saodat complex took shape over five centuries, from the 12th to the 17th century, at the burial sites of the Sayyids of Termez. Its architectural foundation consists of two mausoleums connected by an iwan, which served as a memorial mosque. The long period over which it was built and the connection between the two mausoleums give the complex its own architectural history.

The Surkhandarya Regional Museum of Local Lore in Termez displays more than 60,000 exhibits on the region’s history and heritage. Its library was established in 1934 and holds 14,000 works, including historical works by scholars from Termez and literature on ethnography, fine arts, folk art and nature. The museum collections thus complement the archaeological sites with regional themes.

Near Derbent lies the 3rd–4th-century BC fortress of Uzundara. The stone structure had double defensive walls with 13 towers; sections of the outer walls were up to one kilometre long. It stood in the foothills of Baysun at an altitude of more than 1,700 metres. Teshik-Tosh is now considered one of Uzbekistan’s unique archaeological protected areas. Teshik-Tosh Cave is associated with the southern slopes of Boysun.

Nature Reserve, Canyon and Cave

The Surkhan State Nature Reserve was established in 1986 by merging the Kugitang and Aral-Paigambar protected areas. Its wildlife includes more than 130 bird species, more than 25 mammal species and 27 reptile species. These figures give an idea of the diversity that characterises the reserve.

Kyzyl Canyon is 30 kilometres long; its highest point is Mount Buritakht, at 1,218 metres. Within the canyon, natural labyrinths extend for several dozen kilometres. Another striking natural formation is Boybuloq Cave in the Cho‘lbayir Mountains. Its depth is reported to be about 1,415 metres; it is described as the deepest cave in Asia.

Mountain Passes, Traditions and Regional Cuisine

The Iron Gate mountain pass is in Baysun District, in the area of the village of Derbent. In the Middle Ages, numerous trade caravans and troops used the pass; it provided a short route between Central Asia, Bactria and India. Its history makes it another point of reference for anyone interested in the region’s historic routes.

The international folklore festival “Boysun Bahori” is held annually in Boysun District. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant edition. Termez has many cafés and restaurants where visitors can sample traditional dishes from Surxondaryo.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Termiz, Jizzax Province, Qashqadaryo Province, Tashkent, Khorezm, Ferghana Province, Republic Of Karakalpakstan, Navoiy Province.

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