Uzbekistan Launches Cross-Border Tourist Circuit Featuring 15 UNESCO Sites
Uzbekistan’s Committee for Tourism has introduced a new circular tourist route connecting Turkmenistan, Khorezm, Karakalpakstan and Kazakhstan. A detailed guide to the journey has been published on the official Uzbekistan Travel website.
The route passes through three countries and brings together dozens of historical landmarks, cultural treasures and natural attractions. It also offers travellers the chance to experience traditional crafts and national cuisine. In total, 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are included on the itinerary.
Highlights of the Route
In Turkmenistan, visitors can explore the ancient city of Merv, where fortifications, palaces and mausoleums dating back more than two millennia remain. The Turkmen section also features the famous Darvaza gas crater, known as the «Door to Hell», and the medieval city of Kunya-Urgench with the mausoleum of Sultan Il-Arslan.
In Khorezm, the route introduces tourists to traditional jewellery-making and wood carving. Major stops include the Ichan-Kala inner city of Khiva and its surrounding defensive wall, the Dishan-Kala.
The Karakalpakstan segment passes through Muynak, a poignant symbol of the Aral Sea ecological disaster. Travellers can also visit the fortress of Kyzyl-Kala and archaeological sites such as Chilpyk-Kala, Toprak-Kala and Ayaz-Kala. In addition, the guide invites visitors to discover the nomadic traditions of the Karakalpak people through their cuisine, music and dance.
In Kazakhstan, highlights include the Torish valley scattered with giant spherical boulders, the striking rock formations of Bozzhyra, the underground Shakpak-Ata mausoleum and Mount Sherkala, famed for its unusual shape.
The route is designed for self-guided travel but also lays the foundation for the development of package tours across the three countries.
Kursiv also reports that the banks of the Naryn River and surrounding major canals in Namangan region are set to be transformed into a large-scale modern tourism zone.
