Jizzakh

Jizzakh is the most important transport hub of Uzbekistan and the administrative center of the Jizzakh region. Jizzakh arose around the 3rd century on the site of an oasis at the crossroads of the caravan roads of the Great Silk Road leading from Tashkent to Samarkand. With the development of trade in the region, the city acquired strategic importance and was surrounded by walls, and then the name Jizzakh appeared, which means “Small Fortress” in Sogdian. But, despite all attempts to strengthen the city and make it a trading citadel, in the 8th century the city was conquered by the Arabs and forcibly annexed to the Arab Caliphate. The next significant shock occurred in the 13th century, when the city was completely destroyed by the Mongol troops of Genghis Khan. During the Mongol offensive, almost the entire population was exterminated and Jizzakh disappeared. This continued until Amir Timur came to power, who, recognizing the importance of the city’s location, revived and rebuilt it.
Modern Jizzakh has not lost its transport purpose. A railway passes through it, connecting the east and west of Uzbekistan with the center of the country. As before, a highway passes through Jizzakh, connecting the cultural capital of Samarkand with Tashkent, the modern capital. Travelers from here can start a tour of Uzbekistan or take a break before a long journey to the north. The tourist infrastructure is very developed; the city has parks, museums, the “old town” with its attractions and other places for leisure.
Tourists often come here, primarily due to the favorable geographical location of the city. Jizzakh is located in a very picturesque area. Here the Malguzar mountain range ends and Nuratau begins. The two ridges are separated by the remarkable “Gate of Tamerlane” gorge, which arose on the Sanzar River, the largest river in the region. And in the north, the Jizzakh region borders the Hungry Steppe, known for its inhospitability, as is clear from its name. Thus, the landscape of Jizzakh is very diverse: overflowing rivers, high mountains, steep cliffs, lush vegetation and many opportunities for ecotourism in Uzbekistan.

The Zaamin tourist area deserves special mention, which can be called, without exaggeration, a paradise of Uzbekistan. The nature of Zaamin has not been touched by civilization and has retained its original appearance. Here, on a vast territory, various coniferous and juniper trees grow, and birds and animals live in abundance. Due to the abundance of vegetation, the Zaamin Mountains were dubbed “Uzbek Switzerland”. In Zaamin you can meet representatives of fauna that are unusual for Central Asia, as well as animals listed in the Red Book. Among them are black storks, wolves, Tien Shan bears, hares, eagles, porcupines and many others. There is ample evidence that several snow leopards live in the area. For tourists in Jizzakh there is the Zaamin National Park, where you can spend time away from the smog of the city and be in a real coniferous forest in the middle of the mountains. The air of Zaamin is so pure that it has healing properties. Tours around Zaamin offer travelers exciting excursions, outdoor recreation, and the opportunity to see the primeval beauty of nature. Finding yourself in Zaamin, captivated by the local flora, you can cast aside all worries and enjoy every minute of unity with this amazing fertile land. The tourist area is recommended for visiting in autumn and spring, during the flowering period of plants, when the entire park is painted in different colors and you can fully feel the whole palette of aromas.
Fifty kilometers from Jizzakh, near Kyzylkum itself, Lake Tuzkan stretches – a real oasis in the desert. Tuzkan has a natural origin; it arose as an echo of the once existing huge Aral-Caspian basin. There is little left of the ancient sea in Tuzkana, only a slightly salty taste. The lake does not have a permanent outline; its coastal areas are overgrown with local flora. The lake and surrounding lands are an ideal place for a relaxing holiday in nature. Far from populated areas, in the plain, the calm surface of the lake reflects the starry sky at night of amazing beauty, after which you can watch the sun rise over the water, heralding the beginning of a new day in a picturesque place, far from the bustle of the city. Lake Tuzkan is also perfect for those who love fishing, as the lake is suitable not only for swimming, but also for fishing. Those who, traveling around Uzbekistan, have purchased a tour to Tuzkan will definitely enjoy the yurt camp, and the opportunity to go on small expeditions in the surrounding area to look at the lake from above.
The nature of the Jizzakh region is very diverse and amazing. Along the Sanzar River there are remains of ancient human settlements, and in the mountains there are many natural interesting stone structures. Driving through the Jizzakh region, it is worth visiting the village of Bakhmal, which is famous for its fruits, colorful life and artisans. It will be difficult for an independent traveler not to miss the most interesting things, but AZIMTRAVEL is happy to help everyone who wants to visit Uzbekistan. Experienced tour operators are ready to offer both personal solutions and tours to Uzbekistan for groups. When traveling to Uzbekistan with AZIMTRAVEL, it is possible to visit even those places that are not marked on the map.