Top Things to do in Surxondaryo Province
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What to do and see in Surxondaryo Province, Surxondaryo Province: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Surxondaryo Province, Uzbekistan including Kampirtepa, Bobodehqon Bozori, Said Otalik Medresesi, Kara-Tepa, Sultan Saodat Complex, Fayoztepa, Uchkizil, Archeological Museum, Al Khakim At Termizi Mausoleum, Church of Aleksandr Nevskiy.
1. Kampirtepa
2. Bobodehqon Bozori
3. Said Otalik Medresesi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. Kara-Tepa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By fatimazahra - Copenhagen, Denmark
This is a very interesting site, where you can explore for hours, but make sure to wear good solid walking shoes, and comfortable clothing, as the terrain is only for the sure footed and you will get dusty and dirty. Well worth it though.
5. Sultan Saodat Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
6. Fayoztepa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
We visited Fayaz Tepa as part of an organised tour. A Fayaz Tepa visit does not require the same permits as a Karaz Tepa visit, as it is not in the border patrol base. On entering the complex, to the right there is an example of how the buildings in the complex may have appeared. The complex is divided into three main parts; accommodation & ancillary buildings, dining room with kitchen and a religious area. The first sight is the 10 meter high dome which was installed to protect the stupa within. The stupa is approximately 8 meters, and can only be viewed by climbing through the small window to access the interior. Another 3 meter stupa is within this larger stupa. There were specks of gold paint on the stupa, and an area where incense was burnt. Stupas are built to store religious items which are important to the monks. They are never destroyed, but larger stupas built around them. This stupa is estimated to date from the 1st century. We then walked to the rooms of the main complex. The site had been partially restored by plastering mud on the walls to protect them. We found the layout of the column bases and their design intriguing. The influence of the Greeks was clearly seen, and a testament to the spread of European culture in this area after the 329 BC invasion of Alexander the Great. The sculpted archways between sections and side niches carved into the walls were the best features. We were shown the area where the famous buddha sculpture was found. This sculpture showed the buddha with monks on either side. The columns beside the buddha were corinthian styled, and had acanthus leaves. We saw a copy of this sculpture in the Buddhist Temple in Tashkent. An interesting fact, is that it was the Greeks who taught Buddhists how to make the first statues of Buddha. This site functioned between 1st-3rd century, when the Kushan Empire was at it's strongest. The Sassanids invaded this area in the 3rd century, and the site was no longer used. The monks are thought to have moved to China, which was more accepting of their religion. We had visited other important Central Asian buddhist sites at Merv, Turkmenistan and Ajina Tepa & Takhti Sangin in Tajikistan. Fayaz Tepa is a fairly recently discovered site, as it was excavated in 1963. We found the nearby Karaz Tepa site just as interesting, and the Chingiz Tepa site is a short distance further south. The nearby Al Khakim At Termizi complex, includes the Museum of History of Termez and heritage of Termizids, which has pottery and other interesting items related to finds in this area. The site of the "old city" next to the Al Khakim At Termizi complex, is said to be the city of Demetrius, captured by Alexander the Great, but access is not permitted. The Archaeological Museum in Termez, is also a must visit to view finds at these sites. If you are interested in the spread of Buddhism in Central Asia, this site is a must visit.
7. Uchkizil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
8. Archeological Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
This museum is a short walk from the Train Station. This was the last attraction that we visited on our day tip to Termez, and it was a great experience. The two story building has the main exhibits on the 2nd floor, but also an interesting section on the 1st floor. The exhibits on the first floor were from many eras but focused on some of the more important archaeological discoveries in the region. Of particular interest here is the bath tub exhibit and the pottery. There was a special exhibit dedicated to Japanese archaeologist, Kyudzo Kato, who died in 2016. He is known for his work at the Fayaz tepa and Kara tepa sites. In this area, was a copy of the famous Buddha sculpture with monks on either side, and corinthian columns. This sculpture was found at Fayaz tepa. A model of the Fayaz Tepa site was also in this section. The upstairs exhibits were divided into nine halls. These halls traced the history of the region through the stone age to the 20th century. The exhibits were well organised, and most had English translations. We were impressed with the Macedonian era exhibits, which included a bust of Alexander the Great. The Kushan and Sassanid periods were also well covered. We thought the displays of Greek influenced sculptures and other items was well presented. A few exhibits were related to Indian culture, and the importance of Termez on the Silk Road, including a map showing the caravan routes. A great exhibit here were ancient clay urns for holding mercury, which indicated how far advanced medicine was in this area. There is a special section dedicated to Amir Timur, who re-developed the city after it had been destroyed by the Mongols in 1220. We found the 16th-20th century exhibits, of Russian samovars, urns and lamps to be very good. After viewing the upstairs exhibits, we returned downstairs and were allowed to view the special exhibit room, which has to be requested. This was the best area of the museum, as there were ancient coins and beautiful jewelry on display. A few old bank notes, daggers and bayonets were also good displays. We were glad to have visited the museum, as it gave us a better appreciation for the Fayaz Tepa, Kara Tepa and "old city" sites which we had visited during the day. An additional camera fee is required on entry but it is worth it. We thought this was an excellent museum. After visiting the museum, walk to the Central Park directly opposite, where the monument to Alpamysh and the Weeping Mother can be viewed.
9. Al Khakim At Termizi Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
This complex is located 12 km north west of the town center. We visited this site as part of a tour, but locals take a bus or taxi from town. There are shops which sell f&b and souvenirs to the left of the entrance. Once you have walked through the gates, the beautifully manicured garden will take your breath away. If you are a garden enthusiast this will be a great visit, as there are many exotic flowers and plants that make up the complex. We had just viewed the nearby Fayaz Tepa site which was hot and arid, so this was a welcome change. The Khanaka, which was built between 1405-1409, provided accommodation for visitors, and is the first structure seen to the left of the path. The building had a blue tile decorated iwan, and on either side are two arched windows, which also have decorations above them. The guldastas at either end, have lantern designs near to the top and blue caps. A camel sculpture is outside the building and many persons were taking photos here. We continued along the path to the al-Hakim at-Tirmiz mausoleum which had many brick graves to the right. These graves are for periods 12th-19th century. Imam al-Hakim lived in the 10th century, and was buried at this site. A brick mausoleum was built and decorated in the 11th century. The structure may not have survived the Mongol invasion in 1220, as it was rebuilt in 1390 by Amir Timur. His grandson Khalil Sultan did extensive redecorating to the tomb. The golden decorations of the inner tomb and dome area, reminded us of the Gur-e-Amir tomb in Samarkand, which was also decorated in the Timurid era. There were many bank note donations at the base of the coffin. We thought that the best area of the tomb was the mihrab, which was a mix of brick and varying shades of brown decorations. After viewing the mausoleum, we walked on the path to the rear of the building admiring the many species of plants and trees. In this area there are underground cells (chillahon) which persons would use for deep meditation. The final building is the Museum of History of Termez and Heritage of Termezids. The complex was built on a site which was occupied by the Kushan Empire between the 1st - 3rd century. Many of the items on display were found during the renovation of the buildings. These items included coins, pottery, decorated column sections, oil lamps and a few ancient weapon from later periods. It is a small museum, but provides a better understanding of the nearby Buddhist sites. The most important section of the complex was at the rear which offered a view of the old and restored walls of "Old Termez". This was the site that Genghis Khan decimated in 1220 on his way to Urgench. It is also thought to be the site of Demetris, which Alexander named the city after conquering it in 329 BC. The area is now known as "no mans land", and is surrounded by barbed wire and inaccessible. A map and storyboard show the city as it might have been. Photos of the old city wall can be taken through the fence.
