Located in Zarafshan Valley, Jizzakh is home to very unique flora and fauna. The administrative center of the Jizzakh Region is Jizzakh city. Visitors can enjoy exploring Soviet architecture and traditional Uzbek structures in the Jizzakh city.
One of the most visited places in the Jizzakh region is Zaamin. It is known as the “Switzerland of Uzbekistan”. Zaamin National Park is located in the Turkestan ranges, it is home to more than 400 types of mammals, 150 species of birds, 30 types of medicinal herbs, and endangered species like snow lion, Asiatic black bear, and Turkestan lynx.
One of the most unique places in Jizaakh is “Temir Darvoza” (The Iron Gate). It is located between the Bakhmal and Gallaral districts. At the foot of the Turkestan ridge, there are separate peaks, which are its continuation. Here, on the western side of the peaks, there is a foothill called Morguzar. It is separated from the Nurata Mountains by the valley of the Sangzor River, where there are many gorges. The narrowest of the gorges is the 120-130 m wide gorge, popularly called The Amir Tamer Gate, The Iron Gate.
According to legend, while walking along the terrain of the ruler of the Timurid empire Jahangir, Timur’s great-grandson, showed his army a mountain pass, after which this gorge was called by the name of Amir Temur. There is an ancient cave in the gorge. Stone images engraved on the eastern side of the monument at a height of two and a half meters indicate that people inhabited this area as early as the Bronze Age. It is known for certain that the iron gates of Amir Timur are the strategic location of a system of fortifications and fortresses located on the Great Silk Road. The place is even mentioned in the work of Babur – “Baburname”. There are ancient inscriptions made at different times, one in Persian, made by order of Mirzo Ulugbek, and the second belongs to the ruler Abdulalakhan and was made after the victory over Dashti Kipchak.
Jizzakh holds numerous hidden treasures that are sure to captivate nature enthusiasts. Among these, the renowned Peshagor Cave stands out as a remarkable attraction. As one of Central Asia's largest caves, it holds historical significance as an abode for Bronze Age inhabitants. The name "Peshagor," meaning "cave entrance," befits its location in the breathtaking landscapes of the Jizzakh Region, with the Khujay Serob Ota Shrine nearby.
Another gem within the Jizzakh region is Aydarkul, a tranquil oasis also known as Aydar Lake. The lake's shores are sparsely populated, hosting around two thousand residents, preserving its pristine and untouched environs. Aydarkul's natural splendor spans from the Nurata region in Navoi to the Farish and Mirzachul regions of Jizzakh. The lake's calm waters devoid of underwater currents and low mineral content foster a thriving ecosystem, teeming with diverse fish species.
The lake's surface dances with the graceful flight of pink pelicans, elegant swans, and ethereal egrets, creating a picturesque tableau. Endangered avian species, such as the curly pelican, cormorant, red-breasted goose, white-eyed duck, steppe harrier, white-tailed eagle, and black vulture, find sanctuary along Aydarkul's shores.
Beyond its rich biodiversity, Aydarkul boasts itself as a premier recreational destination. Its kilometers-long beaches, adorned with soft, pristine sand, offer a haven for relaxation. The coastal thickets exude an air of untouched purity, and the serenity of the lakeside invites tranquility. Aydarkul also caters to adventurers and local culture enthusiasts through immersive ethnographic excursions to traditional yurt camps along its banks.
In conclusion, it is important to highlight that there are many more beautiful places in Jizzakh and it is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts. From exploring the city of Jizzakh to staying in yurts near Aydar Lake, it offers visitors an exceptionally unique travel experience.