Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva — these are must-see destinations. But if you want to see Uzbekistan through the eyes of an explorer, leave a couple of days for its ghost cities.
There are no souvenir shops or tourist crowds here. Instead, you’ll find authentic history you can literally touch with your own hands.
We’ve selected 7 ancient settlements open to visitors — each with its own legend, character, and atmosphere.
How does it work?
You can include one or two sites in a classic tour or order a separate “expedition” day. All locations are in different regions, but we will plan an optimal route without unnecessary transfers.
1. Erkurgan (Kashkadarya Region)
Era: 6th–4th centuries BC, Sogd.
What it’s famous for: one of the largest fortresses of ancient Sogd, well‑developed irrigation system.
What it is today: hills with remnants of walls and palaces; archaeologists are still working there.
How to combine: on the way from Samarkand to Bukhara, make a stop in Karshi.
Our advice: take a camera with a wide‑angle lens — the sunrises here are otherworldly.
2. Afrasiab (Samarkand)
Era: from the 7th century BC to the Mongol invasion.
What it’s famous for: This is what is known as “old Samarkand”, the place of the legendary frescoes and the courtyard of the Sogdian kings.
What it is today: an open‑air museum right within the city limits, with a symbolic entrance fee.
How to combine: set aside 2 hours during your sightseeing of Samarkand.
Our advice: be sure to visit the Afrasiab Museum — it houses unique wall paintings.
3. Paikend (Bukhara Region)
Era: early Middle Ages.
What it’s famous for: the “city of a thousand merchants”, a rich trading hub on the Silk Road.
What it is today: ruins with a clearly legible layout, located 40 km from Bukhara.
How to combine: half a day to leave Bukhara (by taxi or our transfer).
Our advice: combine it with a visit to the caravanserais in the Kyzylkum Desert.
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4. Ahsikent (Namangan Region)
Era: from ancient times to the 17th century.
What it’s famous for: the capital of Fergana, its own coinage, metallurgy.
What it is today: a large‑scale excavation site with residential quarters and workshops.
How to combine: as part of a tour of the Fergana Valley (Andijan – Namangan – Fergana).
Our advice: it’s best to visit in spring or autumn — it’s very hot here in summer.
5. Mingurik (Tashkent)
Era: about 2,000 years ago.
What it’s famous for: the ancient core of modern Tashkent, a fortress and craft zones.
What it is today: an archaeological site in the city centre, near the metro.
How to combine: allow 1–1.5 hours on the first day of your stay in the capital.
Our advice: a great option for those who have little time — everything is close by.
6. Dalverzintepa (Surxondaryo Region)
Era: Kushan Kingdom (1st–3rd centuries AD).
What it’s famous for: a gold treasure (hundreds of jewelleries and coins), a religious center.
What it is today: a large settlement near Termez.
How to combine: with a tour of Termez and the nearby Kampyrtepa.
Our advice: book a guide‑archaeologist — it’s hard to make sense of the historical layers without one.
7. Kampyrtepa (Surkhandaryo Region)
Era: Hellenistic period (possibly the era of Alexander the Great).
What it’s famous for: a major river port on the Amu Darya, a strategic outpost.
What it is today: walls, streets, remnants of wharves, a stunning view of the river.
How to combine: in one day with Dalverzintepe (about 1.5 hours’ drive from Termez).
Our advice: take water and a hat with you — there’s almost no shade.
Why did these cities disappear (and why is it interesting)?
The most common reasons are changes in river courses, droughts, earthquakes, and, of course, invasions (especially the Mongol one). It was these disasters that preserved the cities, leaving us with intact layers from different eras. For archaeologists, this is gold; for tourists, it’s a chance to see a “slice” of time.
Advantages of such a journey:
Uniqueness — 99% of tourists pass by.
Photos — no crowds, just you and the ancient stones.
Emotions — you’ll feel like a researcher, not just a spectator.
Flexibility — we adapt the program to your pace.
We offer:
Individual tours in comfortable off‑road vehicles (for remote locations).
Accompaniment by professional historical guides (some of them participate in excavations themselves).
Hassle‑free logistics — all transfers, lunches at local teahouses, and overnight stays at the best hotels in the region.
Bottom line: Rediscover Uzbekistan
The blue domes are a grand facade, but behind them lies true depth — cities that remember the Sogdians, Kushans, Alexander and Genghis Khan. We invite you to not just look, but to experience the eternity that these cities have to offer. Contact us and we will create a custom route that will make your trip a memorable one.
Uzbekistan is waiting for you — even where it doesn’t appear on maps.
