When discussing travel destinations in Uzbekistan, famous places like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, or the mountain regions often take center stage. However, the Syrdarya Region appears less frequently on tourist routes, although it combines traditional agricultural and industrial landscapes with unique attractions for tourists: from recreational bases by the river to ancient settlements and parachuting zones.
A correspondent from Podrobno.uz, together with representatives of the Tourism Committee, traveled to this region to assess its tourism potential. During the trip, they managed to speak with fishermen on the Syrdarya, learn the history of a settlement estimated to be 2,5 thousand years old, visit local shrines, and experience a flight over the region.
Relaxing on the Banks of the Syrdarya
The first stop on the route was the Ravon Arena recreation base, located on the banks of the Syrdarya, within the Mahalla civic assembly of Sholikor. This base is near a village of the same name and borders Kazakhstan. It began operating in May 2026 and offers various options for water recreation.
The base grounds feature cottages, a bathhouse, an outdoor pool, hot tubs, and areas for grilling. Guests staying overnight receive free charging for electric vehicles. Here, one can spend several hours relaxing with family or engaging in fishing. Fishing is free, but renting a hot tub costs 200 thousand soms. Fish species include carp and white catfish. Fishermen come here not only from nearby areas but also from Tashkent.
One fisherman, Shukhrat, reported starting his interest in fishing in 2026, and his largest catch was a carp weighing about one kilogram. Another visitor noted that the optimal time for fishing is summer, starting from late June, and the season usually ends by the end of October. During the visit, several fishermen were catching fish: two were cleaning carp, and one interviewee shared a memory of catching a fish weighing about 40 kilograms. They were shown gear, including equipment for the 'flat' fishing method.
The base plans expansion, with plans to build additional cottages. Although work has not yet begun, the development of the area could increase its appeal for those seeking an escape from urban environments.
Khvana Havast Kitchen: Traces of an Ancient City
Next, the route led the group to a historical site in the region—the Khvana Havast settlement, located in the Havastabad mahalla of the Khvast district. Local residents claim that the history of this place dates back approximately 2,5 thousand years.
Farrukh Ashirbaev, the mahalla chairman, stated that the settlement covers an area of about 10 hectares, and its central part is a hill approximately 20 meters high. According to local legends, the fortress was once surrounded by water, and Khvast was situated at the intersection of caravan routes.
Interest in the settlement is driven not only by its age but also by archaeological discoveries. Excavations were conducted in the 1980s and again in 2004–2005. According to the interviewee, researchers found artifacts at a depth of about 11 meters, but the work was suspended due to the appearance of saline water in the area.
Among the discovered items were pitchers, fragments of ovens, kitchen utensils, as well as evidence of baths, mills, and craft workshops. Figurines related to the images of Anahita and the Humo bird were found. Local residents say that the ancient city consisted of seven guzar—separate quarters where different types of crafts developed; for example, wooden combs were made in one of them. These findings provide insight into the life of the settlement many centuries ago.
Currently, local residents aim to transform Khvana Havast into an open-air museum to preserve heritage and provide tourist access. This is currently just an idea, but the monument itself is already attracting interest from those who wish to learn more about the region's past.
Shrines and Local Legends
The historical richness of the Syrdarya Region is not limited to archaeological monuments; the region also has mausoleums and burial sites of great significance for pilgrims and local residents. Farrukh Ashirbaev specified that there are about 12 such sites in the vicinity.
One direction of religious tourism is the Bobojobor mausoleum. Rudibek Abdunabiev, the imam-khateeb of the Zangiyota Jome mosque in the Mirzaabad district of the Syrdarya Region, noted that this place is connected to a legend about the Arab origin of the saint and the spread of Islam in the area.
Other revered sites mentioned include the mausoleums of Bibi Hadicha, Sherbobo, Yusuf Bobo, and Khodjamurod Bobo. Pilgrims visit these places with various requests, such as praying for children and family well-being. Visitors arrive not only from different parts of Uzbekistan but also from neighboring countries such as Tajikistan.
Some shrines are undergoing improvement. For instance, craftsmen from Samarkand worked on the site associated with Bibi Hadicha. The Sadu Said Jome mosque provides amenities for visitors, and funds for infrastructure improvement were allocated back in 2017, with work ongoing.
These places preserve not only religious significance but also local traditions passed down through generations. For travelers, this is an additional opportunity to learn about the region's history through traditions and the stories of local residents.
Extreme Tourism: A View of the Region from Above
The route, which began with quiet relaxation by the river and viewing centuries-old sights, transitioned to a completely different format of experiencing the region—visiting the Skydive facility, from where the Syrdarya Region can be viewed from a bird's-eye view.
The facility offers two types of jumps: tandem with an instructor or solo. The first option suits beginners, as the participant jumps under the guidance of an experienced specialist throughout the flight. Solo jumps require prior training and a three-hour briefing.
Ascent is made using an An-2 aircraft, known as a 'crop duster'. Jumps are performed from an altitude of about 1,200 meters using an 'Arbalet-1' parachute, whose wing area is 27 square meters. Thorough preparation is required before takeoff and landing, especially for those jumping alone. Participants are thoroughly briefed on the jump procedure, introduced to the equipment, onboard conduct rules, and actions at each stage. Special attention is paid to exiting the aircraft, parachute deployment, and landing technique. The facility also has simulators and a parachute pack mockup for skill practice.
Participants only board the plane after completing the training. For those not yet ready to jump, sightseeing flights are available: a 15-minute tour costs one million soms, and a 30-minute tour costs two million, with longer excursions available upon individual arrangement.
The correspondent also experienced this firsthand. Before the jump, the instructor Alexey used humor to relieve tension, stating: 'If the parachute doesn't open, you can bring it back, we will pack it up and fly another round.' After the briefing, the plane ascended to the required height. The most thrilling moments were the first seconds after exiting the cockpit, after which the parachute opened and the descent began. The instructor maintained radio contact, helping with orientation and preparing for landing.
Conclusion
The trip demonstrated that the Syrdarya Region is capable of offering diverse travel formats: from quiet relaxation by the water and exploring an ancient settlement with its archaeological heritage, to visiting shrines with local legends and experiencing extreme activities at the jumping facility.
Nevertheless, the region's potential has not been fully realized. Some historical sites require further study and improvement, and plans for developing tourism infrastructure still need to be implemented. Despite this, the region can already become an attractive destination for a short trip, especially for those who seek to combine nature, history exploration, and new experiences.
