DAY 1

May 1st Dam

The journey begins with the May 1st Dam, an emblem of the region’s complex relationship with water. Far more than an infrastructural site, it reflects centuries of ingenuity in water management across Central Asia. The dam embodies the heritage of irrigation systems that sustained agriculture in this semi-arid land, while also representing the community’s ongoing reliance on shared water resources. Here, the theme of water emerges not only as a practical necessity but also as a symbol of collective resilience.

Jartepa II Sogdian Temple

Moving into the historical heart of the region, the Jartepa II Sogdian Temple connects travellers to the spiritual heritage of the Sogdian civilisation. This archaeological site reveals traces of ancient rituals and cosmologies that flourished along the Silk Road. By visiting, one engages with the enduring cultural memory of a community that mediated exchanges between East and West. The temple stands as a reminder of how religion, trade, and society intertwined to shape regional identity.

Kuldortepa Archaeological Site

The itinerary continues to Kuldortepa, a settlement that offers insight into ancient urban life. Its stratified ruins uncover the heritage of settlement patterns, while also highlighting how communities adapted to the challenges of their natural environment. Excavations reveal a dialogue between human needs and ecological conditions, underscoring the interconnected themes of community organisation and environmental adaptation.

Chor Chinor Garden

Chor Chinor Garden introduces a more contemplative dimension. Renowned for its centuries-old plane trees, the garden embodies the fusion of natural heritage and communal space. Historically a site of gathering, shade, and storytelling, it illustrates how water and greenery created focal points of social life. Today, it remains a living monument to the symbiosis between environment and community practices, offering visitors both cultural depth and natural beauty.