Termez

Termez sits on the Amu Darya at the southern edge of the country and its layers run deeper than almost anywhere else in Central Asia: Buddhist monasteries at Kara-Tepa and Fayaz-Tepa from the Kushan period, the ninth-century palace of the Termez rulers, the mausoleum of al-Hakim at-Termizi and the Sultan Saodat family necropolis. An archaeological museum in the modern city holds much of what has been excavated.

What you actually see

• Fayaz-Tepa - the Buddhist monastery ruins with stupa from the Kushan period.
• Al-Hakim at-Termizi - the mausoleum and shrine of the Sufi teacher.
• Sultan Saodat - the necropolis of the ruling family over several centuries.
• The archaeological museum - the excavated material from across the region.

When to go

March to April and October to November are the workable months. Summer here is among the hottest in the country. Border zone rules apply in places.

Honest expectations

Termez is close to a sensitive border and some sites require permits or are off limits. Summer heat regularly exceeds forty five degrees. Sites are spread out and a driver is needed.

Nearby

Kampir-Tepe is west, and Boysun is north.