In accordance with the Presidential Resolution of November 28, 2023, a tourism and recreational zone and an international year-round resort are being built at the site of the Maydanak Observatory in Qamashi district of Kashkadarya region.

Many dream of observing the mysteries of the universe through a telescope. This observatory, which holds great significance for science, had operated for many years out of public view. Now, its doors are open to everyone.

“Soon, tourists will be able to observe the stars, but for now, two large telescopes – one for scientific research and one for the museum – are undergoing full reconstruction”, says Alisher Ruzikulov, chief specialist of the high-altitude tourism center Maydanak. “The observatory ranks third in the world in terms of astroclimate. It is important not only for tourism but also for advancing scientific potential”.

The tourism sector in Kashkadarya region is rapidly developing. The region is home to the “Miraki” tourism center, along with tourism projects in the villages of Kaynar and Bashir in Kitab district, and the creation of a new tourist and recreational zone is underway.

“Construction will take place in stages over the next three years”, says project manager Sevdor Nabijonov. “By the end of the year, 20 wooden chalet-style houses and a restaurant will be built, and the telescopes will be renovated. A special helipad is also being constructed to offer guided tours for tourists”.

Kamashi district holds excellent potential for eco-tourism, gastronomic tourism, and pilgrimage tourism. In 2024, the region welcomed 1,500 foreign and 24,000 domestic tourists. Thanks to the new project, the number of foreign tourists is expected to reach 10,000, and domestic visitors up to 54,000.

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Ulmas Barotov, photos by Jamshid Norqobilov, UzA