Canyons and Caves Boysun is a land of deep rocky canyons and famous karst caves. The vertical walls of the 10-20 meters wide canyons cut out by the Machai-sai and Shurob-sai reach a height of several hundred meters. Usually the roads to the far mountain kishlaks run along the bottom of such canyons. The abundant spring rains quite often cause…

Iron gates The legendary Iron Gates were located in Boysun. They consisted of an artificial barrier in the mountain canyon, built to regulate the caravan trade and customs. They were well-known at the Great Silk Road. According to Chinese traveller Xuan Tzang, in the 7th century there were wooden gates coated with iron, with numerous bells. The customs station operated…

Select Omonkhona Omonkhona One of the most visited places in Boysun is the salubrious spring of Omonkhona. Its water has a temperature of about 13°C and posses properties to cure liver diseases. For improvement of health it is recommended to drink this water during 7-10 days. A good curative effect may also be obtained by taking a bath filled by…

Kushan wall Since the end of the 3rd century B.C. the nomads began to press the northern boundaries of Greco-Bactria. According to the archeological data defensive structures were built to protect the mountain passes at Derbent: one near to the river of Shurob at the Iron Gate, and another (Qapchigai-tepa) at the exit from the canyon of the Machai river.…

Sairob The ancient kishlak of Sairob is located to the south from the Iron Gate at distance equal to one day’s walk. The ruins of a medieval settlement (11th -beginning of the 13th century) are preserved on the natural terrace of the right bank of the Sherabad Darya. A long rocky ridge resembling a dragon’s back protects the kishlak on…