The Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Shakhimardan is located 55 kilometers south of Fergana, at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, nestled in the mountains of the Alay Range. On both sides, the area is bordered by the Ak-Su and Kok-Su mountain rivers, which merge to form the Shakhimardan-Sai River. Interestingly, on the way from Fergana, one must cross this river seven times to reach the settlement itself.

In the 1930s, as a result of territorial exchanges between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Shakhimardan became part of Uzbekistan, forming an enclave — a small, isolated territory surrounded by Kyrgyzstan’s Batken region. The distance to Uzbekistan’s “mainland” is about 17 kilometers.

Seven kilometers southeast of Shakhimardan lies Lake Kulikubbon, also known as the Blue Lake. It was formed after a series of earthquakes in 1766. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,724 meters above sea level. It is 170 meters long, 60 meters wide, and between 5 and 10 meters deep. In summer, the water temperature rises to 10–15°C. A two-kilometer cable car leads to the lake, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

In recent years, tourism infrastructure in Shakhimardan has been developing rapidly. New hotels, recreational areas, cafés, and restaurants are being built, along with modern amenities. Special routes have been designed for those interested in ecotourism and mountain trekking. The local population is also actively involved in the tourism industry, offering traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural services to visitors.

Shakhimardan’s historical and cultural heritage also draws significant interest from tourists. Ancient mosques and shrines in the area attract many visitors. Thanks to its natural beauty, rich history, and the hospitality of its people, Shakhimardan is steadily becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.