The village of Derbent (Darband) is strategically situated at the crossroads of significant trade routes. The very name of the settlement translates from Persian as “closed gates.” Historians believe that this very location was where local inhabitants successfully held off the forces of Alexander the Great for an extended period. It is also home to the famed “Iron Gates,” where, during the Middle Ages, customs duties were levied on caravans traveling along the Silk Road. Even today, Derbent is regarded as the gateway to the Surkhandarya region.
To the north of the village, the entrance to a grand canyon can be seen, wedged between towering, steep cliffs. This canyon was formed by the Machaidarya River, which, over millions of years, has carved its path through limestone rocks as it flows down from the Gissar Mountains, which reach heights of over 4,000 meters. At certain points, the width of the canyon narrows to just 15 meters. Traveling through this gorge feels like stepping into an incredible world reminiscent of adventurous Hollywood films.
On the left side of the canyon, near a large karst spring, lies a pilgrimage site marked by the symbolic grave of the saint Khuzhamoi-ota. Here, numerous pilgrims come to pay their respects. Adjacent to the main gorge, in its central section, is the narrow, winding Kaptarhona Canyon, home to thousands of pigeons.
Across the Derbent Gorge, a road leads to the Machai Valley, connecting to the mountain villages of Machai, Kyzyl Nur, and Kintala. From here, various tourist routes begin, leading into the majestic mountain ranges of Khoja Gur Gur Ata and Sarykiya. Near the village of Yukary Machai, one can find the famous Teshik-Tash grotto, where Neanderthal burial sites have been discovered, adding a layer of historical intrigue to this already fascinating region.
See Zurmala Buddha’s stupa
Explore Kirk Kiz Fortress
Tour Kara-Tepe archaeological site
Admire Sangardak Waterfall
Explore Derbent Canyon cliffs