Shakhimardan

Shakhimardan is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Uzbekistan. the city is situated on the altitude of 1500 m above the sea level in 55 k m to the south of Fergana surrounded by the mountains of Alai range. From the two sides Shakhimardan is washed by the rivers Kok-su that unit into one river Shakhimardan.

The name Shakhimardan, King of Men, refers to Hazrat Ali, son-in-law of Mohammed and the Fourth caliph of Islam. One of the various legends claims Ali , nearing death, instructed seven graves to be dug in different parts of the world. His body was put on a camel and after a few meters it multiplied into seven camels, each bearing holy remains. Uzbekistan claims three stopped on its territory: here, Khiva and Nurata. Other claimants include Iraq , Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Whatever the historical truth, Shakhimardan became a sacred site. A popular resort, Shakhimardan is famed for its lakes – one of them the Blue Lake which can only be reached by cable-way.