Kara Tepe
Qoratepa
A cluster of Kushan-era Buddhist cave monasteries on a hill at the northwest corner of Old Termez, combining ground-level temples with rock-cut chambers, where frescoes and Buddha statues have been unearthed.
Kara Tepe (Black Hill) lies at the northwest corner of the ancient city of Old Termez, right by the Amu Darya border. From the 1st to 4th centuries CE, it was a large Buddhist monastic complex. Groups of chambers and corridors were carved into the sandstone hill, while stupas and monasteries stood on the ground. Excavations have uncovered Buddha wall paintings, limestone reliefs, and inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharosthi, carried out over many years by a joint Japanese-Uzbek archaeological team. Because the site lies in a border control zone, visits usually require a permit arranged in advance through a travel agency, and access varies, so confirm before setting out. It can be combined with the neighboring Fayaz Tepe.
Opening hours
Permit required in advance; irregular opening
Nearby sights
- Fayaz Tepe
- Al-Hakim at-Termizi Memorial Complex
- Old Termez
- Zurmala Stupa
- Termez Archaeological Museum
- Kyrk Kyz Fortress
- Kokildor Ota Khanaqah
- Sultan Saodat Complex