Tucked away in the Bukhara region, the Jeyran Ecocenter seeks to protect at-risk species, such as gazelles (only 1,192 left), Turkmen kulans (only 202 left), Przewalski's horses, Bukhara mountain sheep and Bukhara deer, all of which are listed in Uzbekistan's Red Book of endangered species.
Photo by Khasan Babayarov
Founded in 1976, the Jeyran Ecocenter is the only Jeyran breeding center in the world and stands as one of Uzbekistan's earliest nature reserves, spanning a vast territory of 16,522 hectares. In addition to goitered gazelles, the sanctuary is home to a variety of hoofed mammals, including Przewalski's horses, Turkmen kulans, Bukhara mountain sheep, and rare, endangered species such as the Bukhara deer. The animals are kept in semi-wild conditions where they undergo careful breeding and rehabilitation programs before being reintroduced into their natural habitats or transferred to zoos around the world.
Jeyran Ecocenter's main purpose is to breed rare animals, and in doing so, it provides an opportunity for ecotourists to learn more about these important threatened species. Here are a few activities that will both delight tourists and benefit nature. The cost of tours for foreign tourists starts from 30,000 to 180,000 sum, depending on the chosen route (for local citizens prices from 15,000 to 150,000 sum also depending on the chosen route).
Location: Highway A-380, Kagan, Bukhara Region
Hours: 8:00 to 18:00 (weekdays)
Photo by Andy Swash
Info by Ministry of Ecology
Feeding Experiences
A favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, guided feeding sessions are offered at the reserve exclusively between May and July, coinciding with the nursing season for young animals. Outside of these months, guests are still permitted to pet certain animals, provided they sanitize their hands with antiseptic beforehand. Because quiet, non-verbal interaction with wildlife acts as a natural form of therapy, sparking joy and relieving stress, these feeding times provide a uniquely rewarding experience.
Hiking
The reserve’s diverse terrain featuring gentle hills, sandy dunes, and flat salt marshes offers easy walking conditions while giving visitors the feeling of being truly immersed in untouched wilderness. Nearby, four picturesque lakes Small Salty, Beautiful, Duck, and Big Salty stand out as scenic highlights. Exploring their shores almost guarantees wildlife sightings, from gazelles and Przewalski's horses to stilts and pink pelicans cooling off by the water. Thanks to specially designed trails, guests can effortlessly navigate the area and experience these rich ecosystems up close.
Photo by Andy Swash
Photo and video shoots
The Jeyran Ecocenter is a mixture of desert landscapes, tugai thickets and lakes, which beg to be captured and remembered forever. Photo and video shoots are available in the reserve, during which tourists can capture memories of the wonders of nature and the rare animals they have encountered. It’s the perfect chance to take a piece of nature home with them.
The Jeyran Ecocenter has numerous opportunities for unforgettable ecotourism that combine active recreational activities, such as hiking, with emotional experiences, like communicating with animals to create an experience you won’t soon forget.
Evening excursion
In addition to walking during the day, the reserve provides opportunities to observe the fauna during evening excursions. Many of the species that live in this area are nocturnal, meaning they stay awake at night and sleep during the day. On an evening tour, tourists can observe nocturnal desert species, such as sand boas, plate-tailed geckos, jerboa, tarantula and bald hedgehogs.
