DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Lyab-i-Hauz

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
tourist-attraction
—°6
Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)

Weather…

The Lyab-i-Hauz complex is one of the most atmospheric and beloved social hubs in Bukhara, centered around a large reflecting pool (hauz) built in 1620. The ensemble comprises three massive structures: the Kukeldash Madrasah (the city's largest), the Nadir Devan-Beghi Madrasah, and a khanaka (a hospice for Sufi travelers). Historically, the pool was one of the few sources of water in the city, and it remains surrounded by centuries-old mulberry trees that offer welcome shade. A striking feature is the portal of the Nadir Devan-Beghi Madrasah, decorated with bustling mosaics depicting mythical simurgh birds and a sun with a human face, an unusual inclusion in Islamic art. During the Silk Road era, this square was a bustling center for trade and news. Today, it hosts cultural performances and remains a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Explore on the map

How well do you know Uzbekistan?

Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.

Start the map quiz 10 challenges

Your journey, your memory

A postcard from Lyab-i-Hauz

Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.

Create a postcard

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C13101725303229231571
Rain mm1627272310200051513

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The entire historic square and the magnificent pool area are open spaces that can be visited freely from the outside at any time, while the surrounding historic madrasahs have specific entry conditions.
🕒
Typical hours
The square itself is accessible day and night, bustling with activity into the late evening; however, the madrasahs and nearby handicraft shops generally operate from mid-morning until the early evening hours.
📷
Photography
The reflecting pool provides spectacular mirror images of the beautifully illuminated madrasah facades at twilight, making it one of the absolute best spots in the city for capturing enchanting evening photographs.
⏱️
Time needed
A relaxed stroll around the main pool and taking in the spirited atmosphere usually takes about an hour, though many visitors choose to linger much longer to enjoy a peaceful meal or traditional tea at the cafes.
➕
Combine with
Centrally located, it is effortlessly combined with walking tours of Bukhara's legendary historic center, including the nearby Po-i-Kalyan complex, the ancient trading domes, and the imposing Ark Fortress.
🧭
Getting there
Set right in the heart of the pedestrian-friendly old town of Bukhara, the plaza is exceedingly easy to reach on foot from almost all major centrally located hotels and prominent historical guesthouses.
💡
Insider tip
Grab a seat at one of the scenic open-air cafes surrounding the ancient pool just before sunset; it is the quintessential spot to relax, people-watch, and absorb the enchanting historical atmosphere of the city.

Geography

Coordinates
39.77330, 64.42060

Facts

  • The central pool was built in 1620
  • Includes the largest madrasah in Bukhara
  • Features unusual mosaics of mythical birds
  • Surrounded by ancient mulberry trees
  • Historic social and trade hub of the Silk Road
  • Served as a primary water source for the city

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Magok-i-AttariMagok-i-Attari<1 km · WExplore →
Sitorai Mokhi-KhosaSitorai Mokhi-Khosa5 km · NEExplore →
Jeyran EcocenterJeyran Ecocenter28 km · SWExplore →
Bukhara Deer Breeding CenterBukhara Deer Breeding Center32 km · SWExplore →
Lake TudakulLake Tudakul35 km · EExplore →
Tudakul LakeTudakul Lake38 km · EExplore →
Bukhara Oil RefineryBukhara Oil Refinery40 km · EExplore →
GijduvanGijduvan42 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
Motorhome dimensions

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lyab-i-Hauz (6)

Mogila Khazrat Said Abdulkhasan Pobanda📍 landmark

The tomb of a revered religious leader in Bukhara, notable for its traditional Central Asian brick architecture.

Arkhitekturnyi pamiatnik Karavansarai Saifiddina📍 landmark

This historic architectural monument along the Silk Road once served as a caravanserai for merchants and their camels.

Mogila Khodzha Bulgor📍 landmark

A sacred burial site in the old city of Bukhara, associated with the legend of Khodzha Bulgor.

Living conditions of Student in Madrasa Museum🏛 museum

Located in the cells of a former madrasa, this museum illustrates the austere living conditions of students in that era.

Yoshlar markazi🎭 culture

A modern cultural and social center for youth in the historic city of Bukhara.

Kuyi Murgush Mosque⛪ religious

A traditional mosque located in the historic Kuyi Murgush quarter of the old city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Ljab-i Chaus?
It is a historical pond in Bukhara, surrounded by ancient buildings and teahouses.
Is the place accessible to tourists?
Yes, the plaza is open to the public 24/7 and is a central meeting point.
Are there restaurants nearby?
There are numerous traditional restaurants and cafes located directly by the water.
When is the best time to visit?
The evening hours are best, when lights illuminate the historical architecture.
What is nearby?
The old town of Bukhara with its many bazaars is only a short walk away.
Lyab-i-Hauz: where is it located?
Lyab-i-Hauz is located in Uzbekistan.
Lyab-i-Hauz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mogila Khazrat Said Abdulkhasan Pobanda, Arkhitekturnyi pamiatnik Karavansarai Saifiddina, Mogila Khodzha Bulgor.
Lyab-i-Hauz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Lyab-i-Hauz: why is it worth visiting?
The Lyab-i-Hauz complex is one of the most atmospheric and beloved social hubs in Bukhara, centered around a large reflecting pool (hauz) built in 1620.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Uzbekistan →

Nearby cities

Bukhara — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Bukhara
Historical city on the Silk Road with countless mosques and madrasas.
Tudakul Lake — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Tudakul Lake
A massive saltwater reservoir in the Kyzylkum Desert, known as a recreational area for water sports, fishing, and luxury resorts.

History & landmarks

Gijduvan — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Gijduvan
The center of Uzbek ceramic art, famous for its unique pottery school and the historic Ulugbek Madrasah.
Magok-i-Attari — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Magok-i-Attari
One of the oldest surviving mosques in Bukhara, situated below ground level and showing pre-Islamic influences.
Bolo Hauz Mosque — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Bolo Hauz Mosque
An impressive mosque opposite the Ark Citadel, known for its porch with fine carved wooden pillars.
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa
The summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara fascinatingly combines Oriental and Russian architectural styles.

Nature

Lake Tudakul — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Lake Tudakul
An oasis lake in the desert near Bukhara, known for its rich birdlife and as a resort.
Zarafshan River — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Zarafshan River
An important river that flows through Samarkand and Bukhara, acting as the lifeblood of these historic oasis cities.

More places

Po-i-Kalyan — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Po-i-Kalyan
An architectural complex in the center of Bukhara, famous for its impressive minaret that even Genghis Khan spared.
Chor Minor — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Chor Minor
A charming and unusual gatehouse in Bukhara, known for its four distinctive blue-tiled domes.
Ark of Bukhara — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Ark of Bukhara
This massive fortress was the residence of the Emirs of Bukhara for centuries.
Samanid Mausoleum — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Samanid Mausoleum
An architectural jewel in Bukhara, considered one of the oldest and most important buildings in Central Asian architecture.
Jeyran Ecocenter — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Jeyran Ecocenter
A specialized nature reserve for the breeding and conservation of rare desert animals, particularly the goitered gazelle.
Bukhara Deer Breeding Center — Lyab-i-Hauz (Uzbekistan)
Bukhara Deer Breeding Center
A critical facility for the rescue of the endemic Bukhara deer, which is closely tied to the ecosystem of river oases.
🗺️
Bukhara Oil Refinery
One of the country's main oil refineries, producing high-quality fuels and lubricants.