Exploring the Hidden Depths: Speleotourism and Cave Exploration in Boisun District, Uzbekistan

This scientific article presents an overview of speleotourism and cave exploration opportunities in Boisun District, Uzbekistan. The study aims to highlight the unique natural objects, such as Teshik Stone Cave, Boy Bulak Cave, Dark Star Cave, and Khoja Gur Gur Ota, along with their distinctive characteristics. The article discusses the organization of speleological expeditions, cave routes in sports tourism, and the equipment required for cave exploration. The methods employed include cave surveys, expeditions, and documentation of cave characteristics. The results reveal fascinating details about the caves, including their geological features, underwater lakes, intricate passages, and historical significance. Implications of these findings emphasize the potential for further research, conservation efforts, and the development of sustainable speleotourism in Boisun District, offering unique opportunities for adventure seekers and scientists alike. Highlights: Speleotourism in Boisun District: Explore the thrilling world of caves and engage in speleotourism activities in the captivating Boisun District of Uzbekistan. Unique Natural Objects: Discover the fascinating natural objects of Boisun District, including Teshik Stone Cave, Boy Bulak Cave, Dark Star Cave, and Khoja Gur Gur Ota, each offering distinct geological features and historical significance. Opportunities for Adventure and Research: Embark on speleological expeditions, uncover hidden depths, and contribute to the exploration and documentation of these caves, presenting opportunities for adventure enthusiasts and scientific researchers.


Introduction
Speleological expeditions encompass various activities, including the exploration of known caves, visits to established cave sites, and the discovery of new caves.When organizing speleological expeditions within reserve territories, it is crucial to coordinate with the respective administration to ensure compliance with regulations and conservation efforts.
Speleotourism, a form of sports and educational tourism, involves navigating through natural underground cavities, overcoming obstacles such as siphons and wells using specialized equipment like hooks, carbines, ropes, and individual safety systems.The development of new speleotourist routes is closely tied to the field of speleology, which encompasses the scientific study and exploration of caves.To qualify for the "cave route" discipline in sports tourism, individuals must undergo a series of prerequisites.This includes successfully navigating through multiple caves, documenting and defending a comprehensive report detailing their experiences and discoveries along the route of sports caves.
Furthermore, participants are required to announce their route in designated competitions and submit relevant documentation to be eligible for the sports category under the classification of "sport tourism," based on their performance in these competitions.Overall, speleological expeditions offer a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in adventurous and educational activities within cave environments.The combination of physical challenges and scientific exploration in these subterranean landscapes creates a compelling platform for further research, knowledge dissemination, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices in the field of speleology.

Discussion
Spileo tourism in the Boisun district of Uzbekistan offers a wealth of natural wonders, including remarkable caves such as the Teshik Stone Cave, Boy Bulak Cave, Dark Star Cave, and the Khoja Gur Gurota mountain range.The Teshik Stone Cave, located in the Zovtalashgansoy gorge near Machai village, stands at an elevation of 1550 meters.Notably, its name derives from the hole-like opening in its ceiling.With dimensions of 7 meters in height, 20 meters in width, and a length of 21 meters, the cave covers an area of 300 square meters.Despite periodic flooding, this cave was inhabited by Neanderthal people, drawn to its advantageous living conditions.The Boy Bulak Cave, situated in the ancient Boisun hill on the border of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, is renowned for its historical significance.With a length of 14,270 meters and an altitude of approximately 1415 meters, this cave boasts distinctive features such as two wells measuring 27 and 22 meters, as well as intricate grooves.The cave predominantly consists of thin and irregular meanders, which gradually lead to a narrow road.Transportation to this cave is inconvenient, taking nearly an hour by car due to the road's inaccessibility caused by water drips that could trigger fractures.Further exploration reveals a downward meander, a side-facing gallery, and a second well measuring 20 meters.The main trail lacks additional wells, allowing climbers to safely store their equipment.Descending to a depth of 300 meters, a path leads to the base, characterized by a widening and narrowing corridor with a semi-siphon at 600 meters.Passage through this corridor necessitates gripping a rope attached to the ceiling.Crawling through a narrow 50-meter caliber leads to the presence of a flowing stream.The cave continues with a 9-meter groove, where a significantly larger stream emerges on the left side.Further exploration encounters various potholes that require the use of ropes for descending into the 6-meter-deep ravine.Returning to the ravine through an old road completes the journey through the cave, which concludes with a series of challenging siphons at a depth of 1100 meters.The Dark Star Cave, located in the Boisuntog limestone mountain system, is a captivating underground world waiting to be explored.This unique cave, whose exact length remains unknown, has fascinated researchers with its breathtaking underground lakes characterized by their depth and beauty.As the team ventures deeper into the cave, the external temperature ranges from 30°F to 37°F, alternating between blue ice and bare rock.In 1984, Russian explorers discovered the cave's entrance, and subsequent exploration began in 1990 by British speleologists who named it after a satirical fantasy film from the 1970s.Over the years, the Dark Star Cave, along with the adjacent Festivalnaya Cave, has attracted speleologists worldwide due to the immense opportunities it offers for climbing and exploration in these remote Uzbekistani mountains.The Khoja Gur Gurota mountain range, located near Boysun, holds religious significance and a fascinating legend.Legend has it that during a time of hardship, the inhabitants of a mountain village cried out to God for help.In a dream, Salih Humajoifather saw the location of a hidden spring and, the following day, struck that very spot with his staff.To their amazement, a spring teeming with fish emerged, becoming a source of sustenance and protection.Humajoi-ota, as the guardian of this spring, was laid to rest nearby.Tourists who lack climbing and mountaineering skills can reach this mountain range by accessing it through the villages of Machai, Kentala, and other nearby settlements.The Khoja Gur Gurota range provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the spiritual aura and natural beauty associated with this legendary site.

Conclusion
The Boisun district of Uzbekistan offers a rich and diverse landscape for spileo tourism, characterized by its remarkable caves and natural formations.The Teshik Stone Cave stands out for its unique features, such as its ISSN 2598-9936 (online), https://ijins.umsida.ac.id, published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo Copyright © Author(s).This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).7/8