Menu

Uzbekistan Travel Suggestions

The Silk Road, Moghuls, Alexander the Good - you'd never ever feel that all these historic places, milestones, and personalities have influenced and actually lived in the Central Asian region and Uzbekistan in specific. You'd likely recall India, Afghanistan, Persia, but never ever Uzbekistan. Thoughts you, the first of Moghuls - Babur - was born in what now is recognized as Fergana Valley in contemporary Uzbekistan. The legendary Taj Mahal was constructed by a direct descendant of Babur who, you guessed it suitable, was born "in Uzbekistan". So there is a ton of history in this diverse land and most Uzbeks are very proud of it. Get extra info about Tours in Bukhara

 

Effectively, considering that we started in Fergana valley, that is unquestionably the least exciting place to stop by if you are seeking for visual cues, let's take a look at who lives here now and irrespective of whether a curious traveler will uncover a thing of an interest.

 

For starters, archaeologists will drool over the excavation in Kuva, a tiny village some 20 miles SW of Andijan (birth location of Babur, try to remember him?). This excavation is rather slow, it basically started some 50 years ago, but its significance is challenging not to notice. Archaeologists dug out a 7-8th century Buddhist temple there! It absolutely doesn't look close to spectacular, but the adjacent museum tells a great deal of fascinating stories and displays a fantastic number of ancient artifacts.

 

Nearby Andijan is usually a dusty tense city filled with merchants, substantial markets plus the only automobile manufacturing plant within the entire of Central Asia. This was a joint project of Uzbek government and now defunct South Korean Daewoo brand. Daewoo was acquired by Chevrolet so this facility manufactures local versions of older Chevys and rebadged Daewoos. Not fascinating information at all, but we've to mention this, eh? On a positive note, Andijan has a wonderful artisan's corner located in the middle of local market. You're absolutely going there with a tour guide, so they'd know where to look.

 

Fergana valley is named following Fergana city. Locals proudly get in touch with it "Pearl of your East" and Wikipedia describes it as "orderly tree-shaded avenues and desirable blue-washed 19th century tsarist colonial-style houses" and that "the city features a distinctly various really feel from most Uzbek cities". We completely agree and this place can be a highly suggested stopover. When you are fortunate, you'll see a great collection of fine art, which they rotate infrequently at the local museum. All artists presented there are actually local, and they're very cute followers of Russian pre- and post-WWII modern art.

 

In your way back to Tashkent (about 250 miles NE, 4-5 hours of crazy driving on a two lane highway, one 2000m mountain pass), which most likely be having a private driver, you'll pass by way of Rishtan and Kokand. Rishtan is really a smaller but really proud village. They have excellent motives: their ceramics and pottery are one of a kind and all hand-made. You cannot compare this style with Delftware, but they are fairly superior too. A effectively educated collector will absolutely appreciate this. Bring loads of cash as you would need to acquire it all.

 

And finally we're in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital. This will be the last least fascinating spot having a weird mixture of modern steel and glass architecture and Soviet era apartment buildings. Do not go also deep within the residential locations and you may well actually take pleasure in the capital. Restaurants and clubs are very visible, hotels are modern and economical and general vibe is quite chic.

 

Ordinarily all guests arrive within this nation via Tashkent international airport and also a very good 1st impression is just not what this airport is famous for. Certainly disorganized lines, two-three passport control officers in tiny arrivals hall, pretty slow customs that appear to pick on each local who arrives back from abroad. Granted, they bring a ton of stuff with them, and customs gets pretty "excited" once they seen a Moscow arrival. You'd ought to fill out customs papers on arrival and please retain that precious document with you till you leave the country. Make certain you declare everything beneficial you bring in the nation and be specifically cautious about money. Beneath no circumstance you are going to be permitted to leave Uzbekistan with additional cash than you declared on arrival. Great point, that airport and its reality will not be what Uzbekistan is about. The nation has its problems, but it is a incredibly exciting place to explore.

 

This story started in Fergana valley, however the typical tourist route will take you west of Tashkent initial.

 

Very first cease - Samarkand. One of three true gems you are going to obtain in this nation. You are able to get there by train, car or maybe a day-to-day flight from Tashkent, but I'd propose the very first two alternatives. 150 miles of a neat highway will get you to Samarkand, a now heavily restored and clean city with a 2500 years of history. Please check out one of several informative travel websites to read detailed stories about Samarkand (and all other places of interest) just before you arrive. Your guide will overwhelm you with details, so it really is generally great to prepare in advance. Read just before you go! This will likely help appreciate the astonishing sights and you'll be glad you can recognize the names as you follow your guide's presentation along.

 

When you've visited each and every mosque, mausoleum and market place in Samarkand (this might take a couple of days), your trip will likely take you to Bukhara, a surprisingly unique city! You'd count on exactly the same but you'd be wrong! Architectural marvel plus the very best place to experience warm hospitality of locals. By the way, a handful of words concerning the people: they are poor, particularly inside the rural places, but incredibly friendly and treat each and every tourist as the most welcome guest. You can effortlessly make friends with your guide, bus or car driver, hotel staff and each and every artist you will meet in this nation.

 

In addition to two dozen of world class 2000 years old architectural monuments, Bukhara is renowned for family run inns and bed & breakfasts. In the event you want a total immersion within the local culture, please stay in one of numerous private B&Bs/Inns. What they may be lacking in amenities (if compared to chain hotels), they make up simply with hospitality and service. Plus the food is good.

 

When you will be done with Bukhara and still have a number of days of your vacation left, under no circumstances hesitate to head to Khiva - a true masterpiece of architecture, history and culture. You'd hate the road should you decide to drive, but the destination is completely worth it. Again, read about this spot prior to you go (this website is often a excellent example), and make sure you have your camera with you. You may be rewarded with living inside the walls of UNESCO world heritage site as one from the hotels used to be a religious school in 19th century!

 

The majority of tourists head back to Tashkent correct following Khiva plus a short flight would be a very good choice. Uzbekistan has its own national airline as well as the airplanes are usually nicely maintained and comfortable.

 

If exotic and ancient cultures are your "thing" you'd be pleasantly surprised in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan essentially offers extra than just historic monuments and 2000 years old cities. Eco-tourism is big and effectively supported, trekking is one from the best out there, you are able to even go skiing - but that's another story yet to be told.

Go Back

Comment