How to get to Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia, neighbors with five other countries. At the north it shares borders with Kazakhstan, at the east with Tajikistan, at the south with Afghanistan, at the south-west with Turkmenistan and at the west with Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbekistan is geographically located near Caspian Sea which makes it an important station on the map of Central Asia.
Getting to Uzbekistan for vacation using any comfortable way:
1. Plane. If you are from another country, taking a plane is the fastest way to get to Uzbekistan. Simply make a reservation for a ticket to Tashkent airport or another big city.
2. Train. If you prefer to travel by train, you could get to Uzbekistan using railway transport. It is suitable for tourists from neighboring countries.
3. Car. If you prefer moving by car, you could come to Uzbekistan in your own car. Considering that you need to go through border control. It's even possible to travel wild.
4. Bus or shuttle bus. If it is summertime, and you are located near a country, for example, in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan, you may use a bus or shuttle van. Prices will be cheap.
What to see in Uzbekistan
So, let’s start our guide and tell you what to watch in Uzbekistan. The first destination, where you should go is Tashkent.
The imposing domes of mosques, picturesque bazaars, lively streets, historical monuments and inspiring atmosphere are just a small part of what makes Tashkent such an exciting place to visit and relax. In the capital of Uzbekistan, every corner holds the rich history and unique flavor of this land. But it is quite hot here in summer.
What to watch in Tashkent:
— Central park named after Mirzo Ulugbeka renovated and one of the oldest parks, where in summer or warm season people like to watch films under the sky. Here you could meet many people and youth.
—Theater-studio Ilhom — a theater where spectacles are held in Russian and Uzbek languages. The place unites not only the theater stage, but also a showroom.
— Art and Fact Gallery — is a gallery of works created by modern Uzbek artists. Entry for visitors is free of charge.
— Metro — is one of the most vivid and beautiful places in a city for architecture. Station named after Alisher Navoi stands out for its eastern style.
— Chorsu Market — people come here for souvenirs, condiments, eastern sweets and beautiful pictures. Market is located in the historical part of the city.
— Madrasah Kukeldash — one of the biggest madrasah of the 16th century, which was preserved in Central Asia. Also it is one of the prominent historical monuments of Tashkent.
— Tashkent TV tower — usually people watch the sunset at the height of 105 meters in the restaurant. This restaurant also can spin. From the viewing platform opens a panoramic view of the city.
— Amirsoy Mountain Resort — year-round mountain resort for vacation located in Tashkent region, in the Chimgan Gorge, in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains. This is a recreation area in Uzbekistan, where you can go in summer to hide from the heat of the city.
— Teplo store — is a project which helps local brands from 2018. Area contains more than 70 brands: clothes, jewelry, household goods, accessories, production for children and many other things.
— Gravity Bar — relatively new, but already significant and stamping ground for a city. It is located on the fifth floor of the hotel Sapiens. But you could enter there only with a resident, which had to be a member of a closed Telegram channel.
And if you are interested, where you can eat in Tashkent, watch our review using the link.
The next destination of the guide is Samarkand
Samarkand is a city in Uzbekistan, famous for its architecture, mosques and mausoleums. One of the most popular tourist places in Central Asia.
What you could watch here:
— Registan — complex of three madrasah — is a unique example of the art of urban planning and an example of architectural design of the main square of the city.
— Ulugbek Madrasah — the oldest madrasah in the architectural ensemble of Registan Square
— Gur-Emir Mausoleum — included in the list of attractions of the "Pearls of the Commonwealth", one of the masterpieces of Persian architecture of the Timurid era.
— Khoja Donier Mausoleum — according to the XVIII century, the ashes of the Old Testament biblical prophet Daniyar, whose remains were brought to Samarkand and buried by Amir Timur, are buried in the mausoleum.
— Shahi Zinda architectural complex — one of the most mysterious architectural monuments of Samarkand, a complex consisting of a string of elegant tombs.
— Siab Bazaar — Samarkand's bazaars are colorful and motley. In them you can find anything — from things necessary in everyday life and products to souvenirs for tourists. Many people bring painted plates from here
— Happy Bird Art Gallery — here you can buy statuettes, paintings, plates, vases, keys, clocks and dozens of other things that create a beautiful and cozy space.
Another city we will tell you about in the guide is Namangan
The second most populous city in Uzbekistan. We tell you what the city is famous for and how you can spend your time there:
— in spring and summer time there is an annual flower festival here
— Babur Park of Culture and Recreation. In this place residents saw more than sixty thousand kinds of flowers during the International Festival
— Mulla-Kirghiz madrassah has been decorating the city for more than 100 years and is included in the register of cultural heritage of the city
— Namangani Mausoleum was built in memory of the poet and scientist Mavlavi Namangani. The beautiful and majestic building has undergone several restorations
— Afsona Park of Culture and Recreation is a suitable place for a weekend stroll. There are amusement rides, a water park and musical fountains here.
Mausoleum of Khoja Amin Kabri — a historically important landmark built in the second half of the XVIII century
— Weeping Rock in the village of Chadak. Water emerges from an underground stream that flows down the rock. It is worth seeing
— You should definitely try the local pilaf. In Namangan pilaf is cooked with Devzira rice, which makes it special
— Namangan is a city of wine growers. Wine has been made using secret technologies since the second half of the 20th century.
— all Uzbekistan loves the fruits of the Fergana Valley. In particular, they advise to try Namangan peaches and grapes.
And finally, Fergana
Fergana is the largest city in the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan. We can't help but mention it in our guide. What there is to see here:
— Central Park —rides and beautiful view make this place interesting for recreation for both children and adults
— Fergana Regional Drama Theater — the theater, which has a history of almost 100 years, remains an interesting place to visit
— Islam Karimov Theater and Concert Palace — a place for connoisseurs of modern culture and interesting design. Concerts of famous artists are often held here
— Central Bazaar — you can experience real oriental hospitality and taste local cuisine at low prices
— Fergana Valley deservedly holds the status of the pearl of Uzbekistan. Unique flora and fauna is an addition to the natural beauties
— Karkidon reservoir, which is known for its beauty. It is ideal for fishing and family vacations
— Shahimardan village is located 55 kilometers from Fergana. It is located at an altitude of 1550 meters. Here you can enjoy beautiful views and breathe the purest mountain air.
Money in Uzbekistan
Here are a few key points that are useful to know about money in Uzbekistan.
1. Currency.
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek soum, UZS.
2. Cash and non-cash payments.
Most large stores and restaurants accept cards. However, you should not rely on them everywhere, especially in small stores or markets, which often only accept cash.
3. Currency Exchange.
Currency exchange is best done at official exchange offices or banks to avoid scams. Be aware of exchange rates and commissions.
4. Large banknotes.
Uzbekistan has both small and large banknotes in circulation. When shopping in stores or markets, carry small denominations.
Where to find and rent accommodation
In Uzbekistan there are several options for finding and renting accommodation at favorable prices even in summer. But for convenience, you can use the well-known popular international services Booking and Airbnb. Then you can be sure that everything will be in order with your accommodation.
Hotels are one of the most common accommodation options for tourists. Hotels offer different levels of comfort and price categories, from economy to luxury. In Tashkent, for example, there are also international hotels. Among them are hotels of such brands as Hilton, Marriott, Radisson. Prices for accommodation here will be higher. You can find more details in this article.
In big cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, there are many hostels and guest houses for vacation, offering different services and prices.
You can also check out apartments or houses for short-term rentals through various online platforms. The prices for these are reasonable too.
And if you do decide to travel wild, explore places where you can pitch a tent.
When choosing accommodation, be sure to consider your budget, location desires, comfort level and availability of necessary amenities. Also pay attention to the reviews of other travelers to make a good choice.
Conclusions
Vacation in Uzbekistan is not just an opportunity to visit another country. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heritage of the Great Silk Road, feel the breath of thousands of years of history in ancient cities and feel the warmth of hospitality of local people.
Traveling to Uzbekistan is an encounter with majestic architectural masterpieces, unique culture, diverse cuisine and impressive landscapes. Here you will find not only historical sights, but also modern amenities for recreation, comfortable accommodation and hospitable people ready to share their traditions and customs.
