Travelling in Uzbekistan

Back when the Uzbek SSR was part of the Soviets, many historic areas had fallen into disrepair. Great archaeological monuments, Uzbekistan’s landmarks and cities along the Great Silk Road lay in ruins, and their restoration only began a couple of decades ago. Having correctly identified tourism as a priority, the country gave the bloodthirsty Amir Timur a rebrand, presenting him as a wise ruler and successful conqueror, and introduced the world to Uzbek cuisine and Uzbek crafts.

And so a country that once stood on the Great Silk Road became much-coveted by many. I am no exception.

How should you plan a trip around Uzbekistan?

It is best to begin in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Compared with other ancient cities, its history is modest, although it has a particular charm of its own. It is a lively and welcoming city. From there, it is easiest to travel to Samarkand and Bukhara, finishing the journey in Khiva. It is ideal for a first introduction to the country, but later you must certainly visit the Fergana Valley, find yourself among fruit orchards, spend several days in Khorezm and Karakalpakstan.

There are airports in all the country’s major cities, with direct flights from many Russian airlines.

How do you pay?

Naturally, foreign bank cards and cash are accepted everywhere, but you will literally have to carry wads of cash with you. At an exchange office, 100 dollars will get you more than a million Uzbek soms. When shopping at markets or private shops, payment by bank transfer to a phone number is also very often accepted. You can pay in roubles by making a transfer in your banking app and selecting Uzbekistan as the country. In this case, it is very convenient.

How do you stay connected?

Buy a tourist SIM card from one of the local operators right at the airport. It provides coverage throughout the country and costs very little. 

 

How do you get around the cities?

Yandex Taxi operates in Uzbekistan’s major cities.

How do you travel around the country?

The most convenient way to travel between cities is by the high-speed Afrosiab express train. It will take you to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

What should you bring back from Uzbekistan?

• Suzani: look for them at Human House, as well as contemporary pieces at Madina Kashimbayeva’s workshop in Tashkent. For handmade work, go to Toki Zargaron, while antiques can be found at Akbar House Collection in Bukhara.
• Uzbek spices: buy cumin, barberries and saffron at the markets.
• Ceramics: choose handmade pieces and buy them directly from potters’ workshops. Remember that every region of Uzbekistan has its own traditions. Look for the finest examples at the art ceramics factory in Rishtan and at the Narzullaevs’ workshop in Gijduvan. Original ceramics are available from Akbar Rakhimov’s workshop in Tashkent and from Rimma Gazalieva.
• Carpets: at the Samarkand Carpet Centre and at markets in Khiva.
• Ikats, adras and traditional fabrics: in small shops at the bazaars of Bukhara and Samarkand.
• Clothing by Uzbek designers: at Bibi Hanum, Suraya Collection, Kanishka Dsgn and Moona.shop in Tashkent, as well as at Lena Ladik’s gallery in Happy Bird in Samarkand.
• Chapans: at Chapanstore in Tashkent.

 

I would like to thank Timur Way and Yuliana Bozhko personally for organising an unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan. The company offers fascinating tours led by professional licensed guides.

Further reading about Uzbekistan:

Khiva: An Ancient City of Uzbekistan
The Livestock Market in Urgench
Ceramics from Gijduvan
Bukhara: Twenty Cubits of Pearl Adras
Samarkand Carpets
Samarkand: In the Name of Amir Timur

подписывайтесь на канал в телеграм

Also related posts:

Leave a comment

 

Enter your comment

Your comment will be added after verification by the administrator

I  agree   with   the terms   of personal data processing before posting a comment

1. By accepting the terms of this Agreement, the user allows the editor of the "Orange Traveler" blog to collect, store and process his personal data indicated by filling out the web forms at www.orange-traveler.com and www.olgarastegaeva.com - the site). Personal data is any kind of information related to a person directly or indirectly defined or determined individual (citizen).

2. The user also gives the permission of processing and cross-border transfer of the Company's personal data for marketing and informational distribution.

3. The basis for the procession of personal data are: Article 24 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and Article 6 of the Federal Law No. 152-FZ "About Personal Data" with additions and amendments.

4. While processing personal data, the following operations will be performed: collection, storage, clarification, transfer, blocking, removal, destruction - all the actions mentioned above only have the purposes specified in point 2 of this Agreement.

5. The company accepts the responsibility not to share the User’s  data with third parties. Sharing the data with third parties acting according to the agreement with the Company to fulfill obligations to the User and within this Agreement is not a violation of the rules.

6. Personal data is stored and processed until all the necessary procedures are completed or until the company is eliminated.

7. “Orange traveler” does not identify unregistered visitors and does not attempt to connect visitors’ technical data with their personal data. Any personal information shared with the Site by the reader is only processed according to the previously mentioned goals.

8. The consent can be withdrawn by the User or the User’s representative by sending a written application to the Company using this email address olga@orange-traveler.com. The User can also unsubscribe from getting emails using the “Unsubscribe” link at the end of each letter.

9. The User accepts the policy of using cookies files which is used by the Site and gives consent of getting the information about IP-address and other information about the User’s activity while using the Site. This information is not used for identifying the User.

10. While processing of personal data the company takes necessary and sufficient organizational and technical approaches to protect personal data from illegal access to it and from other illegal activities connected to personal data.

11. All information in the site is purely informative and is not a recommendation or motivation for any kind of actions. “Orange traveler” is not responsible for any actions committed using the published information. The Site and the apps can include links to third-party sites, products and services the content of which is not controlled by “Orange traveler” and the company is not responsible for it. It is recommended to learn about privacy policy of the third-party resources.

12. “Orange traveler” may use cookie files and other technologies which let us better understand the readers’ behavior, rate and improve the quality of the product and the efficiency of the advertisement. The information collected with the use of cookie files and other technologies is not personal information. However, IP-addresses and similar identifiers are considered personal information if it is envisaged by local law.