Uzbekistan is not the first destination that comes to mind when planning a new trip. However, you should definitely visit this Central Asian country! Breathtaking nature, unique cultural and historical heritage and national cuisine that will leave no chance not to fall in love – all this is about Uzbekistan. In recent years, the country has devoted enormous efforts to the development of tourism: monuments are being restored on an industrial scale, new hotels and restaurants are opening, and the attitude towards guests is friendly and hospitable. It’s interesting that when you start a conversation with any local (in Russian, of course) and tell him that you’re from Moscow, he immediately asks what metro station you live near. The fact is that in any Uzbek family there is certainly a brother, nephew or cousin working in the capital of Russia.
How to get to Uzbekistan
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Russian citizens only need a foreign passport to travel, no visa is required. You can come without it for 30 days. But everyone arriving in Uzbekistan is required to register. However, this does not create any difficulties for tourists, because hotels prepare all the paperwork for guests on their own. To enter the country, you will need to undergo PCR testing for COVID-19 a maximum of 72 hours before departure. You must also take a PCR test again within seven days of arrival.
We advise you to fly to Tashkent or Samarkand, from these points it is most convenient to start your trip along the Uzbek must-sees. The cost of a round-trip ticket from Moscow to Tashkent starts from 26,000 rubles* per person, to Samarkand – from 27,000 rubles*.
What to see in Uzbekistan
If from Samarkand you can start the classic route along the Silk Road to Bukhara and Khiva, then from the capital it is better to first go and explore Great Chimgan– a massif from the Tien Shan mountain system. In winter, ski tourism is developed here – there are ski lifts and sports complexes, modern hotels and recreation centers are being built. In warm weather, tent tourism flourishes in the mountains: officially there are several dozen hiking routes for different levels of training. For lovers of extreme recreation, ATV tracks and horseback riding are organized; you can ride a paraglider over the Charvak reservoir – this is the man-made Uzbek Lake Como. Those lucky enough to find themselves in the mountains towards the end of the calendar spring will be able to see a carpet of wild tulips blooming on the still snow-covered slopes: an excellent place for a photo hunt for beautiful shots.
You can also take a walk around the capital. Tashkent is actively growing in volume: modern houses, mosques, temple complexes are being built, parks are being laid out. The city amazes with its scale. Thus, it has already managed to “absorb” the international airport, which is now located almost in the center of the city.
But still, the main attraction of Uzbekistan is its cultural wealth. Seeing the famous turquoise minarets of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva is a must. In many ways, the cities are similar, but at the same time completely different: people, cuisine, traditions. However, a resident of each region is absolutely sure that his small homeland is the best place in Uzbekistan and the most delicious pilaf is prepared there.
What to do in Samarkand
One of the oldest cities on earth. For many hundreds of years it was a center of trade between East and West. The great commander Tamerlane, or Amir Timur, as he is called here, chose Samarkand as the capital of his empire, and later his grandson, Mirzo Ulugbek, turned this city into a center of science and culture. You will often hear this name in Uzbekistan. Grandson of Tamerlane, a great ruler, famous for his peace-loving disposition and thirst for knowledge and enlightenment. He compiled a map of the starry sky and built one of the first observatories of the Middle Ages. European scientists revered him as a great sage and philosopher from Samarkand. The story of Mirzo Ulugbek is sad, but his contribution to the culture of these places is invaluable.
Both national Uzbek heroes were buried in Gur-Emir mausoleum. This place is a must visit. Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed into the territory only during the day. Late in the evening you can only admire the outdoor lighting mausoleum complex, and at night – the mysterious shine of the mosaic in the light of the stars.
Check out the Mausoleum of Shahi Zinda. This is a famous ensemble of tombs of the Timurid and Karakhanid nobility and the most photographed attraction of Samarkand. Carefully! There may be an overdose of mosaics and blue ceramics, but visual pleasure is guaranteed.
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Don’t miss the evening program at Registan Square. Like any historical square in Uzbekistan, it is formed by an architectural ensemble of several madrasahs of the 15th-17th centuries. It is the duty of an inquisitive tourist to visit each of them. In the evening, citizens and guests of Samarkand gather for a light show: multi-colored lasers draw fancy figures and patterns on the ancient mosaic walls to the accompaniment of national music.
What to do in Bukhara
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The age of this city, famous throughout the Muslim world, is about 2.5 thousand years. The concentration of mosques, minarets, madrassas and tombs in this small territory is so great that Bukhara is considered the world support of Islam. However, in the 20s of the last century the city was seriously damaged by numerous bomber raids. And what was not destroyed immediately was systematically destroyed by desert winds and frosts for another half a century. However, today it has been practically restored from ruins and welcomes tourists.
Bukhara is the place where you can let yourself get lost and wander around for a while, surrounded by luxurious mosaic palaces and simple clay walls.
The most impressive structures are Ark Fortress, built in the 4th century BC. Today the citadel is an important archaeological site. Inside there is a museum-reserve and cultural and historical exhibitions are held.
The architectural ensemble of Poi-Kalyan is another popular attraction of the city. The central point is a minaret a little less than 900 years old, which has never been restored and has reached us in its original form. The mosque and madrasah were built later, in the 16th century. Apparently, construction was quite expensive for the authorities in those days, so there is a legend that three thousand people were sold into slavery to replenish the project budget.
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If you want to see in person the most famous symbol of Bukhara – bright turquoise domes against the blue sky – visit Miri Arab Madrasah. This is one of the main historical monuments of the city and a continuously operating religious school that trained religious teachers and imams even in Soviet times.
A real masterpiece of Central Asian architecture can be called Ulugbek madrasah – an important stronghold of education in this traditionally trading region.
What to do in Khiva
The historical city is located near the border with Turkmenistan. A couple of days will be enough to explore, because the main tourist interest is the internal fortress city of Ichan-Kala, with an area of only 1 sq. km. It is surrounded by high walls made of clay and stores in its depths a huge number of ancient artifacts. It is better to buy a full entrance ticket – it gives the right to visit all museums, madrassas and observation platforms of the fortress.
The first thing that catches your eye when you enter the city through the Western Gate is the unfinished Kalta minor minaret, 14.5 meters wide at the base. It is richly decorated with ceramic mosaics and looks like a huge barrel. Walking forward along the street you can turn into the Friday Juma Masjid Mosque. The ceiling of the large hall rests on 213 carved columns – the main local attraction. The oldest of them is more than a thousand years old, and none of the columns have the same pattern.
Be sure to visit the mausoleum of Pakhlavan Mahmud. In my subjective opinion, this is the richest and most beautiful madrasah in Uzbekistan.
You can explore the unusual city from above by climbing the narrow and slippery stairs to the top of the Islam Khoja Minaret. We also recommend visiting the Khan’s Harem – its small courtyard is decorated with carved columns and ceramic tiles, which are rightfully considered the pride of the Khivan people.
Another pride of theirs is the local cuisine, which is not similar to classic Uzbek cuisine. Be sure to try dill noodles in one of the local intimate cafes or even attend a master class on how to make them.
And of course, in any of the cities of Uzbekistan, do not deny yourself the pleasure of trying local pilaf! And upon your return, you’ll tell your friends in which region it was the most delicious.
*Prices valid at time of publication
