Uzbekistan might not be the first place to think of when choosing a holiday destination, but who says there is nothing worth seeing in this Central Asian country? How about visiting historical cities dating back to times too early to be found in your school books, or buying the products of the ancient Silk Road? Adventurous Uzbekistan might be a good choice also if you want to see some of the most pristine desert and mountain landscapes of the world.
Along the Silk Road. Once one of the great trading places along the famous merchant route Silk Road, Samarkand stands on the crossroads of ancient cultures. The city dates back to as far the 7th century BC and is considered as one of the masterpieces of Islamic culture. Once one of the most remarkable cities in Central Asia, Samarkand is today a UNESCO World heritage Site. Another famous historical city in Uzbekistan is Bukhara, a beautiful city that has maintained its medieval cityscape and special treasures such as the famous tomb of Ismail Samani.
Modern capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is another Uzbek city rich in history, but it has lost most of its precious sites and today mainly performs the task of the main traffic hub and economic and political center. Tashkent has interesting facilities for opera and ballet, as well as the best opportunities for shopping in Uzbekistan. There are also four popular concert halls in Tashkent, and the city hosts a popular water park.
Attractions of Uzbekistan from ancient cities and scenic landscapes
Located in Central Asia and landlocked by mountains in the south and deserts in other directions, Uzbekistan is a country of scenic landscapes. More than that, the country attracts also with its historical treasures, the most important of which is the famous city of Samarkand.Along the Silk Road. Once one of the great trading places along the famous merchant route Silk Road, Samarkand stands on the crossroads of ancient cultures. The city dates back to as far the 7th century BC and is considered as one of the masterpieces of Islamic culture. Once one of the most remarkable cities in Central Asia, Samarkand is today a UNESCO World heritage Site. Another famous historical city in Uzbekistan is Bukhara, a beautiful city that has maintained its medieval cityscape and special treasures such as the famous tomb of Ismail Samani.
Modern capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is another Uzbek city rich in history, but it has lost most of its precious sites and today mainly performs the task of the main traffic hub and economic and political center. Tashkent has interesting facilities for opera and ballet, as well as the best opportunities for shopping in Uzbekistan. There are also four popular concert halls in Tashkent, and the city hosts a popular water park.
Practical information for your trip to Uzbekistan
Flights to Uzbekistan are best available through the capital Tashkent. Moving around in the country is a bit challenging, as the roads in Uzbekistan are generally in poor condition. Marshrutkas (shared minivans) are the most popular way of getting around inside the large country, but buses and trains are also available. Most of the local transportation in cities is done with taxes, which are available in multiple rows that include both official and unofficial vehicles.
Photo: Babasteve, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
Tourist services in Uzbekistan have developed a lot during the last decades. Best resources for hotels in Uzbekistan are found in Tashkent, in addition to which also Samarkand and Bukhara are prepared to accommodate tourists. Local food and restaurants in Uzbekistan offer you unique Central Asian experiences.
Safety. Due to its internal problems, Uzbekistan is currently not one of the safest countries on earth. Although political violence in the country is not targeted at tourists, you should be extra cautious when staying in Uzbekistan. Especially regions bordering Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan are known to be dangerous. Earthquakes may also cause occasional danger in Uzbekistan.
