With a spellbinding collection of ancient cities and forts, Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s biggest crowd puller in terms of attractions. It is a doubly landlocked country which is a unitary, presidential and constitutional republic including 12 provinces, one capital city, and one autonomous republic. Bordered by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan; the country is one of the largest Central Asian states. In Uzbekistan, the cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara possess fabulous mosques, mausoleums, and medressas.

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is in spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing ancient cities that are main tourist attractions of the country. The mountainous east tends to have a cooler, wetter climate, while the central and western region is dominated by desert.

Uzbek cuisine is famous for its rich flavours across the post-Soviet area and beyond. It is a blend of the cooking traditions of Turkic and Persian peoples with a history dating back thousands of years. Although Uzbek food usually contains a lot of meat, everyone can find a dish that they would love. Along with meat-heavy dishes, there are also delicacies prepared from dough, fresh vegetables, and dried fruits or nuts.

Uzbekistan’s signature dish is palov (plov or osh or palov, “pilaf”), a main course typically made with rice, pieces of meat, grated carrots and onions. It is usually cooked in a kazan (or deghi) over an open fire; chickpeas, raisins, barberries, or fruit may be added for variation. Some of the best and must try local food in Uzbekistan are Chorba, Dimlama and Chuchvara.

Shopping in Uzbekistan at the souvenir market is a strong scene, especially in the touristy towns of Bukhara and Khiva. You can’t walk down the road or enter a madrasah without walking past the colourful embroidered tapestries, bags, and jackets. Ceramic plates line the sidewalks of the roads to get to the tourist shops. Some recommended places to go shopping are Khiva Silk Carpet Workshop, Abulkasim Medressa and Siob Bazaar.

Uzbek and Russian are perhaps the most commonly spoken languages in Uzbekistan. Uzbek is the official state language of the country and is used by the government and citizens on a daily basis.

1. TASHKENT

Once an ancient city on the famous Silk Road, Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, is reminiscent of the former Soviet era. Tashkent has a unique flavour that merges medieval buildings, stylish European architecture, Soviet-style concrete buildings and gleaming skyscrapers of glass and concrete. The city’s heritage sites include the Oq-Tepa District, the Mausoleum of Abubakr Mukhammed Kaffal Chachi which boasts beautiful architecture, museums such as the Museum of Applied Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts which takes you back in time. Besides, there is the World War II Memorial Park and the Defender of Motherland Cenotaph. The city is lined with a grid of straight, wide streets and avenues, plus its emerald green parks, gardens, fountains infused with crystal strands are spectacular. In the sleepy part of the town, one can still spot conventionally-clad farmers cart their commodities through a maze of mud-walled houses all the way through the grinding crowds in the bazaar. For an escapade away from the metropolis, one can embark on some hiking, rafting, and skiing in Ugam-Chatkal National Park. Courtesy its Islamic heritage, are various mosques and noteworthy Islamic sites, including the Islamic University.

Places to visit in Tashkent: Museum of Victims of Political Repression, World War II Memorial, Botanical Garden, Amir Temur Square

2. SAMARKAND

Samarkand has the most beautiful, ostentatious architecture in the entire country. The crown jewel of the city is the Registan, a trio of buildings bordering a large courtyard. You’ll want to visit Registan several times during your stay as you’ll find fewer crowds in the early mornings, but the complex is spectacular when it is lit up right after sunset. It is arguably the most beautiful complex in all of Uzbekistan.

There are countless other remarkable sites to explore in Samarkand! The Shah-i-Zinda is a boulevard of vibrant blue mausoleums and the Gur-e Amir Complex is the final resting place for Uzbekistan’s national hero, Amir Temur.

Samarkand also boasts entertaining restaurants where the locals dress up in their finest attire and dance in-between courses.

Places to visit in Samarkand: Registan, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Gur-e Amir Complex, Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum, Siab Bazaar, Shakhrisabz, Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari

3. BUKHARA

Bukhara has a cute, compact downtown area with most of the guesthouses clustered around the picturesque lake in the center. The lake is a popular spot to drink a cold draft beer while enjoying sunset and people-watching in the evenings. It is easy to walk to all of the historic sites around town so you won’t need to worry about haggling with taxi drivers

The Kalyan Mosque, the Kalyan Minaret, and the Chor Minor are the most picturesque historical sites in the city. You’ll want to visit the Kalyan Mosque early in the morning to enjoy it in peace before the tour buses descend.

The shopping in Bukhara is also incredible. You’ll find old trading domes from the days of the Silk Road that are filled with hand-woven blankets, beautiful jackets, colourful bags, and everything else your heart could desire.

Old Bukhara: During its turbulent history, Bukhara has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.  It was the capital of the Samanid Empire in the 9th and 10th centuries, the capital of the Khanate of Bukhara from the 16th to the 18th century, then of the Emirate of Bukhara and finally the capital of the Bukharian People’s Soviet Republic.  In 1925, it became part of the Uzbek SSR under Soviet rule.  Despite these destructive changes of power, the city’s rich history is apparent in its medieval architecture, such structures leading to UNESCO recognition.  Even on the most fleeting of visits, you cannot fail to be impressed by its historic landmarks.  View it as an ensemble piece, for it’s the collective ambiance of Bukhara rather than an individual landmark which makes it so special.

4. KHIVA

The old city of Khiva is called Itchan Kala. It is surrounded by fort walls made of mud, a portion of which has been reconstructed so you can walk along the walls and survey the city. It is a quaint old city with surprises through every indistinct doorway and around every corner.

If you thought Bukhara was filled with souvenir shops, just wait until you get to Khiva! Every street is lined with stalls and there is at least one vendor inside every historical building. Even the restaurants have souvenirs for sale!

Most visitors opt to hire an English-speaking guide for the day to learn more about the history of the Itchan Kala. The two palaces and the minarets are the most impressive structures here, but it’s interesting to hear some of the legends of the people who built the city.

Admire the Stunning Kalta Minor Minaret, Visit the Unique Wooden Juma Mosque, and Explore the Magnificent Tash Khauli Palace

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