Travel is a new passion of many for quite some time now, but everyone looks forward to visiting a place that’s lesser-explored. Ironic, isn’t it? If you relate to the above line, don’t stop reading further here's Central Asia's age-old gem - Uzbekistan. Historical architecture, check. Instagram-worthy, definitely. Above all, it's lesser-explored too!
Landlocked between a couple of other counterparts, Uzbekistan is a new shining star on the block for new-age travellers. The region is a cradle of culture with its grand architecture, ancient cities and the deeply infused history of the Silk Road. Uzbekistan offers a bevvy of unique experiences to take you on a trip of rich culturescape.
We give you 9 reasons why Uzbekistan – Central Asia’s most impressive showstopper should be #1 on your Travel Bucket List.
The Great Silk Road Stories
Haven’t got the time to follow the Silk Road all the way from Turkey to China? Fret not, because Uzbekistan offers a chance to experience the famous trade route on your visit. This country is a treasure of Silk Road’s most iconic sights, including the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. From Islamic architecture to mosaics, they have restored the finest monuments to give you a glimpse of when they were hubs of international trade.
The Co-Existence of Peace and Bustle in Tashkent
An interesting mix of cultures, the capital town of Uzbekistan – Tashkent dates back to 1st century BC with beautiful tree-lined streets and a square that houses the statue of their controversial national hero Amir Timur. Certainly, the same ruler that was in the news recently when papparazi’s favourite kid Taimur Ali Khan was born! You can see Soviet and post-Soviet style government buildings and the iconic Hotel Uzbekistan. There are plenty of first-class museums to browse through. The Ugam-Chatkal National Park provides ample opportunity for adventurous activities like hiking, skiing and rafting. If you think Tashkent is a peaceful town, wait till you discover the contrasting nightlife with this exciting Uzbekistan itinerary.
The Presence of Multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage site - the historic town of Samarkand is a melting pot of cultures. The highly worth-visiting places in Samarkand are the Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda compound and the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum.
Registan Square
A symbol of oriental architecture, Registan Square of the 14th century got a UNESCO World Heritage tag in 2001. Grand madrasas, each unique with its own motifs surrounds the square which is a centre of social life in Samarkand. Due to sand covering the square completely in ancient times, the Uzbeks named it Registan Square. You can see Uzbekistan’s signature shades of blue on the walls of the square in circular patterns.
This ensemble of three grand edifices is among the world’s oldest preserved medressas. The three medressas have taken their knocks over the years, owing to the earthquakes in the region. However, they stand tall with due credits to their builders and the Soviets for the restoration. The capricious addition of a blue outer dome to the Tilla-Kari Medressa is magnificent and no amount of pictures can do justice to it. On the Western side, you will find the original medressa - The Ulugbek Medressa, finished in 1420 under Ulugbek. The stars on the portal reflect Ulugbek's love of astronomy. The entrance portal of the Sher Dor (Lion) Medressa, opposite Ulugbek’s is decorated with roaring lions.
Since your entrance ticket is valid all day, make sure you visit in the evening to see the impressive sound and light show. Furthermore, you can also visit in the morning to photograph the complex in the needed sunlight.
Gur-e-Amir
This is the final resting place of Timur, and his two sons and two grandsons. The monument is a stunning mausoleum with an azure dome that will leave you in awe of its beauty. Pro tip: Try to visit this monument at night to look at the illuminated tilework.
Shah-i-Zinda Compound
When you feel you have seen the best architectural beauty in your trip so far to Uzbekistan, hold your breath. Another landmark of richest tilework is waiting for you at Shah-i-Zinda complex. Yet another venue for stunning mausoleums, Shah-i-Zinda complex means ‘Tomb of the Living King’.
A Treat for your Instagram Feed
Most of the country is picture perfect, hence you will be tagging #nofilter to all of your snaps from the country. From the perfectly aligned buildings to the bright stones and clothing, everything you see here is worth a click. The ornate blue and turquoise shades will leave you and your followers awestruck.
A Haven for Art and Handicraft Enthusiasts
Experience the Uzbek life as it is in the bustle of Chorsu Bazaar. Here’ you’ll find the everyday staples like amazingly sweet fruits to lepeshka. This is a traditional toasted bread specially available in the Uzbek markets. Make a pit-stop at a carpet-making workshop to see carpet-makers at work, traditionally hand-weaving rugs and silk carpets inspired by the rich heritage of the country. Try your hand at this art while giving you an introduction to weaving the same with natural dyes.
For a Diverse Landscape of Mountains and Deserts
Enough about the monumental beauty of Uzbekistan. Let’s throw some light onto the diverse landscape of the country that has breathtaking mountains, rivers, forests and deserts making it an ideal destination to satisfy your passion for adventure. You can go on hiking expeditions with this Uzbekistan itinerary (link to package), stargaze and live the nomad life. Head for the Chimgan Mountains – just two hours northeast of Tashkent, if that’s what your calling is and escape from the city with endless trails of tranquil scenery. The Charvak reservoir en route to Chimgan is another stopover for the adrenaline junkies as it offers a great opportunity to chill by the blue waters or paraglide over the beautiful skies.
A Gastronomical Adventure
Have you ever heard any of your local food joints or hotels coming up with an Uzbek Food Fest? The cuisine of Uzbekistan is rare but it is heartily tasty and welcoming. The traiditonal bread comes in all shapes and sizes, and skewers are donned with char-grilled mutton shashlik, big enough to feed a large family. Meals in Uzbek are often several courses consisting of salads, soups, Plov (a rice and meat preparation similar to biryani), kebabs and spices. The local markets are the best place to enjoy authentic food along with homemade delicacies, sweets and pastries.
One amazing thing that the Soviets left behind in Uzbekistan is generous amount of vodka. Vodka is the most important legacy of the Soviet Union. The Uzbeks have made the most of it by adding it in juice, or chugging it directly eezer, with a plate of hot shashlik kebabs. So feast on the authentic cuisine and say ‘Na Zdorovie!’
There’s Nothing Like ‘Too Many Tourists’ in Uzbekistan
Do you complain about over-crowded tourist destinations when you are making your travel plans? Uzbekistan is the place for you with just a handful of locals and a few explorers. There will hardly be anyone photo-bombing your picture-perfect moments or disturbing you as you soak in the beauty of the place. It’s refreshing to visit a World Heritage Site and take the time to appreciate it without being pushed along. Uzbeks are really friendly people and although very few of them speak English, they are keen to get your thoughts on their country. So be prepared to engage in small talk about them asking you about how you find their country.
Frequent Flights, Easy Visa Processes
In years gone by, getting a visa into Uzbekistan for most nationalities involved a tedious process. But much recently, a 30-day e-visa has become available for 51 different countries, including India.
When it comes to accessibility, a number of flights make their way and back to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital city. If you want to fly with national carrier Uzbekistan Airways, there are flights from major airports like Delhi and Dubai daily. So what’s stopping you from exploring this fascinating country with our 8-day itinerary?
If watching the movie of Aladdin and his adventure land fascinated you, Uzbekistan is the closest you can come with that dream world. While you obviously won’t see flying carpets and genies, the dazzling beauty of this country, its culture and the beautiful streets brimming with textiles and traditions will enchant you for sure. Give the enthusiastic Uzbeks a chance to welcome you into their world – one that’s been important but rarely explored shimmering gem on Central Asia’s map.
Written by: Aashima Kadakia
Creative ninja and a true follower of ‘Work, Save, Travel, Repeat’, I love to travel, experience places and bring back stories for a lifetime. Born and brought up in Ahmedabad, I like to visit the same old places, the same cliched tourist spots and destinations, but choose to see the unexplored in the old places. Always inclined towards the mighty mountains in their debate with the beaches!
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