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Hey guys, on this article, I needed to share our itinerary for 4 days in Uzbekistan visiting Tashkent and Samarkand (and Bukhara as an non-compulsory vacation spot). We visited Uzbekistan in winter, when it was very empty and had an opportunity to discover the primary landmarks with none crowds.
Right here’s what you’ll be able to look forward to finding on this weblog submit:
Who can journey to Uzbekistan? Do you want a visa?
Should you’re questioning whether or not you want a visa for Uzbekistan, it’s higher to test on the official web site right here, as the foundations might need modified since we wrote this text. Typically, it’s fairly straightforward to go to Uzbekistan and in case you’re from the EU, you don’t want a visa as of January 2022. Nonetheless, to enter Uzbekistan, you must present a adverse PCR check taken as much as 72 hours earlier than your journey.Â
There are not any strict guidelines about who may journey to Uzbekistan, nonetheless, it has its personal purple record – arrivals from some international locations have to quarantine for 10 days. Â
Aside from that, it’s simple to journey to Uzbekistan – you don’t want any invites or journey vouchers.Â
Are you able to discover Uzbekistan by yourself and not using a journey company?Â
Lots of people are questioning whether or not you’ll be able to discover Uzbekistan by yourself with out shopping for an organised tour. I simply say that there are some challenges in the case of getting across the cities (e.g. taxi drivers in Samarkand in Bukhara don’t communicate English and there’s no app you need to use to ask for a taxi) and generally resort personnel don’t communicate English as effectively, nonetheless, it’s regular – it’s the identical in lots of international locations around the globe.
Should you’re a younger solo feminine traveller, you may get lots of consideration, so I’m undecided I might advocate travelling alone in Uzbekistan – on this case, it’s higher to purchase a tour!Â
Which language can you employ in Uzbekistan?
As I discussed earlier than, not many individuals communicate English in Uzbekistan – the first language of the nation is Uzbek (and Tajik in Bukhara and Samarkand), nonetheless, you too can use Russian, 80% of individuals in massive cities can communicate and perceive Russian.Â
What’s the very best time to journey to Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has clearly outlined seasons : chilly winter, fantastic spring when every thing is blooming, extraordinarily scorching summer season and nice autumn. Summer season is mostly extremely popular in Uzbekistan so it’s not really useful to journey there from June to early September, until you benefit from the temperatures of 38-55C levels.Â
Winter is totally superb, it doesn’t normally get colder than -3C, and in Samarkand and Bukhara winters are sometimes sunny and considerably heat (5-15C) throughout the day. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to anticipate subzero temperatures at evening. I’ve a separate weblog submit about climate in Uzbekistan in winter and our total impressions from travelling to Uzbekistan in December.
What number of days do you have to spend in Uzbekistan
Should you’re questioning what number of days do you want in Uzbekistan, it actually relies on what number of days off you’ve. This itinerary is predicated on 4 days in Uzbekistan and consists of visiting solely two cities, Tashkent and Samarkand (or three you probably have sufficient time and vitality). Nonetheless you probably have every week in Uzbekistan, you’ll have the ability to go to a lot of the foremost highlights and likewise journey to Khiva, Urgench and Bukhara.Â
You might in all probability do it in 5 days as effectively however that may require actually cautious advance planning. For instance, you would wish to test the times when there are flights from Tashkent to Urgench or vice versa it might most undoubtedly imply that you’d arrive to at least one metropolis and can depart from one other one. For instance, you’ll be able to arrive in Urgench and depart from Tashkent.Â
The place to remain in Uzbekistan: the very best motels
Should you’re questioning, the place to remain in Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, we stayed in 2 motels and each had been nice: Wyndham Tashkent and Marriott Courtyard. Wyndham was a bit older, nonetheless, the placement was a bit higher, for my part (particularly in case you like strolling). One other resort I might advocate is Hyatt – it’s Tashkent’s nicest resort and it’s not even that costly!
In Samarkand, we stayed on the resort known as Dilimah Premium Luxurious – it had beautiful giant trendy rooms and good breakfasts.Â
In Bukhara, I can advocate Boutique Resort Minzifa.
Uzbekistan in winter: what to anticipate? Is December a very good month to journey to UzbekistanÂ
We truly actually loved travelling to Uzbekistan within the winter. We spent 4 days in Uzbekistan in December: we arrived on 26/12 simply after Christmas and departed simply earlier than the New 12 months. Many of the motels had been empty and extra inexpensive in comparison with what they’d have been in spring throughout the excessive season. However extra importantly, lots of sights had been virtually empty and we had been capable of take lovely footage. we couldn’t even think about that we’d have the ability to take a photograph with no folks on the primary sq. of Samarkand – Registan!
The climate was okay. As we arrived from St Petersburg, Russia (which was extraordinarily chilly this winter, which is uncommon), we felt very heat with simply -1C and snowfall in Tashkent. Tashkent not often will get snow lately, however we had been fortunate to see it lined by a thick layer of snow. It appeared magical!Â
The climate in Samarkand was nice – it was a lot hotter – at some point it was +6C and one other day +12C. After we left, it was +15C!Â
How costly is Uzbekistan? Priced and price range wanted to your journeyÂ
Should you’re questioning how costly is Uzbekistan, I need to guarantee you that’s this beautiful inexpensive. Nonetheless, there are some issues that may be just a little bit dear. For instance, I discovered motels (particularly in Tashkent) not low-cost. If you wish to keep in worldwide chains like Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay from $75-200 (£55-155) per evening. The taxi from the airport to the resort was round $15 at evening. And even though meals might be actually low-cost, we went to good eating places and spent round $20-$35 per meal. Nonetheless in case you go to native quick meals chains, or attempt Plov on the worldwide Plov centre, it can save you some huge cash (as soon as we ate for as little as $5 for each of us).Â
Should you go to the native markets (or bazaars) within the morning or throughout lunchtime, you’ll have the ability to see lots of meals stalls. You possibly can attempt some native dishes like samsa (pie) (for $0.3) or plov or shashlik (meat skewers) ($1 per skewer, generally cheaper).Â
Alright, I hope I answered a few of the foremost questions you might need had about journey in Uzbekistan. Let’s get began with our itinerary for 4 days in Uzbekistan, together with Tashkent and Samarkand!
The itinerary for 4 days in Uzbekistan: Tashkent and Samarkand in a single journey (non-compulsory: Bukhara)
Earlier than we begin the overview of the itinerary, I assumed it’s price mentioning that we purchased a multi-city flight. That signifies that we arrived in Tashkent and departed from Samarkand. Nonetheless, you too can fly again from Bukhara in case you resolve to incorporate it in your itinerary!Â
2 days in Tashkent: the very best issues to doÂ
Tashkent is commonly neglected by the vacationers in favour of extra spectacular cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Sure, it may not have too many landmarks, however we truly loved it so much! Tashkent appears and looks like a capital. It has nice motels and a vibrant culinary scene. In the previous few years Tashkent noticed the opening of latest inventive bars and eating places and in comparison with Western eating places of the identical rank, Tashkent meals spots are very low-cost!
Tashkent can also be the simplest metropolis for getting round: you need to use the Yandex Taxi app there (it’s similar to Uber or Bolt) and pay money to the driving force.
Having spent 2 full days in Tashkent, we visited a lot of the landmarks of the town. Nonetheless, in case you’re used to fast-paced journey, you’ll be able to completely go to every thing in simply at some point! We ended up spending extra time in Tashkent than initially deliberate as a result of we couldn’t get a velocity prepare to Bukhara (they had been bought out), therefore, we stayed in Tashkent for an additional day (and loved it so much). Nonetheless, that additionally meant that we couldn’t see Bukhara this time.Â
Listed below are a few of the foremost landmarks we advocate visiting in Tashkent:
Tashkent metroÂ
My absolute favorite factor in Tashkent was its metro (subway / underground – nonetheless you name it). Tashkent metro was the primary one to open in Central Asia and it additionally has a few of the most lovely Metro stations on the earth. Truthfully, just about each single station was spectacular and had a unique distinctive design. Nonetheless, there are a couple of stations which might be much more exceptional than the others. Should you don’t have your complete day to have the ability to cease at each single station (the gaps between trains are 8 minutes, so it would take some time), I like to recommend you go to no less than these 5:Â
– Toshkent
– Kosmonavtov
– Alisher Navoi
– Mustakillik
– Pakhtakor
If you wish to learn the total record of the very best metro stations in Tashkent, head right here.
Amir Timur Sq.
The principle sq. of Tashkent could be very spacious and monumental. It’s very pedestrian – with a beautiful park situated proper in the course of the sq., surrounding the monument of Amir Timur – the well-known common Tamerlan, who conquered half of Central Asia again within the Fifteenth century!Â
Amir Timur Museum
Tashkent appears like a very new metropolis. A whole lot of buildings had been constructed within the final 10 years, and the development doesn’t appear to cease! Town remains to be growing quickly. One in all Tashkent’s most necessary museums was opened in 1996, and it’s situated proper subsequent to the Amir Timur sq..
Previous metropolis & mosqueÂ
As I discussed earlier than there’s not so many aged buildings in Tashkent as a result of the town suffered a devastating earthquake again within the twentieth century. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to go to the previous metropolis and the brand new mosque that’s nonetheless being constructed (as of the start of 2022). As soon as it’s completed, will probably be very spectacular.
Chorsu Market
One of many foremost landmarks of Tashkent is the Chorsu Bazaar or Chorsu market that – a bustling market situated within the centre of Tashkent. A whole lot of cities In central Asia are constructed round markets – they’re an integral a part of the lives of the vast majority of folks there. Markets in central Asia are actually exceptional: they’re large and they’re divided by totally different sections. Completely different sections embrace: fruits, greens, sweets, dairy and different milk merchandise, meat, spices, drinks, baked items and an edible space (avenue meals).
Don’t neglect to cut price on the market as a result of as a foreigner you’ll get provided costs that may be considerably increased than costs locals.Â
Chorsu has an impressive spherical corridor, but it surely’s the primary flooring the place all of the spices and sweets (belongings you could be most serious about as a vacationer) are bought!Â
One factor to bear in mind: Chorsu is probably the most touristy market in Tashkent. Therefore, the costs are considerably increased than within the different cities. Since you’ll go to Samarkand and perhaps even Bukhara, I like to recommend doing most of your purchasing in these cities reasonably than in Tashkent.
BroadwayÂ
Lastly, one other place that’s price visiting (particularly in spring or autumn) is the well-known Broadway Road. Broadway is a vibrant avenue with lots of music, avenue meals and total, a really cheerful vibe! (Not in winter although as it’s closed)
The place to eat in Tashkent:
I might advocate visiting Afsona restaurant if you wish to attempt wonderful native meals and Meat.me in case you want worldwide dishes (though they do have some native dishes within the menu as effectively). One other good restaurant is Khiva situated contained in the Hyatt Tashkent resort.
Attending to Samarkand from TashkentÂ
The easiest way to journey to Samarkand from Tashkent is by velocity prepare Afrosiab. You possibly can purchase tickets on-line right here (make certain to purchase them prematurely as they have an inclination to promote out).Â
You may as well get there by automotive, sleeper prepare, minibus coach or a taxi. Nonetheless, all of those methods are considerably much less snug and for much longer in comparison with the velocity prepare. There’s additionally a flight that goes to Bukhara from Tashkent; nonetheless, it departs solely as soon as a day within the morning. After which, you’ll additionally have to take a prepare from Bukhara to Samarkand.
Exploring Samarkand: the very best issues to do in SamarkandÂ
Samarkand was the wealthiest metropolis in Central Asia resulting from its strategic location on the silk route. The structure within the metropolis is totally gorgeous and by chance, within the final 30 years, the federal government has restored lots of the landmarks.Â
There are many issues to do within the metropolis and you’ll simply spend two days there!Â
I like to recommend taking a tour with the information for no less than at some point as a result of it is possible for you to to study so much in regards to the landmarks and can have the ability to see spots you wouldn’t end up. We employed a information by means of the web site known as Tripster and our information, Aziza, spoke a very good English! She was wonderful and educated, and I can completely advocate a tour along with her!
Listed below are a few of the landmarks we visited with Aziza:
- Amir Temur Mausoleum – a surprising constructing lined inside by gold with the tombs of a few of the most influential folks within the historical past of Uzbekistan
- Registan sq. – probably the most lovely sq. in Samarkand. Inside the three madrasas, you’ll find memento outlets.Â
- Bibi-Khanym mosque – an incredible Fifteenth-century mosque that could be a must-visit place in Samarkand
- Shah-i-Zinda – probably the most spectacular landmark in Samarkand for my part. It consists of quite a lot of lovely tombs and mausoleums completed in numerous kindsÂ
- Siyob (Siab) Market – an historic market the place you should purchase meals, spices and souvenirs
What we haven’t had an opportunity to go to, nonetheless, it’s completely price visiting: the observatory (Ulugbek observatory). The well-known Samarkand bread can also be baked close to the observatory. This bread is exclusive in some ways – it by no means will get spoilt or mouldy! There is no such thing as a rationalization for that – scientists nonetheless don’t know why it occurs. Additionally, this bread is kind of sizeable and heavy – it prices lower than $1 and weights greater than a kilo!Â
If you wish to learn the detailed itinerary for spending two days in Samarkand, learn this text!
Plov making class and dinnerÂ
By way of Aziza, we additionally booked one other tour – a Plov making class and dinner with Ilhom. Nonetheless, be at liberty to ebook a masterclass with Ilhom individually – listed here are his particulars!
The masterclass and dinner final round 3 hours – preparation of Plov is a prolonged course of! Nonetheless, Ilom is an entertaining and nice host, so the time flies! Ultimately, you get to eat all of the plov in addition to a few of the different dishes his spouse Nargiza has cooked and go away the home barely strolling – due to a lot tasty meals!
The place to eat in SamarkandÂ
Should you’re questioning the place to eat in Samarkand, I can advocate the restaurant Samarkand for a conventional meal and a Chaikhona proper in the course of the marketplace for the very best Shashlik I’ve ever eaten in my total life!
Another locations embrace:
- Restaurant Samarkand
- Restaurant Platan
Non-compulsory: visiting Bukhara
Learn how to get to Bukhara from SamarkandÂ
Order to get to Bukhara from Samarkand, you’ll be able to take the identical velocity prepare, Afrosiab. It’s the simplest and quickest method to journey between the cities. You possibly can purchase the tickets on-line right here and don’t neglect to purchase them prematurely.Â
Issues to see in Bukhara
It’s it’s undoubtedly potential to go to Bukhara on a day journey from Samarkand. The prepare journey between these two cities is kind of brief – lower than 2 hours every method.Â
Should you solely have at some point in Bukhara, make certain to go to the next landmarks:
- Kalan Mosque (a well-known Sixteenth-century mosque, in all probability probably the most lovely in Bukhara)
- Chor Minor Madrasa
- The Ark of Bukhara
- The Samanid Mausoleum
The abstract: the itinerary for 4 days in Uzbekistan: Tashkent and Samarkand & Bukhara (non-compulsory)
Alright, this was our itinerary for 4 days in Uzbekistan visiting a few of the foremost highlights resembling Tashkent and Samarkand (and likewise together with Bukhara you probably have an opportunity). I need to say that I haven’t anticipated Uzbekistan to be that stunning. I’ve heard good issues about Samarkand earlier than, however in actuality, it was 10 occasions higher than that. Tashkent was additionally beautiful – the metro was spectacular and the meals was nice in Tashkent! Total, we loved exploring Uzbekistan so much! There are, maybe, only some minor downsides in the case of travelling round Tashkent, Samarkand and different cities in Uzbekistan. One: it’s very tough to get a taxi in Samarkand in case you don’t have an area SIM card. Two: generally, there’s a bit an excessive amount of consideration from males in case you’re a younger feminine. Lastly, in case you don’t take pleasure in bargaining, you’ll endure a bit, as you at all times have to cut price in Uzbekistan!Â
Different articles you may like:
Is Tashkent price it? Issues to do in Tashkent
Uzbek meals information – dishes to attempt in Uzbekistan
Visiting Uzbekistan in winter: what to anticipate
Essentially the most lovely metro stations in TashkentÂ