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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 optionally available 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 possibly can look forward to finding on this weblog publish:
Who can journey to Uzbekistan? Do you want a visa?
For those who’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 principles may need modified since we wrote this text. Usually, it’s fairly straightforward to go to Uzbekistan and in the event you’re from the EU, you don’t want a visa as of January 2022. Nevertheless, to enter Uzbekistan, you might want to present a unfavourable PCR take a look at taken as much as 72 hours earlier than your journey.Â
There are not any strict guidelines about who might journey to Uzbekistan, nonetheless, it has its personal purple checklist – arrivals from some international locations must 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 with out a journey company?Â
Lots of people are questioning whether or not you possibly can discover Uzbekistan by yourself with out shopping for an organised tour. I simply say that there are some challenges relating to getting across the cities (e.g. taxi drivers in Samarkand in Bukhara don’t converse English and there’s no app you should utilize to ask for a taxi) and typically resort personnel don’t converse English as properly, nonetheless, it’s regular – it’s the identical in a variety of international locations all over the world.
For those who’re a younger solo feminine traveller, you may get a variety of consideration, so I’m unsure I’d suggest 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 converse 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 large cities can converse and perceive Russian.Â
What’s the most effective time to journey to Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has clearly outlined seasons : chilly winter, fantastic spring when the whole lot is blooming, extraordinarily scorching summer time and nice autumn. Summer season is mostly very popular in Uzbekistan so it’s not really useful to journey there from June to early September, except you benefit from the temperatures of 38-55C levels.Â
Winter is totally tremendous, it doesn’t normally get colder than -3C, and in Samarkand and Bukhara winters are sometimes sunny and considerably heat (5-15C) in the course of the day. Nevertheless, you possibly can anticipate subzero temperatures at evening. I’ve a separate weblog publish 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
For those who’re questioning what number of days do you want in Uzbekistan, it actually depends upon what number of days off you might have. This itinerary is predicated on 4 days in Uzbekistan and consists of visiting solely two cities, Tashkent and Samarkand (or three when you’ve got sufficient time and power). Nevertheless when you’ve got per week in Uzbekistan, you’d have the ability to go to many of the principal highlights and in addition journey to Khiva, Urgench and Bukhara.Â
You might most likely do it in 5 days as properly however that will require actually cautious advance planning. For instance, you would want to test the times when there are flights from Tashkent to Urgench or vice versa it will most undoubtedly imply that you’d arrive to at least one metropolis and can depart from one other one. For instance, you possibly can arrive in Urgench and depart from Tashkent.Â
The place to remain in Uzbekistan: the most effective inns
For those who’re questioning, the place to remain in Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, we stayed in 2 inns and each had been nice: Wyndham Tashkent and Marriott Courtyard. Wyndham was a bit older, nonetheless, the situation was a bit higher, in my view (particularly in the event you like strolling). One other resort I’d suggest 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 fashionable rooms and good breakfasts.Â
In Bukhara, I can suggest Boutique Lodge Minzifa.
Uzbekistan in winter: what to anticipate? Is December a superb month to journey to UzbekistanÂ
We really 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 inns had been empty and extra reasonably priced in comparison with what they might have been in spring in the course of the excessive season. However extra importantly, a variety of sights had been virtually empty and we had been in a position to take lovely footage. we couldn’t even think about that we might have the ability to take a photograph with no individuals 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 as of late, however we had been fortunate to see it lined by a thick layer of snow. It regarded magical!Â
The climate in Samarkand was nice – it was a lot hotter – someday it was +6C and one other day +12C. Once we left, it was +15C!Â
How costly is Uzbekistan? Priced and price range wanted in your journeyÂ
For those who’re questioning how costly is Uzbekistan, I need to guarantee you that’s this gorgeous reasonably priced. Nevertheless, there are some issues that may be a bit of bit dear. For instance, I discovered inns (particularly in Tashkent) not low cost. If you wish to keep in worldwide chains like Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott, you possibly can 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 supposing meals may be actually low cost, we went to good eating places and spent round $20-$35 per meal. Nevertheless in the event you go to native quick meals chains, or strive 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
For those who go to the native markets (or bazaars) within the morning or throughout lunchtime, you’d have the ability to see a variety of meals stalls. You possibly can strive some native dishes like samsa (pie) (for $0.3) or plov or shashlik (meat skewers) ($1 per skewer, typically cheaper).Â
Alright, I hope I answered among the principal questions you may 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 (optionally available: 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. Nevertheless, you too can fly again from Bukhara in the event you determine to incorporate it in your itinerary!Â
2 days in Tashkent: the most effective issues to doÂ
Tashkent is usually 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 really loved it so much! Tashkent appears and appears like a capital. It has nice inns and a vibrant culinary scene. In the previous few years Tashkent noticed the opening of recent artistic 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 best metropolis for getting round: you should utilize 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 many of the landmarks of the town. Nevertheless, in the event you’re used to fast-paced journey, you possibly can completely go to the whole lot in simply someday! We ended up spending extra time in Tashkent than initially deliberate as a result of we couldn’t get a pace prepare to Bukhara (they had been offered out), therefore, we stayed in Tashkent for an additional day (and loved it so much). Nevertheless, that additionally meant that we couldn’t see Bukhara this time.Â
Listed here are among the principal landmarks we suggest 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 among the most lovely Metro stations on the planet. Truthfully, just about each single station was spectacular and had a unique distinctive design. Nevertheless, there are a number of stations which are much more outstanding than the others. For those who 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’d 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 checklist of the most effective metro stations in Tashkent, head right here.
Amir Timur Sq.
The principle sq. of Tashkent may be very spacious and monumental. It’s very pedestrian – with a beautiful park positioned proper in the midst of the sq., surrounding the monument of Amir Timur – the well-known normal Tamerlan, who conquered half of Central Asia again within the Fifteenth century!Â
Amir Timur Museum
Tashkent appears like a very new metropolis. A variety of buildings had been constructed within the final 10 years, and the development doesn’t appear to cease! The town continues to be creating quickly. One in every of Tashkent’s most essential museums was opened in 1996, and it’s positioned proper subsequent to the Amir Timur sq..
Outdated metropolis & mosqueÂ
As I discussed earlier than there’s not so many elderly buildings in Tashkent as a result of the town suffered a devastating earthquake again within the twentieth century. Nevertheless, you possibly can go to the outdated metropolis and the brand new mosque that’s nonetheless being constructed (as of the start of 2022). As soon as it’s completed, it will likely be very spectacular.
Chorsu Market
One of many principal landmarks of Tashkent is the Chorsu Bazaar or Chorsu market that – a bustling market positioned within the centre of Tashkent. A variety of cities In central Asia are constructed round markets – they’re an integral a part of the lives of nearly all of individuals there. Markets in central Asia are really outstanding: they’re enormous and they’re divided by completely different sections. Completely different sections embody: fruits, greens, sweets, dairy and different milk merchandise, meat, spices, drinks, baked items and an edible space (avenue meals).
Don’t overlook to cut price on the market as a result of as a foreigner you’d get supplied costs that will be considerably greater than costs locals.Â
Chorsu has a powerful spherical corridor, but it surely’s the primary ground the place all of the spices and sweets (belongings you could be most taken with as a vacationer) are offered!Â
One factor to remember: Chorsu is essentially the most touristy market in Tashkent. Therefore, the costs are considerably greater 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 relatively 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 a variety 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’d suggest visiting Afsona restaurant if you wish to strive superb native meals and Meat.me in the event you favor worldwide dishes (though they do have some native dishes within the menu as properly). One other good restaurant is Khiva positioned contained in the Hyatt Tashkent resort.
Attending to Samarkand from TashkentÂ
One of the best ways to journey to Samarkand from Tashkent is by pace prepare Afrosiab. You possibly can purchase tickets on-line right here (be certain that to purchase them prematurely as they have an inclination to promote out).Â
You can too get there by automotive, sleeper prepare, minibus coach or a taxi. Nevertheless, all of those methods are considerably much less comfy and for much longer in comparison with the pace prepare. There may be additionally a flight that goes to Bukhara from Tashkent; nonetheless, it departs solely as soon as a day within the morning. After which, you’d additionally must take a prepare from Bukhara to Samarkand.
Exploring Samarkand: the most effective issues to do in SamarkandÂ
Samarkand was the wealthiest metropolis in Central Asia on account of its strategic location on the silk route. The structure within the metropolis is totally gorgeous and fortunately, within the final 30 years, the federal government has restored a variety 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 someday as a result of it is possible for you to to be taught so much concerning the landmarks and can have the ability to see spots you wouldn’t end up. We employed a information by the web site known as Tripster and our information, Aziza, spoke a very good English! She was superb and educated, and I can completely suggest a tour along with her!
Listed here are among the landmarks we visited with Aziza:
- Amir Temur Mausoleum – a shocking constructing lined inside by gold with the tombs of among the most influential individuals within the historical past of Uzbekistan
- Registan sq. – essentially the most lovely sq. in Samarkand. Inside the three madrasas, yow will discover memento retailers.Â
- Bibi-Khanym mosque – a tremendous Fifteenth-century mosque that could be a must-visit place in Samarkand
- Shah-i-Zinda – essentially the most spectacular landmark in Samarkand in my view. It consists of quite a lot of lovely tombs and mausoleums completed in numerous typesÂ
- 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 means of Aziza, we additionally booked one other tour – a Plov making class and dinner with Ilhom. Nevertheless, be at liberty to guide 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! Nevertheless, Ilom is an entertaining and nice host, so the time flies! In the long run, you get to eat all of the plov in addition to among 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
For those who’re questioning the place to eat in Samarkand, I can suggest the restaurant Samarkand for a conventional meal and a Chaikhona proper in the midst of the marketplace for the most effective Shashlik I’ve ever eaten in my whole life!
Another locations embody:
- Restaurant Samarkand
- Restaurant Platan
Optionally available: visiting Bukhara
Learn how to get to Bukhara from SamarkandÂ
Order to get to Bukhara from Samarkand, you possibly can take the identical pace prepare, Afrosiab. It’s the best and quickest solution to journey between the cities. You possibly can purchase the tickets on-line right here and don’t overlook to purchase them prematurely.Â
Issues to see in Bukhara
It’s it’s undoubtedly attainable 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 approach.Â
For those who solely have someday in Bukhara, be certain that to go to the next landmarks:
- Kalan Mosque (a well-known Sixteenth-century mosque, most likely essentially 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 (optionally available)
Alright, this was our itinerary for 4 days in Uzbekistan visiting among the principal highlights equivalent to Tashkent and Samarkand (and in addition together with Bukhara when you’ve got 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 instances 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, just a few minor downsides relating to travelling round Tashkent, Samarkand and different cities in Uzbekistan. One: it’s very tough to get a taxi in Samarkand in the event you don’t have an area SIM card. Two: typically, there’s a bit an excessive amount of consideration from males in the event you’re a younger feminine. Lastly, in the event you don’t get pleasure from bargaining, you’ll undergo a bit, as you all the time must cut price in Uzbekistan!Â
Different articles you may like:
Is Tashkent price it? Issues to do in Tashkent
Uzbek meals information – dishes to strive in Uzbekistan
Visiting Uzbekistan in winter: what to anticipate
Essentially the most lovely metro stations in TashkentÂ