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Hey guys, on this article, I wished 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 principle landmarks with none crowds.
Right here’s what you may look forward to finding on this weblog publish:
Who can journey to Uzbekistan? Do you want a visa?
In the event you’re questioning whether or not you want a visa for Uzbekistan, it’s higher to examine 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 case you’re from the EU, you don’t want a visa as of January 2022. Nevertheless, to enter Uzbekistan, it’s essential to present a unfavorable PCR take a look at taken as much as 72 hours earlier than your journey.
There are not any strict guidelines about who might journey to Uzbekistan, nonetheless, it has its personal crimson checklist – arrivals from some international locations have to quarantine for 10 days.
Aside from that, it’s easy to journey to Uzbekistan – you don’t want any invites or journey vouchers.
Are you able to discover Uzbekistan by yourself with no journey company?
Lots of people are questioning whether or not you may 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 converse English and there’s no app you need to use to ask for a taxi) and generally lodge personnel don’t converse English as properly, nonetheless, it’s regular – it’s the identical in loads of international locations world wide.
In the event you’re a younger solo feminine traveller, you may get loads of consideration, so I’m unsure I’d suggest travelling alone in Uzbekistan – on this case, it’s higher to purchase a tour!
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 can even use Russian, 80% of individuals in massive cities can converse and perceive Russian.
What’s the most effective time to journey to Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has clearly outlined seasons : chilly winter, great 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 beneficial to journey there from June to early September, until you benefit from the temperatures of 38-55C levels.
Winter is completely fantastic, 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. Nevertheless, you may count on subzero temperatures at evening. I’ve a separate weblog publish about climate in Uzbekistan in winter and our general impressions from travelling to Uzbekistan in December.
What number of days must you spend in Uzbekistan
In the event you’re questioning what number of days do you want in Uzbekistan, it actually is dependent upon what number of days off you will have. This itinerary is predicated on 4 days in Uzbekistan and consists of visiting solely two cities, Tashkent and Samarkand (or three when you have sufficient time and vitality). Nevertheless when you have every week in Uzbekistan, you’d be capable to go to a lot of the important highlights and likewise journey to Khiva, Urgench and Bukhara.
You would in all probability do it in 5 days as properly however that might require actually cautious advance planning. For instance, you would wish to examine 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 may arrive in Urgench and depart from Tashkent.
The place to remain in Uzbekistan: the most effective accommodations
In the event you’re questioning, the place to remain in Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, we stayed in 2 accommodations 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 lodge I’d suggest is Hyatt – it’s Tashkent’s nicest lodge and it’s not even that costly!
In Samarkand, we stayed on the lodge known as Dilimah Premium Luxurious – it had pretty giant fashionable rooms and good breakfasts.
In Bukhara, I can suggest Boutique Lodge Minzifa.
Uzbekistan in winter: what to anticipate? Is December a very good month to journey to Uzbekistan
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 accommodations had been empty and extra reasonably priced in comparison with what they’d have been in spring throughout the excessive season. However extra importantly, loads of sights had been virtually empty and we had been capable of take stunning footage. we couldn’t even think about that we’d be capable to take a photograph with no folks on the principle 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 today, however we had been fortunate to see it lined by a thick layer of snow. It seemed magical!
The climate in Samarkand was nice – it was a lot hotter – in the future it was +6C and one other day +12C. After we left, it was +15C!
How costly is Uzbekistan? Priced and funds wanted to your journey
In the event you’re questioning how costly is Uzbekistan, I need to guarantee you that’s this beautiful reasonably priced. Nevertheless, there are some issues that may be a bit bit expensive. For instance, I discovered accommodations (particularly in Tashkent) not low cost. If you wish to keep in worldwide chains like Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott, you may count on to pay from $75-200 (£55-155) per evening. The taxi from the airport to the lodge was round $15 at evening. And although meals may be actually low cost, we went to good eating places and spent round $20-$35 per meal. Nevertheless 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).
In the event you go to the native markets (or bazaars) within the morning or throughout lunchtime, you’d be capable to see loads of meals stalls. You’ll be able to attempt some native dishes like samsa (pie) (for $0.3) or plov or shashlik (meat skewers) ($1 per skewer, generally cheaper).
Alright, I hope I answered among the important 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 can even fly again from Bukhara in case you determine to incorporate it in your itinerary!
2 days in Tashkent: the most effective issues to do
Tashkent is commonly missed 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 quite a bit! Tashkent seems to be and looks like a capital. It has nice accommodations and a vibrant culinary scene. In the previous few years Tashkent noticed the opening of latest 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 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 town. Nevertheless, in case you’re used to fast-paced journey, you may completely go to the whole lot in simply in the future! 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 offered out), therefore, we stayed in Tashkent for an additional day (and loved it quite a bit). Nevertheless, that additionally meant that we couldn’t see Bukhara this time.
Listed below are among the important landmarks we suggest visiting in Tashkent:
Tashkent metro
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 stunning Metro stations on the earth. Actually, just about each single station was spectacular and had a distinct distinctive design. Nevertheless, there are just a few stations which can be much more exceptional than the others. In the event 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’d take some time), I like to recommend you go to no less than these 5:
– 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 stunning park positioned proper in the course 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!
Amir Timur Museum
Tashkent seems to be like a totally new metropolis. Quite a lot of buildings had been constructed within the final 10 years, and the development doesn’t appear to cease! Town continues to be growing quickly. One in every of Tashkent’s most necessary museums was opened in 1996, and it’s positioned proper subsequent to the Amir Timur sq..
Outdated metropolis & mosque
As I discussed earlier than there’s not so many aged buildings in Tashkent as a result of town suffered a devastating earthquake again within the twentieth century. Nevertheless, you may 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, it is going to be very spectacular.
Chorsu Market
One of many important landmarks of Tashkent is the Chorsu Bazaar or Chorsu market that – a bustling market positioned within the centre of Tashkent. Quite a lot of cities In central Asia are constructed round markets – they’re an integral a part of the lives of nearly all of folks there. Markets in central Asia are actually exceptional: they’re big 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 (road meals).
Don’t neglect to discount on the market as a result of as a foreigner you’d get supplied costs that might be considerably larger than costs locals.
Chorsu has an impressive spherical corridor, however it’s the primary ground the place all of the spices and sweets (belongings you can be most desirous about as a vacationer) are offered!
One factor to bear in mind: Chorsu is essentially the most touristy market in Tashkent. Therefore, the costs are considerably larger than within the different cities. Since you’re going to go to Samarkand and possibly even Bukhara, I like to recommend doing most of your purchasing in these cities reasonably than in Tashkent.
Broadway
Lastly, one other place that’s price visiting (particularly in spring or autumn) is the well-known Broadway Road. Broadway is a vibrant road with loads of music, road meals and general, 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 attempt wonderful native meals and Meat.me in case 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 lodge.
Attending to Samarkand from Tashkent
One of the simplest ways to journey to Samarkand from Tashkent is by velocity prepare Afrosiab. You’ll be able to purchase tickets on-line right here (be certain to purchase them upfront as they have a tendency to promote out).
You can even get there by automotive, sleeper prepare, minibus coach or a taxi. Nevertheless, all of those methods are considerably much less snug and for much longer in comparison with the velocity 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 have to take a prepare from Bukhara to Samarkand.
Exploring Samarkand: the most effective issues to do in Samarkand
Samarkand was the wealthiest metropolis in Central Asia as a consequence of its strategic location on the silk route. The structure within the metropolis is completely gorgeous and fortunately, within the final 30 years, the federal government has restored loads of the landmarks.
There are many issues to do within the metropolis and you may simply spend two days there!
I like to recommend taking a tour with the information for no less than in the future as a result of it is possible for you to to study quite a bit concerning the landmarks and can be capable 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 extremely good English! She was wonderful and educated, and I can completely suggest a tour along with her!
Listed below 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 folks within the historical past of Uzbekistan
- Registan sq. – essentially the most stunning sq. in Samarkand. Inside the three madrasas, you will discover memento outlets.
- Bibi-Khanym mosque – an incredible Fifteenth-century mosque that could be a must-visit place in Samarkand
- Shah-i-Zinda – essentially the most spectacular landmark in Samarkand for my part. It consists of quite a lot of stunning tombs and mausoleums completed in several kinds
- Siyob (Siab) Market – an historical market the place you should buy 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 isn’t any clarification for that – scientists nonetheless don’t know why it occurs. Additionally, this bread is sort of sizeable and heavy – it prices lower than $1 and weights greater than a kilo!
If you wish to learn the detailed itinerary for spending two days in Samarkand, learn this text!
Plov making class and dinner
Via Aziza, we additionally booked one other tour – a Plov making class and dinner with Ilhom. Nevertheless, be at liberty to e book a masterclass with Ilhom individually – listed below 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! Ultimately, 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 Samarkand
In the event you’re questioning the place to eat in Samarkand, I can suggest the restaurant Samarkand for a standard meal and a Chaikhona proper in the course of the marketplace for the most effective Shashlik I’ve ever eaten in my total life!
Another locations embrace:
- Restaurant Samarkand
- Restaurant Platan
Non-compulsory: visiting Bukhara
get to Bukhara from Samarkand
Order to get to Bukhara from Samarkand, you may take the identical velocity prepare, Afrosiab. It’s the best and quickest strategy to journey between the cities. You’ll be able to purchase the tickets on-line right here and don’t neglect to purchase them upfront.
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 sort of brief – lower than 2 hours every means.
In the event you solely have in the future in Bukhara, be certain to go to the next landmarks:
- Kalan Mosque (a well-known Sixteenth-century mosque, in all probability essentially the most stunning 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 important highlights resembling Tashkent and Samarkand (and likewise together with Bukhara when you have an opportunity). I need to say that I haven’t anticipated Uzbekistan to be that lovely. I’ve heard good issues about Samarkand earlier than, however in actuality, it was 10 instances higher than that. Tashkent was additionally pretty – the metro was spectacular and the meals was nice in Tashkent! General, we loved exploring Uzbekistan quite a bit! There are, maybe, only some minor downsides in the case of travelling round Tashkent, Samarkand and different cities in Uzbekistan. One: it’s very troublesome 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 get pleasure from bargaining, you’ll endure a bit, as you at all times have to discount in Uzbekistan!
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 stunning metro stations in Tashkent