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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 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 verify on the official web site right here, as the principles might need modified since we wrote this text. Typically, it’s fairly straightforward to go to Uzbekistan and for those who’re from the EU, you don’t want a visa as of January 2022. Nonetheless, to enter Uzbekistan, it’s essential present a unfavourable PCR take a look at taken as much as 72 hours earlier than your journey.
There aren’t any strict guidelines about who might journey to Uzbekistan, nevertheless, it has its personal purple checklist – arrivals from some international locations must quarantine for 10 days.
Other than that, it’s simple to journey to Uzbekistan – you don’t want any invites or journey vouchers.
Are you able to discover Uzbekistan by yourself with out a journey company?
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 in terms 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 nicely, nevertheless, it’s regular – it’s the identical in quite a lot of international locations all over the world.
For those who’re a younger solo feminine traveller, you would possibly get quite a lot of consideration, so I’m unsure I might advocate 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), nevertheless, you may as well use Russian, 80% of individuals in large cities can converse and perceive Russian.
What’s the perfect time to journey to Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has clearly outlined seasons : chilly winter, great spring when every little thing is blooming, extraordinarily scorching summer time and nice autumn. Summer season is mostly extremely popular in Uzbekistan so it’s not advisable to journey there from June to early September, until you benefit from the temperatures of 38-55C levels.
Winter is totally positive, it doesn’t often get colder than -3C, and in Samarkand and Bukhara winters are sometimes sunny and considerably heat (5-15C) in the course of the day. Nonetheless, you possibly can count on subzero temperatures at night time. 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
For those who’re questioning what number of days do you want in Uzbekistan, it actually will depend on what number of days off you have got. This itinerary relies on 4 days in Uzbekistan and consists of visiting solely two cities, Tashkent and Samarkand (or three in case you have sufficient time and power). Nonetheless in case you have per week in Uzbekistan, you’d be capable of go to a lot of the most important highlights and in addition journey to Khiva, Urgench and Bukhara.
You could possibly most likely do it in 5 days as nicely however that will require actually cautious advance planning. For instance, you would want to verify 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 possibly can arrive in Urgench and depart from Tashkent.
The place to remain in Uzbekistan: the perfect inns
For those who’re questioning, the place to remain in Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, we stayed in 2 inns and each have been nice: Wyndham Tashkent and Marriott Courtyard. Wyndham was a bit older, nevertheless, the placement was a bit higher, in my view (particularly for those who like strolling). One other lodge I might advocate 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 beautiful giant trendy rooms and good breakfasts.
In Bukhara, I can advocate Boutique Lodge Minzifa.
Uzbekistan in winter: what to anticipate? Is December an excellent 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 Yr. A lot of the inns have 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, quite a lot of points of interest have been virtually empty and we have been in a position to take lovely photos. we couldn’t even think about that we might be capable of 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 hardly ever will get snow as of late, however we have been fortunate to see it coated by a thick layer of snow. It seemed magical!
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!
How costly is Uzbekistan? Priced and funds wanted on your journey
For those who’re questioning how costly is Uzbekistan, I need to guarantee you that’s this beautiful reasonably priced. Nonetheless, there are some issues that may be a bit of bit expensive. 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 count on to pay from $75-200 (£55-155) per night time. The taxi from the airport to the lodge was round $15 at night time. And although meals may be actually low-cost, we went to good eating places and spent round $20-$35 per meal. Nonetheless for those who 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).
For those who go to the native markets (or bazaars) within the morning or throughout lunchtime, you’d be capable of see quite a lot of meals stalls. You may 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 a few of the most important 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 (optionally available: Bukhara)
Earlier than we begin the overview of the itinerary, I believed it’s price mentioning that we purchased a multi-city flight. That implies that we arrived in Tashkent and departed from Samarkand. Nonetheless, you may as well fly again from Bukhara for those who determine to incorporate it in your itinerary!
2 days in Tashkent: the perfect issues to do
Tashkent is commonly ignored 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 appears and appears like a capital. It has nice inns and a vibrant culinary scene. In the previous couple of 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 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, for those who’re used to fast-paced journey, you possibly can completely go to every little 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 pace practice to Bukhara (they have been bought out), therefore, we stayed in Tashkent for an additional day (and loved it quite a bit). Nonetheless, that additionally meant that we couldn’t see Bukhara this time.
Listed below are a few of the most important landmarks we advocate visiting in Tashkent:
Tashkent metro
My absolute favorite factor in Tashkent was its metro (subway / underground – nevertheless 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 this planet. Truthfully, just about each single station was spectacular and had a unique distinctive design. Nonetheless, there are a couple of stations which are much more outstanding than the others. For those who don’t have the 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:
– Toshkent
– Kosmonavtov
– Alisher Navoi
– Mustakillik
– Pakhtakor
If you wish to learn the complete checklist of the perfect 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 stunning park situated proper in the midst of the sq., surrounding the monument of Amir Timur – the well-known basic Tamerlan, who conquered half of Central Asia again within the Fifteenth century!
Amir Timur Museum
Tashkent appears like a totally new metropolis. Quite a lot of buildings have been constructed within the final 10 years, and the development doesn’t appear to cease! The town remains to be growing quickly. One among Tashkent’s most necessary museums was opened in 1996, and it’s situated proper subsequent to the Amir Timur sq..
Previous metropolis & mosque
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 possibly can 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 will likely be very spectacular.
Chorsu Market
One of many most important landmarks of Tashkent is the Chorsu Bazaar or Chorsu market that – a bustling market situated 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 the vast majority of folks there. Markets in central Asia are actually outstanding: they’re big and they’re divided by completely different sections. Totally different sections embody: fruits, greens, sweets, dairy and different milk merchandise, meat, spices, drinks, baked items and an edible space (road meals).
Don’t neglect to cut price on the market as a result of as a foreigner you’d get provided costs that will be considerably increased than costs locals.
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 all for as a vacationer) are bought!
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’re going to go to Samarkand and possibly even Bukhara, I like to recommend doing most of your buying in these cities moderately than in Tashkent.
Broadway
Lastly, one other place that’s price visiting (particularly in spring or autumn) is the well-known Broadway Avenue. Broadway is a vibrant road with quite a lot 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 might advocate visiting Afsona restaurant if you wish to attempt superb native meals and Meat.me for those who desire worldwide dishes (though they do have some native dishes within the menu as nicely). One other good restaurant is Khiva situated contained in the Hyatt Tashkent lodge.
Attending to Samarkand from Tashkent
The easiest way to journey to Samarkand from Tashkent is by pace practice Afrosiab. You may purchase tickets on-line right here (be certain that to purchase them upfront as they have a tendency to promote out).
You can too get there by automobile, sleeper practice, minibus coach or a taxi. Nonetheless, all of those methods are considerably much less snug and for much longer in comparison with the pace practice. There’s additionally a flight that goes to Bukhara from Tashkent; nevertheless, it departs solely as soon as a day within the morning. After which, you’d additionally must take a practice from Bukhara to Samarkand.
Exploring Samarkand: the perfect issues to do in Samarkand
Samarkand was once 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 by chance, within the final 30 years, the federal government has restored quite a lot 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 at some point as a result of it is possible for you to to study quite a bit concerning the landmarks and can be capable of 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 superb and educated, and I can completely advocate a tour together with her!
Listed below are a few of the landmarks we visited with Aziza:
- Amir Temur Mausoleum – a shocking constructing coated 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 will discover memento retailers.
- 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 in my view. It consists of a wide range of lovely tombs and mausoleums completed in numerous kinds
- 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, nevertheless, 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 clarification 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!
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. Nonetheless, be happy to guide 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! 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 Samarkand
For those who’re questioning the place to eat in Samarkand, I can advocate the restaurant Samarkand for a conventional meal and a Chaikhona proper in the midst of the marketplace for the perfect Shashlik I’ve ever eaten in my total life!
Another locations embody:
- Restaurant Samarkand
- Restaurant Platan
Non-obligatory: visiting Bukhara
How you can get to Bukhara from Samarkand
Order to get to Bukhara from Samarkand, you possibly can take the identical pace practice, Afrosiab. It’s the simplest and quickest approach to journey between the cities. You may 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 doable to go to Bukhara on a day journey from Samarkand. The practice journey between these two cities is kind of brief – lower than 2 hours every means.
For those who solely have at some point in Bukhara, be certain that to go to the next landmarks:
- Kalan Mosque (a well-known Sixteenth-century mosque, most likely 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 (optionally available)
Alright, this was our itinerary for 4 days in Uzbekistan visiting a few of the most important highlights reminiscent of Tashkent and Samarkand (and in addition together with Bukhara in case 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 occasions higher than that. Tashkent was additionally beautiful – the metro was spectacular and the meals was nice in Tashkent! Total, we loved exploring Uzbekistan quite a bit! There are, maybe, just a few minor downsides in terms of travelling round Tashkent, Samarkand and different cities in Uzbekistan. One: it’s very troublesome to get a taxi in Samarkand for those who don’t have an area SIM card. Two: generally, there’s a bit an excessive amount of consideration from males for those who’re a younger feminine. Lastly, for those who don’t take pleasure in bargaining, you’ll undergo a bit, as you all the time must cut price in Uzbekistan!
Different articles you would possibly 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 Tashkent
