Discovering Uzbekistan: Central Asia’s Hidden Gem

Back Heritage Tours Next

Uzbekistan, a Central Asian gem, offers a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a land where history and modernity coexist, offering travelers an unparalleled journey through time. Whether you're exploring the ancient streets of Samarkand, the vibrant markets of Tashkent, or the serene landscapes of the Fergana Valley – Uzbekistan holds the potential to be the topmost destination for your next holiday. Here’s a guide to the best places you must visit in Uzbekistan:

1. Samarkand: The Jewel of the Silk Road

Registan Square: This stunning public square is surrounded by three majestic madrasahs (Islamic schools) and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. According to legend, its name, "Registan," comes from the sand that once covered the area, soaking up the blood from public executions.
Shah-i-Zinda: Samarkand’s most moving and beloved site is this stunning avenue with a series of mausoleums showcasing some of the richest tile work in the Muslim world. The name, which means ‘Tomb of the Living King’, refers to its original, innermost and holiest shrine – a complex of cool, quiet rooms around what is probably the grave of Qusam ibn-Abbas, who is said to have brought Islam to this area in the 7th century. It is the most stunning Timurid-era tile work dates from 14th and 15th centuries.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque: This enormous congregational mosque is the largest of its kind in Central Asia, able to hold about 10,000 worshippers. Located just northeast of the Registan, the Bibi Khanum Mosque was built from the spoils of Timur’s invasion of India; including 95 elephants were used to transport materials.

2. Bukhara: A Living Museum

Ark Fortress: The ancient heart of Bukhara, this fortress has been the seat of various empires for over a millennium. This fortress-city housed emirs, officials, poets, and scholars, functioning as a self-contained city until the Red Army invasion in 1920.
Po-i-Kalyan Complex: Featuring the Kalyan Minaret, this complex is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It is a great historical reserve for Bukhara and one of the most iconic settings in the city. The complex holds four monuments: the Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque, the Mir-i-Arab Madrassah, and the Emir Alim Khan Madrassah. Each building displays its beauty through various styles, colourful tile work, or decorative bands.
Chor Minor: The Chor Minor Madrasah in Bukhara is one of the most remarkable historical monuments of the town. Located behind the Lyab-i Hauz complex, it is especially outstanding compared to the rest of the square in its unusual forms and architectural design, which accounts for its name "Chor Minor”, means "four minarets" in Persian. At first glance, the towers seem identical, but on closer examination, you will see that the decoration of none of them is the same as the other.

3. Khiva: A City of Legends

Itchan Kala: Itchan Kala is the inner town (protected by brick walls some 10 m high) of the old Khiva oasis, which was the last resting-place of caravans before crossing the desert to Iran.
Kalta Minor: This unique Minaret is one of the best known among sights of Khiva and it has become a historical complex of an incredible eastern architectural design. It is an unfinished minaret that was intended to be the tallest in the Islamic world. Even though unfinished, the minaret style still remains special among other structures of this type. Its decor is undoubtedly fascinating. The viewer’s eyes are immediately captured by lacquered majolica and tiling. Charming beauty of the construction almost hasn’t change since 1855.

4. Tashkent: The Modern Capital

Hazrat Imam Complex: Hazrat Imam Complex is also known as Hast Imam Square is a religious and spiritual center of Tashkent. The architectural complex looks atmospheric in the east, especially at night: thanks to the illumination, the whole complex resembles a soaring mirage of a fairy-tale city from ancient Middle Eastern fairy tales. According to historical traditions, the Hazrati Imam spoke more than 70 languages and completed the translation of the Old Testament into Arabic.
Chorsu Bazaar: The most famous farmers market in Tashkent, marked by its large green dome, provides a delightful glimpse of city life as it spills into the streets just south of the Old Town. There are acres of spices arranged in brightly coloured mountains, Volkswagen-sized sacks of grain, entire warehouses dedicated to sweets, and the freshest bread and fruits around. Souvenir hunters will find kurpacha (colorful sitting mattresses), skullcaps, chapan (traditional heavy quilted cloaks), ceramics and knives here. It is a bustling market where you can experience local culture and cuisine.
Amir Timur Museum: The Amir Timur Museum dedicated to the legacy of the great conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) that has collected more than three thousand exhibits that tell about the ancient history of our region. Among them there are paintings, historical documents that relate to the life and activity of Amir Timur, unique manuscripts, weapons, old clothes, utensils, and various coins.
Tashkent metro: Experiencing the metro in Tashkent is exceptional—it's among the most spectacular in the world. Whether you're riding the subway or simply strolling through the metro stations, you'll be amazed by the architecture found at every corner of the station.

5. Fergana Valley: The Fertile Heartland

Kokand: Kokand home to the Khudayar Khan Palace, a city located in the scenic Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a rich history and vibrant culture, Kokand entices visitors with its majestic palaces, ornate mosques, and bustling bazaars. This city, once a key hub on the Silk Road, has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural marvels and tales of intrigue. Kokand offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the present.
Margilan: Margilan is a city in Fergana Region, known for its exquisite silk production, with the Yodgorlik Silk Factory. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the globe flock here to witness the complete silk production process, from growing mulberry silkworms to weaving fabrics and making carpets. The city has been producing silk since the late 1st millennium BC.

6. Nukus: The Cultural Gateway to the Desert

State Museum of Art (The Savitsky Museum): This museum is famous for its extensive collection of Russian avant-garde art, making it one of the most important galleries of its kind outside Russia. You can admire over 90,000 works of art, including pieces by notable artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Wassily Kandinsky. Alongside modern art, the museum also showcases a rich assortment of Central Asian and Karakalpak artworks and historical artifacts.
Karakalpakstan Museum of History & Culture: Immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and traditions of Karakalpakstan at this museum. Learn about lifestyle, crafts, and archaeological findings specific to the local region and the effects of Soviet influence.

7. Termez: The Southern Frontier

Kirk Kiz Fortress: The unique "Kirk Kiz" building ("forty girls”) which has attracted the attention of researchers for a long time, has been variously considered as a palace. The complex "Kirk Kiz" is situated 3 km. from the ancient city of Termez. Local tradition connects it with the well-known national legend in which the princess Gulaim and her forty girls bravely defended against invaders. Its true purpose remains a subject of debate among historians.

Tips for Travelers:

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November) offer the most pleasant weather.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying plov (a rice dish), lagman (noodles), and samsa (savory pastries).
The local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS). Advisable to carry cash, as ATMs and exchange services are limited in rural areas, and credit card use is rare outside major cities.
For intercity travel, consider taking the high-speed train, such as the Afrosiyob, which connects major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara efficiently.

Back Next