Uzbekistan
ABOUT THE COUNTRY
Uzbekistan is one of the most ancient regions of Central Asia, the main asset of which is a rich historical past. About 2000 years ago, world-famous cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva were located here.
In addition to archaeological and historical monuments, Uzbekistan has a rich and diverse natural world: the Kyzylkum desert, occupied by sands and dunes, the spurs of the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alay mountains, densely overgrown with juniper forests, as well as the valleys of the largest rivers in this part of Asia, the Syr Darya and Amu Darya.
In Uzbekistan, you can engage in a wide variety of types of tourism: hiking, ecotourism, skiing, freeride, rafting, fishing and safari. Uzbekistan is made up of ancient cities, colorful bazaars and mosaic-lined palaces. It smells like real pilaf, fresh flatbread and honey melons. It beckons with intricate carpets and colorful ceramics. Amazing beaches and skiing.
CLIMATE
The climate of Uzbekistan is sharply continental, hot and arid. The average temperature in winter and on the new year ranges from -8 °C to +3 °C, in mountainous areas it can drop to -16 °C. In summer, the temperature in the northern regions of the country reaches +32 °C, and in the south – and up to not weak +42 °C.
The best time to visit the country is spring (April to June) and autumn (September-October). The period from the last ten days of June to the first ten days of August is called “chilla” (40 days) in Uzbekistan. At this time, the air temperature during the day in the shade rises above +40 °C, and at night it does not fall below +30 °C.
VISA
Uzbekistan is a visa-free country for citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. To enter, you only need a passport valid for the entire stay. But it is still worthwhile to issue a medical insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip in advance.
CURRENCY
The monetary unit of the country is the Uzbek sum (UZS), in 1 sum there are 100 tiins. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 17:30. You can exchange currency at branches of the National Bank, specialized exchange offices and some hotels.
SIGHTS
- Tashkent city
- Oriental Bazaar Chorsu
- Samarkand city
- Registan Square in Samarkand
- Bibi-Khanum Mosque in Samarkand
- City of Bukhara
- Lyabi-Hauz in Bukhara
- Minaret and mosque Kalyan
- Khiva city
- Fortress Ichan-Kala
- Gur-Emir (Mausoleum of Tamerlane)
- Charvak reservoir
USEFUL TIPS
- It is recommended that you always carry your passport with you – this greatly facilitates relations with the police.
- Every year Bukhara hosts an interesting holiday, a festival with the attractive name “Silk and Spices”. Aromas of oriental cuisine, overflows of silk fabrics, patterns of national costumes – these days the fairy tale “1000 and one night” comes to life in Bukhara.
- The most favorite holidays of the year are the Independence Day of Uzbekistan and Novruz-Bayram. The first one is celebrated on September 1 – concerts, fairs, treats, folk festivals are waiting for you. Not only big cities and the capital, every small village welcomes guests on the first day of September.
- Uzbek cuisine is one of the most popular in the world. In the historical homeland, you can try the most authentic options for treats. Guests begin, of course, with the king of any feast – pilaf.
