Uzbekistan

• Samarkand lies in northeastern Uzbekistan and has a history spanning more than two and a half millennia.
• Itchan Kala is the inner fortress of Khiva. It contains 51 ancient monumental buildings and 250 residential houses.
• Birch and walnut groves, waterfalls, lakes, and narrow gorges shape the landscape of Chimgan.
• Palov is a traditional dish prepared and shared by rural and urban communities.

Samarkand is considered a crossroads of world cultures. Some of the city’s most distinctive highlights include Registan Square, one of Uzbekistan’s world-famous architectural monuments, and Afrosiab in northern Samarkand. The ancient settlement is considered one of Central Asia’s most significant archaeological sites; the site of the ancient city is preserved as an archaeological reserve. In Samarkand, you can explore both architectural history and archaeological remains.

Khiva, too, combines a long urban history with a specific historic ensemble. Itchan Kala was the last resting place for caravans before they crossed the desert to Persia. The city is more than 2,500 years old. Conservative estimates date the Khiva puppet theater to around 2,000 years old. These figures refer to different places and institutions within Khiva.

In Tashkent, the options range from historic sites to specialized museums. The Islamic Civilization Center includes a museum with a Quran Hall, where the Mushaf of Uthman is on display. Ming-Uruk and its museum are under state protection. The Museum of the Armed Forces exhibits objects related to military history from the Paleolithic to the 20th century.

Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy different activities in Chimgan: during the warmer part of the year, you can go paragliding or climb Greater Chimgan. For winter sports, the area has the Amirsoy, Beldersay, and Chimgan ski resorts, with chairlifts and drag lifts. The mountain landscape, with its groves, waterfalls, lakes, and narrow gorges, offers a distinctive natural contrast. A hike through Gulkam Gorge should be accompanied by an experienced mountain guide familiar with safety matters.

Another natural area is the Cold Winter Deserts of Turan, a transboundary desert region in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The Uzbek part includes South Ustyurt National Park and the Saigachy-Duana, Saigachy-Zhidely, and Saigachy-Beleuli components, which are managed as a wilderness area by the Saigachy Landscape Reserve. The desert region provides habitat for threatened mammals such as goitered gazelles, saiga, and urial. This natural region offers a different perspective from the historic cities and the mountain landscape of Chimgan.

For a trip through several cities, the Afrosiab high-speed train connects Tashkent and Samarkand as part of a tourist journey through Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities. Another cultural point of interest is the “Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum” corridor: its Uzbek section includes Rabati Malik Caravanserai. Many sections of the corridor continue to be used for transport as they were in the past.

Tashkent also offers a variety of options for your stay. The State Museum of Nature of Uzbekistan is divided into four sections and features exhibitions on flora and fauna, including mammoth remains, birds, and endangered animals. Uzbekistan’s museums collectively make millions of exhibits, spanning the period from ancient civilizations to the present, accessible to the public. Artificial lakes, playgrounds, cafes, restaurants, and pavilions are part of New Uzbekistan Park.

For a more detailed regional overview, find guides to Tashkent, Republic Of Karakalpakstan, Andijan Province, Bukhara, Navoiy Province, Qashqadaryo Province, Samarkand Province, Buxoro Province, Ferghana Province, Khorezm, Navoiy Province, Jizzax Province and Surxondaryo Province.

Which cities does the Afrosiab high-speed train connect?

Afrosiab connects Tashkent and Samarkand as part of a tourist journey through Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities.

What should you keep in mind when hiking through Gulkam Gorge?

The hike should be accompanied by an experienced mountain guide familiar with safety matters.

What activities are possible in Chimgan?

During the warmer part of the year, you can go paragliding or climb Greater Chimgan. For winter sports, the area has the Amirsoy, Beldersay, and Chimgan ski resorts, with chairlifts and drag lifts.