The best tourist cities in Uzbekistan
The best tourist cities in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s tourist cities are famous for their diverse culture and enchanting landscapes, and are the heart of the legendary Silk Road. Moreover, it is home to some of the world’s most famous minds such as Avicenna, Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Bukhari. In addition to the crescent dunes in the Kyzylkum desert, castles and forts, amazing architecture and many more, here are the top 10 tourist cities we advise you to visit in Uzbekistan, as well as the most important tips and instructions before traveling:
Tourism in Tashkent
Tourism in Tashkent
Tashkent is the famous capital of Uzbekistan, and is the main economic, political and cultural center of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Dating back 2000 years, it has been completely reconstructed to become one of the most prominent tourist cities in Uzbekistan.
The activities that Tashkent offers to tourists are varied, the most important of which are exploring antique and historical monuments such as the 15th century “Sheikhantur” group, the 15th century Yunus Khan Mausoleum, the huge caves in Chorcho Bazaar, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the oldest Quran in existence, And some of the scattered relics of ancient Zoroastrian structures such as the sand castle “Ming Urik”.
This is in addition to the imposing metro stations, with wonderful historical Russian murals. As well as the opera house and its ornate fountain, as well as the incorporation of grandiose architecture of Soviet modernity in the famous Hotel Uzbekistan in Tashkent, and many more.
Tourism in Andijan
Tourism in Andijan
Andijan is located in the eastern part of Fergana Valley in eastern Uzbekistan, and enjoys great prestige and great popularity, as it is the birthplace of Emperor Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur, founder of the Mughal dynasty in northern India, and it is an important tourist attraction in Uzbekistan.
The visitor in Andijan enjoys seeing many cultural heritage sites, and archaeological complexes such as the educational complex in the heart of the city, which is allegedly built by Babur’s father. That whole complex is covered in grape trees, as well as Babur Memorial Park perched on a humped hillside, inside which you can wander its fruit tree-lined avenues.
The park includes a statue of Babur, a small museum with Babur memorabilia, as well as explore the Regional History Museum filled with paintings, dolls and stuffed animals, as well as the city’s wonderful restaurants, hotels and cafes.
Tourism in Kokand
Tourism in Kokand
Kokand is a city of historical fame in the Republic of Uzbekistan, where it was one of the greatest khanates of Uzbekistan, dating back to the tenth century. The city of Kokand allows you to explore its most prominent historical monuments, the most important of which is the “Khudyar Khan Palace”, which is located in the heart of the city, the last of its kind, built by the last Khan of Kokand, and enjoy watching the gleaming palace tiles, and the wide courtyards.
Also see the Friday Mosque, which has its own courtyard and has around 100 exquisitely carved wooden pillars brought from India. And don’t miss the many shops surrounding the mosque, displaying exquisite ceramic handicrafts and regional fabrics. You can also take a city tour and see Russian influences all over the city.
Tourism in Margalan
margalan
Margalan is one of the most beautiful tourist cities in Uzbekistan, and it is said that it was founded by the Greek conqueror “Alexander”, and it is the last center of the traditional silk industry in Uzbekistan.
There are many recreational activities that Margilan offers to tourists, the most notable of which is to explore the shops dotted around the city, which sell silk products, and the Yudgorlik Silk Factory, where everything is done from spinning silk to staining it with traditional ikat patterns. You can also eat delicious traditional and popular meals, and buy souvenirs.
Tourism in Khiva
Khiva
Khiva is a beautiful desert city, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the historical cities that have been perfectly preserved as it was, as there are many archaeological sites that have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Preservation List.
You can enjoy exploring the walled old town of the main city, and witness the surprising Uzbek architecture such as mosques, minarets in bright turquoise green, shrines, madrasas and palaces. This wonderful city has been described as an open-air museum.
Tourism in Bukhara
Bukhara city
Bukhara is one of the most beautiful and most visited tourist cities in Uzbekistan. It is a city dating back to ancient times, in which Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism merged, and it is accredited by UNESCO.
There are many recreational activities offered by the city of Bukhara, including exploring the wonderful historical monuments such as mosques, markets, the Jewish quarter, and the Zoroastrian fire temple, which became a Buddhist temple and then became a mosque. As well as the rocky fortress known as The Ark, the residence of the former Bukhara lords, which is said to be the oldest building in Bukhara.
In addition to the numerous cafes, and the Kalyan Minaret, which was saved by Genghis Khan even when he destroyed the rest of the city. In addition to the ancient tomb of Ismail al-Samani, and the illustrious palace of the Emir of Bukhara. There are more than 150 monuments in the city. With its narrow alleys and bustling markets. Bukhara is the quintessential Silk Road city.
Tourism in Samarkand
Samarkand
The city of Samarkand was famous for the name of the head of the vast state, created by Tamerlane. Located on the banks of the Zaravshan River, it is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Uzbekistan.
Samarkand has an enormous collection of historical sites such as the 15th Astronomical Observatory of Sultan Ulug Beg, which indicates the flourishing of noble intellectual achievement. In addition to the remains of a fortress, a museum, and the Bibi Khanum Mosque, as well as green domes against a bright blue sky.
Tourism in Termez
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Termez city from
Important tourist cities in the Republic of Uzbekistan. It is very popular with locals and tourists alike. It was founded in the first century BC.
Termez is famous for its sunny Buddhist monasteries (Vayaz Tipa and Kara Tiba) and the only dark-colored Zurmala Tower, all of which are not restricted by the architectural conventions of other tourist cities in Uzbekistan. You can also explore artifacts, which were extracted from its soil since the time of Alexander the Great, as well as artifacts in the Gorkana Museum.
Its sands are teeming with more modern Islamic monuments such as the Sultan Sadat Complex (the tombs of the ancestors of Termez al-Sayyid), and the Karak Keys Castle. As well as cafes, hotels, restaurants and many more, don’t miss it.
Tourism in Fergana
Ferghana
It is located in the southwestern part of the Fergana Valley, which is located in the eastern part of the Republic of Uzbekistan between the Tien Shan (Heavenly Mountains) and the Pamir Alai mountain range. Ferghana Valley is known as the “Garden of Uzbekistan,” and Ferghana is the largest city in the valley.
The city is famous for a distinguished range of enjoyable recreational activities, the most important of which is exploring the Russian colonial architecture, as well as wandering the streets shaded by poplar trees, and hiking in the paths designated for that, as it is considered the jewel of Central Asia. This is in addition to climbing high mountains and camping, and do not miss taking wonderful souvenir photos in the midst of this beautiful nature.
Tourism in Nukos
Tourism in Nukos
The city of Nikos is the sixth largest city in Uzbekistan, and is one of the most beautiful Uzbek tourist cities. It is a secluded city, and is an ideal destination for tourists who love relaxation and tranquility away from the noise and crowding.
You can enjoy many activities and attractions in the city of Nukos. You can visit the Art Museum, which contains a distinctive collection of modern Russian and Uzbek art from (1918-1835), and the State Museum, which includes a collection of artifacts recovered from archaeological investigations, traditional jewelry, costumes and musical instruments. This is in addition to displays of exotic and unique plants and animals.
Tips before traveling to Uzbekistan
Traveling for the first time to any tourist destination around the world, you need to familiarize yourself with the most important tips and advice before traveling. In order to avoid many obstacles. The following are the most important tips before traveling and tourism in Uzbekistan:
Do not depend on the English language
The main language in the country is Uzbek, which is a Turkic language. Most of the population speaks Russian, and most of them do not understand English. You have to learn the most important phrases of the Russian language to communicate with the very welcoming Uzbek people.
Uzbekistan is a completely safe country, however!
Unlike many of its neighbors, Uzbekistan is considered a completely safe country for tourism. But this does not prevent you to always pay attention to your belongings and handbags, especially in big cities and crowded places, to avoid pickpocketing and theft.
Always check if the camera can be used
You should be aware of places that are not allowed to be photographed in Uzbekistan, such as areas near airports, border checkpoints, military barracks, bridges and police stations. This is to avoid any fines or penalties.
Beware violating religious laws
Religious activities in Uzbekistan are restricted to registered religious groups only, and those who engage in religious activities such as proselytizing and publishing religious literature and others are subject to criminal penalties up to deportation.
Be careful to carry cash anywhere
Uzbekistan is a country where most of the financial transactions are in cash. The only thing in it that is paid with a credit card, is train tickets through the Internet, so make sure to always have cash with you while walking around.
Use the train to travel within Uzbekistan
This is because it is the best means of transportation during tourism in Uzbekistan. It has modern and sophisticated train networks and stations. It is also a fun way to explore the town and its most amazing natural scenery on the go. You can buy tickets online, and exchange them for actual tickets for boarding the train at the train station ticket office.