The ancient lands of Uzbekistan beckon adventurers to explore their centuries-old mosques, mystical mountains, world-famous cuisine and signature hospitality.
“Uzbekistan is like a fairy tale,” Uzbekistan Ambassador to Ukraine Alisher Kurmanov told the Kyiv Post.
Despite its many treasures, the Central Asian country has been a mystery for much of the world until recently. For long 25 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan was ruled by dictator Islam Karimov, who kept the nation in isolation.
But with the change of leadership following Karimov’s death in 2016, the country has experienced a tourist boom. Just three years later, the number of visitors to Uzbekistan tripled, reaching 6.7 million in 2019.
Now that the COVID‑19 crisis may be subsiding, Uzbekistan is welcoming travelers with a list of “safe sites” and requiring a coronavirus test from travelers from “green” countries including Ukraine.
History
Uzbekistan is home to ancient cities and magnificent architectural heritage. Ancient emperors such as Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan passed through the lands. The same cities that they resided in the 5th and 13th centuries still stand today.
The eastern city of Samarkand is among the oldest cities in the world. It was a key point on the Silk Road. Turco-Mongol emperor Tamerlane and his descendants called this city their home. The beautiful Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum still serves as a resting place for Tamerlane and his grandsons.
The signature colorful geometric courtyards and mosaics with integrated religious symbols are a staple of Uzbekistan. One of the must-sees is Samarkand’s Registan Square, whose tiled medieval center was built by craftsmen that Tamerlane brought back during his conquests.
View over the mausoleums and domes of the historical cemetery of Shahi Zinda through an arched gate, Samarkand, Uzbekistan. (Shutterstock)
Abdurakhmon Mahmudov, the first secretary to the Uzbek Embassy of Ukraine, calls Samarkand one of the three top destinations in the country. The other two are Bukhara and Khiva. “The three gems of Central Asia,” Mahmudov told the Kyiv Post.
While many historic sites and buildings in Samarkand have been restored, quite a few of Bukhara’s buildings remain untouched, standing with original walls and foundations. The city contains more than 140 architectural sites. The colorful 309-year-old Bolo Haouz Mosque and the 900-year-old Po-i-Kalan religious complex are among the most spectacular.
The entire ancient city of Khiva — along with more than its 100 mosques and madrassas — are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city is split in two parts with outer and inner towns by the brick wall foundations laid in the 10th century. Khiva is also home to the magnificent fortresses of Ichan-Kala, Kunya-Ark and Dishan-Kala.
Adventures
Uzbekistan is warm for most of the year, which is why travelers can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and paragliding at all times in parts of the country.
One possible path is “retracing the footsteps” of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane along the Silk Road.
A popular paragliding hotspot is the Charvak reservoir located 80 kilometers northeast of Tashkent. Mountain biking, rock climbing, and canyoning are other popular summer activities.
The Uzbek mountains draw tourists to explore its peaks and valleys through a variety of adventure sports such as skiing, paragliding, hiking and more.
During the winter season, skiing and snowboarding can be done at mountain resorts such as Chimgan, Beldersay, Yangiabad and the new Amirsoy that reminds Kurmanov of Bukovel.
To avoid the overwhelming heat during the summer, the best time to visit Uzbekistan is spring or fall.
Gastronomy
Another attraction is cuisine and produce. The combination of hot days and cool nights creates the perfect environment to grow fruits that famously melt in one’s mouth. “That’s the secret to the sweetness of our fruits, our melons,” Kurmanov says.
The local cuisine is known for its signature dishes such as plov, pilaf, manty and bread. Many Uzbek dishes are cooked in an open hearth and with succulent lamb kabobs. Dried fruits and spices are popular items bought from Uzbek sellers in Kyiv.
Uzbek cuisine and hospitality are among the main staples of Uzbekistan. Most dishes are meat-based and cooked in an open hearth.
Winemaking has deep roots in Uzbekistan. When traveling through Central Asia, Venetian explorer Marco Polo wrote in his famous travel diary about Uzbek wine he tried in Samarkand and Bukhara, saying “it amazed me with its excellent quality.”
Delicious traditional dishes can be found all over the country and in the many new restaurants popping up in Tashkent, with 2.4 million people.
Modern country
The ancient nation’s population is also very young and growing.
“Uzbekistan is actively progressing with technology, like its trains,” Kurmanov says. The Spanish-built Afrosiyob high-speed train allows visitors a great way to experience Uzbekistan. Running at 250 kilometers per hour, the train cuts the travel time between big cities. A 600-kilometer trip from Tashkent to Bukhara, for instance, takes three hours compared to the seven in the past.
Tashkent is a modern metropolis that combines old buildings and modern business centers in its cityscape. Since the change in the government in 2016, a noticeable shift has occurred. As foreign investment increased, the capital has been thriving with new businesses and innovations.
Tashkent City Congress Hall and Hilton hotel with colorful illumination at night in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. (Shutterstock)
Miri Tsoi, who was born and raised in Tashkent but has lived in Kyiv for the last 30 years, visits Uzbekistan once every year or so.
“Now there’s a new Tashkent,” Tsoi told the Kyiv Post. “It’s completely different, more modern now.” Tsoi has also noticed an influx of Ukrainians traveling for work.
But for now, to most of the world, “Uzbekistan is a hidden gem,” Kurmanov says.
Travel and stay
To enter Uzbekistan, travelers from Ukraine need to have a negative PCR test result taken 72 hours before flights. The government compiled a safety package with a list of “safe sites,” measures and routes for tourists to take available at www.uzbekistan.travel. A direct flight from Kyiv to Tashkent averages at $200–300 and takes 5–6 hours. Other options are the recently-added direct flights from Kyiv to Samarkand for about $159. Airbnbs, hostels and hotels are all popular choices for accommodation.
