Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a state in Central Asia. The capital city is Tashkent. The neighboring countries are Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan. The northern part of the country is washed by the waters of the Aral Sea.

Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate. Summers are hot here and in winter, it is humid and warm. However, in the mountains, the temperature can be as low as -20 °C. We do not recommend coming to Uzbekistan in July as the temperature here can reach +40 °C.

The official language is Uzbek. Elderly people can speak Russian well. The main religion in Uzbekistan is the Islam, but some people follow the Christianity and Judaism.

Those who seek city entertainments should go to Samarkand and Bukhara. These ancient cities have a lot of historical and architectural monuments. The tourists will have a good shopping here. In Termez and Nukus, the travelers can see the monuments of ancient civilizations.

If you like active holidays, go to Tashkent or Urgench. In these cities, there is everything for rafting and hiking.

Uzbekistan is a country from a fairy-tale with ancient cities and fantastic nature. There is also a ski resort Beldersay with excellent ski trails at the height of 3.000 meters. 

Get in

By Plane

Flight is the most convenient way to get to Uzbekistan for the tourists from Russia and other CIS countries.

There are flights from Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other Russian cities.

The tourists from EU can take direct flights from the European capitals.

By Train

There is a train route between Uzbekistan and some Russian cities, Kiev, Minsk, and Almaty. 

By Land

One can take an international bus to come to Uzbekistan or travel by car. However, your trip may turn out to be very exhausting because of a long distance and poor roads. 

Visa

The tourists from Russia do not need a visa to come to Uzbekistan. The same rule applies to the citizens of other CIS countries except Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

A simplified visa regime has been implemented for the EU citizens. The visa is issued within 10 working days.

Every foreigner must obtain a temporary residence registration in Uzbekistan. You should not ignore this requirement because when you leave the country, the Customs officers will ask you to show them this registration. 

Customs

The Customs legislation of Uzbekistan does not restrict the import and export of foreign currency, however, the money must be declared. One can export the amount of money he or she stated in the declaration form. The legacy of import of foreign currency exceeding 2.000 US dollars must be confirmed by the documents. Otherwise, additional cost is due to pay.

The tourists can import duty-free alcohol, tobacco and perfume. The total cost of imported personal belongings must not exceed 1.000 US dollars. The tourists from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan can bring in Uzbekistan personal belongings the cost of which does not exceed 10 US dollars

All valuable items imported in Uzbekistan must be declared.

It is prohibited to import fruits, vegetables and video materials undermining the traditions of Islam.

It is not allowed to export objects having artistic or historical value. These were the objects made over 100 years ago. 

Cuisine

In Uzbekistan, you will enjoy the variety of oriental cuisine. The Uzbek  cuisine is believed to be the best in Central Asia.

Having a meal is a ritual. Any meal starts with drinking tea, which is a traditional drink in this country. At the end of the meal, the locals serve substantial meat dishes.

You cannot leave Uzbekistan without trying the famous Uzbek pilaf. This national dish is prepared strictly according to the traditional recipes. Discover the taste of cold boiled meat Yakhna Gusht, stewed meat with vegetables Dimlyama and Uzbek manty. If you want to try something more exotic, we recommend dishes from horse meat. 

Bread is particularly important for the Uzbeks. Only fresh bread is served for a meal. Flatbread Non is prepared in the tandoor and for holidays, the locals make special flatbread with mutton fat. Fresh vegetables, noodles, rice and maize porridge are typical side dishes. No meal in Uzbekistan is without a soup Shurpa  with noodles, vegetables and grains. The tourists will have a chance to try different version of this soup with fish, meat or vegetables.

For a dessert try Bekhi Dulma (quince stuffed with nuts), meringue with herbs Nisholda, juicy melons, watermelons, grapes and sweet peaches. 

Money

The national currency in Uzbekistan is sum (USZ).  The Central Bank of Uzbekistan issues the bank notes (1-1.000 sums) and coins (1-50 tiins).

The tourists can pay with Euros and US dollars in small shops and large hotels.  One can exchange currency at bank and exchange offices.  There are ATMs in Tashkent.

In large touristic cities, credit cards are accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted in the capital city and in major touristic centers. We recommend having cash with you.

Cash is a preferable method of payment. 

Details of interest

Sightseeing in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, there are four sites inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

• The castle Itchan Kala in Khiva. The ancient city surrounded by a thick wall was being built for several centuries. Its oldest buildings date back to the 14th century.
• The Historic Center of Bukhara is as old as Rome. The historic area of the city is 2.500 years old.
• The  Historic Center of Shakhrisabz includes unique architectural and historic monuments of the Timurid dynasty (14th - 15th centuries).
• Samarkand is the Asian gem. This city is the most important trading place of the Great Silk Road. You will be greatly impressed by the city. On the Registan Square, there is the medieval university Madrassas, the Bibi Khanum Mosque, the Ulugbek Observatory and amazing Shahi Zinda Mausoleum and Gur-Emir Mausoleum.

Souvenirs in Uzbekistan

You will not leave Uzbekistan without buying gifts and souvenirs. On the markets of Samarkand, you will find pottery, national clothes with gold embroidery and a traditional headwear tubeteyka.

Embroidery pictures can be bought in Bukhara and Tashkent. The Uzbek national musical instruments from Fergana-Shah are true objects of art (dombra, tanbur, and kobuz). Luxurious carpets are sold on the markets of Termez and Urgench.