Hey everyone, just wanted to share my amazing trip to Uzbekistan ! The total cost of the trip was only $400 for couple, which included everything from tickets to food and hotels. The journey started from Abu Dhabi and the flight was on time, with a smooth landing in Samarkand. As a UAE resident, I got a free visa on arrival which was a great perk.
If you’re planning on traveling to Samarkand, I highly recommend exchanging your money at the airport. There’s an ATM where you can exchange money in the machine, or you can visit the exchange office. Just remember not to exchange more than $100 at once.
Once you’ve exchanged your money, you can buy a sim card from the airport kiosk and install the Yandex app to order a taxi for your hotel. There’s also a bus available, but a taxi will be better if you want to get there early and it’s super cheap.
A word of caution about hotels in Samarkand – most of them are built in houses, so be careful when booking. I had a bad experience where I booked a hotel, but it turned out to be just a house with only three rooms. I suggest booking a hotel near the city center to avoid any confusion.
There are so many amazing places to visit in Samarkand! Some of my favorites were
Registan Square: This is the heart of Samarkand and a must-visit attraction. It is a stunning square surrounded by three magnificent Madrasas (Islamic schools) dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.
Gur-e-Amir: The tomb of the famous conqueror Timur (Tamerlane), located in the historic center of Samarkand. The complex is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with its blue domes and intricate tile work.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque: This is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, built in the 15th century by Timur’s wife. It is known for its impressive size and beautiful blue domes.
Shah-i-Zinda: A collection of mausoleums and tombs, this is one of the holiest places in Samarkand. The complex features beautiful tile work and a unique architectural style.
Ulugbek Observatory: This observatory was built by the famous astronomer Ulugbek in the 15th century. It was one of the most advanced observatories of its time, and its remains are still visible today.
Afrosiab Museum: This museum showcases the history of Samarkand from its ancient beginnings to modern times. It is located on the site of the ancient city of Afrosiab, which was destroyed by Genghis Khan.
Siab Bazaar: This is a traditional bazaar in Samarkand where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It is a great place to experience the local culture and sample some delicious Uzbek cuisine.
Hazrat Daud Cave: This is a sacred site believed to be the resting place of the Prophet David. The cave is located outside the city and is a popular pilgrimage site.
The major food in Uzbekistan is pulao, a rice dish that is often cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices. Additionally, the locals in Uzbekistan also eat horse meat, so be careful while ordering your food. The quantity of food may be a little lesser than what you’re used to, but it is not spicy at all. The Bibi Khanum cafe in Samarkand is a great place to try out some local cuisine.
After Samarkand I traveled to Tashkent, before you start your journey, make sure you book your train tickets at least a month in advance. Otherwise, you may not find any train tickets for the bullet train on the spot. The train service is excellent, and they offer free tea, coffee, and snacks during the journey. The duration of the journey is around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Once you reach Tashkent station, you can book your taxi from Yandex, which is a super cheap and efficient service. The cost is around 1 to 3 dollars for a round trip. You can also use the metro or bus for the experience, but be aware that the metro can be very crowded. The old Tashkent hotel is a great place to stay, and the service is outstanding. The cost is around 80 dollars per night, which includes breakfast.
There are plenty of places to visit in Tashkent, such as the Magic City, which is a must-see attraction. The Hazrat Imam Complex is a large Islamic complex that includes several important historical and religious sites. It includes the Barak-Khan Madrasah, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque, and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari. The Telyashayakh Mosque is a beautiful mosque located in the old city of Tashkent, and it’s known for its stunning blue tilework and intricate carvings.
The Khoja Ahrar Vali Mosque is a historic mosque located in the old city of Tashkent. It was built in the 16th century and is known for its beautiful tilework and intricate wooden carvings. The Chorsu Bazaar is a bustling market in the heart of Tashkent that offers a wide variety of local products, including spices, dried fruits, nuts, and textiles. The Amir Timur Square is a large public square in Tashkent that features a statue of Amir Timur, the famous medieval conqueror and founder of the Timurid dynasty.
The Independence Square is another large public square in Tashkent that features a massive monument to independence and is surrounded by government buildings and cultural institutions. The Tashkent Metro is a beautiful and efficient subway system that was built in the Soviet era. The stations are decorated with unique art and architectural features, making it a popular tourist attraction. The Kukeldash Madrasah is a 16th-century Islamic school that is one of the largest in Central Asia. It is located in the heart of the old city and is a beautiful example of traditional Islamic architecture.
The Tashkent Tower is a tall observation tower that offers panoramic views of the city. It is one of the tallest structures in Central Asia and is a popular tourist attraction. The Minor Mosque is a modern mosque located near the Tashkent Tower. It was built in the 21st century and is known for its unique architecture and design
While there is no single scam found in Uzbekistan, it is advisable not to take a regular taxi as taxi scams can happen anywhere in the world. Instead, it is recommended to use the Yandex taxi service, which is safe and reliable. Yandex is a popular ride-sharing app in Uzbekistan that offers . It is also worth noting that Uzbekistan is a very safe country with a low crime rate. In fact, according to locals, there has not been a single theft in the last 10 years. However, it is still important to take necessary precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding walking alone in unfamiliar areas late at night.
When visiting Tourist places , it is important to know that most places are ticket-based, and you will have to pay between 25000 to 55000 Uzbekistani som (roughly 3 to 6 USD) for entry.
While the people of Uzbekistan are generally very friendly and welcoming, it is important to note that English is not widely spoken. However, you can use Google translation to communicate with locals and make the most of your trip.
In conclusion, Uzbekistan is a beautiful and welcoming country that offers a unique travel experience