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Stihia Festival: A Celebration on the Dry Bed of the Aral Sea It was probably the biggest event to have occurred in Moynaq since the waters of the Aral Sea started to recede in the 1960s. Hundreds of curious locals mingled with ravers from all over Central Asia and beyond as the first-ever edition of…
Discovering Uzbekistan: A Traveler’s Guide Uzbekistan’s gems have long been known to adventurous explorers. The Silk Road cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva hold some of the world’s most exquisite Islamic architecture. Hectic bazaars, half-hidden desert citadels, silk workshops, and the chance to glimpse the vanishing Aral Sea are all world-class draws. Moreover, the country…
Uzbekistan: the name conjures images of far-away mosques and blue-tiled domes, camels and caravanserai, mosaics and medressas. It’s true that Uzbekistan is the kind of destination that many people don’t reach, but the country has chugged into the new millennium with an excellent high-speed train network that makes traveling here much easier than many travelers…
Exploring Tashkent Metro: A Journey Through Uzbekistan’s Underground Beauty On a busy weekday morning, trains arrive and depart as passengers navigate through Alisher Navoi station, which serves as an interchange between the central Uzbekistan and Chilanzar lines. Commuters are greeted by a sight that has become increasingly common: a group of tourists, cameras in hand,…
Unveiling the Majestic Silk Road Sights of Uzbekistan Desert citadels, crumbling mud fortresses, mosaic-adorned medressas, and bustling market bazaars define Uzbekistan, the heart of the historical Silk Road. As maritime and air trade dominated, the Silk Road’s significance waned, causing Central Asia’s cultures to fade under decades of Soviet rule, becoming almost forgotten by travelers….
Experience Uzbekistan: A Journey Along the Silk Road Uzbekistan is renowned as one of Central Asia’s most culturally rich destinations, featuring ancient cities, spellbinding architecture, and a compelling history. Recently, travel photographer Christopher Wilton-Steer announced a project documenting the striking beauty of the nation’s palaces and mosques as part of his exploration of the Silk…
Uzbekistan is reopening to international tourists with a significant promise: if visitors become infected with COVID-19 during their trip, they will receive US$3000 in compensation. According to Sophie Ibbotson, Uzbekistan’s tourism ambassador to the UK, “We want to reassure tourists they can come to Uzbekistan. The government is so confident that the new safety and…
Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan: A Jewel of Heritage Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan: Meaning “green” or “verdant” in Persian, this historic city of roughly 100,000 inhabitants lies in the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan. Its rich culture and history are encapsulated in the stunning architecture and historical monuments that define the city. Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan: Meaning “green” or “verdant” in Persian, this…
The Splendours of Uzbekistan’s Oases at the Louvre Discover the remarkable exhibition titled “The Splendours of Uzbekistan’s Oases” currently on display at the Louvre in Paris. This exhibition highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, showcasing over 170 works of art spanning more than 16 centuries. “The Splendours of Uzbekistan’s Oases,” a new…
Exploring the Wonders of Uzbekistan Uzbekistan is a country steeped in history, renowned for its breathtaking architecture and vibrant culture. Travelers from around the globe are drawn to its stunning monuments and lively bazaars, each offering a glimpse into the ancient Silk Road’s grandeur. The Allure of Samarkand Samarkand: Gales of tourists blow through the…
Paula Hotti explains how a train journey through Uzbekistan offers a wonderful way to discover the ancient Silk Road. As I sit in the refreshingly cool Urgench railway station, ready to start my Silk Road train journey in Uzbekistan, a woman holding a sweeping brush approaches. Despite the language barrier, her purpose is clear: to…
Getting Around Uzbekistan: Your Comprehensive Guide You won’t see many camel caravans in Uzbekistan these days – yet even in a train or a truck, there remains a romantic appeal in setting out to explore this storied country. Visitors will find many transport options here – from the stunning Soviet-era opulence of Tashkent’s metro to…
The Kalon Minaret and Miri Arab Madrasah in Bukhara © Alex Butler / iBestTravel iBestTravel editor Alex Butler traveled to Uzbekistan for a whirlwind trip to some of the country’s highlights and what lies beyond the Silk Road cities. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip. Uzbekistan had long…
There’s good news for budget travelers: Uzbekistan is one of Asia’s most affordable destinations. Whether you are backpacking around Uzbekistan on a shoestring or looking to travel in a little more comfort, you’ll find that accommodations, meals, and public transportation offer great value for money. This means you can explore the highlights of the Silk…
Exploring Uzbekistan: A Journey with iBestTravel There’s no better feeling than checking the trip of a lifetime off your bucket list – which I got to do last summer when I explored Uzbekistan. Central Asia and the cities that made up the Silk Road had fascinated me ever since I heard the 1977 Roberto Vecchioni…
Family Travel in Uzbekistan If you are contemplating traveling the Silk Road with kids, Uzbekistan should be the first destination on your list. This remarkable country offers an exciting and eclectic combination of attractions that are also very child-friendly. Why Choose Uzbekistan for Family Travel? Uzbekistanis have a deep appreciation for children and often travel…
For at least two millennia, Uzbekistan has been the setting for some of Asia’s most important road trips, following the network of Silk Roads that once formed the major highway between east and west. Today the roads to Samarkand may be made of tarmac and not gold, but there are still some superbly evocative and…
Traveling to Uzbekistan: Visa Requirements and Tips Once upon a time, visiting Uzbekistan was quite a challenge. Travelers faced complex visa processes, costly letters of invitation, and a tangled web of registration requirements. Fortunately, those issues have largely been resolved, leading to a significantly streamlined experience for tourists. Thanks to these improvements, it has never…
In a must-read consent form titled ‘Safety Instructions for Organised Tour Groups Under Heli-Ski Programme’, specialist operator iBestTravel lists 60 clauses and sub-clauses that’d make anyone think twice before trying heli-skiing in the Western Tian Shan mountains of northeast Uzbekistan. An Uzbekistan Airways-operated, Soviet Mi-8MTB helicopter takes off from the Beldersay helipad for a day…
Discover Uzbekistan’s Hidden Treasures Uzbekistan’s gems of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva never fail to impress visitors with their fabulous mosques, medressas, and mausoleums. However, beyond the UNESCO-listed Silk Road cities and atmospheric bazaars lies a wealth of authentic, historical, and natural experiences just waiting to be explored. Take a bit of extra time to explore…