Fertile land of Uzbekistan is located between the mountain rivers of Amu Darya and Syr Darya. The geographical position of the Republic has undeniable right to be called as the Center of Central Asia connecting the East and the West.

Tashkent International Airport is the largest airport in Central Asia. Uzbekistan is also linked to neighboring countries by rail routes the quality of which is ranked by the publication of GoEuro. According to their opinion, Temir Yollari took the 17th place in the Global High-Speed ​​Train Ranking rating.

The routes of the Great Silk Road , that were laid 2000 years ago, are getting revived and reaching the modern level of development.

Uzbekistan is a fairy tale of the East. It is an amazing country that has preserved the great heritage of its ancestors in the modern world. Here the history and honor traditions are highly respected. Only here you will always be greeted with tea and national sweets. It is the country you fall in love with and you want to come back here again and again.

While visiting Uzbekistan you will feel like a traveler in the Great Silk Road that passed through this country. Each city is like a green oasis that will accept any pilgrims seeking adventure.

Bukhara will surprise you with its architecture and carpet products, Samarkand will tell you how the science has been developed, Khiva will fascinate you with its streets, Nukus will present a unique gallery of arts, and Tashkent will show you the way you can live in peace and harmony among people of different nationalities and faiths.

The average temperature in January is +5 C up to -5C degrees, and the hottest month is July when the temperature goes up to +40C. In Uzbekistan there are about 300 sunny days per year.
Visiting this region, you will be surprised how diverse the natural landscape here can be.
The Ustyurt plateau that is in the west of the Republic is known for its harsh climate.
The desert of Kyzyl-Kum, which is spread in the center of the country, is gradually getting switched by a blossoming valley in the east.
The rivers of Syr Darya and Amudarya that are originated in the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains create favorable living conditions. Each of their zones has its own climate, features of relief, and an amazing animal and plant world.
The mountains of Uzbekistan, its rivers and deserts, as well as its rich flora and fauna are waiting for their real connoisseurs of beauty

---

---

Each region of the country is distinguished by its diversity of folk music, dance, painting, cuisine. Culture itself is distinctive and multifaceted.The traditions, customs and culture of Uzbekistan were influenced by the peoples who inhabited the territory in antiquity, as well as the Greeks, Iranians, Arabs, Turks, Russians and Chinese. The Great Silk Road that passed here carried with it new languages, religion and technologies.Carpet weaving is one of the oldest forms of applied art. In the past, carpets adorned the homes of nobles and rulers. Showing richness and affluence today, they are a must-have gift at a wedding. National drawings and secrets of carpet weaving are stored and passed down from generation to generation. Each image had its own purpose and protected the house and its owner.
Artistic embroidery suzane is a special kind of art that was passed on to her daughter from her mother. The products were not just bright colors, but wishes of harmony and success. Happiness was symbolized by firebirds, pepper pods protected the evil eye and damage, and grenades were the symbol of fertility.
During the reign of Timur and the Timurid dynasty, artistic chasing reached its peak. The bronze used for work earlier began to be alloyed with copper, zinc, tin, silver, gold, iron and lead, receiving the products differing in the durability. Later, bronze and brass replaced the bronze. The museums of Uzbekistan store helmets, chain mail, decorated with artistic embossing.
Beautiful forms, an exquisite choice of colors, fantasy and craftsmanship are all about the ceramic products of the Uzbek masters, whose products have been in demand since ancient times. The centers of pottery art are Gijduvan, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Rishtan, Khanki, Khiva and Tashkent. Each of the regions has its own school and is distinguished by its technique and even the sound of the product.

The cuisine of Uzbekistan has absorbed the dishes and delights of many peoples living on this land. A variety of dishes will surprise anyone who has visited this beautiful land. Uzbek national dishes have excellent taste, pleasant appearance and high nutritional value.

Dishes of Tashkent - the famous Naryn from dough and horse meat, kazan kebab from juicy sirloin meat and Tashkent plov with turmeric will undoubtedly load you into the atmosphere of the East.

Samarkand will surprise you with its unique bread. Samarkand cakes have earned their fame thanks to their taste, and also because they can stay fresh for a long time.Here you can taste the most delicate manties, which, according to unchanged traditions, should be eaten by hands. One of the famous dishes of Samarkand is Nahut Shurak-dish from local peas. Variety of national dishes in Samarkand, without a doubt, will not leave anyone indifferent.

Culinary delights of Bukhara will satisfy any gourmet. The famous Bukhara plov sofi, which is being prepared in 4 different cauldrons. That there are only flat cakes of the finest puff pastry. Since Bukhara has the largest Jewish community in Uzbekistan, here you will also be offered dishes of Jewish cuisine-pilaf bakhsh and sirkaniz. Popular in all Uzbekistan Gijduvan shish kebab, Alat samsa, Bukhara kaimak and Bukhara halisa will undoubtedly turn your idea of the oriental cuisine.

The fish in Khiva is the most delicious in this region. Even today, those who come to Khiva consider it their duty to try at least once the local fish dishes. Many dishes of Khiva surprise even the inhabitants of Uzbekistan. Favorite delicacy of local residents - egg envelopes - yumurt barrack, delicious lagman from greens - shivit oshi, flatbread from tomato flour and with meat are temptations attracting tourists from all corners of the country and the world. 

Also, other regions have something to surprise gourmets and connoisseurs of oriental cuisine. Karakalpak dumplings with meat-juery gurtic, Karshi jiz-sliced juicy fillet, Jizzakh samsa, lamb on spit, lamb in tandoor, and also Kokand plov and Namangan dimlama. All these dishes are the highlight of the famous and unique Uzbek cuisine.

       Facts about Uzbekistan

• Uzbekistan is the happiest country among the CIS countries and on the 44th place among the countries of the world.
• Uzbekistan is on the second place in the rating of safe countries, according to the American company Gallup.
• Representatives of more than 160 nationalities, 16 different religious denominations live in Uzbekistan, and more than 137 national cultural centers operate, which shows the high tolerance of this region.
• Uzbekistan is the center of intersection of such cultures as Sogdian, Persian, Greek, Parthian, Bactrian, Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Mongolian, Russian and others.
• In Uzbekistan, there are the oldest cities in the world - Samarkand (8th century BC) and Bukhara (6th century BC). They are the same age as Rome.
• Four cities in Uzbekistan are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Shakhrisabz.
• Uzbekistan is motherland of such important personalities of world scale as Avicenna, al-Beruni, al-Ferghani, al-Khwarizmi, Imam al-Bukhari, Ahmad Yassawi, Amir Timur, Mirza Ulugbek, Alisher Navoi, Bedil, Babur and many others.
• Uzbekistan is included in the list of the most reliable and safe countries for tourists, where it is required to carry out usual precautions, according to the US Department of State. Assigned to Uzbekistan, the first level means the lowest possible risk when visiting the country.

 

• In Uzbekistan, there is the first Metro in Central Asia, built in 1977. There are no two identical stations. Each of them is a real work of art, all in stucco, marble and gilding. 
• In Tashkent on September 8, 2017, 7 tons of pilaf, which was included in the Guinness Book of Records, were cooked. For the action  specially cast a 7-ton-thick cauldron.
• In 2018 on March 20, for the holiday Navruz in the city of Namangan was prepared a record sumalak (festive delicacy) weighing 5 tons.
• In terms of gold reserves, Uzbekistan ranks fourth in the world after South Africa, the United States and Russia. In addition, in terms of gold production - the second place among the CIS countries and the 10th among the countries of the world.
• Uzbekistan is one of the five leading world producers of cotton.
• Uzbekistan holds the 11th place in terms of uranium reserves and the 7th in terms of production in the world.
• Uzbekistan takes the 14th place in the world in terms of natural gas production.

• Uzbekistan has three free industrial-economic zones: Navoi, Jizzakh and Angren.
• Uzbekistan is one of the top 26 fast-growing economies in the world.
• Uzbekistan is one of the top 10 reforming countries to create the most favorable conditions for doing business in “Doing Business-2018”, an international report of the World Bank.
• The longest ski slope in the mountains of Uzbekistan - Beldersay (3017 m).
• Highest point: Hissar range (4,643 m above sea level)
• The lowest point: Mynbulak depression (-12.8 m below sea level)

                        PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

 

WATER

Tap water in Uzbekistan is generally considered safe to drink for the local people, but its mineral content may upset your stomach, as you are not used to it. Therefore we recommend that you always drink bottled water. During this trip you would be given bottled water every day and you are free to drink as much as you want. But, also please keep in mind that Uzbekistan is located in a very dry area and two thirds of its territory is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts, which means that water is the most precious commodity in this part of the world. If you want to show your respect to the Uzbek culture and lifestyle please never leave or throw a bottle without finishing its water.

 

IN THE HOTEL ROOMS

If you do not want to be disturbed at the hotel rooms or want to be safe at nights against someone trying to get into your room, always lock the door from behind and use the “do not disturb” signs.

 

FOOD AND HOTELS

Bringing drinks and food to restaurants from outside is generally possible, while taking food from the buffet meals is sometimes not acceptable. Some of the hotels may stop you from doing this, or they may charge you an extra fee for it. So, always ask from your tour guide or hotel stuff before doing that.

Green and black tea will generally be included in the meals (lunch or dinner), while coffee, coke or juice will be a subject for payment. You can always order them at an extra charge.

 

PICKPOCKETS

Generally the crime rate in Uzbekistan is very low, but it doesn’t means that you shouldn’t be careful with your belongings. Please always keep your valuable belongings and passports in the safe place.

 

SAFETY BOXES

In all cities it will be better to use safety boxes at the hotels for your passports and valuables. Photocopies of your passports will be enough to carry on with you, unless you want to withdraw money from your bank card. If you do not have a copy of your passport, you can ask the hotel reception to do it for you.

 

PHOTO FEE

In most of the architectural monuments of Uzbekistan photo fee is required if you wish to take pictures inside (meaning in the inner territory of the monument, even if it is an open air courtyard). Your guide will tell you when and where to pay for the photo fee.

 

SHOPPING

Uzbekistan is a land of treasure for the shoppers. Contribution to the local economy is very important for a sustainable development of the country. Therefore, we will have some free time for local interactions and shopping everywhere we go. Various cities have a lot of nice things to offer.

Please keep in mind that our government is doing there best to revive and develop the traditions of handicrafts and you will find many craftsman development centers. But, as Uzbekistan is developing as an important travelling destination it is very hard to avoid the import of fake goods from other countries. Be especially careful with scarves, carpets and jewellery.

You can always try bargaining in the bazaars, etc. Prices in food stores and small mini-markets are not negotiable.

 Please bear in mind that if you offer a price for an item, you will be expected to buy it if they agree to give it to you at your suggested price. As a general rule, be happy with what you buy and never compare prices after you purchase something.

 

CHILDREN IN THE STREET

You will see a lot of children in the street, some of them will be trying to sell you something, some begging and some others just trying to socialize with you. If you would like to give them something without getting anything in return, you will be actually harming them. They will get used to begging this way.

 

TAKING PHOTOS OF PEOPLE

It is generally fine to take pictures of the local people and you would be surprised that locals would be interested in taking your pictures together with them. Asking for permission or at least gesturing it will provide you positive response in most cases. If you catch a photo of someone, he/she may sometimes ask you to mail it to him/her and will give you his/her address. This may be a nice thing to do.

 

PUBLIC RESTROOMS

Uzbekistan has either western style or Asian style (hole in the ground) toilets. In the cities generally it is not a big problem to find a decent and clean restrooms, while on the roads it is sometimes better to use “natural stops”. Please always use the toilet facilities recommended by your tour guide, as it is possible that the next stop will be quite far.

You may not be able to find toilet papers in some of the public restrooms. It may be a good idea to have your own toilet paper or tissue with you.

Most public restrooms will require a nominal payment at the entrance.

 

TOUR BUSES

We use our private buses to tour around. Our drivers are always careful and they try to be always with the bus. This means if you like, while touring on foot you can leave your personal things on the bus, but not valuable things like cameras, passports or wallets.

 

ANTIQUITY

Taking antique pieces (60 years or older) out of Uzbekistan is strictly forbidden and there are severe penalties for this. If you are offered any antique pieces, you should know that, if they are real, it is a big crime to buy them, or if they are not real, it means they are trying to cheat you.

 

LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEEDS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

If you requests or needs, please let us know about them before it is too late. For instance, if the restroom stop or lunch break is not enough, or the temperature on the bus is not appropriate, let us know about it immediately, as we are flexible and we care about the convenience of the majority.

 

ENJOY YOUR STAY IN UZBEKISTAN!!!

Traditions and customs

 

Beshik-tuyi

 

A wonderful rite of the Uzbek people Beshik-tuyi, a truly kind and happy holiday for the whole family. This is the holiday of the first bride of a newborn baby. It is held on the fortieth day after the birth of the baby. All the guests and relatives of the mother present a beautiful cradle to the newborn. During the celebration, the grandmothers in a separate room help the young mother to swaddle her baby in the cradle for the first time. This is a very gentle and pleasant sacrament.

 

In addition to the cradle, according to tradition, guests present various gifts, toys and clothes for the baby. According to the ritual Beshik-tuyi, guests bring cakes wrapped in an Uzbek tablecloth - dastarkhan. Throughout the ceremony, guests have fun and congratulate young parents. In modern society, many spend Beshik-tuyi not at home, but in comfortable cafes, because there are many relatives and guests in Uzbek families, and I want to share joy with everyone.

 

Khatna Qilish or Sunnat Tuyi

 

After the birth of an heir in a Muslim family, preparation for the necessary circumcision ceremony begins. This rite has existed since ancient times and has been observed to this day. Circumcision of boys is carried out at the age of three to nine years. Rarely when it comes sooner or later.

 

Sunnat-tuyi, like many other traditions, is considered a family holiday, as the boy turns into a man. The ceremony begins with the reading of the Koran in the presence of men of the family. Thus, the boy receives the blessing of Allah. Next, the child is presented with gifts, all relatives and guests come. By this tradition, a boy can be put on a foal as a sign that he has become a man. During the circumcision ceremony in the yard in a large cauldron they cook traditional Uzbek pilaf - osh-sofi.

 

Fatiha-Tuyi

 

Just as in the traditions of other nations of the world, before the wedding, the engagement ceremony is held. In Uzbek, this means Fatiha-Tuyi. The engagement ceremony is undoubtedly carried out with the permission of the parents of the boy and the girl.

 

Historically, the bride for an adult youth is chosen by the parents after holding a discussion in a quiet family circle. If a certain girl was chosen, the aunts or close relatives of the groom went to visit her family,  talked on various topics, got to know her better. Also, many aunts can learn about the girl from the mouth of her neighbors. If a girl came to suit the bridegroom's relatives, then the next time they send matchmakers to her.

 

Currently, many Uzbek families prefer to give their sons the freedom of choice, but in remote settlements these customs persist to this day. The rite of engagement must be observed, no doubt. On the appointed date, the matchmakers come to the bride's house and state their intentions. In the case of the consent of the parents of the girl, the rite of "non Sindirish" is held, which means that guests, breaking the cake, are treated to the festive table. After all this, the girl is considered engaged, and begin preparations for Nikah.

 

 

 

 

 

Nikoh Tuyi

 

Niko-tuyi in translation means a wedding, a wedding celebration.

 

All nations of the world hold wedding celebrations in their own way. In Europe, it is customary to call on the celebration of only the closest relatives and friends, and in Uzbekistan a wedding is a big holiday for which all relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues and other friends of the bride and groom families are convened. .

According to the tradition, early in the morning a pilaf is prepared in the groom's house, for which only men are called. To date, the ritual treats of pilaf are not carried out in the house, in teahouses, since so many guests cannot fit in the courtyard of the house. In addition, it is much more convenient and less troublesome.

The morning of the bride begins with pleasant troubles. By the arrival of the dear bridegroom she should be in all her glory. Brides themselves have the right to choose their outfit, whether it is national or modern. Now, many of them choose dazzlingly white lush wedding dresses.

By a noisy company, with friends and national musicians, the bridegroom goes for his darling. A young bride is waiting for her future husband in a separate room. Mulla, taking the marriage consent from the bride, begins to read the wedding prayer service. From this moment, the bride and bridegroom become husband and wife.

After the marriage ceremony, the bridegroom takes the bride to his home, the bride leaves, saying goodbye to her loved ones. All the things the bride takes to her new home. Here, the bride and bridegroom are met by women from her husband's family, singing national wedding songs. The arrival of the bride in the house of the bridegroom is another quiet and subtle sacrament. The path of the bride and groom to the door of her new house is paved with a white path - a payadz. Going into the house, the girl bows low in front of the threshold, and the rest shower her with money, sweets and flowers. Thereby wishing her a happy, rich and sweet life.

Then they hide in the room of the sister or Yangi, where the groom has to redeem the bride. After this, the newlyweds are left alone. The final ceremony of the entire wedding feast is the greeting of the bride. The next morning, the bride greets all members of her new family with a low bow. Wedding celebrations can last several days, during all days bride must welcome all guests with a low bow. And the guests, coming to the newlyweds, present various gifts, decorations and sweets.

Meaning of Tashkent is "a stone city". Turquoise, which Chatkal was rich of, was translated from the Turkish language as "sh". Perhaps, this is why it became as the name of the city. Here you can find “turquoise” everywhere: the sky, architectural monuments, and jewelry stores. According to excavations of the Mingurik settlement Tashkent was considered as more than 2000 years old. However, according to the ancient settlement of Shashtepa, which was found in the southern part of the excavation site proved that this city is 200 years older. There are a lot of museums here. In some of them there are about 4 thousand exhibits featuring their centuries-old history. One of the famous is the museum of Amir Timur, the supreme ruler of the Timurid dynasty.

Fergana

In the south of the Fergana Valley there is a young city, formed in 1876 during the accession of the Kokand Khanate to the Royal Russia.  Being in 12km from the Old Margilan this territory was called The New Margilan and became a city that was providing control over the ex-Khanate.

From 1907 to 1924 The New Margilan was called “Skobelev”, in honor of its creator.  Only in 1924 this territory was renamed in Fergana.

In the southeast of the Fergana Valley there is an old city Andijan. According to the of the legends it was built by Afrosiab,  the governor of the Old Turan,  in the foothill of Taxti Suleyman in honor of the healing of his daughter Andinijan. Later Afrosiab surrounded the city with a blooming garden and made it his capital.

In 1876 Andijan became a part of the Russian Empire and began producing of the cotton and silk textile, which became popular outside of the city. With the opening of the first railway from Samarkand to Andijan there was a big growth in the construction of factories and the mining was also increased. All this led to the economic growth and development of the city.

Unfortunately in 1902 an earthquake in Andijan destroyed the most of the architectural monuments of the past times. Only a few building , built from burnt bricks, the Minaret of the 13^th century and the adjoining Mosque and Djami  Madrassah survived.

For today this city is a big industrial, tourist and cultural center of the Fergana Valley and also is motherland of the famous poet and commander Zakhiriddin Mukhammad Bobur.

Kokand is one of the ancient cities of Ferghana Valley, where all the masterpieces of architectural art are being preserved. This city is associated with the name of Nadira, the Uzbek poetess and ruler, who ran the state on behalf of the minor son, the heir to the throne, Muhammad Alikhan. Nadira was the patroness of science, paying her attention to the construction. During her reign the construction of the Kokand Urda complex or further, the Khudoyarkhan Palace, was started and suspended, which eventually was completed and received the following name.

Proud Khiva. A fabulous oasis in the middle of the vast desert. The streets of Khiva store a lot of historical facts, secrets that astonish travelers. Many pilgrims stopped and found shelter here, in local hospitable caravanserais. In Ichan Kala – the old city of Khiva, you can wander endlessly and every time wonder new discoveries, since the city is still "alive" and local Khiva people live there. Khiva is different from other cities of Uzbekistan, primarily - language, culture and, of course, cuisine.

Samarkand (in ancient times-Marakanda or Marakand) is a city that attracts tourists with its many attractions and mystical aureole. It is believed that only here all the wishes come true. Therefore, the flow of pilgrims continues to exist. The grave of Saint Daniel, Holi Daniel or Hazrat Donier attracts people of three religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The dried pistachio tree, growing near this burial place, blossomed after Patriarch Alexy II visited it. This city is the same age as Rome. Amir Timur made it the capital of his empire in the 14th century; therefore, this era is famous for its large number of architectural monuments that amaze people with their greatness.

One of the greatest cities of the East is Bukhara. By the number of historical and architectural monuments is on the first place among the cities of Uzbekistan. The greatest Kalon minaret built in the 12th century, the famous Miri-Arab madrassah is the single, continuously functioning up to now spiritual-educational institution in Central Asia, the impregnable fortress of Ark, the elegant palace of Mohi-Khosа and many other monumental monuments will surprise you with its history and architecture, the skill of local architects. Skillful artisans admire the imagination of connoisseurs-gold embroidered clothes, unique Bukhara knives, carpets of noble silk, magnificent ceramics and of course much more.

Nukus , the city surrounded by the deserts of Kyzylkum, Karakum and Ustyurt plateau, is the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. In the IV century there was Shurcha town, which was one of the fortresses protecting the Khorezm state. In 1874, there was a completion of the construction of a military fortress at the territory of a small aul, which was Nukus earlier, and in 1887, a school was opened for all residents of this fortress. The State Museum of Savitsky is the main attraction of Nukus. Here you can find a great collection of more than 50,000 works of Russian avant-garde that was saved from extermination by the Soviet authorities.

Termez is located in the south of Uzbekistan, on the right bank of Amu Darya, being one of the ancient cities of Central Asia. Once this city was a part of the Achaemenid state, Alexander the Great and the Greco-Bactrian kingdom. During the reign of the Kushans it became as the center of Buddhism , and it is called Ta-Li-Mi in Chinese sources. The abundance of sunny days will let you enjoy the most delicious and juicy fruits and vegetables. The cuisine of Uzbekistan is a gourmet's paradise: amber pilaf and shish kebab made of tender meat will not leave anyone indifferent.