By: Trends Editorial Team
Caltural Torisem
It is no secret that Uzbekistan is attractive for its rich cultural and historical heritage, unique architecture and art. The ancient historical monuments of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, Khiva, Urgench, Termez, Karakalpakstan are the main foundation of historical and educational tourism in Uzbekistan.
Cognitive Tourism
Did you know that in Uzbekistan there are more than 7000 objects of cultural heritage, many of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List? The historical centers of Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Khiva – this and much more is evidence of the huge potential of Uzbekistan in the arena of the global tourism market. A trip to the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, attracting with its unique architecture, monuments of cultural heritage, old shops and artisan’s workshops, will undoubtedly leave a bright and unforgettable experience for every traveler. Museums One of the best ways to get in touch with the centuries-old history of Uzbekistan and discover a new culture is to visit various museums located in all regions of the country. There are more than 400 different museums in our country, of which 155 are state-owned. Their main focus is – history, local history, fi ne and applied art, as well as memorial house-museums of prominent fi gures of culture and art. The most famous large and signifi cant museums in the country are: The State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan, the State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan, the State Museum of the History of Timurids, the State Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan, the State Museum of Arts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan named after I.V. Savitsky, State Museum of Nature of Uzbekistan and others. Ecotourism If you want to enjoy the picturesque nature and unique protected areas of Uzbekistan, the fauna of rare animals and birds, visit the national parks and reserves of our country.
After all, Uzbekistan is not only famous for the architectural monuments included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List, not only for the ancient cities, but also for the amazing fl ora and fauna, picturesque mountains, caves, deserts and crystal-clear lakes, rivers and waterfalls. What do travel companies most often offer when organizing ecotours? For example, it can be desert safari tours, trips to glaciers, tours to unique mountain zones, trips to nature reserves and national parks. National Parks and Reserves The tourism opportunities of Uzbekistan are very diverse and rich: these are Ugam-Chatkal National Park, the Tugai forests in the Amu Darya River Delta, the Kitab Nature Reserve, recently opened for tourists, testifying to the appearance of life on our planet, the region of the “ecological catastrophe” near the Aral Sea, steppe areas and the Kyzylkum Desert, Nurata mountains and Aydarkul Lake, and many other wonders of our nature.
Gastro Tourism
Gastronomy is one more reason to fall in love with Uzbekistan. Having arrived in our country, you can refuse any excursion, but you will never refuse food, especially here, where even at the airport the air is saturated with the smell of delicious dishes. The gastronomic trip to Uzbekistan will give you an unforgettable taste experience for the whole year, and you will certainly want to repeat it even at home. 7 facts about Uzbek food * The most delicious bread is in Uzbekistan; * Many Uzbek dishes are cooked on the open fi re (hearth); * Uzbek food is normally fat and high- calorie; * Uzbeks drink hot tea after the meal; * Uzbeks eat lamb, beef and horse meat (horse sausage – kazi); * In Uzbekistan, guests are greeted with fragrant tea and cake, and escorted by delicious pilaf; * Special tea ceremony (traditions according to the Uzbek tea ceremony in front of the guest, pour a bowl of tea into the teapot three times, tea is served to the guest on the fourth array). In different regions of Uzbekistan, tea traditions may differ from each other. Uzbek Cuisine Uzbek cuisine is, perhaps, one of the most diverse and colorful in the world. If you want to enjoy the most delicious pilaf in the world, succulent lamb on charcoal, the tandoor-kebab, the spicy lagman or the crispy samsa – visit Uzbekistan!
Traditional Dishes
Uzbek bread – non, patyr, shirmoi-non, katlama Dishes from the dough – soms, manty, khanum, chuchvara, naryn, kovurma lagman. Rice dishes – pilaf, shawl, moshkichiri, moshhurda, mastava, hasip Desserts and sweets – fresh and dried fruits, sumalak, halva, halvaitar, nisholda, chak-chak, boogirsak, kushtili, urama (people call it “khvorost” and it translated as brushwood), baklava, pashmak behi-dulma
MICE Tourism
Uzbekistan is famous for its versatility and grandiosity of major holidays, festivals and exhibitions. Each event is unique. The main purpose for organizing cultural events is to unite the people, transmit true cultural values and create a global business platform. Every day is a holiday in Uzbekistan. With special trepidation, the people are waiting for March 21 – the personifi cation of the Navroz – “New day” and the spring equinox.
The incredible beauty of this holiday puts the hearts of guests in a state of euphoria. On this day, it is customary to cook sumalyak, halim, cook samsa, hold celebrations and treat guests.
Festivals
One of the most interesting, colorful and informative events in Uzbekistan are festivals. To fully understand the culture and traditions of the Uzbek people, we recommend visiting one of the upcoming festivals during your trip around the country. However, you can come to our country not only for the sake of bright cultural heritage festivals, but also to listen to cool music from world-famous DJs at electronic music festivals in noisy Tashkent or in the middle of the desert on the shore of the Aral Sea in Muynak. Festivals are designed to immerse in the culture and introduce visitors to both the past and the present of the country. The rich historical heritage of Uzbekistan is demonstrated in bright thematic festivals. Boysun Spring folklore festival, Sharq Taronalari and Shashmaqom musical festivals, Lazgi the dance festival, Silk and Spices cultural festival and the festival of gold embroidery and jewelry attract the connoisseurs of beauty from all over the world. Such events as the Stihia (“Element”) electronic music festival, the Tashkent Music Festival devoted to contemporary music, and the international festival of jazz, opera, and literature on the Silk Road attract an international, young, and professional audience, symbolizing the multicultural and progressive nature of our country. The Tashkent and Namangan Flower Festival, the Tashkent Festival of Arts, the Gastronomy Festival, and even the Ice Cream Festival will appeal to even the youngest guests of Uzbekistan. Exhibitions Uzbekistan hosts the most vivid and diverse exhibitions – from folk and applied art products and works of fi ne art to industrial goods. The exhibition is not just an event, it is also a platform for meetings of professionals of a narrow specialized circle, search for new partners, exchange of experience and conclusion of contracts. One of the largest events in Uzbekistan is the Tashkent International Tourism fair “Tourism on the Silk Road”, “Made in Uzbekistan”, “Food Week Uzbekistan” and others. Sport Tourism Ideal land for sport tourism Those who like to practice sport in the fresh air and away from the big cities are welcomed in Uzbekistan. The mild climate allows you to practice most sports almost all year round. For classic winter sports, there are four well-equipped mountain resorts: Chimgan, Beldersay, Amirsoy and Yangiabad. Their number is growing. Uzbekistan offers numerous opportunities for extreme sports due to its vast and diverse landscapes, although these sports are still new in the country. These include: – Extreme skiing, snowboarding; – Motorcycle racing, rallying, motocross; – Skateboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning and paragliding. The country’s vast mountainous regions are particularly attractive. Mountain tourism in Uzbekistan is a small, but actively developing industry. You can hike on foot through beautiful mountain scenery, go climbing, visit the rock caves, go skiing in one of four modern holiday complexes, tours to the ancient mountain fortresses of the Achemenids times (VI-IV centuries BC) and Alexander the Great (IV century BC), and the rock paintings that are thousands of years old. These are breathtaking panoramic views of mountain heights from 3000 to 4000 meters. This is a retreat in remote traditional mountain villages with warm and hospitable inhabitants. This is a unique fl ora, endemic and rare endangered animals, beautiful waterfalls, mountain lakes and raging mountain rivers.
Water Tourism
Uzbekistan is one of the few countries that do not have access to the sea or Ocean, but still there is a huge number of places for water tourism – a deep-water reservoir Charvak in the foothills of the Western Tien Shan, countless raging rivers and huge, sea-like lakes such as Aydarkul, Sudochye and Tashkent Sea. During your vacation, you can ride a scooter in the breeze or explore the surrounding area on a catamaran. For fans of extreme leisure, many tour operators offer rafting tours along the Chatkal, Pskem, Ugam, Syr Darya rivers and many other places. Air Tourism You can fl y a paraglider in Uzbekistan almost at any time of the year, the only restriction is rain, since the wing of the paraglider is made of fabric. The most popular time of the year is summer, and the country’s mountain ranges are the best place to fl y. The most popular place for paragliding is the vicinity of the Charvak reservoir, located 60 km from Tashkent. You can make a fl ight with a professional instructor, as well as yourself with special training. In addition to paragliding, hot air balloon fl ights are also popular here. During fl ights, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the reservoir and its mountainous surroundings with snow- capped peaks.
Mountain Tourism Uzbek mountains are very attractive for those who like active leisure such as mountaineering, mountain tourism and rock climbing. Most of the country’s territory is mainly occupied by plains, but in many regions of the country, a long chain of mountain ranges runs from West to East of the Tien Shan and Pamir. A very popular mountainous area of Uzbekistan is the Chimgan mountains with the dominant peak of Greater Chimgan, with a height of 3309m. This area is the beginning of many mountaineering trails, hiking, rock climbing, horse trails, ski trails, etc. There are three ski resorts – Chimgan, Beldersay and Amirsoy that attract more and more fans of different winter sports. The ski season is not so long — from the end of December to the middle of March. The ideal time for skiing is in February. The deep caves “Boy-Bulok” (amplitude 1415 m), “Festival-Icefall” (580 m) and “Ural” (565 m) in the Baisuntau range, the spectacular panoramas of the canyons – Kulasay, Langar and Gulkam gorges, the healing air of the north- western spurs of the Turkestan range in Zaamin attract an unprecedented number of travelers and thrill-seekers.
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Mountaineering and Rock Climbing
The vast mountain regions of Uzbekistan are simply designed for mountaineering, rock climbing, and ice climbing. The Federation of mountaineering and climbing of Uzbekistan mentions on its website about 74 routes in 34 mountain areas of Uzbekistan, the height of which varies from 3099 to 4326 m. Fifteen tours of them have diffi culty levels of 4a or 4b, nine routes have diffi culty levels of 5a or 5b, and only the diffi culty level of one route reaches 6a.
The main routes of mountaineering, rock climbing and ice climbing are located mainly in the areas of the Western Tien Shan: the Maydantal range, the Pskem range and the Chatkal range. Open competitions of Uzbekistan in mountaineering and rock climbing are held here every year.
Hiking For mountain hikers, Uzbekistan offers not only beautiful mountain landscapes, but also a meeting with the historical past in the form of mountain fortresses, the ancient irrigation systems and villages (kishlaks), which have not changed much over the centuries. Interesting scenic hiking trails pass through the Nuratau mountains, crossing traditional mountain villages. The Boysun mountain region is also a popular destination for hiking tours. Travelers can see unique landscapes in the Sarmyshsay gorge near Navoi and in the Gulkam gorges in Chimgan. And this is only a small part of the unchanging mountain destinations of this country. Many of these hiking trails are lined with numerous ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs), such as in the Sarmyshsay gorge, where more than 4,000 images have been found.
Horse Riding
There is a growing number of tourists who visit Uzbekistan to admire thoroughbred Uzbek horses of famous breeds, see national equestrian competitions and experience the incomparable joy of riding a thoroughbred horse. Already in the 2nd century BC, war horses were exported from the Ferghana valley along the Great Silk Road for the army of the Chinese Emperor. Not far from the city of Tashkent, in a picturesque valley, at an altitude of 1600 meters at the foot of the Big and Small Chimgan, there is a resort complex “Chimgan Oromgohi”, destined for the fans of equestrian tourism. Here you can take a walk in the picturesque resort precincts. Experienced instructors will train beginners to manage horses, and skilled riders can improve their skills. You can also go horse riding around the Beldersay ridge along the Chatkal and Koksu rivers. One of the most popular routes for experienced riders is the route along the Northern slopes of the Ugam ridge, along the banks of the stormy mountain river Pskem. The duration of the horse tour is 7–10 days. Horse riding takes place in protected areas with diverse and changing fl ora and fauna. Also, several-day horse tours are held in the vicinity of the Pulatkhan Ugam Plateau of Chatkal National Park, in the mountains of the Western Tien Shan, in the areas of the Nurata range and Aydarkul lake.
Horse routes in the mountains of the Hissar range are interesting. They start in small mountain villages of Kashkadarya region and end in the valley of the Surkhandarya river. The highest points on routes can reach 4000 m. Along the way, tourists cross high-altitude belts, juniper forests, Alpine meadows, mountain tundra, and on some routes – a belt of perennial snow and glaciers. Impressions of the trip through the mountains, where the fresh, clean air is fi lled with the subtle fragrance of the countless herbs and fl owers and a romantic evening meal by the fi re under the bottomless mountain sky with myriad stars will long remain in your memory. Tourists will be pleasantly surprised by the number of equestrian clubs available in the country – more than 15. They are located in Tashkent and its surroundings, Ferghana, Kashkadarya and other regions.
Also Read: Why Invest in Uzbekistan?
Attractions
A visit to an amusement park is a fascinating and affordable way for everyone to relax with family or friends, feel the holiday and exciting joy of childhood, visit modern attractions, take pictures in beautiful natural photo zones of the park, have fun and unforgettable impressions, go in search of thrills, vivid emotions and exciting adventures. In Uzbekistan, in all major tourist cities, amusement parks are open, in which both guests and locals can have a wonderful time. The most popular amusement parks include: “Ashgabat”, “Lokomotiv”, “Central Park”, “Tashkent-Land”, “Valley of Legends”, water park “Aqua-Land”, “Navruz”, “Ankhor Lokomotiv” and many others with such attractions as a Ferris wheel, trampolines, slides, carousels, swings for children and adults, shooting galleries, laugh rooms, children’s play labyrinths, go-karting, climbing walls, miniature monuments of ancient architecture of Uzbekistan, illuminated musical fountains, concert programs, playgrounds for kids, cafés and points of sale of delicious ice cream, drinks and other sweets. If you prefer an active and fun pastime with the release of a mass of adrenaline or solitude in the silence of nature with comfort and without leaving the city, amusement parks are the closest and most affordable places for this type of recreation for guests and city dwellers. Magic City Asia’s Largest All-Season Amusement Park, Magic City Magic City is a project that has no analogues in Central Asia, in the center of Tashkent. The largest area of magic and entertainment for the whole family, where neither adults nor children will be bored. The streets of the park are made in the architectural styles of world cities – you can visit Paris, Barcelona, London, Berlin and others without buying a plane ticket! Also on the territory there are many shops, cafés, restaurants for every taste. In Magic City, on a territory with a total area of more than 20 hectares, there are unique objects: The fi rst aquarium in Central Asia; Modern rides from Italy and Germany; All-season family entertainment center; Children’s country, where a child can master the profession of a dream; Innovative laser cinema; Amphitheater in the style of the Roman Coliseum; Fairy-tale castle with towers 60 meters high; Fountain with an area of 8500 sq.m.
Eternal City
This site, which occupies 11 hectares, accurately recreates the spirit of the ancient city backed up by the history and traditions of Uzbek lands and Uzbek people for the guests of the Silk Road Samarkand. The narrow streets here house multiple shops of artists, artisans, and craftsmen. The pavilions of the Eternal City were inspired by real houses and picturesque squares described in ancient books. This is where you can plunge into a beautiful oriental fairy tale: with turquoise domes, mosaics on palaces, and high minarets that pierce the sky. Visitors to the Eternal City can taste national dishes from different eras and regions of the country and also see authentic street performances. The Eternal City showcases a unique mix of Parthian, Hellenistic, and Islamic cultures so that the guests could imagine the versatile heritage of bygone centuries in full splendor. The project was inspired and designed by Bobur Ismoilov, a famous modern artist. Here you can walk along the streets of Samarkand, Bukhara, Ferghana, Tashkent, Khorezm, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, and Karakalpakstan without even leaving the SilkRoad Samarkand resort.
Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble
Lyabi-Hauz was once a trading post on the Silk Road, which contributed to the location of a shopping street next to it. Now there is a café that saves you from the heat of a hot summer day with cool water. First there was the Nadir Divan Begi madrasah, which includes a Khanaka, a swimming pool and a Caravanserai, which was later converted into another madrassah. Tourists are interested in this place because it hosts concerts, fashion shows of Uzbek dresses and many other bright events. Near the madrassah stands a bronze monument of the humorist and national hero Khoja Nasriddin, installed in the late 20th century. The second building – Kukeldash madrassah, built in the 16th century, is one of the largest Bukhara madrassas. It includes 160 hujras (rooms for prayings). Its facades are decorated with majolica, the main one contains a lobby, a mosque and a Darshana.
“Navruz” Ethnographic Park
The ethnographic town in Tashkent is located on an area of two and a half hectares in a park with the symbolic name “Navruz”. This park is dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Uzbek land and its history, this small island in the center of Tashkent, which contains all the regions of the country on one territory, telling about the traditions and customs of each region of Uzbekistan. Each area in the park is located on a separate street of the ethnographic town. Mud, stone and brick walls, carved terraces and hearths of courtyards, workshops of ceramists, artists, teahouses with fragrant pilaf plunge into the world of this Eastern country, its past, its history. Painted ceramics, brightly colored embroidered suzans, unusual ornaments of wooden products, colorful national costumes meet guests in every house on every street.
This park presents the most famous sights of Uzbekistan in miniature: Samarkand – Registan, Bukhara – Ark fortress, Shakhrisabz – Aksaray Palace, Kokand – Khudayarkhan’s Palace … which are located around the amphitheater for celebrations. And the two banks of the river Ankhor, which fl ows through the Park, are connected by the infi nity sign, a sign of continuous connection of the past, present and future – the original multi- level bridge of Happiness.
“Bukhara Desert Oasis & SPA”
In the life of every person, there is a desire to distract from everyday life and plunge into the atmosphere of relaxation and entertainment. If you want to know the history of Bukhara, then we invite you to spend time in Bukhara Desert Oasis & Spa, located in the desert. Here you can have a wonderful time and feel the spirit of the history of Great Bukhara.
Hotels in Uzbekistan
Over the past 5 years, the number of hotels in Uzbekistan has doubled, over the past 4 years, 3,200 guest houses have been built, and now the total number of rooms in Uzbekistan has more than 100,000 beds. The number of foreign tourists has also doubled since 2016, from 2.2 million in 2016 to 5.2 million in 2022. The plans for the current year are to attract 7 million tourists. Hilton Tashkent City 5* Ideally located in the center of the city, this Tashkent hotel offers modern rooms, a spa and health club, excellent dining options and fl exible event space. Luxury Tashkent Hotel for Business and Leisure Hyatt Regency Tashkent offers the quintessential location for both business and leisure travelers. Make yourself at home in your spacious guestroom, dine in one of our four restaurants and bars, hold a board meeting or an exclusive event and don’t forget to relax in our pool and spa area. Here, you’ll fi nd that productivity and relaxation are constants during your time in Tashkent. InterContinental Tashkent Located in the heart of Tashkent, the InterContinental Tashkent Hotel combines luxury, modern comfort, the latest technology and environmental friendliness. The hotel has 216 spacious rooms, including 40 elegant suites and an exclusive Executive Lounge. It features two restaurants, one of which is on the rooftop, an open-air bar, a lobby lounge and a pool bar. The Equilibrium Spa & Fitness Club spans an impressive 2,500 m² and includes a 30-meter swimming pool. Samarkand Regency Amir Temur Amir Temur was a great ruler of Central Asia, commander, and founder of Samarkand. Samarkand Regency Amir Temur, a luxurious fi ve-star 22-storey hotel, was named after him. The hotel’s concept is based not only on the rich historical heritage of this region but also on the international experience and global standards of the hospitality industry. Samarkand Regency Amir Temur has become the fi rst and so far the only hotel in Central Asia to be a member of the prestigious association – The Leading Hotels of the World.
cinema; Amphitheater in the style of the Roman Coliseum; Fairy-tale castle with towers 60 meters high; Fountain with an area of 8500 sq.m.
Silk Road by Minyoun
The fi ve-star Silk Road by Minyoun managed by the Minyoun Hospitality hotel chain is dedicated to the Silk Road history. The facility offers 241 rooms located in a 22-storey building. Breakfasts are served in a stylish Gourmet Market. At the YI Palace restaurant, guests can taste the best Chinese specialties in a stylish, authentic environment. To enjoy panoramic views, make sure to visit the Li Bai bar, located on the 20th fl oor of the hotel. And the Ming Lounge is destined to be a perfect place for meetings and negotiations.
Savitsky Plaza
Savitsky Plaza Hotel was named after Igor Savitsky, Honored Art Worker of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic and collector of avant-garde art. Besides painting, he was studying the life history of the Kara-Kalpaks and collecting contemporary artworks. His collection formed the basis for the art museum he founded in Nukus. The interior design of the Savitsky Plaza hotel reveals contemporary artworks and references to the legacy of Igor Savitsky.
Lia! by Minyoun Stars of Ulugbek
The Lia! hotels focus on a new generation of young and active travelers who prefer dynamism and stylish solutions. These hotels feature affordable prices, friendly environments, and vivid emotions for each guest. This four-star hotel managed by the Minyoun Hospitality chain is named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the ruler of Samarkand, who also was a famous astronomer and mathematician. Ulugbek determined the positions of 1,018 fi xed stars and calculated the duration of the sidereal year.
