Uzbekistan 2023

A picture of the Registan in Samarkand was the starting point for this amazing trip. Relatively unknown, Uzbekistan turned out to be one of the best trips we have ever been on. The people were the friendliest we have ever met (everyone wanted to have their photo taken with us or practice their English) and the sights amongst the most impressive. Being there whilst the locals celebrated Eid only added to the experience. We started in Tashkent, where we discovered sights we weren’t anticipating such as the Disney style Magic Park but soon got to see the Madrassas and Minarets at Hast Imam Square followed by a trip on the amazingly decorated Metro to the  Chorsu Bazaar. We then flew to Urgench  giving us a few days in Khiva (our favourite city) where we explored the  Kuna Ark, the Pahlawan Mahmud Mausoleum, the Kalta Minor Minaret, the Stone Palace and the Juma Mosque. A sunset visit to the walls was let down by the 7pm closing time! Then it was off to Bukhara by train (we had our own sleeper compartment so it was a very comfortable journey). Yet more amazing sights here—the Ark Citadel, the Kalon Minaret, the Samanid Mausoleum, several other mosques and Madrassas and of course, the well hidden gem of Chor Minor. We even managed our first ice cream in Uzbekistan, sitting by one of the water pools. By now the temperature had risen to the mid 20s. Then we went by bus to Samarkand, stopping at Shakhrisabz to see the sights there. Samarkand didn’t disappoint. We made 3 visits to the Registan, once during the day when it was busy with local tourists, once at 6am to enjoy the peace and quiet and once in the evening to see it lit up. Each time special in its own way. We also visited Ulugbek’s conservatory, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and managed another visit to the Bazaar to buy some more of the wonderful local bread and pick up some nougat.

Sadly it was then time to get the bullet train back to Tashkent. What an amazing trip. Uzbekistan is known as the Jewel of the Silk Road. It is well deserving of that title. Hidden within the Soviet Union for so many years, it won’t be long before more people discover its hidden treasures.