- The most popular excursions in Uzbekistan
- Ancient Bukhara
- Heir to the Khorezm Khanate
- Religious tours in Uzbekistan
"Uchkuduk" - a golden hit from the "Yalla" group, which appeared in 1980, caused an unprecedented surge of interest in the mysterious Uzbek region among Soviet listeners. Today excursions in Uzbekistan open up a new country striving for success, wealth and prosperity.
Tourist routes are connected with the unique nature of Uzbekistan, sands, deserts, and with ancient cities, which were important transit settlements on the Great Silk Road. The tourist potential is far from being fully disclosed, except for the most popular cities - Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara, Termez - there are many other amazing corners worthy of a visit by any guest.
The most popular excursions in Uzbekistan
The main point that pleases travelers from Russia and other Slavic countries is the knowledge of local guides in perfect Russian language, the common past affects. The focus of foreign guests is Samarkand and Bukhara, cities founded before our era, and already then playing an important political, commercial and cultural role in the Central Asian region.
It is here that you can get acquainted with the masterpieces of ancient architecture of oriental masters - the majestic palaces of the emirs, austere mosques, grandiose mausoleums. The most popular is the tourist route, covering not one, but several ancient Uzbek cities, it is called "Travel along the Great Silk Road".
Other popular activities include hiking, horse riding, and mountain climbing. Of course, in its pure form, this cannot be called an excursion, but since local residents always act as guides or leaders, during the tour there will still be a story about Uzbekistan and its natural attractions with a demonstration of stunning mountain or plain landscapes.
Ancient Bukhara
A walk through one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Uzbekistan costs from $ 20 per person for a few hours that will fly by like an instant. The main tourist roads run through the Old Town, it is compact, cozy and has its own special atmosphere. The main attractions of Bukhara: Kalon minaret; Registan square and the city citadel Ark, located on it; Labi-Khavz square; Toki-Zargaron market; mausoleums of Chashma-Ayuob, Saifiddin-Boharzi; numerous mosques and madrasahs.
The Kalon minaret appeared in the city in 1227, it was built by Arslan Khan, at the request of the imam, who had already left this world, but came to the ruler in a dream. For the first time, azure tiles were used in the decoration of the building, which then began to be widely used in the East.
Ark is the main citadel of the city; it served many generations of Bukhara emirs, providing protection during a siege by the enemy. Inside the fortress there were palaces and outbuildings, an arsenal, workshops, stables and warehouses. Today, there is a museum on the territory of the fortress, the exhibits of which can tell a lot.
In addition to the most famous place in Bukhara - Registan, there are other squares in the city, for example, Labi-Lavz, the name translated from Persian as "pool ensemble". Unique buildings of the 16th century are located on this square: the largest madrasah (Muslim school) in Central Asia, another madrasah, rebuilt from a caravanserai, the Nadir-Devanbegi winter mosque.
Heir to the Khorezm Khanate
A worthy competitor to Bukhara is Khiva, the former capital of the Khorezm Khanate, one of the most beautiful cities in modern Uzbekistan. Many of the architectural masterpieces are appreciated by experts from UNESCO and included in the World Heritage List. The city is conditionally divided into Inner (historical part) and Outer, there are enough attractions in both.
The old city has another name - Ichan-Kala, it is surrounded by a thick wall, which was erected for defensive purposes. Many defenses built in the 14th century have survived to this day. Inside the fortress wall, you can see courtyards, mosques, tombs, madrasahs, inns. The inhabitants of Khiva proudly say that Ichan-Kala was built from the same clay that was used by the prophet Mohammed for Medina.
Religious tours in Uzbekistan
Any guest who has been on excursions in Samarkand or Khiva, Bukhara or Termez never ceases to be amazed at the huge number of religious buildings, ancient and modern, grand in size and modest. Mosques and minarets, madrasahs and tombs are found almost at every step.
Therefore, in recent years, it is increasingly possible to come across an offer to go on a religious tour around the country. Moreover, on the route, tourists are expected to meet not only with Muslim religious buildings, but also with monuments of different world religions.
