Uzbekistan promises to turn into one of the centers of world tourism in the coming years.
Since ancient times, Uzbekistan has been attracting the attention of the world as one of the important centers of the Great Silk Road, possessing great potential, natural, historical and cultural values, wonderful traditions and customs. At present, Uzbekistan has entered a new stage of development not only in the political, socio-economic, cultural spheres, but also in the field of tourism.
Tourists can find many compelling reasons to visit Uzbekistan. The rich historical and cultural heritage, centuries-old traditions of the Uzbek people, the unique architectural monuments of ancient cities of Uzbekistan attract many tourists from abroad. Uzbekistan has a wealth of historical monuments, not least the towns of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand, which were the capitals of powerful kingdoms for many centuries.
History and culture – The turquoise domes of the madrassah, shining through the centuries of majolica mausoleums and ornate brickwork of the minarets of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, have an astonishing appeal.
The unique design, composition and technological solutions of ancient masters in the erection of monumental buildings amaze the imagination of spectators visiting the sights.
Taking a trip around the country brings spiritual enrichment to every traveler. Currently, Uzbekistan has a rather awe inspiring claim to fame, with about 15,000 objects of cultural, archaeological and architectural heritage spread throughout the country.
Ethnic tourism – Modern hotels are often indistinguishable from each other. Waking up in a hotel room, one does not immediately understand: Canberra or Bern? Falling asleep in the steppe under a Shanyrak – a round grid in the dome of a nomad yurt – under stars is a completely different thing.
The design of the yurt has not changed in two and a half thousand years, which cools in the heat and warms in the cold. Ethnic tourism provides an opportunity to immerse in the way of life of Uzbekistan. Various ethnographic, culinary and crafts fair festivals are held from spring to autumn, where tens of thousands of spectators from all over the world gather to get acquainted with the cultural diversity of the Uzbek people.
Leisure – The modern traveler now yearns for more than just following a guide from monument to monument. Uzbekistan offers such tourists many attractive and interesting places: the tops of Chimgan and the Charvak reservoir, the Nurata Mountains or the Aral Sea together with the plateau. For lovers of an active way of life, here is the real expanse: mountain hikes, fishing and hunting and in winter time – skiing and for the most daring – Heli Ski tours.
Ecological tourism – In a world where most larger cities have their night sky polluted, Tashkent stands out as a city with a beautiful starry night, facilitated by the proximity of the mountains. It is not surprising that in Uzbekistan many popular tourist routes pass near pristine nature reserves and national parks, teeming with animals, such as bears or golden eagles.
Recreational rest – All the more popular are trips to the picturesque mountain resorts of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is also filled with balneological resorts that offer thermal, chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium waters for both drinking and therapeutic baths and showers.
Business tourism – The successful combination of developed modern infrastructure and the availability of attractive tourism facilities have turned Uzbekistan, in particular Tashkent and Samarkand, into the favorite places for holding international and regional events of several organisations.
In Uzbekistan today, the MICE industry (meetings – incentives – conferences – events) is actively developing, which in the modern world has become an integral part of tourism.
Shopping – Tamerlane and his descendants called on ceramicists, artists and architects from all over the empire to beautify the cities of Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara. Their mosques were adorned with the finest murals and mosaics.
Happily, Uzbekistan’s artisanal skills live on and you can pick up handmade ceramics or needlework for just a few dollars in most madrassas, which have largely been transformed into bazaars.
Jeep tours – One of the most impressive and unusual forms of tourism in Uzbekistan are Jeep tours. At any temperature or season, this is how you can feel the beauty of the hard-to-reach places of Uzbekistan. Dazzling deserts, with the ruins of ancient cities, picturesque cliffs, mountain rivers, legendary cities, encountered on the way, immerse the traveler from one atmosphere to another.
Home away home – The cities of Tashkent and Bukhara have a rather European vibe – think lakeside beer gardens, landscaped public parks, and cafés next to most of the main tourist attractions.
Easy to get – With a little planning you can squeeze your tour into a week, making this the perfect bite of Silk Road splendour. European nationals can now obtain visas through a simplified procedure. Soon an e-visa system will be introduced to make the visit to Uzbekistan even easier.
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Photography by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels.
