EXCLUSIVE: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of Central Asia: Uzbekistan’s Stunning Silk Road Journey
When I announced my plans to travel to Uzbekistan, my friends were left wondering why. This former Soviet republic, nestled between Russia, China, and its neighboring ‘Stans’, may not be on everyone’s radar, but it holds a captivating history as the cradle of Central Asia’s culture for over 2,000 years.
But the real reason behind my journey? I was exhausted, worn out by the hustle and bustle of London life after relocating from Sydney two years ago. I craved a rekindling of my fascination with the world we inhabit. And Uzbekistan, with its awe-inspiring architecture, mesmerizing turquoise-tiled cities, and enchanting sunsets, did not disappoint.
Tashkent: Unveiling the Soviet Legacy
Our adventure began with a seven-hour flight to Tashkent, the capital city adorned with striking Brutalist structures and remnants of the USSR era. Guided by Tatiana, the first of four knowledgeable locals who accompanied us on our Silk Road expedition, we embarked on a journey through the city’s highlights. Khast Imam Square, home to what is believed to be the world’s oldest Quran, left us in awe. And the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, where local bakers skillfully crafted bread in traditional ovens, offered a glimpse into the heart of the city.
Uzbekistan: A Hidden Oasis of Peace and Beauty
As I sipped on a pint, taking in the breathtaking views of Tashkent’s sprawling boulevards, one thing became clear – this city of 2.4 million exudes an unparalleled sense of safety. In Uzbekistan, warm welcomes are the norm, and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves in the company of three enthusiastic locals eager to practice their English.
While British tourists are a rare sight in Uzbekistan, with only around 10,000 visiting each year, the path to this hidden oasis has never been easier to navigate. Just a decade ago, the country faced its fair share of travel hurdles, from complicated visa regulations to rampant corruption. However, since the passing of President Islam Karimov in 2016, obtaining a visa has become a breeze. Now, over 60 nationalities, including the UK, most EU countries, New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea, can enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel.
Rediscovering the Ancient Silk Road
The Silk Road, a historic trading route that linked China to the Western world, holds a place of prominence in human civilization. Spanning an impressive 12,000 kilometers, it owes its name to the Chinese silk that was traded by merchants along its path. Regarded as the world’s first global trading route, the Silk Road shaped cultures, economies, and ideas for over a millennium.
Uzbekistan, with its rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is now the crown jewel of the Central Asian republics. Don’t miss your chance to embark on this extraordinary journey and uncover the hidden treasures of the Silk Road.
Uzbekistan is a country filled with stunning architecture and breathtaking blue-tiled mosques. If I had any doubts about Uzbekistan’s modernity, they were quickly dispelled during our journey to Samarkand, the main attraction for Silk Road architecture. We traveled on the high-speed train called Afrosiyab, which is owned by a Spanish company and offers comfortable seats, free tea and coffee, and more leg room than the Great Western Railway.
Upon arriving at the station, our guide Rukhana took us straight to the mausoleum of Amir Timur, a formidable commander and national hero who conquered large parts of Central Asia in the 14th century. The mausoleum is adorned with hand-tiled mosaics and dazzling gold ceilings, showcasing the power and influence of this remarkable man.
However, the highlight of the Silk Road’s most famous city is Registan, a magnificent square where mosques, madrasas, and minarets come together. While exploring the square, we had the opportunity to climb a minaret for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. From the top, we marveled at the intricate mosaics and symbols of Zoroastrianism, the ancient Persian religion that once dominated Uzbekistan.
Registan truly comes alive at night, when locals gather with their children to enjoy popcorn and music under the enchanting glow of the square’s lights. It’s a place filled with joy and it must be a wonderful environment for children to grow up in.
During our conversation, I mentioned to Rukhana a recent study that labeled Uzbekistan as the most miserable country in the world. I asked for her opinion on the matter. She explained that many young people in Uzbekistan aspire to leave, unaware of the good life they have here and the challenges they may face abroad.
The next day, we embarked on another journey on Afrosiyab, this time heading to Bukhara, a smaller but deeply Islamic city located 270km northwest. We stayed in a hotel located in the Jewish quarter of the old city, which was built around wells and roadside inns that served as rest stops for merchants traveling along the Silk Road.
In Bukhara, centuries-old trading domes still provide shade for visitors as they browse through handwoven silk scarves and embroidered textiles adorned with pomegranate motifs, symbolizing fertility. Uzbekistan truly is a treasure trove of history and culture, with each city offering its own unique charm and beauty.
Welcomes in Uzbekistan are some of the warmest I’ve ever encountered. The best food of our trip was served at a Bukhara maker’s house, where we dined on cauldrons of v – a rice-based dish topped with beef or lamb, raisins and yellow carrots – and samsa, a savoury pastry packed with meat, which our guide Rimma described as Uzbekistan’s McDonald’s. The golden arches haven’t made it to this part of Central Asia just yet (but they do have Wendy’s, and recently celebrated the opening of the first KFC). There’s no doubt that eating in this part of the world is a little trickier for vegans and vegetarians, but the Uzbeks know how to make a salad — they also grow the juiciest tomatoes I’ve ever tasted. So don’t let the meat-heavy menu deter you.
A staple of Uzbek cuisine is plov, a rice-based dish topped with beef, garlic, carrots and raisins.
Best time to visit Uzbekistan — and is it for me?
The best time to visit Uzbekistan is from . Most of Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate with sweltering summers and freezing winters, so you’ll avoid extreme weather by visiting during these periods. Uzbekistan is perceived as a culture-steeped destination for mature travellers (in fact, all of the visitors we met on our trip were 60 and older!). But travel expert Sunita Ramanand says the country has plenty to offer every age and interest. ‘Varied landscapes provide excellent opportunities for activities like mountain biking, paragliding, white water rafting, heliskiing, hot air ballooning and zip lining, to name a few,’ the founder and director of Trotting Soles tells ‘Uzbekistan is also one of the few affordable destinations that offers exceptional value to travellers.’
‘Spellbinding’ Khiva
On the seven-hour drive to Khiva, we whizzed past sights that have largely vanished from western countries. Women hoe the fields, a kaleidoscope of headscarves fluttering in the breeze behind them. Single cows ride along on pickup trucks, their heavy rubber wheels disrupting desert sand that looks like a sea of brown sugar. Stacks of hay bales teeter perilously on top of cartoonish Damas vans. Our driver, Rahman, tells us they are known as ‘loaves’, for their bread-like shape. Seven hours in the back of a Chevrolet feels unthinkable in the UK, but our journey through the Kyzylkum desert is surprisingly painless. We arrive in our 2,700-year-old destination just in time to walk the old city walls at sunset, a truly magical experience that almost brings a tear to my eye. The Independent’s Simon Calder called Khiva one of the most astonishing places on earth’ — and he’s really not exaggerating.
In Khiva, we were mesmerized by a family of local acrobats who fearlessly walked a tightrope, one on top of another. It was a breathtaking sight that left us in awe. Our last two days in Khiva were spent exploring the magnificent madrassas where ancient mathematical theories were first discovered, and admiring the mosques that were supported by 1,000-year-old wooden beams.
During our final afternoon, we were captivated by the incredible skills of a family of local acrobats. They fearlessly balanced on a tightrope, defying gravity with each step. It was a mesmerizing performance that left us speechless.
As the sun began to set on our unforgettable journey through Central Asia, we had the pleasure of sharing a drink with a group of six friends in their 60s. We had crossed paths with them multiple times along the Silk Road. One of them, while sipping on a glass of Saperavi wine, shared with me the skepticism he faced when he decided to visit this region. However, he couldn’t understand why anyone would miss out on such a remarkable experience.
I couldn’t agree more with his sentiment. Central Asia has exceeded all expectations, offering us a glimpse into its rich history and captivating culture. It is a destination that should not be overlooked.
