 | Bukhara's Miri Arab Madrasah | | | It's no wonder Uzbekistan is on our Best in Travel list for 2024. Long after the bustling Silk Road routes that linked the East and West for more than a thousand years fell quiet, modern travelers see the country's wonders as they race across its terrain on high-speed trains. And, as I found when I visited this year, there are a lot of wonders to see, from the intricate blue-and-gold designs of the Tilla Kari Madrasah in Samarkand to the countless stars visible over the Kyzylkum Desert. It’s gotten easier to travel to this Central Asian country in recent years, with visa-free access for citizens of more than 80 countries and more direct flights to its capital, Tashkent. There’s never been a better time to start planning your own trip. Uzbekistan will stay with you – and not just because of its extraordinary beauty. The reason any place stays in your heart is ultimately its people. While traveling with local tour operator Peopletravel, I met the co-founder Sanjar Halmuradov. And after my trip, he was the first person I thought to contact to help me make the case for traveling to Uzbekistan to all of you. Read on for his insights and advice. | | | Traveling through Uzbekistan is a breeze with a little preparation. Use our expert guidance to help you plan your trip. | | | | | From visa applications to shopping in the bazaars, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Planning tip: Carry your passport (or at the very least a photocopy) with you when you go sightseeing . | | | | | A train journey through Uzbekistan offers a wonderful way to discover the ancient Silk Road. Check out this rail itinerary.
Planning tip: Book the high-speed Afrosiyob at least a couple of weeks in advance. | | | | | Make a Silk Road journey more modern with these five epic road-trip routes.
Planning tip: Hiring a car and driver is a good idea for an Afghanistan border region trip. | | | | | Whether you want winter sports, big festivals or perfect weather, find the best time to plan your trip.
Planning tip: Save money and avoid crowds in historic cities by traveling to Uzbekistan during the winter months. | | | | | Central Asia’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road.
| | | Get to know Sanjar Halmuradov, the co-founder of Peopletravel, a local tour operator in Uzbekistan.
| | | What do you think surprises travelers most when they first visit Uzbekistan? | The people. There are 131 nationalities living in Uzbekistan, with their own culture, traditions and religion. We all live in a multicultural country with tolerance and understanding.
| | | What should every traveler make sure to see while they’re there? | It all depends on the interests of the traveler. For some, it may be cultural heritage, for some, nature. But the combination of culture and nature indeed is the best option. Major cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Termez are worth visiting — and also our mountains. | | | What are the mountains like? What can travelers do there? | At mountains like Chimgan in the Tashkent region, [travelers can go] skiing, paragliding, rafting, hiking and climbing. [The mountains of] Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Nuratau Gorge, and Zaamin are mainly for hiking. | | | | | "We live in a multicultural country with tolerance and understanding." – Sanjar Halmuradov | | | What do you think is an unexpected side of the country that is worth exploring? | In my personal opinion, Soviet modernist architecture is worth exploring while you’re in big cities. All these shapes, constructions and mosaics on the buildings are very interesting… For me, Tashkent and Navoi cities are best for Soviet architecture. | | | How do you recommend people get around the country? | Trains and cars are the best means of transport to move around. [Peopletravel is] the only company that provides self-drive tours in Uzbekistan, which gives more freedom for exploration. | | |  | Love travel inspiration in your inbox? | | | Share with a fellow travel lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? Subscribe by clicking here. | | | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
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