Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
June 2023
Uzbekistan facts
Apart from huge Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan is by far the biggest , most populated and divers Stan. Reaching from the (mostly disappeared) Aral Lake, the Karakum Desert down to the Afghani border and all the way East to the Fergana Valley, more than 35 million people from many ethnic backgrounds make up for this nation still in the making.
Khiva
This is one of the smaller and a bit more remote (situated on the Northern route) ancient Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan. Old town is quite compact and easy to be enjoyed by foot, even in 40+ weather with narrow streets and many lovely courtyards. Dinner from a rooftop terrace overlooking central square sinking into beautiful night atmosphere was certainly the highlight
Bukhara
Bukhara is one of the two major Silk Road cities and it played a major role during that time as well as being the capital of a lot of territories which reach over a few of today’s Stans. Old town is dotted with (mostly reconstructed) ancient buildings and structures yet everything of interest is quite concentrated in easily walkable. It was very nice to be part of the yearly Silk and Spices Festival attracting huge crowed from all over the country.
Samarkand
Samarkand is much larger today and was also the capital before the Soviets moved it to Tashkent. It also played a major role along the silk road, however it never had the same influence of neighboring lands like Bukhara had hundreds of years ago. Its many historic sites are larger and disbursed over a larger territory, surrounded by the modern city and therefore not really walkable. Besides the historic beauty Samarkand boasts a large and very diverse cultural and culinary scene which make it a perfect place to spend a few days and just get immersed with everything Central Asia has to offer and take a break.
