Location: Margilan
Day 1 - 6 Sep 2019
Margilan
Content: After entering Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan land border on the night before, I spent 1 day in Margilan which is the best city to experience the Uzbek local life. Margilan is a 2000 year old city on the Great Silk Road in the Ferghana Valley. From the border I took a taxi who dropped me in front of the hotel. The Adras House Hotel was lovely and the staff super helpful. 1st Picture it’s from Khiva 2nd Video is from the Adras House Hotel
Said Ahmad - Khodja Madrasah
Content: Built in the 19th century, this a small but charming madrasah and will be your first contact with the beautiful Uzbek architecture.
Yodgorlik Silk Factory
Content: This fascinating factory is the main attraction of the city! This is the best and one of the largest factories producing handmade silk products in Uzbekistan since 1972. You can walk freely through the factory and the different rooms. The workers are friendly and some are open and able to chat with you. The son of one of workers gave me a tour and explained some facts. This is free but tip based. Visit the shop in the end to get some beautiful silk products.
Location:
Day 1 - 6 Sep 2019
Kum Tepa Bazar
Content: Fascinating wild exciting Uzbek bazar. It’s a time capsule where you can see and experience the real Uzbek culture such as locals with the traditional clothes, the cultural greetings between locals etc.
Location: Tashkent
Day 1 - 6 Sep 2019
Tashkent
Content: Take a train from Margilan to Tashkent. Check the time schedule in advance.
Location: Tashkent
Day 2 - 7 Sep 2019
Tashkent
Content: Tashkent is the Central Asia hub and Uzbekistan capital. The city has 3 different styles as one part is newly built, other one has clear Soviet influences and the third one with traditional farmers and walled mud houses. It’s a very interesting city to visit so wake up early and prepare yourself to some sightseeing.
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Day 2 - 7 Sep 2019
Chorsu Bazaar
Content: The most famous and traditional farmer’s market located in the centre of the old town under a giant blue coloured dome. Perfect to watch the city life and shop for any kind of traditional food as bread, meat, nuts and spices and also traditional clothing, products and souvenirs.
Barakhan Madrasah
Content: 16th century Madrasah with souvenir shops occupying the old student rooms. You can find here all kind of Uzbek craft such as miniatures, bags, ceramics, textiles and more.
Hazrati Imom Jome Masjidi
Content: Just on front of the previous Madrasah. This is a well known religious center. Avoid prayer times if you want to visit the inside. Also only men’s were allowed inside.
Tashkent Metropolitan Area
Content: Use the metro and pay attention to the beautiful metro stations
Minor Mosque
Content: A striking new Mosque located in the new part of the town.
Amir Timur Museum
Content: The best museum in the city. Opened in 1996 and is dedicated to the Turco-Mongol warlord Amir Timur.
Queens Hotel
Content: We checked in in our hotel which had a great location. Also the room was nice and comfortable and staff friendly
Location: Samarkand
Day 3 - 8 Sep 2019
Registan
Content: Registan is the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand and a remarkable piece of art. It’s made by 3 majestic madrasahs
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Day 3 - 8 Sep 2019
Tilya-Kori Madrasah
Content: This madrasah is part of Registan. This madrasah will take your breath away since the first second you come in. The ceiling is made of gold mosaic and has a great illusion. Although it looks like a dome, the ceiling is actually flat.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque (Bibixonim jome masjidi)
Content: After a tasty traditional lunch in Bibimbanum Teahouse, ahead to this madrasah. It’s one of most important monuments in the city.
Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum
Content: A simple dome structure built in the 14th century as a tomb for Bibi Khanym mother.
Siab Bazaar
Content: The largest bazar in Samarkand. Full of local life
Samarkand Hilton Hotel
Content: We spent the night in Hilton Hotel. It was a simple hotel but beautiful from the outside and with Uzbek decoration inside
Location: Samarkand
Day 4 - 9 Sep 2019
Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex
Content: An important mausoleum for the Amir Timur. The architecture of this mausoleum inspired the Taj Mahal in India.
Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble Шоҳи Зинда
Content: Sacred Necropolis and one of the most magnificent you will ever see. First built over 1,000 years ago with many additions over the years. The tile work in here is incredible so allow a couple of hours for your visit.
Location: Samarqand
Day 4 - 9 Sep 2019
Samarkand Hilton Hotel
Content: We stayed in the same hotel for the second night. On the day after the staff was kind enough to let us leave our bags there for a couple of hours
Location: Bukhara
Day 5 - 10 Sep 2019
Chor Minor Madrassah
Content: This is quite a different madrasah for the other ones. It is protected as a cultural heritage monument and is also part of the World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Bukhara.
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Day 5 - 10 Sep 2019
Kalan Mosque
Content: The Kalan Mosque is part of the Po-I-Kalan Islamic religious complex located in Bukhara
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Day 5 - 10 Sep 2019
Mir-i-Arab Madrasa
Content: The name of this madrasah literally means “Prince of the Arabs”. This is one of the most sacred Islamic educational places post soviet times.
Kalyan Minaret (Minorai Kalon)
Content: Walk around the square and explore the little streets and traditional shops
Eco cafe Terrace
Content: Have lunch and enjoy some relaxing time with this wonderful view.
Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah
Content: An old madrasah now occupied with souvenir shops. It’s an unrestored gem with beautiful tile work.
Tim Abdulla Khan Trading Dome
Content: Explore the markets and bazaars around the year. There is a lot to see.
Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah
Content: Visit the madrasah and watch a traditional Uzbek folklore show with dinner included inside the madrasah
Asia Bukhara Hotel
Content: The hotel was lovely, nice food, comfortable, pretty. High standard for Uzbekistan I would say
Location: Khiva
Day 6 - 11 Sep 2019
Kalta Minor Minaret
Content: Explore in and around the minaret
Khiva
Content: Explore the city and the bazaars. If you are lucky you will be able to see some street Uzbek performance
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Day 6 - 11 Sep 2019
Itchan Kala
Content: Go up the wall and walk around it. Enjoy a beautiful view of the city from the top. The wall was built in 1990 and has been protected as a World Heritage Site.
Hotel New Star Khiva
Content: We could really feel the Uzbek culture in this hotel in Khiva. The food was delicious, the staff helpful and chatty and the architecture and decoration beautiful
Location: Khiva
Day 7 - 12 Sep 2019
Islam Khoja Minaret
Content: The highest minaret in Khiva and one of the symbols is the city. You can either go up or just walk around
Pakhlavon Mahmud Maqbarasi
Content: One of the most beautiful spots in the town. It’s a mausoleum