The Tashkent Metro is a beautiful subway system decorated with intricate designs, mosaics, and chandeliers. It is a practical way to travel within Tashkent and see some fantastic art. Don't miss the Chorsu Station with its blue and turquoise tiling.
The State Museum of Applied Arts exhibits Uzbekistan's rich artistic culture, including its traditional ceramics, carpets, and textiles. You can admire the opulent craftsmanship of jewelry and paintings displayed in an elegant 19th-century mansion.
Registan Square in Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main highlight of the ancient city. The three madrasahs around the square are the Ulugh Beg, the Sher-Dor, and the Tilya-Kori, each uniquely adorned with mosaics, calligraphy, and other mesmerizing decorations.
The Charvak Reservoir lies in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains and is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. The area also has a 1980s-style amusement park and several restaurants with local cuisines that create a fascinating ecosystem of tourism.
The Medina Bazaar in Tashkent is a bustling market where you can find various souvenirs, spices, household items, and clothes at affordable prices. The labyrinthine alleys are an adventure in themselves, and the atmosphere is lively and friendly with vendors openly welcoming visitors.
Travelers can use the Tashkent Metro to navigate Tashkent, and taxis or private cars for longer trips. The costs of taxis are affordable, but it’s important to agree on the price in advance. Train journeys can also be convenient for intercity travel, and buses serve a more extensive network. Be prepared for traffic and irregular schedules in some areas.
Estimated costs: Tashkent Metro ($0.3 per ride, $0.9 for a day pass), taxi ($0.15-$0.30 per km), train (from $5 to $15)
If you have less time, consider visiting the Amir Timur Museum or the Chorsu Bazaar on Day 1. You can also skip the Charvak Reservoir visit if you prefer spending more time admiring the landmarks of Samarkand, such as the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis, or the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. For more extended stays, you can explore other regions of Uzbekistan, such as the Fergana Valley, Khiva, or Bukhara.
Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is the primary airport serving Uzbekistan and is located 12 km from the city center. It has modern facilities, provides international connections to major destinations, and offers various services such as currency exchange, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges. The airport is accessible by taxi, bus, and metro, and prices vary from $5 to $15 depending on the mode of transportation.