Five reasons to visit Uzbekistan, from Unesco heritage sites on the old Silk Road to mighty mosques
It might seem a bit off the beaten track but with tourism high on the agenda for the country’s new president, now is the time to see Uzbekistan’s ancient cities, atmospheric markets and fast-developing metropolises
In the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan has felt the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Marco Polo and Genghis Khan, and for centuries it was home to overland trade routes known collectively as the Great Silk Road that linked China with the Middle East and Europe.
This land of 32 million, however, is a mostly Islamic former Soviet state best known for being the domain of its authoritarian ruler Islam Karimov, who died last year. New president Shavkat Mirziyayev appears to be modernising the country, with tourism high on the agenda.
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Whether Uzbekistan will become a transcontinental tourist route remains to be seen, but it certainly has the potential. Within its borders are some of the most ancient and evocative cities in the world and it has four Unesco World Heritage Sites. The food – from the ubiquitous national dish plov (rice, meat, grated carrots and onions) to shashlik kebabs – is consistently delicious, and there are now some surprisingly good Uzbek wines (particularly in Bukhara), though the nightlife scene is low-key.
While you can do the main sights in a week (though it is easier in 10 days), Uzbekistan is not a place you can easily explore on your own, despite the surprisingly efficient trains and planes. International tourists are not yet allowed to rent cars, so you will need to hire a local guide or take an organised tour. That, though, is for the best, as there is so much history to explore and the vast country has myriad tribal cultures and customs.
Here are some of the best things to see and do in the country.