DISCOVER TASHKENT - ADMIRE THE QUINTESSENTIAL ESSENCE OF TASHKENT, THE SILK ROAD DESTINATION

The ancient city of Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. The geographical location and favourable Tashkent weather made the city one of the focal points on the Great Silk Road. It was destroyed in 1219 by Genghis Khan and was rebuilt as a trade route of the Silk Road. Tashkent became an independent city-state from the 18th century to the 19th century. In 1865, the Russian Empire took control and Tashkent became the capital of Russian Turkestan.

The Soviet-era saw tremendous growth, and demographic changes because of forced deportations. The 1966 Tashkent earthquake destroyed the city badly. However, it was restored and rebuilt into a modern Soviet city and was the fourth largest city in the Soviet Union. Tashkent today is the capital of independent Uzbekistan and enjoys a multi-ethnic population. The Uzbeks are a majority and in 2009 the city celebrated 2200 years of ancient history.

Tashkent means'a stone city' and the Stone Tower is part of the history that marked the midway point between Europe and China. Ancient people settled so many years ago on the Chirchik River banks near the foothills of the West Tian Shan Mountains. Tashkent is strictly governed by its governmental regime today.

Tashkent Region is in the northeastern part of Uzbekistan. It is between the Syr Darya River and the Tien Shan Mountains. Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sirdaryo and Namangan borders the city. Tashkent is also known as Uzbek Toshkent and is the largest city in Central Asia. Tashkent is in the plain between Samarkand and Shymkent and is 13 km from the border crossings into Kazakhstan.

The city sits on an active tectonic area and has suffered many tremors and huge devastating earthquakes. The city is at the confluence of the Chirchik River that leaves deep alluvial deposits by the tributaries.

The closest neighbouring cities are Bishkek, Shymkent, Dushanbe, Kasghar, Almaty, Kabul and Peshawar. The cosmopolitan city is famous for its many fountains, tree-lined streets and beautiful parks. Tashkent enjoys a continental desert climate. The city is situated to the west of the Altai Mountains on the road between Samarkand and Shymkent and is at an elevation of 450 m to 480 m.

The Turkic and Sogdian cultures influence Tashkent culture. We know the city for its heritage and cultural scene. The local bazaars, the largest being Chorsu Bazaar is an interesting place to visit in Tashkent. Relax at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre to enjoy Russian ballet. The Tashkent Museum of Applied Arts showcases Tashkent culture such as exhibitions for handicrafts. Witness over 4000 exhibits of decorative art, gold weaving, embossing, wood carving, ceramics and samples of other local art here.

Tashkent musical group is famous and performs live to preserve traditional Uzbek music. Karnay horns, doira frame drums, nog`ora kettle drums are some of the musical instruments that the group performs with. Nodir Rahimov, Hojimurad Ziya Mukhamedov, Dilmurad Mirzaev are some of the noted musicians.

Enjoy lip-smacking local cuisine in many cafes and restaurants that the city is dotted with. Chaykhanas or terraced cafes line the streets. Dig into eating houses on the streets that serve foodie delights such as somsa, pilaf, shaurma, palov amon other dishes. Scout for traditional local cuisine in Kukeldash Madrassah and Chorsu Bazaar, interesting Tashkent tourism eating spots. A fun and trendy thing to do in Tashkent at night is to visit the nightclubs that dot the city and enjoy a meal. Visit the National Food in Tashkent, the best Tashkent thing to do to try Uzbek food from plov, shashlyk and more.

Obi Non (Uzbek flatbread), Haleem (mixture of barley, lentils, wheat and spices), Naryn (noodles with horse meat), Dolma (minced meat and rice), Dolma Shurpa (stuffed vegetable broth with few slices of meat or lamb), Dimlama (meat stew with carrots, potatoes and onions), Beshbarmak (broth with pasta slices), Plov (chunks of mutton with rice and yellow carrot), Shashlyk (mutton chunks barbecued with sliced raw onions)

Black Tea, Green Tea, Craft Beer, Shampanski (sparkling wine), Kefir (thick yoghurt), Sarbast (local beer), Uzbek Wine (alcohol), Uzbek Vodka (alcohol)

Locals are friendly people and they speak very little English. The Uzbeks are ready to help and understand your thoughts. They show respect to the elders known as aksakal (men in white beards). Men shake hands and greet with'salom' or'salom aleykum'. At the end of a meal run your hands over your face and say'amin' to express thanks. Tea drinking is common etiquette. It's customary to rinse your piala (teacup) with a drop of hot tea three times and then accept a cup full. Bread and tea ceremonies are common and they consider bread sacred. It is said that if you are served just a little tea, it means you are an honoured guest in the family. Never refuse bread or tea offered by Uzbeks.

• Among the top Tashkent things to do is a visit to Chorsu Market, a historical market for shopping.
• To explore stunning Islamic architecture such as Hazrat Imam Complex and see the oldest Quran.
• For a lovely time at the many parks amid fountains and beautiful statues.
• Tashkent tourist attractions include the Kukeldash Madrasah and Dzume Mosque.
• Enjoy a meal at the Central Asian Plov Center and savour the local cuisine.
• Watch stunning monuments at Independence Square, a famous Tashkent attraction.
• Stroll around Amir Timur Square, an interesting place in Tashkent.
• Enjoy an evening at Sailkogh Street and spend time on Broadway Boulevard.
• See the spectacular Metro Station and ride in the metro, a fun Tashkent thing to do.
• Be a part of the green and clean city noted for Tashkent attractions of Soviet, Islamic and modern architecture.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan weather is ideal for travel in spring between March and June. The Tashkent temperatures range between 72 Fahrenheit during the day to 52 Fahrenheit during the nights. Tashkent weather in autumn is also the best time to travel. With an average of 8 hours of sunshine, Tashkent temperatures range from 67 Fahrenheit during the day and 41 Fahrenheit at nights. The climate in Tashkent is the Mediterranean with strong continental influences. The city experiences cold winters and boiling summers. Summer months lie between June and August, with the days between 25 June and 5 August being the hottest. The Winter months are between December to February with cold, stormy weather and is not the best time to visit Tashkent.

• Visit the incredible Amir Timur Museum Tashkent dedicated to the warlord Amir Timur.
• Visit the 19th-century Khazrati Imam Mosque that features a silver dome, two minarets and a wooden verandah.
• Savour lagman with fluffy and freshly baked Uzbek bread that pairs well with a glass of peach and apple juice.
• See the breathtaking Minor Mosque, a top Tashkent tourist place.

• Head out to the popular historical site, The Complex, the main Islamic centre in Tashkent.
• Visit the popular Tashkent tourism attraction, the 16th-century Muyi Muborak Madrasah that is said to keep the preserved hair of Prophet Muhammed.
• Tour Chorsu Bazaar, a top place to visit in Tashkent to imbibe the sights and sounds of Tashkent culture.
• Don't miss eating plov, a UNESCO dish at the Plov Center.

• Visit to honour the World War II soldiers in the large square called Independence Square and admire the flower beds, Monument of Independence and the Arch of Independence.
• Taste the magic of Uzbek fried chicken at Ugolok, an unmissable Tashkent thing to do.
• Explore the Metro Station, which is ornate, extravagant and colourful interiors.
• Among the top things to see in Tashkent is the Tashkent Tower, a television tower with an observation deck at 97 m height.

• Enjoy a visit to the Tashkent Zoo, a top Tashkent attraction.
• Relish a meal in an Indian restaurant in Tashkent, The Gabbar's that has a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor.
• Explore Broadway Street for a gastronomical and cultural experience to let loose and have fun.
• Watch the marching band perform in the Town Square, a magical Tashkent thing to do.
• Have a great time splashing and enjoying fun rides at the Aqualand Tashkent, a popular choice for kids.

• Fragrant Spices
• Decorated Carpets
• Fur Hats
• Blue Ceramics
• Embroidered Bags
• Ikat Scarves
• Crochet Pouches
• Mulberry Paper
• Bread Stamps
• Tea

This Tashkent tourism attraction offers a lovely day outing with kids. Explore the fascinating world of wildlife and watch different species of fauna and flora. See the excitement build up as you can find animals such as monkeys, hippos, lamas, camels, lion cubs and more. Have an eagle sit on your arm, visit the aquarium and terrarium and more in a premium Tashkent sightseeing place.

Best time to visit: March to June
Entry fee: $0.95 (children above 16)

The Tashkent museum is a top Tashkent sightseeing place with displays of items that belong to the Amir Temur period. See valuable historic documents, jewellery, military items, musical instruments, ornaments and more. Look for the speciality archaeological, ethnographic and numismatic materials that belong to the empire.

Best time to visit: Spring season
Entry fee: $2

This is a landmark Tashkent sightseeing place in the city filled with trees, flowers, famous monuments and special green zones. Seep into Uzbek history that dates back over 100 years. The Independence Monument and the Arch of Independence are famous Tashkent attractions here. Tashkent weather from March to May is the best time to enjoy the several fountains and spot impressive buildings lining the square.

Best time to visit: March to May
Entry fee: Based on the tour

The national Tashkent museum displays a wide collection of handicraft items, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, vintage clothes and more. Take a tour of the perfect museum to get the essence of Uzbek culture. This was once the home of the Russian diplomat Alexander Polostev, who was also a famous collector of art. The home was turned into a museum after the Soviet revolution. Don't forget to pick some memorabilia that is offered for sale.

Best time to visit: Spring season
Entry fee: $2

Explore the amusement park spread over 23 acres of land for an enjoyable time. The spectacular Tashkent attraction is a soothing place with immense greenery and trees lined that covers most of the park. There are many exhibitions, folk festivities and local customary celebrations that happen here from time to time. There is a nice lake in the middle of the park where you can spend leisure time.

Best time to visit: October
Entry fee: Based on the tour

Head to the popular Tashkent tourism place, the Chorsu Bazaar located in the centre of the old town of Tashkent. This traditional marketplace is under a blue-domed building where locals sell a variety of spices, fruits, vegetables, crafts, candles, national musical instruments, quilted clothing and more. You get nutmeg, white balls of Kurt, dried cottage cheese, apricots, almonds, walnuts and pistachios among other essentials. Also check out the workshops of wood carers, carpenters, blacksmiths and designer carpet stalls.

Best time to visit: Summer and autumn season
Entry fee: Based on the tour

One of the best Tashkent attractions is a show which is played every day several times here. Reserve your seat at the planetarium to watch the starry sky and the many planets of the solar system beamed by the special equipment. Explore the various exhibition halls that showcase space-related content and glimpse at childhood fantasy. There are also food stalls and washrooms facilities. This is a must-visit Tashkent attraction, tickets for which can be booked online.

Best time to visit: March to May
Entry fee: $1

If you can make time to visit a few other places to visit in Tashkent are,

• Tashkent House of Photography
• Ilkhom Theatre
• Oath To Motherland Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Aqualand Tashkent
• Museum of Nature
• Museum of History
• Center of National Arts
• Japanese Garden
• Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre
• TV Tower
• Monument To Courage
• Museum Of Railway
• Babur Recreation Park
• Tashkentland

Be a part of the upcoming live musical concert in Humo Arena, the multifunctional indoor venue. You could book tickets on the Songkick App and also find out the schedule of your favourite artists. The upcoming concert is scheduled for 22 May 2021 with music performances from world-renowned artists.

Location : Huno Arena, Tashkent
Date: End May

Uzbekistan's leading international exhibition for agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, food processing and more. It is scheduled to happen in June 2021 at Uzexpocentre. The platform has gained a reputation for establishing a network connection between foreign producers and buyers. Uzbekistan government provides help and encourages participation from neighbouring countries. Germany, Spain, China, Turkey, Hungary are some of the participating countries.

Location : Uzexpocentre
Date: 28 June to 30 June 2021

Uzbekistan observes 1st September as Independence Day. On this day in 1991, Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union. The public holiday is locally known as'Mustaqillik Kuni'. The country celebrates with folk music, local craft and dancing. Several shows take place in the National Park, Tashkent. Enjoy a hearty meal of plov with the locals, the national dish of rice cooked with mutton, onions and grated carrots.

Location : Uzbekistan
Date: 1 September 2021

The national festival is celebrated following the holy month of Ramadan. It is an important religious Muslim festival that falls on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. The capital Tashkent and the rest of the country enjoy the occasion with religious fervour and merriment. It is one of the most important Muslim observances. There is an overall feeling of joy and thankfulness for the locals.

Location : Uzbekistan
Date: 13 May 2021 (based on the Islamic calendar)

Uzbek people celebrate Christmas with festivities in the central squares. Homes light up with Christmas trees and Tashkent city is filled with festive lights. Events get underway in the central square of Tashkent. Be a part of the Christmas season and enjoy brightly coloured decorations in the city.

Location : Uzbekistan
Date: 24 December

• New Year • Spring Festival • Ramadan • Navruz • Day of the Defenders of the Native Land • Women's Day

All travellers must have a valid passport to apply for a Tashkent visa. The passport needs to be valid for six months beyond the date of return. The passport must have at least two blank pages and an Uzbekistan visa requirement.

Visa on arrival is available for those with a valid passport, and a Visa Confirmation (stamp) issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Uzbekistan. For this, the applicant has to visit the consulate, which is a tedious procedure. Also, an Uzbekistan visa on arrival is given only at the Tashkent International Airport.
The other option is an Uzbekistan e-visa that allows you entry legally into the country. The process is easy and can be done online and is used at any border checkpoint as valid. Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa;
• Albania • Algeria • Angola • Antigua and Barbuda • Bahamas • Bahrain • Bangladesh • Barbados • Belize • Bhutan • Bolivia • Cabo Verde • Cambodia • Tashkent • China • Columbia • Costa Rica • Côte d'Ivoire • Cuba • Dominica • Dominican Republic • Ecuador • Egypt • El Salvador • Fiji • Gabon • Ghana • Grenada • Guatemala • Guyana • Honduras • India • Jamaica • Jordan • Kiribati • Kuwait • Laos • Lebanon • Macedonia • Maldives • Marshall Islands • Mauritius • Mexico • Micronesia • Morocco • Nauru • Nepal • Nicaragua • North Korea • Oman • Palau • Panama • Paraguay • Peru • Philippines • Qatar • Saint Kitts and Nevis • Saint Lucia • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines • Saudi Arabia • Senegal • Seychelles • Solomon Islands • Sri Lanka • Suriname • Thailand • Tonga • Trinidad and Tobago • Tunisia • UAE • USA • Uruguay • Vanuatu • Venezuela • Vietnam

Visa-free entry is provided to many nationalities with a 30-day stay. The following citizens can get a visa free entry to Uzbekistan
• EU • Indonesia • Israel • Japan • Malaysia • Singapore • South Korea • Turkey • Australia • Canada • New Zealand • Andorra • Bosnia • Herzegovina • Iceland • Liechtenstein • Monaco • Norway • San Marino • Serbia • Argentina • Brazil • Chile • Armenia • Azerbaijan • Belarus • Georgia • Kazakhstan • Moldova • Russia • Ukraine • Kazakhstan
All ex-Soviet countries get a 3-month stay validity.

Tourist visas are available on application at the embassy with valid documents. The processing fee is $75 for a single-entry 30-day visa, which may vary based on the nationality and the embassy.
Tourist eVisa is possible online with a cost of $20 and a 30 days validity within 90 days from application. It takes 2 to 3 working days to process.
Uzbek Business visa has a validity of 30 days and is a single/multiple entry visa. The processing time is 8 to 10 working days with a validity of 30 days. The processing cost is about $89.07 approx.

You can hire a licensed cab or take an independent cab that is driven by locals. Independent taxis are hired as every car is a potential taxi in Tashkent. Fares are negotiable, which is normally $0.38 for a minimum fare. Always be polite to the driver and agree to a fare beforehand. Licensed cabs will have the mounted'taxi' sign that waits normally outside hotels. Fares will be 50% more expensive and you could choose from Millennium Taxi, City Taxi and Taksi Premier operators. Yandex Taxi is an app service you can download and avail of taxi services in Tashkent.

The metro service runs between 5.00 am until midnight. You don't need to wait for over five minutes for a train, and the experience at the stations is clean. Security checks of bags take place and travel documents such as passports and registrations slips need to be carried. You will need to buy a zheton (token) to travel on the metro. The system is simple to use and there are enough signposts and maps. Announcements of the name of the next station are made that are easy to understand, despite signs being in Uzbek.

Public buses and marshrutkas cost about $0.076 upwards that is payable to the conductor on board. Although much cheaper than the taxi service, it is not a hassle-free mode of transport. It is best to choose an efficient metro service to get around.

You can board the marshrutka, which is a small bus or van that follows a fixed route. Travelling into Uzbekistan by bus from neighbouring countries is possible. Crossing by foot across the border allows you to take another bus to your eventual destination. However, this mode of transport is not convenient. Bus schedules change and borders to neighbouring countries may be closed. The border patrol might not allow foreigners on few road routes, so it is best to hire the services of a good tour operator.

Asia, Europe and North America are connected to Tashkent via many airlines. Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Iran Air, Air Astana, Czech Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways are some of the airline carriers. Tashkent International Airport is the major airport in the country which is about 12 km from the city centre.

Tashkent Railway Station is the major hub for trains in Uzbekistan. A high-speed train connects the capital to three other provinces - Jizzakh, Sirdaryo and Samarkand. Book on the super-fast Sharq and Afrosion Trains that are available. There is a possibility of rail travel to China and Iran through Almaty. Train services are available that connect cities such as Bishkek, Moscow, Dushanbe and Almaty.

• The Visa process has been simplified and a 30-day visa-free journey is offered to many countries, check out the e-visa system for details.
• Border crossing is easier and straightforward from 2019.
• Do a bit of research beforehand on Caravanistan for better experiences.
• It is troublesome to get a visa in and around Independence Day.
• The country border rule requires that you declare the amount of money you bring into the country.
• It is a must that you leave the country with less money than when you arrived.
• Bags, phones, computers, etc. are thoroughly checked at the borders.
• Drugs containing codeine are not allowed.
• ATMs do not work and money is traded in the black market. Bring sufficient cash during your travel.
• Foreign currency can be exchanged at the bank, though unofficial exchanges in remote areas help with the exchange.
• Tipping is not common, even at nicer restaurants.
• Look for a second entrance at many sights that have free access, mostly through the side or back.
• Uzbek and Russian are the spoken languages, so it is useful to learn a few phrases.
• Do not bring porn into the country.
• Respect Uzbek history and culture at all times.
• Tashkent's best time to travel is spring or autumn.

• Understand the custom rules at the airport and follow them.
• Do not take aerial photography as you may even see an air marshal stop you.
• Beware of the heat in summer and bring along your own bottled water and snacks.
• Crime rates are low and Tashkent is a safe capital to travel to.
• Register your accommodation using the DIY registration system.
• Use common sense while travelling and don't fall for scams.
• Be aware that Uzbekistan is a police state and obey all laws.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times.
• Do not use your camera unless permission is allowed.
• Keep a track of your personal belongings.
• Be careful of walking alone at night.
• Do not flash valuables and cash as petty crime is common.
• Be wary of fake police and always insist on asking to see ID.

• CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations; Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.
• The quality of medical care is rather poor, especially in rural areas.
• Carry adequate medical needs, especially for an emergency.
• Invest in good Travel Insurance to ensure safety during an emergency.
• Drink only boiled water and use a straw.
• Be wary of vodka that is not properly produced, especially if it is homemade.
• Be well hydrated as temperatures peak.
• Be prepared for unpleasant smoky indoors, as smoking is not banned in public places.

• Important Travel Documents
• Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
• Sun Screen
• Travel Insurance
• Sunglasses
• Flipflops
• Crossbody Bag
• Cash and Payment Cards
• First Aid Kit
• Electronic Devices
• Comfortable Clothing
• Hats
• Scarves
• Loose Harem Pants
• Waterproof Boots
• Travel Guide

• Long pants, shirts with long sleeves, long frocks, high neckline clothes are good to wear.
• Wear traditional clothes that cover and long pants when visiting religious places.
• Uzbeks are secular, and travellers have to maintain a standard of modesty at spiritual places.
• Shoes have to be removed before entering a mosque.
• The country's heritage and culture are greatly respected.
• Learn to greet with'salom' or'salom aleykum'.
• Take part in the customary tea-drinking etiquette.
• Locals give elders respect.

Samarkand is a city famous for craft production in Uzbekistan. It is the central point for trade across the region at the crossroads of world cultures. Visit the ancient city for landmark attractions such as Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur Emir Mausoleum and more.

Visit the famous madrasa, Hoja Amin Mausoleum to absorb Uzbeks history. The city is noted as a crafts centre with potters, weavers, blacksmiths, dyers and more present in the area even today. See Akhsikent, Muvlon Buva Complex and more.

Sulayman Mountain, Lenin Peak, Cave Museum among other attractions allure travellers to the city. Osh welcomes a plethora of attractions as you take the Osh City Walking tour. From sightseeing, Jayma Bazaar, Central Square and more this city is a must-visit.

Andijan - 352.7 km, Shymkent - 130.1 km, Dushanbe - 474 km

• The capital city of Tashkent is one of the fastest-growing in the Central Asia region.
• Minor Mosque is beautiful for its white marble and turquoise dome opened in 2014.
• Lake Charvak is a water reservoir that is great to swim in.
• Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre have astonishing architecture and performances.
• Take a view of the city from the Tashkent TV Tower as it has an observation deck.
• Stare stunned at the architectural beauty of Saint Uspensky Cathedral with a 50 m bell tower.
• Sergeli is a friendly district of Tashkent and the largest one too.
• The National Bank of Uzbekistan in Tashkent has 26 floors and is 108 m in height.

CALLING CODE: +998

EMBASSY Of UAE: : +998.71.140.1116 Click for more info here.

Ambulance : 03

Fire : 0301

Police : 0302

Tashkent currency is the Uzbekistani som. The currency code is UZS and the currency symbol is лв. The Uzbekistani som exchange rate for some of the popular currencies are;

Symbol: CYM

Code: UZS

Banknotes:

Uzbekistani som banknote denomination: 1, 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000

Uzbekistani som coin denomination: 50, 100, 200, 500

Tashkent CURRENCY CONVERSIONS:

• 1 UZS = 0.00035 AED (Uzbekistani som to AED)
• 1 UZS = 0.000096 USD (Uzbekistani som to USD)
• 1 UZS = 0.0071 INR (Uzbekistani som to INR)

**Please note that Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places.

**The ROE is subject to change based on currency fluctuations.

Why book your travel with us?

• Customized & Safe Holidays: Just tell us all about your dream holiday and we would turn it into a reality. Your safety and comfort are our priority. Reserve the best of both worlds with us. 
• Global Presence: We are Global. Travel anywhere and everywhere. Book flight tickets and hotels instantly. There are no boundaries and no limitations with us.
• Special Packages: Select from a range of budget-friendly to luxury vacation packages of your choice. We have specialized travel and tour packages for couples, families, and solo travellers. 
• 24X7 Customer Support: Need Help? Talk to our agent on the go. We are at your service 24X7.