Tashkent Travel Guide (Tashkent Region/Uzbekistan/Central Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Tashkent
List of Places to Visit in Tashkent
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Tashkent: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Tashkent
Best Things to Do in Tashkent: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Tashkent
Food and Drink Scene of Tashkent
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Tashkent: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Tashkent: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Tashkent
Best Time to Visit Tashkent
Do’s and Don’ts of Tashkent
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Tashkent
- Health in Tashkent
Getting to Tashkent: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Tashkent
Where to Go Next from Tashkent: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia. The city has a population of approximately 2.5 million residents and is an important economic and cultural center in the region.

Tashkent has a rich history, with influences from various cultures and civilizations, including Persian, Turkic, and Russian. The city’s architecture reflects this history, with a mix of modern and traditional buildings.

List of Places to Visit in Tashkent

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tashkent has a number of museums and historical places that are worth visiting, including:

The State Museum of History of Uzbekistan: This museum showcases Uzbekistan’s history and culture with exhibits on archaeology, art, and folk traditions.
Tashkent TV Tower: The tallest structure in Central Asia, the Tashkent TV Tower offers a panoramic view of the city.
Kukeldash Madrasah: This Islamic school dates back to the 16th century and serves as a testament to the city’s past.

Natural Attractions of Tashkent: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tashkent is home to several natural attractions, including:

Chimgan Mountains: This range is a popular hiking and skiing destination, with stunning views and untouched wilderness.
Amir Temur Park: This park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature, with a variety of flora and fauna to admire.
Tashkent Botanical Garden: This garden features a wide range of plant species from different parts of Uzbekistan.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tashkent

Tashkent is surrounded by several mountains, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes include:

Chimgan Mountains: This range offers several trails for hiking and biking, with varying degrees of difficulty.
Gulkam Canyon: This natural wonder features stunning rock formations and is a great place to explore on foot or by bike.
Charvak Reservoir: This picturesque body of water is surrounded by mountains and offers numerous trails for hiking and biking.

Best Things to Do in Tashkent: Activities and Tours

Tashkent has a variety of activities and tours that cater to different interests and age groups, including:

City Sightseeing Tours: These tours provide a comprehensive overview of the city’s history and cultural significance.
Cooking Classes: Learn how to make traditional Uzbek dishes, such as plov and shashlik, at a local cooking class.
Nightlife: Tashkent has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tashkent

Day 1: Explore the city center and visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan. Day 2: Take a day trip to the Chimgan Mountains for a day of hiking or skiing. Day 3: Visit the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Tashkent TV Tower for stunning views of the city. Day 4: Relax in Amir Temur Park and visit the Tashkent Botanical Garden. Day 5: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Uzbek dishes. Day 6: Visit the Charvak Reservoir for a day of hiking or biking. Day 7: Enjoy the city’s nightlife scene at one of the local bars or nightclubs.

Food and Drink Scene of Tashkent

Must-Try Dishes

Uzbek cuisine is famous for its rich flavors and unique blend of Middle Eastern, Russian, and Chinese influences. Some of the must-try dishes in Tashkent include:

Plov: A traditional Uzbek rice dish with meat and vegetables.
Shashlik: Grilled meat skewers, typically made with lamb or beef.
Lagman: Noodle soup with vegetables and meat.

Local Beverages

Uzbekistan has a long history of winemaking, with several vineyards located in and around Tashkent. Some of the local beverages to try include:

Uzbek Wine: The country produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé.
Green Tea: Green tea is a popular drink in Uzbekistan, often served with sugar or honey.

Where to Stay in Tashkent: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tashkent has a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Some options include:

Hotels: Tashkent has several luxury hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Tashkent and the Radisson Hotel.
Hostels: For a budget-friendly option, there are several hostels in the city, such as Topchan Hostel and Bahoz Hostel.
Guesthouses: For a more authentic experience, consider staying at a guesthouse in a residential area, such as the Tashkent Guesthouse.

What to Buy in Tashkent: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tashkent is famous for its traditional handicrafts, including:

Suzani: Hand-embroidered textiles often used as wall hangings or bed covers.
Ceramics: Tashkent has a long history of ceramic making, with unique designs and colors.
Carpets: Uzbekistan is known for its high-quality carpets, often made with natural fibers and dyes.

Local Culture and Customs of Tashkent

Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage, and Tashkent is no exception. Some customs and traditions to keep in mind when visiting include:

Dress Code: Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and it is recommended to dress conservatively when visiting religious sites.
Hospitality: Uzbekistanis are known for their hospitality and generosity, and it is not uncommon to be invited to a local’s home for a meal or tea.
Respect Local Customs: Take care not to offend local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a home or mosque.

Best Time to Visit Tashkent

The best time to visit Tashkent is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, and the tourist crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tashkent

Do:

Dress Modestly: As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to dress conservatively when visiting religious sites.
Try Local Cuisine: Uzbek cuisine is rich and flavorful, with dishes that can’t be found anywhere else.
Learn a Few Phrases in Uzbek: The locals will appreciate the effort and it may come in handy when travelling outside of the city.

Don’t:

Ignore Local Customs: As mentioned earlier, take care not to offend local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a home or mosque.
Drink Tap Water: It is recommended to drink bottled water to avoid getting sick.
Take Photos Without Permission: It is considered rude to take photos of people without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tashkent

Tashkent is generally a safe city, but it is recommended to take certain precautions, such as:

Avoid Political Demonstrations: Political demonstrations can sometimes turn violent, and it is recommended to avoid them.
Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your surroundings and be cautious when walking alone at night.

Health in Tashkent

It is recommended to get a hepatitis A and B vaccine before travelling to Uzbekistan, as well as being up to date with routine vaccinations. It is also recommended to avoid drinking tap water and to practice good hygiene.

Getting to Tashkent: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tashkent

Tashkent has one airport, the Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, which connects the city to other cities in Uzbekistan and other parts of the world.

Bus Stations Near Tashkent

Tashkent has several bus stations that connect the city to other parts of Uzbekistan:

Tashkent Central Bus Station: The main bus station in the city, with connections to most major cities in Uzbekistan.
Tashkent South Bus Station: This station has connections to nearby destinations such as Samarkand and Bukhara.

Other Options

Tashkent is also accessible by train, with connections to other cities in Uzbekistan and neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan and Russia.

How to Get Around in Tashkent

Tashkent has a variety of transportation options to get around the city, including:

Metro: The Tashkent Metro is a convenient and affordable way to travel around the city.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Tashkent, but it is recommended to negotiate the fare before getting in.
Buses: Tashkent has a network of buses that connect different parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from Tashkent: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations from Tashkent that are worth visiting, including:

Samarkand: This ancient city is a three-hour train ride from Tashkent and is home to some of the most impressive historical sites in Uzbekistan.
Bukhara: Another ancient city, Bukhara is a four-hour train ride from Tashkent and is known for its stunning architecture and cultural significance.
Khiva: This well-preserved medieval city is a four-hour drive from Tashkent and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

Tashkent is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of things to see and do for visitors. From exploring the city’s museums and historical places, to hiking and biking in the mountains, Tashkent has something for everyone. When visiting, be sure to try the local cuisine, and take some time to learn about the local customs and culture.