Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP¨TIP
Uzbekitan has some
charming accommoda-
tion, but it's important to
book in advance during
high season, especially
in Bukhara, Khiva and
Samarkand, where the
bet places will normally
be full. Lesser options
are unfortunately till a
big tep down in comfort
and atmosphere.
Visas & Permits
Uzbek visas are needed by almost all nationalities. They
are relatively painless to obtain, and some nationalities no
longer require a Letter of Invitation (Canadians, New Zea-
landers and Australians are exempt). Once in Uzbekistan, it's
important to register at a hotel and to continue to do so at
least every three nights (ideally for every night of your stay).
The registration slips will be inspected when you leave the
country, so it's important to retain them. For more informa-
tion on visas see p225.
COSTS
Relative¨Cot
Cheaper than Kazakhtan, more expensive than
Tajikitan.
Daily¨Expenses
¨
Basic hotel double US$25
¨
Comfortable hotel double US$40
¨
Street snack 3000S, good restaurant meal 20,000S
¨
Bullet train to Bukhara economy/business
37,000/57,000S, bus 30,000S, flight US$50
Price¨Ranges
¨
Sleeping
(per two people) $ < US$40, $$ US$40-
80, $$$ > US$80
¨
Eating
(main course) $ < 6000S, $$ 6000-15,000S,
$$$ >15,000S
Fast Facts
¨
Area
447,400 sq km
¨
Capital
Tashkent
¨
Country¨code
%
998
¨
Languages
Uzbek,
Russian, Tajik, Karakalpak
¨
Population
29.3 million
¨
Famous¨for
plov
, carpets,
cotton, pomegranates,
Timur (Tamerlane)
Exchange Rates
COUNTRY UNIT SOM
(OFFICIAL
RATE)
Australia
A$1
1900S
Canada
C$1
2000S
Itineraries
¨
One¨week
In one week you can cover 'the big three' in a
trans-steppe dash. Start in impressive Samarkand to explore
the pearls of Timurid-era architecture, zip to enchanting
Bukhara to see Lyabi-Hauz, tour the Ark, and gape at the 47m
Kalon Minaret and its stunning medressa before continuing to
perfectly preserved Khiva.
¨
Two¨weeks
In two weeks you can do the five major places of
interest in Uzbekistan at an unhurried pace. Fly west to Nukus
and spend a half-day appreciating Central Asia's greatest
art collection before heading to Khiva via the ancient ruined
fortresses of Elliq-Qala. Spend a few days in both Bukhara and
Samarkand before ending up in Tashkent for some museum
hopping, good food and a night or two on the town.
¨
One¨month
All of the above sights can be seen in a month
at a more relaxed pace. You can also visit both Termiz
and the Fergana Valley and devote more time to exploring
Uzbekistan's natural wonders, including hiking, rafting or
skiing in Ugam-Chatkal National Park, and community-based
tourism in the Nuratau Mountains.
euro zone €1
2830S
(black
market
3500S)
NZ
NZ$1 1650S
UK
£1
3300S
USA
US$1 2100S
(black
market
2800S)
Resources
¨
www.advantour.com
¨
www.arostr.uz
¨
www.caravanistan.com
¨
www.stantours.com
¨
www.uznews.net
