Travel to Uzbekistan for a glimpse into its exotic past and its magnificent natural beauty

Uzbekistan is the oldest country in Central Asia with a history spanning twenty five centuries. Situated at midpoint of the fabled Great Silk Road, it is the land where ancient history merges with modern ethos and where tourism is only now making a mark. With the country opening up of travelling to Uzbekistan has become a real possibility instead of a far-fetched dream. The travel amenities and facilities offered by local tour operators is also improving as more and more tourists are making a beeline to visit this wonderful country.

Steeped in history the many cities of Uzbekistan evoke an exotic past when long queues of caravanserai used to make their way through the fabled cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. Other cities which were famous for science and art are Termez, Kokand and Shakrizabs. All these cities have mosques, palaces, ancient monuments paying tribute to Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great. Although many of these architectural marvels have not survived the ravages of time, they still give a glimpse of the bygone era. One of the most significant accomplishments in the history of world civilization was the Great Silk Road which passed through these very cities and even today those desirous of stepping back into history can do so albeit with all the modern comforts at their disposal.

On your travel to Uzbekistan you will discover a fascinating culture and history along with beautiful natural beauty. Tourists can visit museums to see the concrete remnants of history and can wander through ancient tombs, temples and settlements echoing with memories of a distant past. Time stands still in such places and they are a wonderful way of escaping from a busy life for some time. These ancient sentries of time are also pilgrimage centres even today as they have been for over a thousand years. The mosques, palaces, tall minarets all decorated with grandiose ornamentation present a breath-taking sight. This land is full of exotic oriental charms and romance and a visit to one of its bazaars is the highlight of any trip. You can watch artisans practicing their craft and plying their trade as they have done for thousands of years in these bazaars. The local hospitality is legendary and visitors are made tremendously welcome.

Deserts through which passed the grand caravanserais of the past are a must-see and visitors can spend comfortable nights in ‘yurts’, the traditional dwellings and enjoy folk dances and performances. Uzbekistan’s mountainous regions are some of the most beautiful in Central Asia and they are full of alpine meadows, forests and glaciers. Mountain biking, trekking, hiking, canoeing, rafting are some of the summertime activities which visitors can enjoy. Winters also offer wonderful opportunities for heli-skiing, heli-boarding, paragliding and snowboarding.

Many tour operators who offer tour of St. Petersburg also have packages for travelling to Uzbekistan or you can get a customized holiday made. Uzbekistan is an exciting, inexpensive and beautiful destination boasting of a unique culture and oriental charms and is just waiting to be discovered by the interested tourist