BREATHTAKING UZBEKISTAN!
Hello everyone!
I wonder if anyone's still reading blogs or even creating blog content with the rise of new age social media, but I'm still pretty excited to share more about exotic amazing Uzbekistan (and prolly as a keepsake)
Uzbekistan is really a beautiful yet underrated country, even without photoshop. Some of the buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites - what you see is what you get, the details of the structures are oh so amazing... (disclaimer: I won't deny that you'll need to edit the tone of your photos if you want to get what you see in my post!) In any case, I hope this post inspires you to put Uzbekistan in your Wanderlust list.
Dwayne and I spent a total of 3 days in Uzbekistan - VISA FREE! (for Singaporeans).
We covered only Samarkand and Bukhara. It's short, I know. But Uzbek wasn't our main travel destination - we flew Uzbekistan Airways (their national carrier) from Russia.
The attractions are all within walking distance plus we are fast travellers, so a day in each city worked perfectly for us. On a side note, perhaps I would recommend 2 days per city if you prefer taking your own sweet time chilling and visiting every single building, and if you have more time to spare, head over to Tashkent (it's capital city) as well as Khiva. We skipped those as after a while, all the structures will start looking the 'same' to me (just being honest... but to each is own)
I wonder if anyone's still reading blogs or even creating blog content with the rise of new age social media, but I'm still pretty excited to share more about exotic amazing Uzbekistan (and prolly as a keepsake)
Uzbekistan is really a beautiful yet underrated country, even without photoshop. Some of the buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites - what you see is what you get, the details of the structures are oh so amazing... (disclaimer: I won't deny that you'll need to edit the tone of your photos if you want to get what you see in my post!) In any case, I hope this post inspires you to put Uzbekistan in your Wanderlust list.
AND YOU'LL SEE WHY YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY VISIT!
We covered only Samarkand and Bukhara. It's short, I know. But Uzbek wasn't our main travel destination - we flew Uzbekistan Airways (their national carrier) from Russia.
The attractions are all within walking distance plus we are fast travellers, so a day in each city worked perfectly for us. On a side note, perhaps I would recommend 2 days per city if you prefer taking your own sweet time chilling and visiting every single building, and if you have more time to spare, head over to Tashkent (it's capital city) as well as Khiva. We skipped those as after a while, all the structures will start looking the 'same' to me (just being honest... but to each is own)
of intricately built madrasahs, mosques, minarets and mausoleums...
SAMARKAND
There are a few highlights of Samarkand that you must see. Good thing? As mentioned, they are all within walking distances. It's not the easiest to call a cab (plus we didn't want to get cheated in a foreign land that we are not familiar with + not fixed fee + possible language barrier) so we depended mainly on our two (little and not so little) feet. You can break up the walking journey by visiting each site longer so as to not tire yourself out.
*FYI, Yandex ride hailing app doesn't work in Samarkand and Bukhara, only in Tashkent.
Registan
Registan has many courtyards and there are 2-3 madrassahs within it. We didn't manage to stay till night time, but if you happen to be there after dinnertime (do note that it closes at 8pm), you can watch the entire compound lighted up! Perfect for those IG-worthy photos!
Registan has many courtyards and there are 2-3 madrassahs within it. We didn't manage to stay till night time, but if you happen to be there after dinnertime (do note that it closes at 8pm), you can watch the entire compound lighted up! Perfect for those IG-worthy photos!
Ulugh Beg Madrassah
this is within the Registan
Shah-I-Zinda
The name Shah-I-Zinda means 'The Living King'. No kings here tho this place particularly stood us for us as there was lots to explore. Every single tilework design is so intricate, I didn't really know where to start photographing. As one of the oldest examples of a reconstructed historic site in the world, it lives up to its name - every corner's simply photogenic right from its entrance and we literally had to pick a few 'backgrounds' to begin. I hope that it will continue to be preserved and protected well throughout the years.
*Tip: Try to avoid the crowd as big tour groups usually bring tourists here
Gur-e-Amir
This was closest to our hotel so it was last on our list. We didn't go in to explore as the main dome architecture was right at its entrance (or so we think) - this saves some time and money amiright? There are usually some guards sitting at the entrance ensuring tourists have a ticket before going in. Kindly explain to them that you just want to take a photo there and they can excuse themselves (if you are nice...)
This was closest to our hotel so it was last on our list. We didn't go in to explore as the main dome architecture was right at its entrance (or so we think) - this saves some time and money amiright? There are usually some guards sitting at the entrance ensuring tourists have a ticket before going in. Kindly explain to them that you just want to take a photo there and they can excuse themselves (if you are nice...)
xx
BUKHARA
From Samarkand, we took a train to Bukhara and it was time to explore!
Bukhara city centre is a small town which becomes alive at night!
Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah
Miri-Arab Madrasah
Bolo Haouz Mosque
Chor-Minor Madrasah
WHERE TO STAY
Komil Bukhara Boutique Hotel
We stayed in this comfortable family-run boutique hotel for a night.
- Friendly Service Staff
- Photogenic Spots
- Good Buffet Breakfast Spread
- Location was relatively near attractions we wanted to visit
Highly Recommended!
👍👍👍
NATIONAL FOOD OF UZBEK
super in love with their version of beef noodles (with potatoes, tomatoes and carrots), almost every meal I was looking out on the menu for it
you also need to try the manti which is pretty much like Asian Xiao Long Bao but a bigger and more oily version*every store will differ
SAFETY
While planning our itinerary online, Uzbekistan seemed far and dangerous. However when we got there, I started to feel more immersed to the country and it seemed less foreign to me. There were actually quite a lot of other tourists, so much so I had to wait for them to clear at some sites before we could take our photos - this surprised me! Also, it's actually quite safe and locals are very friendly.
FREE & EASY OR TOUR
I'm not a fan of group tours in general as I feel very restricted in terms of timing and not having control as to where I can visit. However, I understand that there are some countries where tour is necessary due to language barrier, distance and/or safety.For Uzbekistan, I would recommend going free & easy! It's very easy to navigate on your own and booking things such as trains and hotels are fuss-free. Also, there are only a few tourists sites so people definitely know where you are heading (just show the photo if needed), locals can speak English, there are English menus too.
Tours in this kind of 'exotic' country will be a lot more expensive, and it's unnecessary money to spend on this place. If really needed, just hire a local guide (or you can also get them on the spot as there are some lingering around at those main tourist sites) who would gladly explain every attraction to you in detail.
I only got to know of Uzbekistan through photos on social media. Always wondered when I would step foot in this exotic country, I surprised myself by visiting it earlier than expected! It was just a random idea thrown out while planning our Russia itinerary but I'm glad we made it! And, it's a good idea to head to such exotic countries when you're younger, with that thirst to explore somewhere less-known. Well, at least for me, as I feel I get less adventurous as I grow older.
Uzbekistan is a photographer’s heaven, an architect's/artist's design fantasy and a traveler’s gem to discover
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