Uzbekistan Travel Forum

Hi

My wife (who is Russian but born in Zarafshan) and I (I am Australian) are planning a trip to visit one of her sisters who is still living in Zarafshan.

We have just discovered that Zarafshan is now a closed (secret) city and so it may not be possible for us to actually go there, for a few days. The hotels and travel companies have said that she can be registered, but I can not.

Is this true? Is there anything we can do to initially get a visa to visit Tashkent, Zarafshan and Samarkand (I need an Invitation Letter).

Any advice or information would be great.

Thanks
Matt

In September I will spend some days in Usbekistan and have some questions. Maybe somebody can help me.
First, I have t travel from Ashgabat to somewhere in Usbekistan on the 14th of September and don`t know if that is possible, best to Tashkent. Then I am thinking about a guided tour through Usbekistan, just because I am unsure wether it is possible to travel on my own (single female.
Can anybody help me with tipps how to cross the boarder and with guided tours leaving wether from Tashkent - better even from Bukhara (then i `would`nt have to travel all the way up from Ashgabat to Tashkent.

Thanks a lot
Lizzy

I'm planning a trip from ulan mayor to Tashkent mostly by train. Has anyone done this route before? Are there any tips on must sees etc not sure I'd I'm going to do it west bound or east bound but I'm concerned about the weather if I do it in October so I think west bound might ne better, also I'll be in central Asia after Ramadan.

Anyway all tips will be most appreciated.

Az

Hi gang. Anyone know if multiple entry visas are available for Uzbekistan? I want to make a brief visit to Turkmenistan whilst there and return. Any idea on costs? Also, if anyone can recommend any great cycle routes, that would be great as will be on a bicycle.
Cheers.
Chris

I am planning to road trip starting in Istanbul or Ankara then drive to Armenia, Georgia, Azerbhaijan then ferry to Turkmenistan and up over to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ukrain (kiev) and then down Moldova, Romania, Bosnia and into Crotia for a pause then return the rental via Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia.

Anyone with any help on these route would be helpful

I have Celiac so I can't eat bread and flour products, and have to rely more on fruits, eggs and cheese/yoghurt.
Can I eat those foods safely if I buy them at a market? I'll have a problem washing fruit - with what water? I plan to eat a lot of rice dishes and kebabs, but not three times a day for two weeks.

Is it expected to bargain - haggle in the Uzbekistan markets? What percent of the price should I offer and on what to agree? I prefer fixed prices, but I've been in Thailand, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt. Are there "fixed price" shops worth while for shopping food?

I'm taking paper and pen/pencil with me to have the price written down. Or do they use calculators, as I've seen in some country? Will children run after us for a Bakshish, or has the long Russian rule abolished this "feature"?

Should I bring from home some small presents for unplanned occasions ? (I hope I can find something not made in China).

Hello,

I think a more unusal question, but I am going to travel through Uzbekistan from the 6th July onwards starting in Urgench, then Bukhara, Samarkant and Tashkent.

However, I would love to play the piano somewhere on the way. Does anyone know any places (hostels, hotels, bar, friends, anything:) where I could play some Jazz?

Thanks in advance

Frank

hi all, I will be in Xinjiang in mid-October and am thinking of visiting Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Can anyone comment on the weather and daylight hours in these two countries from mid-October through mid-November?
I like to do a bit of hiking alongside city-touring, but I suspect the mountainous areas will be too cold by November...

How much would it cost to hire a car for 4 persons from Kyrgystan border to Tashkent - about 10 days journay?

Thanks in advance
Ulrike

Hello,

I am planning to go from Samerkand to Taskhent either by train or car. However, is there actually a border crossing into Kazakhstan involved?

And if yes, is there a transit visa for Kazahkstan available and would the re-entry into Uzebkistan require another visa?

Thanks for your help in advance

Frank

I think that was not mosque seen by trekki but it is ld house...
Trekki, are you sure it is mosque?

Hi!

I am planning a trip to Uzbekistan in early September. I want to visit Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. I will also be staying in Tashkent. Please recommend some nice accommodation (and not very expensive) in these cities. Better close to the center.

Thank you!

Good morning.
Next August We'd want to go to Uzbekistan, making a tour.
Could you suggest me a good local travel agency?
I'm interested in the classic tour..Tashkent-Samarkand -Bukhara-Khiva

My wife and I would like to visit Uzbekistan, but are put off by the numerous reports we have read of persistent bribe-taking and scams to extort "fines" from tourists by the police, immigration officials, train conductors, etc. This is not all "baksheesh". Some are quite substantial, in the 100's or 1,000's of dollars, and may involve collusion between travel agents, hotels and officials. Most of the travel books include warnings about these practices, and various strategies on how to best deal with them. Not all that reassuring though to me, and I am well traveled in Asia and the Middle East. This looks like a whole other ballgame. Can someone who has been in the country within the past six months please inform of their experiences regarding the above, or any related hassles that substantially detracted from enjoyment of their trip?

Hello,
I am unable to get an Iranian visa due to my American nationality, however I'd like the opportunity to continue my study of Farsi. I was wondering if there are any language schools in Samarkand that might offer farsi classes? And what are the main persian speaking parts of Uzbekistan? I have not been able to get clear information on that.
Thank you for any response.
Billy

What's the best and cheapest air route from Karachi to Tashkent? I've heard Uzbekistan airlines from Lahore to Tashkent is now closed. Any other options? What about Islamabad-Kashgar-Tashkent? Is that possible? Thanks.

Hi,
Could anyone please let me know how much it should cost to travel around Uzbekistan per day? We are a couple and are happy to stay in backpacking hostels and eat with the locals.
Thanks!

Hi friends, I am planning to make a big trip through Central Asia next summer and would like to cover all 5 ex SU countries. Did anyone make a trip like this? I plan to travel by myself on budget. Maybe a stupid question but how much money should I plan for spending in 6 weeks? I have to make it a cheap trip. What are the best means of travelling? bus? Where should I start and where should I end? I am very grateful for all kinds of advices! Thanks a lot, Silvia

I have time this winter to travel and I was thinking of Uzbekistan and other destinations. How cold does it get? does it affect transportation?

thanks

Where can I purchase Rishtan blue ceramics? I live in Alaska in the USA.

Hi Everyone,

I am not sure if anyone here will know the answers to my questions or some suggestions of places to find the answers. I have inquiries into the embassies and to a few tour companies but have not heard anything back and am trying to expand my quest for answers. We have also looked at the embassy websites to no avail.

1. What are the Kazakhstan's restrictions and regulations on the import and
export of horses?
For example what paperwork is needed as far as vaccinations, proof of
ownership?

2. Are there any tests the horses will have to take once in your country
if they come from another?

3. Will the horses need to be registered anywhere on entry to your
country, or upon their purchase?

4. Are there any border crossings where horses are restricted from
crossing into and out of the country?

5. Are there any border crossings where it would be easier to
import/export a horse, in your opinion?

Any help on any of these questions would be absolutely amazing. We are trying to decide our route, but that all depends on which borders we may cross with horses and which we cannot. The plan is to travel through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to start.

Thank again for your time and knowledge!

-Noelle

Hi everyone,

I'd really appreciate any help anyone can provide in the following area.

I am looking to find a charity in Uzbekistan that I could possibly volunteer with for a bit or help raise money for. I really want to find a good one that actually helps people, or animals if at all possible, and that isn't too corrupt, i.e. most funds actually go towards charity. I would really like to be able to volunteer there for a bit as I pass through the country. I know most places don't like random foreigners interrupting their daily routine, but I'd be willing to donate money as well.

Thanks for any ideas or suggestions!

I am looking for a tour that goes to Jiayuguan in China, as well as Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. I am having trouble finding a tour that goes to all 3 places. Within China, I would also like it to go to Kashgar and maybe Turpan, but they all seem to go to these places, so I dont think that will be a problem. Im looking for a tour thats 2-3 weeks. Does anyone know of such a tour?

Hi,

what weather can I expect in October (first half), including cities - such as Chiva, Bukhara or Samarkand, and desert - Aral Sea region?

Many thanks in advance,

Piotr

We are looking for an idea on how much to tip our guide who will be with us for 13 days. Thank you for any assistance.

What are my options if I want to travel between Almaty to Tashkent? I'd rather not fly. any information about buses, trains and shared taxis would appreciated. thanks

Hello! I plan to visit Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan this summer.
I'd like to know if i need LOI to apply for visas to these countries in advance in my homecountry or there is no need to apply for visas in advance and there is an oppotunity to get visas just at the airport without LOI arriving to any of these countries?Thanks.

Hi Guys

Is there any youth hostel or backpackers residence in Tashkent. If someone knows about any such place please let me know, I tried to search that but to no avail.

Thank you.

Does anybody if its possible to reach Uzbekistan by train(or buss) via middle east? Wich way would be the cheapest to get there from europe?

Best,
Måns