{"id":134,"date":"2025-04-15T15:56:59","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T15:56:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/?p=134"},"modified":"2025-04-15T15:56:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T15:56:59","slug":"uzbekistan-naturally-irresistible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/2025\/04\/15\/uzbekistan-naturally-irresistible\/","title":{"rendered":"Uzbekistan &#8211; Naturally Irresistible"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>About Uzbekistan:<\/strong><br \/>\nUzbekistan, a Central Asian gem and former Soviet republic, is known for its stunning mosques, grand mausoleums, and historical cities that formed a major part of the ancient Silk Road \u2014 the legendary trade route linking China to the Mediterranean. With cities like Samarkand and Bukhara Uzbekistan offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and architecture.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Visa Information:<\/strong><br \/>\nUzbekistan offers an easy e-visa process, which you can apply for through <a href=\"https:\/\/e-visa.gov.uz\/main\">https:\/\/e-visa.gov.uz\/main<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Processing Time: 3\u20136 business days.<\/li>\n<li>Name Tip: If your full name includes a middle name, it\u2019s best not to enter it when applying for the visa. The system doesn\u2019t capture middle names, and this mismatch can cause issues during airline check-ins, especially if ground staff are unfamiliar with Uzbek visa formats. To be safe, split your full name into just First Name and Last Name.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Day 1 \u2013 Arrival in Tashkent<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"508\">Back on the road with Santosh from Exotic Expeditions! As always, I combined the trip with a few business meetings before joining the group. I flew out from Chennai, transiting through New Delhi, where Sur and Vijay joined me. Eventually, the three of us landed in Tashkent, all set to explore Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"883\">Santosh had already briefed us about potential issues with name mismatches on the Uzbek e-visa, especially with Indigo staff. Thankfully, everything went smoothly for me \u2014 no issues either in Chennai or Delhi. However, I heard from the group that in Bangalore, Indigo staff initially raised concerns before finally allowing one of our fellow travelers to board.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 2 \u2013 Exploring Tashkent &amp; Settling In<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We landed early morning in Tashkent, and the arrival process was quite smooth \u2014 thanks to the early hour, the airport was relatively quiet. After waiting for a few more group members to arrive, we headed to our hotel: Tashkent Avant Wellness. It was a decent property, though the service left a bit to be desired.<\/p>\n<p>There were no towels or bed sheets \u2014 just a mattress and pillow without covers. When we requested them, we were given use-and-throw towels. Initially, we thought it was just our room, but it turned out everyone had the same experience. Housekeeping also didn&#8217;t show up even after we stepped out, and we later found out that in some properties here, cleaning happens only once every 2\u20133 days. That said, the rooms were reasonably clean to begin with.<\/p>\n<p>Our travel group was a wonderful mix of people from different places:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Santosh (the organizer),<\/li>\n<li>Sur, Vijay, and Gita from Bangalore<\/li>\n<li>Jacky from Mumbai<\/li>\n<li>Sayan from Kolkata<\/li>\n<li>Poornima from Singapore<\/li>\n<li>Shruthi &amp; Srihari from UAE<\/li>\n<li>Reena &amp; Darshana (a mother-daughter duo) from Kerala<\/li>\n<li>Madhvi from Chandigarh<\/li>\n<li>Bhaskar and myself from Chennai<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Since there was no fixed itinerary for the day, a few of us decided to explore the city and do some shopping. Uber doesn\u2019t work here, so we used the <strong>Yandex Go app<\/strong>. It took a while to verify due to SMS delays, but it worked quite well for getting around once set up.<\/p>\n<p>Our first stop was <strong>Chorsu Bazaar<\/strong>, a massive and lively market ideal for street shopping. While the gold shops were plenty and eye-catching, we gravitated toward the vibrant stalls selling nuts and herbal teas. The hazelnuts and pecans were naturally sweet, and the pistachios were impossible to resist. A definite highlight was the freshly pressed pomegranate juice, sold in bottles at almost every corner \u2014 super refreshing and perfect for a quick boost.<\/p>\n<p>For lunch, we headed to the famous <strong>Besh Qozon Pilaf Centre<\/strong>, known for its lamb pilaf. The meat was beautifully tender, falling off the bone, but the rice was undercooked by our standards. We later realized that\u2019s the traditional way it\u2019s served here. Eventually, we just ordered an extra plate and focused on the meat.<\/p>\n<p>After lunch, we strolled over to the <strong>Holy Dormition Cathedral<\/strong>, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. It\u2019s been the Russian Orthodox cathedral of Tashkent since 1945. Originally built in 1871, it was expanded in the 1990s, and its bell tower was reconstructed in 2010. My personal highlight was seeing tulips in full bloom all around the area \u2014 absolutely stunning!<\/p>\n<p>Photography isn\u2019t allowed inside the church, and women must cover their heads \u2014 a hat, shawl, or scarf will do just fine.<\/p>\n<p>On our way back, we stopped at <strong>Lacrema Ristorante<\/strong> for a quick coffee break. They had some good mocktails, but just a heads-up: the cappuccinos here are served lukewarm across the country. If you like your coffee hot, it\u2019s better to go for a black coffee, which comes piping hot.<\/p>\n<p>We then visited <strong>Amir Temur square<\/strong>, where I had a business meeting scheduled closeby. There was a bit of panic when Sur realized he\u2019d left his phone in the cab \u2014 but thankfully, we were able to call the driver, who returned it after 20 minutes. Since it was a one-way ride, it took a bit of coordination, but all ended well. Big relief!<\/p>\n<p>My meeting was with Ms. Victoria at <strong>Caf\u00e9 1991<\/strong>, a cozy and trendy spot tucked away in the city. She thoughtfully ordered a variety of local dishes like kebabs for me to try. But we got so engrossed in our conversation that I barely tasted anything at the time \u2014 except for a cup of orange herbal tea, which was just what I needed in the chilly weather. I did manage to sample a few of the dishes later on, and they were absolutely worth the wait.<\/p>\n<p>After the meeting, I caught up with Sur and Vijay, who were waiting for me at Mr. Smokey, a sheesha lounge. Unfortunately, the experience didn\u2019t quite live up to expectations \u2014 especially after the exceptional sheesha I\u2019d enjoyed recently in Ethiopia. It felt a bit underwhelming in comparison.<\/p>\n<p>We finally headed back to the hotel and crashed for the night. A long, slightly chilly, but incredibly eventful day!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 3 \u2013 Off to Samarkand, the Jewel of the Silk Road<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After a quick breakfast, we headed to the railway station to catch the high-speed train to Samarkand, one of the most iconic hubs of the ancient Silk Road. It was exciting to experience the Uzbekistan Railways firsthand. The journey from Tashkent to Samarkand took about 3.5 hours, and the train ride itself was smooth and comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>Once we arrived, we checked into the Samarabonu Hotel (Samarabonu Mehmonxonasi) , which turned out to be a lovely property. It had a charming garden in the front, and we spent a good amount of time just relaxing there and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout the trip, we found ourselves enjoying the traditional Uzbek flatbread \u2014 served at almost every dining place \u2014 and the warm Uzbek hospitality that came with it.<\/p>\n<p>For lunch, we dined at <strong>Asadbek Lazzat<\/strong>, where we tried Lagman soup (a noodle and lentil-based broth) and meatball soup, both served with bread. The meal was hearty and comforting. After that, we took a leisurely walk around Registan Square, picked up some snacks, and headed back to the hotel to rest.<\/p>\n<p>We did place an order for dinner later in the evening, but it took forever to arrive. After waiting for a while, we ended up canceling it \u2014 though ironically, it showed up after two hours. At that point, we were too tired, so we called it a night and crashed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 4 \u2013 A Walk Through Time in Samarkand<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After a quick breakfast, we began our day with our tour Guide <strong>Ms. Zara<\/strong>, to visit to Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), the great Turkic conqueror. The white structures crowned with bluish domes are stunning from the outside, but the real magic begins once you step in \u2014 the interiors glisten in gold, radiating a royal warmth.<\/p>\n<p>One interesting tale we heard was about a bowl used for pomegranate juice \u2014 legend has it that the amount of juice left behind indicated how many soldiers didn\u2019t return from battle. This story made me appreciate the popularity of pomegranate juice across Uzbekistan \u2014 and how it&#8217;s revered for its health benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Amir Temur&#8217;s legacy left a significant mark on architecture, \u00a0and later influenced Mughal tombs like Humayun\u2019s Tomb in Delhi, the Gardens of Babur in Kabul, and even the Taj Mahal in Agra. Interestingly, though he hailed from another city, he was buried in Samarkand because it was snowing in his hometown at the time of his death. His tomb bears a chilling inscription: <em>&#8220;Do not disturb me or you will unleash war.&#8221;<\/em> When Stalin exhumed his body for verification in Russia, World War II began shortly after. Once his body was reburied, the war ended \u2014 a tale that left us stunned.<\/p>\n<p>We then walked through the majestic Registan Square, once a thriving marketplace and educational center. During Temur\u2019s reign, the system was so refined that every two students had a dedicated teacher, and they lived in dorms above the classrooms. Today, those same buildings house charming souvenir shops \u2014 a blend of old and new.<\/p>\n<p>The Registan ensemble also honors <strong>Alisher Navoi,<\/strong> a renowned educator. I learned about the three-circle in the coin symbol which signified Temur\u2019s conquests across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Another gem was discovering the mulberry trees, whose bark is used to make special paper on which the Quran is printed. That paper is said to last for 400 years and can be washed and reused.<\/p>\n<p>We visited the <strong>Mirzo Ulugbek Madrasa<\/strong>, named after Temur\u2019s grandson, who was deeply into astronomy and peaceful governance. We also saw a caravanserai, an 11th-century rest stop for Silk Road travelers. Though now mostly ruins, its stone structures still echo the voices of history.<\/p>\n<p>An interesting detail \u2014 the long turbans worn by men also served a somber purpose: if someone died during their journey, it could be used to wrap their body. Clothing also revealed social cues \u2014 for instance, women wore bright scarves if they were unmarried, and darker ones if they were older.<\/p>\n<p>Later, we visited the <strong>Hazrat Khizr Mosque<\/strong>, located on a hill opposite the <strong>Shah-i-Zinda complex<\/strong>. In 2018, this became the site of the mausoleum of Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan\u2019s first president who led the country to independence from the USSR. The mosque is known as the \u201cTown of the Dead,\u201d but it felt more like a celebration of culture and legacy.<\/p>\n<p>Next, we explored the Shakhi Zinda Ensemble,and \u00a0We also visited the Kusam Ibn Abbas Complex, dedicated to the first Islamic missionary in the region.<\/p>\n<p>We then visited the <strong>Bibi-Khanym Mosque<\/strong>, built by Amir Temur for his favorite wife. She was the key to his rise \u2014 as he came from a regular family, he couldn&#8217;t have become king without a royal bloodline or relation by marriage. Interestingly, there were madrasas for girls even back then \u2014 a surprisingly progressive move for the time.<\/p>\n<p>During construction, they aimed to build one of the largest mosques of the era, and for that, 100 elephants were brought in from India. Unfortunately, five died en route, and in the rush to complete the structure, engineering flaws crept in. Over time, the mosque couldn\u2019t withstand the elements and partially collapsed \u2014 a reminder that even the grandest visions need time and care.<\/p>\n<p>As the Silk Road shifted routes, Samarkand gradually lost its wealth and prominence \u2014 a stark reminder of how deeply trade influences the fate of cities.<\/p>\n<p>Later that day, we dined at the iconic <strong>Samarkand Restauran<\/strong>t, one of the city\u2019s oldest and most beautiful dining spots. The food was absolutely delicious, and while the service was a bit slow, the ambiance made it well worth the wait.<\/p>\n<p>Our final stop for the day was the <strong>Siyob Dehqon Bozori,<\/strong> the local market. Sadly, most of it was closed, with only a few pavement stalls open. Still, we managed to pick up some snacks for the next day\u2019s road trip, especially important since vegetarian options were limited for some of our fellow travelers.<\/p>\n<p>We spent the rest of the evening unwinding at the Samarabonu Hotel, chatting under the stars in the garden, before finally calling it a night.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 5 \u2013 Into the Heart of Nuratau: Homestays, Hills, and Honest Smiles<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We had a quick breakfast and set off for the Nuratau Mountains, home to Tajik communities, a fascinating mix of Turkish and Uzbek descent. The drive itself was scenic, and we made a quick stop at a lovely Tolga caf\u00e9 for some hot coffee and somsa (local-style samosas) \u2014 simple, comforting, and perfect for the road.<\/p>\n<p>By lunchtime, we arrived at Nasiba Restaurant, where we had a hearty meal \u2014 a spread of pickled vegetables, refreshing chaas (buttermilk), and a warm bowl of soup. Just as we were ready to leave, we realized that Bhaskar had forgotten his phone at a nearby supermarket. Thankfully, one of the other cars went back to retrieve it, so we waited \u2014 which gave me the perfect excuse to get some work calls done.<\/p>\n<p>As I took those calls, I found myself surrounded by wide open plains dotted with lambs grazing and bird nests clearly visible among the bare branches \u2014 it\u2019s early spring, so most trees had flowers but no leaves, making the nests pop against the landscape. It was surprisingly calming and one of those little joys that photos can never truly capture.<\/p>\n<p>Eventually, we reached our home stay in Musobarakonur. It was beautiful in its rustic simplicity, but the only downside was that there were just two shared toilets for four dorms \u2014 about 20 people in total. But this was all part of the \u201cexperiential\u201d vibe, and once I shifted focus, it didn\u2019t bother me much.<\/p>\n<p>In the evening, we went for a short hike through orchards of cherry, almond, apricot, apple, and berry trees \u2014 all blooming, with flowers in full display but no leaves yet. We entered the <strong>Nuratau Nature Reserve<\/strong>, a protected area known for Sverdlov\u2019s argali (a rare wild sheep) and ancient walnut forests. We even spotted the argali near the gate \u2014 though they were small and skittish, quickly scampering away as we approached. It was a fantastic place for photographs, especially with the golden light of sunset.<\/p>\n<p>We returned to the homestay just as it started getting dark. Later, we walked around the village, and to our surprise, we became local celebrities \u2014 older men came up and asked for photographs with us, which we happily posed for. There was something incredibly heartwarming about the whole interaction.<\/p>\n<p>Back at the homestay, we warmed up with a strong cup of coffee, just what we needed to fight off the cold. Dinner was a lovely spread of home-cooked dishes, and after that, while others rested, I returned to my work calls \u2014 juggling the quiet of the countryside with my responsibilities.<\/p>\n<p>I must add \u2014 the people here were just so genuinely kind, and yes, the men were definitely more handsome than average! Their smiles could melt anyone, and that seemed to be true across the entire country \u2014 warm, welcoming, and honest.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 6 \u2013 Early Starts, Ceramics, and Catching Up in Bukhara<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sleep was scarce \u2014 I barely managed an hour post-work, as I had to wake up early to grab a shower before the crowd woke up. But it was worth it. For me, starting the day fresh always matters, no matter how little rest I get.<\/p>\n<p>After a quick breakfast, we bid farewell to our home stay and began our journey to Bukhara, with a stopover at Gijduvan, a small town known for its traditional ceramic pottery. We visited a pottery workshop, and it was truly enriching to learn about this beautiful craft that has been passed down through generations. Seeing the intricate process firsthand gave me a whole new appreciation for the art.<\/p>\n<p>We finally reached our hotel \u2014 Hotel Shams, located right on the main road. The hotel itself was decent, but there was no elevator, and climbing three stories with heavy luggage wasn\u2019t fun at all. While the hotel staff did assist, I couldn\u2019t help but wonder how they manage this every day \u2014 not easy on them either.<\/p>\n<p>While I caught up on some work, Shruthi and Srihari went out and got some food from an Indian restaurant, which we all enjoyed together later. Our room quickly turned into the evening hangout spot \u2014 a little party of sorts, with drinks, food, and plenty of laughter and old stories being shared.<\/p>\n<p>That cozy catch-up session was the perfect way to end a long travel day. Eventually, we all crashed for the night, tired but content.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 7 \u2013 Bukhara\u2019s Heritage and Heartfelt Encounters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After a quick breakfast, we set off with our guide, Ms. Niso, to explore <strong>Ismail Samani Mausoleum<\/strong>, located within a vast, serene park. It was fascinating to walk through layers of history \u2014 especially learning how Bukhara rose to prominence as the capital after the death of Nasser. The Ismail Samani Maqbarasi is one of the oldest monuments in the region and a symbol of early Islamic architecture.<\/p>\n<p>We noticed that the stork is a national symbol for Uzbeks. Though many have left due to drought, one stork nest remains, standing as a poignant reminder of Bukhara\u2019s golden days. At Chashma Ayub, we heard the legend of a prophet striking the ground with his staff to summon water \u2014 a touching story, especially as we later read about the Aral Sea crisis and the broader water-related challenges the region faces.<\/p>\n<p>We found some of the most beautiful stork souvenirs here \u2014 truly one-of-a-kind pieces. The area itself was huge, almost like a small township with souvenir shops, restaurants, and scenic spots near the waterfront. We had lunch by the water, soaking in the view and the calm vibe.<\/p>\n<p>Post-lunch, we strolled around with Ms. Niso, who patiently helped us choose gifts and souvenirs to take home. One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was how locals would stop us, ask where we were from, and light up when we said \u201cIndia.\u201d They&#8217;d respond joyfully with \u201cHindustan!\u201d and excitedly ask for photos with us. That level of warmth was unexpected \u2014 we genuinely felt like celebrities, and it was beautiful.<\/p>\n<p>Bukhara, having long been under Persian influence, wears that heritage proudly. We visited the Ark Fortress, once the seat of power where government meetings and coronations took place. Today, it serves more like a souvenir hub, yet the grandeur still lingers.<\/p>\n<p>We also stopped by <strong>Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah<\/strong>, another architectural gem with ornate blue tile work, and explored the caravanserai ruins, imagining what those bustling merchant inns must have been like during the Silk Road era.<\/p>\n<p>Afterward, we picked up dinner from an Indian restaurant, and as usual, our room became the hangout zone. We all huddled in, shared food, swapped stories, and eventually crashed for the night, content and a little emotional \u2014 knowing this was the final leg of an unforgettable journey.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 8 \u2013 A High-Speed Goodbye to Bukhara<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After a quick breakfast, it was time to bid farewell to Bukhara and catch the bullet train to Tashkent. The journey took around 4.5 hours, and we arrived in the capital by evening. Our stay for the night was at Hotel Art Plaza, a comfortable, centrally located hotel.<\/p>\n<p>Next door, we discovered <strong>Dudek<\/strong>, a high-end restaurant known for its outstanding food and cocktails. Truly one of the culinary highlights of the trip! While the food was fantastic, we were slightly surprised by the gruff demeanor of the waiters \u2014 a stark contrast to the warmth we experienced throughout Uzbekistan. Perhaps they were just having a long day. Regardless, we chose to focus on the flavors, enjoyed our meal, and ended the night on a high note.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 9 \u2013 Souvenirs, Goodbyes, and Gratitude<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our final morning in Tashkent began with a quick breakfast. Since our flight was in the evening, we packed and kept one room to freshen up later. We spent the day visiting Tashkent Mall, where we picked up a few project-related documents from Perfume Gallery. Lunch at the mall&#8217;s food court was casual and convenient.<\/p>\n<p>One emotional moment was bidding goodbye to Santosh, who was headed off for his next adventure in Kazakhstan. We returned to the hotel, freshened up, and headed to the airport for our journey back.<\/p>\n<p>I had to say goodbye to Sur and Vijay at the Delhi airport, as everyone began parting ways for their respective final destinations. It marked the end of a shared chapter filled with memories, laughter, stories, and soulful experiences.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day 10 \u2013 Homeward Bound<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Finally, I caught my flight to Chennai and made my way home. While unpacking my bags, I found myself replaying images of the mausoleums, museums, and the vast open landscapes \u2014 all still etched vividly in my mind.<\/p>\n<p>This trip was unique. For the first time, all 14 of us began the journey as strangers or acquaintances, but not all ended up as friends \u2014 which is perfectly okay. Being adults, we sometimes carry our differences, and travel has a way of bringing them to light. At one point, it felt like we were a group of 7 within 14, with the rest forming their own smaller circles.<\/p>\n<p>But this too was a learning experience \u2014 a reminder that every journey teaches us something about others and ourselves. Sometimes, all it takes is a little more time, patience, and openness for people to truly come together.<\/p>\n<p>Rahmat\u2026 Thank you, Uzbekistan, for the memories, the warmth, the culture, and the life lessons.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan, a Central Asian gem and former Soviet republic, is known for its stunning mosques, grand mausoleums, and historical cities that formed a major part of the ancient Silk Road \u2014 the legendary trade route linking China to the Mediterranean. With cities like Samarkand and Bukhara Uzbekistan offers an enchanting blend of history, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=134"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":135,"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134\/revisions\/135"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/janijermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}