Uzbekistan Vacations

Uzbek is the majority language of Uzbekistan. Tajik is the minority language. Russian is widely spoken and understood. Islam is the predominant religion, with most Uzbeks being Sunni Muslims.

Prior to Soviet rule in the country, gender roles were strictly defined, with males expected to work outside the home and women managing the household and children. Women also supplemented the household income by weaving, spinning, and embroidering. During Soviet rule, men and women both enjoyed the right to education and work. Present-day Uzbekistan is male-dominated, but women occupy a significant portion of the workforce.

Arranged marriages are the norm, especially in rural areas. Many generations live under the same roof. Nuclear families are more common in urban areas.

Modern Uzbek literature is rich in folklore, constituting heroes fighting against enslavers. Literature flourished under the epoch of Amir Timur, and was marked by secular works. Alisher Navoi is the most representative figure of Uzbek literature. He is the founder of the Uzbek language and author of the world-famous works Chordevon and Khamsa.

Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage of arts and crafts, including engraving, carpet making, jewelry making, embroidery, silk spinning, ceramics, and more. Each region has its own specialty, such as gold embroidery in Bukhara and skullcaps and knives in Chust. In Tashkent, wood carvings, leather clothes, and tyubiteyka hats, are popular souvenirs. Samarkand is known for its silk carpets while Bukhara's specialties include ceramics, handmade bird scissors, wood carvings, and decorative embroidered textiles.

As most Uzbeks are Muslims, festivals associated with the religion are celebrated across the country. The Zoroastrian holiday of Navrus is also observed. Uzbeks celebrate New Year on January 1 by decorating a New Year tree and exchanging gifts. Other secular festivals include Independence Day on September 1 and Victory Day on May 9. 

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is in the spring months of March to early June when the weather is warm, the rain enhances the allure of the landscape, and a number of events take place. May has especially great weather and cultural events. Spring has dry weather and a few rainy days. It's a popular time for tours of natural wonders and historical and cultural attractions. The cheapest time to visit the country is during the winter months. The crowds shrink during this time due to the cold temperatures, wind chill, and possibility of snow. You'll get great deals on accommodation, and catch events like New Year's and Day of the Defenders. Ski resorts in the Tien Shen Mountains open at this time. However, heavy snow, particularly in the northern regions, can hinder traffic and travel plans. 

Uzbekistan offers visa-free travel to over 60 countries. Citizens of the U.S. and India must apply for a visa online. The high-speed Afrosiyob train service passes through Tashkent, Sirdaryo, Jizzakh, Samarkand, Bukhara, and the Fergana Valley. But as the seats sell out on popular routes, you're better off buying tickets in advance.

The country is tourist-friendly, but red tape is a small problem. Make sure to carry your passport with you on your sightseeing and tours to show the police who're active in the main tourist areas. Note that you cannot bring painkillers or other codeine-based medications into the country. Be sure to declare your medicines on the form you're given prior to landing. Bring along the amount you need for the trip and not any more or else there's a risk of customs officials confiscating any they think you don't need.

The local currency is the Uzbek SOM. Banks will exchange foreign currency for SOM but accept only pristine notes, and reject the soiled or even slightly mutilated ones. The main cities have a number of ATMs.

There are no restrictions on dress code, although you're expected to dress modestly in mosques and religious places. 

Uzbekistan's cuisine is rich and varied. Its national dish, plov, is made of fried lamb, onions, and yellow or orange carrots. Samsas, delicious pastries stuffed with meat or vegetables, were introduced to the country by Central Asian traders in the 13th and 14th centuries. Original Uzbek samsas are stuffed with meat and onions and baked in clay ovens (tandyr). Manti, a dumpling filled with meat, is similar to samsa but steamed in a special pot. Lagman is a hearty soup of noodles, beef or lamb, and vegetables. It borrows from the country's Chinese and Nepalese heritage.

Bread is a staple at meals. Baked in tandyr, the bread is usually round and flat. Travelling across the country, you will find a variety of bread flavours and patterns. Yet another famous dish that you shoul is the shashlik, consisting of skewered and grilled cubes of meat. Uzbekistan's climate permits the production of different kinds of apricot, which can be bought at its bazaars and supermarkets.

Alcohol is a part of the daily life of many Uzbeks, particularly Russians. Most of the alcohol available is vodka, sweet champagne, and sweet wine. Uzbeks often drink vodka from porcelain tea bowls.

Uzbeks love their tea. They drink it straight without sugar and rarely add milk to their tea. Black tea is popular among Russians and inhabitants of Samarkand and Tashkent. Meals generally start and end with tea. Tea houses called chaykhanas dot cities and are frequented exclusively by men. Uzbek men sit around low tables on beds and enjoy plov, kebab, and cups of green tea.