Uzbekistan, Central Asia

Uzbekistan is a land of a great historic heritage and ancient culture. Cities such as - Tashkent, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Bukhara and Khiva - have histories that stretch back for millennias. At various times they have been part of powerful imperiors, important trade centers on international caravan routes, places, where trade, architecture, science and the art were highly developed. Today, they have become a focus of attention for these, who love and understand beauty. For thousands of travelers from many countries Uzbekistan has something to see and remember.

Uzbekistan is the country of an immensely rich heritage in terms of tourism. As the cultural and historic heart of Central Asia, the country has more than 4,000 historic sites and architectural treasures. The ancient “Silk Road” cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva lying between Europe and East Asia have been famous as the centers of commerce and trade. Every year several thousands of tourists visit the famous tile-clad mosques, madrases and ancient monuments in these cities.

Uzbekistan, one of the five Central Asian republics, and pearl of the ancient Great Silk Road, is home to over six thousand architectural monuments leaving a paragon of uniqueness spiraling through the vortex of the time. Cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva and Tashkent have long time been a trademark of Uzbekistan’s historical heritage. Moreover, Uzbekistan numerous natural attractions such as mountain peaks and rivers, mineral springs and well-known resorts, along with an authentic culture and wide array of applied arts magnetize a growing stream of foreign tourists.

In addition to beautiful landscapes and great history, Uzbekistan is also the world's fourth-largest cotton nation, world's seventh-largest gold producer and harbors significant reserves of oil and natural gas, as well as uranium, silver, copper, zinc, coal and lead. Other mainstays of Uzbek economy include fruit and vegetables, animal husbandry and textiles, but it is the republic's mineral wealth that most excites foreign investors.

Most visitors arrive in summer to bake in a dry country aptly termed ‘the sunny republic', as every year brings over 300 days of sunshine and 300 millimeters (12 inches) of rainfall. Travel is most pleasant from the brief spring that dusts the desert with floral color until early June and from August to early November. The burning heat of summer is offset by low humidity, relatively cool evenings and bazaar stalls crowded with fresh fruit, and winter too is dry and sunny.

Becides, famous traditions of Uzbek hospitality, which are so deeply rooted within people, specific local customs and tasteful national cuisine make Uzbekistan a very attractive tourism destination for travelers from all over the world.