The most convenient way to travel to Uzbekistan is taking flight to Tashkent, the capital, from main international airports of Europe, Asia and Middle East. Total area is 172,741 sq mi and population is 27,307,134 in 2006.

Major cities are Tashkent, Samarkand, Andijan and etc. Uzbekistan is very multicultural society. It is easy to communicate with local population. English is also common in the capital nowadays. It is easy to travel to other cities of Uzbekistan by railways, local airlines or ground transportation.

Accommodation

There are many luxurious hotels in Tashkent and other major cities of Uzbekistan. We are happy to provide our international guests with special UN rates for number of hotels in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. For detailed information, please contact Malika Tayjanova (PR and Outreach Specialist) at malika.tayjanova@ictp.uz or by phone: (+99871) 1341051/52/37.

Climate

Uzbekistan is one of examples for continental climate in Asia. During the summer temperatures can reach up to 45°C (113°F) and above. Humidity is quite low. Spring and fall are best times to travel to Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, which is agricultural country, fall is considered as harvest season and is the most pleasant period. Our events will be holding in early-Fall, when it is not going to be dry and sunny a lot. We try the best in order to feel our participants comfortable and enjoy ancient Uzbekistan during their stay.

Pearls of Uzbekistan

Tashkent

The capital of Uzbekistan is an ancient city and major place for crossroads on the Silk Road. Tashkent is known for beautiful architecture, ancient buildings, old bazzars and amazing metro system. Abu Bark Kaffal Shoshi Mausoleum, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Kukeldesh Medrese are mostly located in old-city. Their history goes back to 16th century. Tashkent has amazing museums like State museum of Temurids history, Museum of the Finest Arts. City Hall and Opera House are gorgeous places to visit.

Samarkand

Samarkand is the first attraction of all tourists coming to Uzbekistan. Very small, but densely-populated city has amazing spirit of life and history. There are places which don’t need descriptions. There are places to see: Gur Emir Mausoleum, the Registan square, Bibi-khanum Mosque, Shakhi-Zinda, the first Observatory of Ulughbek. Samarkand hosts many international and oriental music festivals and other events.

Bukhara

This old city was the center of Islamic education and birthplace for many Islam Scholars. It is famous for Labi-Hauz place, Taqi-Saffaron area, Mir-Arab Mosque, Amir-Alimkhan Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum and other places. Bukhara is home for Al-Bukhariy Mausoleum also. You can visit Jewish, Tadjik blocks of the city and talk to very open people there.

Khiva

Located on the far northwest of Uzbekistan, Khiva has special sightseeing tour. It is the city-museum. It is easy to imagine this place many centures ago, as it remains the same. Ichanqala Gates, Mukhammad Aminkhan Medressa, Kaltaminor Minaret, Carvonsoroy, Tash-Hauli Palace are usually crowdy with foreigners. You should definitely see Pahlavon Makhmud Mausoleum, which is holy place for all Khorezmians.

Practical information

For the information about Uzbekistan: www.gov.uz

For visa procedures for Uzbekistan: www.mfa.uz