Travellers' reviews about Uzbekistan

4.4
5 reviews
Trecker
4
Uzbekistan
My husband read about the findings of mathematician in Uzbekistan and wanted to go to see the observatory. We like looking at buildings and from the photos we saw this was the place to see some amazing ones. We are also interested in history so the exploits of Timor and Gengis Khan were known to us and we wanted to see the places for ourselves. The guide was excellent. Said introduced us to many local restaurants and places which made the trip special and personal. We did not feel packaged.
The best parts:
The architecture of Uzbekistan
The worst parts:
The road trip from Khiva to Bukhara
Seif
5
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a wonderful country. I honestly did not expect myself to have so much fun and most of all the people were just amazingly nice to me everywhere. Every city I visited was beyond my expectations in terms of culture and architecture. The ones I liked most are Bukhara and Samarkand.
The best parts:
The whole country was amazing especially the people, everywhere. My favorite cities are Bukhara and Samarkand. Although I have to admit that I liked every single place I've been. Our guide was really nice to us and very helpful. Thanks again Said! You've been a wonderful guide. The driver was awesome too.
The worst parts:
I would have skipped the yourt camp but it was a nice and funny break. The visits are not planned wisely enough: the indoors visits should be planned during the burning sun of the early afternoon and the outdoors visits early in the morning.
Jill
5
Uzbekistan
The most amazing country l've visited ever. Impossible to single out a particular moment but loved our lunch at a family home where we watched plov and bread being cooked in traditional ovens by a paediatric doctor and her mother. There was the added delight of a tiny kitten! Loved seeing weaving, ceramics and other crafts in Bukhara but probably the best overall memory is the people in their gorgeous bright sequinned dresses and golden smiles. And the fabulous architecture.
The best parts:
Absolutely everything. The fabulous architecture of the ancient cities of the Silk Road were a hundred times more beautiful and extensive than l could have imagined. The Uzbek people were delightful and so welcoming and our guide Said was delightful, knowledgeable and fluent in 5 languages at the age of 21. Food excellent and plentiful, hotels brilliant, most with shower and bath. Wonderful painting, calligraphy, wood-carving and lots more to bring home as souvenirs with our photos, 1300 in my case!
The worst parts:
Nothing. Well, maybe would have preferred to miss the yurt camp and had the extra time in stunning Samarkand, although the lizards, tortoises, birds and flowers were lovely, as were the family, food and music by the fire. The American woman in our group of 3 was obnoxious, rude and domineering. Her haggling over prices down to the last dollar was appalling and embarrassing, especially as she was very wealthy. This is of course not your fault.
James Lim
3
Uzbekistan
We are very happy with the Destinations chosen by us. We are also very happy with the qualities of the Guides & Drivers provided by the Agency. The trip would be perfect had the hotels at 2 cities be better & we had no problem with coordination. Agency personnel must empathize with the tourists, with serious language problem in a strange land, we need constant guidance & up to date information, no anxiety!
The best parts:
Our trip through 3 countries was most interesting, the 3 classic old cities of Khiva, Bukhara & Samarkand in Uzbekistan, the amazing Dawaza Crater & beautiful white city of Ashgabat in Turkmenistan and the most scenic drive through Tajikistan. The people of the three countries were most friendly.
The worst parts:
1) The hotels provided in Dushanbe & Pendjikant in Tajikistan were at best 1*, far inferior to the 2-3* expected. Water pressure & hot water system in some hotel bathrooms were disappointing. 2) Agency should check the accuracy of the write up given out. Travel time from Mary, Turkmenistan to border was given as 1.5hours, should be 4 hours! Urganch in Khiva itinerary was shown as in Uzbekistan, actually Turkmenistan. 3) At many sights of Museum, Ruins & Monuments, no local Guide provided. I had to find my own guide, otherwise visit would be wasted without explanation. Local costs are very low, no reason to save on cost of guides. 4) Agency coordination with us should be improved! On some days, I had to chase after information for the next day, like time for start of tour, time to depart for next city or name of guide or driver! This caused me undue anxiety.
david
5
Uzbekistan
10 days travel to Khiva, Bokara, Samarqand, Tashkent - the desert. Sightseeing, culture, hanging out people watching,
The best parts:
Uzbekistan is unique - the places and the people. The guide and the travel company - we were invited to a wedding, and met many of their staff - very memorable. Please pass on our thanks and appreciation. Khiva was great but Bokara even better - more relaxed, more choices of places to eat .....
The worst parts:
Some of the hotels lacked charm or character. The Yurt camp could have been a lot better. You could cram this into a 7 day/night trip - drop the Yurt Camp. Connect directly in Tashkent to Khiva, 2 nights, Bokara 2 nights, Samarqand 2 nights then Tashkent 1 night.