Samarkand and Bukhara
Airlines of Uzbekistan are rightfully considered reliable. July 4 flew from Astana to Tashkent. I received a stamp in my passport, and because then he lived in hotels, everything was in order with registration: the “registry receipt” of hotels is a serious piece of paper, if you don’t lose it, then you don’t need to go to the immigration service. During your stay in the country, if you have receipts, there is nothing to be afraid of.
At the airport of local flights I bought a ticket to Samarkand, I had to change 100 dollars at the airport exchange office at the rate of 1700 soums for $ 1. After that, I changed money only with local money changers at 2460 soums for $ 1. (The main thing is not to run into the police).
In Tashkent, a taxi costs 2-4 thousand soums, if not further than 15 km in the city. At the airport they ask from 20 thousand Soums, up to $ 100...
Samarkand surprises with an abundance of greenery and coniferous trees. If you walk straight ahead from the airport, then for 400 C. By bus we quickly get to the city center. The Registan square is located near the Gur-Emir mausoleum. Near which there is a private hotel called "Emir", everyone knows him, in which I stayed for 4 days.
It’s better to see once… so I’ll just say that all the architectural beauties of Uzbekistan are more impressive than in the pictures. It pays for all the costs, I think that no one is in danger of disappointment. It doesn't matter what kind of guide you have. There are no problems with this, there are many professionals who will help you, you can save money if the guide has a car. Or a taxi driver who rides you from the locals, this one can comment on everything you see. Very good wine "Bagizagan" (without dyes and other things) 1 bottle costs only $1! Because there are a lot of grapes and they cook it in Samarkand.
The population is friendly. There are a lot of tourists in Samarkand and Bukhara, from all over the world, everyone is happy to help visitors and, if possible, make an honest profit. 80% speak Russian. During daylight hours it is safe to walk everywhere. In the dark, too, but I did not check the remote corners of the city late at night. The police are at every step, and it is dangerous to rob there, the locals themselves will punish the violator severely (such a mentality). Therefore, at the expense of theft in trade in Uzbekistan, an atmosphere of trust and security reigns.
You need to bargain with all sellers. Someone can be very offended by buying a thing for a price of 10 times! More expensive than the real one. So compare and bargain before you buy. Remember that you can only trust your own eyes (I'm talking about manual work), the sellers of Uzbekistan will lie to you at least anything, just to sell. Do not risk buying an antique dealer, edged weapons, knives, orders - medals: they will be taken away at customs, and you will also pay a fine. The only option is to pay for the purchase at the airport or train station when you will definitely be let through customs with such “cases”, but the seller will not do this! It will be only in words bold and, well, sooo “honest”... Without any problems, you can take out souvenirs no older than 50 years, badges and “rags”. Alcohol 2 liters. Find out about everything in advance.
Airplanes do not fly to Bukhara, so I had to take the Shark train. Comfortably, I got to Bukhara in about 3-4 hours.
The station is 14 km from Bukhara, the owner of the hotel was already waiting for me there, on the recommendation of Olim (see above). In general, do not hesitate to ask people how to get through, or where you should stay next, from those locals whom you trust.
Bukhara differs from Samarkand in a slightly hotter climate. there are no mountains nearby, and there is practically no greenery in the city itself. But Bukhara has a greater number of sights and its own spirit of the city. Of course, the taste and color... so draw your own conclusions if you are lucky enough to visit these beautiful places. By the way, my second stop was at the Nazira and Azizbek Hotel, which is located in the Lyabi House, the center of Bukhara. The owners are nice people, and the private hotel also did not disappoint in price and service: good air conditioning, satellite TV, calm and comfortable.
So. The trip lasted exactly 2 weeks and cost me (alone) $1000. Namely: 4 days in Tashkent, 4 days in Samarkand, 6 days in Bukhara. It turned out 4 flights by plane (Astana-Tashkent; Tashkent-Samarkand; Bukhara-Tashkent; Tashkent-Astana). Traveled 3 times by train - intercity (3-5 hour journeys. ) Lived in excellent hotels. I visited all the important sights, went by taxi there, ate what I wanted in abundance. Bought souvenirs and stuff. Liked. Of course, if you wish, you could meet a cheaper option, but I do not regret it, because tourism is not an occupation for the poor.
Be careful with food! : tasty food is not everywhere. Ask people for advice: where is it better, what kind of cuisine is there - local or European? And most importantly - the food of Uzbekistan is fatty, if you eat for the first time, then drinking water or tea is not recommended at all! Even warm. You can drink it, but not cold, an hour after eating, otherwise you can get digestive problems.
Everything I wrote was verified in July 2011 by me personally.
Sincerely. Timur Bikbov. Kazakhstan, Pavlodar. July 20.2011