Tashkent

This is the capital city and the only international gateway. Two days is ideal for spending here. This is not only about historical places. It has got beautiful parks and amazing places to visit in the evening for food and fun. This what we did during our stay.

Hotel Uzbekistan

This is the of the oldest hotels in Uzbekistan, located at a prime location at the famous Amir Timur square, and of the most prominent landmarks of the city. In fact it is also considered one of the tourist spots. It is a great place to stay for two nights as the rates are reasonable and the staff extremely helpful and cooperative. Breakfast was included and there is a cafe where you can grab a few bites during the hectic travel from one point to the other. There are couple of cash machines which is extremely helpful if one runs out of cash.

Amir Timur Park

Right outside our hotel is the Amir Timur square which has the Amir Timur Park. The famous conqueror of the 14th century is sone sort of a hero here. And hence this park is named after him and proudly displaying his statue. The park provides a beautiful walk through the trees and is one of the many parks in this beautiful city.

Amir Timur Museum

A walk through the park and round the corner across the road is the Amir Timur museum. The museum has the typical dome shaped structure with beautifully designed interiors and hosts a range of artefacts from the mediaeval era of Amir Timur. A lot of the Mughal architecture of India around Delhi and Agra also finds its place, namely the Taj Mahal and the Humayun’s Tomb.

We took the Tashkent City tour red double decker bus which departed from outside our hotel. The bus tour is a one hour affair through the city stopping only at two places, the Minor Mosque and Hazrati Imam complex for ten and twenty minutes respectively. I would say its too short a time. And unless you want to just quickly wrap up the visit to these places, this City tour is not really suitable. Better to take the option of a taxi or travel by metro.

Minor Mosque

This is a new mosque built in white marble and does not really have a slice of history. This was opened only in 2014.

Hazrati Imam Mosque

Hazrati Imam complex is the religious heart of Tashkent with several well restored mosques, madrasas museums and other pilgrimage sights. Array of structures with turquoise domes. Once you are inside the madrasa there are retail outlets where one can do their local shopping.

Alisher Navoiy Theatre

The Alisher Navoi Theater is the national opera theater in Tashkent. The theatre is located in the centre of Tashkent on Islam Karimov street. The building is surrounded with a beautiful park with a great number of ornamental trees and a dancing fountain. It was walking distance from our hotel. The theatre has the rich history full of significant events dating back to 1939.

Magic City Park

After sunset, we thought we have had enough of soaking in the history. It was now time to enjoy the present. That took us to this magnificent place which is a must-visit in the evenings (once you have soaked in all the history during the day). It is a fairytale castle and a fantasy town with colorful houses, cafes and entertainment. Among other things we were treated to a beautiful musical fountain display on the lake at the centre.

Saigokh Treet (Tashkent Broadway)

This amazing street is right opposite Amir Timur Square. And this was the first place where we went to while walking on the first evening right after checking in to the hotel. The street is full of entertainment and good vibes. Food kiosks on both sides serving hotdogs, ice creams and kababs. Plenty of fun activities like Table Tennis, shooting and archery. And like most places in Tashkent, fountains and a beautiful park as well. This is a must visit for some great vibes. There are street artists performing and painters who display their original artworks.

Tashkent City Park

Another wonderful place to visit especially in the evening. One gets a gorgeous view of the Hotel Hilton which is just adjacent. There are a number of restaurants and boulevard. There is a lake where at every couple of hours there is a musical fountain show. We were treated to this amazing show, after which we had our dinner at Ramiz restaurant situated there.

Chorsu Bazaar for Shopping

This is your go-to place for all kinds of shopping for yourself and for your near and dear ones. All types of souvenirs are available, from the Uzbek dresses to the scarfs, and of course all types of spices. There are places to eat with live counters frying chicken and kababs.

Tashkent TV Tower

This is a major landmark in Tashkent. Very distinct because of its height due to which it can be spotted from several places. The tower is lit up at night and provides a great view. It has also got a revolving restaurant.

Tashkent Metro

The city has an extensive metro network and most prominent places can be reached by metro. However, the main thing about the metro is the decor of some of the stations like we see here in Alisher Navoiy station. This is a Russian influence and several metro stations have beautiful artistic decor. While we mostly moved around by cab, we took the metro a couple of times only to view these beautiful stations.

Gastronomical Delights

Coming to Uzbekistan how could we not talk about food. Get ready for some gastronomical delights. The Pilaf (Or Polou as we call in India) is a specialty and certainly not to be missed.

Central Asian Pilaf Centre

This is one of the best and most recommended places to have the iconic Pilaf. Its right next to the TV tower. You can enjoy the view of the lit-up TV tower while having the delicious pilaf. Its a well laid out restaurant having both AC and open-air sections where you can sit depending on the time of the year you visit. Round it off with some complementary Turkish Tea.

Ramiz – Tashkent City Park and Magic City

This is a restaurant which we located in Tashkent City Park. And noticed its there in Magic City as well. Provides several options for kababs and other delicacies. Definitely recommended.

Memorial of Lal Bahadur Shastri

This one is totally for my fellow Indians. It was wonderful to see a memorial of our beloved Lal Bahadur Shastri ji and a street named after him. We all know his connection to the city. He passed away in Tashkent in January 1966.