Explore Beautiful Uzbekistan

Afrosiyob Hi-Speed Train

This high-speed train which travels between Tashkent and Samarkand passes through four provinces. It operates seven times per week. The train has a 257 people capacity with a dining car. You will be offered refreshments during the journey which is free of charge. TV, music,and Wifi are also available in the carriages.

The train has a modern appearance with no-smoking zones,and the carriagesare equipped with soft, comfortable reclining seats with built-in tables. There are monitors for viewing videos. The salons in the carriages are equipped with hangers for hanging clothes and storage space for luggage. The carriage is well-equipped to accommodate disabled people with a call button in case of emergencies.

Independence Square

Tashkent residents gather at Independence square on festive daysto enjoy the performances of rope-dancers, musicians,and clowns. President New year tree is installed here every New year. The buildings surrounding Independence Square have acquired a modern look after renovation. The main figure at the square is sixteen marble columns which are joined by a bridge supporting sculptures of storks symbolizing peace of earlier times. Seated under the monument is a statue of a woman cradling a baby in her arms, symbolizing Motherland. The green zones and alleyways with beautiful fountains stretch beside the Independence monument.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial

Shastri’s monument at Tashkent is a famous landmark. Lal Bahadur Shastri had not only contributed for the welfare and development of India; he left his mark in Tashkent as well. It is here that, with the intervention of USSR, then Prime Minister Shastri and President Ayub Khan of Pakistan signed a declaration to begin trade and economic relations between the two countries. It was here in Tashkent that Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away after signing the declaration.

The monument and street were named in honor of this great man. Indian travelers and businessmen visiting Tashkent make it a point to visit his memorial.

Kalta minor Minerate

Muhammad Amin-Khan ordered the building of the madrasah and minaret in 1845-1855. It was supposed to be the grandest architectural ensembles of the Islamic world as a demonstration of the might of the Khiva Khanate, which for centuries had managed to stay independent despite various attempts to conquer it. However, Muhammad Amin Khan’s dream did not come true.

Though the Madrasah was completed and become one of the largest in Central Asia, its fame was overshadoweddue to the unfinished minaret standing next to it.

Amir Temur

Amir Temur was a statesman and commander of XIV century. He managed to bring together 27 countries, from the Mediterranean Sea to India. His bronze statue on a reared horse makes an impressive monument, with his famous words ‘The strength is in justice’ inscribed on the plinth. Ilkhom Jabbarov sculpted his statue. There is a small park surrounding the monument.

The Amir Timur Museum, Uzbekistan” Hotel, University of Law (former Women’s Gymnasium), Tashkent Chimes and the Forums Palace surround the square. The Forums Palace holds important international events like the SCO Summit.

National Library Square (with fountain)

The library was founded in 1870 as a Public library but later became the State Public Library. The library was named after Alisher Navoi, who was a great poet and a writer. It received a ‘National’ status by a Decree of the President. The library stores research and scientific information on culture and art.

Technology has been used beautifully to modernize the library. There are computer terminals in the reading rooms along with electronic displays and videos on how to use the various facilities of the library. A sophisticated electronic book delivery system is used for transporting books to patron’s service desk from the storage area. Foreign language rooms allow patrons to practice foreign languages.

Chimgan Mountain

If you want a short holiday and need a change, then Chimgan mountain is a fantastic choice. A 2-hour ride from Tashkent will transport you to the mountains. During winters, this place is excellent for skiing and heliskiing and a wonderful getaway during summers. The glorious mountain and scenic landscapes are ideal for hiking and mountain biking.

The Chimgan Mountains are a part of the Chatkal range. The Chimgan mountain is also known as the “Uzbek Switzerland," as fir trees cover the mountains. There are numerous hotels and resorts where you can enjoy a comfortable stay. If you are here during the winter months, you can ski and toboggan or enjoy hiking, mountaineering, hiking or many more exciting adventure sports during spring and summer.

Itchan – Kala

Itchan Kala is an old town in old Khiva. The city can be compared to a setting right out of the books of Arabian Tales. It used to be the last resting-place of caravans before they crossed the desert into Iran. There are very few old monuments thatstill remainhere, but it is a well-preservedwalled city of Central Asia.

The city entrance is through four great gates with towers capped by blue-tiled domes.Itchan Kala is a bustling, living museum. Most of the city’s structures are either historical monuments orhave been converted to mini-museums.

Among theseimpressive structures are the Djuma Mosque, the mausoleums,madrasas and the two magnificent palaces built around the beginning of the 19th century by Alla-Kulli-Khan.

Broadway Street (with Artist & Souvenirs)

Sailgokh Street also called as ‘Broadway’ by the locals, has street artists and painters displaying their artworks. Broadway is the very center of Tashkent and connects two main squares- Independence Square and Amir Temur. Broadway is dotted with shopping centers, boutiques, cafes,andrestaurants. Is the also an excellent place to pick handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Broadway is also the place to enjoy the beautiful fountains, parks. The 'mirstore’ just off Broadway has luxurious fashion stores, a supermarket and coffee bar. You can also enjoy fast-foods like burgers and pizzas at reasonable rates. International brands are slowly finding their way at Broadway Street, catering to the tastes of the wealthy clients.

Khiva

Legends say that Khiva was founded by Shem, Noah’s son when he dug a well in the middle of the desert. People who drank water from the well exclaimed as “Khey-vakh” which translates to “sweet water.” Khiva is one of the old cities of ancient Khorezm. This area became a popular caravan destination of merchants who frequented this place.It was also inhabited by several tribes who used the Amudarya river for irrigation purposes.

Archeologists believe that Khiva was founded in the 5th or 4th centuries B.C., and the city became known as a trading post of Silk Road. It was during this time that the firstsignificantstructures were built here. There are more than fifty historical monuments still retained in Khiva.

Monument of Courage

It is one ofthe unique monuments of Tashkent as it is dedicated to the earthquake of 1964 which shook the city and uprooted the lives of people. The city’s inhabitants were left without shelter and had to live in tents. The Monument of Courage is erected at the epicenter of the earthquake.

Builders from across the former USSR participated to reconstruct Tashkent. Months of hard work was put in to rebuild the destroyed structures. A cube of black labradoritewas installed on a granite pedestal. One side of the foundation has the date of the earthquake inscribed on it, and the other side has the time that the quake took place. A crack on the statue symbolizes the break of the earth. The figure shows a woman holding a child with a man trying to shelter them from the wrath of nature.

Mir-i Arab Madrasa

Opposite to the Kalyan Mosque lies the Mir-i Arab Madrasa. It was built in 1530’s during the reign of Ubaydullah Khan, the Shaybanid appanage in Bukhara. It continues to function even today as a madrasa and just like the Kalyan Mosque, resembles the traditional four-iwan courtyard plan. More than a hundred large student cells are located behind the courtyard arcade. Each courtyard façades consists of central iwan that functions as a summer school. .

The Madrasa is not open for tourists, but its facade can be enjoyed from Kalyan Square. The madrasa’s two bright blue domesare beautifully tiled and stand out among the other surrounding buildings. The tombs ofUbaydullah Khan and Sheikh Mir-i-Arab are beneath the northern dome.

Nation Park

The Alisher Navoi National Park is one of the largest urban parks of Uzbekistan. It was founded in 1932 by the members of Komsomol organization. It was constructed by old brick factory volunteers and spreads over an area of 9 hectares. The park consists of a lake, fountains, canals, ornamental shrubs, flower beds and old trees. It is the best place to escape to if you want some peace and quiet. You can also enjoy skating, boating, and cycling here. The amusement park adds to the enjoyment for kids and adults alike. There are lakeside restaurants and cafes if you want a quick bite or a three-course meal.

People Friendship Square

Peoples' Friendship Palace is the most massive cinema/concert hall with a seating capacity of 6000 people. The architect of this impressive building is Yeregeny Rozanov and Shestopalov, who designed it with traditional motifs and ornate plasterwork. The name was given to the building as a dedication to the people who came forward to rebuild the nation from its destruction from the earthquake of 1964. This building closely resembles the archaeological finds such as Varakhsha, Kampir-Kala. The square structure is decorated centric equally on all four sides. Peoples Friendship Square attracts numerous visitors each day due to itswell-maintained gardens and beautiful fountains.