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Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is in Central Asia and until 1991 was part of the Soviet Union. One of only two double-landlocked countries in the world, it’s right in the centre of Central Asia, bordering Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Becoming an independent country in 1991, Uzbekistan’s First President was Islam Karimov, who died in September 2016. His successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev , who was elected with 90% of the votes, has been very popular and does seem to be making a lot of positive reform in the country. Largely though, Uzbekistan is still very similar to Turkmenistan politically, but without the same extent of social restrictions. It does seem however, that a few things (such as the economy for example) are moving in the right direction.
Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and is by far the largest city in Central Asia. Samarqand, Bukhara and Khiva though are much more famous names around the world, with the unique and iconic Silk Road remnants, such as the Registan, Amir Timur’s Mausoleum and Bibi Khanum’s Mosque.
Like in the other Central Asia countries, although Russians made up a large percentage of the population until the early 90s, Uzbeks now account for about 70% of the population, followed by Tajiks, Kazakhs, Karakalpaks, Russians, and other ethnic groups from the region.
With the visa restrictions easing in the last couple of years, Uzbekistan has become a lot easier to visit and is attracting more different types of people. Don’t worry though, it still definitely ticks the box for somewhere off the beaten path, and there’s plenty to explore that the average traveller might not come across.
Tours
4 Stans Autumn Tour
Lakes, canyons and gorges, cosmpolitan and ancient cities, Soviet relics, odd architecture, yurts and way more. This tour of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan covers a huge variety of what Central Asia has to offer.
5 Stans Autumn Whirlwind Tour
A great snapshot into 5 amazing countries.
5 Stans Autumn Original Tour
Taking the scenic route from Astana to Ashgabat, this tour covers everything that makes Central Asia so special, including the World Nomad Games and Turkmenistan Independence Day.
5 Stans Autumn Mega Tour
Bishkek to Bukhara, Astana to Ashgabat, and everything in between. This epic tour will take you right across Central Asia through canyons and gorges, cosmopolitan cities, across land borders, and even to a fiery crater.
5 Stans Spring Tour
This is the tour for anyone who wants to get a great snapshot of what Central Asia has to offer. Can be done all in one whack, or in smaller sections, whatever you like!
4 Stans Spring Tour
A 17 day adventure through Silk Road settlements, vast mountain ranges, winding valleys, and some of the coolest Soviet stuff that's still around.
5 Stans Summer Tour
This is the tour for anyone who wants to get a great snapshot of what Central Asia has to offer. Can be done all in one whack, or in smaller sections, whatever you like!
4 Stans Autumn Tour
Old and new, big and small, up and down, this itinerary has something for everyone.
5 Stans Autumn Whirlwind Tour
A great snapshot into 5 amazing countries.
5 Stans Autumn Original Tour
Taking the scenic route from Astana to Ashgabat, this tour covers everything that makes Central Asia so special, including the World Nomad Games and Turkmenistan Independence Day.
5 Stans Autumn Mega Tour
An in-depth expedition through all of Central Asia, from Almaty to Ashgabat, through five of the most fascinating countries in the world.