Located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Lenin Peak climbs majestically to a height of 7,134 meters. 

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Uzbekistan

Lenin

An inland sea straddling Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea has now almost dried out,&nbsp;exposing a landscape of desolate desert.

Aral Sea

A tiny Turkmen village razed in 2002 by order of the President, Derweze is famous for its fiery crater, nicknamed the "Door to Hell." 

Darvaza

Uzbekistan is Central Asia's most visited country, and Samarkand was a key staging post on the Silk Road with its celebrated Islamic monuments.

Samarkand

Khiva is a small, fortified town located in the middle of the Uzbek desert. The town is an open-air museum with an enormous number of Islamic religious monuments that are open to visitors.

Khiva

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Despite the absence of any sign of life after 7 p.m., Khiva remains my favorite town from my entire <a href="/uzbekistan/">journey to Uzbekistan.</a> . I enjoyed the complete lack of traffic within the central area, meaning that I could walk everywhere in complete peace and tranquility. If you enjoy a good view, I firmly recommend climbing the many steep steps up to the Islam Khodja minaret to experience a panoramic view over the city and its architecture that is worthy of the "Arabian Nights." Admire the view as the sun sets over the ramparts of the fortress, and the city is bathed in an orange glow, providing a wonderful opportunity to take some stunning photos. Finally, my last tip about Khiva is to get out of the old town to discover the authentic local life of the Uzbeks outside the tourist enclave, where you can really get a sense of the atmosphere of the place.

Khiva is a small, fortified town located in the middle of the Uzbek desert. The town is an open-air museum with an enormous number of Islamic religious monuments that are open to visitors.

Located in the middle of the desert, near the border with Turkmenistan, Khiva is an absolutely exceptional historical city. So well preserved that it is sometimes pejoratively dismissed as a "living museum" the downtown area bears witness to centuries of incredible history, with towering fortresses, mosques, and traditional clay houses out of which turquoise and emerald-green domes rise and glisten in the sun. I was absolutely smitten with my stay here, and I would strongly recommend to anyone visiting <a href="/uzbekistan/">Uzbekistan</a> to spend at least one or two days visiting the city. Even though it's fair to say that the Khiva is a little quiet, and perhaps a little lacking in authentic, everyday life, it remains an absolutely unmissable destination.

An incredible, historic town built in clay, with magnificent turquoise domes, Khiva recalls the architectural beauty of the days of the silk road.

The last oasis on the Silk Road, before heading to Iran or the Volga, Khiva has what charms many a traveler. Upon arriving in the city, the strong fortress is imposing. When I entered the area, the network of small alleys, overhung by the minarets of Islam Kodja or Kalta Minor, made me dizzy and took me on a trip through time. It's too bad that there only few inhabitants in the city (aside from the northern part), only some boutiques, cafes, and hostels to accommodate the many groups of tourists. An advantage, however, is that all of these groups are always accompanied by French-, German- or English-speaking guides. It's perfect for understanding the rich history of this ancient kingdom. If you're a fan of cultural visits, Khiva is for you ! Be aware that Khiva may be nice in a desert, but it can be very cold at night, especially if coming from Tashkent or Ferghana Valley.

Once inside the walls of Itchan Khala, despite this funny feeling of being in a museum (with boutiques) rather than in a city, time seems to have no effect on Khiva, which is even more memorable than Samarkand.

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<a data-destination-id="100" data-internal-link="destination">Uzbekistan&nbsp;</a>is an under-the-radar destination in the heart of central <a href="https://www.evaneos.com/asia-travel/" target="_blank">Asia</a>. Home to ancient cities and the famous Silk Road, it features medieval mosques and walled cities that sit side by side with Soviet-era architecture. Summer in Uzbekistan is hot, with long hours of daylight to maximise your sightseeing time. Uzbekistan is firmly off-the-beaten-track and promises a fascinating vacation to remember.<h3>Why should I visit Uzbekistan in summer?</h3>The climate is the main reason for visiting Uzbekistan in summer. June to September are warm and dry, in contrast to winter which is much colder and often wet. There's lots to see in Uzbekistan, so maximise your time in central Asia's most vibrant and interesting country by booking an English-speaking guide. <h3>Best things to do in Uzbekistan in summer</h3>Uzbekistan is so rich in history and culture that you'll want to pack in as much as possible. With careful planning, you'll be able to see all the main sights, whether your interests are <a href="https://www.evaneos.com/uzbekistan/tours-historical-sites/" target="_blank">historic</a>, cultural or artistic. Spend some time in the major cities, but leave time to see the rural landscapes too. Here are the top things to do in Uzbekistan. <h4>See the past at Shah-i-Zinda</h4>Cool off on hot Uzbek summer afternoons at the mausoleum complex of Shah-i-Zinda. The shaded rooms around the shrine make for a cool retreat from the sun, each tiled so delicately they are considered the best in the Islamic world. The sunsets here are spectacular, so it's worth timing your visit accordingly. <h4>See the crossroads of culture in Samarkand</h4>Samarkand is one of the oldest inhabited <a href="https://www.evaneos.com/uzbekistan/tours-city-breaks/" target="_blank">cities</a> in central Asia, and an important stopping point along the historic Silk Road between China and Europe. Don't miss Registan Square, packed with ornate doorways, minarets, and elaborate tiles. It’s here that the east really did meet the west, and this is evidenced in its architecture.&nbsp; <h4>Explore the walls of ancient Itchan Kala</h4>Itchan Kala is the walled center of Khiva and is home to a high concentration of historic monuments and buildings. Climb the watchtower or a minaret and peer through the doors of splendid palaces. <h4>Escape the cities in the Fergana Valley</h4>The Fergana Valley covers a wide area of Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries. It's a place where time seems to have barely passed, as weavers, potters, and wood carvers still work using traditional methods. The valley is the center of the Uzbek wine industry, and you can visit a vineyard for a tasting session. <h4>Stand on the bottom of the Aral Sea</h4>Over the last 50 years, the Aral Sea has shrunk to 10% of its original size. A sobering aspect of the lack of water is the ship graveyard at Muynak, where visitors can stroll around ships, hundreds of miles from water. <h3>What’s the weather like in Uzbekistan in summer?</h3>Uzbekistan has a continental climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Temperatures in the summer can reach as high as over 100°F, although temperatures around the mid 80s are more typical. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed sun hat.

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