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

Asia

<p>Assalomu alaykum! Welcome to Uzbekistan, an epicentre for many civilisations, a place steeped in world history and tradition, and home to rare, untainted landscapes. Once a witness to the grandeur and decadence of the Mongol and Persian Empires and a privileged step of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan still has countless treasures from its multicultural past. From the Bukhara Madrasas to the gems of Timurid architecture, we come to the Khanate of Khiva in the heart of the desert, which seems almost timeless . You can feel the weight of history pervading the whole area. The country also offers great excursions, on foot and by camel, and the opportunity to discover wildlife which, despite the drought, remains as varied as it is exotic. During walks in the steppes and mountains, you will have the opportunity to observe gazelles, scorpions, lynx, mountain sheep and even snow leopards in their natural habitats.</p>

Uzbekistan

Aral Sea

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

Lenin

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

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

 Shakhrisabz is authentic! I really enjoyed walking around here. The architectural heritage has not yet been renovated and it is far from the tourist crowds.

Shahrisabz

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<p>I really liked the palace that let us see the condition of buildings before being renovated and also how magnificent they were in their time. Jehangir's tomb and Timur's crypt also are places that deserve mention, joined to a mosque in the shade of various trees. The place isn't only visited by tourists. It is used by the locals, who make the atmosphere very authentic and pleasant.</p> <p>When I went there, the city was doing some major construction between Ak Sarai Palace and the Kok Gumbaz mosque. So the city will be getting a face lift in the years to come. Pending the completion of this construction, it isn't very nice to go for walk in the rest of the city, especially along Ypak Yoli. The bazaar has been moved further south.</p> <p>Despite the construction, I really enjoyed walking around birthplace of Timur Lang: beautiful monuments that aren't yet overly renovated and friendly people, all in all a beautiful trip.</p> 

 <strong>Shakhrisabz is authentic!</strong> I really enjoyed walking around here. The architectural heritage has not yet been renovated and it is far from the tourist crowds.

<p>Located around 100 kilometers south of Samarkand, <strong>at first glance, Shakhrisyabz looks like any other medium-sized Uzbek town</strong> with a population of around 50,000 and no major points of interest. Shakhrisyabz thoroughly deserves its entry on the as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealing historical wonders that date from a time when the city's influence eclipsed that of Samarkand: the palace, mosques, and tombs date from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, and it's impossible to pick a favorite from this incredible, historic complex.</p> <p>I particularly liked the small town's restful atmosphere, even though I wouldn't stay there for an extended period, and I enjoyed the ability to take long walks through the nearby mountains. It's certainly an interesting stop on a <a href="/uzbekistan/">journey through the heart of Uzbekistan</a>. </p>

<p>The small Uzbek town of <strong>Shakhrisyabz reveals an incredible and historic palatial complex</strong>. </p>

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Summer trip ideas in Uzbekistan

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><a data-destination-id="100" data-internal-link="destination">Uzbekistan&nbsp;</a></strong>is an under-the-radar destination in the heart of central <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/asia-travel/" target="_blank">Asia</a></strong>. 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.</span></p><h3>Why should I visit Uzbekistan in summer?</h3><p>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.<br></p><h3>Best things to do in Uzbekistan in summer</h3><p>Uzbekistan is so rich in history and culture that you'll want to pack in as much as possible. <strong>With careful planning, you'll be able to see all the main sights</strong>, whether your interests are <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/uzbekistan/tours-historical-sites/" target="_blank">historic</a></strong>, 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.<br></p><h4>See the past at Shah-i-Zinda</h4><p>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 <strong>tiled so delicately they are considered the best in the Islamic world</strong>. The sunsets here are spectacular, so it's worth timing your visit accordingly.<br></p><h4>See the crossroads of culture in Samarkand</h4><p>Samarkand is one of the oldest inhabited <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/uzbekistan/tours-city-breaks/" target="_blank">cities</a> </strong>in central Asia, and an important stopping point along the historic Silk Road between China and Europe. Don't miss Registan Square, packed with <strong>ornate doorways, minarets, and elaborate tiles</strong>. It’s here that the east really did meet the west, and this is evidenced in its architecture.&nbsp;<br></p><h4>Explore the walls of ancient Itchan Kala</h4><p>Itchan Kala is the walled center of Khiva and is home to <strong>a high concentration of historic monuments</strong> and buildings. Climb the watchtower or a minaret and peer through the doors of splendid palaces.<br></p><h4>Escape the cities in the Fergana Valley</h4><p>The Fergana Valley covers a wide area of Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries. It's a place where time seems to have barely passed, as <strong>weavers, potters, and wood carvers still work using traditional methods</strong>. The valley is the center of the Uzbek wine industry, and you can visit a vineyard for a tasting session.<br></p><h4>Stand on the bottom of the Aral Sea</h4><p>Over the last 50 years, the <strong>Aral Sea has shrunk to 10% of its original size</strong>. 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.<br></p><h3>What’s the weather like in Uzbekistan in summer?</h3><p>Uzbekistan has a continental climate, with <strong>hot summers and cool winters</strong>. 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.</p>

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Shahrisabz Vacations

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