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

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

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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

Located deep in the Ferghana Valley, Margilan is a town with a rich history, and which is famous for manufacturing silk. 

Marguilan

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<p>According to legend, Margilan was founded by Alexander the Great and was a notable stop on the Silk Road.  Unfortunately, Margilan now only offers a few of its treasures up to travelers as they pass through. Even though the town displays few signs of its historic past, there are nonetheless a few traces that remain, as Margilan is home to one of the most impressive silk factories, which employs nearly 2,000 people.</p> <p>I only passed through very quickly and <strong>Margilan doesn't feature in my memories as a particularly interesting place.</strong> There are however some beautiful mosques in the downtown area, reflecting the fairly pronounced religious conservatism of this Uzbek city of around 150,000 inhabitants. While it is far from an essential element of a <a href="/uzbekistan/">journey to Uzbekistan</a>, a stopover of a few hours can be quite interesting, particularly in relation to the production of silk.</p>

<p>Located deep in the Ferghana Valley, <strong>Margilan is a town with a rich history, and which is famous for manufacturing silk.</strong> </p>

<p>For me, <strong>Margilan is all about Uzbek craftsmanship</strong> in all its glory: traditional techniques that have been passed down through the generations, an enormous bazaar, and a few tourist buses (though not too many).</p> <p>I recommend that you spend half a day visiting a silk workshop, where you will find a blend of beautiful products and detailed explanations of the techniques and designs involved, all delivered with a zest for history that recall the development of the silk road.</p> <p>Then head for Margilan's ultra-traditional marketplace, which provides the ideal opportunity to enjoy ripe fruit and vegetables, or even a taste of "Plov", a traditional Uzbek dish served at the back of one of the many stores.</p> <p>Don't spend too long, however! Richtan awaits you, with its brightly colored ceramics, especially on Sundays, when the Kumtepa Market opens its doors! Located between Margilan and Richtan, this marketplace is an ideal venue to buy pieces made by Uzbek craftsmen, with a great choice and quality and, above all, prices that are far below those charged in Uzbekistan's more tourist-focused towns.</p> 

Are you a fan of handcrafted goods? If so, Margilan and the surrounding area could have been made especially for you! On the other hand, if you are more interested in monuments built to honor the Emir Timur, keep going and head toward Samarkand.

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<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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