Exclusief voor de klanten van 3P-Travel.
Extra bonus excursiedag + 1 overnachting ter waarde van 150 euro nu gratis erbij!
Voor de boekingen tot en met 30 juni 2016 met vertrekdatum tot en met 30 november 2016

DAY 1. HOME – TASHKENT

Early morning arrival in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s hub & an eccentric kind of place, where you will be met by your guide (English, French, German, Russian, Spanish or Italian speaking) for your private transfer to the Hotel. Check-in. Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. After 11 a.m, embark on a city tour of the Uzbek capital. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, with its exhibits of beautiful embroidery, local ceramics and wall hangings, and the Old Town with its narrow lanes, mud, brick houses, mosques and madrasas. Next explore the 16th century temples of Kukeldash and Abul Khassim Madrasa and the Chorsu Bazaar, a huge open market that draws people from the rural areas outside of the city. Then there is the area around Independence Square which is more like a large park. With several monuments and fountains, surrounded by impressive public buildings and filled with trees and flower beds, the square in Tashkent is a showcase of modern Uzbekistan. In the evening, enjoy dinner at city restaurant. (B, D)

DAY 2. TASHKENT – BUKHARA (by domestic flight)

After early breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to the Domestic Airport for the morning flight HY-1321 departing to Bukhara at 08:50. Arrival in Bukhara at 10:35. Upon arrival starts sightseeing in the Old City. Hotel check-in will be in the afternoon. Today, discover Bukhara, a city with the greatest concentration of historic monuments in Central Asia. Central Asia’s holiest city, Bukhara has buildings spanning a thousand years of history and a thoroughly lived-in old centre that probably hasn’t changed much in two centuries. Visit central Lyabi Hauz Square, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, 18th century Bolo-Hauz Mosque and ancient Ark Fortress, the palace of the Emirs of Bukhara. Also see the magnificent Kalyan Mosque, the elegant blue-tiled Ulughbek Madrasa (Islamic school) and the summer palace of Bukhara’s last Emir, the Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa (Palace of the Moon and Stars). Dinner and a folklore show at a local restaurant. (B, D)
P.S. DINNER AND FOLKLORE SHOW IN THE MADRASSAH OF NODIR DEVAN BEGI AND MADRASSAH MODARIKHON FROM NOVEMBER TILL 15TH OF MARCH WILL BE CLOSED, THE WEATHER IS COLD! FROM 15TH MARCH TILL 15TH NOVEMBER POSSIBLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH FOLKLORE SHOW!

DAY 3. BUKHARA – GIJDUVAN – BUKHARA (46 km)

After breakfast transfer to Gijduvan at 09:00 (46km.1h)
Gijduvan is located in 46 km from Bukhara. This city always was the significant center of crafts. One of crafts is the way of manufacture of ceramics. The schools of Gijduvan are known for the ornament and combination of geometrical figures. Owing to the history, schools can show various ways of manufacture of ceramics: preparation of clay, manufacturing of various ceramic figures and their coloring, roasting in the furnace at temperature 1000degree. Families of handicraftsmen have kept two crafts about one today: ceramics (pottery) and national embroidery. Arrival and host in to the house of pottery master Abdullah.
Master Narzullaev Abdullah is the son of Narzullaev Ibodullo the most famous ceramist of Uzbekistan (website: http://www.folkceramic.uz). Ibodullo is the founder of Gijduvan School of ceramics, he participated in more then 50 international exhibitions and his works are exposed in museums of many countries of the world. Usta (master) Ibodullo not only presented this invaluable heritage, but also transferred it to his sons Abdullah and Alisher, who are the sixth generation continuing this tradition. Today Gijduvan craftsmen are very famous, not only in Uzbekistan, but also widely abroad. The Narzullaev’s family is regular participants at all exhibitions of decorative and applied arts of Uzbekistan. For the last few years the ceramics of Gijduvan School have been exposed in 60 exhibitions in different parts of the world: Japan, USA, Germany, France, Italy and Israel.
POTTERY in GIJDUVAN.
The production of ceramics is one of the ancient types of decorative and applied art forms in Uzbekistan. Nowadays Uzbekistan has three main schools of decorative pottery: the Fergana school (Rishtan, Gurumsarai), Bukhara-Samarqand school (Gijduvan) and Khorezm School. The variety of shapes of traditional pottery is still the same from school to school: a tureen, drinking bowl, big flat plate, bowl, bucket, jug, big pot and teapot. However the ornament differs with each school having its unique style that can be recognized not only by specialists but also by ordinary buyers as well.It is worth mentioning here the Bukhara-Samarqand school that has several centers for production of earthenware toys. The toys made by skilled craftsmen are of various kinds: colorful figurines of animals and people, some of them very cute and funny, fantastical birds with striking colors of their feathers. In the city of the Gijduvan you are welcome to visit the master’s workshop that is in the 6th and 7th generation of Gijduvan potters and embroiderers. They make toy whistles, adorned by yellow and blue glaze with green dots in the shape of birds and animals. That helps to create a wonderful world of childhood. Also you can see many examples of Central Asian pottery schools in master’s house. Introduction with the second ancient traditional craft of Gijduvanian craftsmanship “national embroidery”. You may witness the methods and process how Gijduvan women sewing embroidery clothes.
EMBROIDERY in GIJDUVAN.
Another distinctive craft, Gijduvan embroidery, is being regenerated and developed by master (women) Mustubshira Barakaeva. Mustabshira aya, her daughter and daughters in law Dilorom and Gulbahor, who are restoring the past glory of Gijduvan needle-work. Folk master Dilbar Halimova is a famous dye in her works. For needle -work traditionally applied handmade unbleached calico is used and dye-stuffs are produced from everything that grows on Gijduvan soil: nuts, pomegranates, onion, rose petals, many beautiful Uzbek herbs and bushes of fruit trees. Gijduvan embroidery has preserved its significance which it had in the past. Its range of tender colors day by day attracts more and more enthusiasts. The works of embroidery masters from Bukhara and Gijduvan are famous for its beauty and refinement. Typical Gijduvan patterns are big flowers on fine branches, evenly scattered along the entire surface of the fabric or round rosettes surrounded by long stems of blue, gray and bright-yellow colors in a red or green setting. The Gijduvan School of embroidery is also noted for the simplicity of its style. The pattern consists of rosettes surrounded by leaves and petals. They also use two decorative embroidery techniques of “Susana” (wall decoration panel) "palak" and "gulkurpa". Handmade embroidering by silk on light-brown sateen fabric “Urma” tambour sews. In due course this craft has got national character and became one of the important crafts of Gijduvans women today embroidered art is produce at the factories and in home shops. You are welcome at masters’ house to learn Embroidery secrets of Gijduvan embroiderers where you will be hosted during the tour. “ There is embroidery not only on a cotton fabric with silk threads, but also on silk with silk threads. Till 13.00 o’clock the introduction with the family of masters Abdullah and master will let you to his work-shop and introduce you with the process of making clay, ceramic and shaping pottery (ceramic). At lunch try famous Uzbek traditional dish prepared by master Abdullah’s wife. She will show how to make Uzbek National Meal with their explanations during cooking Uzbek dish. At 17:00 Visit Fayzulla Khodjayev National House and performances of Uzbek National Clothes Fashion Show with drinking tea and taste Uzbek sweets during fashion show. Back to Bukhara and dinner at local restaurant/ guest house. Overnight. (B, D)

DAY 4. BUKHARA – SAMARKAND

After breakfast drive to Samarkand. On the road visit Raboti Malik and Sardoba in Navoi. No name is as evocative of the Silk Road as Samarkand. For most people it has the mythical resonance of Atlantis, fixed in the Western popular imagination by poets and playwrights of bygone eras, few of whom saw the city in the flesh. From the air your eye locks onto the domes and minarets, and on the ground the sublime, larger-than-life monuments of Timur, the technicolour bazaar and the city’s long, rich history, indeed work some kind of magic. On arrival, check-in at the hotel before enjoying a free afternoon to begin exploring this city which was founded 2,500 years ago. Once called the “Pearl of the Muslim World,” Samarkand rose to great glory as a major trading port from the 2nd to the 16th century.
Visit Afrasiyab Museum. Afrasiab Museum in Samarkand is a museum in Samarkand dedicated to the history of the city. The museum's exhibits illustrate the history of Samarkand’s development from the time of Alexander the Great conquest. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

DAY 5. SAMARKAND

Today your guide will take you on a tour of this remarkable city. Begin with Ulughbek’s Observatory and the superbly decorated necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda ensemble, a remarkable collection of tombs and mausoleums dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. The day’s highlight is famous Registan Square, a vast open square flanked by three richly decorated madrasas. Registan Square - an ensemble of majestic, tilting medrassas - a near overload of majolica, azure mosaics and vast, well-proportioned spaces. Medieval Samarkand's commercial centre and probably a wall-to-wall bazaar, it is nowadays, the centre piece of the city and one of the most awesome single sights in Central Asia. The three grand edifices (the Sherdor, the Ulughbek and the Tilla Sheikh madrassas) are among the world's oldest preserved ones. Continue to the enormous congregational Bibi Khanum Mosque, one of the largest and most lavish ever built, and the 15th century Gur Emir Mausoleum. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

DAY 6. SAMARKAND-URGUT-SAMARKAND

Breakfast in the hotel 07:00 till 08:00.
Transfer to Urgut town near Samarkand. Urgut is a small town, 40 min drive south of Samarkand. Urgut is really a town of craftsmen. There live hereditary blacksmiths, potters and embroiderers. On Sundays at this bazaar you can buy modern and traditional Urgut embroideries, silver jewelry with carnelians, tapestries and carpets, traditional clothes, handmade silk and cotton textiles, and many other exotic things. There are people and stands full of stuff everywhere. For anyone who enjoys shopping, it is like being a kid in a candy store. Mind boggling is a good word to describe the hustling and bustling over the manz wares. Tricky to inspect all of the items while maneuvering through the thick crowd of people. Pay attention to where you are going as it is a very large bazaar. Don't be afraid to ask where to find things as the Uzbeks are very friendly and might even walk you to a specific area. Shopping for antiques and authentic souvenirs is a real treat. Once you find the section you desire the local sellers will find you. Within seconds you will  be completely surrounded by people holding up their handicrafts for you to examine. At first it can be a bit overwhelming, but once you realize what ishappening it  becomes immensely enjoyable. If anyone likes being catered to, like in the shopping scene from Pretty Women, this is your scene. The sellers will ask you what you want: old, new, small, large, what kind of colors, hand made or machine made etc., and then go get it for you. You don't have to move a muscle except your jaw to describe your   desires and to bargain for prices. The selection is abundant and the prices are cheap, so enjoy. The bazaar hosts a variety of things from food items, personal items, and clothes that most bazaars carry, to the antique on new suzanis, pillowcases, traditional atlas fabric and Kelin (new bride) outfits. You can get worry beads, men's traditional hats called Dopas and a wide range of other items.
After the lunch transfer back to Samarkand.
Free time for sightseeing and shopping in Siyab Bazaar.This bazaar has been swarming with people for five centuries since then; it is one of the oldest Central Asian bazaars. The bazaar's active life starts early in the morning and ends when it gets dark. The unique atmosphere of the oriental bazaar is created by inviting shouts of the salespeople, automobile honks, sounds of national music, smells of spices and roasted meat, fruit and vegetables of all colors… Here you can taste salty apricot stones baked in ashes, buy the famous round Samarkand bread – puffy, with golden crust. In the families of Samarkand bakers the art of making this unique bread has been passed down from generation to generation. Many tourists buy this bread as a souvenir: it remains beautiful and delicious for a long time. If somebody in his trip crosses Samarkand, he definitely buys this flat bread. They are very tasty and nourishing. Samarkand flat bread is the most exclusive flat bread in the world.
Dinner in the Uzbek Local Restaurant. Overnight in the hotel. (B, D)

DAY 7. SAMARKAND – TASHKENT

After sumptuous breakfast check out from the hotel drive to Tashkent (appr. 4-4.5hrs drive). On the way to Tashkent you will be able to visit the interesting places such as: “Amir Temur Gate” and big “Honey Market” in Jizzakh. Arrival in Tashkent in the afternoon. Check-in in the hotel. After some free time exploring modern sights of the city such as Parliament Building, Alisher Navai Park, TV Tower (from outside), People’s Friendship Square, Romanov’s Castle & Tashkent Broadway. Dinner at city restaurant. (B, D)

DAY 8. TASHKENT-KOKAND-FERGANA

Breakfast in the hotel at 07:00-08:00.
Then Transfer to Kokand - “the city of winds”. Kokand city, located in the western part of the Fergana Valley, is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan. The town was important trade center on the Silk Road and in the 13th century, like most Central Asian cities, was destroyed by the Mongols. Khudoyar-Khan Palace - a pearl of Kokand, Palace Khudoyar Khan, surrounded by a carved stone wall, consisted of seven small courtyards and 119 rooms. The total area of the palace was 4 acres, his foundation raised by three meters. Above the main gate was inscribed the Arabic inscription: "Great Seyed Mohammad Khudoyar Khan". 16 thousand people, 80 masters, worked on its construction and 1000 carts were used for it.
Mausoleum Madari Khan: in memory of the poetess. This religious complex was built in 1825 for maternal Kokand Umarkhan. He also connected with the name of the poet Nadira - spouses Umarkhan. The fate of Nadira - wife of the ruler and the poet Umarkhan - was tragic: she was executed on the orders of the Emir of Bukhara - Nasrallah. In memory of the poetesse close to the mausoleum there was built a monument of white marble and bronze.
The Jami Mosque is the true decoration of Kokand's Chorsu square. Citizens cannot imagine their city without this magnificent mosque. It seemes that it was always on that site. And indeed, in historical chronicles of IX-XII centuries, there are mentions of the mosque in Kokand, which stood in the same place on the square Chorsu. But during the Mongol invasions the Jami Mosque, as well as the entire city, was destroyed.
Norbutabiy Madrassah - A shining example of excellence Kokand architects and craftsmen, artisans is madrassah Norbuta-Biy. Built in the late XVIII century on Chorsu square, it was the largest religious center of the city. And in the nineteenth century, the largest center of expertise in Kokand.
After the lunch drive to Fergana and accommodation in the hotel.
The city of Fergana, in the south of the Fergana Valley is one of the youngest cities in Uzbekistan. It was founded in 1876, after Kokand Khanate had been included in the Russian Empire. A new town, named as New Margilan was built at a distance of 12 kilometers from Margilan, and became the center of the Fergana region. In Fergana, there is no ancient architecture and historical monuments, but nevertheless the city is very picturesque and has its own unique look. The main decoration of the city is venerable trees: plane trees, poplars, oaks ... They have turned Ferghana in to the garden city.
Afternoon half day sightseeing in Fergana:
Visit Park named after Al-Ferghaniy and Regional Theatre located inside the court of General M. Skobelev’s residence.
Dinner in the Uzbek Local Restaurant.
Overnight in the hotel. (B, D)

DAY 9. FERGANA-MARGILAN-RISHTAN-TASHKENT

Breakfast in the hotel at 07:00-08:00.
Drive to Margilan (12km from Fergana).
Located in the south of the Fergana Valley, Margilan lies in a picturesque place that formerly was right at the crossroads of trade caravans from China to the West and vice versa. The origin of Margilan is closely related to the opening of the Silk Road. Even though the birth of city is not regarded to this ancient caravan route, then certainly the Silk Road made Margilan the center of silk and chief keeper of its secrets. As far back as in the 10th century Margilan - the largest city in the Ferghana Valley - was widely known for its silk products on far West and East. Since time immemorial, it is famous for great masters - craftsmen of silk fabrics such as adras khan-atlas, and many others. Beautiful silk, manufactured in the city and its surroundings, was exported to Europe and the East along the ancient Great Silk Road routes into Baghdad, Kashgar, Khurasan, Egypt and Greece. Even today Margilan considers as the silk capital of Uzbekistan. It produces the famous khan-atlas, woven and dyed by hand under the ancient technology. Amazing in beauty and originality Margilan embroidery - Suzanne and skullcaps say about the variety of beautiful Margilan atlas.
The day will be spending on excursing city Margilan:
"Yodgorlik" Silk weaving factory which is known for its goods made of silk. And Bazaar which is famous for its eastern fruits, especially grenades and apricots. It is the only factory which preserved a manual method of silk production and this is “Yodgorlik” Margilan Factory. The factory was established in 1972. Today the factory’s staff numbers about 450 people, the majority of them is women. Every month the factory produces up to 6,000 m of fabric including natural silk and half-silk fabric. The Uzbek silk bears justly a name of khan-atlas – “king silk”, which depending on the manufacturing method is divided into several kinds. The visitors of the factory will be able to watch with their own eyes the whole silk manufacturing process and also buy various silk fabrics and half-silk fabrics.
Chakar mosque was built on the site of an old, dilapidated buildings of the cult. Only summer part has been preserved from the building, representing closed on three sides aivan with columns.
The Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah was built at the end of the XIX century. This is one of the “youngest” Margilan monuments, aged a little more than 200 years. The madrasah boasts harmony of the composition, proportionality of the elements and rational design of the building.
After the lunch transfer to Rishtan.
At 50 km west of Fergana, there is a village of Rishtan, whose residents are known for their pottery. From historical sources we know that even 800 years ago talented craftsmen produced pottery in Rishtan. Rishtan pottery differs with richness of decor, which is dominated by blue. They decorate exposure of many museums in the world and private collections.
Visit to Master Pottery House in Rishtan. Then transfer to Tashkent by road via Mountains. Arrival in Tashkent and accommodation in the hotel.
Dinner in the Uzbek Local Restaurant.
Overnight in the hotel. (B, D)

DAY 10. TASHKENT –CHIMGAN MOUNTAINS – TASHKENT
Super bonus excursieday + 1 NIGHT

Take a drive to Chimgan Mountains (120 km, 1.5 hours). Upon arrival to Chimgan Mountains, enjoy a chair cable car lift to reach the mountain top where you will have an opportunity to take good photos. Continue to take the chair cable car and make your way down. Take a drive to Pyramids Hotel located on the shores of Charvak Lake. Later, proceed to have lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. Free time to explore the outdoor activities (at your own cost) - swimming pool, beach activities (from June-Oct), catamarans, quadra cycles, bowling & paintball shooting (as per availability). Take a drive back to Tashkent. Freshen up at the hotel. Proceed to have dinner at the city restaurant. Transfer to the hotel and overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 11.TASHKENT – HOME

Your tour concludes with a private transfer to the Airport in the early morning. (B)

«3P-Travel» WISH YOU A HAPPY JOURNEY IN UZBEKISTAN!

Uzbekistan travel guide

Ambassade Moskou     Ulitsa Malaya Moltchanovka, 7,  121069 Moskou, Rusland
Ambassadeur Alex Van Meeuwen
+7 495 780 03 31
+7 495 780 03 32
+7 495 763 55 42
Moscow@diplobel.fed.be
http://www.diplomatie.be/moscownl (Nederlands)
http://www.diplomatie.be/moscowfr (Français)
http://www.diplomatie.be/moscowru (Russisch)

www.diplomatie.be

________________________________________

Ereconsulaat Tashkent

C2, Build. 3 App. 74, Kh Samatavoy Street
100000 Tashkent
Oezbekistan
Ereconsul Hugo Minderhoud
+998 71 150 85 95
+998 71 252 24 02
+998 33 870 210
consubel.uz@gmail.com

Uzbekistan Visa

All travelers, even those simply transiting Uzbekistan for less than 72 hours, must obtain an Uzbek visa before traveling to Uzbekistan. If you plan an overnight stay or have a long layover, you will need a visa to exit the transit lounge of the airport. It is only necessary for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, the Russian Federation and Ukraine to carry a passport (visa is not required). There is a simplified visa procedure for the citizens of Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States. To obtain a Tourist Visa, all other foreign nationals need visa support from one of the Travel Companies authorized by the National Tourism Company "Uzbektourism". Visa support application is submitted by the Travel Agency to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. The approval period is about 7-10 working days. The approved visa support is faxed directly to the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the country where the traveler is receiving the visa.Visa can be obtained in the Consular Missions of the Republic of Uzbekistan abroad. In the Tashkent Airport visas can only be issued to those persons who are arriving from the countries where the Republic of Uzbekistan does not have permanent diplomatic or consular missions.
The Republic of Uzbekistan has missions in following countries: Afghanistan, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium (Luxemburg), Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the USA, and Vietnam; and consular departments in following cities: Athens (Greece), Bangkok (Thailand), Dubai (UAE), Frankfurt-am-Main (Germany), Istanbul (Turkey), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Mazar-e-Sharif (Afghanistan), New-York (USA).
Visitors coming from countries where Uzbekistan does not have diplomatic or consular representation should obtain visas in a third country or in Tashkent International Airport.
Our company has a license (#378-03) from the National Tourism Agency "Uzbektourism", which authorizes us to provide travelers with Uzbek visa support if required, provided you purchase one of our tour packages.

Uzbekistan Weather

Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate. It is generally warmer in the south and colder in the north. The average temperatures in December are -8°C (18°F) in the north and 0°C (32 °F) in the south. However, extreme fluctuations are measured as low as -35°C (-31°F). During the summer temperatures can reach 35-40°C. Humidity is low. The Spring (April to June) and the Fall (September through October) are in general the most pleasant times to travel. In the Fall is a harvest time, and the markets are full of fresh fruit. If you're interested in trekking, then summer (July and August) is the best time, because summers are almost dry. In recent years Uzbekistan was notably affected by the global warming and dry-out of the Aral Sea, which turned from snowy cold winters to mild with less precipitation by allowing to travel in the wintertime.

Location Of Uzbekistan

The Republic of Uzbekistan is situated in the central part of Central Asia between two rivers: the Amudarya and Syrdarya. The Turan Lowland lies to the northwest, and the Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ridges are located in the southeast of the territory. The Kyzyl-Kum Desert defines the Northern part of the country. Uzbekistan borders Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

Tourist Seasons

Because of the peculiarity of climate, first half of tourist season falls on spring months: March, April, May, and the second half is in August, September and October. Also there is tourist activity in winter months for the lovers of mountains and winter ports (ski, snowboard).

Public Holidays

• January 1 - New Year
• March 8 - International Women's Day
• March 21 - Navruz (Central Asian New Year)
• May 1 - Labor Day
• May 9 - Memorial/Remembrance Day
• September 1 - Independence Day
• October 1 - Teacher's Day
• December 8 - Constitution Day.

There are other religious holidays with varying dates

• Ramadan Khait
• Kurban Khait

Uzbekistan Currency

All payments must be made in "Sum", the national currency of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Currency exchange offices are available in every city of Uzbekistan. All foreign currencies may be converted in main offices of banks. Preferred currencies - US dollars and Euros.

Clothing

Very light and loose clothing (preferably cotton or natural fibers) is recommended for daytime use, with a light jumper and/or casual jacket for the cooler evenings. Because of the large amount of sightseeing on foot in dry, dusty and sometimes rough areas (i.e. dirt, cobblestones, etc.), comfortable, solid walking shoes with strong soles and support are essential. You may be required to remove your shoes upon entry to some religious sites. There are no special clothing requirements for visiting Islamic religious sites, except that you should take care to cover most parts of your body including your arms and legs. Above all travelers are encouraged to dress for comfort rather than fashion. Valuable jewelry and any clothing requiring special attention should be left at home. Due to the very high danger of sunburn, your clothing should offer as much protection as possible. A hat with good shade protection and sunglasses are essential. In some areas the average visitor may appear extremely wealthy to local people. A lavish display of jewelry, bulging handbags and wallets, and a neck full of cameras will make you stand out in a crowd. Be discreet and respectful of the local culture and traditions and carry a minimum of valuables.

Luggage

A shoulder bag with a strong strap or a small rucksack is the most practical way of carrying cameras and personal belongings during your stay. Your entire luggage should be secured with a padlock. Always make sure that all cases and bags are clearly labeled. The label should carry your name and destination details but not your home address. It is a good idea to label your luggage on the inside. This will enable airport authorities to identify your luggage should it become lost, or the labels removed. Never leave your luggage unattended at airports or train stations. Your free airline luggage allowance is 20 kg per person, plus one additional piece of 'carry-on' hand luggage on domestic flights within Central Asia, except to Turkmenistan, where the maximum baggage allowance is 10 kg. Because you will be traveling in some areas where travel conditions are rather basic, travelers are strongly urged to restrict their luggage to one main suitcase or backpack and one carry-on overnight bag. As recommended under CURRENCY and SECURITY, an important part of your luggage will also be your money wallet for safely carrying your travel documents.

Health

You will be traveling in areas which are largely free of major infectious diseases, so there are no official vaccination requirements for foreign visitors. However, we strongly advise you to consult your physician or Vaccination Centre for current health warnings and recommended vaccinations. As it is practically inevitable in areas where water is high in mineral and metallic salts (as is the case with Central Asia) one should be prepared for minor gastric conditions. Consult your physician or pharmacist for recommended remedies. Throughout the areas you will be traveling, one of the main health warnings is dehydration. At all times maintain a steady intake of non-alcoholic liquids. Sunburn is another major problem. Bring adequate suntan lotion and a wide brimmed hat. If desired, you may also bring a supply of vitamins, throat lozenges, throat gargle to prevent basic infections, cold/flu tablets, aspirins, Band-Aids, antiseptics and antibacterial cream. Please advise us if you have any allergies or particular medical aliments which may require special attention during the trip, and if your doctor has prescribed any medication, make sure that you have sufficient supplies to last the duration of your holiday. Important: Please, ensure that you carry in your hand luggage any medicine you may require in case your suitcase is separated from you.

Security

Individual safety boxes are not always available in Uzbekistan hotels. An essential part of your luggage is a comfortable money wallet, which may be worn under your clothing. At all times you should carry your main documents (i.e. currency, traveler's checks, air tickets, passports, visas etc.) While it is highly unlikely you will encounter any physical danger, minor thefts in crowded pubic places may occur and every precaution should be taken to avoid losing anything of value. In accordance with local laws, you will be required to hand in your passport to the hotel reception on arrival to allow registration of your passport details by the hotel. Your passport will normally be available again after a few hours. Do not forget to collect it before departure.

Photography In Uzbekistan

No obstacles are presented to visitors who wish to photograph places of historical interest. Photography inside some religious monuments and in airports, railway stations or near military installations may not be allowed. If in doubt ask your local guide. Please also note that there is a fee for photography in most sightseeing places (not included in your tour price). Film and batteries are available in major cities, but we recommend you purchase your supply before arrival, particularly if you have the latest model or a sophisticated type of camera that requires a specific type of film and/or batteries.

Drinks

Local mineral water contains a higher level of minerals than western spring or bottled water and the taste can be rather "salty" (these mineral waters are considered healthier than European spring or mineral waters). Imported spirits and wines are available, however in some places the provenance of some spirits and wines is questionable and the prices inflated. Accordingly, you are advised to purchase your favorite alcohol duty free prior to arrival.

Incidentals

You will be responsible for covering the cost of your hotel incidentals such as phone calls, room service, mini-bar in your room and laundry. Before departing from all hotels on the tour, please ensure that you have checked with the front desk for any personal charges that the hotel may have made to your room.

Tipping

Travelers may wish to express their appreciation - a reward for extra service - to the porters, waiters, drivers and guides. The degree of appreciation may vary, and our policy is to leave this to your discretion. This is usually given individually in an envelope at the end of the tour/service.