Uzbekistan Things to Do Tips by Bonobo2005

I found Samarkand in general not an extremely attractive place, but spending here a day or 2 to check out some of the most stunning Islamic architecture in the world and to observe old and modern Uzbek citylife is certainly a must!

The measures, details and construction of the famous Medressas of the Registan are probably most impressive.
During my stay a concert with traditional music from a dozen countries was held here. A crowd of thousands that -given the noisy chatter- didn't especially appreciated 2 Tibetans chanting for half an hour ;-).

The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is also worth a visit, although much of it is in ruins. The key keeper offered us a climb to the top of the roofless minaret for $1 each. I could understand why it was officially locked for tourists -it looked like it could collapse anytime-, but we agreed and were rewarded with great views over town!

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While I found Samarkand just another typically bustling city -with attractions spread out over town-, and Khiva almost felt like a open air museum, in my opinion Bukhara was the perfect mix!

Wandering through the old town is like going back a 1000 years, like entering a fairy tale. Hanging around the awesome minaret and the huge Kalon Mosque, watching the kids taking busloads of tourists by surprise with their useless souvenirs, is a wonderful timepassing.
And these kids were even friendly enough to bring me to a wedding celebration at night!

And then, at sunset, climbing the 46m minaret to get a stunning view over town, followed by an excursion to the Mosque, with it's extraordinary roof consisting of almost 300 little domes, made the day perfect.

The Ark is spectacular from the outside, but a bit I thought bit boring inside. The ticket sales gave the best rates in town for my $$.

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This is one of the oldest structures in Bukhara (900CE) and I think also one of the most awe inspiring monuments in town.

It's located in Samani Park, at the west side of town, not far from the Ark. A fine walk, especially if you need a bit of shade!

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At the mausoleum artists were at work and selling their products.

Some of them made a kind of drawings using tealeaves. I liked the quality of the works and bought one showing the Mausoleum in ancient days. It gave me more feel for the site.
I paid around $5 for it.

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Ancient Khiva is a split town in the desert: the walled city museum in the heart and the normal local life surrounding it.

Although from a architectural point of view the old city is superbly preserved and restored, it lacks the everyday-life-ambiance like in Bukhara. Still Khiva is a fascinating little town to wander around for a day or 2.

I enjoyed the Ark most. Besides it's great tilework, you can also walk up to a kind of pavilion with great views over Khiva and as far as the surrounding desert.

Another nice activity was a hike on the Ancient Walls. You can almost do the whole circuit, but have to go down before the gates.

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