The majority of Uzbekistan’s population are made up of ethnic Uzbeks which are considered to be a Turkic group, however, there are significant minorities of Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Karakalpaks and Tartars. The majority of the population is Muslim. But there are Orthodox Christians and Buddhists, Jews, and Jews who live within the country. As with Central Asians, Uzbeks are famously welcoming. It is common to greet people and ask them questions about their family as well as their health and personal lives.
Uzbekistan tours are a great time to taste the local cooking and take some of the tips you learned back with you. A typical meal may comprise of dishes like palov that is rice mixed with onions, carrot and meat. Or mutton that is cooked in a tandir oven. Uzbeks are also able to enjoy manti dumplings and various types of Kebabs. Have a taste of Uzbek cuisine with some traditional black or green tea, or some drinking yogurt known as Ayran. While Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, it’s also a secular, meaning you can taste local wines produced in the region.
Uzbekistan is part of the Central Asian group between Asia and Middle East. Its neighbours are Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan is a coastal country along the Aral Sea as well as the massive, yet relatively shallow lake Sarygamysh. A majority of the country is covered by the Kyzyl Kum, also known as the ‘red sand’ desert. There is only a small amount of fertile soil within the Fergana Valley. The Tian Shan Range is located in the southern part of Uzbekistan’s mountains.
Uzbekistan’s bazaars are shoppers’ paradise. Here, haggling is not an everyday thing and a fun laugh. The Tashkent markets, especially the Chorsu Bazaar, are great to find bargains. There are Soviet memorabilia like stamps, portraits of Lenin or Lenin, military uniforms, and caps. Other souvenirs from the region include light and intricately patterned pottery vivid clothing and rugs as well as jewellery made from traditional silver. With its endless rows of fresh produce, smiling locals, and a beautiful bazaars at Bukhara, it is one of the places that is most photographed.
More information about Kyrgyzstan Tours view our internet page.