Uzbekistan – General Information

Formal name	The Republic of Uzbekistan
Geographic coordinates	41 00 N, 64 00 E
Area	total: 447.400 km² land: 425.400 km², water: 22,000 km²
Land boundaries	total: 6.221 km, border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2.203 km, Kyrgyzstan 1.099 km, Tajikistan 1.161 km, Turkmenistan 1.621 km
Population	24 million
Density of population	50.1 per one km²
Capital	Tashkent
Language	Uzbekistan is multination country. Uzbek is the state language, Russian is the language of international communication
Structure	Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, 12 regions, 226 cities and districts.
Religion	Islam
Time	GMT + 05:00
Electric power	220 V AC, 50 amp; standard two-pin plug socket
Domain zone	.uz

Best time to travel

Travel is the most pleasant from the brief spring that dusts the desert with floral colour until early June and from September to early November, when tree-lined streets shine in autumnal glory.

Climate

The climate of Uzbekistan is extremely continental. In January the average monthly temperature varies from 10 to +3 °C. In July the average monthly temperature varies from +35 to +45 °C. Autumn is the season of delicious fruits and vegetables that are available in abundance in numerous bazaars (markets). Average annual temperature is 13 °C.

Clothing

It is recommended to put on very light and loose clothing (cotton or natural fibers is preferable) for daytime use, with a light jumper and/or casual jacket for the cooler evenings. It is essential to wear comfortable, solid walking shoes with strong soles and support as a large amount of sightseeing is situated in dry, dusty and sometimes rough areas (i.e. dirt, cobblestones, etc.). On entry to some religious sites you may be required to put your shoes off. 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 arms and legs.

All travelers are encouraged to dress for comfort rather than fashion. Jewelers and any clothing attract special attention should be left at home.

Your clothing should offer as much protection as possible because it is a probability to get sunburn.

A hat with good shade protection and sunglasses are essential.

In some areas the average visitor can seem to local people extremely wealthy. 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, respectful of local culture and traditions and carry the minimum of valuables.

Cuisine

It is better not to describe the Uzbek cuisine it is better to taste it. There are over thousand delicious dishes in Uzbek cuisine. There are only over 500 varieties of Uzbek plov cooked in its own way in every region of the republic. Fruits and vegetables grown under the tender oriental sun are terrific in taste. Calorie content and ecological cleanness of local ingredients is unique.

Drinks

Local mineral water contains a higher level of minerals than western spring or bottled water. Its taste can be rather "salty". These mineral waters are considered healthier than European spring or mineral waters.

Imported spirits and wines are available. However the provenance of some spirits and wines is questionable in some places. So you are recommended to purchase you favorite alcohol duty free prior to arrival.

Electricity

As with the other Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan runs on 220 volt, 50 A with round 2 pin continental plugs.

Health

Traveling will take place in areas, which are largely free of major infection diseases. There are no official vaccination requirements for foreign visitors. We strongly recommend to our visitors to consult your physician of the Vaccination Center for current health warnings and recommended vaccination.

Travelers should be prepared for minor gastric complaints because it is practically inevitable in the areas where water is high mineral and has metallic salts (as in the case with Central Asia). Consult your physician or pharmacist for recommended remedies.

Dehydration is one of the main health warnings in the areas you will be traveling. All times maintain your steady intake of non-alcoholic liquids.

Another health warning problem is sunburn. Bring adequate suntan lotion and a wide brimmed hat.

You can also take with you a supply of vitamins, throat lozenges, and a 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. If your physician has prescribed any medication, make sure that you have sufficient supplies enough for the whole duration of your holiday.

Important: Please, take sure that you carry in your hand luggage any medicine you may require if your suitcase is separated from you.

Holidays

Day	Holiday
January 1	New Year
March 8	Women's Day
March 21	Navruz (Islamic New Year)
May 9	Memorial Day
September 1	Independence Day
October 1	Teachers Day
December 8	Constitution Day

Please, consider traditional islamic holidays, such as Eir Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Ramadan and Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Incidentals

You are responsible for covering the cost of your hotel incidentals (phone calls, room service, mini-bar in your room and laundry). Please ensure that you have checked with the front desk for any personal charges that the hotel may have made to your room before leaving all the hotels of the tour.

Location

The Republic of Uzbekistan is situated in the central part of Central Asia. The Republic has state borders with Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tadjikistan, and Afghanistan in the South. The territory of Uzbekistan spreads between two rivers: Amudarya and Syrdarya. There are Turan Lowland in the northwest, and Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ridges in the southeast of the territory. Kyzyl-Kum Desert is in the North.

Luggage

During your staying in Uzbekistan a shoulder bag with a strong strap or a small rucksack is the most practical way of carrying cameras and personal belongings. A padlock should secure your entire luggage. Be sure that all cases and bags are clearly labeled. The label should carry your name and destination details but not your address of the outbound journey. It is a good idea to label your luggage inside. This will enable airport authorities to identify your luggage if it is lost or the labels are taken away. Never leave your luggage without any attention at airport or train stations.

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 Turkmenistan. In Turkmenistan the maximum baggage allowance is 10 kg. As tourists will be traveling in some areas where travel conditions are rather basic, travelers are strongly recommended 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 the safe carrying of your travel documents.

Money and Currency

Uzbekistan's monetary unit - soum. US dollars and other hard currencies may be exchanged for soum in any branch of the National Bank of Uzbekistan as well as traveller's cheques and credit cards. At the same time paying by credit cards is becoming widely spread in the big stores, hotels etc.

Photography

It is no difficult to put in the way of visitors wishing to photograph places of historic interest. To make photographs inside some religious monuments and airports, railway stations or near military installation can be not allowed. If any doubt appear ask your local guide. Please also note there is a fee for photography in most sightseeing places. These fees are not included in your tour price.

Films and batteries are available in major cities. If you have the latest modification or a sophisticated type of camera that requires a specific film and/or batteries, you are recommended to purchase your supply before arrival.

Security

Individual safety boxes are not always available in the hotels of Uzbekistan. An essential part of your luggage can become a comfortable money wallet worn under your clothing. All times you should carry your main documents (i.e. currency, travelers checks, air tickets, passports, visas etc.). Minor thefts in crowded pubic places may occur and every precaution should be taken to avoid loosing anything of value.

According to the local laws, you will be required to hand in your passport to the hotel reception on arrival to allow receptionists to register your passport details. Your passport will normally be available again after a few hours. Do not forget to take it back before departure.

Shopping

Visitors of Uzbekistan will be pleasantly surprised by the interesting jewelers, clothing and local handicrafts. The other popular souvenirs are books, postcards and maps. There are restrictions on exporting hand-made carpets from the republic. So before acquiring one ask your local guide about detailed up-to-date information on this matter.

Sports

There are a lot of stadiums, sports, complexes, pools, sports clubs in the republic as well as private fitness clubs satisfying a great demand for physical exercise. Uzbekistan has brought up a number of Olympic champions in kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, chess, who brought home medals from Atlanta, Sydney, and Lillehammer.

Dilshod Aripov is a world champion in wrestling. Mahamadkodir Abdullaev, Sergey Mikhailov, Rustam Saidov, Ruslan Chagaev, Artur Grigoryan are Olympic and World champions in boxing. Iroda Tuliaganova is a WTA tennis champion. Oksana Chusovitina is a world champion in gymnastics.

The President's Cup, the international tennis tournament, involves WTC star players. Tashkent golf club, the only 18-hole venue in Central Asia, complete with guest rooms, will host international tournaments

Tourism

You can find in Uzbekistan over 4000 historical architectural monuments and sites, around 500 travel companies and organizations with partners in 24 countries worldwide, 5- and 4-star of International chains, private hotels of all categories, 68 museums, arts and crafts masters, shops, folk dance and music ensembles, silk and cotton fashion designers and many other interesting things. Travel companies provide certified city guides and private guides through Uzbekistan, culture tourism, eco tourism, specialized tours, nature tourism, resorts. Uzbekistan is a member of the executive council of WTO.

Transport

Uzbekistan Airways provides flights to over 20 worldwide destinations. International airports are in Tashkent, Samarkand, Urgench. Domestic airports are in Bukhara, Qarshi, Termez, Navoi, Zarafshan, Nukus, Fergana, and Namangan. Railway contain 7000 km, bus and minibus service are available, taxi service is represented by private "Nexia" sedan drivers in every city.