And if you let yourself be tempted by a trip to Uzbekistan ? Your friends will probably say, Oh yeah, where exactly is it again? It is the most populous country in Central Asia, with its metropolis, Tashkent, a population of more than 2.5 million. You may get a Oh, yeah? . Unknown country that deserves to be visited in more than one way, your stay in Uzbekistan will keep all his promises. This land of a thousand flavours is waiting for you.
Located in a large desert plain (2/3 of the country is covered by Kyzyl Kum or Kyzylkoum : red sand), Uzbekistan has an area close to that of Spain. Its neighbours are Kazakhstan to the north and west, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan to the south, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to the east. It is bordered to the North (West-North-West to be exact) by the Aral Sea. Land of oases, deserts and mountains, the Gora Manas peaks at 4488 meters. Uzbek is the main language spoken, but Russian and Persian are also spoken. Central Asia is beginning to enter the destinations of tour operators, you will be among the first privileged to be able to say Uzbekistan? Of course we know it! . Sure you won't meet anyone you know there! Be among the pioneers and transmit what you have felt in front of the immensity of the rocky plateaus and dunes of Kyzyl kum. Tell how silk was exchanged for horses in the magnificent Fergana valley, as men diverted two rivers to satisfy the demands of cotton cultivation (thus endangering the Aral Sea...) We advise you mid-seasons to visit the country, from April to June and from September to October. Indeed, with its continental climate, the temperatures of the country can be icy in winter (Siberian wind), and hot summers where the 5O° are sometimes reached in the South. Around the spring equinox (21 March) takes place the Navruz (new day), it is time to enjoy folk festivals and events. Until April and October the precipitations can be important, especially on the reliefs. If you come for hikes, then July and August, with the coolness of the mountains, may suit. Since 1991, the country gained independence and became the Republic of Uzbekistan. There are remains of ancient religions that are still very much alive for certain minorities, such as Mazdeism (Indo-European polytheistic religion), Zoroastrianism (monotheistic), or shamanism (especially among the remaining nomads). The main Muslim (Sunni) religion, Islamic architecture is fully expressed through mosques, minarets, medersas (Koranic schools), mosaics, etc.. Go for example to admire this art in the cities of Bukhara (tombs, minarets etc.) or Khiva (great mosque, medersas). If you prefer nature to old stones, you may see the Saiga antelope or the snow leopard! After Russia, Uzbekistan is the most visited country in Asia. Subjected to successive invasions (Greek, Persian, Arabic, Mongolian and Russian...) for millennia, the country is impregnated with various influences, which has given birth to a rich and varied culture. If architecture is a jewel, nature is not left out. Hiking, climbing, skiing, paragliding, rafting and canyoning can also be practised here. However, hire professionals to organize this type of activity, as local authorities closely monitor tourists. For the more adventurous, learn traditional sports, kurash and oulak, you are not told more... On the Silk Road and between the rivers of Syr-Daria and Amou-Daria, discover the citadels of the desert, stroll at the foot of Pamir, venture near the desert of Kyzyl Kum, and do not miss the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva!

Art and culture in Uzbekistan
The craftsmanship is appreciated in detail and finishes. Take the time to admire the fine embroideries of clothing, the arabesques of jewellery whose goldsmiths are artists, ceramics or carved wood, batiks and silk carpets, ironwork and musical instruments, or painted miniatures. It's all about precision! Traditional dances are also to be discovered. Heritage of the three kingdoms Khorezm, Bukhara and Ferghana, the dances of Khozerm are the most animated. Ferghana's more classic. Drums and guitars accompany the whole. Finally, singing and poetry are not left out.

What to visit in Uzbekistan
Samarkand is recommended, with the Registan (set of medersas), the monumental mosque (in ruins) Bibi Khanoum, and the necropolis shah-i-zinda (one finds various spellings) where would be, among other tombs, that of a cousin of Mohammed.