On April 24, we embarked on a journey to Uzbekistan in Central Asia from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. This nation was formerly a part of The United Socialist Soviet Republic, or U.S.S.R, until gaining independence in 1991. Our departure time for the five-day trip was 8:50 PM IST, and we landed around 11:30 PM Uzbek time. India and Uzbekistan are thirty minutes apart in daylight. Contacting an international travel agency facilitated our travel across the country. Visiting Central Asia had long been an unfulfilled dream.
All the arrangements which the travel agency provided us were satisfactory. The path heading towards our hotel was covered alongside with a variety of fruitful trees that enhanced the pleasure of the ride. Regardless of the early worries, there were no significant issues we faced. I collapsed into bed soon after supper. Having breakfast early next day, we headed for Tashkent at around 11 am in the morning.
I really enjoyed touring Tashkent. The country is home to roughly four million inhabitants, among whom the capital city is to around 2.4 million. Residents as well as tourists both have crowded into the city. The town's museum exhibits various historic and modern collections. Visitors consider themselves safe in this city. We visited the residence of Rajkumar Duke with the guidance of our local guide. The temperature was freezing outside.
The city was extremely cold due to the glaciers. The town appeared clean. Everyone conformed to the traffic rules, and the pace of traffic remained modest. The paths have good upkeep. The police intercepted people who violate the law or are unaware of the rules.
When we arrived in Uzbekistan, everyone we met offered us a warm welcome. Uzbek is the language spoken largely. However, while interacting to foreign visitors, English is used by locals at markets and in general.
Meat is a predominant food and vegetarians are rare among Uzbek. Fruits are reasonably priced and of superior quality. There is an abundance of strawberries, bananas, pomegranates, and apples. These fruits are exported to a number of countries. About 95 percent of people are involved in agriculture. They live a highly contemporary lifestyle despite being farmers.
Even though Muslims represent the majority of the population, most of them are not subject to any religious restrictions. People follow religious precepts while also pursue modern lifestyles. They embraced modern societal structures.
The city is rendered even more gorgeous by the lovely flowers that adorn every nook of the streets. Sanitation facilities are located in specific places. The roads are kept up properly. I saw no beggars in the city of Tashkent.
Uzbekistani Som is the currency of Uzbekistan. A US dollar is about 12,700 Uzbekistani Som and an Indian rupee equals approximately 152 Som. The majority of the population is well educated. Around 98 percent of people older than 15 are literate.
On this trip, friends such as Piyush Agarwal, Indresh Kumar Agarwala, Rajesh Kumar Paharia, Debojit Goswami, Satish Dhakniya, and Himanshu Bhunya accompanied me. We got to know about the arrivals ofNoveer and Baljit Theater, Tascent TV Tower, and Purana city's Imam Chalo.
Uzbekistan is known for its mosques, mausoleums and other sites linked to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Samarkand, a major city on the route, contains a landmark of Islamic architecture: the Registan, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, mosaic-covered religious schools dating to the 15th and 17th centuries.
The 350 kilometers to Samarkand, we traveled by a bullet train. The trip there took around one and a half hour.We spent for some time there before heading back to Tashkent. We arrived at the Chimgan Mountains on the fourth day. It was fairly cold there and roughly 80 kilometers away from the main city. It was thrilling to see the snow-capped Alps. People can ride on snow-bikes. We ascended to the summit of the mountains, where we got treated by an amazing vista. Visitors can enjoy skiing too.
The market I visited had a really pleasant atmosphere. It is abuzz with activity. It's the liveliest market scene I've ever seen. Individuals in this place seem to be engaging more than simply doing business. The strategies used for preserving the ecosystem are noteworthy.A tidy and lively atmosphere may be found at every corner. It goes beyond simply maintaining order and vibrancy in one's immediate environment. On 29 April the last day of our trip, we visited the brand-new Magic Park. It provides a revitalizing experience.
My five-day journey through Uzbekistan was an unparalleled adventure, leaving an indelible mark on my life. From exploring historic cities to immersing in vibrant markets, every moment was a treasure. I wholeheartedly recommend this enriching destination to all seeking a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
(The author is a businessman from Guwahati. All thoughts and views are the author’s own.)