🇺🇿 Uzbekistan – The Heart of the Silk Road
🛬 20 AUG 10 SEP 2023 🛫
Uzbekistan? Where is that?!
That’s exactly what my mom said when I told her I had landed there.
“Why would you go to Pakistan?” she asked.
I had to laugh — it’s not Pakistan, Mom. It’s Uzbekistan. A different country, with a rich and deep-rooted history.
Located right in the center of Asia, Uzbekistan is one of those places you don’t hear much about… until you go. And once you do, you never forget it.
🕌 A Land of Scholars & Silk
Uzbekistan is the birthplace of Imam al-Bukhari, one of the greatest scholars in Islamic history. But beyond that, it played a massive role in shaping the Islamic world and global trade through the Silk Road
—the ancient route where goods, ideas, and cultures flowed between China, the Middle East, and Europe.
✈️ Arrival in Samarkand
I flew into Samarkand with a cheap ticket from Emirates. The airport was a time capsule—no internet, no chaos, just calm. I met a local family who had come to pick up their brother, and they kindly offered me a lift to my guesthouse. That small gesture set the tone for the entire trip—warm hospitality and genuine people.
💰 Feeling Like a Millionaire
Uzbek currency is… unique. It has a lot of zeros. I remember the first time I withdrew money—I felt like I had hit the jackpot. It was a strange but fun feeling seeing millions in your hand even though it was just the equivalent of a few dollars.
🌏 Meeting Travelers of the World
I spent 4 days in Samarkand, soaking in its stunning mosques, blue-tiled domes, and ancient vibes. There, I met travelers from all over the world—including a Chinese cyclist who had been biking for 14 years straight across continents. He had done them all, except for Oceania. His journey was one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever heard.
🚆 The Train to Bukhara
Next stop: Bukhara. I traveled there with Jose, a Spanish traveler I met along the way. We booked a train ticket together and watched the desert landscapes roll by as we shared stories from our journeys.
🍽️ The Food – Wow.
Let’s talk about the food.
I’m not even a huge meat eater, but Uzbek cuisine somehow changed that. It’s like Turkish food, but even better. Rich flavors, hearty dishes, and a special way of cooking beef and lamb that makes it melt in your mouth.
🕰️ 40 Days of Discovery
In total, I spent around 40 days in Uzbekistan—and I still feel like it wasn’t enough. The cities, the people, the history, the food… everything surprised me in the best way.
✨ Final Thoughts
Uzbekistan is one of those underrated gems. A country many skip on the map, but those who go? They know. Whether you’re into history, culture, food, or simply off-the-beaten-path experiences—this place delivers. 🇺🇿 Thanks for the memories, Uzbekistan. I’ll definitely be back.
