Uzbekistan

Central Asia:  from the steppes to the Himalayan landscapes.
A land of crossing and exchanges from time immemorial, Central Asia is a true crossroads of civilizations.  Oases, at the heart of the steppes, to the glacial mountains, the lifestyles of the people, adapted to the different tiers of landscapes, have transcended the centuries imprinted by a rich history.
Two opposite cultures since the beginning of time which promise us an unforgettable exchange:  on the one side, the sedentaries from the Tajiks Mountains or from the Uzbek oases where the marvels of their Samarkand architecture, Bukhara and Khiva, are witness to their grand past. On the other side, nomads of the steppes, the Kyrgyz's, the Kazakhs, pastors and old warriors.  But, always a warm, unforgettable welcome and hospitality.
The immense horizons and high summits of Kazakhstan ; the arid deserts and the grandeur of the silk cities of Uzbekistan; the spectacular mountains, high pastures and transparent lakes of Kyrgyzstan; the isolated valleys, imposing peaks and high altitude passes of Tajikistan, Central Asia offers us an extraordinary diversity of landscapes.  Whether you wish to discover the mysterious past in the footsteps of Timur, the last large conqueror of Central Asia; meet nomads of the steppes; or discover the beautiful mountains, ancient Turkestan of 19th century geographers, invites you on a voyage!

• An in-depth discovery of the Central Asian Mountains: we were the forerunners of the Uzbeks, Tajik, Kyrgyz and Kazakh Mountains in 1991.
• Unique, original trips, access in un-frequented regions.
• Guarantee of reliable logistics with our judiciously seeded partner.

The climates of Central Asia are continental in nature. Since winters are very cold: only the low altitude, semi-desert zones lend themselves to travelers during this period of time.
Uzbekistan can be discovered all year round. However, spring and fall are the most favorable periods: the sky is clear and the luminosity is extraordinary (chilly temperatures in the evening, but nice during the day).  Summer is hot and dry, rather bearable (86-95 °Fahrenheit).

The national currency is the Som (UKS)
Take dollars, preferably, in small increments ($50 maximum). You will be able to exchange them upon arrival at the airport or in the big hotels and banks. Credit cards are not accepted and there are no ATM machines.

As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advisories, while organizing and preparing our different trips.
We recommend that participants consult the security instructions distributed by government authorities and the traveling recommendations made by government officials; available on websites specific for each country.
US citizens, please check with   US Government Travel Advices

Numerous scouting trips to Central Asia have brought us to meet precious partners for each of our destinations, with whom we have created unique bonds.  
Several years ago, we met Isrofil, our Uzbek partner.  Immediately captivated by this person, we launched into this adventure in Uzbekistan in the company of this likeable and imaginative man.
Mountain World Travel, with its French partner Allibert, financed the development of Isrofil's small welcoming agency. Trusty ties were woven between our three entities with our groups being particularly well welcomed.  Very involved in the life of his country, Isrofil, born in Samarkand, has explored all of the mountains around his native city to unearth the most welcoming hosts for our travelers.

Perpetually striving for « responsible tourism » and faced with the villagers' embarrassment of seeing many tourists washing themselves in the river, Mountain World Travel supported an initiative by Isrofil, our local representative, in 2005 to construct showers. To optimize this project, the responsible team proposed to run the showers on solar energy. With a rational sense for local development in Uzbekistan and for the respect of the locals, these showers were installed in Bagdon, Tepakoul, Taragay and Ayoqtchin, four Uzbek villages on the Silk Road and on the pathway of our trip, « Uzbekistan Walking Tour ». Constructed with materials from local markets and installed by Isrofil's team, these showers mainly serve the trekkers and the villagers. Therefore, you will be able to benefit from this initiative along your way.
Advice from Isrofil, our Uzbek partner
If you wish to give, it is preferable and most useful to do so in the scope of a local organization: association, school and clinic. Ask your guide to indicate to you the most appropriate place.

Central Asia is a multi-lingual region.  The official languages are Uzbek, Kazakh, Kyrghyz, Tajik and Turkmen, but Russian is still the language of the government and it's academies.  This is why Russian is the most useful language to know.
Learning some key words will enable you to gain the respect of your interlocutors, and to make for a more pleasant exchange with the Chinese. Therefore do not hesitate to make the effort to use the following expressions:
Hello : zdrastvuyte
How are you? : kak dila
Fine : kharasho
Thank you : spasiba
Please : pashalsta
Cheers : nasdrovie
My name is...: minya zavut
Good bye : da svidaniya
Yes : da - No : niet
You can ask your guide how to pronounce these key words; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language.
And then smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!

Land of passages and exchange, Central Asia presents a large ethnic diversity.  You will have the opportunity to cross a multitude of different faces : Turks, Slavics, Chinese, Mediterreans,etc....
The major religion is Islam.  From roots mainly Sunni Islamic, this religion regained importance and numerous places of worship have re-opened or re-organized.  Nonetheless, it is a « non-religious » Islamic nature of education system. The consumption of alcohol and cured meats is authorized.  Women are not veiled. Church and State are separated.  But, the cultural mixing is such that many other communities' co-habitate:  Jews, Russian Orthodox Christians, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Evangelical Lutherans and some Buddhists.  Here is some advice to best respect the local populations, their traditions, cultures and religions :  
-The dress code varies across Central Asia.  As a general rule, dress in an outfit that is long and ample, covering your knees and shoulders in places of worship.
-Take of your shoes each time it is asked of you:  at the entrance of religious sites, sometimes in house as well.
-Avoid certain body contact such as caressing the head of an enfant or shaking the hand of a woman.
-Couples should be discreet in their signs of affection.
-Avoid being aggressive or raising your voice....this is a question of personal dignity.  
-Before taking a photo of someone, ask their permission.
-Do not distribute pens, candy or other gifts to children. This only encourages begging and disrupts the children from school or their habitual activity.
-Avoid, equally, distributing medication if you are not a Doctor.

How does one « toast » here?
In Uzbekistan, this ceremony is very codified. In guest houses, it is not unusual to see the host or hostess of the house give a toast.  On the other hand, it is sometimes possible to be invited to a ceremony, notably while taking wedding pictures. It is, therefore, in good stride to celebrate with your hosts.  During ceremonies, women and men are separated.  Each guest holds a toast (of vodka) accompanied by a long speech. If you have the opportunity to participate, you will have to prepare a speech of approximately 10-12 minutes which your guide can translate into Russian.  If is often difficult to leave these ceremonies.  We advise you to thank your hosts generously, to empty your glass and then leave.  To be noted:  it can be a delicate situation when a man refuses an offered drink, as this can be considered insulting.

What are some interesting souvenirs to bring back home?
There are not that many artisans. You will find a lot of minerals.  Caviar, vodka and the work of sidewalk painters represent good souvenirs.  The rugs of Central Asia comme from Turkmenistan.  We advise you to buy them, preferably, in Bukhara (more choice). As a general rule of thumb, the cities of Uzbekistan are the most favorable places for shopping:  nomadic civilizations are not that rich in handy-crafts, apart from some fabrics.

Is there a tradition of bargaining in Central Asia?
Countries of Central Asia are Muslim.  Bargaining is an integral part of their culture.  There is a very strong notion of exchange in this practice.  We advise you to lower the price by 20-30% in general.

Can I recharge my digital camera or my video recorder?
US electrical devices are not compatible with Uzbek electrical plugs.
We recommend that you carry an adapter, because the plugs are 220/230 volts (European standard).