Discover fascinating, little known Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is an unknown, fabled and an exotic destination with an extra pull as it appeared on the global tourist map only recently.

Every year, some two million tourists visit Uzbekistan in search of something out of the ordinary.

This Central Asian country, which was part of the Soviet Union until 1991, is landlocked and lies between Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

Locals affectionately call it a landlocked island even though it is miles away from the sea. The country shares part of the Aral Sea in the north and north-east, on its border with Kazakhstan.

This largely unknown country of 30 million is fast gaining reputation for its alluring tiled mosques with shimmering turquoise domes, rich Islamic culture and gastronomic delights.

The country is also ranked among the top producers of gold, uranium, natural gas, copper, tungsten and cotton.

The world is still fascinated with the legendary Silk Road which passes through Uzbekistan. The 6,000 kilometre long Silk Route was the main trading in a vast network of routes linking China to modern day Turkey, Syria and Iran. Cities along the route mixed cultural elements from Turkey, Persia, Arabia, Mongolia, China and Russia. Some of these traditions exist to this day.

In its heyday, around 200 AD until Marco Polo's time, this was a very busy route through which caravans moved everything from silk and frankincense to peacocks and rhino horns.

The Silk Route passes through Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench and Khiva in Uzbekistan which were seen rich settlements.

The country's capital, Tashkent, offers a myriad of attractions including parks, museums and cultural centres.

The best way to see the capital is by Metro Taschkent whose 36.2 kilometre network covering 29 stations is in itself a tourist attraction. The trains in this city are very clean.

Built during the Soviet era, this attractive network has great architecture and designs that could easily beat the well-worn out antiquated London tube system.

Each Tashkent metro station is uniquely ornate, offering a visual feast. It is designed by prominent artists and architects featuring art ceramics, marble, granite, plastic, carved alabaster and metal.

No one is allowed to photograph the metro trains and the stations as they are considered military installations.

If you are looking to get an insight in to local life, Chorsu Bazaar is the place to visit.

This traditional huge and colourful market in a large central building and an outdoor complex is crowded daily with locals jostling for space.

Bursting with colours, traditions and flavours, Chorsu Bazaar offers a wide variety of cheap Chinese-made fashion wares, velvet clothes, imitation jewellery, groceries and household items. But the best buy no doubt is a variety of dry fruits that include almonds, chestnuts, dry figs, cashew nuts and spices. Bargain very hard as you can get away with a 50 per cent discount.

But sadly, Uzbekistan has earned the reputation of being a country where tourists get easily ripped off. They are often charged five times the local rates.

So bad is the vice that even bank officials are involved. Some of them pretend to 'forget' to give local currency when exchanged for dollars. And when they do so after several reminders, a few notes will always be missing. Make sure you count what is due to you – even at the bank.

Uzbekistan has a lucrative money changers black market. Although the government forbids visitors from using their services, one can get attractive rates. Those with crisp new $100 notes fetch better deals. But beware lest the money changers short change you by giving less money or worse still run away with your dollars if changing huge amounts.

Uzbekistan is eager to welcome tourists, but it has its problems like any other developing country.

Uzbeks are generally friendly, but when it comes to money for services used, you can easily get ripped off. It is advisable to always be hawk-eyed to ensure no one takes advantage of your wallet.

One visitor complained of ordering a cup of tea at a café for three dollars. He was charged one US dollar extra per spoon of sugar. He habitually prefers two spoons of sugar in his drink and paid two dollars amidst protests.

Uzbekistan is a fairly safe place to visit. In some parts, however, beware of child beggars who will stick around you if you start dishing money. You will have a tough time shaking them off.

But these vices cannot rob amazing Uzbekistan of its beautiful attractions. The Teleshayakah Mosque is an interesting place to visit. This beautiful and grand Masjid with a blue dome is a masterpiece of architecture and a popular with Uzbeks for weddings. Since only Muslims are allowed inside, a great place to spend a couple of hours in peaceful contemplation is a small courtyard in the mosque.

The Teleshayakah Mosque is one of the few old buildings that miraculously survived the devastating earthquake in 1966.

Close to this mosque is the Museum and the Kukeldash Madrassa with a few small shops nearby selling hand-crafted items. The recently-built Minor Mosque is also worth a visit.

Visit the Amir Timur Square, a popular place with Uzbeks, and you will not miss out crowds of chess lovers enjoying a game.

Tashkent is full restaurants, cafes and shops. A visit to Samarkand and Bukhara cities is also a must as you will tread on the historically famed Silk Road. There are many beautiful mosques and monuments here, complemented by the rich local culture.