16-Days Central Asia 2026 Day 5 : Around Tashkent

Monday, July 6, 2026

16-Days Central Asia 2026 Day 5 : Around Tashkent

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Central Asia 2026
Day 5 : Around Tashkent

Central Asia 2026 Day 5: 19th May (Tuesday)

Medium-size Group (Non-cycling) Tour of Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan)
Day 5 - Around Tashkent:

Reikartz Amirun>Amir Timur Square>Dauvat's Weaver Shop>walk>Hazrati Imam Complex>Tillya Sheikh Wooden Mosque>Center for Islamic Civilization>van>Besh Qozon>Chorsu Bazaar>walk>Chorsu Metro Station>ride Tashkent Metro>Alisher Navoiyi Metro Station>Paxtakor Metro Station>Mustakillik Maydoni Metro Berkati>walk>Independence Square>van>State Museum of Applied Arts>Zaytoon Restaurant>Tashkent TV Tower>Reikartz Amirun.

This is page 5 of a 16-page blog. Click Here To Go To Title Page.
< D4: Tashkent 02 | Go to Other Days | D6: Fergana >

Route recommendations, here are some tips on travelling to and around Uzbekistan, Central Asia:

1. Traffic Directions!

Central Asian countries are left-hand drive and vehicles drive on the right side of the road. So do bear this in mind when crossing the road OR when sitting at the front passenger seat. I made this mistake several times and boarded the car at the driver's side with the driver giving me a surprised look 😂.

2. Getting to and from Central Asia.

Several airlines fly direct to Central Asia from their originating country. We were fortunate that AirAsia X flew direct from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
We flew return via AirAsia X, starting from KLIA Terminal 2 to Tashkent International Airport, and returning from Almaty International Airport to KLIA Terminal 2, buying tickets earlier to get cheaper fares. We also packed light (20kg checked-in luggage for two people plus an additional 7kg of cabin luggage), totalling 41kg of luggage.

3. Getting around Central Asia.
We were on a private guided tour and had 16-seater vans, with local guides taking us between the cities/towns.
Within Uzbekistan we took the Sharq Train from Tashkent to Bukhara, and from Samarkand to Tashkent.
Note: Traders in bazaars, markets, and small local shops only accept cash. The "sum" (ISO code: UZS) is the official currency of Uzbekistan. The "som" (ISO code: KGS) is the currency of Kyrgyzstan. The tenge (ten-gay, code: KZT) is the currency of Kazakhstan. It is divided into 100 tiyn.
Touch 'n Go e-Wallet can be used in Kazakhstan, just make sure the e-wallet is set to Kazakhstan.

4. Immigration & Customs Requirements

Malaysian passport holders do not need a visa to enter most Central Asian countries for short-term stays and can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. There is no need to fill in immigration forms.

Note: Malaysian passport holders can install the MyBorderPass app for fast immigration clearance to get in and out of Malaysia; use the app to generate a QR code just before passing through the 40 dedicated MyBorderPass gates (only at KLIA & KLIA2, 20 gates each), and getting through will be a breeze!

5. Places & Things of Interests

There were many scenic and interesting places of interest along the route, but one should not miss the following places in Tashkent (Note: click on the GPS coordinates below for a directional map to the respective places):
- Amir Timur Square (Amir Temur Xiyoboni) (GPS: 41.31113, 69.27959).
- Statue of Amir Temur (Amir Temur Haykali) (GPS: 41.31117, 69.27971).
- International Forums Palace (Oʻzbekiston xalqaro anjumanlar saroyi) (GPS: 41.30951, 69.28234).
- Monument "Courage" (Jasorat Monumenti) (GPS: 41.32360, 69.27247).
- Dauvat's Weaver Shop (GPS: 41.33963, 69.24080).
- Hazrati Imam Complex (Hazrati Imom Majmuasi) (GPS: 41.33722, 69.24012).
- Barakhan Madrasah (Baroqxon Madrasasi) (GPS: 41.33693, 69.23904).
- Hazrati Imam (Juma) Mosque (GPS: 41.33765, 69.24119).
- Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi (Qaffol Shoshiy maqbarasi) (GPS: 41.33820, 69.23809).
- Tillya Sheikh Wooden Mosque (Tillashayx Masjidi) (GPS: 41.33676, 69.23992).
- Center for Islamic Civilization (Islom Sivilizatsiyasi Markazi) (GPS: 41.33527, 69.24038).
- Chorsu Bazaar (Chorsu bozori) (GPS: 41.32673, 69.23503).
- Tashkent Metro (Toshkent Metropoliteni):
- Chorsu Metro Station (Chorsu Metro Bekati) (GPS: 41.32596, 69.23699).
- Alisher Navoiyi Metro Station (Alisher Navoiy Metro Bekati)) (GPS: 41.31887, 69.25428).
- Paxtakor Metro Station (Пахтакор Metro Berkati) (GPS: 41.31776, 69.25522).
- Mustaqilliq Maidoni (Independence) Metro Station (Mustaqillik Maydoni Metro Bekati) (GPS: 41.31501, 69.27109).
- Mustaqillik Maydoni (Independence) Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni) (GPS: 41.31347, 69.26573).
- State Museum of Applied Arts (Oʻzbekiston Respublikasi Amaliy Sanʼati Muzeyi) (GPS: 41.30102, 69.25939).
- Night views of the Tashkent TV Tower (Toshkent Teleminorasi) (GPS: 41.34607, 69.28481) viewed from the Memorial to the Victims of Repression Park (GPS: 41.34782, 69.28811).

6. Food

a. Breakfast

Inclusive Uzbek & Western Fare at the Reikartz Amirun Tashkent (GPS: 41.27066, 69.26475) in Tashkent.
b. Lunch

Beef and Lamb Plov (with Achichuk Salad) at the renowned Besh Qozon (website) (GPS: 41.34755, 69.28548).

c. Dinner

Indian & Pakistani food at Zaytoon Restaurant (GPS: 41.29667, 69.25651), an Afghan restaurant:
Greek Salad, Palak Paneer (Pureed spinach with Paneer Cheese), Cacik Salad (made with Tzatziki Yoghurt), Chapati Bread, Chicken Curry, Chicken Kurma, Mutton Curry, Alu Gobi Masala, and Kulfi Caramel Almond Ice-cream.
d. Note: Just in case we yearned for some spiciness, we brought along Uleg Sambal Terasi to add to our food. We bought online from Lazada at RM7:40 for ten sachets.

7. Accommodations and Tour Costs

This was a recce-guided tour that included all ground arrangements, food, entry tickets to parks, and accommodations, but excluded return airfare to and from Central Asia. We booked Air Asia flight tickets online through their website at a return fare of around RM2,000 per pax. Co-travellers who booked later paid more. Our two pax airfare included 20kg of checked-in luggage and an extra 7kg of cabin luggage, giving us a total of 41kg of luggage..

The ground arrangements included 16-seater van transportation between and around cities; Sharq Express Train fare from Tashkent to Bukhara, and from Samarkhand to Tashkent, and domestic Tez Jet airfare from Osh to Bishkek. The 4x4 Russian truck ride to and from Karakol to the Altyn-Arashan Valley was optional and cost USD40 per pax. So was the 4x4 van ride from Saty to Kaindy Lake and Kolsay Lakes National Park, which cost USD20 per pax.

Accommodations were in three-star hotels, homestays, and a yurt camp. For those interested in this tour, contact Eddie at +6012-6122600 for more details and ground arrangement costs.
Second of two nights at the Reikartz Amirun Tashkent (GPS: 41.27066, 69.26475) in Tashkent.

8. Communicating with Each Other

When travelling in a group, it's important to be able to communicate with each other, especially if one gets lost from the rest.
I pre-purchased the Maxis 15-day Multi-Country Roaming Pass at MYR99 and had it activated on the first day of our tour. This pass included a complimentary Maxis Travel Care insurance for the pass validity period - i.e. MYR50,000 hospitalisation, and MYR2,000 lost baggage, T&C applies.
Alternatively, an almost similar GOGO physical sim card for 15-day 20gB can be bought on Lazada at (excluding delivery) for MYR120.

9. Communicating with Locals

Our local guides spoke excellent English, and those in the travel industry or bazaar traders spoke passable English. Other locals speak their local language (Uzbek, Kyrgyz, or Kazakh) or Russian (as they were former Soviet republics). Or one can use Google Translate on one's mobile.

10. Weather

June is the beginning of summer, and the weather in Uzbekistan is dry, sunny, and hot across the board. In Tashkent, daytime temperatures average 31°C, while nighttime averaged 19°C.
A useful weather forecast site for Samarkand and Tashkent is AccuWeather. For more detailed weather, including cloud cover and wind speed, use Weatherspark and Ventusky.

11. Navigation

Geo-tagging of places of interest was via FaceBook, Google Maps or Yandex Maps and Yandex Navigator.

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PRELUDE

A day earlier, we spent almost the whole day exploring the attractions in Samarkand before taking a late Sharq Express Train back to Tashkent.

We had also arrived late at Tashkent on our first day, after flying in from Kuala Lumpur. Both times, we did not have the chance to explore the city, so today we WILL be visiting various places in the city and also taking a ride on its intracity metro, renowned for its beautiful stations.

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DAY 5: AROUND TASHKENT

Medium-size Group (Non-cycling) Tour of Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan)

Day 5 - Around Tashkent:

(Click here for the Central Asia 2026 Day 5: Around Tashkent Route Map)

Most of the posts below are linked to my Facebook postings during the trip and are embedded here with some comments. (NOTE: Click on respective posts to link to the FB post to read more details. If you can't see the posts, please log out of your Facebook first.)

To start off the day, a good, inclusive Uzbek & Western Fare at the Reikartz Amirun Tashkent.
A wide range of food, including Somsas and some sort of spring roll, too.

9:45am - Hitting the road with some morning views of Tashkent. Roads were busy but not traffic was not heavy. We had been to Tashkent two times earlier - once on the first day and again yesterday. But both times we arrived late and did not see much of the city. So today will be a full day dedicated to the city.

Started with a view of the majestic Uzbekistan Hotel. Were we supposed to stay here? That would have been great!
The architecture is supposed to be Brutalistic, but to me it looks grand!
Okay, okay... we just parked nearby and did not go in!
Built in 1974, it is more than fifty years old and is located in the very center of Tashkent!
It has cozy rooms of different categories, which are classically furnished with dark wooden furniture and elegant fabrics. Click here for views of the rooms; rates seem reasonable.

At the carpark saw this Tesla Cybertruck.
"It is a battery-electric full-size pickup truck manufactured by Tesla, Inc. since 2023, with an angular design composed of flat, unpainted stainless steel body panels, drawing comparisons to low-polygon computer models.
Despite considerable hype and interest at the time of its release, the Cybertruck has been extensively criticized for its production quality issues, unusual appearance, and safety problems, and its sales have been described as disappointing."

From the hotel, we walked through two pedestrian tunnels under Taraqqiyot Street, to cross over to view the Amir Timur Monument at the Amir Timur Square.
This is a bronze equestrian statue dedicated to Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the outstanding commander and statesman of the 14th century, one of the founders of the Uzbek statehood, who managed to found a centralized, united state composed of 27 countries in the vast territory from the Mediterranean Sea to India.

Interactive Street View of Amir Timur Square.
By Иван Симачёв (Feb. 2023).

Took a short walk at the Amir Timur Square, although not that big, it's a beautiful park with a wide central boulevard planted with colorful flowers.
Built in 1882, it was then known as Constantinov Square. After the 1917 Russian Revolution, the square was renamed Revolution Square. Joseph Stalin's statue was placed in the square during the late 1940s, but was removed in 1961, after which, in 1968, a statue of Karl Marx was erected.
After the Independence of Uzbekistan, the square was renamed the Amir Timur Square in 1994, and Amir Timur's Statue was placed on the site. Adjacent to the park in the south, the Amir Timur Museum was built in 1996.

The International Forums Palace. The two storks on the top symbolize peace and happiness.
The stork is a national symbol of Uzbekistan, and peacefully flying storks signal peace and prosperity for the country according to Uzbek folklore.

We left the square to head for our next destination, and along the way passed by the Monument "Courage".

Unveiled in May 20,1970, this monument is one of the city’s most significant memorials, dedicated to the devastating Tashkent earthquake of April 26, 1966, and the resilience and solidarity shown by its citizens and helpers during the reconstruction that followed.

Our next destination was the Dauvat's Weaver Shop. Although the traditional weaving was interesting, what caught our eyes was a book titled "Abrbandi: Ikat of Central Asia", it published by the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM). Based in Kuala Lumpur (for a direction map, click here), its shop sells a wide range of Islamic Art products, including books and souvenirs.

From the weaver's shop, we walked over to the Hazrati Imam Complex.
This is an architectural monument dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, and consists of the Moʻyi Muborak madrasa, the Qaffol Shoshi mausoleum, the Baroqxon Madrasa, the Hazrati Imam mosque, the Tillashayx mosque, and the Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute. The ensemble was built near the grave of Hazrati Imam, the first imam-khatib of Tashkent, a scholar, one of the first Islamic preachers in Tashkent, a poet, and an artist.

More views of the Hazrati Imam Complex.
With its grand entrance archway and the blue domes of each section.

Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi,
This is a mausoleum built in honor of Imam Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Ismail al-Kaffal ash-Shashi. The original tomb did not survive in its initial form. In its current state, the mausoleum was constructed in 1542 by the royal architect of that time, Gulyam Husayn.

The children here are so friendly, happy to pose with us. We hope that they will not lose their innocence.

Center for Islamic Civilization.
This is the largest cultural, scientific, and educational complex in Uzbekistan. It houses a museum, a research institute, libraries, international partner organizations, scientific laboratories, centers of traditional crafts, and educational departments. The goal of the Center is to provide a comprehensive study of the history of Uzbekistan from ancient times to the modern period, with a focus on the region’s contribution to world civilization in the fields of science, culture, and spiritual heritage.

The nearby Jamek mosque was built with Walnut wood. I missed
geo-tagging the place while there. Later, when away from the place, it is quite hard to geo-tag it.
So I got it wrong; this is not the Jamek mosque, but rather the Tillya Sheikh Wooden Mosque. A revered relic, believed to be a hair from the head of the Prophet Muhammad, is said to be housed here, though it remains hidden from public view.

We left the complex and headed for lunch. Upon arrival, we saw the Tashkent TV Tower. It doesn't look that impressive, but we will view it again at night. Perhaps it looks better at night.

Beef and Lamb Plov (with Achichuk Salad) at the renowned Besh Qozon.
The dish is topped up with quail eggs, slices of Qazy (horse sausage), and a roll of dolmeh made with mulberry leaves.

Within this large kitchen, different giant kazan (Central Asian wok) are used for different Plov ingredients. The main individual kazans, are for the vegetables, rice, and meat, all drenched in oil. After some time, they’d all be mixed into another cauldron.
The above photo shows the largest kazan within this kitchen, which can hold up to 3 tons of food.

2:30pm - The van dropped us at the Chorsu Bazaar. From the outside, its dome structure looks attractive. It's a modern version of the domed Market Bazaars we saw at Bukhara.

Inside, it was busy like the other bazaars, with many stalls laid out by their respective wares. We started off with the nuts and dried fruits section, of which Central Asia is renowned. The crunchy, dried strawberries were a favourite among us.
"Fruit and nuts were major commodities on the Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes that tracked through the heart of Central Asia, linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia, from the first century BC through to the mid-1400s. Over centuries of trade and travel – and lots of munching by humans, camels and horses along the way – prized fruit and nut species spread their seeds wider and wider, and new hybrid varieties were created."

And then the fresh fruits, vegetables, and floral tea section.

The next section was even more interesting. It's the cheese section selling Central Asian cheese. One unique cheese is the Kashk (Dried Salty Cheese).

Food court of the Chorsu Bazaar, where one can see some interesting and also odd things, like a boiled lamb's head!

Next, our guide took us on a tour of some stations of the Tashkent Metro, starting with the ground-level entrance to the Chorsu Metro Station, just next Chorsu Bazaar.

3:30pm - We boarded the Tashkent Metro train at the Chorsu Metro Station.

Then made a stop to admire the Alisher Navoiyi Metro Station.

Followed by the Paxtakor Metro Station, which has beautiful blue motifs on its walls and with columns crowned with bronze lattice.

Here's a interactive street view inside Paxtakor Metro Station.
By Pavel Ostankov (2019).

The Mustaqilliq Maidoni (Independence) Metro Station.

Interactive Street View Inside Independence Station
By Pavel Ostankov (2022).

Here we returned to the surface to view the Mustaqillik Maydoni (Independence) Square.
After the proclamation of Uzbekistan's independence in September 1991, "Lenin Square" was renamed in 1992 as "Mustaqillik Maydoni", which translates to "Independence Square" in English. It is now the central square of Tashkent; it hosts celebrations and military parades on special events and public holidays.

We continued by van to the State Museum of Applied Arts, with displays separated into different sections. This part shows nice murals on the external walls leading to a tiled mosaic entrance.

The next section displays clay figurines of local people in traditional activities, such as wrestlers, and a hailing trader on a stylized donkey.

In this same section, clay models of Central Asian Mythological Creatures.

And the last one has paintings of olden-day Uzbekistan.

7:15pm - Dinner of Indian & Pakistani food at Zaytoon Restaurant (GPS: 41.29667, 69.25651), an Afghan restaurant:
Greek Salad, Palak Paneer (Pureed spinach with Paneer Cheese), Cacik Salad (made with Tzatziki Yoghurt), Chapati Bread, Chicken Curry, Chicken Kurma, Mutton Curry, Alu Gobi Masala, and Kulfi Caramel Almond Ice-cream; and accompanied by Afghani songs!

After dinner: Night views of the Tashkent TV Tower (Toshkent Teleminorasi) viewed from the Memorial to the Victims of Repression Park.
It's definitely better than the daytime view!

Qanday go'zal manzara!

(That's "What a beautiful view!" in Uzbek)

(For more photos of Day 5, Click Here)
(On mobile, for more photos of the day: Go to AhPek Biker Page>Photos and click on the respective album)

This is page 5 of a 16-page blog. Click Here To Go To Title Page.
< D4: Tashkent 02 | Go to Other Days | D6: Fergana >

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