Ngoc Discovering Legendary Cities Rich in History
Uzbekistan is home to several ancient cities that showcase the rich Islamic heritage of the Silk Road. Samarkand, once the capital of the Timurid Empire, draws travelers with iconic sites like Registan Square and the astounding domes and minarets of the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum. Wandering along narrow alleyways lined with mosques, madrassas and caravanserais, one gets a feel for the legends of Tamerlane and the glory of this medieval trade hub. Bukhara, even older than Samarkand, maintains an atmosphere of an Oriental fairy tale within its walls. The pockmarked earthworks of the Ark Citadel stand guard over the UNESCO-listed historic center, where attractions like the towering Kalyan minaret and the intricately decorated interior of the Abdullah Khan Madrassah transport visitors back to the heyday of the Silk Road. Further east, the walled city of Khiva in Khorezm offers glimpses into historic architecture and a way of life virtually unchanged for centuries.
Relaxing in Secluded Mountain Hideaways
A perfect complement to experiencing grand historical sites is unwinding in beautiful natural settings away from bustling cities. The Nuratau Mountains north of Samarkand shelter idyllic villages tucked amidst terraced orchards and vineyards. Sentyab offers charming farmstays where guests can help with tasks, relax on topchans (sheds), and hike to waterfalls through picturesque meadows. Similarly rustic settings can be found in other mountain villages like Hayat and Mosrum. The Kyzylkum Desert, stretching west towards Bukhara, offers a unique landscape quite different from the fertile Fergana Valley. Overnighting in a yurt camp allows honeymooners to experience desert hospitality and wake up to stunning sunrises over endless sand dunes. Short camel treks through sparsely vegetated terrain provide memorable photo opportunities and glimpses of elusive wildlife. Nearby Aidarkul Lake attracts over 200 bird species, rewarding birdwatchers.
Indulging in Traditional Uzbek Cuisine and Tea Culture
Foodies will delight in sampling diverse Uzbek culinary specialties. Osh, the national dish, consists of tasty pilafs cooked in a spherical pot called a kazan. Manti dumplings, somsa pastries and varieties of rich halva sweets satisfy any sweet tooth. Tea culture plays a big role in local social life and making green tea with jam or dried fruits makes a welcome break during sightseeing. Regional specialities include distinctively spiced salads in Bukhara or breads baked in tandyr ovens. Romantic picnics beneath fruit trees offer opportunities to try seasonal produce straight from orchard farms.
Experiencing Vibrant Bazaars and Unique Crafts
Colorful Sunday bazaars bursting with goods spill out beyond the boundaries of not just Bukhara and Khiva but also smaller towns. Wandering through this sensory overload of produce, spices, cooking utensils, carpets, pottery, brassware and trinkets immerses visitors in the hustle and bustle of traditional trade. Workshops across the country perpetuate age-old crafts like silk weaving in Fergana, where families raise silkworms and produce shimmering textiles. Gold embroidery, woodcarving, pottery and other arts reflect the diverse cultural influences along the Silk Road.
Discovering Soviet and Muslim Heritage in Tashkent
As the modern capital and largest city, Tashkent has a fast-paced vibe very different from oasis towns frozen in time. Iconic structures like large fountains and metro stations bear the indelible stamp of Soviet architecture. However, the city also celebrates Muslim heritage through the Kukeldash Madrassah complex and sites related to figures like Bahouddin Naqshbandi, the revered Sufi saint. Contemporary developments coexist with traditional covered markets, mosques and teahouses. From contemporary art museums to bustling cafés and restaurants, Tashkent rounds off a cultural experience of Uzbekistan’s contrasting facets.
Marveling at Central Asia’s Highest Peaks
Adventurous honeymooners can venture further afield to the ruggedly beautiful Pamir and Alay Mountains straddling the Kyrgyz border. Dominated by snow-capped peaks over 7,000m including mighty Ismoil Somoni (formerly Kommunizm), this wilderness boasts opportunity for passionate trekkers, climbers, mountain bikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Alpine meadows, turquoise lakes and bizarre rock formations transform the landscape with every altitude gain. Basic guesthouses offer basic amenities along hiking trails threading through some of Central Asia’s most impressive scenery.
Taking Back Cherished Memories of People and Places
What makes Uzbekistan an unforgettable honeymoon destination above all are its incredibly warm and welcoming people. Meeting locals eagerly sharing their heritage and constantly inviting travelers home for tea leaves lasting impressions. Couples return with not just photographs but friendships as well. The mix of UNESCO Sites, isolated natural havens, diverse cultural attractions and opportunities for outdoor adventure offer the chance to bond through immersive experiences away from home. Uzbekistan promises newlyweds treasured memories to look back on for years to come.
