Highlights of Tashkent tour (old and new part of the capital)
Hi everyone! I am Shovkat, a licensed tour guide, also a tour operator and active member of the Guides Association of Uzbekistan. I have been enjoying to show and to tell about my country to travelers like you for more than 6 years. I provide tours, adventures and in-depth insight about Tashkent from the all-inclusive view of the genuine local. I also created, own, and operate a travel agency right here in Tashkent city. I am passionate about telling you about my country’s (and especially Tashkent’s) history, its diverse culture and art, its people, customs and traditions, religion, local/street food and many more. My tours are one of a kind Tashkent city experiences with full of information. Tashkent is my city where I was born and grew up. I love showing my city to people. Along with the history, during the tour we will also talk about our customs & traditions of Uzbeks, politics and economy, social life, religion, food and many other subjects and we will have a chance to taste some national and street food and I will show you some backstreets of Chorsu bazar where you will see only the locals there. If you want to know how is the life like in Tashkent, come and discover this amazing city with me! p.s. In addition to providing memorable experiences, I am also an expert tour planner/organizer in Uzbekistan and I have been guiding and offering tours not only in Uzbekistan but in the rest of the countries in Central Asian.
Pickup
The meeting point is at the gate of Hazrati Imom mosque (the Google pin shows the exact location too). I will be the one who is the tallest person there (194 sm). So, you will not miss me. :)
Description
This amazing excursion covers the main attractions of Tashkent and during this tour, along with the history we will also talk about our customs & traditions of Uzbeks, politics and economy, social life, religion, food and many other subjects and we will have a chance to taste some national and street food and I will show you some backstreets of Chorsu bazaar where you will see only the locals there.
Places to Visit:
- Hazrati Imam Square - where we keep the world's oldest Qur'an. People visit there from all over the world. Also, we will visit to grand mosque of the old part of Tashkent and then to Barak-khan Madrasa.
- Chorsu Bazar - It's the central bazaar of the capital. If you are there for the first time, even GPS might not help you, because it's so huge. I will be taking you to a food court where you will see people are cooking all different types of local and street food. We can also try some of these foods and then go to bakery section where you will see how we cook our breads (we call it "Non") in Tandoor (clay made oven). You can also participate in this baking process. We will continue our way to the big blue dome where we will see and try too many varieties of dried fruits. Remember, trying fruits and dried fruits in Uzbekistan is free. No one asks any money from you but at the end, just don't forget to say "Rahmat" which is 'Thank you' and that is all required from you. :) You will also see the vegetables and fruits section, rice and meat bazaar, spice bazaar and many more. Bazar is the place where you can see the real colors of life of locals anywhere in the world.
- We will go to ride Tashkent Metro/Subway and will visit to see some beautifully decorated stations.
- Independence Square
- Amir Temur Square
- Tashkent TV tower (from outside)
- Visit "Central Asian Plov Center". For the lunch I always recommend people to go this place to try the king of Uzbek cuisine - Plov. The good thing about this place is not only the delicious food but you can also see the whole process of cooking by your own eyes. The chefs are cooking Plov there in many pots and you can walk around in the huge kitchen by taking some wonderful pictures and videos. Eating Plov there will be once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We will be walking around 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and will use public transports (Subway) and a taxi, as well (its very cheap in Tashkent). Our version of Uber here is "Yandex GO". It's door to door taxi service.
I have personally designed this tour for my guests to really get into the crevices of my city - Tashkent. Your day will be filled with abundant information, fascinating stories, and experiences that you could not have with any tour guide book! Also, depending on your request, we can always adjust the itinerary by adding/removing some sights (like Applied Art Museum, Broadway Street etc.).
Are you ready for a local adventure and if you want to know how life is like in Tashkent? Come and discover this amazing city with me!
p.s. You may watch some of my Tashkent City Tours in below videos:
- https://www.dropbox.com/s/okzrpp32h5rg2c2/Tashkent%20Tour%20by%20StanAdventure.com.mp4?dl=0
- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mue6267nidy362flzzcfm/Tashkent-Tour-StanAdventure.mp4?rlkey=quo5ak5z2yd7qstxrci0vmka4&dl=0
Important notes:
- Please note that the tour happens between 09:30-15:00
- Please book this tour if you are sure to attend it. Because I plan my upcoming days accordingly. Some travellers don't take it serious and cancel at the last minute. Please, let's respect each others' time and job. Thank you, dear friends! :)
- It is advised for female travellers to have a scarf to cover their heads. Because we will be going into the Quran museum and a mosque.
- This tour is designed for solo travelers, couples and small groups like 3-5 people max. Please let me know if you have a big group so I can arrange a private tour only for you. Thank you!
- If you booked the tour 1-2 days before the tour starts, please definitely message me on WhatsApp (+998 99 8335800). Because I might not be checking inbox of GuruWalk everyday. Moreover, if no one else books the tour except 1 traveler, the tour might be canceled. Because I am not able to do the tour if I receive less than certain amount. But usually, cancelations don't happen (maybe once in a veeery long time).
- If you'd like to book a tour with me, please read below notes: Usually, tours in GuruWalk platform have no set price. At the end of my tour each traveller gives the amount depending on how they liked the tour and service between (at least) $20 and $50. (Children below 14 y.o. - free for sure). But usually, some people anyways ask how much would be the fair rate to give. In Uzbekistan English-speaking tour guides usually get paid $50/60 per day. But because you’re the best judge to tell how you liked the tour, it is really up to your generosity.