Introduction vi
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Chapter 1 Background Information 3
Geography and climate 3, Natural history and
conservation 7, History 10, Government and politics
16, Economy 16, People 18, Language 19, Religion 22,
Education 24, Culture 24, Sport 29
Chapter 2 Practical Information 31
When to visit 31, Highlights 31, Suggested itineraries
33, Tour operators 34, Red tape 35, Embassies 37,
Getting there and away 38, Health 41, Safety 48, What
to take 50, Money 51, Budgeting 52, Getting around
53, Accommodation 59, Eating and drinking 61,
Public holidays and festivals 63, Shopping 63, Arts
and entertainment 66, Photography 67, Media and
communications 68, Business 70, Opening times 72,
Buying property 72, Cultural etiquette 72, Travelling
positively 73
PART TWO THE GUIDE 75
Chapter 3 Tashkent and Environs 77
Tashkent 77, Around Tashkent 108
Chapter 4 Fergana Valley and the East 111
Namangan 111, Andijan 118, Margilan 123, Fergana 125,
Kokand 128
Chapter 5 Samarkand and Dzhizak Provinces 135
Samarkand 135, Dzhizak 151
Chapter 6 Qashqa Darya and Surkhan Darya Provinces 155
Shakhrisabz 155, Karshi 160, Denau 163, Termez 166
Chapter 7 Navoi Province 175
Navoi 175, Karmana 178, Nurata 180
Chapter 8 Bukhara Province 185
Bukhara 185, Gijduvan 205
Chapter 9 Khorezm Province 207
Urgench 207, Khiva 212
Chapter 10 Republic of Karakalpakstan 227
Nukus 227, Moynaq 232
Appendix 1 Language 233
Appendix 2 Glossary 236
Appendix 3 Further Information 238
Index 242
