Hi there
I'm planning a trip to Uzbekhistan in August and I have a few concerns:
a) is it going to be unbearably hot or can it be done? (August is the only time I have)!
b) VISA: I have an Italian passport but I live in London, where I will apply for a Visa (from what I read I don't need an invitation letter). I am a bit concerned, as a couple of years ago a friend of mine (also Italian living in the UK) applied for a Visa and didn't get it, so he had to cancel his trip and lost the money he had paid for his flight. for this reason I would be tempted to wait to book my flight until I've been given the Visa, but the question is: do I have to give the precise date of arrival/departure in Tashkent when applying with the Embassy or it doesn't matter, as long as the arrival/departure dates are covered by the Visa?
c) I would like to do the usual sightseeing: Tashkent, Khiva (maybe a desert fortress in Karakalpakstan), Bukhara and Samarcand. Apart from the architecture, I am also very interested in the local culture and traditions. I’ve read that the area around near Shakhrisabz, in particular the villages of Baisun and Sairob are beautiful and very interesting in terms of local customs and traditions. Is it ok and safe to travel in that area? I would very much like to spend a few days there and possibly stay with a local family, but I understand that you need to register with a hotel, so that would be a problem? has anyone travelled in this area?
d) I am an experienced woman traveller and I will be travelling on my own. Am I bound to encounter more hassle by the police for this reason?
e) How many days do you think I should devote to the whole trip, bearing in mind that I’ll be travelling by train mostly and that I also love to visit markets and take my time to wander around?
THANK YOU!!!
MB
