Uzbekistan

The Ferghana Valley, surrounded by the Tian Shan and Pamir mountains, still produces silk and is well worth visiting for its friendly bazaars and landscape of cotton fields, mulberry trees and fruit orchards. Uzbekistan's mountain ranges attract hikers, cyclists and backcountry skiers, while experienced mountaineers come to climb some of the world's highest peaks.

Understanding the Geography

Uzbekistan has borders with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It is doubly landlocked, but includes the southern shoreline of the Aral Sea.

Cities of Uzbekistan

• Tashkent (capital)
• Samarkand
• Bokhara or Buxoro Namangan
• Andijan
• Ferghana
• Khiva, site of the Itchan Kala

Climate Conditions

Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate. It is generally warmest in the south and coldest in the north.

Temperatures in December average -8°C (18°F) in the north and 0°C (32 °F) in the south. However, extreme fluctuations can take temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F).

During the summer temperatures can reach 45°C (113°F) and above.

Spring (April to June) and Fall (September through October) are in general the most pleasant times to travel.

The weather is mild and in April, when the desert blooms briefly.

If you're interested in trekking, then summer (July and August) is the best time, because summers are dry.