Uzbekistan - Sophie Ibbotson

This new edition of Bradt's Uzbekistan continues to offer more practical detail for independent travelers than any other guidebook to that country, written by expert authors who have lived and worked in Central Asia since 2008. With first-hand descriptions of everything from UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the world's best collection of Russian avant-garde art, to riding across deserts by camel and cooking plov, Uzbekistan's authors bring the country alive in this updated 2nd edition. Comprehensive details of accommodation, restaurants and public transport options are included, along with a number of detailed maps, trekking and hiking routes and off the beaten track locations, as well as full information on how to travel around the country by bus, train and shared taxi. There's more on the country's flora and fauna, and detailed, hard-hitting information on the current state of the economy, domestic politics and foreign affairs. All listings have been thoroughly updated and the latest highlights brought to the fore. Uzbekistan is famed for the golden road to Samarkand and the equally famous Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Khiva. Beyond these indisputable highlights, however, lies a country rich in history but with a complex and intriguing modern streak. Striking medieval and contemporary architecture battles for your attention, standing in sharp contrast to the empty, endless deserts and the majestic mountainscapes of the Tien Shan range. The authors' use of historical anecdotes and high quality photographs, as well as their amusing travel stories, make Uzbekistan an enjoyable read and the perfect companion both before and during a trip to Central Asia's most populous country and the heart of the historic Silk Road.