Realising that you’ve reached the end of a wonderful journey is the saddest part of traveling.

It’s our last day in Tashkent and there wasn’t a lot on the itinerary for the day. So after a much-needed rest and sleep the previous night, we checked out of the hotel around 10 after breakfast.

Our first stop for the day was the Tashkent TV tower which is right opposite the Memorial for the Victims of Repression. It is the highest construction in Central Asia standing at a height of 375 meters. The construction began in 1979 and was completed in 1981. The tower is constructed in such a way that it has the ability to withstand a Richter magnitude 9 earthquake.

The security at the tv tower is very tight hence nobody is allowed to carry their phones or cameras with them. They have to be left in lockers that are available. Once we made it through security we were led down a hall and given a little tour of the tower.

We then took a lift to where the observation deck is situated.  The view from up there was beautiful ( since photography was prohibited I do not have any pictures to put up). The floor above the observation deck has a revolving restaurant. After a quick lunch came the fun bit. SHOPPING!!!

We made our way to Chorsu bazaar which is a traditional bazaar located in the center of the old town of Tashkent. The bazaar was filled with people the day we went. Not sure if it’s always as crowded because, WOW!!! It surely was a task getting through the sea of people. It was one of those situations where if we stood in a place we would get carried along or in this case – dragged around. We spent some time walking through the whole area and bought a few bits and bobs to bring back home from the trip.

Once at the airport we had to get our luggage scanned before entering the building and also get our ID’s verified. After the check-in procedure, we then had to get our declaration forms verified.

The flight takes off at 6.45 pm and we reach Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi around 10.15 IST. At this point, I’m moving about like a zombie and all I wanted was to get back home. But that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, as the next flight home was at 6.30 am the next morning.

After checking in for the millionth time we finally sit down and I was knocked out cold. And that’s how you know I’m tired. Because I am one of those annoying people who can never fall asleep while traveling. Anybody else who can relate to this?

So after yet another flight and a very long cab ride, I am back home.

WHAT FASCINATED ME?

It would be a very rare sight to spot a car that isn’t Chevrolet. Reason being that a Chevrolet factory jointly owned by the Uzbekistan government is the only car manufacturer in the region. Also, the high import taxes make foreign cars very expensive and hence spotting a car that isn’t a Chevrolet or a Daewoo is very rare.

SUGGESTIONS:

1. If you plan on visiting the TV tower, do not forget to carry your passport with you.
2. Uzbekistan is popular for its dry fruits and nuts. So make sure to stock up on them before you leave the country.
3. Another thing that you could get is their beautiful hand-woven carpets and silk.
4. And as with all markets/bazaars, be prepared to bargain.
5. When visiting the Chorsu bazaar in Tashkent, keep in mind that English is not widely spoken. So be very patient when conversing with them.
6. Keep your declaration forms very safe. Because you will need to show it at the airport at the time of departure.

This is the end of my Uzbekistan Travel Diaries. I’m hoping that my travel stories of this wonderful place persuades you into planning a trip.

More Uzbekistan Travel Stories:

1. Day 1: Getting There
2. Day 2: City Tour Highlights
3. Day 3: Chimgan mountains and Charvak lake
4. Day 4: Samarkand | Silk road

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