Things To Do
in Eski Arab
Eski Arab is a small historic town in Uzbekistan's Samarkand Region, nestled in the Zeravshan valley and surrounded by farmland. It offers a quiet glimpse into Silk Road heritage with traditional crafts, mosques, caravanserais, and bustling local markets. The town exudes a hospitable, rural charm where daily life unfolds at a slower pace than Uzbekistan's larger cities.
Visitors can easily combine slow urban exploration with short countryside excursions nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Eski Arab and settle into a charming local guesthouse. Enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring fresh bread, jams, and local cheeses. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant market to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Visit the nearby ancient ruins of the old city, where you'll get a glimpse of the region's rich history. Engage with local artisans who showcase their craftsmanship, from pottery to textile weaving. Taste authentic Uzbek plov at a local eatery for lunch.
Experience an outdoor dinner at your guesthouse, where you can sample kabobs and other regional specialties. The sky will soon be adorned with stars as you engage in conversations with fellow travelers and the hospitable locals. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere, perhaps accompanied by regional music and folk stories.
Start your day with an early breakfast and prepare for a guided tour along the historical Silk Road. Visit the famous caravanserais, where traders of old once rested. The significance of these sites will deepen your appreciation for Eski Arab's history.
Take time to explore ancient trade routes and interact with merchants selling spices and textiles that harken back to the Silk Road era. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch surrounded by stunning landscapes, blending history with nature. Capture picturesque photographs of the region’s unique architecture and scenic backdrops.
Return to Eski Arab and participate in a cooking class at a local household. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes while sharing stories with your host about the region's culinary heritage. Savor the meal you've created, reflecting on a day rich in cultural exchange and learning.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🥖One loaf of bread | $0.25-0.60 |
| 🚎Public transit (one-way ticket) | $0.25-0.60 |
| ☕Cup of coffee or tea | $0.50-2 |
| 🧀Local snack or dairy product | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Silk Road town feel with genuine hospitality
- Compact and walkable core with accessible day trips to nature
- Fresh, seasonal Uzbek dishes and traditional bread are widely available
- Strong scenery and photography opportunities in a rural setting
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern amenities compared to bigger cities
- Some services and dining options may be basic in Eski Arab itself
- Languages beyond Uzbek/Russian may be scarce in rural spots
- "Salom" - Hello
- "Rahmat" - Thank you
- "Iltimos" - Please
- "Bu joy qaerda?" - Where is this place?
- "Bu narxi nechada?" - How much is this?
- "Menga yordam bera olasizmi?" - Could you help me?
- "Xayr" - Goodbye
- "Qachon kelyapsiz?" - When are you coming?
Places to Visit in Eski Arab
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow streets and sun-washed brick walls provide soft light and texture perfect for atmospheric street photography.
Scenic river views at dawn or dusk, with reflections of the hills and quiet boats along the bank.
Ancient lodging structures and surrounding ruins offer evocative silhouettes and historic context.
Colorful stalls and early-morning activity create vibrant market portraits and candid scenes.
Food in Eski Arab
Eski Arab Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Long-grain rice cooked with meat, carrots, onions, and spices; best enjoyed at traditional eateries and home-cooked-style places.
Must-Try!
Baked pastry filled with meat or vegetables; widely available at bakeries and street stalls.
Rich meat broth with vegetables and herbs; a comforting staple in cooler weather and at local teahouses.
Leavened flatbread baked in a tandoor; ubiquitous at every meal and ideal for sharing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, bread, dairy, and seasonal snacks; great for sampling fruit, nuts, and quick bites.
A nearby market where you can observe daily trading and pick up regional specialties such as dried fruit and pasture cheeses.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect traditional dress norms, especially near religious sites; lightweight long sleeves and trousers are suitable.
A polite handshake is common; use the right hand for giving and receiving items.
In private spaces or within homes, request permission before photographing people or interiors.
Some mosques and homes require removing shoes before entering.
Simple Uzbek phrases go a long way and are appreciated by locals.
Safety
Tipping in Eski Arab
Ensure a smooth experience
Small tips (about 5-10%) are appreciated in restaurants and teahouses for good service; tip at your discretion and rounding up is common for rides and smaller services.
Cash is widely used, especially for markets and small shops; many hotels and larger restaurants accept cards in Samarkand or tourist-focused spots; mobile payments are less common in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blossoming trees; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography; carry a light jacket for cool mornings.
Hot days with strong sun; stay hydrated, wear a hat, and seek shade during peak hours; mornings and late afternoons are best for outdoor activities.
Moderate temperatures and harvest-season produce; great for walking tours and market visits.
Cold with occasional frosts; days are shorter but skies can be clear; pack warm layers and a windbreaker.
Eski Arab at Night
Hiking in Eski Arab
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate hikes with scenic valley views and opportunities to observe local flora and birds.
Low- to moderate-difficulty routes along canyons and hillside paths suitable for a half-day excursion.
Airports
How to reach Eski Arab by plane.
Main gateway to the region; offers domestic flights and some international routes; typically reachable by car in under an hour from Eski Arab.
Uzbekistan’s primary international hub; most international travelers connect here to domestic flights or trains to Samarkand and Eski Arab.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with strong cultural and linguistic presence in the region.
Small minority communities that contribute to the cultural tapestry of the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local matches and community teams common in towns and schools.
Traditional Uzbek wrestling-style sport often demonstrated at cultural events and festivals.
Rural areas offer simple riding experiences and scenic rides through farmland and foothill trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eski Arab.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Uzbek cuisine often centers on meat, but you can find vegetarian options such as lentil soups, bean dishes, vegetable salads, bread with dairy, and fruit. Tell cooks you’d prefer plant-based meals, and you’ll be guided to eggplant, pumpkin, tomato-and-pepper stews, and pilaf variations without meat.