Introduction viPART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1Chapter 1 Background Information 3Geography and climate 3, Natural history andconservation 7, History 10, Government and politics16, Economy 16, People 18, Language 19, Religion 22,Education 24, Culture 24, Sport 29Chapter 2 Practical Information 31When to visit 31, Highlights 31, Suggested itineraries33, Tour operators 34, Red tape 35, Embassies 37,Getting there and away 38, Health 41, Safety 48, Whatto take 50, Money 51, Budgeting 52, Getting around53, Accommodation 59, Eating and drinking 61,Public holidays and festivals 63, Shopping 63, Artsand entertainment 66, Photography 67, Media andcommunications 68, Business 70, Opening times 72,Buying property 72, Cultural etiquette 72, Travellingpositively 73PART TWO THE GUIDE 75Chapter 3 Tashkent and Environs 77Tashkent 77, Around Tashkent 108Chapter 4 Fergana Valley and the East 111Namangan 111, Andijan 118, Margilan 123, Fergana 125,Kokand 128Chapter 5 Samarkand and Dzhizak Provinces 135Samarkand 135, Dzhizak 151Chapter 6 Qashqa Darya and Surkhan Darya Provinces 155Shakhrisabz 155, Karshi 160, Denau 163, Termez 166Chapter 7 Navoi Province 175Navoi 175, Karmana 178, Nurata 180Chapter 8 Bukhara Province 185Bukhara 185, Gijduvan 205Chapter 9 Khorezm Province 207Urgench 207, Khiva 212Chapter 10 Republic of Karakalpakstan 227Nukus 227, Moynaq 232Appendix 1 Language 233Appendix 2 Glossary 236Appendix 3 Further Information 238Index 242.