Cheap Flights to Zarafshan Airport

Discover Zarafshan

Zarafshan Airport, one of the domestic airports in Uzbekistan, makes it easier to explore the central part of the country. Located almost at the centre, this regional gateway offers a relatively convenient way to get around one of the less crowded cities. Travellers looking for this port of entry on the map will find it on 41.61361 (latitude) and 64.233055 (longitude).

The airport only has one runway measuring 5,971 feet in length, with an elevation level of 1396 feet above sea level. Travellers landing on the airport will experience a continental climate. The coldest month is January, when it can get as low as 8°C. July and August are the hottest months in the country where the range of temperature generally falls between 25 to 42 °C.

What to see & do

Known as the 'gold capital of Uzbekistan', travellers going to Zarafshan will see an urban environment in the desert landscape. There might be a lack of monuments and other attractions here, but the experience can help one find out more about the culture of the place. This enables tourists to focus on each moment and take time as it comes as they converse with some friendly locals and dine in one of the popular eateries.

From Zarafshan, tourists can go down to popular cities in the country, such as Samarkand. The city is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance. It was once a city that flourished in the time of the Silk Trade, Arabic conquest and the forays of conquerors such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Tamerlane. This influences are exhibited in monuments such as Registan Mosque and madrasas, Shah-i-Zinda compound, and Ulugh-Beg's Observatory. Shah-i-Zinda is particularly stunning with its breathtaking mausoleums that contain beautiful tilework in the Muslim world community.

The monuments of Samarkand are the only attractions to see from Zarafshan. There's Bukhara, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest city in the country. Mosques and madrasas abound here, many of which are architectural gems. Skilled artisans are also here, which allows one to enjoy viewing fine works, especially in Sitora-i Mohi Khosa which houses the Museum of Decorative Applied Arts. Teahouses and spice markets are also located here, which offers one more opportunities to explore.

For tourists who want to explore more of Uzbekistan, more sights await in Khiva. Although located near the west border of the country, the landmarks here are relatively young compared to the ancient history of Samarkand and Bukhara. However, the major attractions, such as the Itchan-Kala fortress, will make tourists feel like they took a step back in time due to its well-preserved historical monuments dating back from the 16th century.

How to get around within Zarafshan

Those going around various cities will encounter buses and marshrutkas. Private buses also ply the routes, which often do not keep on schedule and leave when full. Trains make safe and comfortable travel and let tourists go between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.

Driving around is also an option, but it is advisable to get insurance and an international driving licence before travelling to Zarafshan. The driving orientation is also on the right without any legal restriction to wear seatbelts. Tourists, however, might be flagged down by traffic cops asking for bribes. This makes it important to be aware of the traffic law while remaining calm and reasonable.

How to get there

Travellers going to Zarafshan Airport will have to make a connecting trip via Tashkent International Airport. Uzbekistan Airways is the airline to look for to arrive in this central Uzbekistan city. To get to Tashkent, travellers can look for these flight carriers: Aeroflot, Air Astana, Asiana Airlines, Avia Traffic Company, China Southern Airlines, Iran Air, Korean Air, Kyrgyzstan Air Company, S7 Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Ural Airlines, and more.