Tour to Uzgen: The Story a Dynasty, Architecture and Rice
Highlights of the trip
- Visit the architectural complex of the XI-XII century
- Wandering the bazaar
- Visit the old rice mill
- Enjoy the real Uzgen plov
Once upon a time, the lands of modern Kyrgyzstan were ruled by Karakhanids. A mighty dynasty that introduced Islam as a state religion, built the iconic medieval infrastructure, and made Uzgen great again.
So, let us tell you the history and legends of a city, dynasty, and the mighty rice that grows here.
Tour Details
Available
All year around
Schedule
Upon request
Duration
From 9:00 to 15:00
Price
From $140/trip
Itinerary
Program:
09.00: Departure from Osh
10.00-12.00: Exploration of Architectural sites of the XI-XII century. The exploration will start from a 27-meter tall minaret, an Islamic architectural element that served not only as a call to prayer. You can even climb it to the top to feel what it was like to be a muezzin and to simply enjoy the sceneries around the city. Then, we will head to witness the architectural development and sophistication at three mausoleums. You will learn the basics of Ferganian architectural style and the history of the people buried underneath. We will also be privileged to visit a small museum on the site.
12.00-13.00: One of the last strongholds of preserved oriental bazaars in Kyrgyzstan is the Uzgen market. We will take a walk through its crowded alley, witness the process of barganining, sample some products and maybe get some appetizers for upcoming plov.
13.10-13.40: Rice mill. Sorry for mentioning plov early and provoking your appetite. We will get to it, but first, let us unveil for you the history and properties of rice that make our plove so unique. Behold! His Majesty Uzgen Devzira rice. We will visit the rice fields and mill where this rice is cultivated and processed. You will learn how it is grown, harvested, and processed.
14.00-15.00: Plov with a view. Finally, we have deserve our plate of plov served straight out of cauldron. You know the Uzgen rice; you know the Uzgen people. Now, learn how the people use this rice to do the magic. You will enjoy the plov with panoramic views of the valley.
15.00-16.00: Return to Osh. Digest your lunch and maybe take a nap on the way back to Osh. I’m pretty sure what you’ll see in your dreams. No, not Uzgen, but the rivers or lakes, as Uzgen rice will make you thirsty.