The British newspaper The Guardian included Samarkand in the list of 40 destinations for travelers in 2019.

Since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took office in 2016, gradual changes are taking place in Uzbekistan, the newspaper writes.

“For tourists keen to experience the country’s famous hospitality, impressive architecture and Silk Road legacy, things are fast improving. New e-visas are a breeze compared with the old process and a key border crossing has reopened at the Tajik town of Penjikent, making it easy to combine a visit to Samarkand with a trek in Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains (such as KE Adventure’s Mountains and Marvels 15-day tour). Getting there, and around, is easier, too,” The Guardian notes.

With the launching of flights from Istanbul to Samarkand, the jewel in Uzbekistan’s crown became just one stop from London.

According to The Guardian, missing the capital, Tashkent, would be a mistake, not least because now photography is allowed on the handsome Tashkent metro. Modelled on Moscow’s famous metro, it includes Alisher Navoiy station, dedicated to the 15th century Herat-born poet, with scenes from the poet’s work decorating the walls.