Qarshi

Qarshi is the capital of Qashqadaryo Region in southern Uzbekistan. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, dating back over 2,700 years. Historically, it was a major stop on the Silk Road route between Bukhara and Termez, and later served as the winter capital of the Emirate of Bukhara. The name Qarshi means "fortress" in Turkic.

Today Qarshi is a modern regional centre with a population of about 280,000. The old town retains a few historic buildings, including the Odina Mosque and the 16th-century Ko'k Gumbaz Mosque. The climate is continental: very hot summers (up to 40°C) and cool winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

By Plane

Qarshi Airport (IATA: KSQ) has daily flights from Tashkent (1 hour). The airport is 8 km south of the city centre; a taxi costs 20,000–30,000 so'm.

By Train

Qarshi Railway Station has regular trains from Tashkent (6 hr), Samarkand (2.5 hr), and Bukhara (2 hr). The station is 3 km north of the centre; a taxi costs 10,000–15,000 so'm.

By Car / Road

Qarshi is 60 km south-west of Shahrisabz and 140 km south-east of Bukhara. Shared taxis connect Qarshi with all major cities.

Marshrutkas and taxis serve the city. The centre is moderately walkable.

• Odina Mosque — a 16th-century mosque in the old town, with a large courtyard and decorative tiles.

• Ko'k Gumbaz Mosque (Blue Dome) — built in the 16th century, another historic religious building.

• Qarshi Bazaar — a lively central market with produce, textiles, and spices.

• Qarshi Museum of History — exhibits on the history and culture of the Qashqadaryo region.

• Sardoba — an ancient domed water reservoir (sardoba) on the outskirts, used by Silk Road caravans.

• Bazaar exploration — the Qarshi Bazaar is one of the most authentic in the region.

• Day trip to Shahrisabz — 60 km north, the birthplace of Timur with the Ak-Saray Palace ruins.

• Bazaar oshxona — plov, shashlik, and shurpa; 15,000–25,000 so'm.
• Restaurant Bahor — Uzbek dishes in a sit-down setting; mains 30,000–50,000 so'm.

Green tea, ayran, bottled water.

• Budget: Qarshi Inn (double from US$20).
• Mid-range: Hotel Grand Qarshi (double US$45); Malika Qarshi (double US$50).

• Qarshi Bazaar — dried fruit, nuts, local honey, spices, and textiles.
• Carpets — local handwoven wool carpets are a regional specialty.

• Shahrisabz (60 km north, 1 hr) — Timur's birthplace with the Ak-Saray Palace.
• Bukhara (140 km north-west, 2 hr by train) — the UNESCO Silk Road city.
• Samarkand (150 km north, 2.5 hr) — Registan Square and the Timurid monuments.
• Termez (300 km south, 4 hr) — Buddhist archaeological sites and the Afghan border.