With an age more than 2200 years, Chilpik Kala or Dakhma Chilpik is a round roofless tower with a height of 15 meters high, 35 meters from the ground and 65 meters in diameter, built at the top of the rounded natural hill. It is also known as an ancient Zoroastrian Tower of Silence which became famous for Uzbekistan Tours as the earliest example of the traditional funerary ritual of ancient time.
A trip to Chilpik Kala-Zoroastrian tower of silence is one of the interesting Things To Do In Khorezm region.
It was thought that Chilpik Kala was built in between the time at the end of 1st century BC and early 1st century AD. However, during Arab invasion of Khorezm in 7th century, the tower was rebuilt. In between 7th and 8th centuries, the tower or dakhma was reconstructed again.
It was used for the Zoroastrian rituals before 1st century AD. Zoroastrians were used the put the bodies of their relatives to be eaten up by the birds of prey. Then, the flesh was eaten by birds until the bones become clear from flesh. The family of dead person collected the bones and put to clay or stone urns for burial.
According to some researchers, Khorezmians used Chilpik Kala to send the signal and defence tower along with other fortresses of the Khorezm Shakh State.
Chilpik Kala is located on the banks of Amu Darya River of Khorezm region near Karkalpastan, an autonomous republic in Uzbekistan. The tower is 43 kilometers to the South of Nukus, near the highway to Turtkul.
The fragments of clay ossuaries on the slopes give the proof about an original cult destination of the fortress as Dakhma, which was used in Zoroastrian rituals. The interior of Chiplik Kala is a plane clay area, which was covered on the backfill from fragments of black sand stone.
Early in the morning, the fortress offers an excellent view of the surroundings like the full-flowing Amu Darya, shimmering of the sun during sunrise, and surrounded green fields.
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There is nothing as per law in Uzbek that a woman must wear, so you can bring your clothes that you love to wear. However, the country has its own culture and we believe you won’t like to offend it. So, we recommend packing some light shirts, t-shirts, jeans and long-sleeved dresses covering knees. You need to wear a scarf or something that covers your head while entering a mosque. You can pack some swim-dress to wear near your pool at your hotel.
Well, it’s really up to you. Bring as much as you want to spend in Uzbekistan. The country is not much expensive but most for paying most of the things you will need cash. Cards are not much accepted here. You can exchange your money at the airport or in any hotel or banks of Uzbekistan (both in private & govt. bank). Keep in mind that you need to pay tips in restaurants and to porters (not mandatory, but expected as it’s almost a custom to tip).
No, drinking tap water isn’t considered safe in Uzbekistan. We highly recommend using bottled water while you are in Uzbekistan. Also, make sure to eat clean and well-cooked food. If you are visiting Uzbek inn hot time make sure to keep big water bottles as you will feel thirsty due to the hot climate especially in the day time.
Well, the answer is No. Uzbekistan is not only a magical country with a rich history and spectacular natural beauty but also a very friendly country to visit. If you are afraid of if it is safe, then let us tell you even the country is safe for solo woman travelers. Uzbek people are warm and friendly. They will easily welcome you as their guest. Choose a reliable tour operator and explore the best of the country without any fear.
Of course, you can avail alcohol in Uzbekistan. It is kind of part of their life. Alcohol is taken by many Uzbek people especially, the Russians. Soviet people introduced Vodka and other alcoholic drinks that are now a part of their life. However, some very strict Muslims don’t prefer drinking. However, it is allowed and legal in the country.
Uzbekistan is famous for its ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Tashkent that are explained in many historical stories. These places have some stunning old Islamic architecture buildings that make it famous. As well, the natural beauty, mountains, and rich history of the country usually fascinate its travelers.
Uzbek people eat many types of food in their daily life. The dishes of Uzbekistan are delicious. Mostly they eat and drink soups, meat dishes, floury dishes, bread, milk, and oriental sweets. They share their culinary style mostly with Turkic people. Mostly they have a whole meal in one pot. You can try some local cuisine during your visit to Uzbekistan like; Plov, Shashlik, Lagman Soup, Shurpa, Dimlama, Chuchvara, Samsa, and more.
While visiting to Uzbek you are recommended to have the following vaccination-
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Polio
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
The country is best to visit at any time except the summer season (July & August). During these 2 months, the country is at its highest temperature that goes up to 40-degree Celsius. However, spring and autumn are a great time to visit Uzbek i.e. from April to May and September to early November. During this period the country remains dry with a clear sky and cool temp.
The tropical climate of the country is great for malaria mosquitoes; hence once malaria was the worst health threat in Uzbekistan. To protect people from falling ill in malaria the govt. of Uzbek has taken various steps and in 2010 the country became malaria-free. Now it has won the WHO certificate as a malaria-free country. Hence, you can stay stress-free about malaria.
In July 2018, Uzbekistan started an E-visa facility and there are 76 nationalists can apply for a visa online. You can go to the official E-visa site, and apply for your e-visa by filling a form online. The total cost is 20USD. It takes 2 to 3 working days for processing your visa and then you can get a confirmation in your mail. The payment you can do only in the working hours. If you are not from a country where you can go for e-visa, then you can go with the traditional way. You can book it from the embassy.
There are 21 countries that enjoy visa free entry to Uzbekistan. Here is the cost for Uzbekistan-
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa- US$60 to US$100 for most nationalities
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa - $160 for US nationalities
Additional entry cost- $10Per entry