Generally in Uzbekistan, the word shopping for traditional items such as suzani, pillowcases, embroidered bags, nomadic jewelry, rugs, is associated with Bukhara and Samarkand. Where else but in these ancient trading centers would one find such ancient crafts? Well, far away from the old domes and the Medresses and their tiny boutiques there is a shopping destination  for adventure travelers... Urgut Bazaar.

Urgut is a small town, 40 min drive south of Samarkand onthewayto Termez and  Afghanistan. It is relatively  easy  to  get  there. Right opposite the grand Registan  andthe Museum, you find the bustling bus stop where Taxi's and Marshutkas await to whisk you off on a cultural trip to Urgut. No wor ries  here folks about getting  lost or missing a connection because the drivers actually drive straight to the famous Urgut bazaar. For an inexpensive real-life-in- Uzbekistan cultural experience, ride in a Marshutka (large van) or a Damas (minibus) with all of the locals. If you feel like traveling in style, with enough room to move without disturbing your neighbor, you will need to bargain for your own taxi, Nexia's are the best vehicles and the most expensive. As you arrive in front of the bazaar, you most likely encounter your first traffic jam in Uzbekistan; every vehicle in the entire area seems to want to access at the same time as you. Once you hop out of your chosen mode of transportation, wind your way through the street sellers into the covered bayaar. The adventure begins.

There are people and stands full of stuff everywhere. For anyone who enjoys shopping, it is like being a kid in a candy store. Mind boggling is a good word to describe the hustling and bustling over the manz wares. Tricky to inspect all of the items while maneuvering through the thick crowd of people. Pay attention to where you are going as it is a very large bazaar. Don't be afraid to ask where to find things as the Uzbeks are very friendly and might even walk you to a specific area.

Shopping for antiques and authentic souvenirs is a real treat. Once you find the section you desire the local sellers will find you. Within seconds you will  be completely surrounded by people holding up their handicrafts for you to examine. At first it can be a bit overwhelming, but once you realize what ishappening it  becomes immensely enjoyable. If anyone likes being catered to, like in the shopping scene from Pretty Women, this is your scene. The sellers will ask you what you want: old, new, small, large, what kind of colors, hand made or machine made etc., and then go get it for you. You don't have to move a muscle except your jaw to describe your   desires and to bargain for prices. The selection is abundant and the prices are cheap, so enjoy.

The bazaar hosts a variety of things from food items, personal items, and clothes that most bazaars carry, to the antique or new suzanis, pillowcases, traditional atlas fabric and Kelin (new bride) outfits. You can get   worry beads, men's traditional hats called Dopas and a wide range of other items.

When you finish your shopping extravaganza, make your way back to the starting point. There will be plenty of vehicles waiting for you at the entrance to the bazaar where you got dropped off. Choose your mode of transport and collapse in the seat, shopping bazaar style can be very tiring. For the whole trip you should allot around 4 or more hours depending upon how much you want to shop and how much you can physically carry at once. Also keep in mind that the best days with the widest selection, and also the most crowded, are Wednesday and Sunday. The Taxi's and  Marshutka's will take you  back to the Registan square. Congratulations, you survived your traditional adventure trip to the Urgut bazaar and now have many wonderful things to brag about to your friends.