ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

There are some soviet style hotels in major Uzbek cities and Dushanbe where service is generally poor and food extremely expensive. There are also several newly built good hotels in many Uzbek towns. Some private hotels have been also built recently. Cheap "local" hotels are available but more difficult to locate. The Lonely Planet guide to the CIS provides a lot of very useful information about hotels and restaurants. It is generally better to eat at a small tea-house cum restaurant than at an Intourist hotel.
In the mountains very little accommodation is available. There is a fairly cheap, run-down hotel in Penjikent which may or may not have water. The Mountain Lodges, such as Artuch and Iskanderkul, are reasonably priced and have basic huts with beds and linen provided, there are twin-bedded and larger rooms available. Restaurant service is of a poor quality. Advance booking is advisable but not essential. In the mountains themselves tents are essential. There are plenty of good campsites and the water quality is generally excellent.
Bread, vegetables and some fruits may be bought in the towns and villages around the mountains. A wider variety of food is available in the cities but it is difficult to find. Expeditions are advised to bring in as much food as possible and in particular tinned meats or dehydrated meals, chocolates, biscuits etc. It is possible to purchase a goat in the mountains which the locals will prepare. Local agents will organize basic food supplies for you in advance if required.