Journal of Nomads

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) – 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

This is the most complete and updated online guide to travel in Uzbekistan with all the information you need to know to plan your visit to Uzbekistan!

Located on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia that has recently opened its doors to the world. Since doing so, this off-the-beaten-path destination is gradually becoming more and more popular with tourists.

Nowadays, it’s far easier to travel independently around this spectacular place than during my first trip to Uzbekistan in 2017. I’ve seen many positive changes during my later trips since then.

That’s why I’m happy to share this complete and updated guide to travel in Uzbekistan that will help you in preparing for your trip.

This travel guide will provide you with useful and up-to-date Uzbekistan travel tips, and recommendations to visit Uzbekistan.

Come and find out more about this wondrous land, brimming with rich history, culture, and stunning Islamic architecture in this Uzbekistan travel guide!

Tip: See my Uzbekistan Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Uzbekistan!

Discover the mystical Silk Road cities and travel along the ancient caravan trails in the mountains and desert of Uzbekistan during the 14-day H i g h l i g h t s o f Uzbekistan Adventure Tour !

Silk Road Tour - Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan - Bukhara Travel Guide - Best things to do in Bukhara Uzbekistan - The Complete Bukhara City Guide

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Uzbekistan

  • 18 important things to prepare your trip to Uzbekistan
  • 26 beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan
  • Uzbekistan Itineraries: 1 to 4 weeks in Uzbekistan
  • How to travel aroun d Uzbekistan by train
  • What to pack for Uzbekistan
  • Uzbekistan Safety Guide
  • Uzbekistan Money Guide
  • Tours & Experiences: Guided City Tours in Uzbekistan, Adventure Tours in Uzbekistan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Visiting Uzbekistan in 2024 – Uzbekistan Entry Requirements

1.1 do i need a visa to travel to uzbekistan.

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) - 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

Starting from 1 February 2019, citizens of the European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and many more countries can travel to Uzbekistan visa-free for a period of 30 days .

Citizens of 76 countries including the United States, China, and India have been granted the right to receive an electronic entry visa for a period of 30 days.

If your country of citizenship isn’t on any list, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the Uzbek Embassy.

How to apply for an Uzbekistan e-visa?

Applying for an electronic visa for Uzbekistan is very easy but remember that you should apply at least 3 days before your arrival in the country .

Head online to the Official Electronic Visa Portal of Uzbekistan and fill in your information.

This visa is still date-specific so you need to enter the date of your arrival and departure. Remember that you can stay up to 30 days in the country.

Once you’ve filled in your personal details, you have to upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport (look here for guidelines ).

After you’ve activated your application by entering your email address, you’ll need to pay the consular fee to receive your e-visa. The cost of obtaining an e-visa is 20 USD and has to be paid with a valid Visa card.

Once your application has been approved, the electronic visa will be sent to your email address in pdf format within 48 hours.

Print the e-visa so you can show it upon your arrival. Your passport should also be valid for three months from the date you arrive.

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

1.2 Can I extend my Uzbekistan visa?

If you travel to Uzbekistan on a free tourist visa, you can enter and exit as many times as you want.

I traveled for a couple of days to Tashkent and Samarkand , left the country by crossing the land border with Tajikistan and returned 8 days later to Uzbekistan. Upon my 2nd arrival in Tashkent, I received a new stamp that allowed me to stay another 30 days in the country. 

As there are no clear rules yet about how many days within a year you’re allowed to stay in Uzbekistan, you can currently do a couple of border runs in the nearby countries like  Kazakhstan ,  Kyrgyzstan , and  Tajikistan   and easily renew your tourist visa.

Before you get all excited, just keep in mind that this might change at some point in the near future. 

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) - 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

1.3 What happens if I overstay my Uzbekistan Visa?

Whilst traveling in Uzbekistan, it’s really important that you keep an eye on how many days you’ve spent in the country and that your outgoing flight is booked within your visa time allowance.

If you happen to overstay your visa for any extra time it may result in a 2,000 USD fine as well as the Uzbek authorities delaying your exit from the country by a week or more.

1.4 Uzbekistan Vaccination Requirements

There aren’t any compulsory vaccinations needed to travel in Uzbekistan.

However, it is recommended that you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A, and typhoid especially if you are planning on traveling to more remote villages.

Uzbekistan Travel Guide - Traveling to Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

The 26 most beautiful and best places to visit in Uzbekistan

Backpacking to Uzbekistan - Everything you need to know - Samarkand - Journal of Nomads

2. When is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is in spring (mid-April –  beginning of June) or autumn (mid-September – beginning of November). The temperatures during these seasons are very pleasant and it shouldn’t be too hot to walk around during the day.

Soaring temperatures usually start from the beginning of June until mid-September. When planning your travels in Uzbekistan, it’s also good to know that most of the country’s major events take place in either spring or autumn. 

2.1 What is the hottest month in Uzbekistan?

July and August are the hottest months of the year in Uzbekistan. With temperatures ranging from 35 ° C to sometimes even up to 40 ° – 45 ° C, visiting Uzbekistan during the summer can be quite uncomfortable.

It’s good to have this in mind if you are planning any long overland journeys as the sun is very strong.

2.2 Should I visit Uzbekistan in Winter?

Winter is a great time to visit Uzbekistan for anyone who wants to avoid crowds. The temperatures are not that cold, it can be sunny and crowds of tourists are nonexistent.

The chance of rain increases from mid-March, but March and April are still quiet months to visit.

Winter in Uzbekistan is very special and if it snows, you’ll get to see a magical winter wonderland. That’s why I once traveled to Uzbekistan in December. Unfortunately, I arrived a bit too late (or was it too early?) to see the cities fully covered in snow. 

It had snowed several days before my arrival and I could only enjoy the last bits of it in the capital Tashkent. In other cities, the snow had already disappeared by the time I arrived there. 

Another advantage of traveling during winter is that in the low season, the hotels and hostels are cheaper. 

Backpacking to Uzbekistan - Everything you need to know - snow in Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

3. Travel Insurance for Uzbekistan

It isn’t mandatory to have travel insurance if you are traveling to Uzbekistan. However, I would suggest getting one for the period of your trip. You just never know when you might need it …

If you don’t have travel insurance yet, I highly recommend HeyMondo as it covers both medical costs and theft.

Travel Insurance for Backpackers - The 2 best backpacker travel insurance - Journal of Nomads

What are the 3 best budget-friendly travel insurance companies

Need Travel Insurance for Central Asia ? I use and highly recommend HeyMondo Travel Insurance . As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) - 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

4. What is the best way to get to Uzbekistan?

4.1 where do you fly into uzbekistan.

Tashkent and Samarkand both have international airports. Tashkent International Airport is the most popular arrival destination into Uzbekistan and because the airport is fairly small, you would struggle to get lost.

There is a currency exchange office in the airport that offers a good exchange rate if you have US Dollars. There are nowadays also ATMs available in the airport of Tashkent where you can take out and exchange US Dollars and Uzbek som (see 7.5 How much money should I take to Uzbekistan ).

How to get from the airport to Tashkent city center by taxi and how much does it cost?

It’s a 30-minute drive to get from the airport to the city center of Tashkent by taxi.

As soon as you exit the airport, you’ll be greeted by many eager taxi drivers who are happy to bring you to the city center of Tashkent for 50.000 Uzbek som.

This is the same rate as the “official” taxi office in the airport, which doesn’t make sense as the standard price for a taxi from the airport to the city center of Tashkent is 25.000 som (around US$2 – US$3).  

This means you’ll have to negotiate the price with the driver and you might not feel like playing the bargaining game after a long flight. So here’s a good personal tip. 

When you exit the airport, ignore the taxi drivers who are standing at the gate. Walk to the left towards the parking lot across ‘Departures’. There you’ll find taxi drivers who just drove travelers from the city center to the airport. 

They’ll be happy to quickly return to the city center and therefore are a lot easier to negotiate with. Offer the driver max 25.000 som. Show him the money and tell him to take it or leave it. He’ll probably try to ask for more but as soon as you start walking towards another taxi, he’ll very likely take it…

Another tip: if you buy a SIM card at the airport, install the Yandex Go app on your phone. This app works like Uber and shows you the taxi rates.

How to get from the airport to Tashkent city center by bus and how much does it cost?

There are buses that run daily from 6 am until 11 pm between the airport and the city center.

When you exit the airport, walk past the parking lot and you’ll see them on your left.  A bus ticket costs 1200 som and can be bought on the bus itself. 

As there are different buses, it might be hard to figure out which bus to take. The apps Maps.me and wikiroutes can help you to see which bus and route to take to your hotel. Bus #67 goes straight to the city center. 

How to get from Tashkent City center to the airport and how much does it cost?

The easiest and most straightforward way is to ask the receptionist of your hostel or hotel to call a taxi for you. You can also install the app Yandex Go to order a taxi.

A taxi from the city of Tashkent to the airport will cost around 20.000 som, depending on where you are in the city.

Alisher Navoi Opera of Tashkent - Fun things to do in Tashkent

Top Things to do in Tashkent – Tashkent City Guide

Hotel Uzbekistan Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

4.2 How to travel to Uzbekistan by road ?

Uzbekistan shares land borders with Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , and Tajikistan .

The security at the overland border points used to be very strict . Not only did you have to fill in a lot of paperwork, but you were also asked many questions about your trip and your bag would be opened and the contents searched for any prohibited items.

Nowadays, border crossings tend not to take so long. Border guards will still scan your luggage, ask if you’re traveling with a drone (which is strictly prohibited!) but they are not as strict as they used to once be. It’s rare that you will be asked to open your bag to be searched and you’re not required to fill in any paperwork.

Overland border crossings are now faster and far easier than they were. You should check online for up-to-date information, as borders can close without notice. All travel to the Termez region and to within 5km of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border is not advised at the moment.

Caution should be exercised in some areas bordering Tajikistan . The border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan is currently closed.

The most common and easiest routes to travel overland to Uzbekistan are:

  • From Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Tashkent by bus and train
  • From Shymkent (Kazakhstan) to Tashkent by bus and train
  • From Osh (Kyrgyzstan) to Tashkent by bus, train or shared taxi
  • From Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) to Tashkent by bus
  • From Penjikent (Tajikistan) to Samarkand by shared taxi
  • From Khudjand (Tajikistan) to Tashkent by bus

The 6 Best Places to visit in Fergana Valley Uzbekistan - Yodgorlik Silk Factory in Margilan - Journal of Nomads

6 Best Places to visit in the Fergana Valley – The Complete Travel Guide

5. Where should you go in Uzbekistan?

5.1 top silk road cities to visit in uzbekistan.

If you’re going to travel in Uzbekistan to find treasures of the ancient Silk Road, you should visit the following 5 cities to see the most stunning and impressive Islamic architecture in the entire country:

The majority of these sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

What to do in Khiva - the open air museum of Uzbekistan

5.2 More interesting places to visit in Uzbekistan

The country has, of course, more to offer than only beautiful Silk Road cities. If you want to go off-the-beaten path, you can visit the follow destinations in Uzbekistan:

  • the Fergana Valley
  • Karakalpakstan , an autonomous republic of Uzbekistan
  • the Aral Sea and the ship graveyard in Moynoq
  • hiking in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains

5.3 How many days do you need for Uzbekistan?

If you’re wondering how many days you need to visit Uzbekistan, then it’s kind of an open-ended question. It would be possible to visit the main tourist attractions in Uzbekistan within one week.

If you’re not time-restricted, I’d recommend at least 10 days to fully absorb everything this country has on offer.

Tourism in Uzbekistan is an economy that is growing larger and becoming more popular as time passes. I would urge you to plan a trip to soak up the sights before it perhaps becomes super touristy.

Best Uzbekistan Silk Road Cities - Khiva

Uzbekistan itinerary suggestions: visit Uzbekistan in 1 to 4 weeks

6. Is Uzbekistan a safe country to visit?

Many people wonder if it’s safe to travel in Uzbekistan. It’s still a relatively unknown country in Central Asia and its neighboring country Afghanistan doesn’t have the best reputation. A country ending with -stan gets quickly associated with danger.

However, you absolutely have nothing to worry about! Uzbekistan is totally safe. You’ll see police officers on every street corner and at every public place. They even introduced a “Tourist Police” now. There Tourist Police officers have an office in every touristic city and are glad to be of any assistance when needed.

Tourism is a rich source of income and the Uzbeks genuinely want you to have a fantastic experience in their country. They are very hospitable and kind people and you’ll be received as a very welcome guest.

Is it safe to travel to Uzbekistan - Tourist Police Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

One of the most common scams in Uzbekistan is getting overcharged by taxi drivers. It starts as soon as you arrive at the airport or at any land border. The taxi drivers will usually charge you double or triple the standard rate.

You have to bargain hard and have a lot of patience to get the price down. If you’re not sure what the normal price is, try to get at least half the price of what the driver is offering you or install Yandex Go as this app will show you the rates upfront.

Another scam you have to be careful of is when you visit monuments or museums. When you pay the entrance fee, make sure that they don’t charge you automatically for a guide. In some places, especially in Samarkand , you have to pay extra if you want to take photos (with a camera, not with your phone).

Some ticket offices will automatically include a camera price or pretend there is one. If you’re in doubt, ask for the price list as every ticket office should have one, and check if you’re paying the correct fee.

Siyob Bazaar - places to visit Samarkand Uzbekistan

Is Uzbekistan safe? 1 4 useful safety tips

Uzbekistan solo travel/ Is Uzbekistan safe to travel alone?

Yes, Uzbekistan is a very safe country to visit for solo (female) travelers! When I first traveled on my own to Uzbekistan in 2017, I was a bit anxious but I quickly experienced I had nothing to worry about.

The Uzbeks are very kind and hospitable, welcome you as a guest in their country and they want you to enjoy yourself.

Solo female travel in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

How is it to travel alone as a woman in Uzbekistan?

Khiva Uzbekistan - Khiva Travel Guide - Visit Khiva - Things to do in Khiva - Silk Road Tour

7. Money and currency in Uzbekistan

7.1 what kind of money do they use in uzbekistan.

The Uzbekistani Som (UZS) is the official currency used in Uzbekistan.

  • Banknotes circulating in Uzbekistan: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 som.
  • Coins circulating in Uzbekistan: 50, 100, 200 and 500 som

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are ( November 2023) :

  • $1 USD = 12,300 UZS
  • €1 Euro = 13,000 UZS
  • £1 British Pound = 15,000 UZS

Only a few years ago, the highest denomination available was a banknote of 5000 Uzbeki Som. I needed an extra bag to carry the 2400 banknotes after exchanging 150 US dollars for 1.200.000 Som…

The new banknotes of 10.000, 50.000, and 100.000 UZS make a huge difference in size and weight in your wallet (and the amount of time spent on counting your change…).

Backpacking to Uzbekistan - Everything you need to know - money in Uzbekistan- Journal of Nomads

7.2 Which credit cards are accepted in Uzbekistan?

Visa is probably the most widely accepted credit card in hotels and restaurants. However, Uzbekistan still has a cash economy which means you won’t always be able to pay with your credit card.

It is slowly becoming more common practice, but it would be wise to carry some cash rather than depending on your card whilst traveling in Uzbekistan. 

7.3 ATMs in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva nowadays all have ATMs where you can take out US dollars and/or Uzbek Som with a VISA card. There are also 2 ATMs at the international airport in Tashkent. 

Bankomats and ATM in Uzbekistan - Uzbekistan Travel Guide - Can I pay with credit card in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

7.4 Exchanging money in Uzbekistan

The best place to exchange money in Uzbekistan is at one of the banks in Tashkent as they give the best exchange rate.

Just keep in mind that if you want to exchange money, your banknotes should be crisp and in good condition . It happened a few times that the exchange office gave me a lower rate as my banknotes were a little crumpled. 

Before you leave Uzbekistan, you can exchange your remaining Som at the bank or in one of the exchange offices at either the airport or at the land borders.

Update: You can nowadays also pay with Euro and US dollar bills in shops, restaurants, at the hotel, to guides and drivers,…

7.5 How much money do you need in Uzbekistan?

You may be wondering whether it is cheap to visit Uzbekistan? The average monthly wage in Uzbekistan is $300 which is useful to keep in mind.

With most people traveling to Uzbekistan visa-free these days, it’s pretty inexpensive to get around Uzbekistan. Although basic accommodation is not dirt cheap due to a convoluted tax code.

For a 10-day trip, depending on the activities you want to do, I would recommend taking 600 USD or Euro per person in cash to Uzbekistan (if you’re not planning on using your credit card).

Average prices are $10 for a basic meal, $15 for a hostel bed and $30 upwards for a double room in a decent hotel, and $10 for a train ticket.

Uzbekistan Fergana Valley - Kokand - Things to do in Fergana Valley - Khan's Palace Kokand

Uzbekistan Money Guide: How much does it cost to travel in Uzbekistan?

7.6 Should you tip in Uzbekistan?

You don’t have to leave a tip in the restaurant as the service is automatically included in the bill. However, this is not mentioned on the menu and a lot of foreigners get confused or think they’re being overcharged once they receive the bill.

If you take a look at the bottom of the bill, you will see the service fee of 10 -15% added to the total cost of your meal.

Tipping your guide or driver is not mandatory but is getting lately more and more expected… I usually give an additional 10% tip on top of the price.

Gur-e-amir Samarkand Uzbekistan

8. How to get around in Uzbekistan/Is it easy to travel around Uzbekistan?

8.1 are there trains in uzbekistan.

Yes, there are trains in Uzbekistan and the Uzbekistan railroad is the most convenient, interesting and fastest way to travel around the country!

The Uzbekistan railway connects now all the major touristic destinations: Tashkent , Samarkand , Bukhara , and – since December 2018 – Khiva . 

There are three types of trains (and I’ve tested them all!): the Afrosiyob , the Sharq  and the Night Train .

In my post Taking trains in Uzbekistan – The Uzbekistan railways guide , you’ll find a complete guide to the Uzbekistan train system, including information on taking the Uzbekistan high-speed rail, the Uzbekistan Sharq train and the Uzbekistan night train.

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) - 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

The Complete Guide to Train Travel in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Railways - taking trains in Uzbekistan

8.2 How to travel around Uzbekistan by bus

If you prefer to see the road instead of the railway, you can travel around Uzbekistan by bus. You can check the bus schedules and buy your ticket online or at the local bus stations. You’ll need your passport so bring it with you. You should also buy your ticket at least one day in advance.

Long distance buses are a slow and not very comfortable way to get around,  as well as not being much cheaper than a second class train or a ride with a shared taxi.

International Bus Station Almaty to Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

City buses are very cheap and you pay the fare directly to the driver on the bus. You can check the bus routes within cities on the apps maps.me and wikiroutes .

You’ll also see many minibuses racing around the cities. The most common ones are the ‘Damas’. These minibuses are great if you want to travel in a larger city or to travel to nearby towns or villages.

Traveling by public transportation in Uzbekistan - Minibus - Damas - Journal of Nomads

8.3 Getting around Uzbekistan by shared taxi

A shared taxi is a taxi that you share with usually 4 to 5 other passengers. It doesn’t have a fixed schedule but leaves once the taxi is full. They leave from a fixed location which is often near a bus station or just outside of a city.

Your hostel or hotel will know where to find them and you usually won’t have to search long for one. The drivers will probably find you first, they’ll ask where you’re going or they’ll be shouting out their destinations to you.

Be careful because they can be quite pushy and they like to double the rate if they think you’re an ignorant tourist. That’s why it’s a good plan to have an idea of how much you should pay for a ride beforehand and you can ask about this in your hotel or hostel.

Before you get into a shared taxi, confirm the price with the driver and tell him clearly that you want to share the taxi with other passengers. It can happen that the driver may think that you’d like to have the taxi to yourself and if you don’t want to share a taxi, you’ll have to pay for the other seats as well.

A trip of 2 to 3 hours to another city will cost you around 60.000 UZS, depending on how good you are at bargaining.

You can also take a private taxi to get around cities. Just flag them down on the side of the road. You should pay a maximum of 8.000 UZS for a ride within the city.

Taking a shared taxi used to be the only way to travel from Bukhara to Urgench and Khiva. This trip costs 80.000 UZS and isn’t very comfortable as it’s an 8-hour long drive, mainly through the desert. Since there is a train nowadays that connects Bukhara and Khiva, I’d go for this option.

You can also take a private taxi to get around cities . Just flag them down on the side of the road or, if you have a sim card, install the Yandex Go app   on your phone. The app functions like Uber.

Pay a maximum of 10.000 UZS for a ride within the city . 

If you’re visiting Tashkent, you can also get around the city by metro.  The Tashkent Metro Stations are very beautiful and taking the underground should be one of the things you definitely have to do while visiting Uzbekistan’s capital!

Kosmonavtlar Metro Station Tashkent Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

The 1 3 m o s t b e a u t i f u l m e t r o s t a t i o n s i n T a s h k e n t

Alisher Navoi Metro Station Tashkent - Most beautiful metros of Tashkent - Journal of Nomads

8.4 Renting a car in Uzbekistan

It used to be impossible for foreigners to rent a car in Uzbekistan. This has changed and now you can find several car rental places in Tashkent . 

You can also travel to Uzbekistan with your own car, as long as you have all the required documents. More information can be found here .

It’s important to note that it’s very difficult to find diesel; propane is the main fuel in Uzbekistan, petrol comes in second. It’s also worth noting that some secondary roads can be difficult to drive on unless you have a 4×4. 

Check out the website of Caravanistan for more information on traveling by car in Uzbekistan.

8.5 Hitchhiking in Uzbekistan

Hitchhiking in Uzbekistan is possible and a fun way to connect with the locals. One thing you have to know is that most drivers will charge you money for the ride.

Be very clear from the start that you don’t have money if you don’t want to pay for the ride.

If you want to hitchhike, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to learn some Russian so you can explain your intentions to the driver and have a conversation with him. 

8.6 Domestic flights in Uzbekistan

If you don’t have much time and you want to cover the distance between Tashkent and Khiva quickly, you can take a domestic flight between Tashkent and Nukus or Tashkent and Urgench. Urgench is a 30-minute drive from Khiva.

The duration of the flight between Tashkent and Urgench is only 1.5 hours, between Tashkent and Nukus 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can book easily your flight ticket(s) on the website of Uzbekistan Airways.

If you book well in advance, the average price for a flight between Tashkent and Urgench costs 60USD. You can pay online by Visa and Mastercard.  

Important: When arranging a taxi to drop you off at the domestic airport, make sure the driver brings you to terminal 3 (domestic flights) and not terminal 2 (international flights).

When using the Yandex Go app, it will only show you “Tashkent International Airport”. Make sure you type in “Tashkent International Airport Terminal 3” , or you’ll end up at the wrong terminal!

Top Things to do in Khiva – The Complete Guide to Uzbekistan’s Open-Air Museum

Registan Samarkand Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

9. Uzbekistan Tours

Uzbekistan could be described as one of the most special yet overlooked countries in the world that is brimming with natural beauty and rich with culture. Going on an organized private/group tour is a wonderful and worthwhile way to see some of this country’s most beautiful spots.

I recommend checking out some of these guided city tours in the Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan as you don’t only get to see the highlights of the city but also learn more about the rich historical background.

10. Where to stay in Uzbekistan – Accommodation in Uzbekistan

It used to be illegal to stay with a host family in Uzbekistan. Travelers had to register every night in a hotel or hostel. These rules have since become more flexible. 

Nowadays you’re allowed to camp, stay with a host family or book a room or apartment on Airbnb for 3 nights in a row without having to register. If you stay longer than 3 nights, you will need to check again in order to register.

The registration happens automatically as soon as you check in and payment for this registration is in the form of a “city tax” which is usually $3 per night.

The receptionist will ask for your passport and register you online. Sometimes you’ll receive a registration slip upon check-out, which you should keep in case the border guards would ask for them when leaving the country (although, I haven’t noticed them doing this in the past 2 years). Nowadays, all your stays should be registered online and traceable via your passport.

If you take the overnight train, this ticket is also seen as registration, so don’t throw this one away. If you’re overlanding and/or planning to regularly camp in the wild or stay with a local family, you have to register online on Emehmon .

If you’re having trouble with your online registration, I’d recommend staying in a ho(s)tel every 3 to 4 nights, just to have some proof of registration.

Backpacking to Uzbekistan - Everything you need to know - registration - Journal of Nomads

10.1 Hostels, hotels and Airbnb in Uzbekistan

Because of the growing number of tourists traveling in Uzbekistan, there are many new hostels and hotels appearing in all of the larger cities. It’s important to remember the $3 city tax that is added (or sometimes already included) in the price of your accommodation per night.

Booking.com is a great website to use when looking for hostels and hotels whilst staying in Uzbekistan and Airbnb also has many great apartment options to choose from. It all is just dependent on what your budget is.

There are some lovely options for independent and solo travelers such as small-scale boutique hotels or B&B’s. There is a wide range of high-quality hotels in Uzbekistan but keep in mind that the tourist economy is still developing in Uzbekistan.

During the high season, many of the rooms can be booked up weeks in advance, so if you know your itinerary , book early to avoid disappointment.

Not all of the hotels available are online yet so there may be a chance of securing a room for the night upon spontaneous arrival at a hotel and booking on the spot.

If you plan on visiting Uzbekistan during Winter, keep in mind that electricity black-outs can be an issue and in the Summer the hot water can sometimes be turned off. You can ask at reception if this is likely to happen during your stay.

10.2 Homestays in Uzbekistan

If you’re drawn to spending a few days in the countryside soaking up the Uzbek culture then a homestay is for you.

There is a network of homestays in the Nuratau mountains as well as in the village of Katta Langar near Shahrisabz . Vegetarian meals, solar-powered showers, and clean toilets are all available.

Hiking in Uzbekistan - Nuratau Mountains in Uzbekistan - best hiking trails Uzbekistan

6 Fantastic Hiking Trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan

10.3 Staying in a yurt in Uzbekistan

Some of the people in Karakalpakstan still live in yurts for part of the year as they are culturally much closer to Kazakhs and Turkmens than to Uzbeks.

There are some desert yurt camps in the Kyzyl Kum and Aral Kum deserts and also near Urgench. These have been specifically set up for tourists so if you have your heart set on staying in a yurt, you can experience it here.

However, budget for this before you set off on your trip as they can be quite expensive.

Travel Guide to Moynaq Ship Graveyard Aral Sea Disaster Uzbekistan

How to visit the ship graveyard in Moynaq and the Aral Sea Disaster in Uzbekistan

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) - 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

10.4 Camping in Uzbekistan

Wild camping is permitted in Uzbekistan so why not take the opportunity to sleep under the stars whilst on your Uzbekistan trip. Why not camp in the mountains near Samarkand and Tashkent or in the desert for epic and atmospheric starlit skies.

It’s important that you are aware of the registration rules and it’s a good idea to camp for only a couple of nights before then booking into a hostel or hotel in order to fill in your registration card.

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) - 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

11. Uzbekistan Food and drinks

Uzbek food is characterized by meals including noodles, mutton, rice, and vegetables.

Traditional bread (tandir non) is particularly sacred in Uzbek culture. Flat and round, this bread is torn by hand and never thrown out.

The summers bring fresh, delicious and vibrant fruits that you can buy at the local markets along with vegetables, spices and sweet Uzbek candy.

Green tea is often drunk regularly throughout the day and is a common drink offered to guests.

There are many international restaurants in the larger more touristic cities if you find that you are craving a change from traditional Uzbek cuisine. 

Uzbekistan markets - Journal of Nomads

11.1 5 Uzbek Dishes you have to try

Trying local cuisine and traditional dishes is a great way to experience a country’s culture.

‘Plov’ is the national dish of Uzbekistan and it’s one that Uzbeks are extremely proud of. It is commonly made as a family meal or made in larger quantities to celebrate special occasions such as weddings.

It is traditionally prepared in a large cooking pot (a Kazan) and the most famous version is made with a base of onions, carrots, and meat that is sautéed in fat.

The rice is then added, topped up with water and simmered until everything is cooked. Sometimes additional ingredients are added such as chickpeas, other vegetables, raisins, and fruit.

Backpacking to Uzbekistan - Everything you need to know- food in Uzbekistan - plov - Journal of Nomads

2) Shashlik

If you’re a fan of meat dishes, then you should try ‘shashlik’. Not only is it one of the most popular dishes in Uzbek cuisine, but it’s also a dish that is enjoyed right across Central Asia.

The word ‘shashlik’ comes from the Russian word for ‘shish kabob’. Traditionally, the dish is made with lamb however beef, chicken, and venison can be used instead. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try the grilled skewers with horse meat.

3) Kazan Kabob

‘Kazan kabob’, as its name suggests, is a dish that is prepared in a kazan, a large cooking pot also commonly used to make plov.

Marinated meat such as mutton or beef is fried with potatoes and then covered and steamed in a kazan on a low heat. When the meat is fully cooked it is finally served with onions and some fresh vegetables.

‘Obi non’, also known as ‘lepyoshka’, is a type of round, flat Uzbek bread that has been baked in a traditional clay oven called a ‘tandyr’. Similar to Indian naan bread, it’s thicker and then decorated on top. Additional meat, nuts, seeds and raisins are sometimes added.

It is considered one of the most important foods in Uzbekistan and is eaten with just about anything. It can be made in a variety of ways and changes slightly from region to region.

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) - 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

5) Shivit oshi

‘Shivit oshi’, also known as ‘khorezm lagman’ is an eye-catching Uzbek dish. Hand-pulled Lagman noodles are infused with fresh dill which gives them their distinctive bright green color. The dish originates from Khiva .

Fresh herbs and vegetables feature more in cuisine in this region in comparison to other areas in Uzbekistan. It’s a summer dish that is served only in Khiva and is traditionally topped with a meat and vegetable stew and a side of sour cream or yogurt.

11.2 Is vegetarian food available in Uzbekistan?

If you happen to be a vegetarian, visiting Uzbekistan and finding a meat-free meal can sometimes be tricky but not impossible. When visiting the cities, it’s quite common to find vegetarian options available in many of the restaurants.

Some vegetarian dishes available are eggplant satay with egg, pumpkin-filled dumplings and vegetarian flatbread (lavash) filled with cheese and tomato.

However, the main issue with eating vegetarian food in Central Asia is the bacteria in the water that is used to wash and rinse them. If there is a choice between a raw salad or a cooked meal, it’s wise to choose the cooked option.

If you happen to be a vegan, you may struggle to find a wide variety of choices available to you without dairy or meat.

11.3 What is the national drink of Uzbekistan?

Uzbek people are really big tea drinkers. Green tea or ‘Kuk-choy’ is served in a bowl or a glass and all meals start and end with tea.

Tea is offered as a gesture when welcoming guests into a home. If you happen to be poured a half-full bowl of tea, see it as a gesture of respect from the pourer.

12. What to pack for Uzbekistan?

Let’s start with a few things that you are NOT allowed to bring into Uzbekistan

12.1 Prohibited items – what is forbidden to bring to Uzbekistan.

Some guards might check your phone or laptop for any pornographic content (photos or videos of naked people) which is forbidden and will have to be deleted before entering Uzbekistan (I’m sure you can travel without for a while).

It also used to be strictly forbidden to bring painkillers with codeine, sleeping pills, antidepressants or any other medication with narcotic substances in the country. Nowadays the border guards don’t check the medication you’re bringing with you.

However, if you are bringing medication with you, ensure you keep things in their original packaging if you bring them from overseas. If you have a prescription, make sure it has the same name as on your passport.

And – unfortunately – drones are still prohibited .

12.2 What should I wear in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan has a continental climate with four seasons. Pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re traveling.

If you’re traveling to Uzbekistan in winter (November – March), bring warm clothes as it can be very cold. Average Winter temperatures can be around -10°C/ 14°F and there can be a lot of snow.

Pack light clothing if you’re visiting Uzbekistan between the months of June and September as the temperatures in summer are around 38°C/ 97°F.

Uzbekistan is a secular state which means that in theory, people can wear whatever they want. However, the Uzbek people are rather conservative people who do not show much skin so it’s important to keep this in mind when packing.

Backpacking to Uzbekistan - Everything you need to know - Samarkand - Journal of Nomads

Men can wear shorts and T-shirts but it’s better to leave any sleeveless shirts at home. It’s also not appropriate to walk around bare-chested.

You’ll see many Uzbek women wearing beautiful colored scarves tied around their heads. This is a cultural thing and it’s mainly older Uzbek women who wear these. Younger female travelers need not worry about covering their hair.

What is seen as appropriate will depend on where you’re going. Tashkent, the capital, is a modern city and many young girls and women walk around in short skirts, dresses, and shorts.

It’s okay if you wear shorts, dresses, skirts and tops or T-shirts with short sleeves in tourist places like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. But it would be viewed as disrespectful to parade around in revealing mini-skirts, dresses and tops. You’ll draw unwanted attention to yourself.

If you like to explore less-touristic places like small towns and villages, dress modestly. Wear a T-shirt or a tunic over long trousers or a long skirt. Three-quarter pants or skirts are also fine, just don’t walk around the village in a vest top and short shorts.

If you visit mosques and religious sites, even in touristic cities, cover your arms. If you’re an influencer who wants a nice photo for Instagram, please remain respectful of the culture in Uzbekistan.

What to wear as a woman in Uzbekistan

12.3 Travel essentials for Uzbekistan

  • Water Filter Bottl e : I wouldn’t advise you to drink tap water in Uzbekistan. Buy bottles of water in the local supermarkets or better, bring a water bottle with a filter . These are reusable bottles that filter water using a microfiltration device. When you drink tap water using a water bottle with a filter, any dirt, bacteria or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through. It’s not only good for your belly and wallet, but it’s also great for the environment because you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles of water. I use and highly recommend the  Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . 
  • Anti-diarrhea tablets: yes, I’m afraid that this is an essential as well… 50% of the travelers I’ve met struggle at some point with stomach issues, due to a certain bacteria in the food. I always have Furazolidone tablets (which you can buy over the counter at a local pharmacy) as it has proven its worth. These tablets tackle the bacteria causing bowel problems within a day.
  • International travel adapt or : the power sockets in Uzbekistan are of type C and F (the same as in Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
  • Power bank :  a power bank is always handy to have with you in case of a power outage (which sometimes happens, even in the major Uzbek cities), during long bus or train rides, or if you’re planning to go camping.I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
  • Anti-theft money belt : handy and safe when you travel with cash
  • Photography equipment: you can’t visit Uzbekistan without capturing its beauty on camera! Below is an overview of the gear I used. You can also see my article on  photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers  for more information.
  • Camera: Panasonic LUMIX DC-90
  • Main lens: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6
  • Wide-angle lens : Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0
  • Prime lens: Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7
  • Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod (Hybrid Head)

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

13. Are drones allowed in Uzbekistan?

Drones in Uzbekistan are strictly prohibited. Operating, selling, importing, or buying a drone in Uzbekistan could even result in a prison sentence.

Best places to visit in Karakalpakstan Uzbekistan - The complete Travel Guide to Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm Fortresses - Journal of Nomads

7 Best Places to visit in Karakalpakstan – The Complete Travel Guide

14. How is the Internet in Uzbekistan?

The internet connection in Uzbekistan isn’t always the best so downloading city maps for offline usage and bringing an old-fashioned travel guidebook with you will be useful.

The wi-fi connection in big cities like Tashkent and Samarkand is usually reliable and relatively fast. There’s also internet connection in Bukhara and Khiva but it can be slow.

It’s difficult to find a good internet connection when you travel to more remote areas.

14.1 Which is the best sim card in Uzbekistan and how to get one?

There are 5 main mobile phone providers in Uzbekistan: Ucell, Uzmobile, UCell, UMS, and Beeline.

The coverage with Ucell is pretty good and $7 will get you 22GB of data. You have to bring your passport with you to buy a SIM card and you must provide a registration slip of your ho(s)tel to have a SIM card registered to your name.

Update: you can now easily buy a SIM card at the airport in Tashkent upon arrival.

14.2 Uzbekistan Wi-Fi rental services

If you need to stay connected at all times during your trip (work or personal reasons), you can also opt to rent a Wi-Fi pocket device in Uzbekistan .

This device works like a home wi-fi router and allows you to stay connected at all times. It also has unlimited date plans and you can use the connection on multiple devices and even share it with your fellow travelers. You can read more about this Wi-Fi service here .

14.3 Recommended apps for travel in Uzbekistan

Here are some useful apps to use while traveling in Uzbekistan:

  • Maps.me : This is a very practical app to find your way in Uzbekistan. You can download the map of the country for offline usage. The app gives you accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest. It also tells you the number of the bus you need to take when you travel within a city.
  • Wikiroutes : Wikiroutes is a handy app if you travel by public transportation. It shows you the bus and/or metro route and tells you where to hop on and off. 
  • Google Translate :   Translates written and spoken Russian or Uzbek. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
  • Xe currency:   a very handy currency conversion app that always uses the latest rates in effect. It’s useful to keep track of how much things cost in Uzbekistan This app also works offline.
  • Booking.com : I made all my reservations for hostels and guesthouses in Uzbekistan through this hotel and hostel booking website, which is also available as a phone app. No other app comes close to it in terms of inventory and price.
  • Yandex Go Taxi : Yandex is the Central Asian version of Uber. I used this app to get around the major cities in Uzbekistan by taxi without having to bargain for the price and/or getting ripped off by a taxi driver. You can also use Yoko Taxi for getting around Bukhara.

Inside Gur-e-amir Samarkand Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

15. Culture and etiquette in Uzbekistan

The Uzbek people of today hail from Turkic and Persian people who lived along the country’s borders and Turkic-Mongol nomads. During the Soviet rule, many other nationalities living in Uzbekistan were labeled Uzbeks in an effort to create more easily governable subdivisions.

Today, under the Islamic faith, women are expected to cover their bodies when in public. Although full veils are not that common, there are areas where it still is expected.

Elders in Uzbek culture are very highly respected and it’s customary for men to greet one another with a handshake. And overall Uzbek people try to carry themselves with dignity and patience.

Here are some handy tips:

  • Bread is sacred in Uzbekistan. Try not to leave chunks on your plate or drop it on the floor. Especially don’t put it under your lap and save for later and, even worse, throw it in the bin (this will deeply upset the people)!
  • Remove your shoes before going inside a guesthouse, homestay or any home. Even if you don’t need to, it’s a sign of respect.
  • Don’t blow your nose at the table. Apparently it’s incredibly disrespectful and it will not go down well. By all means, itch your nose or wipe away snot with a tissue, but don’t go gung-ho and start emptying the bats in the cave.
  • Veggies/vegans! When traveling in the cities and eating at restaurants, you’ll be fine. But… if you’re staying at guesthouses or homestays in the mountains, it’s a huge sign of honour for the hosts to present the guest with meat at dinner. You could try not eating the meat but it would be pretty disrespectful. I don’t eat meat in Europe but appreciated where I was and how kind it was of the host to cook me it and dove in. Same goes for the other dishes with dairy etc really.

Uzbek girls in traditional cloths - Uzbekistan Travel Guide - Backpacking in Uzbekistan

16. What is the Religion in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a secular state. When the country was under the control of the Soviet regime, religious practices were dramatically suppressed. It was only after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 that the country gained back religious freedom.

Around 90% of the population are Sunni Muslim and the rest are Russian Orthodox. And though many people actively practice their religion, they can be quite liberal in their views about it. 

You’ll see women wearing headscarves but this is more connected to the culture than to the religion.

As a foreign woman, you’re not expected to cover your hair. There’s also no strict dress code (as you could read in 12.2 What to wear in Uzbekistan) that is related to religion.

Backpacking to Uzbekistan - Everything you need to know - Religion in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

17. Do people in Uzbekistan speak English?

In general, the Uzbek people don’t speak a lot of English. People who work in the hospitality sector know a bit of English but most people in Uzbekistan don’t speak the language.

Young people in the larger cities will know some English but with older people, it’s less common. However, in touristy areas, English is spoken and understood so don’t fear!

17.1 What languages are spoken in Uzbekistan?

The official language is Uzbek and it belongs to the family of Turkic languages so if you speak some Turkish, it may help you understand Uzbek a little bit. Especially the numbers are similar. My knowledge of the Turkish language helped a lot when I had to bargain with vendors and taxi drivers!

Russian is the second most commonly spoken language in Uzbekistan. Many people know and understand Russian and for 14% of the population, it’s their first language. If you can read the Cyrillic alphabet or you happen to know some Russian phrases, both would come in handy whilst traveling in Uzbekistan.

I learn a new language using the audio classes of Pimsleur . This is a great learning method to study a new language. It helped me a lot to quickly reach a basic level of Russian.

11 Tips to learn Russian Quickly and Effectively

11 Tips to learn Russian quickly and effectively

I also recommend bringing a small pocket phrasebook like the Lonely Planet Centra Asia Phrasebook & Dictionary  as it contains useful phrases that you might need on your trip around Uzbekistan.

I also suggest you install the Google Translate App  for Uzbek translations (only online) and download Russian into your app that you can use offline.

Gur-e-amir Samarkand Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

17.2 Useful expressions to know before visiting Uzbekistan

  • ‘Assalomu alaykum’ translates as ‘hello’ .
  • ‘Salom’ means ‘good afternoon’.
  • ‘Ismingiz nima?’ translates ‘What is your name?’
  • ‘Tanishganimdan hursandman’ translates ‘I am glad to meet you’.
  • Xayr! means Good bye!

18. Recommended books in Uzbekistan  

When traveling in Uzbekistan, I would recommend bringing a small pocket phrasebook like the Lonely Planet Central Asia Phrasebook & Dictionary as it contains some useful phrases.

I would also recommend reading one or more of the following books:

  • Uzbekistan Bradt Travel Guide : one of the most comprehensive travel guide books about Uzbekistan
  • Lonely Planet Central Asia , is ideal if you’re also planning on visiting other destinations in Central Asia
  • The Silk Roads: A New History of the World : a journey through time, a revelatory new history of the world, connecting all the vast webs of roads to gain a greater understanding of modern history
  • Uzbekistan – Culture Smart! offers an insider’s view of Uzbekistan’s fascinating history, national traditions, various cuisines, and cultural scene
  • Uzbekistan: the Road to Samarkand is a stunning coffee table book with unique and luxurious, vibrant pictures that really highlight the wonders and history of Uzbekistan

Traveling and Backpacking Uzbekistan - Samarkand - Journal of Nomads

I hope this guide helps you to travel around Uzbekistan with ease. I’m wishing you a fantastic time in this special country and enjoy marveling at the exquisite architecture! 

Do you still have questions about your upcoming journey to Uzbekistan? Let me know in the comments below or send me an emai l!

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55 thoughts on “the complete guide to travel in uzbekistan (2024) – 18 very useful things you need to know to visit uzbekistan”.

Hi Cynthia. Thank you so much for your insightful website. Do you know if it is possible to hire a driver that speaks English or a combination driver and guide one of which speaks English who could travel with my wife and I for the week we will be there?

Hi Doug, yes, that’s possible. You can send me an email (hello (at)journalofnomads.com) and I’ll help you further.

Cynthia! Your blog is so so helpful! Loads of love to you!

Thank you Paridhi! 🙂

Thank you so much for your excellent description. I will visit in last week of October,23.I am a senior Banker from Bangladesh. I have gone through the top to bottom of your literature it would be very helpful for my visit .

Hi Zulfiquer, happy to hear! Thank you for reading!

This is a great resource, Cynthia. Thanks so much for all your recommendations. I’m going to Uzbekistan in October with a group of friends and your guide is exactly what I was looking for.

Hi Rebecca, thanks so much! Wishing you all a fantastic trip!

hI FIRST OF ALL CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR INFOS I’m planning to go to Samarcand in october and got to know that once arrived I need to register within three days.. I am a free lance journalist writing travel reports for people on a budget so I will stay in a hostel. the hostel keeper asked me 5$ per day per registration and other rinfo say that surfing into the following site http://reg.emehmon.uz/ you can buy it on line BUT BUT BUT this site opens up but clicking on FILL IN THE FORM this is not hypertestual and doesn’t send to another proper page…. do you know or perhaps somebody who recently visited Uzbekisthan personally how to help me? thanks sauro

Hi Sauro, the website to register online often doesn’t work properly. The best way would be to do it via your hostel but they have to register you automatically and NOT charge extra for it. Guess you should check with another hostel…

Hello, Cynthia. What a comprehensive overview! I’m feeling a little wary to visit as a lone female traveler but after reading your article, I now feel excited to plan my trip. One question though, if tourists want to cross the border to Kyrgyztan and Kazakhstan, for example, are they simply allowed to do so, or must they secure a visa for those other countries (depending of course, on country of origin) beforehand? Thank you so much!

Hi Bernadette, I’m happy my article has helped you. Central Asia is fine for a solo female traveler! Whether or not you need a visa depends on the country of your passport. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan offer a free visa on arrival for a lot of countries, check if your country is on the list too. Best wishes, Cynthia

Hi Cynthia, This is an amazing resource you’ve created – even better than the Brandt guide (which is now sadly 4 years out of date)! It is a treasure trove of down-to- earth, practical information which is exactly what you need. I’ve been dreaming about (and had already done all the planning) for going to Uzbekistan in May 2020. But then a little virus stopped me in my tracks. My question is: has the war in Ukraine made any difference for visitors travelling in Uzbekistan? Given the country’s previously strong links to Russia (and with a large Russian speaking minority)? Especially if you are from Europe/England which is experiencing having a very hostile relation with Russia.

Hi Ben, thanks so much! And no, the war hasn’t made any difference. You don’t have to worry about it at all. I hope you can make your dream to visit Uzbekistan soon a reality!

Hi Cynthia, sorry to border you, have you heard of Advantour which is a website that helps visitors from abroad to buy train ticket with a commission? I was not able to pay for my night train ticket from Khiva to Tashkent on May 20 (Saturday) at 16h22 as the screen freeze & I tried many times. So happened I came across the above website not sure whether I should go ahead as I don’t mind to pay a bit more so I can plan the rest & in fact I save money for accomodation. Thank you very much for your attention and have a great day! Caterlina

Hi Caterlina, yes, Advantour offers train booking services but I don’t know what their commission is. It might be worth it to be certain that you have train tickets.

Wishing you already a fantastic trip to Uzbekistan! Warm wishes, Cynthia

Thank you soooo much, have a good day…! Can’t wait to go there in May. cc

Hi Cynthia,

Excellent resource on Uzbekistan – thank you so much for creating this.

Is there a resource that you used for homestays? How did you go about finding and selecting those?

Hi Joel, I found those homestays through my local guides. If you’d be interested in visiting f.eg. the Nuratau Mountains, you can always send me an email and I’ll bring you in touch with the right people.

Enjoyed reading your guide for Uzbekistan. It dies cover almost everything that is essential. I dont have immediate plans to go there but i will use the information provided by you whenever travel to Uzbekistan beckons in us.

Thanks for this wonderful post.

Hello Harshad, thank you so much!

I came across your website when I was searching infos about Uzbekistan. A country I wanted to visit since a long time and see all this beautiful architecture.

Thank you for the massive information you put out there. It’s probably the most comprehended and most detailed travel blog I’ve seen. You have no idea how helpful the infos are to me. Even-tough I traveled a lot in my life so far, Central Asia sounds more challenging. So after reading so much on your website I feel much more comfortable to fly there and explore it. So I booked for March 23 a trip there, TAS and SKD ! Can’t wait to see it all !

Thank you very much ! Best regards and stay safe

Hi Henri, thank you so so much for your kind words and I’m very happy that my blog inspired you and helped you with planning your trip to Uzbekistan!

Wishing you an unforgettable trip! Warm wishes, Cynthia

I had a wonderful time in Uzbekistan. Much better than I anticipated ! Came back with lots of memories of friendly people who sometimes didn’t spoke English and great pictures of all the sites. Thanks to you and all the information you put out and shared with us.

Oh, that’s wonderful to hear! Thank you so much for sharing!

Hi Cynthia, I have planned a trip Almaty to Tashkent to Samarkand to Bukhara for October 8 to October 20, booked the hotels (cancelable) but now trying to use your links to pay for train tickets I have hit problems. The Uzbek site will not let me register. (I click to register and get no response, with 3 different email addresses). Any ideas?

Hi Stuart, are you trying to buy your tickets via this link ? You should be able to easily register via your Google account.

Hi Cynthia, thank you so much for the article on UZBEKITSTAN, especially all useful tips on traveling around. My family will be entering Tashkent from the Tashkent Airport in September and we need to take private taxi to Samarkand due to tight scheduale. Do you think taxi on this destination is doable and do you have any experience/recommendations on this.

Hi Alenka, as Samarkand is a 4,5-hour drive from Tashkent, I don’t think you’ll find many taxi drivers at the airport who are keen to drive this distance. What I would recommend is contacting a local tour agency to arrange private transfer. It will be easier and a lot less hassle than negotiating with a taxi driver at the airport. Hope this helps?

Hi Cynthia, thx a lot for the info… Tour agencies are quite expensive, could you recommend someone ? Also my husband researched yandex app and he thinks, we have pretty good chance getting reasonable priced taxi from the airport … if of course we can buy a SIM card on the airport.

Hi Alenka, are you looking for city guides or a tour in Uzbekistan? The Yandex app works well in Tashkent and is so handy to get fair taxi rates. You should be able to buy a SIM card at the airport. Have a great trip! I’m currently in Uzbekistan 🙂

I’m visiting Uzbekistan soon on an organised trip. I have arranged to have 4 days on my own in Tashkent before the tour starts and I have found your article very useful and reassuring. Thank you. Well done travelling young. I left it until my sixties and now have less energy and bits of my body are wearing out!!

Hi Jane, I’m happy you found my posts useful! Wishing you a fantastic trip to Uzbekistan and kuddos for still traveling at a later age!!

Thanks for the wonderful background. I will be traveling to Uzbekistan with a few other hikers in September to hike the Marco Polo Trail.

You’re welcome Mary Lou! Wishing you a fantastic adventure ahead! Let me know if you’d have more any questions 🙂

Very nicely put through. good work

Thank you Ramneek! 🙂

Thanks so much – I am travelling solo to Uzbekistan tomorrow and this was very comprehensive.

Hello Hoey, I’m very happy to hear this guide will help you with your solo journey to Uzbekistan! I’m wishing you a fantastic trip!!

Excellent article. Thank you so much for all the information and your tips. I’ve been wanting to visit Uzbekistan for a whule now.

Hi Emma, thank you so much! Now is the best time to visit Uzbekistan. It’s not such a ‘hot’ destination yet and it’s so much easier now since they started issuing visas on arrival. When are you planning on going?

Hello Cynthia! I have read your vacation experience. Thank you for sharing your holiday experience.

Hi Sora, thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed reading this post!

Hi Cynthia! Great blog post! I’m researching the destinations for a 6 months trip around Asia next year and I found your blog really helpful on Central Asia. I got a bit of bad surprise when I saw that antidepressants are not allowed in Uzbekistan, do you know of any way I could legally take them with me anyway? I know you’ve probably no experience but it can’t hurt to ask, right? Have a nice day!

Hoi Annelies! Thank you 🙂 I think that you can bring antidepressants legally with you as long as you have the prescription with you. The rules in Uzbekistan are becoming less and less strict so I don’t think they’ll give you a hard time when you can show them the prescriptions of your medication. Hope that helps! Have a beautiful day and a great trip! Know that you can always email me if you have more questions or need help with planning your trip!

Super bedankt! This blogpost answered all my questions. I’m going backpacking with a friend (2 females) in april. Felt nervous but this post made me very excited!

Hoi Nanouk, ik ben heel blij om dit te horen! You really don’t have to be nervous about traveling as a woman in Uzbekistan. Honestly, I felt the same way before I traveled there as I had no idea what to expect. But the people were super friendly and they welcome travelers with open arms! Have a great time in April and enjoy the beauty of the country!

Thanks for providing such detailed information. Uzbekistan is on my bucket list, I fell in love with the architecture. One question I had was in regard to taking in medication. You mentioned antidepressants are strictly forbidden but the attached medications list from Caravanistan doesn’t have any SSRIs or SNRIs listed (as far as I can tell). Any place I can check this for sure?

You’re very welcome! I’m glad this post is useful to you! Regarding the medication, here’s another reliable source where you can check whether or not you can take any SSRIs or SNRIs with you: http://uzbekistan.travel/en/list-of-prohibited-drugs/

When are you planning on going to Uzbekistan?

Thanks! After looking this over, it doesn’t seem to contain any antidepressants, only short term anti anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. I was thinking of going in the fall of next year, which is a while away. It’s not the easiest to find travel information on the Central Asian countries, so I wanted to do some research well beforehand.

I don’t have much knowledge about medications and what is in there but it’s good to double-check with countries like Uzbekistan 🙂 If you would have a prescription that you can show at the border and what it’s used for, you should be fine! It’s good to think ahead and do some good research so you’re well-prepared, especially in countries that are still off-the-beaten-path. Central Asia is worth it, beautiful architecture (Uzbekistan), amazing nature and landscapes (Kyrgyzstan), hospitable people,… I’ll keep writing guides and posts about these destinations in the coming months but feel free to send me an email if you’d have any more questions!

Hi cynthia, thank you somuch for the article on UZBEKITSTAN. I will be entering Tashkent from the oybek border Tajikistan, sometime in September,I have read some daunting posts about crossing the border, Iam a little nervous,any recommendations.

Hi Magalie, the border crossing isn’t as bad as many might make it sound. I was pretty nervous about it as well but if you don’t take items with you that are on their ‘illegal’ list of things, you’ll be fine! They checked my first aid kit and the books that were on my e-reader but the officials were nice and friendly so you don’t have to worry. The rules are slowly on becoming less strict (f.eg. they never checked my hotel registration papers when I left the country) and if you’re traveling as a woman alone, they’re very respectful to you. I wish you happy and safe travels and let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with!

I’ve been wanting to visit Uzbekistan for a while, partly because of the amazing architecture! This was great to read and really interesting. It sounds pretty strict.Thanks for sharing your tips and advice!

Hey Mike! Thank you! 🙂 It sounds strict but once you’ve passed the border, it’s actually really fine. The people are very nice and yes, the architecture is stunning! Any idea yet when you will go?

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16 things to know before visiting Uzbekistan

Bradley Mayhew

Aug 12, 2023 • 9 min read

uzbekistan travel uk

Everything you need to plan a trip to Uzbekistan from someone in the know © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

Uzbekistan is the Central Asian destination that you’ve been dreaming about. Magnificent blue-domed mosques, towering minarets, atmospheric Silk Road cities and ancient bazaars are coupled with the region’s best accommodation, easiest transportation and great value for money. It’s the most visited of the Central Asian republics and with good reason.

A decade ago, Uzbekistan had a reputation for tricky travel. The country was plagued by complex visa rules, corruption and bureaucratic hassles, but all this has changed dramatically in recent years and it’s now a surprisingly easy place to explore.

If you are at all tempted to explore the glories of Uzbekistan’s iconic Silk Road cities, then all the planning tips you need are here. I've been visiting since the mid-1990s as a Lonely Planet writer for the region and have dealt with pretty much every travel challenge you can imagine!

1. Uzbekistan can be uncomfortably hot in summer

Time your trip to coincide with the best weather. Land-locked Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate, which means cold winters and hot, dry summers. It’s possible to visit Uzbekistan year-round but the most comfortable months weather-wise are from March to May, and September to November.

July and August’s summer heat often bring punishing temperatures of over 40C (104F), though you may have to visit at this time if you are heading onward to the mountains of neighboring Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan .

2. Most nationalities get a visa-free one-month stay

Getting a visa for Uzbekistan is easy these days. Over 60 nationalities now qualify for visa-free travel for up to a month, including the UK, most EU countries, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Israel. Other countries (including the USA and India) are required to apply for an e-visa online , but this is an easy process that only takes a couple of days. Gone are the days of complicated visa invitations and trips to obscure embassies – hurray!

Passengers waiting for the trains to Tashkent and Bukhara surrounded by beautiful stained glass, chandeliers and architecture

3. Book high-speed train tickets in advance

The most comfortable way to travel the modern Silk Road between Tashkent , Samarkand , Bukhara and the Fergana Valley , is on Uzbekistan’s modern high-speed Afrosiyob train service. It takes just over two hours to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand, and the same again to reach Bukhara from Samarkand. For longer distances, Russian-style sleeper trains are an atmospheric way to travel overnight between Tashkent and the remoter cities of Nukus, Khiva or Termiz.

However, seats do sell out on popular routes, especially for high-speed tourist services, so book tickets a week or more in advance. Try online via the Uzbekistan Railway e-ticket portal , use the Uzrailway phone app, or book through a local travel agency (for a markup).

4. Book B&Bs well ahead of your arrival in the high season

The traditional towns of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara all offer an excellent selection of stylish, comfortable, family-run B&Bs, which are easily the most interesting places to stay. The best ones fill up quickly in late spring and summer, so be sure to book a few weeks in advance. Contact owners directly, or see what comes up on Booking.com .

5. Pre-book an airport pickup when flying into Tashkent Airport

Many international flights to Tashkent arrive into Uzbekistan’s sprawling capital in the dead of night. If you don’t fancy negotiating with a scrum of eager taxi drivers, while still bleary-eyed after a seven-hour flight, it might be worth booking an airport pickup through your accommodation.

If you'd prefer to take a taxi, be aware that overcharging by taxi drivers is not uncommon in Uzbekistan – always try to get a rough idea of the correct fare beforehand. The easiest way to arrange a taxi ride in Tashkent is via the ride-sharing app Yandex Go , though you’ll need a local sim card to use it.

A woman looking up at the memorial buildings of Shah-I-Zinda Mausoleums in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

6. Travel is easier if you speak a few words of Uzbek or Russian

English is not widely spoken in Uzbekistan outside of tourist hotels, so it helps to learn some words of Uzbek (a Turkic language similar to old Turkish), or Russian, which remains a lingua franca amongst older people right across the former Soviet Union. Street signs are mostly in Uzbek Latin script, though you may also see some Russian-style Cyrillic script; it’s useful to learn both so you can at least read signs for place names and bus destinations.

Knowing numbers in Uzbek or Russian will come in particularly handy when negotiating with shared taxi drivers. Google Translate can help, but only if you have smartphone data – to minimize roaming costs, tourist sim cards valid for a month are available from several local companies, notably Beeline and Ucell.

7. Be ready for the local bureaucracy

Uzbekistan is very tourist-friendly these days, but there are a few bits of lingering bureaucratic red tape that are worth knowing about. When entering the country, you cannot bring in any codeine-based medications (such as painkillers) and you may need to declare how much foreign cash you are carrying. In reality, you are unlikely to be quizzed at customs if you arrive by air into Tashkent, but you might be when entering via land crossings.

You may also find that your hotel or B&B gives you a small paper registration slip when you check in. In the past you had to show these for every night of your trip when leaving the country; these days, the old paper system has been superseded by an online system and slips are rarely checked, but you should still keep these when given them, just in case.

Be sure to carry your passport (or at the very least a photocopy) with you when you go sightseeing in Uzbekistan. Police have the right to inspect your passport on demand, and you’ll likely need to show it at checkpoints on any long-distance trip. Keep a photocopy to hand to avoid having to dig through your money belt in public.

8. Don’t bother with the black market when changing money

Changing money is relatively straightforward in Uzbekistan these days. You’ll get the same rate at banks and ATMs as you do from shady bazaar money changers, so there’s little reason to change money through unofficial channels.

Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are accepted by most accommodation and upmarket souvenir stalls. ATMs in major cities accept foreign cards, but stock up on Uzbek som (the local currency) if you are headed into the countryside.

Uzbek bills now come in denominations up to 100,000 som , so you won’t have to carry around the brick-sized wads of cash that were the norm just a few years ago. It’s always a good idea to have a stash of small denomination bills in Euros or US dollars for an emergency or a border crossing.

Two tourists sitting having tea at East Islam City Center Square in Uzbekistan

9. Brush up on your chaikhana etiquette

Chai (tea) is Central Asia’s social lubricant, so it helps to know the local tea etiquette. Look like an expert in the local chaikhana (teahouse) by pouring the first two bowls of tea back into the pot before drinking, to help it brew. Choose from Russian-style kara (black) or Asian-style kok (green) chai.

10. Body Language

Uzbeks are big hand-shakers, so be sure to shake the hands of any men you come into contact with, especially elders (known as aksakal in Central Asia). Another particularly graceful gesture used by Uzbeks and Tajiks is to place your hand on your heart when meeting someone. When meeting women, a slight bow is the norm, in place of a handshake.

At the end of a meal, Uzbeks and Tajiks generally place their hands in front of their face in a cupped prayer gesture and run them lightly over their face to give thanks for the meal. Following suit will earn you respect for understanding and following Uzbek customs.

11. Haggle, but don’t push things too far

Haggling over things like the price of taxis and buying produce at markets is common in Uzbekistan, but prices are not vastly overinflated, so only expect a modest discount. Aggressive haggling is not appreciated – keep things light-hearted and friendly. You may also be able to bargain for a discount on accommodation prices outside the high season.

12. Bazaars are your friend if you’re vegetarian

Food in Uzbekistan is quite meat-heavy, focused on the four staples of shashlik (lamb kebabs), plov (pilau rice), shurpa (stew) and laghman (noodles) – all sometimes featuring more fat than visitors may be used to. But there are almost always some vegetarian options, including plenty of Russian-influenced salads, so don’t be afraid to ask for a meat-free meal.

For food on the hoof, Uzbekistan’s bazaars are good places to stock up on dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruit (Uzbek melons and peaches are legendary), spicy Korean salads, jars of mountain honey and freshly cooked non (naan) bread.

Aerial view down towards the famous Kalyan Poi Kalon Complex and Poi Kalon Minaret, Poi Kalan or Po-i-Kalyan and Mir Arab Madrasah (right side) in the center of the old town of Bukhara

13. Uzbekistan is generally safe

Uzbekistan is generally a very safe country for tourists. Despite sharing a border with Afghanistan, there is little religious extremism and crime against foreigners is rare. As in big cities anywhere, watch out for pickpockets on crowded city buses and bazaars in hubs such as Tashkent; tourist police frequent the more popular tourist sights.

14. Women travelers face few problems

Uzbekistan is a Muslim country, but people are very relaxed. There aren’t many things to worry about when it comes to clothing, and women travelers will have few problems traveling solo here. Short skirts, tank tops and yoga pants are best avoided, and you may want to cover your arms and legs when visiting the conservative Fergana Valley . Bring a headscarf to cover your hair when entering active mosques.

15. Health Issues

The most common complaints amongst visitors are heat exhaustion in summer and the occasional dodgy tummy after eating too much oily plov or shashlik. Wash your hands, avoid the tap water, and wash all fruit and salads before eating and you should be fine.

16. Get more from the sights

We have a couple of bonus tips. Be sure to return to the exteriors of the main architectural sights in Samarkand at night, as most are spectacularly lit up. Also, when planning your itinerary, avoid visiting Tashkent on a Monday, when most of the museums are closed.

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Uzbekistan travel guide

When to go, what to do, and why you’ll love it.

uzbekistan travel uk

Why you’ll love it

T his article contains links from which we may earn revenue. More information here .

Situated at a major crossroads on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan over-indexes in culture, heritage and history. It holds a spellbinding array of architecture and ancient sites in cities such as Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara, which were among the world’s busiest and most important trading centres for millennia. Uzbekistan’s glittering, tiled madrasas, towering minarets and sky-blue domes comprise some of the most recognisable and beautiful Islamic architecture in the world.

But ancient sites aren’t the only reason to come. One of the most interesting aspects of visiting Uzbekistan is exploring the more recent Soviet history and the striking examples of Brutalist architecture, such as the Hotel Uzbekistan in the capital Tashkent. There are burgeoning and unexpected contemporary art and music scenes and vast, varied Uzbek landscapes. Expect tremendously underrated nature and outdoor sports, whether hiking in the lush Fergana Valley, skiing in the Tien Shan mountains or sleeping under the stars at a desert yurt camp.

The welcome is warm in Uzbekistan — you’ll never go hungry with heaping bowls of plov (rice pilaf) and endless cups of tea or locally made wine at every turn. Often the most memorable experiences come in learning to cook, paint or embroider in the home of a master artisan. Uzbekistan has opened its doors to the world in recent decades, simplifying its visa processes, doing away with bureaucratic requirements and upgrading domestic transport with zippy high-speed trains, making it an easy country to travel around.

Main photo: a traditional tea house in Fergana, Uzbekistan (Getty)

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Uzbekistan’s biggest drawcard is its Silk Road architecture, which is spread around the main cities, with the best in Samarkand. The famed Registan — a Silk Road market square — is bounded on three sides by intricately tiled madrasas (Islamic schools) whose blue and gold tiles glimmer at dawn and dusk.

The entire old city of Khiva is a Unesco world heritage site and in Bukhara you can browse ancient trading bazaars for handmade carpets and iconic suzani textiles or a fun Uzbek-style doppa hat. Bukhara’s most visible landmark is the Kalon Minaret — so tall and impressive that Chinggis (Genghis) Khan decided not to destroy it during his rampage across Central Asia in the 13th century.

The State Museum of Applied Arts in Tashkent — located in a former Russian ambassador’s residence with exquisite plasterwork and colourful tiling — is the best starting point for everything from ceramics and miniature paintings to musical instruments. Also in Tashkent, Chorsu Bazaar is a great place to watch bakers at work making Central Asian bread in traditional ovens or meander rows of stalls piled high with melons, vegetables, nuts and spices.

Uzbek food is also a delight — all manner of special fruits and veg are grown in the verdant Fergana Valley and traditional dishes include laghman (noodles), savoury samsa (filled pastries) and the national dish, plov, which comes in a different variety in every region of the country. The Central Asian Plov Center in Tashkent gives a great introduction to how this dish is made, with plenty of opportunities to sample.

Take a deeper dive into history with remarkable archaeological sites at Termez in the south and in the far west in Karakalpakstan. Here the remains of thousands of ancient forts linger in the desert, while the excellent Savitsky Museum in Nukus holds the world’s second-largest trove of art from the Soviet Union. Once you’re this far west, make the final trek to the languishing Aral Sea — now almost entirely dried up due to decades of irrigation.

If you’re short on time, make a triangular journey by train from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara and back. With more time, add a night or two in Navoi and head south to Termez or far west to Karakalpakstan for Khiva and the Aral Sea.

Where to stay

Tashkent, Samarkand , Bukhara and Khiva are all well set up for visitors with a range of accommodation, from business hotels to guesthouses and budget, Soviet-style bolt holes. There are an increasing number of international, luxury, chain hotels, particularly in Tashkent , while Bukhara and Khiva both have an excellent selection of boutique, family-owned inns located in characterful, old-town residences.

Don’t be afraid to get out of the cities for a yurt stay — many yurt camps are closer to glamping, with luxury yurts that sleep several people in real beds and have shared shower blocks. A stay usually includes a nomad-style dinner, drinks, sunset-watching and a bonfire with folk music and stargazing.

Mountain treks, long hikes and camping can all be arranged easily from Tashkent, and mountain resorts like Amirsoy offer luxe accommodation for snow sports.

The Aral Sea is considered an environmental disaster without parallel. Once the fourth-largest freshwater lake in the world, stretching into Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, today it has shrunk to a fraction of its original size — all but gone. The disaster was caused by poor Soviet planning that saw much of the water irrigated away over several decades, leaving behind a toxic wasteland of sludge and dust. In the town of Moynaq, you can walk along the former shoreline to the Ship Graveyard, a collection of rusted-out fishing vessels.

Work is ongoing by both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to try to protect the landscape, restore the habitats and even reverse the damage. And while it is remote, visiting this area brings much-needed income to a community that has been devastated by a loss of fishing and tourism livelihoods.

The best time to visit is for the Stihia Festival held in May. The festival’s founder wanted to create awareness of the Aral Sea disaster and to raise funds to support environmental restoration in the region. Part electronic gig, part science fest, Stihia is an environmental rave held in the former lakebed at the Ship Graveyard in Moynaq. There are DJ sets, science lectures, workshops and opportunities to engage with and support the tormented Aral landscape and its people.

Best time to visit

March to June for the best weather and Navrus (Persian New Year) celebrations; September to visit bazaars overflowing with fruit and veg; December to February for winter sports.

Is Uzbekistan safe? Uzbekistan is politically stable and generally very safe for travellers. Pickpockets operate in bazaars and you should avoid public demonstrations or rallies. Land borders are prone to closure at short notice, and travellers should use caution at border crossings and borders with Afghanistan, where land mines may be present. Male homosexuality remains illegal, but LGBTQ+ travellers using discretion rarely have trouble.

How to travel around Uzbekistan Uzbekistan’s high-speed rail system connects Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara. It is safe, clean and efficient. Slower trains connect the rest of the country. The fastest way to reach the far west, including Khiva, is a domestic flight. Hiring a car and driver is the best way to get to remote locations like yurt camps and mountainous areas. The gorgeous Tashkent metro, with its Soviet design, is an attraction in itself.

What should I know about before I go? British passport-holders can enter Uzbekistan for 30 days without a visa. Russian and Uzbek are the most commonly spoken languages; you may meet English speakers in bigger cities, too. Uzbekistan is a secular country; most people wear western-style clothing and alcohol is widely available. Because of its religious heritage, at some sights and areas, like mosques and pilgrimage sites, shoes are removed or women may need to wear a head covering. ATMs aren’t always reliable, so bring some dollars or euros in cash to exchange.

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Inspired to visit Uzbekistan but yet to book your trip? Here are the best hotels from Expedia* and Kayak* .

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Tips and how to travel to Uzbekistan (2024)

By Joan Torres 39 Comments Last updated on January 4, 2024

Uzbekistan Travel

Once a hermetic country with very strict visa policies for foreigners, Uzbekistan has opened its borders to show the world the majesty of what used to be the core and center of the ancient Silk Road, a country filled with impressive shrines, mosques and perfectly shaped old cities.

Uzbekistan is, by far, the most tourist-friendly country in Central Asia and an unmissable destination for sightseeing city lovers.

However, this ex-Soviet Republic has many bureaucratic and cultural peculiarities, which you are highly recommended to know well in advance.

In this Uzbekistan travel guide, we will go through all of them, so here is a list of useful tips for traveling to Uzbekistan .

Uzbekistan Travel Guide

In this Uzbekistan travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

  • COVID-19 travel bans
  • Travel Insurance
  • Useful books
  • A Silk Road country
  • Money in Uzbekistan
  • Border crossings
  • Cultural facts
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation
  • More resources

eSIM card for browsing when traveling in Uzbekistan

With Holafly , you can now get an electronic SIM card for Uzbekistan from home with just 2 clicks.

5% discount with the following code:

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😷 COVID-19 travel restrictions for Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan lifted all Coronavirus-related restrictions but do bring your vaccine certificate, in case the airlines asks for it.

COVID-19 travel insurance for Uzbekistan

We are in times of a global pandemic, so traveling with proper travel insurance has become a must.

IATI Insurance is one of the very few insurance providers with COVID-19 coverage (and also for travel in Uzbekistan).

Readers of this blog get an exclusive 5% discount

🪪 Visa for traveling to Uzbekistan

Free visa on arrival for uzbekistan.

In 2019, requirements for traveling to Uzbekistan were eased, when they finally offered a 30-day free visa on arrival for most nationalities.

This VOA is valid in both airports and land borders and it applies to all Western nationalities, EXCEPT for the USA. Here you can see the updated list .

e-visa for Uzbekistan

Those nationalities which can’t get a VOA – and that includes nationals from the USA and India – can apply for an e-visa.

It’s a very easy process which only costs 20USD, takes 2-3 working days and this is the official website .

By default, you will get a 30-day visa, but it is also possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa. Unlike some years ago, the entry date is not fixed but you can enter any day you like within a 90-day period.

How to apply for an Uzbek e-visa

Apparently, the system has issues with some email domains, the photo format and, basically, it has quite a few bugs. Nowadays, however, most travelers do apply successfully, and all common issues and tips are well-explained here .

Visa for Uzbekistan via embassy

In the unlikely case the e-visa doesn’t work for you, you will have to go to the embassy, so I recommend starting to apply well-in-advance.

Typically, it would be a 1-week process in which you would need a passport copy, 2 passport photos, your hotel reservation, and your visa application form (printed and filled out).

By the way, one relevant difference vs the e-visa is that, with an embassy visa, the entry and exit dates are fixed, so you need to state the specific days you will be traveling in Uzbekistan and you can’t modify them. This means that you can’t enter before the entry date or leave after the exit date you specified.

For more information and details, read this post:  Getting a visa for Uzbekistan

uzbekistan travel uk

🚑 Travel Insurance Uzbekistan

For Uzbekistan, get IATI Travel Insurance :

  • So many different plans for all budgets, including specific plans for backpackers
  • Coverage for up to 1-year trips, perfect for overlanding around the Stans
  • COVID-19 full coverage
  • Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

📚 Books for traveling in Uzbekistan

Here you have the most typical options, but if you want to get deeper, I recommend you check this list, containing the 28 best books on the Silk Road and the Stans , with specific books on Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan travel guide by Bradt

The most complete guide to Uzbekistan. I am a heavy consumer of Bradt Guides, as they give more local insights and personal experience than any other book.

uzbekistan travel uk

Central Asia travel guide by Lonely Planet

If you are traveling to other countries in Central Asia, you may want to buy the generic guide in order to save some money. It contains a full chapter dedicated to Uzbekistan.

uzbekistan travel uk

Murder in Samarkand by Craig Murray

If you want to know about all the human rights abuse during the regime from the previous president, this is the best book.

uzbekistan travel uk

Tourism in Uzbekistan, a Silk Road country

Uzbekistan is the core of the silk road.

Uzbekistan is synonymous with the Silk Road, a country which is home to the three most important Silk Road cities, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Timeless mosques and historical buildings define a characteristic skyline in every city, Uzbekistan has been the main stopover for countless civilizations traveling east and west, while exchanging goods, ideas, and knowledge. Traveling in Uzbekistan and strolling downs its bazaars and old cities is like going back to the past. 

The most majestic shrines and buildings I have ever seen

From the imposing Registan to the cute, old city of Khiva, Uzbekistan is the perfect destination for travelers interested in stunning Islamic architecture.

It’s surprisingly touristic

Who would guess that the streets of the ancient Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan were filled with plenty of touristic shops, selling things from typical souvenirs to traditional local handicrafts, something unseen in Central Asia.

Tourist profile

While the most common tourist in Kyrgyzstan is a young backpacker, the main tourist in Uzbekistan is a 50-80-year old person who travels in a tour group. Actually, during high season, there are tens of groups all over the cities.

However, outside of the three main cities, there is nobody

In places like Tashkent , Moynaq and the Aral Sea and the Fergana Valley , we barely saw any tourist and the local interactions were much more rewarding.

Uzbekistan Travel Information

💻 Internet and connectivity in Uzbekistan

Esim for browsing, calling and traveling in uzbekistan.

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Uzbekistan . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

The Internet is just OK

Internet is not as good as in Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan but it’s definitely better than Tajikistan. Most hotels will have decent Wi-Fi and 3G works perfectly well throughout the country.

How to get a SIM Card

Get Beeline, with which, for a couple of USD, you will get plenty of data and calls. It is very easy to buy a SIM Card and all you need is your passport. 

Get a VPN for traveling in Uzbekistan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Uzbekistan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 About MONEY: What you need to know when traveling in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, they use the Uzbek SUM (UZS) . The currency value is extremely low and approximately:

1 USD = 11,314 UZS

Cash and ATMs in Uzbekistan

Some years ago, ATMs in Uzbekistan didn’t accept foreign cards but that has drastically changed now. There are loads of ATMs that you can use absolutely everywhere, even in markets.

Bear in mind, however, that with an international card, in some ATMs you can only withdraw USD, which you need to exchange at the bank. This way, they can charge you commission twice and by the way, when you withdraw, the commission is 1%. In practice nevertheless, this is not being the case anymore and today, more and more ATMs do give Uzbek SUM.

By the way, bring a spare backpack for the cash Sometimes, whatever quantity you change, they will give you all the money in 1,000UZS notes, meaning that you will be carrying 3 kilograms of cash. It’s very inconvenient.

Exchanging money in Uzbekistan

You can change money in most banks – Some years ago, the official bank rate was almost 100% lower than on the black market, so nobody wanted to exchange money in banks. This changed and, finally, the official rate has gone up to its actual value.

This means that you can now exchange money in banks, which can easily be found all over the cities. The best part is that some banks give you bigger notes, so there is no need to carry ten packs of cash.

You can still get money in the black market – However, I don’t recommend it, as they are the ones who always give you smaller notes and, when you count them, you always notice that there are one or two notes missing.

How much does it cost traveling to Uzbekistan?

Traveling in Uzbekistan is not as cheap as in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan but, still, it’s very affordable. Typically:

  • Budget accommodation: from 8 to 12USD
  • Mid-range hotels: from 30 or 40USD.
  • A meal in touristic restaurants: 5USD
  • A meal in local eateries: 2-3USD 
  • Taxis within cities:  a maximum of 2USD
  • Several-hour train journeys: a maximum of 10 or 15USD

Most restaurants charge for service , which ranges from 10 to 20%, depending on the restaurant.

uzbekistan travel uk

🛫 How to get to Uzbekistan

Travel insurance for Uzbekistan Get IATI Insurance : 5% discount + long-term plans to travel around the Stans Get your discount when buying through this link

Traveling to Uzbekistan by plane

Uzbekistan has the most expensive flights in all Central Asia and the reason is that the airport taxes are extremely high. Apparently, along with a more liberal visa regime, the Government is planning to reverse it in order to encourage more tourism.

If you are on a budget and have enough time, you could fly to Almaty, Bishkek or Dushanbe and then enter Uzbekistan overland . From Europe, flights there are surprisingly cheap, especially to Bishkek.

If you are traveling in Iran , there are very cheap flights from Tehran to Aktau, a city in western Kazakhstan, very close to the Uzbek border.

If you are traveling in Azerbaijan , you can even take a ferry to Aktau or fly there, which is much quicker and even cheaper.

Personally, I started with a 2-month itinerary in Kyrgyzstan , traveled in Tajikistan through the Pamir Highway and the Wakhan Valley , and entered Uzbekistan through the  Fergana Valley .

Traveling to Uzbekistan via a land border

Uzbekistan shares a border with:

  • Turkmenistan
  • Afghanistan – It’s important, however, to check the latest security update. Read my Afghanistan safety guide

All borders are easy to cross, as long as you have a valid visa, especially for Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

Tourism in Uzbekistan

Border crossing and other bureaucratic rules when traveling in Uzbekistan

Most borders are open to overland travelers – As long as you have the visa, you can enter or exit Uzbekistan from any country, but just bear in mind that some borders are only open to nationals, while others may close temporarily.

However, all countries will have, at least, one or two entry points always open. For the latest updated information on border policy, check the  Caravanistan website.

They will go through all your stuff – Especially laptops, phones, and cameras.

With the exponential tourism increase, the guards don’t really go through your stuff anymore. 

Don’t bring any sensitive material – By sensitive I mean porn or any politically sensitive photos, including Governmental buildings or military stuff. If you happen to have some, upload them to the cloud or hide them very well in your computer.

However, at some border crossings, it’s not as bad as people say – I heard horror stories about Uzbek customs but, when I crossed from Tajikistan to the Fergana Valley , they just checked the photos of my DSLR camera and it seemed they were more looking at my pictures for fun than looking for sensitive photos, as the official was smiling and calling some of his colleagues to check them out.

They are also looking for drugs – And especially anything containing codeine. They will definitely, go through all your meds and, apparently, even if you have prescription pills containing codeine, they won’t allow you to enter with them and you may get in real trouble.

You will have to declare all your money, both entering and exiting – When you enter, you need to fill in a form, stating how much are you traveling with. You are supposed to keep this form because, when you leave, they will compare it with how much money you have left.

If you happen to have the same amount of money or more, they will assume that you worked there, so you might get into some problems. However, this rule may not apply in some borders because I left through Kazakhstan.

Uzbekistan Guide

Uzbekistan 10 facts: the country, its people and their culture

1 – Uzbekistan is an ex-Soviet Republic – Which got its independence in 1991, after the USSR dissolution.

2 – Most people are Uzbeks – But, as in the whole Central Asia, you also find plenty of people from their neighboring countries, including Russians, Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, and Tajiks. People in Uzbekistan are so ethnically mixed but, whereas Kyrgyz and Kazakh people have stronger Mongolian features, and Tajiks and Turkmens more of a Persian look, I would say that Uzbeks are something in between.

3 – The official language is Uzbek – Which is a Turkic language, but most people also speak Russian as a second language.

4 – Learn some Russian – They use the Cyrillic alphabet and practically nobody speaks English, except in the touristic parts. Some basic words to get around will prove immensely useful.

5 – They are Sunni Muslims but not really – Officially, most people are Sunni Muslims, the Russian population (10%) being Christian Orthodox. However, like all ex-Soviet countries, religion is not a big deal and most people don’t really follow Islam. If I had to compare it to the rest of Central Asia, I would say that religion in Uzbekistan is practiced more than in Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan but less than in Tajikistan.

6 – No real dress code for women – Many Uzbek women are veiled but it’s mostly for cultural reasons, rather than religious. Except in some parts of the Fergana Valley, women can go as they please, within certain common-sense limitations, of course.

Uzbekistan tourism

7 – Is Islam partially forbidden? – The Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan is home to the most radical Islamic group in Central Asia, an organization which even operated in Afghanistan under the Taliban. The Uzbek Government has tried hard to eradicate this group and, from what I heard, it has put some limitations on the way people practice Islam. For example, during prayer time, you will never hear the mosque’s speakers. I was told that this is one of several governmental measures.

8 – It’s a dictatorship – The first President of Uzbekistan ruled from its independence, in 1991, to 2016, when he died. He ruled under an authoritarian regime and didn’t forge many good international relationships. The new President is trying to change this though, the growth of tourism being one of the many new policies.

9 – But people don’t really care about politics – Uzbeks told me that the only thing they care about is inflation and nobody is interested in politics. There is no freedom of speech and you can’t say anything bad about the president or any governmental organization. They are OK with it so, according to them, a revolution will not happen any time soon. 

10 – The cotton crisis – Uzbekistan’s main economical pillar is the cotton industry and you will see plenty of cotton fields all over the country. Being so dependant on cotton has led to several crises and problems, the most dramatic one being the destruction of the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan . In Nukus, I met the European Union delegate in Uzbekistan, who told me that, with the new President, they are strongly trying to diversify the economy. 

about uzbekistan

🍲 Food and alcohol when traveling in Uzbekistan

Plov, plov, plov – Welcome to the world capital of plov , a Central Asian dish consisting of fried rice in lamb fat, meat and different vegetables. There are many kinds of plov and it varies by region. Uzbek people find it a real delicacy and they love it so much that, in the capital Tashkent , they even have a Central Asian Plov Center, a massive building serving only plov . After more than 5 months in Central Asia, I really hated plov .

But typical Central Asian food is also available – Laghman (noodles soup), manti (dumplings), shashlik (kebab) are popular dishes which you can eat when traveling in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan.

More good restaurant options than in neighboring countries – Since it’s more touristic, you also find a wider range of options, especially serving international cuisine. For me, that was really an edge, especially after traveling in Central Asia for such a long time.

Tashkent things to do

Alcohol is widely available – Vodka, beer and everything you want!

And local wine, as well! – Uzbekistan is the largest wine producer in Central Asia and its wine is not that bad, actually!

If you are a vegetarian, you are fucked – Well, not fucked but local cuisine mostly consists of meat and sometimes it’s even hard to find chicken. However, like I said, in the touristic places there are several options and, on most menus there are vegetarian options made ad-hoc for tourists. Additionally, your best bet will be the local markets, where you can find all sorts of vegetables, as well as Korean salads.

Loads of fruit! – Most of the fruit is grown in the Fergana Valley , it’s absolutely delicious and there is a lot of variety. When I was there in October, it was grapes and melons season!

Travel in Uzbekistan

🏨 Accommodation: where to stay in Uzbekistan

Budget hostels and guest houses.

There is a wide range of budget hostels and guest houses in most cities in Uzbekistan. Most of them are very good value and the perfect place to meet other travelers alike.

Hotels in Uzbekistan

There are also endless mid-range and luxury options in all main cities in Uzbekistan.

You always pay a 2USD registration fee – At any hotel, you always pay an extra 2USD per night you stay. This is a bit annoying for budget backpackers, as 2USD can sometimes be almost 30% of a dorm-bed price.

Keep your registration payslips

All hotels will give you a registration payslip that proves that you stayed there. You are likely to be asked for all your payslips when leaving the country. Basically, they are extremely paranoid and need proof of your actual itinerary, which you will show once, when you are leaving the country. Typically, they just require a payslip for every other day or two days. This means that, if you are camping or stay at people’s places, you would need to stay in a hotel every two days, at least.

Couchsurfing is supposedly illegal

However, you can find many profiles with reviews, so locals don’t really care about it.

Uzbekistan Travel

🛺 How to move around Uzbekistan: transportation

Traveling around uzbekistan by train.

Trains are the way to travel in Uzbekistan. Most cities are connected by train, they run very regularly and are very comfortable.

It’s recommended to book your train tickets in advance – Especially for long-distance trains. You can book them at the train station itself and always remember to bring your passport.

There are different kinds of train – There is a regular, modern train and the high-speed one. They are built by a Spanish company, so they have many similarities to the AVE and other Spanish trains. Furthermore, there is the Russian train, which is the classic old one from the Soviet Union times.

You must try the Soviet train at least once – Traveling long distance on a Russian train is an experience by itself. I took it from Samarkand, all the way west to Kazakhstan, on a 32-hour journey. You are most likely to be the only foreigner on board and everybody is super friendly with you.

Traveling around Uzbekistan by shared taxi

Also common and really cheap. Between cities, it’s common to travel in shared taxis, which cost even less than a train.

Only in Tashkent, there is metro and it was inspired by the one in Moscow or Saint Petersburg and it’s a delightful masterpiece. For more information, read: Places to visit in Tashkent .

uzbekistan travel uk

❗ More information for traveling to Uzbekistan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Uzbekistan destination

  • Travel Guide to Fergana Valley
  • Travel Guide to Moynaq
  • Tashkent Travel Guide
  • Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border crossing
  • Uzbekistan Itinerary

Travel guides to other countries in Central Asia

  • Tajikistan Travel Guide
  • Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide
  • Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
  • Pakistan Travel Guide
  • Afghanistan Travel Guide

traveling uzbekistan

39 comments

Excelente información, gracias por compartirla.Aunque mi viaje no sea centrado en trekking la información me ha servido muchísimo, sobre todo en cuanto a cruce de fronteras, distancias y donde vale la pena quedarse. Muchos saludos y buenos viajes!

Un saludo Álvaro, disfruta Uzbekistán!

An excellent, detailed post. Thanks. I’d just like to contrast your vegetarianism comment with my own experience, though, and put others at ease: I was there in 2016 and ate some of the best food I’ve had internationally (the carrot and beetroot side dishes in Bukhara were to die for!) never once needing to resort to markets or special requests from a chef for a meal. We mostly ate in budget restaurants.

Kyrgyzstan, however, was a different beast altogether in that regard.

Thanks for the clarification! Good to know that, as a vegetarian, Uzbekistan is an easier choice. And yes, Kyrgyzstan is for sure more difficult. I remember meeting other travelers who, in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, they were forced to eat meat (or food cooked with meat) because that was the only available choice besides bread & jam!

Very well written and very informative! For sure I’ll read more of your various articles on Uzbekistan. I’ll travel to Uzbekistan in 3 days and am already quite excited. You asked for feedback on the e-visa application: It took me HOURS to apply! You have to upload your photo and a photo of the data page in your passport. It took me hours to upload these 2 photos. I managed to get my photo uploaded after numerous tries but didn’t know why. The passport photo was rejected again and again and…. What finally did the trick: I changed the ending of the file from …PNG to …png. After that I got the email with the confirmation and payment link within minutes. You have to pay with a credit card and they only accept a Visa Card which I don’t have. I asked around and found a friend with a Visa Card. It is no problem to pay with the Card of someone else. Nevertheless payment didn’t work, as I found out probably because it was after working hours in Uzbekistan. I tried again the next morning, was able to complete payment at first try and got the confirmation via email within minutes. I recieved the Visa the next day, quite speedy.

Hey, thank you so much for the visa feedback! Sounds like a nightmare 😀 !

It was! Thanks to advice I found on different websites I managed, without internet research it would have been impossible for me. I entered the country yesterday. Apparently it is no longer required to declare foreign currency (as long as you travel with less than 2000$, I think, or the equivalent).

Superb, excellent, detailed and tempted post. Really felt like to travel. Regards

Hi, thanks for the wealth of tips here. I’d like to know what is involved when “they go through all your stuff” especially things like digital equipment. Do they take out batteries, turn it on, dismantle?

They just may check your photos, nothing more.

Hey, where are the better rates in black market or banks? And is it not good for solo back packers? I don’t want this trip to end up being alone all the time or surrounded by people from group tours! And when is the high season in Uzbekistan? Is August a good time to visit?

Hey, your answers: – The rate is pretty much the same but it will all depend on which bank / person. You will see when you are there – I saw some backpackers – You can go in August, but it will be very hot. Other seasons are better

Great guide inspiring me in every travel manners to Uzbekistan.

Hey Joan, thanks for putting this guide and the update regarding ATMs. I am planning to visit Uzbekistan in September, but I am afraid that the country is becoming very touristic nowadays, so not sure if I would choose Uzbekistan over other Central Asian destinations. I don’t really like crowded places filled with souvenirs shops and with the tourism booming, it seems that Uzbekistan is moving in this same direction. Thank you and keep up the great work 🙂

Hey man, whereas it is true that some parts of Uzbekistan are literally becoming mass tourism destinations, the fact is that 99% of tourists will only visit Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, which are just 3 cities in a massive country. The rest of Uzbekistan is pretty unspoiled, especially Karakalpakstan and Fergana regions, as well as other areas which I didn’t visit. Even Tashkent seems pretty local, so I recommend you spend a few days in each of those 3 cities and then go discover the rest of the country.

I am a native citizen of Uzbekistan. Was just curious to read about my own country from perpectives of foreign tourist. Marcus, If you happen to visit in Tashkent, you may let me know, I can show some interesting places over here and give you more detailed guide for your further travel. And I will do it with no other intention than as a friendly host. +99899 3686220 you can find me by whatsApp and Telegram.

Bobur, am visiting your country soon, this very 2021…. And indeed, I wish we could link up…. my email is: [email protected] my number: 00233 209096062

Hi, I am planning to travel in May. Is it a good time to come to Uzbekistan? Can you please confirm your number as I could not find it in Telegram. Hope to speak. Thanks, Sona

Hi there, thanks for info, We are traveling tomorrow to Tashkent, me and my husband Kazakhstan citizens, but our two daughters has American citizens, so in website says children under 16 yrs old don’t need a visa, so I hope it’s still works and there is no required visa!

I am just curious where you got your statistic about Uzbekistan being one of the top 20 safest countries in the world because I can’t seem to find that specific information. I am trying to convince somebody to go, so a resource and reference on that number would be helpful to me. Thank you.

Hey Danielle, I think I saw it in the Bradt Guide of Uzbekistan 🙂

Your tips are all so helpful and I love your blog!

I’m going to Uzbekistan in September. As much as I am excited about it, I’m also concerned about diseases and stuff. Did you get vaccination before you went?

Hi Jade, basically, I am vaccinated of absolutely everything, so I didn’t get any particular vaccine for Uzbekistan but in any case, I don’t really recall anyone getting a special vaccine for Central Asia

Gracias por tus consejos generales pero creo que te equivocas sobre los temas de visado. Según información recopilada en 5 Páginas web, la lista de países a los que tú dices que dan visa on arrival Son las lista de países que no necesitan ningún visado, Son países “visa exemption” en los cuales está Argentina, Brasil y Chile y luego tú dices que los viajeros de paises latinoamericanos “deben” sacar Su visado en una embajada. Es bastante confuso y contradictorio. Te sugiero que reveas la información publicada.

Hola Alberto, Brasil no es un país hispano-hablante y por ésto jamás lo incluyo en mis artículos en español. Los países de habla hispana que tienen visado gratis son Chile, Argentina y España, tal y como dice en el artículo.

Por otro lado, yo no sé dónde has leído donde digo que los latinoamericanos tengan que sacarlo en la embajada. Lo que digo es: ”lo más seguro es que NO tengas que ir por este proceso, pero si el sistema de visado electrónico no te funciona, tendrás que ir a la embajada” – El resto de países hispano-hablantes tienen que conseguir el visado vía internet, pero el sistema alguna vez de cada muchas suele fallar, por lo que en este caso, pues deberían de hacerlo vía embajada.

Bien. Lo entendi muy bien al leerlo en primera instante. Gracias hermano. Creo q’ Alberto de leerlo todo de nuevo. Un abrazo desde Ghana. Africa.

Hello. An interesting article you wrote. As a person who was born and raised in Uzbekistan, I really recommend you to visit as well more not-touristic places. For example, there are streets on Darkhan (Hamid Olimjon subway station) where you can find beautiful spots that were not touched by modern architecture and are still in the old style. So, try to find places that are not so popular among tourists. Because you will see the real country/city if, of course, that’s what you want. Because I personally am more into naturalness. September is the perfect time period to visit it here because the weather’s nice, not so hot and not so cold yet as well as Spring is a perfect time. Also, you’ll get into a season of fruits, vegetables that are so delicious. Welcome!

Hi everyone, I would like to share a piece of information which would be, I guess, interesting and beneficial for travellers wishing and planning to visit Uzbekistan. The issue I want to bring up is the problem with buying train tickets online. Because when foreigners want to buy tickets at a place they, more often than not, are sold out. Foreigners usually have trouble buying tickets online if they attempt to do this with their Visa cards due to some technical imperfections on the website . Therefore, I want to give a solution by offering the assistance of local people who will make a purchase instead of travellers. Unlike travel agencies, they do not charge much. The fee varies from 5 to 10 dollars per person, no matter how many tickets the one is going to buy. Isn’t it a solution? The only thing needed is a copy of the passport. The same can be done with airplane tickets. There is no place for hesitation about their reliability as such kind of services can be found on respectable travelling and guiding platforms. I dont know whether I can refer to any of them here. But if you need I can write more.. Any questions are welcome.

Great suggestions herein. Please put your email so that, one can reach you via inbox with some more questions

Hi! I was wondering how airtight the comments about Uzbekistan officials not being stringent on enforcing quarantine is. I have some big travel plans that require my transit through the country next month from the UK, and I just want to check to see how solid the idea that the quarantine rule isn’t enforced before I actually book my flights, as if I’m forced to quarantine I will be wasting thousands of £s.

Hi Owen, So far, there are no travel reports from travelers who were forced into quarantine. Nevertheless, you should know that in these countries, anything can happen

Great postings. However I have been trying to get e visa fo Uzbekistan for past one week, without success, even after getting the validation link the payment gateway did not accept my Visa debit card, it is really frustrating. Has anyone faced this problem?

Pandu India

HI, This a great blog. I am also going to visit Uzbekistan in june. I just wanted to ask that will it be okay if i dont stay in hotel and stay at friend’s apartment. I am pretty nervous about it. i am planning to go for nine days. if you could help me with the answer that would be great.

Uzbekistan is getting more and more touristic every day, so you should be fine 🙂

We (me and my wife and small child) are landing in Bukhara and ending in Tashkent. We have 11 days (including travel to and from UK).

We really want to visit Khiva, but we arrive in Bukhara at 12pm midday after a long overnight flight, so it would be very difficult to jump straight on a train to Khiva from Bukhara after landing.

Alteratively, we could spend two days in Bukhara on landing, then go to Khiva for a couple of days, but it would then be a very long train back to Samarkand, which would be our next stop.

Do you have any advice for us? Thanks!

Hello, it seems you don’t have any other alternative… Trains are pretty good in Uzbekistan so taking a longer one won’t be much of an issue.

I take prescribed drugs as to will be 70 and take Tramadol regularly. Alright it’s not codeine but close enough. I would not travel without it, and I noticed how Muslim countries are obsessed with drugs, even though it’s a packaged med made by drug companies. If bringing in Tramadol is an issue, even with a letter from a doctor, should I skip any plans to go there? Thanks! I don’t want issues with the immigration police or have it confiscated!

Hi Michel, this is a very hard question to answer, and I am afraid I can’t give you an accurate answer…

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Uzbekistan Travel Guide: The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

Uzbekistan Travel Guide: The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

Uzbekistan, a deserted landscape where time-stood still or, that’s what everyone thinks! In reality, Uzbekistan is a well-developing country with beautifully-tiled mosques, palaces with detailed ornaments, tasty food with their fresh vegetables and fruits, a high-speed train network and best of all, some of the friendliest and welcoming people out there. Plan to travel Uzbekistan with our 10-day itinerary.

Uzbekistan Travel Itinerary

This undiscovered gem of Central Asia has a rich history due to its location on the legendary Silk Road. The great blend of the old and the new is a pleasant touch to the country. “But why has Uzbekistan been so under the radar?” The new president heavily invested in tourism by building a high-speed railway system and by making visas much cheaper or free. One to two weeks is enough time to travel around Uzbekistan.

Check if you need a visa online here

travel guide uzbekistan

Day 1: Tashkent

Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia. This modern capital is the starting point of your Uzbekistan travel itinerary because of its well-connected international airport.

Uzbekistan Travel Guide: The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

Tashkent is very different from others and doesn’t have much to offer apart from visiting the Bazaar and the picturesque Metro stations.

Tip: Download the Verum QR app since mid-2019 all sites have QR codes that provide information about the object. (Like a free tour guide)

travel guide uzbekistan samarkand

Day 2 – 4: Samarkand – Uzbekistan Travel Favorite

Step into the wonderful city of colorful mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and the traditional market – Samarkand is the must-see city of Uzbekistan. Spend three days visiting all its sites and having a chat with the welcoming locals.

All about: The Things To Do in Samarkand

Uzbekistan Guide samarkand registan

Tashkent to Samarkand

The high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand only takes two hours and is very convenient.

Where to stay in Samarkand

The hotels and guesthouses in Samarkand are for every kind of budget. We highly recommend B&B Antica . A wonderful guesthouse with a beautiful garden where you will get the best breakfast in the city! It is also located right next to Gur-e Amir.

Hotels in Samarkand 😴

Antica B&B

Day 5 – 7: Bukhara

The walkable city of Bukhara might be the most picturesque city in Uzbekistan. The labyrinth of narrow, quiet streets and green parks make it a rather pleasant place to spend a couple of days. Visit the Ark and Po-i Kalyan Complex, two architectural masterpieces.

Bukhara – The Ancient Mosque city guide

bukhara Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Samarkand to Bukhara

Jump on the high-speed train in Samarkand and arrive in Bukhara in under 2 hours.

Where to stay in Bukhara

It’s best to find a hotel in Bukhara near the area where cars are not allowed, and most restaurants are located.

Hotels in Bukhara 😴

Kukaldosh Hotel

Day 7 – 9: Khiva

Khiva, the open-air museum in the desert, was the first place in Uzbekistan to get a UNESCO heritage listing. Taste the delicious food of this region and wander around in this old, mud-brick-walled village that feels like walking in an actual movie scene. 

Read: Full Khiva Museum City Guide

Uzbekistan Travel Guide khiva

Bukhara to Khiva

Of all the destinations on your Uzbekistan travel itinerary, Khiva is certainly the hardest to get to. From Bukhara, it is best to take the train (5h) or taxi (7h).

Where to Stay in Khiva

Khiva offers affordable accommodation for all budgets. The higher-end hotels are located within the city walls, and just outside those walls, hotels get much more affordable.

Hotels in Khiva 😴

Orient Star Hotel

Day 10: Tashkent

Finally, spend the last day of your time in Uzbekistan, making your way to Tashkent to catch your international flight back home with a backpack filled with new experiences.

You can either take the night train from Khiva (16.5 h) or fly back from Urgench to Tashkent. (1.5h)

travel guide uzbekistan Tashkent khiva

Costs of traveling in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a very affordable country to travel around and can easily be done on your own. Transportation and accommodation are the biggest expenses while traveling in Uzbekistan. 

Costs of Traveling in Uzbekistan

Travel on a budget in Uzbekistan, from $290 − $460 USD weekly per person, mid-range $710 − $1240 USD, and high-end from $1200 − $1810 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

  • Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
  • Hostels: $20 − $50 USD Check available hostels
  • Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
  • Food: $10 − $30 USD
  • Activities: $3 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
  • Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
  • Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

khiva uzbekistan transportation

Getting cash in Uzbekistan

Each city has a handful of good working ATMs. Some dispense Uzbek Sums and other US Dollars. Maestro and Visa cards are widely accepted, whereas Mastercard is limited. 

Food in Uzbekistan 

The large markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, and loaves of bread represent the tasty meals of the food in Uzbekistan. Expect delicious salads, soups, bread, plov, dumplings, and so much more. Even for vegetarians, it isn’t too difficult to find great meatless meals like pumpkin dumplings (Manti). 

uzbekistan travel guide cafe

How to Get Around Uzbekistan

A commonly misunderstood fact is that you would have to see Uzbekistan with a tour company – wrong! Uzbekistan’s rail network is a super convenient, affordable, and overall great way to get around the country. The fast trains are of the same quality as Italy or another European country. 

Right now, booking tickets online is still very difficult (2019) but fortunately, Advantour, the silk road tour operator , takes away the hassle by pre-booking everything for you.

train tashkent samarkand uzbekistan

Train tickets for the above Uzbekistan travel route cost between 5 and 20 USD per ride per person, depending on the class. 

Browse and book your train tickets online

All major cities are connected with a domestic or international airport and have regularly scheduled flights.

Tip: Right now, we recommend taking just one flight back from Khiva to Tashkent because the train between the other cities is a much better way of traveling.

best travel time uzbekistan

Best Time to Travel in Uzbekistan

It is best to visit Uzbekistan in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September – October) when the weather is comfortably warm and dry.

In general, it is recommended to skip the summer months, June to August. However, our visit in late August was fine if we would stay out of the sun in the afternoon. 

What to Wear in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a modern country without strict rules on how women should dress. Although the majority of the country is Muslim, headscarves are not required at all, and you will see women wearing whatever they feel comfortable with, even ripped jeans or skirts. Expect quite a few selfie requests as Western tourists are still new and exciting. 

uzbekistan travel what to wear

Dress in a way that is respectful to everyone. Of course, at some religious sites, you are required to cover yourself, so always bring an extra scarf with you while traveling in Uzbekistan. 

uzbekistan travel guide what to wear

Safety in Uzbekistan

Besides corruption happening a few years ago, the crime rate in Uzbekistan is very low, making it a safe country to travel to .

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Uzbekistan trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

In contrast to a city trip to Europe , you don’t have to pay attention to pickpockets. The Uzbek people are respectful, and couples and solo travelers have to worry while traveling in this beautiful country.

Discover more about: Finding the right travel insurance

Do I Need a Visa for Uzbekistan?

Getting your visa for Uzbekistan has become a piece of cake for most nationalities due to changes in 2018. E-visas can now be acquired, and for some countries, it’s even free.

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Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Best Things To Do & See

Things to do in khiva, uzbekistan: the open air museum, the ancient mosque city bukhara, uzbekistan.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

We were looking for information about Uzbekistan. We are glad we reached you site. Your coverage of this wonderful land is detailed and ready to use.

Can you tell us if online booking has started for their train network?

Thanks for this wow blog and thanks in anticipation for your expected reply to our query on rail booking.

Thanks! As far as we’re aware that system is still not working for bookings as foreigners.

Hi there, you can book easily through the national Uzbek trains website with no extra commission as a foreigner. We had no problems doing it for our trip right now!

Thanks for pointing that out & we hope you’re having a great trip! 🤗

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Khiva, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan holidays 2024 & 2025

Landlocked Uzbekistan is a hinterland of inhospitable desert, and yet it has produced works of such architectural sumptuousness and skill, they’ve beguiled visitors and itinerants for centuries — and they continue to do so. Whether you visit Uzbekistan as part of a longer journey retracing the Silk Route , or as a standalone destination, our specialists will talk you through the country’s primary points of interest. They’ll weave their knowledge of its backstreets, museums, Soviet relics and Islamic sacred sites into your own tailor-made Uzbekistan itinerary.

The triptych of madressehs (Islamic schools) gracing Registan Square in the historical city of Samarkand  is likely to form the climax to your holiday in Uzbekistan, and our specialists will help you make the most of your visit here. You can complement this with exploring Khiva’s city walls, Tashkent’s teahouses and Bukhara’s marketplaces. Our specialists can also point you toward half-forgotten, lesser-known places: ruined mud-brick fortresses marooned amid desert sands, and once-powerful port towns.

Suggested activities for Uzbekistan

Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Uzbekistan.

Ceiling Detail, Gur Amir Mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand City Tour

Unlike Bukhara, where walking from sight to sight is possible, Samarkand's attractions are spread right across the city. Starting in the centre, the Mosque of Bibi-Khanym dominates the skyline. It was once the biggest mosque in the world and has been partially rebuilt with UNESCO help.

The Ark walls, Bukhara

Bukhara City Tour

The sheer quantity of sights here means most visitors cannot see everything. One of the city’s most recognisable monuments is the Kalon mosque and minaret complex. Climbing up this 46 metre ornamental minaret rewards you with a stunning view over the whole city and the biggest Friday mosque in Bukhara.

Cloth Trader, Urgut Market, Uzbekistan

Urgut Excursion

Not far from Samarkand, high in the hills next to the Tajik border, is the town of Urgut. It has one of the best rural markets in Uzbekistan and the people here have their own distinct culture.

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Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Uzbekistan, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Uzbekistan Tourism

Interesting facts about uzbekistan.

uzbekistan travel uk

Located in the heart of the Central Asia, the Republic of Uzbekistan is famous for its numerous architectural monuments, incredible natural landscapes, magnificent palaces, and ruins of fortresses of past civilizations, outstanding cultural events, gastronomic delights and famous craft workshops. From the first visit, our country evokes extraordinary feelings that prompt us to come here repeatedly.

The Republic of Uzbekistan includes 12 regions and the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan.

Each corner of Uzbekistan attracts with its features. In Tashkent, you can take a walk in the most beautiful metro in the world or see the most ancient manuscript – the Koran of Usman. In the historical cities included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List – Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Khiva, you can visit the most ancient architectural monuments that have preserved echoes of past eras. In the southernmost part of the country – Surkhandarya, you can travel through mountain gorges or see the ruins of the ancient cities near Termez.

Depending on the time of year, you can go skiing in the foothills of the Tien Shan or climb the highest point of Big Chimgan.

Video about Uzbekistan

Oltintepa Mosque

The mosque of deggaron, jameh mosque in kokand, islam ota mosque, the minor mosque, hasan-murad-kushbegi mosque, khoja akhrar vali mosque in tashkent.

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Uzbekistan Tours & Holidays

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Uzbekistan has long considered itself different from the rest of Central Asia. These rich lands were settled as early as the 6th century and led to a less nomadic existence compared to its neighbours – an ancient past that is etched into the very stone of   Khiva   and   Bukhara’s   towering fortresses.  

Scythians   settled ...

Scythians   settled here in the Bronze Age and built giant burial mounds for their kings, Alexander the Great briefly brought the area under control during his march eastwards and the armies of Islam were spreading Muhammad’s message through its valleys and cities as early as 700AD. However, it was under the reign of   Tamerlane   in the 14th century that Uzbekistan experienced its Golden Age, seen today in the breathtaking splendour of   Samarkand’s   Islamic architecture, most notably   Registan   Square and   Gur -e- Amir   –   Tamerlane’s   tomb. All of these different civilizations, migrations and conquerors have left their mark on the country we see today, physically, culturally and spiritually.  

The cities of   Samarkand ,   Bukhara   and   Khiva   offer a glimpse into the country’s glittering past with their impressive architecture, intricately tiled domes, thriving bazaars, tea houses and alleyways. Here, you can also witness the ancient techniques of silk production and other crafts for which Uzbekistan has been renowned for centuries, such as carpet weaving and colourful ceramics. For more modern artistry, the city of   Nukus   is home to a huge collection of   avant - garde   Soviet art, much of it smuggled out of Russia in the 1930’s.  

Although it is rightly renowned for its cities, we believe there is more to Uzbekistan than its Silk Road heritage. As always with Wild Frontiers, we like to get off the beaten track by leading our Uzbekistan trips into the countryside where to experience the country’s rugged natural beauty and friendly rural culture. From the verdant slopes of the   Ferghana   Valley to the arid, parched landscapes of the Aral Sea, this is a land whose beauty has long lived in the imagination of the west.  

Take a Wild Frontiers small group tour or tailor-made adventure in Uzbekistan to learn the legacy of the Silk Road through the impressive mosques, minarets and bazaars of   Khiva ,   Samarkand   and   Bukhara ; or explore the country’s natural beauty and rural charm with our Uzbekistan holidays and tours.

Clementine

Meet the Expert

Start your journey, group tours.

Travel to Uzbekistan with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries as a private tour or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Highlights of uzbekistan, best experiences.

Explore the history of Tashkent

Explore the history of Tashkent

See the main sights via the city's metro with its richly decorated stations. Visit the central square Amir Timur Maydoni, the statue of Tamerlane on horseback, the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Applied Arts Museum and the Old Quarter of the city.

Visit the last emir’s summer palace

Visit the last emir’s summer palace

Visit the summer palace of Bukhara's last Emir. The palace is an eclectic mix of Oriental and European design and contains a good collection of suzanis (traditional embroidery) and Chinese porcelain brought to the city of  Bukhara by camel caravan in the 19th century.

Marvel the Majesty of the Registan

Marvel the Majesty of the Registan

Explore Samarkand's most impressive sight, Registan Square 'Sandy Place' in Persian. Surrounded on three sides by blue tiled madrassahs, it is a masterpiece of impressive architecture and no picture can convey the magnificence of this square.

Discover the Desert Citadels

Discover the Desert Citadels

Enjoy the remote ancient desert citadels, located on the fringes of the Kyzyl-Kum Desert. Explore the imposing Toprak Kala, which was settled in the 1st century BC and later flourished in the 3rd century AD as the capital of the Khoresmshah Dynasty.

Hike between Nurata guesthouses

Hike between Nurata guesthouses

Hike through the Nurata Mountains to your next guesthouse. Enjoy a lovely walk, surrounded by mountainous views. Your lunch will be either a picnic along the way or will be enjoyed at the next guesthouse, depending on how long your walk is.

Enjoy an opera and ballet show

Enjoy an opera and ballet show

Music is vital to the Uzbek soul. An evening at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre in Tashkent, with its glittering fountains and finely mosaicked interiors, is to touch an artistic quality that is beginning to achieve international recognition.

Visit Khovrenko wine cellar

Visit Khovrenko wine cellar

Taste the secret wines of Khovrenko Wine Cellar. Kept a secret for many decades, passed between friends and finally revealed in 1968, Mr Dmitry Filatov had been producing wines and filled a cellar with wines from Samarkand, many of which are now auctioned off.

Take in views of Aydarkul Lake

Take in views of Aydarkul Lake

Visit Aydarkul Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Uzbekistan. The lake was accidentally created after Chardarya reservoir in the Syrdariya river burst in 1969. Although manmade, the lake is important to many migratory birds’ species, as well as native fish.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT

Aral Sea

Left behind by the retreating waters of a vast inland ocean, the Aral Sea was once the fourth largest inland body of water on the planet. Fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya Rivers, its fragile ecology ...

Bukhara

Bukhara was a major staging point on the Silk Road. By about 500BC, it was already an important centre, defended by a citadel that has stood in one form or other ever since. Today it is the site of ...

Khiva

Khiva is a fascinating medieval desert town which has been perfectly preserved. It came to prominence in the 16th century as the capital of the Khans of Khiva whose territory stretched from the Caspian ...

Nurata Mountains

Nurata Mountains

The Nurata mountain range is home to the Nurata Nature Reserve and many lush green river valleys, as well as the ancient town of Nurata, founded by Alexander the Great. Rural Tajik and Uzbek villages ...

Samarkand

Samarkand is the evocative, mythical name of one of the key trading cities of the ancient Silk Road. With a history dating back 2,700 years, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state ...

Tashkent

Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, has a population of more than two million and is the major economic, political and cultural centre of the republic. Its history spans over two millennia, although ...

Ferghana Valley

Ferghana Valley

Known as the "garden of Uzbekistan" the Ferghana Valley lies in the eastern part of Uzbekistan between the Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) and the Pamir Alay range, and spreads across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan ...

OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY

Bibi-Khanym Hotel, Bukhara

Bibi-Khanym Hotel, Bukhara

Hotel Bibikhanum, Samarkand

Hotel Bibikhanum, Samarkand

Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara

Minzifa Hotel, Bukhara

Mirzo Boutique Hotel, Tashkent

Mirzo Boutique Hotel, Tashkent

Sasha & Son, Bukhara

Sasha & Son, Bukhara

Orient Star Hotel (Khiva Madrasah), Khiva

Orient Star Hotel (Khiva Madrasah), Khiva

Discover more.

The best time to visit is generally May, June, September and October when the skies tend to be clear and the temperature warm. You can also visit Uzbekistan in July and August however it is hot and the temperature in Bukhara and Khiva can reach 40 degrees. Read Our Best Time To Visit Uzbekistan Guide >

Meet the expert, Clem

Clem is our Uzbekistan expert, who has travelled extensively in the country.

Speak to Clementine by calling +44 (0)20 3944 6258

USEFUL INFORMATION

Health and Vaccinations

There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Uzbekistan though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.

In Uzbekistan, the official unit of currency is the Sum.

To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com .

Cultural Sensitivity

On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.

The first thing to say about travelling in Uzbekistan is that most areas, particularly the cities and towns, have a much more laid-back approach to Islam than other countries to the south. In places such as Tashkent and Samarkand you won’t believe the length of some women’s skirts! However, it should also be remembered that it is technically a Muslim region and therefore some caution and respect should be applied. T-shirts are fine for both sexes, as are vest tops and skirts for women, but if visiting the active mosques and mausoleums of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand, women should cover their shoulders and both men and women should wear trousers/ skirts that fall below the knee.

Language & Religion

Uzbek is the only official state language in Uzbekistan, although the Tajik language is widespread within Bukhara and Samarkand due to the large population of ethnic Tajiks. Russian is the main language for 14% of the population and in the cities, it is an important language for inter-ethnic communication.

95% of the population are Muslim with about 5% following Russian Orthodox Christianity. Over the years there have been many versions of the Islamic faith practiced in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is 5 hours ahead of GMT A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com .

Food and drink

The food in Uzbekistan is not particularly varied and is based around meat and rice, although the salads on offer are very tasty. Your guide will ensure you experience the delicacies of each region, which often overlap with the cultures that have lived and moved around Central Asia over the centuries.

Regarding alcohol, the choice is limited to vodka, beer or rather filthy local brandy so anyone wanting something different - Scotch or Gin for example - should buy it duty free and bring it with them. However, be advised that mixers, like tonic water, are extremely difficult to find! There is also some quite acceptable local wine generally available, although rarely sold by the glass!

Travelling Solo In Uzbekistan 

All of our   small group tours   are designed to cater for   solo travellers : the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.

Update January 10, 2024

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Uzbekistan Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 23, 2023, uzbekistan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise normal precautions in Uzbekistan. 

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Uzbekistan.

If you decide to travel to Uzbekistan: 

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Uzbekistan. 
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist . 

Travel Advisory Levels

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Premium Uzbekistan

10 days | discover the ancient silk road riches of uzbekistan..

KFPU - Exploring the historical city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan with Intrepid Travel

Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 10-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva. Encounter a friendly welcome at every turn, join a local family for a traditional cooking class and get to know the ins and outs of a traditional Uzbek village. From medieval cities to charismatic communities, Uzbekistan has so much to uncover.

Trip overview

  • Travel with a local leader who will share the magic of Uzbekistan's "holiest city" in Bukhara, tell the ancient tales of historic Khiva, and guide you through the extraordinary architecture of Samarkand.
  • Uncover Tashkent’s Soviet legacy and its contemporary culture. Explore the vast Chorsu Bazaar and embrace the hustle and bustle in one of Asia's oldest markets.
  • Immerse yourself in Uzbek culture when you visit a typical local village, learn the art of sewing suzani, chat to the friendly villagers and enjoy a traditional lunch together.
  • Stay within the walls of Uzbekistan’s history during feature stays in an old Jewish house converted into a gorgeous boutique hotel in Bukhara, and a centuries-old medressa turned opulent and elegant hotel in Khiva.
  • Understand local life through food – join a local family in Samarkand for a cooking class of the quintessential Central Asian rice dish – plov, and enjoy a taste of Khorezmian culture during a family cooking class in Khiva.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
  • As there are a number of long travel days, plenty of time spent on your feet and days can be hot and dusty you'll need to be reasonably fit to get the most out if this trip.
  • The Central Asian diet relies heavily on meat based dishes. Dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian and gluten free, are not well know in Uzbekistan, and may have very limited options.

Xush kelibsiz! Welcome to Uzbekistan. The largest city in Central Asia, Tashkent is a mix of Russian and Uzbek style, an indication of the fact that for many years it was a key city of the USSR. Extravagant mosques, both ancient and new, sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. On arrival at Tashkent Airport, meet your Intrepid representative and transfer to your hotel. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm today. If you have time beforehand, take a walk to see some of the contemporary architecture that sets this city apart from many other Silk Road destinations. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at an excellent local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek food such as laghman noodles, norin noodles and fried dumplings.

  • Ateca Hotel or similar (1 night)
  • Tashkent - welcome dinner
  • Tashkent - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan - UZS50000
  • Tashkent - Art Gallery of Uzbekistan - UZS20000
  • Tashkent - Museum of Applied Arts - UZS25000

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Explore Tashkent on a city tour with your leader. First, make your way to the Khast Imom Complex including the Barak Khan medressa (a college for Islamic instruction), Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, Quran Library and Mosque, which holds what’s said to be one of the oldest and holiest Koran in the world. Then leave behind the spiritual world and venture into the real-life hustle and bustle of Chorsu Bazzar, one of the largest and oldest markets in Central Asia. Wandering through this giant marketplace is a fantastic way to see locals going about their daily lives. Uzbeks are some of the friendliest people in the world and with your leader on hand to bridge any language gaps, you will soon find yourself chatting to many locals who are keen to get to know you. Your leader will show you some of Tashkent’s beautiful metro stations, then you’ll finish the tour at Amir Temur Square. With a free afternoon, you may like to visit the striking Kukeldash medressa.

  • Tashkent - Chorsu Bazaar
  • Tashkent - Amir Timur Square
  • Tashkent - Khast Imom Complex & Moyie Mubarek Library Museum
  • Tashkent - City tour
  • Tashkent - Metro tour

Early this morning, take a high speed “Afrosiab” train to the ancient Silk Road hub of Samarkand. The city has long been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army, leaving behind a rich and complex history. On arrival, join your leader for a guided tour of this intriguing city. Make a visit to the Gur Amir Mausoleum – your leader will tell you all about the mighty ruler Timur, and this is his final resting place. Stand on the iconic Registan Square with three mosaic adorned medressas towering over you. Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, overlooking the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, full of bustling stalls and friendly local traders. Continue to the holy Shah-i-Zinda complex, the so-called ‘Town of the Dead’ necropolis, with more than 20 beautifully decorated unique buildings. After your city tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free evening to soak up the magic of this historical city.

  • Khan Hotel or similar (1 night)
  • Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda
  • Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
  • Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  • Samarkand - Siob Bazaar
  • Samarkand - Registan
  • Samarkand - City tour

Today’s total travel time is approximately 2 hours.

Today you’ll dig deeper into Samarkand’s fascinating cultural heritage during another city tour. Visit the workshop of a local artisan and discover one of the few people in Central Asia who continues to produce paper using a 1000-year-old method. Continue to the Afrosiab Museum, home to a treasured 7th-century fresco of the Sogdian King Varkhouman, then stop by the gorgeous remains of the Ulugbek Observatory – built by a Muslim prince, your leader will explain how this unpopular ruler had a controversial passion for astronomy. Head out of the city to the Bagizagan winery, considered the best wine producer in Uzbekistan. Get a special insight into the production of Uzbek wine, and of course try a few drops yourself. In the evening, enjoy an intimate Uzbek experience – join a local family for a cooking demonstration on the traditional meal known as plov. Uzbek men pride themselves on their ability to prepare the most unique and scrumptious plov, a tasty rice dish cooked over an open flame in a traditional cauldron. Sit down together for dinner and chat about daily life.

  • Samarkand - Plov cooking demonstration & family visit
  • Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory
  • Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum
  • Samarkand - Handmade paper workshop
  • Samarkand - Uzbek Bagizagan winery visit and tasting

This morning, make your way to the holy and historical city of Bukhara. Stop along the way in Gijduvan, famous for its ceramic pottery, where you’ll have the chance to visit a pottery workshop. Witness the pottery process from start to finish and visit a small museum to uncover the centuries-old history of ceramics in this area. Continue to Shofirkon and visit a traditional Uzbek village. Meet with a lovely local family and learn how to make suzani, a beautiful silk fabric, each with a different story. Take a walk around the village, chat to the friendly neighbours and see how bread is cooked in a clay oven. If you’re here at the right time you may even catch an Uzbek wedding! Enjoy a classic Uzbek lunch with a local family before continuing to Bukhara. This evening, enjoy an Uzbek folklore and music performance at one of the city’s medressas before heading for dinner at a wonderful local restaurant. Tonight’s feature stay accommodation is the stunning Minzifa Boutique Hotel. Converted from an old Jewish house, this boutique property features a charming terrace and spacious rooms decorated with a kaleidoscope of traditional colours and patterns.

  • Minzafa Boutique Hotel (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
  • Gijduvan - Ceramics workshop
  • Shofirkon - Uzbek village and silk suzane making family visit
  • Bukhara - Folklore & music performance

Today’s total travel time from Samarkand to Bukhara is approximately 8 hours including stops and visits at Gijduvan and Shofirkon village.

A UNESCO-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city. With monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th century AD, your leader will help you understand the vast span of history and architecture during a tour of the city. The meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations give you a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, the ruins of the 5th-century Ark Fortress and the imposing Poikalon complex. Taki Zargaron and the trading domes near here still offer a colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is the place to test your haggling skills and share a joke or two with local craftsman and merchants. Enjoy a free evening here – the twilight hours lend themselves to wandering around the central Lyabi-Hauz and its surrounding areas.

  • Bukhara - Ismail Samani Mausoleum
  • Bukhara - Ark Fortress
  • Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque
  • Bukhara - Chor Minor
  • Bukhara - Kalon Minaret & Mosque
  • Bukhara - Chashma Ayub Mausoleum
  • Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Complex
  • Bukhara - Taki Zargaron Trading Dome
  • Bukhara - Lyabi Khauz Complex
  • Bukhara - City tour

Make a morning visit to Sitorai Mohi Hosa, the summer Palace of Alim Khan, Uzbekistan’s last emir. Your leader will share stories of the emir’s extravagant lifestyle as you explore the luxuriously decorated compound. In the afternoon, drive to Khiva. You’ll travel through the Kyzyl-Kum (Red Sands Desert), the largest desert area in Central Asia. It’s long been inhabited by various nomadic people. Stop for photos, lunch, and a walk in the desert to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region. Arrive in Khiva in the evening and check in to your feature stay accommodation for the next two nights, the historic Orient Star Hotel. This is no ordinary hotel – the incredible property was once the largest medressa in Khiva, and its walls hold hundreds of years of history. Traditionally decorated brick rooms are small yet comfortable, and frame a shady courtyard, elegantly embellished with arches and mosaics. Don’t forget to look up – the intricately carved ceilings and crystal chandeliers are a sight to behold. Spend the evening relaxing in this magnificent building where the past is always present.

  • Orient Star Khiva Hotel (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
  • Bukhara - Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace

Today’s total travel time is approximately 7 hours.

Take a full day to explore this enchanting city with your leader. Khiva is beautifully preserved and perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the boundaries of the old city. Your leader will guide you through the city’s ancient monuments, sharing their histories along the way, including the turquoise Kalta Minor Minaret, the Khan museum, the 17th-century Juma Mosque and the Islom-Hoja Minaret and Medressa. Visit the Kuhna Ark, which was the main fortress, and look over the city from the hill of the Ak-Sheikh Baba observation platform, once used as a patrol tower of the citadel. Finish with the tranquil 19th-century Tosh-Hovli Palace. Late afternoon, head to one of the city’s delightful roof terraces for a glass of champagne as you watch the sun set over thousands of years of history. This evening, join a cooking class and learn the secrets of Khorezmian cuisine. Make traditional dishes like shivit oshi (green noodles) and tuhum-barak (egg dumplings) then tuck into your creations for dinner.

  • Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa
  • Khiva - Juma Mosque
  • Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
  • Khiva - Kunya Ark
  • Khiva - Kalta Minor Minaret
  • Khiva - Sunset drinks
  • Khiva - Muhammad Rahim-khan Medressa
  • Khiva - Muhammad Amin-khan Medressa
  • Khiva - Khorezmian cuisine cooking class

Transfer to the airport in the morning for a flight to Tashkent, arriving in the Uzbekistan capital in the late morning. Admire the façade of the Navoi Theatre, named for one of the nom de plume’s of Ali-Shir Nava’I, a 16th-century writer and mystic. The multi-arched building was partially constructed by Japanese prisoners of war. Next, take a walk down the buzzing Broadway Alley, where there’s always something happening. Take some time to wander the street lined by shady trees and works from local artists. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a final dinner and say farewell to this spectacular Silk Road country.

Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours.

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to spend some more time in Tashkent, extra accommodation can be arranged in advance (subject to availability).

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Private vehicle, Metro, High-speed train, Plane

Hotel (5 nights), Bukhara Feature Stay (2 nights), Khiva Feature Stay (2 nights)

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.  3. This trip includes a domestic flight from Urgench to Tashkent. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Navigating UK to Uzbekistan Flights: A Comprehensive Travel Guide by Minzifa Travel

uzbekistan travel uk

Introduction:

Embarking on a journey from the UK to the enchanting landscapes of Uzbekistan brings up important questions about flight options. Minzifa Travel is dedicated to providing you with the most current and comprehensive flight information, promising a smoother travel planning experience for your Central Asian adventure.

Promise: Up-to-Date Flight Information from the UK to Uzbekistan

We promise to deliver the latest and most accurate details on your flight options from the UK to Uzbekistan. With Minzifa Travel, you’ll have access to information on direct flights , connections, airlines, and everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your journey.

Understanding Your Flight Choices

Explore the various routes from the UK to Uzbekistan, including direct flights and popular connecting options, ensuring you find the best fit for your travel plans and preferences.

Picture: Embark on a Scenic Journey to Uzbekistan

Visualize yourself boarding your flight in the UK and embarking on an exciting journey to Uzbekistan. We help you picture the experience, from the comfort of your seat to the anticipation of landing in a land rich with history, culture, and natural beauty.

From London to Tashkent: Visualizing Your Flight Path

Visualize your route as you fly over Europe and into the heart of Central Asia, preparing for the unique experiences that await in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.

Proof: Real-time Flight Schedules and Traveler Reviews

Minzifa Travel doesn’t just promise; we provide proof. Access up-to-date flight schedules, read reviews from travelers who’ve made the journey, and understand the various factors that influence your flight choice, from duration to comfort and cost.

Traveler Insights: Real Experiences from UK to Uzbekistan Flights

Hear from travelers who have flown from the UK to Uzbekistan, sharing their experiences, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel planning.

Push: Book Your Flight to Uzbekistan with Minzifa Travel Today

With a comprehensive understanding of your flight options, it’s time to take action and book your journey. Minzifa Travel is ready to assist with personalized planning, booking services, and all the support you need for a stress-free experience.

 Exclusive Offers and Personalized Service

Take advantage of Minzifa Travel ‘s exclusive flight deals and personalized service. Let us make your booking experience as smooth and convenient as possible, ensuring you get the best value and a hassle-free start to your Uzbekistan adventure.

Conclusion:

Flying from the UK to Uzbekistan is an exciting prospect filled with potential for adventure and discovery. With Minzifa Travel, you’re assured of having all the necessary flight information and support to make your journey as enjoyable and seamless as possible. Start planning your flight today, and take the first step toward an unforgettable experience in the heart of Central Asia.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The UK is the most miserable place in the world except for one country

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Rainy Britain, with walkers carrying umbrellas as they make their way along the pavement

The UK is now the most miserable place in the world – except for one other country, a ‘worrying’ new mental wellbeing report has found.

With the Covid pandemic still in fresh memory and many struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, it may not come as a total surprise that Britain didn’t score on top of the list for wellness .

However, just how low we fared is alarming.  

Only the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan ranked worse, with the UK placing 70th out of 71 for overall mental wellbeing, giving it an average score of 49 compared to 65 globally.

Currently the UK government advises against all but essential travel to parts of Uzbekistan’s border with Afghanistan , and around 17% people in the Central Asian state live under the poverty line, according to the Asian Development Bank.

Mental wellbeing graphic shows how different countries scored, with the UK among the lowest

The new report, carried out by researchers at the US-based Sapien Labs think tank, found that mental wellbeing in 2023 had still not recovered to the pre-pandemic levels.

The study focused on mood and outlook, social self, drive and motivation, adaptability and resilience, cognition, and mind-body connection.

Armed with responses from more than 500,000 people across 71 countries, experts said the low scores for richer countries were explained by early-age smartphone use, eating ultra-processed food (UPFs) and unravelling of friendships and family ties – in other words, loneliness.

A desert in Muynak, Uzbekistan

The UK’s wellbeing crisis

The highest proportion of people who said they were not doing well lived in Britain, Brazil and South Africa , with 35% of respondents in the UK saying they were distressed or struggling.

Wellbeing for over-65s has remained steady, but not for any other age group.

Alarmingly, young people seem to be the hardest hit across eight English-speaking countries, with the mental wellbeing of those aged 18-24 showing the least improvement since 2020.

A chart showing mental wellbeing across different age groups between 2019 and 2023

In the UK, the figures signal a difficult time for young adults and poorer families in particular, who have been faced with two economic recessions in just four years, a grating cost-of-living crisis, and a property market marred by rocketing rents and house prices.

Waves of political chaos in Westminster due to changing Prime Ministers and scandals like Partygate have not helped to improve trust.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Meanwhile, eating ultra-processed foods was found to result in significantly poorer mental wellbeing across all ages, with around 60-70% of food consumed in the UK and the US categorised as such.

More than half of those who eat ultra-processed food daily said they are distressed and struggling with their mental wellbeing, compared to just 18% people who rarely or never do so, the study found.

Former prime minister Liz Truss

In the eight English-speaking countries tracked since 2019, including the UK, the average MHQ score fell by 8% between 2019 and 2020.

Graph showing the drop in mental wellbeing in eight English speaking countries compared to other countries

In contrast, only 26% of people in Tajikistan, Bangladesh and Syria said they were distressed or struggling.

Yemen , where around 21.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, scored 59 for mental wellbeing – better than the UK, Ireland and Australia .

Less wealthy countries in Africa and Latin America scored the highest for wellbeing, with Dominican Republic taking the first spot followed closely by Sri Lanka and Tanzania .

The number of people who said they were distressed or struggling grew significantly from pre-pandemic to 2023, and has shown hardly any change for all countries.

Graph showing the rise in proportion of people who are distressed or struggling in global mental wellbeing study

Scientists conducting the study said: ‘Overall, the insights in this report paint a worrying picture of our post-pandemic prospects and we urgently need to better understand the drivers of our collective mental wellbeing such that we can align our ambitions and goals with the genuine prosperity of human beings.’

Measuring mental wellbeing

Mental wellbeing was defined as the ability of an individual to handle the normal stresses and adversities of life and contribute productively to society.

Stressed sad wrapped in plaid young woman feeling cold, ill, sick, suffering from fever, virus, trying to warm, sitting on a sofa.

The anonymous online survey MHQ assessed the cognitive and emotional capabilities to give an overall mental wellbeing score.

A negative score suggested the person was distressed or struggling, between zero and 50 meant they were enduring, 50-100 managing, while at 100-200 they were succeeding or thriving.

UK, Ireland and Australia scored low for motivation and drive, while Bolivia, India, Pakistan and Kazakhstan had higher scores compared to similarly ranked countries.

The assessment faced reporting bias because the survey was only open to those with internet access in their country, meaning people surveyed in a less developed country were likely to be more well-off and educated, making their circumstances more similar to typical people in developed countries, Sapien Labs Founder and chief scientist Dr Tara Thiagarajan told DailyMail.com.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Uzbekistan, UK intensify cooperation in banking sector 

As part of the visit of the uzsanoatqurilishbank jscb delegation to london, representatives of uzbekistan took part in the annual moneylive summit held in the uk..

uzbekistan travel uk

MoneyLive Summit is a global event in the field of payments and banking, which brings together the world's leading financial institutions, bankers and companies specializing in this field. At this year’s event, issues such as financing fintech and startups, digital banking, and achieving process transparency using artificial intelligence were discussed .

Within the discussion area, representatives of Uzsanoatqurilishbank JSCB and British banks Barclays, HSBS, Lloyds and Crown Agents Bank discussed issues such as export financing and reducing the state share in national banks.

Foreign partners were given a presentation on changes in the banking and financial system of Uzbekistan, the activities of JSCB Uzsanoatqurilishbank, in particular the latest financial indicators of the institution, as well as transformation processes carried out with the support of international financial institutions.

As a result of the negotiations, it was decided to hold a roadshow in May this year in order to inform the British public about the reforms being implemented in the banking sector of Uzbekistan.

  • #London #Uzsanoatqurilishbank #MoneyLive Summit

uzbekistan travel uk

IMAGES

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  4. Top 9 Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

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  6. Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan

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VIDEO

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  4. First Day in UZBEKISTAN

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  6. 5 Reason Why Uzbekistan should be on Your Travel Bucket-list #shorts #uzbekistan #travelcouple

COMMENTS

  1. Uzbekistan travel advice

    FCDO travel advice for Uzbekistan. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

  2. The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024)

    Starting from 1 February 2019, citizens of the European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and many more countries can travel to Uzbekistan visa-free for a period of 30 days.. Citizens of 76 countries including the United States, China, and India have been granted the right to receive an electronic entry visa for a period of 30 days.

  3. 16 things to know before going to Uzbekistan

    Over 60 nationalities now qualify for visa-free travel for up to a month, including the UK, most EU countries, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Israel. Other countries (including the USA and India) ... Uzbekistan is a Muslim country, but people are very relaxed. There aren't many things to worry about when it comes to clothing, and ...

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    Male homosexuality remains illegal, but LGBTQ+ travellers using discretion rarely have trouble. How to travel around Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan's high-speed rail system connects Tashkent with ...

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    Uzbekistan Travel Guide - Central Asian Plov Center. Alcohol is widely available - Vodka, beer and everything you want! ... We have 11 days (including travel to and from UK). We really want to visit Khiva, but we arrive in Bukhara at 12pm midday after a long overnight flight, so it would be very difficult to jump straight on a train to ...

  7. Travel Guideline

    * In connection with the adoption of Decree UP-5781 and the transition of 20 countries to a visa-free regime, the number of countries for which an electronic visa is valid has decreased to 57 (from January 1, 2020). 1.4. For citizens of other countries and stateless persons, visas are issued at diplomatic missions and consular offices of the Republic of Uzbekistan abroad on the basis of visa ...

  8. Best Uzbekistan Tours & Holidays 2024/2025

    Premium Uzbekistan. A fascinating country brought to life by our very informative guide, Lochin. This tour is very varied in terms of cities visited and accommodation, don't expect luxury or spacious rooms but the locations are wonderful. Group meals were authentic and tasty.

  9. Uzbekistan Travel Tips & Advice

    Language. There are a half dozen functional languages in Uzbekistan, the most useful being Russian. The "national" tongue is, in theory, Uzbek, though there are large minorities in the country who speak their own languages from day to day: Tajik and Kazakh are the most salient examples. Knowing a few words of Russian can be extremely helpful.

  10. Uzbekistan Travel Guide: The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

    Costs of Traveling in Uzbekistan. Travel on a budget in Uzbekistan, from $290 − $460 USD weekly per person, mid-range $710 − $1240 USD, and high-end from $1200 − $1810 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here.

  11. Travelling to Uzbekistan

    Uzbekistan travel advice. FCDO travel advice for Uzbekistan. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

  12. Uzbekistan Holidays 2024 & 2025

    Read more North Asia, China & Japan articles on our blog. Speak to a specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday to Uzbekistan... Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. 01993 838 205. Make an enquiry.

  13. Uzbekistan Tourism

    The Republic of Uzbekistan includes 12 regions and the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. Each corner of Uzbekistan attracts with its features. In Tashkent, you can take a walk in the most beautiful metro in the world or see the most ancient manuscript - the Koran of Usman. In the historical cities included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage ...

  14. Uzbekistan International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  15. Uzbekistan Tours and Holidays

    Travel to Uzbekistan with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader. TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries as a private tour or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help ...

  16. Uzbekistan Travel Advisory

    Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise normal precautions in Uzbekistan. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uzbekistan.. If you decide to travel to Uzbekistan: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.; Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

  17. Premium Uzbekistan

    From. GBP £1,746. Add to my wishlist. View dates and book. Show all the images. Journey back to the days of the Great Silk Road on a 10-day Premium adventure through Uzbekistan. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Tashkent, marvel at glorious architecture in Samarkand, discover the holy sites of Bukhara and visit the ancient monuments of Khiva.

  18. Navigating UK to Uzbekistan Flights: A Comprehensive Travel Guide by

    Tour to Uzbekistan "Ancient Cities of the Silk Road". 11 Nights. $2524. Explore your options for UK to Uzbekistan flights. Minzifa Travel offers the latest insights on direct and connecting flights, prices, and travel tips for a smooth journey.

  19. It's official: The UK is the second-most miserable nation in the world

    Here's looking at you Uzbekistan, the only nation to rank lower than the UK in a global mental wellbeing index. Yup, we're more miserable than Moldova. Bluer than Belarus.

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  21. Uzbekistan, UK intensify cooperation in banking sector

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