š Turquoise domes that touch the sky, šµ deserts hiding ancient fortresses, and š„ the aroma of spices guiding you through bustling markets. Uzbekistan is not just a destinationāitās a journey through time and the soul of Central Asia.
In this land of legendary hospitality and sincere smiles, you'll trace the footsteps of the Silk Road, explore centuries-old mosques, and savor unforgettable flavors. From the peaks of the Gissar Mountains to the alleyways of Bukhara, every corner has a story to tell.
If you already feel the call of this unique place, you're in the right spot. š§³ Below youāll find useful tips, inspiring routes, and practical info to make your trip to Uzbekistan unforgettable.
In the 21st century, when the world is at every travelerās fingertips, why do so many people choose Uzbekistan? What does this small country in Central Asia offer?
Uzbekistan holds a unique collection of archaeological and architectural monuments spanning from the era of Alexander the Great to the reign of Tsar Nicholas II. Alongside these historic treasures, the country also boasts modern tourist attractions and natural landscapes millions of years old.
Uzbekistan is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers, with affordable all-inclusive guided tours that are much cheaper than similar trips to Europe or the Americas. Accessible transport, inexpensive food, and a wide range of simple guesthouses and hostels make it ideal for backpackers and independent travelers.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has become far more accessible: entry procedures have been greatly simplified. Citizens of many countries can now obtain an e-visa easilyāor even enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Once inside, it's easy to reach top destinations thanks to the national train network and domestic flights. The cities offer plenty of accommodation options too.
At the same time, Uzbekistan still preserves many remote and undiscovered places for those seeking adventure and off-the-beaten-path experiences. There are no crowds or long lines hereājust pure silence, nature, and millennia-old monuments waiting for you.
Traveling to Uzbekistan can become a true adventure and an unforgettable vacation! A sunny and warm country with juicy watermelons and melons, delicious plov and kebabs, camel rides, mountain hikes, strolls through the alleys of ancient cities, and desert nights under an infinite starry skyāthis is Uzbekistan!
Our tours and excursions in Uzbekistan are as diverse as peopleās interests. Thereās so much to discover for lovers of history, architecture, religion, ecology, geography, ethnography, and more. For hands-on experiences, youāll enjoy pottery, blacksmithing, wood carving, and other traditional crafts. Be amazed by deserts, mountains, lakes, canyons, caves, waterfalls, flora, and faunaāUzbekistan is home to nearly 300 bird species!
We offer a wide variety of Uzbekistan tours covering almost every kind of travel experience. And if you donāt find your perfect itinerary, donāt worry: weāll create a personalized program tailored to your wishes.
Thanks to a more flexible visa policy, traveling to Uzbekistan is now easier than ever! Citizens of several CIS countries can enter visa-free for up to 60 days, and nearly 80 other countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
Additionally, Uzbekistan offers an online system for issuing electronic tourist visas, making it quick and easy to plan your trip. There's also a 5-day visa-free transit program available for citizens of 30 countries.
Uzbekistan is a safe country for travelers, with a low crime rate. Law enforcement regularly patrols the streets and major tourist areas.
In Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, a special tourist police service is active, providing assistance to visitors. Surveillance posts are also installed in crowded places.
Moreover, the centuries-old Uzbek tradition of hospitality creates a very welcoming and secure environment for international travelers.
Located in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan has excellent road and air connections with major cities in Europe and Asia. Daily flights arrive at Tashkent International Airport from across the globe.
The railway network covers almost the entire country. The high-speed Afrosiyob train connects Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara in just a few hoursāoffering comfort and efficiency.
Although long-distance buses are not very popular, many travelers choose minibuses or shared taxis to get between cities like Nukus or the Fergana Valley.
Uzbekistan experiences diverse climates across its deserts, valleys, and mountains, making it a suitable destination year-round. While spring and autumn attract the most tourists due to their pleasant weather, each season has something special to offer:
Winter is perfect for visitors who enjoy skiing, with resorts located just outside Tashkent. Desert regions remain dry, and itās a budget-friendly time to travel with fewer tourists.
Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 45°C. Itās a low season for tourism, ideal for saving on accommodations. Plan your excursions for early mornings or late afternoons.
Spring is an excellent season to visit. The country comes alive with green landscapes and blooming flowers. Major events like Navruz and cultural festivals are celebrated, especially in cities like Bukhara and Samarkand.
Autumn is the golden season for tourism. The weather is sunny and fresh across the country, and local markets are filled with seasonal produce. Mountain areas start getting cold by November. Itās an ideal time to visit, though prices may be higher.
This map of Uzbekistan highlights the countryās main tourist destinations and attractions. Use it to plan your trip by exploring the most iconic cities, historic routes, and available transportation connections.
Every trip to Uzbekistan can be a unique experience, depending on the season and your chosen itinerary. While it's difficult to see everything in one visit, a trip of 7ā10 days allows for a rich and varied overview of the country.
If you only have 3 to 5 days, it's best to focus on Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. With one week, you can add Khiva or the Kyzylkum Desert. In 10+ days, you can explore the Fergana Valley, Termez, or the Chimgan Mountains.
When planning a trip, itās important to consider many factors: booking accommodation, organizing transfers between cities, planning meals, finding tour guides or translators, and choosing the right activities.
These travel agencies can help organize everything you need to make your trip comfortable, safe, and enriching. Our recommendations are 100% free and we donāt receive any commission for reservations.
Services these agencies may offer include:
If youāre interested, feel free to contact usāweāll connect you with trusted agencies that have helped travelers from around the world.
Uzbekistanās culture comes alive during its vibrant festivals and local celebrations. Attending one of these events allows you to experience colorful traditional dances, decorated streets, the scent of spices, and delicious local dishes prepared by friendly hosts.
One of the biggest cultural and spiritual holidays in the country. Navruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated at the spring equinox with concerts, dances, and traditional dishes like plov and sumalak (made from sprouted wheat).
Best places to experience it: Bukhara, Samarkand, Boysun, Fergana Valley.
A small but colorful event paying homage to the Silk Road. It includes traditional costume parades, artisan workshops, and cultural performances.
Best place to attend: Bukhara.
A major international folklore music festival featuring artists from around the world. Held in front of the iconic Registan ensemble in Samarkand, the atmosphere is truly unforgettable.
One of the most important national holidays. Itās celebrated with parades, concerts, shows, and fireworks. Streets fill with celebration and often lead to a few public holidays in a row.
Best place to celebrate: Tashkent.
Uzbekistan is famous for its hearty and flavorful cuisine. There are many delicious dishes worth trying, but the undisputed king of the table is plov.
The national dish: fluffy rice with meat, carrots, and raisins. Each region has its own variationātry as many as you can!
Traditional Uzbek bread. Dozens of varieties exist, such as patyr, katlama, and the famous Samarkand non.
Small dumplings similar to ravioli, boiled in a spicy broth. Light and flavorful.
Thick noodles with meat and vegetables in broth. Also served fried without soup.
Lamb ribs slow-cooked with potatoes in a large kazan pot. Served with fresh onion.
Large steamed dumplings filled with lamb or beef and onions. Served with sour yogurt.
Flaky pastry pies filled with meat or vegetables, baked in a clay oven. The ultimate street snack.
A festive dish made for Navruz. Cooked for 24 hours using sprouted wheat and flour. Served cold as a dessert.
And thatās just a small sample of Uzbekistanās rich and diverse culinary heritage!
Uzbek people are known for their warm hospitality and are generally understanding toward foreign visitors who may not be familiar with local customs. However, knowing a few cultural norms shows respect and helps build friendly relationships during your trip.
The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek, though Russian is also widely spoken in large cities. Learning a few basic Uzbek phrases can enhance your travel experience and create goodwill with locals.
Hereās a small phrasebook in English and Uzbek:
š¬š§ English | šŗšæ Uzbek |
---|---|
Hello | Salom |
Good morning | Xayrli tong |
Good night | Xayrli tun |
How are you? | Yaxshimisiz? |
Goodbye | Xayr |
Thank you | Rahmat |
Yes / No | Ha / Yoāq |
Where is the airport? | Aeroport qayerda? |
How much is it? | Bu qancha turadi? |
My name is... | Mening ismim... |
I donāt understand | Tushunmayapman |
Excuse me / Sorry | Kechirasiz / Uzr |
Nice to meet you | Tanishganimdan xursandman |
Where is the bathroom? | Hojatxona qayerda? |