šŸ”§ Test mode – Some content or forms may not be operational

✨ Discover Uzbekistan: Where History Meets Magic

Registan Square, Samarkand

šŸ•Œ Turquoise domes that touch the sky, 🌵 deserts hiding ancient fortresses, and 🄘 the aroma of spices guiding you through bustling markets. Uzbekistan is not just a destination—it’s 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. 🧳 Below you’ll find useful tips, inspiring routes, and practical info to make your trip to Uzbekistan unforgettable.

1. Why Travel to Uzbekistan?

Why travel to Uzbekistan

In the 21st century, when the world is at every traveler’s 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 easily—or 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 here—just pure silence, nature, and millennia-old monuments waiting for you.

2. Dream Vacations

Dream vacations

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 sky—this is Uzbekistan!

Our tours and excursions in Uzbekistan are as diverse as people’s interests. There’s so much to discover for lovers of history, architecture, religion, ecology, geography, ethnography, and more. For hands-on experiences, you’ll enjoy pottery, blacksmithing, wood carving, and other traditional crafts. Be amazed by deserts, mountains, lakes, canyons, caves, waterfalls, flora, and fauna—Uzbekistan 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 don’t find your perfect itinerary, don’t worry: we’ll create a personalized program tailored to your wishes.

3. Visa

Uzbekistan visa

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.

4. Safety

Safety in Uzbekistan

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.

5. Transport

Transport in Uzbekistan

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 hours—offering 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.

6. Best Time to Visit

Best time to visit Uzbekistan

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 it’s a budget-friendly time to travel with fewer tourists.

Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 45°C. It’s 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. It’s an ideal time to visit, though prices may be higher.

7. Tourist Map

Tourist map of Uzbekistan

This map of Uzbekistan highlights the country’s main tourist destinations and attractions. Use it to plan your trip by exploring the most iconic cities, historic routes, and available transportation connections.

8. How Many Days Do You Need?

How many days for Uzbekistan

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 7–10 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.

Tashkent – the capital of Uzbekistan

  • Recommended stay: 1–2 days
  • Main attractions: Tashkent Metro, Chorsu Bazaar, Amir Timur Square
  • Nearby trips: Old City, Yangiabad Market, Chimgan Mountains

Samarkand – jewel of Timurid architecture

  • Recommended stay: 2–3 days (including Shahrisabz)
  • Main attractions: Registan, Gur-Emir, Shah-i-Zinda
  • Nearby trips: Meros Paper Mill, Hazrat Daud Cave

Bukhara – charming and traditional city

  • Recommended stay: 1.5–2 days
  • Main attractions: Ark Fortress, Lyabi-Hauz, Poi-Kalyan Complex
  • Nearby trips: Chor-Bakr, Naqshbandi Mausoleum, Sitora-i Mokhi Khosa Palace

Khiva – open-air walled museum

  • Recommended stay: 1–2 days
  • Main attractions: Kunya-Ark, Juma Mosque, Kalta Minor
  • Nearby trips: Kibla Tozabog Residence, Khorezm Fortresses

Nukus – capital of Karakalpakstan

  • Recommended stay: 1.5–2 days (including Muynak)
  • Main attractions: Savitsky Museum, Mizdakhan Necropolis
  • Nearby trips: Muynak ship cemetery, Aral Sea

Fergana Valley – tradition and craftsmanship

  • Recommended stay: 2–3 days
  • Main attractions: Ceramics in Rishtan, Silk in Margilan, Kokand Palace
  • Nearby trips: Kuva ruins, blacksmiths in Chust

Termez – heat and history in the south

  • Recommended stay: 1–2 days
  • Main attractions: Kara-Tepe, Fayaz-Tepe, Kirk-Kiz
  • Nearby trips: Kampyr-Tepe, Jarkurgan Minaret, Sangardak Waterfall

10. Festivals & Celebrations

Uzbekistan’s 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.

Main Festivals in Uzbekistan

Navruz Uzbekistan

Navruz – March 21

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.

Silk and Spices Festival

Silk and Spices Festival – late May

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.

Sharq Taronalari Festival

Sharq Taronalari Festival – late August (biennial)

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.

Uzbekistan Independence Day

Independence Day – September 1

One of the most important national holidays. It’s 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.

11. Uzbek Cuisine

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.

Uzbek plov

Plov

The national dish: fluffy rice with meat, carrots, and raisins. Each region has its own variation—try as many as you can!

Non bread

Non

Traditional Uzbek bread. Dozens of varieties exist, such as patyr, katlama, and the famous Samarkand non.

Naryn

Naryn

Finely sliced meat served with noodles and broth. Especially popular in Tashkent.

Chuchvara

Chuchvara

Small dumplings similar to ravioli, boiled in a spicy broth. Light and flavorful.

Lagman

Lagman

Thick noodles with meat and vegetables in broth. Also served fried without soup.

Kazan-kabob

Kazan-kabob

Lamb ribs slow-cooked with potatoes in a large kazan pot. Served with fresh onion.

Manty

Manty

Large steamed dumplings filled with lamb or beef and onions. Served with sour yogurt.

Samsa

Samsa

Flaky pastry pies filled with meat or vegetables, baked in a clay oven. The ultimate street snack.

Sumalak

Sumalak

A festive dish made for Navruz. Cooked for 24 hours using sprouted wheat and flour. Served cold as a dessert.

And that’s just a small sample of Uzbekistan’s rich and diverse culinary heritage!

12. Cultural Tips

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.

āœ… What we recommend in Uzbekistan

🚫 What we don’t recommend

13. Useful Phrases

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.

Here’s a small phrasebook in English and Uzbek:

šŸ‡¬šŸ‡§ English šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡æ Uzbek
Hello Salom
Good morning Xayrli tong
Good night Xayrli tun
How are you? Yaxshimisiz?
Goodbye Xayr
Thank you Rahmat
Yes / No Ha / Yoā€˜q
Where is the airport? Aeroport qayerda?
How much is it? Bu qancha turadi?
My name is... Mening ismim...
I don’t understand Tushunmayapman
Excuse me / Sorry Kechirasiz / Uzr
Nice to meet you Tanishganimdan xursandman
Where is the bathroom? Hojatxona qayerda?

14. Fun Facts

🌟 Interesting Facts About Uzbekistan