uzbekistan and tourism

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The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. In terms of sights alone, Uzbekistan is Central Asia's biggest draw and most impressive showstopper.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

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The beautiful portal and trademark fluted azure dome of the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum marks the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), along with two sons…

Shah-i-Zinda

Samarkand’s most moving and beloved site is this stunning avenue of mausoleums, which contains some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. The name,…

The spectacular-looking Ark, a royal town-within-a-town, is Bukhara’s oldest structure, occupied from the 5th century right up until 1920, when it was…

Savitsky Museum

The Savitsky Museum houses one of the most remarkable art collections in the former Soviet Union. About half of the paintings were brought here in Soviet…

Kalon Minaret

When it was built by the Karakhanid ruler Arslan Khan in 1127, the Kalon Minaret was probably the tallest building in Central Asia – kalon means…

Tosh-Hovli Palace

This palace, which means ‘Stone House’, contains Khiva’s most sumptuous interior decoration, dense with blue ceramic tiles, carved wooden pillars and…

Kumtepa Bazaar

Fergana Valley

The fantastic Kumtepa Bazaar, 5km west of Margilon centre, is a time capsule full of weathered Uzbek men in traditional clothing exchanging solemn…

Top picks from our travel experts

9 of the best things to do in uzbekistan.

Yodgorlik Silk Factory

Margilon's main attraction is this fascinating factory, a block west of the central Dekon Bazaar. English-language guides can walk you through traditional…

Khan’s Palace

The palace of the Khan of Kokand, with seven courtyards and 114 rooms, was built in 1873, though its dazzling tiled exterior makes it look so perfect that…

Rishton Ceramic Museum

Of the thousand local potters who make a living from the legendary local loam, only a handful are considered true masters who still use traditional…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

From skiing and wine-tasting to exploring the historic cities of the Silk Road, you’ll never be short of things to do in Uzbekistan.

Things to Know

Uzbekistan is now much easier to visit than in the past. We've got all the planning tips you need to make your first visit all you dreamed it would be.

Transportation

Travel the Silk Road through Uzbekistan by train, car or taxi with these essential transport tips.

Visa Requirements

It’s never been easier to travel to Uzbekistan – read on to see if you need a visa to and how to go about getting one.

Money and Costs

Experience everything the Silk Road has to offer in Uzbekistan, one of Asia’s most affordable destinations.

Traveling with Kids

Experience the Silk Road as a family with this guide to exploring Uzbekistan with kids.

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Uzbekistan has been the setting for some of Asia’s most important road trips. Follow the network of Silk Roads with these driving routes.

Spending Diaries

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Uzbekistan and beyond

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 !

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.

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.

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. 

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.

The 26 most beautiful and best places to visit in Uzbekistan

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. 

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.

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!

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.

Top Things to do in Tashkent – Tashkent City Guide

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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…).

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. 

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 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.

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 Train Travel 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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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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The Best Uzbekistan Itinerary ideas: What to Visit in one week in Uzbekistan up to 4 weeks?

Uzbekistan Money Guide (2024) – How much does it cost to live and travel in Uzbekistan?

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Everything you need to know about horse riding in Uzbekistan+ 3 best horse trekking destinations in Uzbekistan

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

Hi Cynthia! At first thank you for this wonderfull and usefull Uz guide! I want to ask you if with the nowdays situation with sanctions against Russia is possible to use the app Yandex Go (a russian one) on an european smartphone or it is lock. Thank you so much

Hi Chiara, I’m able to use the app but nowadays, I’ve heard from other travelers that they unfortunately can’t access Yandex Go. I don’t know of an alternative yet. Best wishes, Cynthia

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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How to Visit Uzbekistan, A Country Undergoing a Tourism Renaissance

By Brandon Presser

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

“Don’t forget my license plate number,” my driver said, dropping me off in front of a soaring, tile-clad mausoleum. “We all drive white cars—you’ll never find me otherwise!” The popular color seemed illogical considering the smudging gray desert winds that regularly blew through. The explanation (“It’s got something to do with a knight and his white horse”) didn’t quite satisfy, but the fairy tale comparison was apt. There were many times on my trip through Uzbekistan when I half expected a magic carpet to swoop me up into the air.

Beyond the dramatic iterations of Islamic architecture and its arabesque swirls, and the dozens of not-in-Kansas quirks like the proliferation of only white cars, Uzbekistan feels magical because it’s one of the best value destinations on planet—and it's finally primed for self-exploration. For years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the country fell under an oppressive regime that continued until the death of its leader, Islam Karimov, in 2016. Since then, however, Uzbekistan has modernized by leaps and bounds as foreign investment has poured in (a billboard in downtown Tashkent advertises a recent real estate venture made by none other than Mike Tyson). And tourist numbers have kept pace , with international visits doubling year after year. Here’s how to experience its charms on an adventure through Uzbekistan.

Samarkand's Registan is the center of the city's hustle and bustle.

What to see

Uzbekistan has four major destinations: from east to west, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Each urban center helps tell the 5,000-year-old tale of the crossroads between East Asia, Arabia, and Europe, from ancient polytheistic dynasties to the emergence of Islam and eastern conquerers like Genghis Khan, to more modern Russian—and ultimately Soviet—influences.

You can adequately visit all four destinations in a week. At the three Ms— mosques , madrassas, and mausolea—you’ll see where the region’s mightiest rulers prayed, studied, and were laid to rest. Tashkent is more workaday than the other cities, but the capital’s lack of patina makes it an intriguing pitstop. The main draws are the nods to its Soviet influence, like the metro system that slinks below the streets and the hypnotizing Hotel Uzbekistan, the city’s finest brutalist monument.

At the other end of the spectrum is little Khiva, near the far western edge of the country in the middle of the desert. Long linked to a different Khanate (similar to an emirate state) than the rest of the country, the antique wonders feel markedly different here, with unique tilework and an inner town surrounded by a high adobe-esque wall.

Khiva's inner town is surrounded by a 18th-century, adobe-esque wall.

Samarkand and Bukhara are somewhere in the middle, and tourists wildly prefer one to the other, but the votes seem evenly cast. Samarkand’s ancient relics flirt with the possibility of a modern future. It’s a vast urban center in flux, where wide Parisian boulevards—paved by ambitious Russians—carve up cluttered quarters with skyscraping turquoise minarets. Its Registan, the source of the city’s gravity, gives Venice’s Piazza San Marco or London’s Trafalgar Square a run for their money as one of the world’s most compelling plazas. Bukhara was a tourist town even during the days of the Silk Road , built atop a constellation of small oases where weary desert travelers could find water and rest. Some of the ponds and narrow waterways remain, trickling between the hundreds of mosques and caravanserais.

With more than a week, there are two compelling codas to consider. From Khiva, witness the dramatic effects of the vanishing Aral Sea at distant Muynaq where a graveyard of rusting ships marks the memory of its former shoreline, now located an additional 150 miles beyond. Go east from Tashkent for a dose of verticality in the Fergana Valley, which worms its way between neighboring Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Fed by two rivers and surrounded by punishingly steep mountains, the fertile bowl has some of the best vistas in Central Asia, and was a key part of Silk Road trade.

Where to stay

With the burst of foreign investment, Uzbekistan is on the verge of an accommodation renaissance as the country seeks to double its number of beds from the current 24,000 rooms to over 50,000 by the end of 2021.

A flurry of small inns have opened in the old, centrally located Jewish Quarters of both Bukhara (the side streets just north of Lyab-i Hauz) and Samarkand (the blocks due east of the Registan) in old merchant mansions now getting a second life with the help of eager entrepreneurs seeing newly buoying effects of the almighty tourism dollar. Expect to spend no more than $50 on accommodations everywhere besides Tashkent for prim digs and a generous breakfast set inside an amplified historical dwelling. Besides the Hyatt Regency in Tashkent , big brands are not yet represented throughout the rest of the country; properties currently attempting an international level of sophistication haven’t quite cracked the code.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

What to eat

With wide-reaching fields of wheat and grain, the Ubzek dinner table leans heavily into rice and noodle dishes. Each region boasts their own distinct versions of two staples: plov—a pilaf-like rice dish with stewed meat and vegetables—and bread, called non, that’s available fresh at the market every morning. Samarkanders are particularly proud of their loaves, which are significantly denser than other areas’ recipes. Khiva’s plov is lighter and less greasy, with a higher vegetable-to-meat ratio.

The Uzbek palate pulls from a variety of international influences. The aforementioned non bread sounds etymologically similar to Indian naan. Lagman, a noodle dish usually in soup topped with local vegetables and meat, comes from the Chinese lamian. Manti—meat dumplings—were likely an old Mongol recipe now found as far as the Caucasus and even Korea (called mandu) in the wake of their invasion.

You’ll be hard-pressed to spend more that $5 per meal at a restaurant not geared (read: inflated) towards tourists, but an uptick in the number of establishments isn’t moving as speedily as the rise in traveler numbers, meaning dinnertime in the old quarters of Khiva and Bukhara require an advance reservation if you have a particular dining venue in mind. Group tours still reign supreme, so expect closures of some of the better restaurants in the scenic parts of town to accommodate these extra-large parties during high season (June to September).

Non bread is available fresh each morning at Samarkand's Urgut market.

Getting around

“We’ve found that in emerging countries, the first travelers in usually tour as part of an organized group,” says Jarrod Kyte of Steppes Travel , one of the first companies to operate in Uzbekistan. “But we’ve seen a 66 percent year-on-year increase in visitors wanting to experience the country by themselves, and according to the UN World Tourism Organization, Uzbekistan registered the fourth highest increase in travelers last year.” This is largely due to the ease with which you can move between destinations. While the distances are far, private transfers and comfortable train travel are a cinch to organize. Steppes recommends traveling overland one way from Tashkent to Khiva, but taking a domestic flight back to your origin in the other direction to save a significant amount of travel time.

“As one of the world’s oldest trading posts, the bazaars in Uzbekistan are enthralling,” says Kyte. ”Urgut Sunday market just outside Samarkand is a byword for bustle; without an escort you are likely to find the experience overwhelming.” He encourages all travelers—solo or not—to pre-organize a local guide in each city. The regional history is dense; having a guide will curtail any potential mosque and monument burnout, like how it’s easy to overdo it on churches and art museums in Western Europe.

Getting there

The only direct flight from the U.S. to Uzbekistan connects New York-JFK with Tashkent on the national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways . Service ramps up from two weekly flights (Thursday and Sunday) to four departures (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) during July, August and early September—the most ideal season to visit—before temperatures drop precipitously in winter. Turkish Airlines’ routes, via their newish hub in Istanbul , is the preferred flight plan for most visitors, providing a higher standard of service on board. There’s been an emerging trend among U.S. travelers to use the layover as an opportunity to pair an extended stay in Turkey with their Uzbek foray. Although geographically distinct, there are many ties that bind the two nations. The Turkish and Uzbek languages, for example, both belong to the Turkic linguistic family; several recipes, like manti, are found on dinner plates in both countries; and, interestingly, Turkey was the first country to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991.

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TRAVEL to UZBEKISTAN – Ultimate Destination Guide [2024]

Everything you need to know before you travel to Uzbekistan in our comprehensive 2023 Uzbekistan travel guide.

In years gone by, Central Asia was an expanse of land that few people knew or even cared about. At the heart of Central Asia lies Uzbekistan an intoxicating mix of Soviet brutalism and Islamic wonder.

With travel to Uzbekistan getting both easier and more accessible in recent years, now is the perfect time to go!

Travelling in Uzbekistan: At a Glance

Here are the basics of travel to Uzbekistan.

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN UZBEKISTAN

With so much to see and do in Uzbekistan, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Uzbekistan you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Visit the Aral Sea 

Once the world’s fourth-largest lake, the Aral Sea has now shrunk to 20% of its original size but it still a must-see in Uzbekistan.

Explore the ship graveyard at Moynaq, climb onto Ustyurt Plateau, and watch the sunset over what’s left of the Aral Sea!

View Spectacular Islamic Architecture 

Samarkand is home to what many believe is the most stunning Islamic architecture in Uzbekistan. The Registan is the largest and most well known. However, the Gur-E-Amir Mausoleum and the Shah-i-Zinda are equally spectacular. 

Explore the Backstreets of Bukhara

Bukhara’s narrow backstreets offer a break from the searing heat and wonderful opportunity to take in the city’s gorgeous Islamic architecture. 

The photogenic Chor-Minor is an absolute must as well as the Kalon Mosque and Minaret. Head to Chasmai Mirob for some stunning sunset views over Bukhara. 

Get Lost In Old Tashkent

The area around the Chorsu Bazaar, Khast Iman and the Kolkuz Canal offer a view of old Tashkent at it’s finest. 

Head to the Amir Timur Square or the Navoi Theatre for a view of Soviet Tashkent in all it’s communist glory. 

Chow down on Plov 

This quintessential Central Asian dish can be found all over Uzbekistan, so make sure you get your fill!  

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN UZBEKISTAN

If you’re planning on travelling to Uzbekistan, don’t miss these other attractions.

Stand in awe as you wander around the Palace of Khudayar Khan – Home to the last ruler of the Kokand Khanate, this palace was known as the “Pearl of Kokand,” and for good reason!

Admire the ruins of the Aksaray Palace in Shakhrisabz – These stunning ruins are just a short drive from Samarkand and are well worth the day trip.

Visit the ship graveyard in Moynaq – Once home to the thriving fishing industry, Moynaq is now home to a collection of ships rusting away on what was the bed of the Aral Sea.

Walk around Khiva’s city walls – Get up early and take a wander around Khiva’s city walls for some spectacular views of this ancient wonder.

Visit Elliq-Qala – This translates as 50 fortresses, although the majority of that number are not in great condition. However, the ones that are, are nothing short of spectacular.

Marvel at Tashkent’s metro stations – Tashkent’s metro stations have had a reputation for great art for a while. In 2018 you were legally allowed to take photos so enjoy!

Visit the bug pit aka Zindon Prison – A gruesome part of Bukhara’s tumultuous and often violent history. This was the pit where William Stoddart and Arthur Connolly were held.

Explore the country through Train Travel – Riding the rails across Uzbekistan’s desert landscape veers between brutally hot, and truly spectacular.

Be sure to look into all of these great things to do in Uzbekistan during your visit.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN UZBEKISTAN

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Uzbekistan. Depending on your interests, trip duration, and time of year you will find lots of things to do during any length of stay. 

Make sure you read our complete guide to the best places to visit in Uzbekistan in addition to the highlights below.

A city brimming with gorgeous Islamic architecture and oodles of history.

Check out our Samarkand city guide here .

Get lost in the backstreets after chowing down on some spectacular Bukharan plov.

Check out our Bukhara city guide here .

The largest city in Central Asia has plenty to do and has a healthy tip of the hat to Tashkent’s Soviet past.

Check out our Tashkent city guide here .

This tiny little town close to the border of Turkmenistan features some wonderful views from the city walls. Head out of Khiva to check out a number of ancient fortresses with Ayaz Kala being particularly spectacular.

Check out our Khiva city guide here .

BEST UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL ITINERARY

Depending on whether you are starting from scratch or have a general idea of what kind of things you would like to see and do, we’ve put together a few itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Uzbekistan that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

Most travellers will want to budget at least 2-3 weeks to give you plenty of time to explore all of Uzbekistan’s most well-known sights and a few off the beaten track ones in the Fergana Valley.

However, be sure to check all travel advice before visiting this region.

For more details on planning the best Uzbekistan itinerary be sure to check out this post .

UZBEKISTAN TRIP PLANNING

Now that you have a good overview of what you want to do and how long you want to visit Uzbekistan, let’s fill you in on all the other details of your trip!

BEST TIME TO VISIT UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan bakes during the summer and gets pretty nippy in the winter. Spring and autumn bring a nice balance of the two.

However, this time is naturally the most popular with visitors. But even in the busiest times, most places in Uzbekistan are not heaving with tourists, unlike some parts of Europe. 

March to May and September to October brings the most pleasant climate. From June to August the mercury is usually hovering in the high 30’s C. 

UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

When it comes to budgeting, Uzbekistan is slap bang in the middle of the five Central Asian countries. You’ll find that it is cheaper than Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, but more expensive than Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. 

However, in comparison to Europe, North America and even parts of South East Asia, Uzbekistan is noticeably cheaper. 

This table does not factor in trips to the Aral Sea which often costs around $240 per person.

Budgeting Tips:

Uzbekistan is generally quite affordable, so it’s already quite easy on the wallet. However, there are a few tips that will help you to save a little bit of money.

1) Utilise trains and marshrutka (van/bus)where possible when traveling between Tashkent, Nukus, Samarkand and Bukhara.

2)  Use Metered Taxies in Tashkent. 

3)  Know your Som. Occasionally people may slip 500 Som notes into replacing larger denominations. 

4) The local markets offer unbeatable value and make a great lunch option, even compared to reasonably-priced restaurants. 

5) Learn a little bit of Russian as English is very rarely spoken. This will go a long way to helping you buying tickets, arranging marshrutka’s, and negotiating.

6) Exchange money at banks not the black-market. Banks now offer the correct exchange rate between Uzbek Soms and foreign currency.

Here are a few other things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Budget Traveller ($30 Single / $55 Couples)

Uzbekistan is an extremely budget-friendly destination. Even at this end of the scale, you can expect a private room in guesthouses, although you can take advantage of hostels in Tashkent.

You will be eating at Uzbek restaurants and getting around on public transport. Being at the budget end of the scale you a trip to the Aral Sea is out of the question. However, a day trip or two is certainly possible.

Mid-Range Traveller ($60 Single / $120 Couple)

With a little more cash to spend, you can expect to stay in hotels with plenty of mod-cons and amenities.

Additionally, a trip out to the Aral Sea will be affordable so you’re probably going to want to take advantage of that.

Although you will be primarily travelling by train between cities you may be able to splurge on a private taxi from say Nukus to Khiva.

Luxury Traveller ($120+ Single / $200+ Couple)

At the upper-end scale, it’s 4 and 5-star hotels with private taxis to get you around. You can expect to eat at the best restaurants and arrange private tours everywhere you go.

Another option is to book onto a private organised tour that takes care of everything but at a more significant cost.

GETTING TO AND AROUND UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan is quite an easy country to get around and transport is certainly in the adorable bracket. Border crossings are an exception to this rule, with the costs of marshrutkas and private taxi’s being noticeably more expensive, as you would expect. 

Roads are generally in good condition, with the exception of some stretches of road in Karakalpakstan in the northeast of the country.

Guesthouses and hotels can assist you in booking private taxis, marshrutkas, and trains to wherever you need to go. 

Entry Requirements

In recent years Uzbekistan has relaxed it’s visa policy significantly with the majority of western and developed nations being able to enter visa-free or with an e-visa.

The days of jumping through hoops at an Uzbek embassy seem to have gone for now.  

For more information on Uzbekistan’s visa policy please read more on the official Uzbekistan government’s website .

Getting Around Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is blessed with a reasonably efficient transport network. That being said public transport is limited in Karakalpakstan and the Fergana Valley meaning a private taxi is your best bet here. 

Travelling by Air

You’re most likely to be travelling by air when entering the country. However, you might opt to fly between Tashkent and Nukus rather than take the 18 hour night train.

Uzbekistan Airlines , which operates the vast majority of the country’s internal flights, is a safe, modern airline.

Travelling by Private Taxi

This is a very common way to travel in Uzbekistan. Naturally, private taxi is a popular option from the airport, train and bus stations and border crossings.

However, it is also a great option when travelling between cities. 

When travelling in a private taxi between you will be paying per seat. Therefore the taxi doesn’t leave until it’s full. So you have choices to wait for that to happen or pay for the empty seats.

Very often your guesthouse will be able to arrange one. However, there is not much chance of negotiating. Whereas if you find someone on the street then you will be able to negotiate the price.

Generally, if you book a private taxi through a guesthouse it’s more expensive, but the service is more reliable. 

If you are travelling within a city, especially Tashkent, then any car is a potential private taxi. Simply stand at the side of the road with your thumb out and someone, in a taxi or regular car will pull over.

Prices can occasionally be negotiated. But very often they are small sums of money and it’s not worth negotiating.

Note that this is not perceived to be hitchhiking. Drivers who pick you up have the expectation that you will pay. 

Travelling by Marshrutky/Bus

Marshrutky is a converted transit van that can be found all of the former Soviet Union. They operate like buses in any other country and are generally cheap and reliable. 

However, there is often a certain level of flexibility to be expected with leaving times, as very often drivers want to fill up the seats. And if you have large bags that cannot fit under seats then be prepared to have to pay for an additional seat for your luggage. 

Negotiating bus stations can be a particularly challenging experience even if you know some Russian. This is a similar story across Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Also don’t expect a formal cue, very often it’s first come first served. 

This method of transport is particularly common in the Fergana Valley. 

Travelling by Train

Uzbekistan has a reliable train network that runs from Nukus in the west to the Fergana Valley in the east, stopping at most of Uzbekistan’s big hitters in between (with the exception of Khiva). 

Train journeys are generally quicker and more comfortable than private taxies and marshrutkas . This is not always the case, so make sure you do your research. 

Train tickets can be brought from travel agencies or from dedicated train ticket offices which are fairly easy to find.

However as mentioned earlier, it is likely that you will need to know some Russian to make the process more bearable for yourself and poor sod behind the desk. 

Trains are not particularly crowded and are very reliable, especially the high-speed trains. 

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

Here are a few apps that we think you should acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

• XE Currency – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
• Express VPN – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Uzbekistan. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
• iTranslate – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Uzbekistan words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Uzbekistan.
• maps.me – This awesome offline map service is a great way to help you navigate your way around Uzbekistan.

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan serves up plenty of Central Asian classics. They claim that the plov in Uzbekistan is the best in the region.

You will be able to find manti, lagman and shashlik everywhere. However, make sure you check out the country’s markets as Uzbekistan is one of the world’s most prominent producer of apricots and cherries.

They are also major producers of various types of nuts. 

PLOV – Uzbekistan’s national dish can be found all over the country at almost every restaurant. It is believed that the oil at the bottom of the pan can act as an aphrodisiac. 

SHASHLIK – As the sun begins to go down the smell of Shashlik will fill the air. Usually consisting of chunks of lamb and occasionally beef, it’s the perfect way to end a hard day of exploring. 

MANTI – Manti are boiled or steamed dumplings that are filled with spiced meat usually being lamb or ground beef. In Uzbekistan, they are often served with a healthy dollop of sour cream. 

LAGMAN – These spicy tomato noodles are very similar to noodle dishes found slightly further east in China’s Xinjiang province. The base of the dish is pulled noodles, with tomatoes, onions, garlic and peppers being the key ingredients. It’s then topped off with meat and a variety of other vegetables. 

SAMSA – This is probably the most common street food in Uzbekistan. The filling is often made from minced lamb or beef, with cheese, pumpkin and potato also being available. In Uzbekistan’s markets, these are often cheap as chips, being baked in huge batches. 

KOREAN FOOD IN TASHKENT – Uzbekistan has a surprisingly large Korean population mainly clustered in Tashkent. The prices are more expensive in comparison to a restaurant serving traditional Uzbek fare, but the food is great. 

PLACES TO STAY IN UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan is full of great accommodation options. Hostels are mainly found in Tashkent, with guesthouses and hotels common outside of the capital. 

The majority of large hotel chains can be found in Tashkent with more and more springing up in Samarkand and Bukhara. Interestingly Tashkent had the lions share of Soviet-style hotels if that’s your thing.

Generally, accommodation is much cheaper than other travel destinations, which is why dormitory-style rooms are not so common here. 

Types of Accommodations

The majority of hostels are found in Tashkent and are a mixture of dorms and private rooms. Hostels in Tashkent book out quickly so you’ll have to book in advance. Topchan and Art Hostel are the two most well known.

Hotels in Uzbekistan come in the form of small intimate guesthouses or a gigantic Soviet monstrosity. 

As tourism to Uzbekistan has increased more and more people have been extending their homes or building on plots of land creating some incredible guesthouses. 

Rooms are generally very spacious with private bathrooms being the norm. Additionally, the vast majority of hotels and guesthouses include a typical Uzbek breakfast of eggs, bread, jam and meat. 

Another good option for accommodation in Uzbekistan in recent years is AirBnB. And there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay for very affordable prices every day.

As Uzbekistan has opened up Airbnb has become more of an option for travellers. That being said you will need to check if your visa allows you to stay in private accommodation.

In some cases, individuals who are entering with an in-passport visa will need to stay at hotels or guesthouses where foreigners can be appropriately registered. 

UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL TIPS 

While there are many basic travel tips , we suggest you use when travelling to Uzbekistan, there are also plenty of Uzbekistan-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Uzbekistan: 

1. Learn Some Russian

A little bit of Russian is an absolute lifesaver. From buying train tickets to negotiating a private taxi to the border, a little bit of the lingo will make your life a whole lot easier. 

2. Get out early 

From May the temperature is consistently in the 30’s C. Avoid the sometimes brutal midday heat by getting out early and exploring before breakfast. It will be much cooler, and best of all there will be hardly any people about. 

3. Know where your local market is 

Central Asian fare tends to be heavy on the meat but rather light on the fruit and veg. And with the fact that that the vast majority of travellers will be dining out, there’s a good chance you won’t be eating a balanced diet. 

As a major fruit producer in the region, Uzbekistan’s markets are chock full of awesome produce. So get your fix there. 

4. Organise your cash

Getting your hands on some Uzbek Som outside of Uzbekistan is an absolute nightmare. So you will need to plan ahead. 

Cash points are not common in Uzbekistan, and some will not take foreign cards.

You will be fine in Tashkent, however outside of the capital, it can be a little more hit and miss.

Therefore the vast majority of travellers bring a healthy amount of US dollars with them to exchange into Uzbek Som at banks or currency exchanges, which you can find in any destination that may have foreign visitors. 

US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange. However, Euros, British pounds, Japanese yen and Chinese renminbi can also be exchanged, albeit at fewer locations.

The notes you exchange need to be in good condition – so no rips, major creases or folds.  

5. Always have a bag

Due to the amount of currency you will possess, you will not be able to carry Uzbek Soms in your wallet or purse. So be prepared to be carrying around a bag loaded with cash. 

6. Bring a scarf (women only) 

As Uzbekistan is an Islamic nation women will often needing to cover their heads when entering religious buildings. However this not regularly enforced. Please be mindful and respectful.

UZBEKISTAN PACKING LIST

We always travel with a core packing list wherever we go. And when it comes to Uzbekistan, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our travel essentials and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

STAYING SAFE IN UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan is generally a safe country. That being said you should take the same precautions you would in your home country. 

Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur at markets and other crowded areas. Due to the fact you will have to carry your Uzbek som in a bag make sure you keep an eye on it. 

There are the standard scams involving taxi drivers, such as massive surcharges at the airport. Check your bills in restaurants as occasionally items will be added that you didn’t order. However, this is rare. 

The peculiarity of almost every vehicle being a taxi is a strange thing to overcome. We never felt unsafe doing this and it is standard practice in Uzbekistan. However, make sure you have your wits about you. 

If you are visiting any sites dedicated to the country’s former president/dictator Islam Karimov, avoid photographing anything controversial and act in a respectful manner.

In spite of the positive changes made by the Uzbek government, this is still one of the most repressive political systems on the planet. 

STAYING CONNECTED IN UZBEKISTAN

The Internet in Uzbekistan is surprisingly quick and reliable. Picking up a SIM card in Tashkent is pretty quick and easy, with the main mobile provider being Ucell.

Incidentally, some of their outlets accept payment in dollars at a fixed rate, rather than the market rate so make sure you have already been to the bank or currency exchange. 

The vast majority of accommodation options have reliable wifi. However, in some cases, they will not support streaming or downloading. 

If you find yourself up in Nukus heading out towards the Aral Sea internet connections are noticeably slower.

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER IN UZBEKISTAN

The best way to be a responsible traveller in Uzbekistan is to follow the rules and behave in a respectful manner.

This is a country that is just opening up to travel and tourism, so many locals are curious and will often be interested to learn about foreign cultures and practice their English. 

Additionally, you MUST always behave in a respectful manner around religious sites. 

KEY RUSSIAN TRAVEL PHRASES

Although Uzbek is the national language, Russian is widely spoken and understood by the majority of the population.

Less Russian is spoken in the countries north western region of Karakalpakstan where Uzbek and their own local dialect reign supreme. 

Very often signs are written in both Uzbek and Russian. 

You don’t have to be fluent in Russian to have a great time when you travel to Uzbekistan. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Uzbek people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT UZBEKISTAN

Maybe you already know everything about Uzbekistan. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Uzbekistan.

• Stans by Me – An travel writer’s account of his time on an organised tour in Central Asia.
• A Carpet Ride to Khiva – A fascinating account of a gentleman who spent 7 years living on the silk road spending a substantial amount of his time in the city of Khiva.
• The Great Game – The Struggle for Empire in High Asia – Certainly a heavier read, but this is an excellent book on the great game between the British and Russian Empires that shaped Central Asia.
• The Silks Roads – An New History of the World – As a central hub of the silk road Uzbekistan has long been at the crossroad of culture and history. This book is a long, but phenomenal account of the history of the silk road.

Check Out Our Uzbekistan Travel Blog Posts

The perfect uzbekistan itinerary (2024 guide), the 25 best things to do in uzbekistan [2024 edition], the 14 best places to visit in uzbekistan [2024 guide], 19 awesome things to do in bukhara, uzbekistan [2024], 14 best things to do in khiva, uzbekistan [2024], 16 epic things to do in tashkent, uzbekistan (2024 guide), 15 best things to do in samarkand, uzbekistan [2024], 40 incredible photos of uzbekistan that will blow your mind.

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

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.

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)

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

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 😴

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

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 😴

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

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 😴

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)

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

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). 

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 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 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. 

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. 

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.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Uzbekistan via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

The Ancient Mosque City Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Things to do in khiva, uzbekistan: the open air museum, samarkand, uzbekistan: best things to do & see.

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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Tips and how to travel to Uzbekistan (2024)

By Joan Torres 39 Comments Last updated on April 12, 2024

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 .

In this Uzbekistan travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• 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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🪪 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

🚑 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
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

💻 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.

🛫 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.

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 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.

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. 

🍲 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.

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!

🏨 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.

🛺 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 .

❗ 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

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 Tourism: 32 Uzbekistan Travel Tips You Must Read!

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Prior to visiting Uzbekistan , we read several blogs that actually made us really nervous. We read about the currency being pegged so people had to exchange their US dollars on the black market. We read about foreign officials being quite paranoid about foreigners taking photos. Others had a hard time finding accommodations that looked decent. And we weren’t totally sure about safety in Uzbekistan .

And we found that pretty much all of our preconceived notions about Uzbekistan were way off. It’s a developing country so it’s quite cheap, but it’s also incredibly clean, orderly, and quiet. ATMs work fine (except in Khiva ), getting money out at the right exchange rate is easy, and while there are police officers everywhere, they’ll never bother you. We even saw several tourists flying drones around without it seeming to bother the police at all.

And it’s so safe and the people are amazingly friendly! The accommodations are a bit questionable but nothing you couldn’t handle. We did find a few things that are relevant to Uzbekistan tourism & travel in 2020 that would have been nice to know prior to arriving. We compiled our top 32 Uzbekistan travel tips below.

Enjoy and have a great trip to Uzbekistan!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

32 Things to Know Before Visiting Uzbekistan

1. you’ll need to bring some cash.

There are three ATMs at the international airport in Tashkent but you shouldn’t count on them being in service. There is also a money changer right after you exit immigration that offers a decent exchange rate.

The airport ATM may dispense cash in USD so best not to get out 3,000 unless you know if you’ll be getting US Dollars or Uzbek Sums. Once you leave the airport, there are plenty of banks and ATMs all over the city. No need to bring a ton of cash with you, just enough to get you from the airport to your hotel in a taxi.

2. There are plenty of ATMs (Usually…)

Once you leave the airport, as long as you stick to the major tourist destinations of Tashkent, Samarkand , and Bukhara , you shouldn’t have any trouble getting money out of the ATM. There are also automatic money-changing machines if you want to swap USD for UZS.

Uzbekistan’s currency used to be pegged to the US dollar at an artificially low rate. So visitors needed to change money on the black market. This is no longer the case so you’ll get a fair, open-market exchange rate everywhere you change or withdraw money. At the time of writing, the conversion rate was ~8,450 UZS to $1 USD.

Khiva is the only city where we found the ATM situation to be difficult. There are only two Mastercard ATMs and two Visa ATMs, and they rarely worked. We had to go all the way to the Urgench airport, 45 minutes away to find a working ATM that took Visa. And very few of the hotels actually accept credit cards. Be sure to stock up on cash before heading that way.

3. Uzbekistan is Very Safe

Well, actually, someone DID mistakenly take my umbrella from the cafe where I was having lunch. But really, that’s it. Yes, the country borders Afghanistan, but you’ll find the most lovely, hospitable people in Uzbekistan.

I always felt safe walking around, even at night. The stretchiest thing that a man did was attempt to hold my hand for a selfie. As a female traveler, I would have no concerns traveling to Uzbekistan solo.

4. Russian and Uzbek Languages are Used Interchangeably

You’ll find that English is not at all common in Uzbekistan, but Russian is. Most Uzbeks speak both. Pretty much everyone uses the Arabic phrase of “assalomu alaykum” to say hello. Although the translation is closer to “peace be with you”. “Thank you” is “Rahmat” in Uzbek, and “spasiba” in Russian.

And when saying “hello” or “thank you”, it is common to place your right hand on your heart and make a slight bow to show respect.

5. Many People in Uzbekistan Don’t Speak English

As Americans, we are incredibly lucky and privileged that English is widely spoken around the world. Often children learn it in school, or just from watching YouTube videos. In many countries, tourism is a well-respected business, and knowing English is imperative in the industry. So it is rare to find a country that is difficult to navigate without knowing the local language.

Uzbekistan is one of those countries.

English is not widely taught in school, and tourism hasn’t taken off yet. So you’ll find that only a small percentage of the population speaks English. Some people know a few phrases like “where are you from” and ” what is your name”. But you’ll need to utilize Google Translate regularly to communicate anything more complex than that.

6. Most Signs are Not in English

Most of the signs around Uzbekistan are not written in English. This probably won’t affect your life very much unless you want to take the metro in Tashkent. The signs are in Uzbek, as are the announcements at each stop. Be sure that you pre-plan your trip so that you know the name of your station destination in Uzbek or Russian. If you don’t know the name of your station, you’ll need to hope someone on your train speaks English and can help.

7. You Don’t Need a Tour Guide for Uzbekistan

There is a really popular tour company in Uzbekistan and it seemed that every tourist in town was affiliated with them. We met a couple who paid $1,900 per person for a private tour guide for 10 days. That’s almost $400 a day! Even if you stayed at the fanciest hotel in town, it would be extremely difficult to spend $400 a day in Uzbekistan.

The country can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak the language (or at least Russian), but people are always happy to help. And there always seems to be one person around who speaks at least a little English. Plus, part of the fun of traveling in Uzbekistan is trying to figure out where to go and what to see on your own. It’s a great adventure!

Skip the expensive tour guide and follow our comprehensive blog posts instead!

• Tashkent, Uzbekistan: The Top 13 Things to Do in the City
• The Top 14 Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
• Bukhara, Uzbekistan: 18 Amazing Things To Do and See
• Top 12 Things to See in Khiva, Uzbekistan
• Muynak, Uzbekistan: A Visit to the Aral Sea Ship Cemetery

8. Uzbekistan is Not as Conservative as You Might Think

Prior to visiting Uzbekistan, I assumed that because it is a Muslim-majority country, I’d need to cover my shoulders and my knees at all times. But I was wrong. It’s actually a fairly progressive country in terms of the way the locals dress. Most younger people wear Western-style clothing and do not cover their heads unless going into a mosque to pray.

I probably wouldn’t recommend that you run around in a tube top and daisy dukes. But, you don’t have to worry about dressing modestly here. I’d actually recommend bringing nice dresses, pants, and jackets on your trip to Uzbekistan as most of the locals are generally dressed up. I looked very out-of-place in my yoga pants and puffy coat.

9. It Gets Really, Really Chilly

The weather in Uzbekistan can be extreme, with winter temperatures well below freezing. Spring (April to June) and Fall (September through October) are the most pleasant (and popular) times to travel to Uzbekistan. But even so, it can get really chilly in the evenings.

And many of the restaurants are actually outdoors, in courtyards or on top of terraces. We visited at the end of April and I found myself bundling up in my puffy coat, wool hat, and two pairs of pants to go to dinner in the evenings. Be sure to check the weather before you visit and pack plenty of warm clothes!

10. Uzbekistan is Crazy Cheap

Uzbekistan is cheap. Crazy cheap. You’ll rarely spend more than $20 USD on dinner and drinks, even if you go to the fanciest restaurant in town. Taxis are usually no more than $1 USD. And you can get a shellac manicure AND pedicure for $15 USD. It’s easy to stick to a tight budget in Uzbekistan.

The one thing that is surprisingly not cheap in Uzbekistan is the accommodations. And for the price you will pay, you won’t get much. The options for accommodations haven’t caught up with the increase in tourism. If you visit in 5 or 10 years, I’m sure this won’t be the case.

11. Uzbekistan Hotels are Dated

Not just hotels, but restaurants and bars as well. The walls are covered in floral wallpaper with gold flecks and the window curtains are floral as well but in a different pattern. Detailed rugs cover the floors and rooms are filled with 70’s style furniture. Basically, it’s a blast from the past. And they are way more expensive than you’d expect.

12. You Should Book the Your Hotels in Advance

There are several hotels in Uzbekistan that are quite popular as they are less dated than the rest, and are in beautiful traditional old buildings. In Bukhara, book a room at the Komil Bukhara Boutique Hotel . In Samarkand, the L’Argamak Hotel is the nicest in the city. And in Khiva, you’ll love that the Orient Star Hotel is set inside an old madrasa! You’ll want to book all three of these several months in advance.

13. You Need to Keep Your Hotel Registration Cards

Every time you check into your hotel or Airbnb, you’ll be given a “registration card”. It’s basically a receipt that shows how many nights you stayed at that particular hotel. You’ll need to show them to the immigration agents when you leave the country.

14. Your Diet Will Consist of Bread and Meat (and Tea)

Bread and meat and bread IN meat. And lots and lots of chunks of animal fat. Vegetarians will have a rough time trying to figure out what to eat in Uzbekistan . Even many “salads” come topped with cow tongue or horse meat and they’re usually slathered in mayonnaise. So vegans will have even more trouble.

Also, unless you stick to the restaurants that cater to tourists, you’ll likely encounter at least a few spots where the menus are in Uzbek and none of the servers speak English. So good luck finding a meat-free dish.

15. You’ll Drink Your Tea out of a Bowl

It’s confusing at first when your server brings out a teapot and three bowls. One of the bowls is for mixing the tea, so you pour a cup and then dump it back in the teapot. This should be done 2-3 times. Then the other bowls are for drinking your tea. We can’t figure out what they have against the cup handles but it’s the customary practice all over the country.

16. Alcohol is Quite Common in Uzbekistan

This was another misconception that we had prior to our arrival in Uzbekistan. We assumed that because of the Muslim influence, alcohol would be difficult to find and expensive. But we underestimated the Russian influence on Uzbekistan. Russians love to drink.

Not only is alcohol served in bars and restaurants all over the cities, but it is also incredibly cheap! A draft half-liter of beer will run you 12,000 – 16,000 UZS and delicious mulled wine is usually around 30,000 UZS. Of course, it’s a bit pricier in the touristy restaurants in Bukhara and Khiva.

We never saw anyone walking around the streets of Uzbekistan with an open beer, so we recommend that you don’t.

17. Uzbek Wine is Actually Quite Tasty

Before arriving in Uzbekistan, we’d read that the wine was pretty bad and to stick to beer or vodka. But unless you’re coming straight from Napa Valley, you’ll probably find that it is totally tolerable. Especially for $3 USD per glass! I always ordered the dry red Bagizagan Wine and was never disappointed.

18. Tipping is Uncommon in Uzbekistan

Tipping in Uzbekistan is quite uncommon. In fact, if you try to tip someone, they’ll probably look at you like you’re crazy and insist that you take your change back. In some of the nicer restaurants (and most tourist restaurants), they will add a 10-20% service charge to your bill. But if they don’t, no need to add a tip.

That goes for taxi drivers and anyone providing beauty services as well.

19. Sometimes You’ll Even Get Extra Change Back

When buying something in Uzbekistan, if you owe an amount like 11,200 UZS, even in a proper supermarket, it will generally be rounded down to 11,000 UZS. This results in the pleasantly surprising situation of receiving more change than you were expecting!

In fact, bills of denominations below 1,000 UZS are slowly being removed from circulation so this practice will probably become even more common.

20. The Locals Want to Take Photos With You

Especially if you look different than they do. Blonde hair, blue eyes, brown skin, anything that seems “exotic” they’ll want to document it. And the older generation will often want it documented on your camera since they don’t have one. Snap the photo and then show them how it turned out, they’ll love you for it!

21. Everyone Will Ask Where You are From

When a local approaches you with a giant smile and says something in Uzbek or Russian that you can’t understand, nine times out of 10 they’re just asking where you’re from. Whenever this happened to me I would answer “America?”. Most of the time, I would get a surprised and thrilled “AMERICA!” in response. The other 10% of the time they’d just look at me like I was crazy and walk away.

22. Locals Love Dressing up for Dinner

Before visiting Uzbekistan, we’d read that restaurants and bars often have dress codes that are strictly adhered to. We gave it only a passing thought until we went out for dinner one night in Samarkand. We were wearing our regular clothes; jeans, t-shirts, jackets. But we realized almost immediately that we stood out like a sore thumb.

Everyone else in the restaurant was dressed to the nines. Sequins, lace, nylons, suit and tie, the works. Loud music was pumping and in between bites most people would get up and dance on the makeshift dance floor.

Apparently, tourists aren’t held to the same dress code standards but you’ll probably feel out of place if you look like a slob. And you should eat at these restaurants at least once, it’s endlessly entertaining. Read all about our favorite spots in Samarkand here .

23. Uzbeks Have Golden Smiles (Literally!)

You’ll meet the cutest little old ladies in Uzbekistan that are dressed in colorful velour pajamas and head scarves. They’ll see you and give you a big toothy smile which will reveal a full gold grill. Most of them have replaced all of their teeth with shiny gold ones, some have replaced just a few. It’s impossible not to notice and wonder why on earth someone would do that to their mouth, so we asked around and got varying answers.

Some people said it was a sign of wealth back in the day. Others said that it was really the only option for replacing their rotten teeth. Some didn’t know. But it sounds like the younger generation isn’t as into it as the older ones so enjoy those beautiful golden smiles while you still can!

24. Download Yandex.Taxi for Tashkent

Unfortunately, Yandex isn’t available in Samarkand, Bukhara, or Khiva, but it will help you get around Tashkent. It’s an app that is similar to Uber except it calls you taxis, not private drivers. So you can enter your destination into the app and get a fare estimate. It saves you from attempting to communicate your destination as almost no taxi drivers in Uzbekistan speak English. And it saves you from having to haggle over price.

In Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva you may have to call your hotel and have them speak to your taxi driver directly to give directions. Or ask them in advance to provide you with the hotel name and address written in Uzbek or Russian.

25. Taxis Should Cost 1,000 – 2,000 UZS per Kilometer

As a foreigner, you’ll rarely be quoted that price unless you download the Yandex.Taxi app. Especially when coming from the airport or the train station. After a driver quotes you a price, counter with the accurate price (the number of kilometers you’re traveling x 1,000 UZS in Tashkent and 2,000 UZS elsewhere) and start there. You’ll probably meet somewhere in the middle.

And remember, it’s only the difference of a dollar or two so aggressive hagglings aren’t worth your energy.

26. The Wi-fi in Uzbekistan is Abysmal

If you need to get anything done online while in Uzbekistan, it won’t be easy. Hotels and restaurants usually say they offer free Wi-Fi but getting it to actually work for you is hit or miss. You’ll be in trouble if you have something really important that you need to get done while in Uzbekistan if it involves getting online. Especially if it involves uploading or downloading large files.

27. You Should Buy a SIM Card

If you do have something really important that you need to get done in Uzbekistan, your best bet is to unlock your phone before you leave your home country and invest in a SIM card once you arrive.

UMS, UCELL, and BeeLine are the Sim card options in Uzbekistan. You can’t get one without your passport so be sure to bring it with you. A Sim card from UMS will run you 42,000 UZS for 5 gigs, and UCELL is 60,000 UZS for 4 gigs.

28. Most Museums are Skippable

Most of the museums in Uzbekistan leave something to be desired. For example, if an old book is on display, the sign will just say “pages of a book”. You won’t know what the book is, or why it is significant. We found most of the artifacts on display to be copies of the artifact. The originals are in a much larger museum somewhere else in the world.

That being said, they are also quite cheap. So if you have some extra time and just want to wander around, it probably won’t be the worst $2 you’ve ever spent.

29. Public Bathrooms Cost 1,000 UZS

If you’ve traveled around SE Asia you’re probably used to paying to use the toilet. The standard rate in Uzbekistan is 1,000 UZS which will usually include some toilet paper that they’ll hand to you before you enter a stall. And most of the public toilets are squatty potties so make sure those thighs are in shape!

Tip: Buy a small package of baby wipes and keep them in your purse, just in case!

30. Cars Stop for Pedestrians

People drive a bit frantically in Uzbekistan. There seems to be a lot of wheel screeching, speeding, and slammed brakes. So when you cross the street and see cars barreling toward you, you will probably assume there’s no chance they will stop. But they do.

Use caution, of course, don’t just walk blindly into traffic because this post says the cars will stop. And know that you don’t get a lot of notice when the crosswalk is changing from “walk” to “don’t walk” as cars will start peeling out before the light even turns green.

31. Domestic Tourism is More Popular Than International Tourism so Weekends are Crowded

Before we traveled to Uzbekistan, we read that Bukhara and Samarkand were quite touristy. When we arrived, we couldn’t figure out where all of the foreigners were. That’s because most of the tourists in Uzbekistan are actually Uzbeks. Domestic tourism is quite a bit more popular than international tourism.

That means that many Uzbek people are traveling from their hometowns on the weekends when their kids are out of school. So if you travel to the most popular sites on a Saturday or Sunday, be prepared for big crowds. We found that the more Uzbek tourists in one place, the better. It will make your experience that much more entertaining!

32. You’ll LOVE Uzbekistan!

Uzbek people are so kind. And caring. And amazing. You’ll absolutely fall in love with the people in this country! They’ll go out of their way to talk to you, take photos with you, and help you if you need it. If you’re lost or need anything, they are always quick to lend a hand. And if you smile at them you’ll get a wide, golden grin right back. They are some of the friendliest people around and they will make your experience in Uzbekistan absolutely unforgettable!

We hope this helps you prepare for your trip to Uzbekistan! Have fun!

Want more help planning your trip to Uzbekistan? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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4 thoughts on “uzbekistan tourism: 32 uzbekistan travel tips you must read”.

Thank you for all this great information — love the casual-knowledge style, but not cutesy (too many blogs like that!) I’m planning a trip for next year, and much of this is incredibly useful – copied relevant items into my trello cards 😉 ¡Saludos de Chile!

Thank you for the great tips. Much appreciated. Hopefully things have not changed much in 2023 and the conflict in the region has not adversely impacted this beautiful country.

Thank you for the great tips. I will go there in November. Best regards from Brela, Croatia

Such a fun & informative read! Got me super excited for our upcoming trip to Uzbekistan! Thank you for the post <3

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Uzbekistan Tourism

Tourism in Uzbekistan has always drawn people from far and wide. For anyone who knows about the country, this is easy to understand - bright colours, intricate patterns, rich flavours, and friendly people await every visitor. Traces remain of great empires that have long since been blown away by the sands of time, while modern life evolves in new directions.

This landlocked Central Asian nation offers more than a single person can explore in a lifetime. Whether you crave a night in the soothing serenity of a remote mountain village or a walk through the streets of history, Uzbekistan will not disappoint. Uzbekistan tourism is all about exploring what you’re interested in, and you’ll be sure to find it here!

While a strong focus is placed on Uzbekistan’s capital city and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, there’s so much more to this country. Try a new dish, like the exotic green noodles of Khiva known as shivit oshi, or learn how the masters of Margilan make the intricate silk patterns for ikat textiles. Maybe you want to go completely off the grid with a night in a traditional desert yurt to experience how nomads have lived for centuries, or into half-forgotten oasis cities that fed the caravans of the Silk Road as they crossed the continent.

There’s just no substitute for experiencing Uzbekistan for yourself. No photo can capture the scale of the vast Kyzylkum Desert or the warmth of a traditional meal cooked by a local family, tasting of spices and the comfort of home. Uzbekistan is so unlike anything you’ve experienced before that it’s guaranteed to leave you with amazing lifetime memories.

Uzbekistan Tourism: Safety and Security

With a country name as intriguing as Uzbekistan, ending in the exotic '-stan', many travelers are curious about safety as they plan their exciting journey. If security is your main concern, let us assuage your fears! Uzbekistan is a safe and tourist-friendly country that opens its arms to travelers the world over. Consider the following:

• The 2019 Solo Travel Safety Report ranked Uzbekistan as one of the top 5 safest nations in the world to visit. This includes independent female travelers, who overwhelmingly report feeling safe while in country.
• Threat of terrorism and violent crime is extremely low, while statistics for petty crime remain much lower than in most major tourist destinations.
• Policemen and border patrol agents have shown a very positive stance towards foreigners and tourists in recent years, and most are eager to make you feel at ease and provide assistance as needed
• People in Uzbekistan remain very welcoming towards tourists and will often going out of their way to assist a guest in need. In fact, a warm reception by the gentle and hospitable people of Uzbekistan is one of the factors that endear the country to many. 

Uzbekistan Tourism Packages

And what exactly will a trip to Uzbekistan entail? The answer depends on your personal preferences, although on each tour you can expect warm hospitality, copious amounts of savory food and glimpses into the country’s colorful past. Consider your travel options:

• Group Tours offer a fun and cost-effective option for travel to every corner of Uzbekistan 
• Private Tours, with suggested itineraries and flexible dates, come in every shape and size: city tours, day trips, cross-country excursions, extension tours… 
• Custom-Made Tours allow you to customize your tour based on your dates of travel and personal bucket list of must-see sites and activities.

Types of Tourism

Our tour packages encompass trips of every type:

Historical Tourism

If you don’t know where to start, you can’t go wrong with a tour of Uzbekistan’s major historical attractions. Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and for good reason. Start with Samarkand, former home to some of the finest architects credited with creating the masterpieces of Registan Square and Gur-Emir Mausoleum. Bukhara is more intimate, with holy sites and historical landmarks around every corner. Khiva is an open-air museum that captures the exotic atmosphere of the Silk Road with its winding alleys and bustling bazaars. But don’t miss out on less famous yet equally impressive destinations like Termez, a Buddhist centre on the southern border, or Shahrisabz, birthplace of the great warrior Tamerlane.

Cultural Tourism

For those who love textiles, ceramics, patterns and festive colours, Uzbekistan is as good as it gets. The Fergana Valley is famous for its artisans – potters at the Rishtan ceramics school and silk weavers in Margilan, among countless others. Samarkand has its own ceramics school, carpet weaving center and the famous Meros Paper Mill, which makes paper from mulberry bark using techniques passed down through the centuries. Bukhara is perhaps the best place to buy souvenirs, with a wide variety of top-quality crafts and gifts, while nimble woodcarvers can be seen hard at work in Tashkent and Khiva. Tours of these places are a great way to meet the artisans themselves and learn about the production of their famous creations using ancient techniques. In addition to arts and crafts, Uzbekistan preserves its rich cultural heritage in regular festivals, sporting events and everyday life. Cultural tourism offers tangible opportunities to participate in distinctive, time-honored Central Asian traditions. Read more about Cultural Tourism here .

Ethnic Tourism

Ethnic tourism in Uzbekistan embraces a national heritage which has been developing for centuries and is still evident in 21st-century life. You’ll traverse the country as you interact with ordinary people and learn about their lifestyle, customs, traditions, folklore, cuisine, applied arts and more. What makes ethnic tourism in Uzbekistan so unforgettable is that locals are naturally hospitable and willing to welcome you into their lives and customs. At nearly every festival and national celebration, you will have the opportunity to taste national cuisine, purchase high-quality, handmade souvenirs and watch local culture come to life as dancers and singers perform colorful shows. Whether you are purchasing products at the bazaar, attending renowned festivals such as Boysun Bahori or striking up a conversation with a friendly stranger, ethnic tourism is one of the finest ways to experience the country. Read more about Ethnic Tourism here .

Culinary Tourism

Words can’t do justice to the rich simplicity of Uzbekistan’s national dish, plov (pilaf), rice and carrots cooked to perfection with raisins, chickpeas and beef, or to the first juicy bites of shashlik (kebab) roasted over smoky coals. And it’s not enough just to try the local foods in one city, for each region has its own signature dishes. Shivit oshi (noodles infused with dill and served with vegetables) and tuhum barak (boiled square dumplings filled with egg) are found only in Khiva, while Bukhara is home to a particular type of plov that’s cooked in layers, with meat, carrots, raisins, and rice all simmered together. Make sure to try the bread in Samarkand, where large, shiny loaves are sold on the streets, and the norin (finely sliced meat and dough, freshly chopped in cafés and bazaars) in Tashkent. If you love quality food, don’t miss the chance to take a cooking class to learn how to make the most famous dishes for yourself. Read more about Uzbekistan Cuisine here .

Adventure and Nature Tourism

Adventure and Nature Tourism whisks you away from the crowds into Uzbekistan’s deserts, canyons and mountain crevices for hiking, camping and more.

Uzbekistan isn’t all cities and historical attractions. In fact, much of the country is covered in mountains and the vast Kyzylkum Desert. While these areas are home to fewer people, leaving them relatively untouched, they have actually been inhabited for centuries. Heading out into nature will give you a completely different perspective on Uzbekistan. Options for adventure and nature tourism in Uzbekistan abound- spend the night in a yurt, experiencing how nomads have lived for centuries, or hike through the narrow canyons of the Chimgan Mountains not far from Tashkent. Some of Uzbekistan’s geographical features are man-made, such as the otherworldly plains revealed by the receding Aral Sea, or Aydarkul Lake, formed by a dam in 1969. Any of these places makes for an excellent change of pace from busy city life, or even a destination in its own right. Read more about Adventure and Nature Tourism here .

Sustainable and Eco Tourism

Sustainable Tourism is a conscientious way to give back to the community through village homestays, support of local businesses and care of the environment during your travels. It’s important to make smart decisions while travelling, including choices that support local communities and protect the environment.  Fortunately, there are plenty of sustainable tourism options in the form of private tour packages or independent travel. There are many homestays and guesthouses where the cost of the stay largely goes towards supporting local families. Check out our tours to Aydarkul Lake (which involves a visits to a remote desert village), the Jeyran Ecocenter (home to threatened and endangered species), and sustainable tours to the Aral Sea (where tourism has grown to support former fishing villages that lost their livelihoods as the water receded). Sustainable tourism not only supports local communities and protects the environment, but also gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience local life and explore less-visited destinations. Read more about Sustainable Tourism in Uzbekistan here .

Religious and Pilgrimage Tourism

Located at the crossroads of several religions, Uzbekistan is rich in religious sights and monuments. The most ancient destinations were created when Zoroastrianism and Buddhism were the dominant religions of the area. Termez was a Buddhist centre, though many of the stupas and monasteries are now in ruins. The Zoroastrian monuments of ancient Khorezm have lost little of their power and presence despite centuries of disuse. But ever since the arrival of Islam in Central Asia, the region has been home to leading scholars and religious thinkers. Several of our tours visit the mausoleums of these great figures, including Bahauddin Naqshbandi, founder of a famous Sufi order, and Imam al-Bukhari, who collected numerous hadith. No less notable are the many mosques and madrassahs that supported spiritual life in Uzbekistan and can be found in any city. Make sure to visit Tashkent’s Khast-Imam Complex to see one of the oldest Qurans in the world which, according to legend, was the Quran that the Caliph Othman was reading when he was killed.

Family Tourism

Uzbekistan is a family-friendly place to travel, with a local population that loves children and options to keep everyone entertained. Start with the many parks of Tashkent, including Eco Park, with its many fairground attractions; Ashgabat Park, which was built to celebrate the friendship between the people of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan; and, in summer, several water parks. The Polytechnical Museum is Uzbekistan’s best museum for children, with a whole floor of automobiles and a whole floor of interactive exhibits that make science accessible and fun. Also in Tashkent, Next Mall and Samarkand Darvoza offer plenty of things for children to do, with Samarkand Darvoza being home to a wonderful marionette theatre. Bukhara and Khiva also have puppet theatres, and although most performances are in Uzbek, the simple fairy tales can be understood by just about anyone.

Health and Spa Tourism

Wellness centers are a great way to have a relaxing vacation. Many wellness centers in Uzbekistan are built near natural springs, whose waters are known to ease the symptoms of various respiratory, renal, circulatory and other medical conditions. Other spa services, including various mineral baths, spa treatments and relaxing massages, are also offered on location. Some of the most popular health resorts are in the mountains near Tashkent, where mineral springs and clean air abound. Read more about Health and Spa Tourism in Uzbekistan here .

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism in Uzbekistan carries on the legacy of the brilliant physician Avicenna, who was born near Bukhara and is now considered one of the founders of modern medicine. Uzbekistan has made significant strides in the field of medicine since its forefather laid those early foundations, including many advances in the last decade alone.

Although still developing as a branch of local tourism, medical travel to Uzbekistan already has much to offer. Capital city Tashkent has several private clinics offering inpatient and outpatient services, surgical treatment and dental care at very competitive rates, with most of these clinics also accepting international insurance. Modern medical centers in Tashkent are equipped with high-quality imaging equipment and staffed with qualified specialists, including foreign and English-speaking physicians at select locations. Read more about Medical Tourism in Uzbekistan here .

News: Uzbekistan Tourism

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• Market Overview
• Market Challenges
• Market Opportunities
• Market Entry Strategy
• Agricultural Sectors
• Oil and Gas
• Travel and Tourism
• Food Processing
• Trade Barriers
• Import Tariffs
• Import Requirements and Documentation
• Labeling and Marking Requirements
• U.S. Export Controls
• Temporary Entry
• Prohibited and Restricted Imports
• Customs Regulations
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• Licensing Requirements for Professional Services
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• Trade Financing
• Protecting Intellectual Property
• Selling to the Public Sector
• Business Travel
• Investment Climate Statement

Located in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan — with its rich cultural and historical heritage, friendly people, delicious cuisine, and beautiful nature — is ready to expand its travel and tourism industry. The government views the tourism sector as having high growth potential. Uzbekistan was closed to foreigners for many years, and the government has initiated reforms to open access to its rich cultural and historical heritage to facilitate tourism development. The 25th session of the General Assembly of the UN World Tourism Organization will be held in Samarkand on October 16-20, 2023. The International Touristic Center “Great Silk Road,” which consists of eight hotels, a conference center, the “Eternal City” complex, an amphitheater, and other facilities has the capacity to serve up to 2 million tourists a year, opened in Samarkand in August 2023. The tourism sector was hit hard in 2020-2021 by the coronavirus pandemic, and hospitality service providers and other sector participants received state support in different forms. The number of foreign tourists visiting Uzbekistan almost tripled from 1.88 million in 2021to 5.2 million in 2022 but has not yet returned to 2019’s pre-pandemic level of 6.75 million. Uzbekistan’s exports of tourism services reached $1.6 billion in 2022 and its targets for 2024 are 7 million foreign tourists and $2.5 billion in tourism exports. As of August 2023, Uzbekistan had established a visa-free regime for the citizens of 90 countries and e-visas for the citizens of 56 countries, including the United States. In February 2021, President Mirziyoyev allocated $100 million for tourism infrastructure development. The government subsidized the construction of three- and four-star hotels with at least 50 rooms to increase the total number of hotel rooms from 20,200 (2018) to 64,000 (2025). A presidential decree signed on July 27, 2023, extended until the end of 2026 subsidies for the construction of three-, four- and five-star hotels and royalties for well-known hotel brand franchises. Also, it lists investment projects worth $630.1 million for the sector’s development.

The government is also promoting pilgrimage tourism. Uzbekistan ranked 13th out of 137 countries in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2023. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation declared Khiva the Tourism Capital of the Islamic World in 2024. With more than 1,200 shrines, the country can potentially attract 1 million pilgrims a year. Officials are working to increase flight connections to Uzbekistan from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Middle East, train qualified guides, and improve conditions and roads to pilgrimage sites.

Uzbekistan is modernizing and expanding its airports to serve more travelers. State-owned enterprise Uzbekistan Airports separated from Uzbekistan Airways in 2019 and manages Uzbekistan’s 11 international airports. Uzbekistan Airports plans to work with private companies on airport construction projects and management on a tender basis and plans to double the country’s airports’ passenger throughput capacity and triple load throughput capacity by 2026. On January 16, 2023, the company signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Changi International Airports (Singapore), which calls for the joint development of a feasibility study for two potential projects: development of the existing Tashkent International Airport, including improving the competitiveness and quality of passenger service, as well as introducing advanced technologies and increasing passenger traffic; and planning and building a new Tashkent International Airport. The expansion of the existing Tashkent International Airport will be finished by the end of 2023 and will double its throughput capacity to 2400 passengers per hour. The new Samarkand Airport, managed by Air Marakanda, opened in March 2022 and began operating in “open sky” mode in October 2022.

The national aviation market is gradually being liberalized. As of August 2023, there were 8 resident airlines in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan Airways, Silk Avia, Qanot Sharq, Panorama Airways, Humo Air, Centrum Air, Asia Union Airlines, and Tashkent Air. Resident airlines will receive a subsidy of 25% of the ticket price for domestic flights until 2026.

*Earnings of Uzbekistan from incoming tourists.

**Spending of Uzbekistan citizens on foreign trips. *** Exchange Rates = Uzbek soums per $1.   Units: $ millions Source: The State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Hospitalityairportsaircraft, opportunities.

Foreign investors will find the most opportunities in this category in the hospitality sector. International hotel brands are currently found mainly in the capital city of Tashkent, but there is a great demand for hotels and global franchises in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva - the central cities of the ancient Silk Road and major tourism destinations. The government wants to attract foreign investment and management services to the country’s airports in the form of public-private partnerships with an exemption from customs duties and a 50% reduction in income and property taxes for three years. Uzbekistan’s expansion plans for its fleet of short- and medium-haul aircraft should create business opportunities for manufacturers.

For specific opportunities, businesses should contact organizations involved in Uzbekistan’s tourism industry, including the State Tourism Development Committee, Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbekistan Airports and Ministry of Transport.

U.S. companies and individuals interested in learning more about upcoming procurements and export opportunities are encouraged to visit the following websites:

• State Tourism Development Committee
• Ministry of Transport
• Uzbekistan Airways
• Uzbekistan Airports
• Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade
• Government Portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• ITECA Exhibitions Uzbekistan
• U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan

A, B and T set to stage spectacular show

What will make Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent the perfect stages for the FIFA Futsal World Cup? Some stars help FIFA deliver the answer.

The 10th FIFA Futsal World Cup will kick off in September

Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent have been named host cities

Countless ingredients make them a tourist's paradise

Ankle-breakers, elastic dribbles, lambretas, goalscoring goalkeepers, golazos and buzzer-beaters are heading to three enchanting cities across the ancient Silk Road. Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent have been announced as the host cities for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™. The aforementioned entertainment will be provided by courts czars such as Khalid Bouzid, Chino, Douglas Junior, Dyego, Rafael Henmi, Leo Higuita, Sergio Lozano, Damian Mareco, Moslem Oladghobad, Pito, Hossein Tayyebi, Taynan, Kiki Vaporaki, Pany Varela and Zicky Te.

Those human thrill machines are set to make edition 10 the best FIFA Futsal World Cup ever. Once monopolised by Brazil and Spain, Argentina and Portugal have conquered its last two editions while IR Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan and Morocco are all threatening to etch their name on the trophy. France and New Zealand will make their super-stage debuts, with other aspirants vying to follow suit. “I’m really excited the World Cup will be in Uzbekistan,” Leo Higuita, the sport’s record five-time Best Goalkeeper in the World, told FIFA . “I’ve been there three times. It’s an amazing country. “The people are really welcoming towards foreigners. They made us feel really at home. The food is absolutely delicious. I’m really looking forward to enjoying it again. Uzbekistan also has a really nice climate.”

The food Higuita raved about includes dolma, halva, hanum, lagman, manti, obi non, plov, samsa, shashlik – sumptuous, must-try dishes and snacks. Gastronomy is one of multiple factors making Uzbekistan a tourist’s paradise. The enchanting nation – one of only two double-landlocked nations in the world – is renowned for its architecture, art, ballet, bazaars, crafts, history, mausoleums, minarets, mosques, mountains, nature and charming, welcoming people.

“I’m very excited to see what Uzbekistan has to offer,” Manuel Kuijk, whose phenomenal performance inspired the Netherlands to a penalty-shootout victory over a truly insane play-off on Wednesday. “I’ve never been there, but I’ve seen pictures and heard stories and have always wanted to go. “The architecture over there is really beautiful. The colours they use on their buildings are amazing. The people seem to be very kind. And if you look a little further, the Uzbek cuisine has a lot to offer. I believe the people over there will do a very good job organising this World Cup.”

“I’m very excited the World Cup will be in Uzbekistan,” said Brazil megastar Pito. “I’ve never been there. “Obviously our focus will be on becoming champions, but we always get a day or two off. I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture, seeing the stunning architecture, enjoying everything. I’m very grateful for this opportunity to go to Uzbekistan.”

Visitors to Uzbekistan between 14 September and 6 October are in for a veritable treat on and off the court.

Andijan Andijan

Khan-atlas, the iridescent silk fabric, has become a hit for fashionistas and models across the globe. You’ll see it in grand variety in Andijan, which is also famed for its fruit, pottery, woodwork and something that competes with futsal on the thrill barometer: rope-walking! An enchanting city in the Fergana Valley, it is also drenched in history. The birthplace of Babur, items dating back to the seventh century have been found there, while its architecture, breathtaking beauty spots and parks make it an ideal spot to snap photos and selfies.

Bukhara Bukhara

This absorbing assortment of madrassas, minarets, mosques is one of the most resplendent and regal cities in Central Europe. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you can see Chor-Minor, with its turquoise domes, in all its glory. The Ark of Bukhar, Great Minaret of the Kalon, Palace of Moon-Like Stars, Poi Kalyan Mosque and Samanid Mausoleum will also delight tourists.

Tashkent Tashkent

The Uzbek capital is a unique utopia. The stunning blue domes of the Chorsu Bazaar are a sight to behold. Shopper’s heaven is under them. The Khast-Imam Ensemble homes one of the planet’s most illustrious books, while you can see the entire city from the top of Tashkent Tower, Central Asia’s tallest manmade structure. A visit to the nearby Chimgan Mountains is a must. There you will be swept away by utterly breathtaking views. Among the innumerable other places worthy of a visit are the Alisher Navoi Opera, Ballet Theater, Broadway Alley, Independence Square, Kukeldash Madrasah, Monument of Courage, Museum of Applied Arts, Navruz Park and State Museum of History. Getting from one hotspot to another is a treat in itself. The city boasts one of the world’s most esteemed metro systems, with its four stations stunningly designed with marble, ornate patterns and murals.

• Shakhrisabz
• Regions of Uzbekistan
• Sport tourism
• Agro & Ethno tourism
• Youth tourism
• Gastro tourism
• Medical tourism
• Cultural tourism
• MICE tourism
• Pilgrimage tourism
• Literary tourism
• General inforamation
• “Uzbekistan. Safe travel GUARANTEED”
• Attractions
• Calendar-catalogue of holidays and events
• International exhibitions

• Travel Guideline

Travel Information 2020

Information for Traveling in Uzbekistan

______________________________________________________________________________________

Attention! The Official Order Of Stay Of Tourists In Uzbekistan For The Period Of Coronavirus

Getting a tourist visa to Uzbekistan

Tourist visa extension, rules for the stay of foreign citizens in uzbekistan.

• Customs regulations for individuals entering the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Customs rules for individuals leaving the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The procedure for import and export of cash foreign and national currency by individuals, importation of medicines for personal use, export of cultural property, import and export of objects of flora and fauna, hunting trophies, import and export of pets, features and specifics of national uzbek cuisine, weather and climate features, transport and moving, photographing and filming, credit cards and atms, communication, insurance coverage of foreign tourists.

Applications

Appendix No. 1A

Appendix No. 1B

Appendix No. 1C

Appendix No. 2

Appendix No. 3

Appendix No. 4A

Appendix No. 4B

Appendix No. 4C

Appendix No. 5

Appendix No. 6

Appendix No. 7

TRAINING PREPARATIONS

1.1.Citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (up to 60 days), Moldova, Russia, Ukraine do not need a visa.

Also, visa-free entry to Uzbekistan valid for up to 30 days is valid for citizens of the following countries:

The list of countries for which a simplified procedure for obtaining tourist visas (electronic visa) has been introduced *, the list of necessary documents for inviting foreigners to legal entities:, the list of necessary documents for inviting foreigners to individuals:, to obtain a visa, foreign citizens and stateless persons must submit the following documents to the diplomatic mission or consular office of uzbekistan abroad:, for registration and issuance of visas the legislation of the republic of uzbekistan provides for the following tariffs of consular fees:.

• a) for single entry visas:
• b) for multiple visas:
• c) for transit visas:
• d) for group visas (the group must have at least 5 people, excluding children under 16):
• e) for a tourist visa:
• f) from March 15, 2019, a system for issuing the following types of electronic entry visas with a validity period of 30 days is introduced:

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Customs rules for individuals entering the territory of the republic of uzbekistan, categories of cultural property items consist of:, cultural property under the age of 50 years, for which a certificate for the right to export it is not required:, for the export of cultural property not included in this list, you must obtain a certificate., advice to travelers, intercity transportation, the import by individuals of certain types of goods not subject to customs duties, removal norms, an individual types of goods, quantitative standards * for import through road (pedestrian), railway and river checkpoints of the state border of the republic of uzbekistan by individuals of certain goods that are not subject to customs duties, electronic devices and high-frequency devices, the import and use of which is allowed on the territory of the republic of uzbekistan only with the permission of the ministry of development of information technologies and communications of the republic of uzbekistan.

• a) mobile phones of cellular communication networks (8525 20 910) for personal (individual) use, not more than 1 device, with the exception of mobile phones of global and regional satellite systems;
• b) portable transceiver radios (8525 20) operating in the range 26965-27860 kHz with a power of not more than 5 W;
• c) burglar alarm devices (8525 20) in the range 26945-26965 kHz with a power of not more than 2 W.

permits, as well as authorized bodies for their issuance

Of narcotic drugs, the circulation of which in the republic of uzbekistan is limited, psychotropic substances, the circulation of which in the republic of uzbekistan is limited, on the procedure for import and export of medicines and medical devices by individuals for personal use, the procedure for import and export of medicines and medical devices by individuals for personal use.

• The import and export of medicines and medical devices without state registration and without customs clearance is allowed if they are intended for:
• Medicines and medical devices for import and export by individuals for personal use in the cases provided for in clause 3 of these Regulations should be used exclusively to provide medical care to these people and cannot be transferred or sold to other people.
• Without presenting a document issued by a medical institution of the country of residence or stay, by individuals for personal use, import and export is carried out:

folk arts and crafts, created over the past 50 years, the export of which does not require a certificate

Mobile prefixes and useful phones, dialing rules:, official sites of government, reference information and more, information on diplomatic missions foreign countries in uzbekistan.

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