Exploring Uzbekistan: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Exploring Uzbekistan: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Welcome to my Uzbekistan Travel Guide: The Unexplored Edition! I recently visited this amazing country and had an unbelievable time. This guide is packed with all the knowledge I picked up during my trip and is designed to help fellow travelers explore one of my new favorite countries.

Uzbekistan has yet to be overrun by tourists compared to more popular destinations in Asia, but its amazing historic cities, gorgeous landscapes, and friendliness make it a must-visit. The country is also growing rapidly in terms of welcoming tourists – especially since it introduced visa-free travel for many nations (more on that in a bit). If you're thinking about visiting Uzbekistan, now is the time!

Contents:

• Getting There
• Do You Need a Visa to Visit Uzbekistan?
• Uzbekistan Travel – How to Get Around
• When to Go and Weather
• Places to Visit in Uzbekistan
  • Tashkent
  • Samarkand
  • Bukhara
  • Khiva
• Fun Things to do in Uzbekistan if you Have More Time
  • Camp in a Desert Yurt
  • Visit the Aral Sea
  • Explore the Mountains
• What to Eat and Drink
• Is Uzbekistan Safe for Solo Travellers?
• What to Wear in Uzbekistan
• Other Useful Info (and FAQ Answers)
• Read More

Disclaimer: This was written following a press trip to Uzbekistan supported by Air Astana.

Getting There:

Currently, there's no direct flight from London to Uzbekistan. However, you can easily reach the country from neighboring Kazakhstan with Air Astana. In my opinion, Air Astana is one of the best airlines I've ever flown with – and much better than most airlines these days! A snack and drink are included on even short economy flights, which is extremely rare these days.

Fly to Astana, Kazakhstan, direct in 6 hours 25 minutes from London Heathrow, stay for around 2 hours, then connect to Tashkent on a 2-hour direct flight. Luckily, Astana Airport is a really nice one, so a layover there isn't too bad! Astana itself (now called Nur Sultan after the city was renamed last month) is also a lovely place to explore – so if you want to break up your trip a bit, you could spend a night or two there at the start or end of your trip.

And yes, Air Astana sponsored my trip – but I was under no obligation to praise them! It's genuinely the best airline service I've had in a long while.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Uzbekistan?

Travelers from the UK, EU, and several other countries (including Canada, Australia, and NZ) can enter Uzbekistan as a visitor for stays of up to 30 days without a visa. Unfortunately, U.S. citizens are not included in the visa exception and do require a visa. Click here for more information if you are a U.S. citizen.

If you want to visit for longer, you should check entry requirements on the UK government's website (or in your native country if you're not British).

Since the new president took over two years ago, Uzbekistan has become increasingly open to visitors, with the introduction of visa-free Uzbekistan travel this year being the latest progression. The country is opening up to tourists, and it's easier than ever to visit – so now really is the time to go!

Uzbekistan Travel – How to Get Around:

Uzbekistan is a large country, which can make travel a little difficult if you want to see a lot of places. Luckily, there's a really decent rail system that is safe, comfortable, and connects most of the major cities, including Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Get more info about the trains and timetables here.

On my trip, I flew from Tashkent to Samarkand, and took the train on the return leg of the journey. Since the high-speed train between the two cities takes just two hours, you don't actually save any time by flying – so for views and to avoid airports, I'd definitely recommend the train through Uzbekistan. Plus, it's much more cost-effective!

Top tip: If you get to choose your seats when booking, avoid the middle of the carriage. The four seats in the center of the first-class carriage face each other, but there's no central table. It's really annoying if you buy a coffee or want to work! All the other seats have fold-down tables – so try to book one of those.

When to Go and Weather:

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during spring or autumn (April to June, and September to early November). During these months, the temperature is generally warm, and rainfall is typically low. Springtime also means a lot of greenery and colorful flowers – so it's a particularly lovely time to visit.

Uzbekistan is a desert region – so summertime gets hot! In July and August, temperatures can reach up to 40°C, although they generally sit around the mid to high thirties. Likewise, wintertime can be very cold, with temperatures dropping to around 5°C in January. However, December through to February are also the quietest months for travel in Uzbekistan. If you don't mind wrapping up warm, this could be the perfect time to go to have some of the popular sites all to yourself!

March and April are also fairly quiet times for tourism in Uzbekistan, as temperatures are getting warmer but weather is less predictable. Rainfall tends to be a little higher, too. I went in April and we had light rain showers on just one day – the rest of the time was pleasant and warm! So this shoulder season is another good time to visit if you prefer quieter sights and lower prices.

Places to Visit in Uzbekistan:

Tashkent

Recommended Days: 2

Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent is usually the first port of call for visitors arriving by plane. It's a modern, leafy city with one of the greenest centers I've ever seen! Seriously – there were parks and flower gardens everywhere, and the wide streets in the new part of the city were lined with beautiful, lush trees.

If I'm honest – I found Tashkent a little dull compared with Samarkand, which felt like it had more personality. But if you're looking for clean, contemporary, and comfortable, Tashkent is a dream. Just bear in mind when planning your Uzbekistan travel that it's worth spending less time in Tashkent, and more time in the rest of the country!

You can climb the TV tower – the tallest in central Asia – for an awesome view, or just eat your way through some of the city's amazing restaurants. If you're looking for culture, I really recommend visiting the Plov Centre and Chorsu Bazaar – perfect places to try traditional food and get a glimpse of everyday life. Plus, there are loads of museums and historic buildings where you can get a taste of Tashkent’s history and traditions. I've got a whole post on the best things to do in Tashkent, so check that out for more info.

Samarkand

Recommended Days: 3-4

Samarkand is the midway point along the historic Silk Road, so it's very much where East meets West. Historically the crossroads between two world cultures, you can see the different influences that make Samarkand the remarkable city it is today.

I loved the hustle and bustle of Samarkand, as well as all the beautiful buildings. If you want stunning architecture, lively markets, and a rich tapestry of culture and history, Samarkand is for you.

Explore the remarkable Registon Square, a huge marble square with three mosques surrounding it. And don't miss a trip to the nearby Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which was one of my favorite buildings in the city. If you're craving some green spaces, head to Afrasiab, the site where the original city once stood before it was raised to the ground by Ghengis Khan. Finally, head to Samarkand Bhukara Silk Carpets to take a tour of the factory and watch hand-made carpets being created.

Bukhara

Recommended Days: 2-3

Just down the road from Samarkand is the city of Bukhara, another prominent stop along the Silk Road. At over 2,000 years old, the city is the "most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia" according to UNESCO. Sadly, I didn't make it there this time around, but several travelers I spoke to have sung its praises!

Start by exploring the incredible historic buildings, such as the mausoleum of Ismail Samani, which is considered a masterpiece of 10th-century Muslim architecture. And there's the Kalon Minaret. At 47m high, this carved minaret was probably the tallest building in Central Asia when it was built in 1127!

Bukhara's oldest structure is the Ark, which dates from the 5th century and was the residence of the emirs of Bukhara right up until 1920. If you're looking for stunning architecture and tons of history, Bukhara is the place for you. Read more in this fab blog post I found about Bukhara by Annees de Pelerinage.

Khiva

Recommended Days: 2-3

Khiva is top of my wish-list for my return visit to Uzbekistan! It's a beautiful city, and yet another vital silk-road hotspot. Right up in the north-west of the country, it used to be pretty hard to reach. But you can now take a high-speed train to Khiva from Bukhara in just under 6 hours.

Khiva is a small, walled city with labyrinthine alleyways and dazzling turquoise-domed mosques. Highlights here include the Kunya Ark, the Pahlavon Mahmoud Mausoleum, and the 10th century Juma Mosque. Since I didn't go myself, check out this fabulous blog post all about Khiva by The Sandy Feet.

Fun Things to do in Uzbekistan if you Have More Time:

I've done a bit of research into some other fun things to do in Uzbekistan, because I'm already planning my return trip! I'll add to this section as I find out more, because there are loads of amazing things to see and do in this gorgeous country...

Camp in a Desert Yurt

For a true insight into the historic, nomadic culture of Central Asia's tribes, try camping in a desert yurt. Stay at a traditional campsite in the desert, ride a camel, or hike around the dunes. After dark, listen to traditional music around a campfire and watch the stars. Sounds like my perfect trip!

RELATED TOUR: 2 Days Desert Yurt Camp Tour from Viator, starting from £121.61

Visit the Aral Sea

The Aral Sea was once the fourth-largest inland sea. Now, it's a giant desert bed full of rusting ships. What happened? In the 1960s the Soviet Union diverted water from two of the region's major rivers to help irrigate their cotton crops. Although the project made the desert bloom, it also caused the Aral Sea to dry up. Today, there's almost nothing left – and the rusting skeletons of abandoned fishing ships litter the eerie desert landscape.

This might all sound like a fairly macabre reason to visit, but the bleak landscape is a hauntingly beautiful one. You can also try traditional homestays, yurt camping, and trekking in the area. More importantly, with the fishing industry gone, the region could really use a tourism boost.

Explore the Mountains

Uzbekistan really has it all! Once you're done exploring historic cities and arid deserts, head to the hills for another total change of pace. You can visit small mountain villages to see a more rural side of Uzbek culture, or take on a trekking challenge like this 3-day trek tour in the Western Tian Shan Mountains. Yet another incredible addition to the long list of things to do in Uzbekistan!

What to Eat and Drink:

As I always love to say, if you want to understand a country, you have to eat its food. Luckily, Uzbekistan has a really amazing cuisine – so exploring it is great fun! I've put together a separate post on the best things to eat in Uzbekistan, so check that out for more info. In the meantime, here's a cheat-sheet of must-try dishes.

• Plov – a rice dish with raisins and meat in a light broth-style sauce, which comes in up to 35 different varieties. It's the most common dish in Uzbekistan and a must-try, but be warned, it's pretty heavy! Best eaten for lunch or even breakfast, as the locals do, rather than dinner.
• Somsa – pastry filled with meat and potato, or vegetables and/or cheese. Very similar to a Cornish pasty!
• Shurpa Soup – a light broth with potatoes, lamb, and vegetables.
• Manti – steamed dumplings, similar to momos or dim sum.
• Lagman – noodles with meat and veg, either served in a light broth, or a thick, sticky sauce.
• Kazan Kebab – meat cooked on a kazan (a cast iron casserole) then fried.
• Sheesh Kebab – skewered meat and/or vegetables grilled, usually over an open flame.
• Bread – Uzbekistan bread, called non, is absolutely amazing! It's round with a flat middle to create a sort of squashed doughnut shape, and is baked in a tandyr (clay oven). I ate it about three times a day – couldn't get enough!

Is Uzbekistan Safe for Solo Travellers?

Before my Uzbekistan travel, I was a little nervous. I had no idea what to expect, from what I should wear to what the weather would be like. Is Uzbekistan safe? I had absolutely no idea!

But my nerves were totally misplaced. In my experience, Uzbekistan is a really modern and progressive country, and it felt completely safe to me. Granted, I was mostly in a group, but I did have a few solo adventures (like my morning exploring the Tashkent metro station). I never felt threatened, and I found all the people I met to be super welcoming. Hospitality is really important to Uzbeks, so they'll always show a warm welcome to tourists. I will 100% be returning and would happily visit as a solo traveler.

Again, this is all my opinion, so I've also checked the stats and advice on the Uzbekistan page of the UK Government's official travel site. They say that while certain border areas are best avoided, most of the country is relatively trouble-free for tourists and the political situation in Uzbekistan is currently stable. Always check the latest info with your government before you travel, though!

What to Wear in Uzbekistan:

Uzbekistan is a traditionally Islamic country, but according to my guide, only about 30% of those who identify as Muslim are actually practicing Muslims. While some still prefer traditional dress and modest clothing, the country is pretty open-minded, and many locals dress in a much more Western fashion than I was expecting. I never felt out of place for anything I was wearing, but I did make sure to show respect when visiting religious sites by covering up a little.

It was spring when I visited, so not too hot or cold. Just lovely and warm, with the odd rain shower! I mostly wore dresses (cut above the knee) with ankle-length leggings and a scarf. I always had my shoulders covered, and used a scarf to cover my head when appropriate. Maxi skirts or long harem-style trousers are also perfect. My advice is to avoid tight-fitting stuff like yoga pants, and low-cut tops, if you don't want to attract too much attention. But it certainly didn't feel like I needed to restrict my normal dress sense!

Take comfy shoes for walking – I swear by my Skechers GoWalk sneakers – and hiking boots if you plan to hit the countryside.

Double-check the weather for your trip, and take a light rain jacket if it looks like it might rain – especially if you're traveling in March/April. I love the North Face Sangro jacket, which can fit at the bottom of a bag nicely, and keeps the wind off well too.

Winter can be really cold, I'm told, so dress appropriately if you're traveling between October and March.

Other Useful Info (and FAQ Answers):

Tipping in Uzbekistan:A reader got in touch via email to ask "do you need to tip in Uzbekistan?" and how much, etc. I checked in with the British tourism ambassador for Uzbekistan to find out. She told me that tipping isn't expected in Uzbek culture, but it is always appreciated in restaurants, etc. So just use your best judgment!

Read More:Check out the rest of my posts about Uzbekistan travel if you want to learn more...

• Travelling Uzbekistan – A Glimpse of Central Asia
• A Cowboy, a Shepherd, and a Proposal in Samarkand
• 11 Things to Do in Tashkent

So, that's the end of my Uzbekistan travel guide. If you're planning a trip yourself and have any questions at all, feel free to reach out in the comments below. I'm always happy to help!

Enrichment Data:

Overall:As of mid-2025, tourist travel to Uzbekistan is open and accessible for U.S. citizens with specific visa requirements:

• Visa Requirements for U.S. Tourists:
• U.S. citizens aged under 16 traveling for tourism do not require a visa but must be accompanied by legal guardians, with a stay up to 90 days matching the guardian's visa duration.
• U.S. citizens aged over 55 traveling for tourism also do not require a visa, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
• Other U.S. tourists must obtain an e-visa for stays of up to 30 days, which can be applied for online via Uzbekistan’s official e-visa portal.
• All foreign visitors must register with local authorities within three days of arrival and maintain continuous registration during their stay.

Additional Travel Notes:

• There are HIV/AIDS-related travel restrictions in place.
• A 5-day visa-free transit is possible for travelers with confirmed onward flights to a third country.
• E-visas streamline entry but must be obtained before arrival.

Recommended Places to Visit in Uzbekistan:While the search results do not provide a detailed list of tourist attractions, Uzbekistan is renowned for its historic Silk Road cities with rich cultural heritage, including:

• Samarkand: Famous for stunning Timurid architecture such as Registan Square.
• Bukhara: Known for its well-preserved medieval cityscape and Islamic architecture.
• Khiva: An ancient fortified city offering a glimpse into Central Asia’s past.
• Tashkent: The modern capital with museums, theaters, and bazaars.

Travelers typically explore these UNESCO World Heritage sites and enjoy Uzbekistan’s blend of history, culture, and architecture.

1. The solo traveler's guide to Uzbekistan includes recommendations for fun activities like camping in a desert yurt, visiting the Aral Sea, and exploring the mountains, offering an adventure-filled lifestyle in this underexplored destination.
2. Travelers can reach Uzbekistan via train travel with Air Astana, enjoying a comfortable ride while enjoying a snack and drink onboard, even on short economy flights – a rarity these days.
3. Uzbekistan is rich in culture and history, with cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva offering a glimpse into the country's past through stunning architecture, museums, and historic buildings.
4. For food lovers, Uzbekistan offers a unique culinary experience, with dishes like Plov, Somsa, Shurpa Soup, Manti, Lagman, Kazan Kebab, Sheesh Kebab, and traditional Uzbek bread being must-tries for any visitor.
5. Uzbekistan is a safe destination for solo travelers, with a welcoming culture and progressive attitudes towards visitors, making it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure and cultural exploration in a friendly and safe environment.

Read also: