uzbekistan top 10 places to visit

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Asia , BLOG , BUKHARA , Destinations , KHIVA , SAMARKAND , Uzbekistan · February 3, 2022

20 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Uzbekistan

Are you looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan? No need to look further, cause  this blogpost covers them all ! Including some insider tips on how to get there and when to go!

Uzbekistan is home to some of the most spectacular sights in Central Asia . Unique madrasa’s, covered in 20 shades of blue mosaics and turquoise domes, form the typical skyline for most Uzbek cities.

It’s one of those countries that actually took me by surprise cause Uzbekistan is not on many people their bucket list. It wasn’t on mine either until I saw some photos of its architecture. In an instant I knew that I had to see this place with my very own eyes.

It was a wonderful trip where I took thousands of photos and where I fell in love with the authenticity of the Uzbek culture and architecture.

There are a ton of things to do and places to visit in Uzbekistan and probably a lot more than 20 but I always like to write from personal experience. So no adding or recommending places that I haven’t visited myself.

20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

Some of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan can be found in Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand . And those are the exact cities that we visited during our trip around Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is filled with unusual and historical places that will blow you away!

So let’s get started!

The Best Places To Visit in Khiva, Uzbekistan

When planning my trip to Uzbekistan I especially had high hopes for Bukhara and Samarkand. Little did I know that Khiva would absolutely take my breath away. To me Khiva is definitely one of those places one should see before they die . The historical town of Khiva is so tiny and small that within 10 minutes you’ll be from the East Gate to the West Gate. But it’s exactly its size that makes it so enjoyable. Below you’ll find the best photography locations in Khiva , when to visit them and the best place to stay during your visit.

💡 Good to know – At the West Gate you can purchase an Itchen Kala ticket for 150.000 SUM that will give you access to all of the attractions inside the city. Plus this ticket is valid for 2 days !

1. Kalta Minor Minaret, one of the most spectacular locations in Uzbekistan

Before you even enter the old city of Khiva you’ll see the turquoise Kalta Minor minaret shimmering in the sunlight from far away.

The Kalta Minor is an unfinished minaret located near the west entrance to the Ichan Kala (synonim for the old city). It was commissioned in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ruler of Khiva, and was supposed to reach a height of 70 meters. Unfortunately he died before the minaret was finished in battle against the Persians. But even just at a height of 26 meters it’s one of the most beautiful manmade structures I have ever seen.

The Kalta Minor was built by some of the finest architects and artists in Khiva and as soon as they realized it would remain unfinished they decided to decorate it. you won’t find any other minaret in Uzbekistan that is so colorful in its decorations and details.

Fun Fact – Kalta Minor actually means ‘short minaret’.

How to get there – You pretty much can’t miss this beautiful turquoise and blue minaret. As soon as you walk through the West Gate you’ll be greeted by it.

When to go – Go in the early morning to avoid the harsh sunlight BUT make sure to come back for sunset! The sun bounces off the mosaics and gives a golden glow to the surrounding sand colored structures. You can’t visit the minaret inside.

💡 TIP – Enjoy the sunset view from the rooftop restaurant at Terrassa Cafe

2. Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa

Right next to the Kalta Minor minaret you’ll find the beautiful Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa. The Madrasa is actually connected to the minaret through a small wooden bridge.

These days however the building is no longer used as a madrasa. Instead it became one of the finest hotels in entire Uzbekistan: Orient Star Khiva Hotel .

As you can already guess from its name the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa was commissioned by the same ruler as the Kalta Minor Minaret. But due to his untimely beheading none of his architectural masterpieces were ever completely finished.

How to get there – This Madrasa is located right next to the previous Minaret and also serves as a hotel .

When to go – Go in the early morning to get the best light. There are no gates so you can admire the madrasa from the outside 24/7.

3. Kuhna Ark Fortress

The Kuhna Ark is a fortified citadel at the heart of Khiva , nestled against the western ramparts of the  Ichan Kala  immediately north of the city’s west gate. Just like the Forbidden City in Beijing it was conceived as a self-contained universe for the exclusive use of the ruler , his harem, his many advisors and servants, and members of the extended family.

There’s only one entrance and the entire complex is fenced off by stone walls. Although they didn’t proof to be too strong when it comes to Russian artillery.

Inside the Kuhna Ark Fortress is divided into different complexes all fulfilling separate functions. There’s the Summer Mosque, the Reception Courtyard, the Ak Sheikh Bobo bastion and the harem.

How to get there – This museum is located next to the Western Gate and the entrance is actually right in front of the Kalta Minor. You can see its entrance on the sunset photo above, it’s the wooden gate between the two turquoise domed pillars. The blue tiles can be found at the back!

When to go – Opening times are 9am to 6pm.

💡 TIP – The entrance fee to Kuhna Ark Fortress is included in the Itchen Kala tickets that you can buy at the West Gate.

4. Juma Mosque – A unique wooden mosque in Khiva

Khiva’s Juma, also known as the Friday’s mosque is located in the heart of the Itchen Kala.

The mosque was designed to house a large number of congregants as equals before the imam and Allah, and for this reason it differs substantially from the typical open-air courtyard-centric architecture that predominates in Khiva. Most mosques in Uzbekistan have arched entrances and domes, but not this one!

Inside you’ll find some of the most beautiful wooden craftsmanship . Over 213 wooden columns support the structure and the Juma Mosque was built on the remains of a former mosque which stood in that exact same place.

There are almost no windows, only a few openings in the ceiling which create a dazzling scenery of dancing light .

How to get there – The Juma Mosque is only 5 minutes walking from the Kalta-Minor Minaret and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan .

When to go – I advise you to go as soon as it opens cause you really want to take out your wide angle lens in this place! Opening hours are from 9am until 6pm.

💡 TIP – The entrance fee to Juma Mosque is included in the Itchen Kala tickets that you can buy at the West Gate.

5. Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrasa

The madrasa of Mohammed Rakhim Khan occupies a prominent location opposite the Kuhna Ark, the fortified heart of the city. They started building the madrasa right before the Russian invasion so by the time it was finished it wasn’t just a regular islamic school. It also taught other subjects such as astronomy, geography and mathematics.

At present, the madrasa houses a museum showcasing the history of the Khivan Khanate and Mohammed Rakhim Khan in particular.

How to get there – Well since Khiva is so tiny this Madrasa can also be found right next to the Kalta-Minor Minaret.

When to go – Go a little after sunrise or sunset

6. Islam Khodja Minaret, another beautiful place to see in Khiva

With its 57 meters, the Islam Khodja Minaret is the tallest minaret in entire Uzbekistan. The site is named after Islam Khodja, the grand vizier (yes, like Jafar) of Muhammad Rahmi Bahadur II. He was a modernizer who introduced new amenities to the city including a hospital, telegraph office, and non-parochial schools.

The minaret was used as a tower to call for prayers but due to its impressive height it also led a lot of travelers to the city of Khiva. These days you can also climb up the minaret, an activity I highly recommend doing! Especially in the early hours when the morning light hits the entire old city of Khiva.

How to get there – There are two beautiful viewpoints to this Minaret. One is from the main square right in front of it, the other one is in the side street on the right.

When to go – If you want to take the best photos in front of the minaret you have to go at sunrise. A little later the vendor stalls will be out and a red chord will be places around the minaret to guide visitors to the entrance. Opening hours of the Islam Khodja Minaret are from 8am until 6pm .

💡 TIP – The entrance fee to the Islam Khodja Minaret is not included in the standard ticket, only in the VIP ticket. If you have the standard ticket er no ticket at all you’ll have to pay a fee of 20.000 SOM (€1.5).

7. Yar Mohammed Divan Mosque

How to get there – This beautiful mosque is a must visit when you’re in Khiva. It is located in the side alley near the Islam Khoja Minaret.

When to go – You can just visit this place during the middle of the day and still take beautiful photos!

8. Hidden Carpet Store & The Bazaars

How to get there – This beautiful photography spot in Uzbekistan is located between the Yar Mohammed Divan Mosque and the Islam Khoja Minaret.

When to go – We arrived in the late afternoon and it wasn’t busy at all. We asked the owner of the store if it was okay to take some photos and she was incredibly nice.

9. Tash Khauli Palace, one of those interesting places in Uzbekistan

The Tash Khauli Palace, also known as the Stone Palace, is a 19th-century palace and the former residence of the ruler of Khiva, Allah Kuli Khan.

It took 8 years to built the structure, which never pleased the khan: he wanted this big project to be completed in 2 years’ time. Many master builders lost their heads for this reason.

All the parts of Tash-Khauli are connected with a labyrinth of dim corridors . So don’t refrain from going through every single door during your visit. Some of the most beautiful courtyards of this place are hidden behind a small corner or doorway.

How to get there – The entrance to the harem part of the palace is located on the East side.

When to go – Go as soon as it opens at 9am. A little later vendors will put out their stalls throughout the entire place. The official opening hours for Tash Khauli Palace are 9am to 6pm.

💡 TIP – The entrance fee to the Tash Khauli Palace is included in both the standard and VIP Itchen Kala ticket .

Where to stay in Khiva

• Orient Star Khiva Hotel – This hotel is located inside the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah and offers a spectacular view from the balconies.
• Erkin Palace Hotel – Located right outside the old city center.
• Hotel Malika Kheivak – In the heart of Khiva and an amazing breakfast spread.

The Best Places to visit in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara is another ancient city in the center of Uzbekistan. It was a well known stop on the Silk Road and a must visit place when traveling through Uzbekistan.

The abundance of mosques, architectural marvels, blue domes and detailed mosaics have transformed Bukhara into an open air museum. One where you can stroll around at ease without any car disturbing you. It creates an authentic feeling that is truly unique in the travel industry these days. You almost feel like you’re getting transported back in time.

Below I will list all of the most beautiful places and the best photography viewpoints that you can find in Bukhara!

10. Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa

The Nadir Divan-begi Madrasa is a puzzling piece of architecture as it resembles a  caravanserai— a combination warehouse and hostel for traveling caravans. Evidence for this is that the main entrance opens directly onto the courtyard; the usual practice is to provide a screen wall to shield the interior courtyard from the public eye.

But besides all of these curiosities the main reason for walking over to this madrasa is its incredible tile work! Make sure to snap some photos during your visit and also take a peek inside cause the Nadir Divan-begi Madrasa is free to visit. Inside you’ll find a beautiful courtyard that is lined with souvenir shops.

How to get there – The outside facade of this Madrasa is incredibly stunning and is located next to a small park.

When to go – Make sure to be there at sunrise! This one doesn’t work during sunset cause the blue won’t stand out that much because of the light and during the day it will be covered in ugly shadows coming from the trees nearby.

11. Chor Minor, one of those unusual places in Uzbekistan

Chor Minor, what literally means four towers, is a little tucked away in the streets of Bukhara. The purpose of the building is not entirely clear, but it likely served as the forepart of a spacious madrasa which no longer survives.

The four towers include cryptic references to religions other than Islam including Christianity, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism. And indeed, there are certain designs that resemble a Christian upturned fish, and others that faintly resemble the Buddhist “wheel of the law”.

How to get there – Chor Minor is located on the East side of Bukhara and 15 minutes walking from the city center. I went with the idea to go up on the tower to take photos but unfortunately the woman that holds the key wasn’t there.

When to go – Go for sunrise or sunset if you can. When we were there the gate was closed unfortunately and the street vendors across the street said none of them had a key. But it is at time possible to go up the roof of Chor Minor for an additional fee of 4000 SOM.

12. Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa, one of the most beautiful places in entire Uzbekistan

The Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa definitely is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Bukhara, maybe even in entire Uzbekistan! The colorful tile work in the arch dates back to the 17th century and is a perfect representation of medieval art in Central Asia.

When you’re here make sure to turn around as well cause right across from the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa you’ll find the Ulugh Beg Madrasa. It’s a lot more modest in design but its history is phenomenal as one of the best madrasa’s in entire Uzbekistan.

How to get there – This Madrassah was one of my favourite places to visit in Uzbekistan and is located in the middle of the city centre of Bukhara . The easiest way to get here is to go on foot. We also took a look inside but it’s not well preserved at all.

When to go – Go at sunrise, from 9am the entrance will be blocked by a lot of vendors and it will be impossible to take any photo without a ton of souvenir stalls in front of it.

13. Kalyan Minaret

The Kalyan Minaret is part of the the Po-i Kalyan Complex , one of the most beautiful locations in Uzbekistan. The Kalyan Minaret is one of the most prominent features of the city of Bukhara and with its 45 meters it towers high above the city.

The Kalyan Minaret is also known as the ‘Tower of Death’ because for centuries, it was used to execute criminals by throwing them off the tower.

How to get there – The Minaret is located in the middle of the city center and is best reached on foot. For a stunning sunset view have dinner at Minor Cafe House .

When to go – Go for sunrise to avoid the crowds. It’s also stunning during sunset but there will be a lot more people out and about.

14. Mir-i-Arab Madrasa

The Mir-i-Arab Madrasa is also part of the Po-i Kalyan Complex . Until this day the madrasa is still an active school and for that reason it can only be admired from the outside. Pretty impressive if you consider that this building already stand over 500 years!

How to get there – You can’t actually visit this Madrassah, at least so we were told by the people at the entrance. However the outside makes for stunning photos! It is conveniently located next to the Minaret.

When to go – Go during sunset.

15. Kalyan Mosque

The Kalyan Mosque is the third part of the Po-i Kalyan Complex and is located right in front of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. But in contrast to the school you can actually visit this mosque. The Kalyan Mosque serves as the Friday mosque and is the largest in central Asia apart from the Bibi Khanum mosque in Samarkand and the Friday Mosque of Herat, Afghanistan.

How to get there – This mosque is located on the opposite side of the Madrasa and for 10.000 SOM you can also visit it inside.

When to go – The light is the most beautiful during sunset and the Mosque only opens at 8am and closes at 8pm.

16. The Ark of Bukhara

The Ark of Bukhara is the city’s oldest structure and is an absolute delight to visit in the early morning. It’s definitely one of the most special places to visit in Bukhara!

During the course of history the Ark of Bukhara has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. And by the start of the 20th century the Ark was inhabited by nearly 3000 people, making it a city within a city.

How to get there – This fortress is 10 minutes walking from the Po-i Kalyan Complex

When to go – The official opening hours for the Ark of Bukhara are from 8am until 8pm.

17. Chor Bakr Memorial Complex

The Chor Bakr Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located about 20 minutes driving from the centre of Bukhara.

Chor Bakr is also known as the ‘Town of the Dead’ but when you walk around the complex you’ll see a lot of mausoleums, a beautiful garden with peacocks running around, a minaret, a mosque and a madrasa.

How to get there – This location is a 20 minute drive from Bukhara but in my honest opinion totally worth the visit. A taxi ride there and back to the city centre (including a 20 minute wait) should be around 60.000 SUM. Chor Bakr is one of those hidden gems in Uzbekistan that not many people know of and therefore one of the more unique places to visit in Uzbekistan.

This photo was taken on top of the roof. The entrance fee is 15.000 SUM and an extra 5000 SUM to take photos. To get to the roof simply ask one of the guys there and for 10 000 SUM/per person they will take you up.

When to go – 8am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday and 8am until 6pm during the weekend.

Where to stay in Bukhara

• Komil Bukhara Boutique Hotel – An incredible boutique hotel in the heart of Bukhara. The rooms are decorated in true Uzbek style and the breakfast is amazing!

The Best Places to visit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand is the highlight for almost everyone when visiting Uzbekistan. It does however have a completely different feel than Khiva and Bukhara. The city itself is more modern and the monuments are spread out over the city.

So unlike in Khiva and Bukhara you can’t just stroll around without bumping into a car. Then again the top sights in Samarkand are pretty much open air museums in their very own right!

18. Registan

Registan is an enormous complex that consists of 3 beautiful Madrassah’s. Make sure to visit every single one of them and that you spend at least half a day here!

The entrance fee is 40.000 SUM/per person and the ticket is valid all day long.

Opening hours : 8am – 7pm

How to get there – When staying at B&B Antica Registan is only 15 minutes walking.

When to go – Make sure to be there at opening time. It is possible to go inside a little earlier. But you will have to pay one of the guards to be let in (100.000 SUM). Important to know is that during this time you can’t take photos on the courtyard cause there are camera’s. You can however go inside one of the Madrassah’s and go on the balconies!

💡 TIP – Come back in the evening to see the domes and the madrasa’s lit up!

19. Shah-i-Zinda

If I have to chose one favorite place in Uzbekistan is is definitely Shah-i-Zinda! This sacred necropolis is one of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan and will blow you away as soon as you set foot inside.

How to get there – If you go on a sunrise mission to take photos I advise you to take a taxi. Shah-i-Zinda is absolutely magical early in the morning and one of the most incredible places to visit in Uzbekistan!

Entrance fee – 25.000 SUM/per person

When to go – The complex opens at 7am and I strongly advise you to be there on time. This will give you plenty of time to take stunning photos before the crowds arrive.

💡 TIP – Shah-i-Zinda is a sacred place so make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting.

20. Gur-e-Amir

The enormous Gur-e-Amir is one of the most impressive mausoleums in Uzbekistan and a spectacular place to visit in Samarkand.

Fun Fact – The architecture of Gur-e-Amir inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal in India .

How to get there – Gur-e Amir is located around the corner of Antica B & B Samarkand .

When to go – Go during sunset

💡 TIP – Gur-e-Amir is a sacred place so make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting.

Where to stay in Samarkand

• Antica B & B Samarkand – A cute local B & B with a main garden. Not to mention, the breakfast is absolutely amazing and freshly made every single day.
• Bibikhanum Hotel – A cute hotel that offers rooms with a balcony and a stunning view over the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.

I hope you enjoyed this article on the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan! If you have any more questions feel free to drop them in the comment section below!

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

You’ll Also Love

November 16, 2019 at 11:28 am

Charlotte, your photos! STUNNING. I used to work with a girl from Uzbekistan and its been on my bucket list ever since. This post bumped it up a few spots for sure.

Charlotte says

November 16, 2019 at 11:35 am

Thank you so much Tina!! That really means a lot to me! 🙂

Nicola Lavin says

November 16, 2019 at 3:26 pm

Uzbekistan has been on my list for a really long time. Your photos make me want to go even more.

Leslie says

November 16, 2019 at 4:01 pm

omg! The colors. Everything looks amazing. It’s now on my bucket list.

Joanna says

November 16, 2019 at 5:46 pm

These photos are amazing! I am actually planning on going to Uzbekistan next summer, so thank you for these suggestions on where to take the best photos.

November 16, 2019 at 11:22 pm

Absolutely gorgeous photos, Uzbekistan looks like such a dreamy place to visit! Also loving the cute dress flips for the photos, I can never seem to get that shot down no matter how hard I try lol!

Vanessa Shields says

November 17, 2019 at 12:25 am

Absolutely love all of your photos! Uzbekistan looks so pretty and is a country I have been wanting to visit. Thanks for all the great tips and info!

November 17, 2019 at 2:29 am

Instagrammable for sure. These photos are amazing. What a beautiful place. So colorful and such intricate detail on the buildings. Love it!

Brianna says

November 17, 2019 at 3:23 am

Love your photos here! The shades of blue and teal in the tiling look really beautiful to photograph. I hadn’t really considered traveling to Uzbekistan but these photos are making me change my mind!

November 17, 2019 at 8:45 am

Thank you so much for saying that Brianna! That really means a lot to me 🙂

Thank you so much Emma! 🙂

November 17, 2019 at 8:46 am

My absolute pleasure Vanessa! I am sure you would have a wonderful time!

thank you! Well it takes a lot of practice :p most photos the dress goes the wrong way 😉

November 17, 2019 at 8:47 am

Oh you will have a fab time in the summer! It does tend to get really hot thought so maybe consider the shoulder months?

Thank you so much Leslie 🙂

November 17, 2019 at 8:48 am

Thank you so much Nicola 🙂

Bliss Eatts says

November 17, 2019 at 1:07 pm

It’s such an undiscovered country. Your photos of it are stunning!

November 17, 2019 at 4:23 pm

Thank you so much! 🙂

Mike Berg says

January 21, 2023 at 7:54 am

Trying to see the stunning architecture but all I can see is your ridiculous dresses and poses. When is this moronic phase going to die out? Did you even notice where you are or just pose like an idiot and leave to pose at the next place.

January 21, 2023 at 10:34 am

Hi Mike, thank you for this insightful comment! I can actually pose in a dress, learn about the local culture and history and have an amazing holiday all at once! Who would have thought a woman can do more than one thing at the same time?? Shocking!

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Uzbekistan – Top 10 Places to visit

Uzbekistan – top 10 places to visit, #1 samarkand.

#4 Shahrisabz

This flourishing city of the Timurid Empire is the birthplace of the great medieval conqueror Amir Temur.  It has exceptional monuments from 14 th to 15 th centuries though its history dates back over 2000 years.  Its historic center retains the layout from the original Timurid city planning.  Amir Temur ordered the Ak Sarai – the white summer palace – to be built as well as his own grave. Tamerlane’s summer palace was one of the highlights of the Timurid architecture.  These days you can still see the remains of the palace’s 65 meter high monumental gates.

#5 Tashkent

#6 Aidarkul Lake & Nurota Mountains

#8 Ancient Fortress Ruins

#9 Fergana Valley

#10 Karakalpakstan

Keep up with our blog or travel to Uzbekistan yourself to learn more first hand about the country’s fascinating history and rich culture.

You can find all our small-group tours to Uzbekistan here . All listed departures are guaranteed. If you prefer a custom private tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

On Tripadvisor you can read reviews from some of our travelers about their trips to Central Asia and Uzbekistan.

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Bukhara - top places to see.

The 25 BEST Things to Do in Uzbekistan [2024 Edition]

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From visiting the shrinking Aral Sea to exploring the architecture of the Registan in Samarkand, here’s our list of the absolute best things to do in Uzbekistan.

For millennia the cities of modern-day Uzbekistan were some of the most important along the ancient silk road.

Traders and merchants would gather in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to buy, sell and trade their goods. 

The borders of modern-day Uzbekistan were created by a certain Josef Stalin, and bear little resemblance to the cultural and linguistic divisions that already existed in the region.

Although the national language is Uzbek, you will be able to get around with Russian, as in all former Soviet nations.

English is usually spoken in hotels and guesthouses although this is certainly not a given. Outside of that environment, English is rarely spoken.

Uzbekistan ranges from the mountainous Fergana Valley and the Tajik border in the east, to sprawling deserts of the west.

This mix of climates and landscapes is one of the things that makes Uzbekistan particularly unique.

Uzbekistan is also home to some of the worlds most spectacular Islamic architecture, history at almost every turn, plenty of Soviet memorabilia, and the best plov in Asia. 

READ MORE: Be sure to use this guide to plan your trip to Uzbekistan !

Table of Contents

1) See a Play at the Navoi Theatre

2) chow down at the chorsu bazaar, 3) take a wander down the kolkouz canal, 4) enjoy islamic architecture and a slice of history at khast imam, 5) check out the spectacular art on the tashkent metro, 6) hike in the ugam-chatkal national park, 7) watch the sunset over the aral sea, 8) visit the ship graveyard in moynaq, 9) see some banned soviet art at the savitsky museum, 10) enjoy a beer whilst watching the sunset in khiva, 11) climb the islam khodja minaret, 12) explore the elliq-qala fortresses, 13) take an early morning walk around the city walls, 14) visit the ark, 15) explore the deserted madrasa kosh, 16) check out the bug pit in zindan prison, 17) visit the spectacular kaylan mosque, 18) explore bukhara’s backstreets, 19) marvel at the registan, 20) check out gur-e-amir at night, 21) explore shah-i-zinda, 22) find the gumbaz synagogue, 23) be amazed by the aksaray palace ruins in sharisbaz, 24) visit the khan’s palance in kokand, 25) learn about traditional silk making at the yogorlik silk factory in margilon, the best things to do in uzbekistan.

If you’re not sure what to do in Uzbekistan then check out this article for our rundown of the best things to do in this rarely visited nation.

Tashkent and Around

Tashkent does get overlooked at times, with many preferring to focus on the counties other big hitters, however, the largest city in Central Asia is home to some pretty awesome things to do .

So make sure you give yourself a few days here to explore!

This gorgeous Soviet era theatre is a great place to catch a ballet show. Don’t expect anyone at the ticket office to speak English, so you’ll need a mixture of google translate and some Russian.

We bought tickets to a ballet show, and then on the night, it had changed to a performance of classic Russian dance.

Nonetheless, it was a fantastic show.

The Chorsu Bazaar’s blue dome is one of Tashkent’s, and indeed Uzbekistan’s most iconic sights. The bazaar spills out of Chorsu and onto the surrounding streets and is always buzzing with life.

Inside the main building itself expect to find meat, mounds of spices, fruit and vegetables, of both the fresh and pickled varieties. 

There is a great eating area just outside with numerous vendors offering plenty of Central Asian classics including plov, shashlik, manti, Samsa and beshbermak. The shashlik and plov, in particular, are excellent.

Starting from close to Tinchlik subway station the Kolkouz Canal winds its way through sleepy old Tashkent to Khast Imam and beyond. 

Gated houses, precariously parked Lada’s and invites in for tea are commonplace in this hospitable and fascinating area of Tashkent. It’s a part of Tashkent that doesn’t reflect the cities’ recent modern developments or tip a hat to its Soviet past.

Very close to the starting point of the canal is Chitagay Mosque and bazaar which are well worth checking it. 

This is probably the most well known and spectacular piece of Islamic architecture in Tashkent.

If you wander along the Kolkouz Canal there is a point where you can leave the trail and in a few minutes you will be in the centre of Khast Imam complex.

The three main buildings are the Hazroti Imom Friday mosque built-in 2007 under the orders of President Islam Karimov, the 16th century Barak Khan Madrasa and the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum . 

The latter is said to hold one of the world’s oldest copies of the Quran, written in the 8th or 9th century. It also contains a number of rare books, so it’s definitely worth a visit. 

Just to the northwest is the small, but beautiful, Kaffal Shoshi Mausoleum that is also well worth checking out. 

If you can find a spot in the shade, take a seat and just simply enjoy. 

There is certainly a bit of Soviet influence here with some amazing designs that are quite breathtaking. 

Until recently there was a ban on taking photos of the subway. However, you are welcome to take photos now and enjoy the art whether you take a picture or not!

Uzbekistan is not as well known for hiking as it’s neighbours Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, however, there is a outdoor activities are becoming more accessible and more popular.

Just two hours northeast of Tashkent you will find the Ugam-Chatkal National Park . There are plenty of hiking trails as well as kayaking and rafting in some parts. 

Chimgan will be your first port of call. You can either hike in the area of delve further into the national park. 

If you find yourself in Uzbekistan in the height of the summer then do yourself a favour and head to the Ugam-Chatkal National Park for some cool mountain air.

READ MORE: Check out these other amazing things to do in Tashkent !

Karakalpakstan Region

Uzbekistan’s desolate northeastern region is known for a handful of things: the desert, the Aral Sea and an art museum housing banned Soviet-era paintings. 

Welcome to one of mankind’s most spectacular environmental disasters. The Aral Sea was once the world’s fourth-largest lake. However, now it’s 20% of its original size and shrinking fast. 

Things started going downhill when the Soviet government began diverting tributary rivers to Uzbekistan’s thirsty cotton field. Sadly it came with some truly dire consequences, that are still not fully understood to this day.

A visit to the Aral Sea will leave you torn between the area’s beauty and the region’s tragic history.

With breathtaking views from the Ustyurt Plateau , the gargantuan military-grade runway at South Ustyurt and the abandoned fishing village of Urga , a visit to the Aral Sea is a once in a lifetime experience that will take you on an emotional journey. 

Sunset over the Aral Sea is nothing short of spectacular – a perfect time to reflect on everything you have seen.

This is probably more famous than the Aral Sea itself is the ship graveyard in the town of Moynaq. 

Back when the Aral Sea was still the world’s 4th largest lake, Moynaq was home to a thriving fishing industry. 

Now the ships that were at the heart of that industry lie rusting on the former seabed with the Aral 100 or so kilometres away.  

It’s a surreal experience, but absolutely one of the best things to do in Uzbekistan.

This museum holds a rather lovely collection of artwork that was once banned by the Soviet authorities and is certainly worth checking out if you’re in Nukus. 

Khiva and Khorezm  

Khiva is one of Uzbekistan’s most well known ancient towns. However, unlike Samarkand and Bukhara, Khiva is still surrounded by its old city walls.

Many travellers skip over Khiva. However, this would definitely be a mistake.

READ MORE: Definitely check out our guide to the best places to visit in Uzkebkistan to finalise your trip!

When people think of Khiva, Itchan Kala , the walled city is what often springs to mind. Filled with gorgeous mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and a rather odd museum in praise of Islam Karimov it’s one of Uzbekistan’s most evocative sites. 

The west gate is the main entrance, with the gateway flanked by the walls that encircle the city’s interior.

Grab a beer at one of the many guesthouses opposite the western walls and watch as the walls change from yellow to a deep orange as the sunsets.

In the southeastern corner of Khiva’s Itchan Kala, you will find Islam Khodja Minaret. It certainly does not have the same outward visual appeal as the Kalta Minor Minaret, but the views from it are pretty spectacular. 

Try and time it so that you get here early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light is better for photographs.

A short drive from Khiva are the Elliq-Qala fortresses, a collection of 50 of so ancient desert fortresses. The majority have sadly been lost to time and erosion.

However, there are a number of them that rise proudly from the desert landscape.

Your guesthouse should be able to arrange a private taxi for you. Alternatively, you can head out to the north gate and arrange one with the taxi and marshrutka drivers that congregate there.

Expect to pay around $20-40 for a four-person car for the day. 

Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a good hat as the heat can be brutal.  

When visiting Khiva you should buy a ticket at the entrance that is valid for two days and allows entry to a number of sights with Itchan Kala.

One freebie and one that is rarely taken advantage of by visitors is walking around the northern section of the city wall. 

Unsurprisingly there are plenty of excellent viewing spots. But if you really want to enjoy this walk then get out early to get the best light, and avoid the searing daytime heat. 

READ MORE: Add these great things to do in Khiva to your itinerary!

Bukhara and Around

Bukhara sits between Khiva and Samarkand and is a city shrouded in history.

For many years the Khanate of Bukhara was one of the most powerful in Uzbekistan. 

Make sure you spend time wandering the back streets, especially first thing in the morning and watch the sunset from the Chashrai Mirob, a great cafe with spectacular views over the heart of Bukhara. 

This imposing fortress on the western side of Bukhara has welcomed numerous merchants and dignitaries throughout history.

There’s an interesting museum that provides a great insight into the ark and its history. 

Built in the 5th century AD, this earthen fort was historically the seat of power in the Bukhara.

It was the residence of the Emir of Bukhara. And it came to the attention of the British Empire when two army officers Charles Stoddart and Arthur Conolly were beheaded after being charged with spying for the British Empire in 1842. 

To the west of The Ark, you will find a large market and the beautiful Madras Kosh. There are some buildings that are starting to crumble, but the vast majority are in great condition.

Amazingly this madrasa is often deserted as the majority of travellers stay within the old town. 

The market next door sells plenty of fresh fruit and Uzbek street snacks including some incredible samsa.

Prior to their beheading in front of The Ark, Charles Stoddart and Arthur Conolly languished in the bug pit at Zindan prison at the behest of the Emir of Bukhara, Nasrullah Khan. 

The bug pit was by far the worst of the cells in the prison. On a daily basis, scorpions, bugs and rodents would be poured onto the prisoners who waited at the bottom of the 4-meter deep pit. 

Whilst the dummies in the prison are certainly not convincing, it’s an interesting museum that sheds some light on a rather gruesome period in Uzbekistan’s history.

At the heart of Bukhara is the Kaylan Mosque. Alongside the Mir-i-Arab and the Kaylan Minaret, it forms a central square the city’s winding roads feed into.

Visiting first thing in the morning is a great time to visit as the city begins to awaken.

Then head to Chashmai Mirob at sunset for some spectacular views over the Kaylan Mosque and surrounding buildings. 

Bukhara’s backstreets offer numerous hidden gems and gorgeous old crumbling buildings. 

The area to the west of Lyabi Hauz is a great place to explore first thing in the morning as the city is waking. 

To the south of the city, you will find a number of crumbling old mosques as well as a Jewish cemetery and 2 synagogues.

This area of Bukhara is very much off the tourist trail.

READ MORE: Check out all these great things to do in Bukhara !

Samarkand and Around

For many, Samarkand is the most beautiful city in Uzbekistan. It doesn’t have the backstreets like Bukhara or the old city walls of Khiva.

But in Samarkand, the city’s modernity has grown around its ancient wonders accentuating its splendour and elegance. 

This is what Samarkand is most well known for . The spectacular collection of 3 buildings lies at the heart of the city.

The oldest is is the Ulugh Beg Madrasa which was built in 1417. The Tilya-Kori and Sher-Dor madrasas were both built in the 17th century. 

Ancient travellers from China, North Africa and Europe have written about the Registan, with George Curzon, a future Viceroy of India, claiming it to be the noblest public square in the world.

It’s a spectacular combination of opulent architecture and dazzling tile work. As you stroll through the 3 madrasa’s it’s hard not to have your breath taken away. 

A mausoleum to the most well known Central Asian leader in history, Timur (or Timurlane, as he is occasionally known). It is believed that his conquests of the region lead to the death of 5% of the world’s population. 

In spite of his brutality, Timur is revered in Uzbekistan with numerous statues and museums dedicated to him all over the country. The most famous being Amir Timur Square in Tashkent. 

This gorgeous blue-domed mausoleum lies away from the throngs visiting the Registan. Being tucked away in a quiet corner of the city gives it an almost magical feel. 

As beautiful as it is during the day, come back at night to be truly amazed.

Shah-i-Zinda’s rather unassuming exterior is a contrast with its stunning interior. The narrow alleyways and winding corridors contrast grandeur of the Registan, Gur-e-Amir and Bibi Khanym Mosque. Shah-i-Zinda’s spectacular tile work sets it apart from many other sights in Uzbekistan. 

The mausoleum was built over 8 centuries and now contains 20 different mausoleums squeezed together with breathtaking tile work throughout.  

If you count the 40 steps when entering and descending it is believed you will have a pure soul and thoughts. 

This is absolutely one of the best things to do in Uzbekistan.

Hidden amongst a maze of streets close to Shah-i-Zinda is the Gumbaz Synagogue. Built in 1891 it was the centre of Samarkand’s Jewish community. 

It is definitely worth visiting. However, you will need to call ahead to check if someone’s there as it’s not manned 24-7.

About an hour from Samarkand is the city of Sharisabz. 

It is one of Central Asia oldest cities, being founded 2700 years ago. Formerly known as Kish or Kesh, it was the birthplace of Central Asia’s greatest conqueror Amir Timur.

There is a mausoleum to Timur here, although he is actually buried at Gur-e-Amir in Samarkand. 

At the heart of the city is the ruins of the Aksaray Palace as a summer residence for the great conqueror himself.

Commissioned by Amir Timur in 1380, it took 25 years to construct. Sadly the vast majority of the palace has collapsed into the desert.

However, the pishtaqs that remain give you an idea of just how spectacular this palace was in its heyday.  

READ MORE: Here are 15 more great things to do in Samarkand !

Fergana Valley

The Fergana Valley is probably the most off-the-beaten-track region in Uzbekistan. It’s a region that has been blighted with instability and political challenges.

Built in 1873 this spectacular palace is another architectural gem. Khudayar Khan was a cruel individual who cemented his unpopularity when he took the side of Russia, who had recently conquered Central Asia.

Nestled in the heart of one of the country’s most turbulent regions this is a highly recommended spot in the Fergana Valley. 

This silk factory makes silk the traditional way. The cocoons are placed in warm water to loosen the threads. When the threads are found they are then hand-woven into the khan-atlas style for which Uzbekistan is famous.

These dense silk fabrics are absolutely spectacular, with clothes, carpets and embroidered all available to purchase. 

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Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Perfect Uzbekistan Itinerary (2024 Guide)

The 14 BEST Places to Visit in Uzbekistan [2024 Guide]

19 AWESOME Things to Do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan [2024]

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16 things to know before visiting Uzbekistan

Aug 12, 2023 • 9 min read

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

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

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

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

1. Uzbekistan can be uncomfortably hot in summer

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

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

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

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

3. Book high-speed train tickets in advance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Be ready for the local bureaucracy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Brush up on your chaikhana etiquette

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

10. Body Language

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

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

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

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

12. Bazaars are your friend if you’re vegetarian

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

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

13. Uzbekistan is generally safe

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

14. Women travelers face few problems

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

15. Health Issues

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

16. Get more from the sights

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

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

Are you wondering how to see the best places in Uzbekistan in 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days or more? Here are 3 best Uzbekistan itinerary suggestions to visit the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan. 

Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia famous for its stunning mosques, mausoleums, madrasahs, and other sites linked to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. If you love historical sites and beautiful Islamic architecture, you’ll certainly love traveling to Uzbekistan!

All the main Silk Road cities and places of interest in Uzbekistan are connected by train or bus so it’s very easy to travel independently around the country.

I’ve already visited Uzbekistan four times: in 2017, in 2019, in 2022, and just recently in 2023, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed all of my trips!

As I know the country very well by now, I can help you plan your trip to Uzbekistan and will share more about the Uzbekistan points of interest, the best things to do, and the most beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan.

In this guide, you’ll find various Uzbekistan travel itinerary suggestions from one week in Uzbekistan, a 10-day trip to Uzbekistan, a 14-day Uzbekistan itinerary, to an additional list of Uzbekistan tourist places and off-the-beaten-path destinations if you’d have 3 to 4 weeks to travel around the country.

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

How to get to Uzbekistan

Tashkent and Samarkand both have international airports.  Tashkent International Airport  is the most popular arrival destination into Uzbekistan. It’s a 30-minute drive to get from the airport to the city center of Tashkent by taxi.

You can also travel overland to Uzbekistan from one of its neighboring countries. The easiest and most common routes 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, shared taxi and train
• f rom Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) to Tashkent by bus
• f rom Penjikent (Tajikistan) to Samarkand by shared taxi
• from Khudjand (Tajikistan) to Tashkent by bus

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.

I have so much more info to share from how to travel to Uzbekistan, how to apply for a visa and what to wear to how much money to bring and how to prepare yourself for the trip. You can read everything in the Complete Travel Guide to Uzbekistan .

Uzbekistan Travel Guide: 18 useful things you need to know before you go

What is the perfect time to visit Uzbekistan

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is 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. However, these are the busiest times in the country.

If you want to avoid the crowds in the Silk Road cities, you should travel to Uzbekistan in summer (June – September) or winter (November – March). Just be aware that summers can be soaring hot, with temperatures up to 40°C during the day.

Winter in Uzbekistan isn’t too cold, with average temperatures around 5°C, and it’s most of the time sunny so this season is a great time to visit Uzbekistan for anyone who wants to avoid crowds.

How many days are enough for Uzbekistan

It’s possible to visit the main tourist attractions in Uzbekistan within one week but I’d recommend at least 10 days to fully absorb everything this country has on offer.

The 26 most beautiful and best places to visit in Uzbekistan

How to travel around Uzbekistan

The quickest way to travel around Uzbekistan is by train . The modern high-speed train, called the Afrosiyab , is a bit more expensive than the old-fashioned Sharq  train but you’ll get faster to your destinations.

I highly recommend booking your train tickets in advance ! Some trains are quickly sold out, especially in during the high season (May – September). It would just really suck if you have to wait an extra day to catch the train to the next city, especially when you’re on a tight schedule, and therefore have to skip a destination.

You can nowadays book your train tickets online on the official Uzbekistan Railways website . Read my Uzbekistan Railways Guide – How to take trains in Uzbekistan in which I explain the online booking process.

If you prefer to buy your tickets on the spot, you can go to one of the train stations in Uzbekistan upon your arrival and buy all the train tickets you need in one go.

Another thing I like to recommend is installing the Yandex Taxi app on your phone. This app allows you to easily order a taxi without having to bargain for the price or get scammed. Like most taxi drivers around the world, Uzbek taxi drivers love tripling the standard rate for unwary tourists.

The Complete Guide to Train Travel in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Itinerary 7 days: How to spend one week in Uzbekistan

This itinerary includes the 4 most beautiful and interesting destinations in Uzbekistan. The only thing though is that Khiva lies at a big distance from the other cities (see map below).

If you really want to visit these 4 stunning Silk Road cities in 7 days, you’ll have to be willing to rush a bit and not spend more than one full day in each place.

In case you’d only have 5 days in Uzbekistan: follow this itinerary but skip Khiva: travel instead from Tashkent to Bukhara on day 2.

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!

• Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent in the morning, visit Tashkent, overnight in Tashkent ot night train to Khiva
• Day 2: Arrival in Khiva in the morning, visit Khiva, overnight in Khiva
• Day 3: Visit Khiva in morning, travel to Bukhara by train, overnight in Bukhara
• Day 4: Full day in Bukhara , overnight in Bukhara
• Day 5: Travel to Samarkand in morning, visit Samarkand, overnight in Samarkand
• Day 6: Visit Samarkand or day trip to Shahrisabz , overnight in Samarkand
• Day 7: Visit Samarkand, return to Tashkent in late afternoon

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent, overnight in Tashkent or Night train to Khiva

The first thing I recommend you to do when you’re in Tashkent – in case you haven’t pre-booked any of your train tickets yet – is to go to the Northern Railway Station (Tashkent Vokzal) and buy your train tickets for the duration of your trip to Uzbekistan.

Look on the map below to see where you can find Tashkent Vokzal. The easiest way to get there is by taking the metro and getting off at Tashkent Metro Station . The ticket office is on the left-hand side of the train station.

Try to go as early as possible (the Tashkent train station should be open from 8:00 am) to avoid waiting in line for hours. Most of the clerks speak English.

Don’t forget to bring your passport and cash money!  When I was there in the summer of 2019, I wasn’t able yet to pay for my tickets by VISA or Master Card.

As soon as you’ve got the transport for your Uzbekistan trip covered, you can start with the fun part – exploring Tashkent!

Now how to spend a fun day in Uzbekistan’s capital city?

Things to do in Tashkent

There are many fun things to do and attractions to visit in Tashkent. Even if you wouldn’t have much time, here are my personal top 5 places and activities to do in Tashkent:

• Admire the Islamic architecture of the Hazrat Imam Complex and see the oldest Koran in the world
• Go shopping or watch people at the Chorsu Bazaar
• Have lunch at the Central Asian Plov Center
• Ride the Tashkent metro and photograph some of the world’s most beautiful metro stations
• Go for a stroll around  Amir Timur Square where you’ll also be able to visit Hotel Uzbekistan   and the Amir Timur Museum   nearby

For a complete one-day Tashkent itinerary, that also includes these top 5 places, check out my Complete City Guide to Tashkent .  This guide tells you everything you need to know about visiting Tashkent, including how to get around Tashkent easily, the top 15 things to do in the city and how to get to every place of interest by public transport.

Top Things to do in Tashkent – Tashkent City Guide

City Tours in Tashkent

There are several guided city (walking) tours you can do in Tashkent. I often like taking a guided tour around a city as it allows me to learn more about the local culture and the history of a destination.

Here are a couple of city tours in Tashkent I recommend:

Taking the overnight train to Khiva

To save yourself time, take the night train from Tashkent to Khiva. Departure is at 21h from Tashkent train station (to get there, take the metro to Tashkent metro ) and you’ll arrive at Khiva train station at 10h55 the morning after. You can book train tickets here . Note: you should be at the train station 45 minutes before departure as you have to go through luggage and passport control. 

Alternative option: Take a flight from Tashkent to urgench

A flight from Tashkent to Urgench (Khiva’s nearest airport) takes around 1.5 hours and costs around €60 one way. You can book your flight through  Uzbekistan Airways and leave in the early morning of day 2.

Where to stay in Tashkent

• Budget: Light Hostel is conveniently located in Tashkent. It’s about 40-minutes walking from the train station and a 20-minute walk from Oybek metro station, from where you can easily travel to Tashkent’s city center. Check out rates and availability for “Light Hostel”
• Mid-range: Hotel Suzuk-Ota offers clean and nice rooms, a shared lounge and a garden and is located in a park next to the Suzuk Ota Mosque and at walking distance from a mall and many restaurants. The closest metro stations are Chorsu and Bunyodkor. Check out rates and availability for “Hotel Suzuk-Ota”
• High-end: The Ichan Q’ala Hotel is the best-rated hotel in Tashkent. It has beautifully decorated rooms, an indoor fitness center and a swimming pool. Check out rates and availability for “Ichan Qal’a Hotel”

Day 2: Khiva, overnight in Khiva

If you’re taking the night train, you’ll arrive in Khiva around 10h55 in the morning. It’s a 20-minute walk from the train station to the center of Khiva. I always walk it but you can also ask your hotel for a taxi.

If you decided to take an early morning flight from Tashkent to Urgench, you’ll have to take or arrange a taxi from the airport in Urgench to Khiva. The ride takes around 30 minutes and costs around €25.

Itchan Kala, Khiva’s old city center, has over 50 historical sites. As you’re a bit short in time, you won’t be able to visit them all but you’ll have enough time to see Khiva’s main attractions as it’s a very small city.

Top things to see in Khiva:

Here are the top 4 places in Khiva you should definitely see:

• The Kalta Minor minaret
• The Islam Khodja minaret – definitely climb to the top for a panoramic view over Khiva!
• The Juma mosque
• The Kuhna Ark Fortress – climb the watchtower to see the sunset over Khiva!

For a detailed list of things to do, I highly recommend – of course – my very own  City Guide to Khiva. This guide covers all the main sites in Khiva, some history, great tips concerning entrance fees and museum tickets (and how to save money) and practical travel info concerning this open-air museum of Uzbekistan. It’s a must-read!

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

City Tours in Khiva

I highly recommend taking   a guided city tour in Khiva . There’s just so much history in this ancient Silk Road City that you won’t learn if you visit the city by yourself.

I’m talking out of experience as during my latest visit to Khiva, I hired a guide and discovered the city in a completely different way. I usually like to explore places by myself but having a guide to show me around and sharing stories about the history and her daily life in Khiva definitely added value to my experience!

You can find guides at the western gate entrance of Itchan Kala. An English-speaking guide costs around $30 to $40 for a 3-hour tour. I recommend my guide Anna Pasha (she speaks English and French). You can contact her via Whatsapp +998914363780.

You can also book a Khiva city tour online in advance. During this tour, you’ll visit every major site in Khiva while a guide gives you background info and tells stories of this mystical city.

Where to stay in Khiva

There are plenty of great hotels and guesthouses in Khiva . The best place to stay is in Ichan Qala near all the popular attractions and sights.

• Budget: Khiva Mirza Bobur Guest House is a family-owned guest house in the center of the old city, next to Terrassa Cafe and Kuhna Ark . It’s a great option if you’re traveling solo. The rooms all have air-conditioning so they’re very comfortable even in the harsh summer heat. Check rates and availability for “Khiva Mirza Bobur Guest House”
• Mid-range: Islam Khoja is a lovely family-owned guesthouse located in the heart of Khiva. The family that owns the place is incredibly friendly and caring, going the extra mile to make sure that their guests are comfortable. The guesthouse has a stunning courtyard where you can enjoy your breakfast while having a view on the Islam Khoja Minaret. Check rates and availability for “Islam Khoja”
• High-end: Khiva Siyovush Hotel : This family-run hotel offers another unique stay in Khiva. All rooms have an authentic style and don’t forget to admire the woodcarving work, done by the family’s woodcarving masters. The guesthouse is centrally located and easy to walk to all the main sites in Khiva. Check rates and availability for “Khiva Siyovush Hotel”

Day 3: Travel to Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara

There are daily two trains going from Khiva to Bukhara; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This leaves you 2 options:

• Spend the morning in Khiva and take the train at 16h22. Arrival in Bukhara at 00.18
• Take the morning train in Khiva at 8h28. Arrival in Bukhara at 16h17.

The train station of Bukhara is located at a 30-minutes ride from the old city center so you’ll have to take a taxi from the train station to your hotel (30 minutes ride) . A taxi costs 25.000 som, you will have to bargain but don’t pay more than 30.000 som! You can also ask at your hotel for transfer from the train station to your hotel. 

Note: I often receive messages from people who are a little worried about arriving at the train station past midnight. As I’ve done this a few times myself as a solo female traveler, I can tell you that it’s safe. There will also be taxi drivers. However, as it’s late at night, they’ll try to charge you 50.000 som. Stick to the 30.000 som and you’ll get a ride!

Where to stay in Bukhara

There are plenty of very good hostels and guesthouses in Bukhara. The best place to stay is in the old town near all the popular attractions and sights.

• Budget: Dervish Hostel is the best hostel to stay in Bukhara if you’re on a budget. The dorm rooms are exceptionally clean, there’s a large cosy courtyard and the breakfast included in the price is delicious. The hostel is centrally located in a quiet neighborhood, just 5 minutes away from the Liaby Khaus ensemble, so getting there is quite easy and convenient. Check out rates and availability for “Dervish Hostel”
• Mid-range: Old Gate Hotel is a beautiful hotel I recommend for those with a mid-range budget. The hotel is located in the heart of Bukhara, near the Ulugbek Madrassah. Old Gate Hotel is a former family home and Nurbek, the kind and hospitable owner of this family-run hotel, will be happy to tell you about its fascinating history. Check out rates and availability for “Old Gate Hotel”
• High-end: For those who’re looking for a high-end stay in Bukhara, I highly recommend Shohnishin Boutique . This brand new hotel (opened in 2022) is located 50 meters from Lyab-i-Hauz. The beautifully ornated rooms have large windows facing the quiet inner courtyard and offer all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Check out rates and availability for “ Shohnishin Boutique ”

Day 4: Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara

The historic town of Bukhara isn’t very big and all the main sights are so close to each other that you can visit them all on foot.

Top things to do in Bukhara:

Here are 5 top places to visit in the old city of Bukhara:

• Ark Fortress
• Poi Kalon Ensemble
• Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble
• Chor Minor Madrasah
• Ulugbek and Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah

There are of course many more places to see and fun things to do in Bukhara. Check out my  Complete City Guide to Bukhara   with everything you need to know about this city, including all the main attractions, cool activities and best places to eat!

Top Things to do in Bukhara – Bukhara City Guide

City Tours in Bukhara

I recommend taking  a guided city tour in Bukhara . There’s so much history and stories to be told from this ancient Silk Road City. Visiting Bukhara with a guide will make your trip even more interesting!

You can get an English-speaking guide at the tourist information center in the center of the old town. You’ll pay $50 for a 3-hour guided tour and $80 for a 5-hour tour.

You can also book the guided city tour below.

Day 5: Travel to Samarkand, overnight in Samarkand

The train journey between Bukhara and Samarkand isn’t very long – 1,5 hours with the Afrosiyob train and little bit less than 2,5 hours with the Sharq train – and there are trains leaving from Bukhara in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Note: the train station is a 30-minute drive from the old city of Bukhara. You should be at the train station 45 minutes before departure as you have to go through luggage and passport control. So you need to depart from Bukhara city at the latest 75 minutes before your train departure.

Getting a taxi to Bukhara train station: ask your hotel to arrange a taxi or find them at the taxi stands near this mosque . A taxi costs around 25.000 som, at night they might charge 30.000 som. You can also arrange a taxi beforehand at one of the taxi companies located near Bukhara Old City . 

I suggest taking the train in the morning so you have nearly a full day to spend in Samarkand. Once you arrive at the train station in Samarkand , you can take a taxi to your hotel/hostel. The historic center of Samarkand is about 5 km from the train station.

The standard rate to get from the train station to the historic center of Samarkand by taxi is 5000 UZS . Never get into a taxi before agreeing on the price!

The main attractions of Samarkand are located within walking distance of each other. In case you still want/need to take a taxi to get around the city, know that the standard rate for taking a taxi in Samarkand is 4000 UZS. 

Top Places to visit in Samarkand:

Here are the top 3 places in Samarkand you definitely should visit:

• Registan Square
• Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
• Shah-i-Zinda Complex

For a complete itinerary with all the places to visit in Samarkand, and suggestions on where to eat, read my  Samarkand City Guide !

Top Things to do in Samarkand – Samarkand City Guide

City Tours in Samarkand

I recommend taking a guided city tour in Samarkand . There’s just so much history in this ancient Silk Road City that you won’t learn if you visit the city by yourself.

Where to stay in Samarkand

• Budget: I stayed in Amir Hostel during my first visit to Samarkand and felt very good here! The owners were very welcoming and the location of the hostel is located within a 20-minute walking distance from Registan. Check out the rates and availability for “Amir Hostel”
• Mid-range: UYUT is a family-owned business, run by very warm and helpful people. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the breakfast is very tasty and there’s even an inner yard where you can relax. The hotel is right in the center of Samarkand and is located within walking distance of all the main sites. Check out the rates and availability for “UYUT”
• High-end: Sangzor Boutique Hotel is a beautiful small boutique hotel is located on the pedestrianized street within walking distance to all the main sights of Samarkand. The hotel also has a garden where you can relax after a day of sightseeing. Check out the rates and availability for “Sangzor Boutique Hotel”

Day 6: Visit Samarkand or day trip to Shahrisabz, overnight in Samarkand

Today you can go either take a full day to visit Samarkand or go on a (half) day trip to Shahrisabz , a city located 88 km south of Samarkand.

Shahrisabz, also written Shakhrisabz and formerly known as Kesh, is one of the most ancient cities along the Silk Road. It was the birthplace of Amir Timur, founder of the Timurid dynasty and one of the most important historical figures of Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

If you’ve spent the previous days in Tashkent and Samarkand, you’ll definitely have seen his statue everywhere, along with his stunning architectural projects.

Things to do in Shahrisabz

Shahrisabz has some impressive monuments that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most famous place in Shahrisabz are the gate arches of the Ak-Saray Palace , the only remains of the palace that was built for Amir Timur.

Other places of interest in Shahrisabz are the Dorut Tilovat Complex with the Kok Gumbaz mosque and the Dorus Siyadat Complex which contains the tomb of Timur’s eldest son.

Shahrisabz is a small city so you can easily see all the main attractions in 2 hours. You could leave in the early morning and be back in Samarkand in the late afternoon to spend more time visiting places around the city.

Travel Guide to Sharisabz and 6 more great day trips from Samarkand

How to get from Samarkand to Shahrisabz and back:

It’s about 1,5 hours driving from Samarkand to Shahrisabz. The best way to get there is to hire a taxi driver who’ll drive you there, wait for a few hours and take you back to Samarkand.

This 2-way trip with the driver waiting costs about $45 USD. You can always ask around in your hostel or hotel if someone wants to join you and share the costs.

If you don’t want the driver to wait or want to keep the costs lower, you can also go by shared taxi. You can find a shared taxi from Samarkand to Shahrisabz at Suzangaran, which is about 100m south of the Registan mashrutka stop.  You shouldn’t pay more than 5000 UZS for a seat in the shared taxi.

It might happen that the taxi only goes to Kitab, a town located at 10 km from Shahrisabz. From there you can take a mashrutka (minibus) or another shared taxi to Shahrisabz, which shouldn’t be more than 2000 UZS. To get back from Shahrisabz to Samarkand, you can look for a taxi in the surrounding area but be aware that the taxi drivers might ask for a lot more money.

You could also take a mashrutka (minibus) from Shahrisabz to Kitab, visit the bazaar there and go to the taxi stand near the junction at the bazaar. Ask the locals for directions if needed.

Tours to Shahrisabz :

In my opinion, the most beneficial way to see Shahrisabz would be by booking a guided day tour to Shahrisabz .

You’ll learn far more about the history from a local guide, have no hassle with transport and have your day taken care of. If you choose this, you can get picked up in Samarkand, listen and learn.

You can organize this with your guesthouse or hotel or book online . It should cost around $75.

Day 7: Return to Tashkent

There are daily several trains from Samarkand to Tashkent. It takes a bit more than 2 hours by highspeed train (Afrosiyob) and around 4 hours with the Sharq train to travel between the 2 cities.

Depending on your departure flight from Tashkent; you can spend the morning in Samarkand to (re)visit some more places and/or buy souvenirs at the market or shops. You can then take the train in the afternoon to arrive in Tashkent in the evening.

If you have an early morning flight, you can either travel straight from the train station in Tashkent to the international airport or you can spend the evening in a hotel to freshen up and take a taxi from the hotel to the international airport.

Uzbekistan Itinerary 10 days

I think having at least 10 days in Uzbekistan is ideal to visit all the Silk Road cities and main attractions in Uzbekistan without being in a rush. Below is a detailed 10-day Uzbekistan itinerary suggestion.

• Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent , visit Tashkent, overnight in Tashkent or night train to Khiva
• Day 3: Visit Khiva or day trip to Khorezm Fortresses , overnight in Khiva
• Day 4: Travel from Khiva to Bukhara , overnight in Bukhara
• Day 5: Visit Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara
• Day 6 – 7 : Visit to Nuratau Mountains , overnight in Nuratau Mountains
• Day 8: Travel to Samarkand in morning, visit Samarkand, overnight in Samarkand
• Day 9: Visit Samarkand or day trip to Shahrisabz , overnight in Samarkand
• Day 10: Visit Samarkand, return to Tashkent

Day 1 : Arrival in Tashkent, overnight in Tashkent or night train to Khiva

See day 1 of the 7-day itinerary above

Day 2 : Khiva, overnight in Khiva

See day 2 of the 7-day itinerary above .

Day 3: Visit Khiva or day trip to Khorezm Fortresses, overnight in Khiva

You can either spend a full day in Khiva or go on a (half) day trip to the Khorzem Fortresses .

The Khorezm Fortresses, also called Ellik Kala in Uzbek, are a series of  50 ancient fortress ruins in the middle of the Karakalpak Desert. They are listed as the Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some of the fortresses are more than 2000 years old.

Nowadays, only around 20 of these fortresses remain as some were destroyed during agricultural developments. Some of these Kala’s aren’t more than remaining foundations while others will still give you an idea of how impressive they must have been.

Some of these fortresses ( Toprak Kala, Kizil Kala, Ayaz Kala and Jonobs Kala ) can be visited as a day trip from Khiva. You can check with your hotel if they can arrange a driver + private transport for you. Prices start from 40 USD.

I would highly recommend arranging a guided tour to those fortresses if you want to learn more about its interesting and rich history. You can book a guided tour via a local agency or you can book this trip online (when available):

Day 4 : Travel from Khiva to Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara

See day 3 of the 7-day itinerary above .

Day 5 : Visit Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara

See day 4 of the 7-day itinerary above .

Day 6 – 7 : Visit to Nuratau Mountains, overnight in Nuratau Mountains

If you prefer to spend more time in the cities, you can stay an extra day in Khiva and/ or Bukhara and you can always go on a day trip from Bukhara ( see day 8 of the 14-day Uzbekistan itinerary below) . However, if you’re craving some nature during your trip to Uzbekistan, then you should definitely take these 2 days to visit the Nuratau Mountains. I would also recommend spending 2 nights in one or two villages before continuing your trip to Samarkand on day 8.

The Nuratau range is located in the west of Uzbekistan, parallel with the road from Bukhara to Samarkand. The mountains extend between the Kyzylkum Desert on the west and the eastern Barren Steppe. Depending on the season, the area bustles in agricultural activity: mulberries, walnuts and pistachio trees all flourish here.

Hundreds of tiny villages are nestled in the valleys of the Nuratau Mountains. The rolling hills provide thousands of possible trails if you’re into hiking or horse riding . You can also just stay in cozy guest house in one of the villages and go on a wander around the area. You won’t come across many tourists here. You’ll be at total peace (aside from the donkeys, cockerels and goats that were my morning alarm during my time there).

There are many villages where you can spend some time in the mountains and experience the rural village life in Uzbekistan. It will definitely give you a totally different experience from the Silk Road cities!

One of the more popular villages is called Sentob (or Sentyab). The road into Sentob is winding and takes you into the cool shade of walnut trees which run along the banks of the stream that gives life to this small village.

The inhabitants of Sentyab are mostly Tajik  who fled the armies of Alexander the Great in Tajikistan . This little oasis is a great place to relax and get your fix of nature, especially after spending days checking out the impressive caravanserais, mosques, and madrasahs of Uzbekistan’s cities. There are a couple of homestays but you can’t book them online, due to limited Wi-Fi in the mountains.

Other villages in the Nuratau Mountains where you can spend some time are Asraf , Hayat and Majerum . You can find more information about these villages in my Uzbekistan Hiking Guide .

Hiking in Uzbekistan: 6 best hiking trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains

How to visit the villages in the Nuratau Mountains

Because the Nuratau mountain villages are relatively new to tourism, it’s pretty challenging to get there independently.

The easiest would be to get a shared taxi to the closest city, Jizzakh. From there you can get a shared or private taxi to f.eg. Sentob. This might be a little expensive because of the lack of clients and the fact that the drivers might have to drive back without any customers. It is also possible to hitchhike this route with a bit of patience and willingness to explain what hitchhiking is!

The easiest way would be to book an organized tour to the mountains with a local guide. You can always  contact me  as I have some local partners who can help and I’ll put you in touch with them. There are currently a select amount of tours to the Nuratau Mountains that you can book online . Here are the two experiences I would recommend:

Day 8 : Travel to Samarkand, visit Samarkand, overnight in Samarkand

You can arrange with your tour guide – or hitchhike or take a private taxi – to travel from the Nuratau Mountains to Samarkand in the morning. You’ll be in Samarkand around noon. See day 5 of the 7-day itinerary above .

Day 9 : Visit Samarkand or day trip to SHahrisabz, overnight in Samarkand

See day 6 of the 7-day itinerary above .

Day 10 : Visit Samarkand, return to Tashkent

See day 7 of the 7-day itinerary above .

Are you looking for a customized guided tour in Uzbekistan and/or other countries in Central Asia ? Do you need help planning your itinerary ?

Have a look at my C e n t r a l A s i a tour and itinerary planning services !

Uzbekistan Itinerary 14 days: How to spend 2 weeks in Uzbekistan

Here’s a suggestion for a 2 week Uzbekistan itinerary. You can also look at my 14-day Highlights of Uzbekistan Adventure Tour for inspiration – or just join the tour ;).

• Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent , visit Tashkent, overnight in Tashkent
• Day 2: Visit Margilan & Rishtan ( Fergana Valley ), overnight in Kokand
• Day 3: Visit Kokand, night train to Khiva
• Day 4: Arrival in Khiva in the morning, visit Khiva, overnight in Khiva
• Day 5: Visit Khiva or day trip to Khorezm Fortresses , overnight in Khiva
• Day 6: Travel from Khiva to Bukhara , overnight in Bukhara
• Day 7: Visit Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara
• Day 8: Day trip from Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara
• Day 9 : Visit to Kyzyl Kum desert and Aydarkul Lake, overnight in Kyzyl Kum desert
• Day 10 – 11 : Visit to Nuratau Mountains , overnight in Nuratau Mountains
• Day 12: Travel to Samarkand in morning, visit Samarkand, overnight in Samarkand
• Day 13: Visit Samarkand or day trip to Shahrisabz , overnight in Samarkand
• Day 14: Visit Samarkand, return to Tashkent

Day 1 : Arrival in Tashkent, overnight in Tashkent

See day 1 of the 7-day itinerary   above

Day 2 : Travel to margalan (Fergana Valley), visit MarGalan & Rishtan, overnight in Kokand

The  Fergana Valley  has always been an important place as it used to be the main Silk Route between Samarkand and Kashgar (China). It’s said people in the Fergana Valley have produced silk for around 1,000 years, while its bazaars continue to entice people in with beautiful stalls. It’s also the most fertile region of Uzbekistan, making it Uzbekistan’s agricultural heartland and the most industrious province.

The valley’s towns are predominantly of Uzbek heritage (the most densely populated part of Uzbekistan) so if you really want to get to know its beautiful people and authentic traditions, the Fergana Valley is the place to learn.

Take the train from Tashkent to Margilan in the early morning. The train journey takes around 5 hours so you’ll arrive in Margilan in the early afternoon.

THINGS TO DO IN MARGILAN

• Yodgorlik Silk Factory : see the whole silk manufacturing process – from how the silk is made, the traditional silk-weaving techniques to the final product.
• The colorful  Kumtepa bazaar  (only on Thursdays and Sundays)
• Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah

After your visit to Margilan, take a (shared) taxi to Rishtan . The journey takes around 1 hour.

Rishtan is known for its fine pottery and you can visit the International Ceramic Center , which is like an art space for pottery masters.  Workshops and stalls  are located on the first floor, while the potters and their families live on the second floor.

You’re also always welcome to visit the  Ceramic Workshop of Rustam Usmanov , one of Rishtan’s local ceramic masters.

After your visit in Rishtan, take a (shared) taxi to Kokand, which is a 35-minute drive. You can spend the night in Kokand.

Tours to Fergana Valley

As it might be hard to get around the Fergana Valley by public transport, you can always opt to book a guided tour from Tashkent . Here are a few tours I recommend:

Where to stay in Kokand

• Budget: Rohat Hotel  is currently the only budget-hostel in Kokand that is cheaper than $20 per person per night. Check out the rates and availability for Rohat Hostel here. 
• Mid-range: Silk Road Kokand Hotel  is a really beautiful hotel offering bike hire, wifi, a range of amenities and a garden! Check out the rates and availability for Silk Road Kokand Hotel here.

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

Day 3 : Visit Kokand, night train to Khiva

Kokand is usually overlooked by travelers in favor of the more famous cities of Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. It does, however, boast some interesting history and did play an important part during the Silk Road, linking South Asia and East Asia and acting as a crossroads between these routes.

Things to do in Kokand

Visit the following highlights of Kokand in the morning:

• The Palace of Khudayar Khan
•   Kamol Kazy Madrasah
•   Jome Mosque

Take the overnight Train to Khiva

There’s a daily train going from Kokand to Khiva. It’s a long journey, 19 hours, and you’ll cross almost the whole of Uzbekistan. The train leaves at 11h42 in the morning in Kokand and arrives in Khiva at 7.10 am in the morning.

Alternatively, you can take the train from Kokand to Tashkent at 17h30, spend the night in Tashkent and take an early morning flight to Urgench ( see day 1 of the 7-day itinerary above).

Day 4 : visit Khiva, overnight in Khiva

See day 2 of the 7-day itinerary   above .

Day 5 : Visit Khiva or day trip to Khorzem Fortresses, overnight in Khiva

See day 3 of the 10-day itinerary   above .

Day 6 : Travel from Khiva to Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara

See day 3 of the 7-day itinerary   above .

Day 7 : Visit Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara

See day 4 of the 7-day itinerary   above .

Day 8 : Day trip from Bukhara, overnight in Bukhara

Today you can choose to spend an extra full day in Bukhara or go on a  guided tour to see all the historical sites in the countryside near Bukhara : the Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace (Palace of Moon-like Stars), Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum and the Chor Bakr Necropolis.

I also recommend visiting Uba , a village famous for making traditional clay ovens. Almost everyone in the village of Uba makes a living crafting clay ovens. These are made with the vast supplies of clay that are found in the rivers near the town.

If you happen to be in Bukhara on a Sunday or Tuesday, you can also visit the animal market , another very interesting local experience! Read The Complete Bukhara City Guide for a detailed overview of all the places to visit in and around Bukhara.

Day 9 : Visit to Kyzyl Kum desert and Aydar Lake, overnight in Kyzyl Kum desert

If you’re craving some nature during your trip to Uzbekistan, then you should definitely visit Aydar Lake in the south-eastern Kyzyl Kum desert. Aydar Lake is part of the man-made Aydar-Arnasay system of lakes, which covers an area of 4,000 km2.

The lake is particularly beautiful during spring and summer when it’s surrounded in colorful alpine grasslands. You’ll also spot birds like pelicans and herons here.

There are also a lot of fun things you can do at Aydar Lake. You can go for walks or explore the area by horse or camel. The water is warm enough from June until August to swim in the lake and you’re also allowed to do some fishing between the months of September and April.

How to get to Aydar Lake

Aydar Lake is quite remote and you can only get there by driving there yourself, taking a shared taxi or by booking a tour (more info below). Just know that taking a taxi there can be on the expensive side. It’s also possible to hitchhike there.

If you visit Aydarkul coming from Bukhara , you first have to take a marshrutka (minibus) or shared taxi to the city of Navoi  (you can also do this coming from Samarkand). From there you can take a shared or private taxi to “Aydar” or try to hitchhike there.

Go on a tour to Aydar Lake

The easiest way to visit Aydarkul is by booking a tour there. This 2-day tour to Aydarkul and the Nuratau Mountains offers a very unique experience. This trip combines a visit to Aydar lake with exploring historical sites in the Kyzylkum desert and a night at a yurt camp!

Day 10 – 11 : Visit to Nuratau Mountains, overnight in Nuratau Mountains

See day 6 & 7 of the 10-day itinerary   above .

Day 12 : Travel to Samarkand, visit Samarkand, overnight in Samarkand

See day 8 of the 10-day itinerary   above .

Day 13 : Visit Samarkand or day trip to Shahrisabz, overnight in Samarkand

See day 6 of the 7-day itinerary   above .

Day 14 : Visit Samarkand, return to Tashkent

See day 7 of the 7-day itinerary   above .

Uzbekistan Itinerary 3 weeks or longer

Below is my Uzbekistan travel itinerary suggestion if you’d have 3 weeks in the country. In case you would like to travel 4 weeks in Uzbekistan, you can spend extra days in the various places mentioned below (this is how I ended up spending a whole week in Bukhara because I liked it there so much…).

• Day 1: Tashkent
• Day 2-3: Fergana Valley
• Day 4-5: Chimgan Mountains
• Day 6: Tashkent to Nukus
• Day 7-9: Karakalpakstan
• Day 10-11: Khiva
• Day 12: Khiva to Bukhara
• Day 13-14: Bukhara
• Day 15-18: Nuratau Mountains

Day 19-20 : Samarkand

• Day 21: Return to Tashkent

Day 1 : Tashkent

Spend 1 day and 1 night in Uzbekistan’s capital city. Find my Tashkent itinerary suggestions here.

Day 2-3 : Fergana Valley

Travel in the morning of day 3 to the Fergana Valley by train (Margilan, Kokand or Andijan). Overnight in one of the Fergana Valley cities on day 3 (read my Fergana Valley suggestions ). Return to Tashkent in the evening of day 4, overnight in Tashkent on day 4.

Day 4-5 : Chimgan Mountains

The Chimgan mountains sit tall in the  Ugam-Chatkal National Park , which is about 80km east of Tashkent. One of the park’s most mighty attractions is the Greater Chimgan mountain, which is Uzbekistan’s largest peak at 3,309m.

Travel to Chimgan from Tashkent in the morning of day 4, spend the night at Chimgan and return to Tashkent in the evening of day 5.

You can reach the city of Gazalkent which is close to the Chimgan mountains by public bus. There are both electric trains and buses leaving Tashkent to Gazalkent. From Gazalkent, there are two daily buses Gazalkent-Chimgan (10:30 and 14:30) Chimgan-Gazalkent (06:30 and 13:30) which take around 50 minutes. The road is accessible any time of the year, but in spring there can be limitations because of landslides and mudflows. 

You can also opt to get there with a private driver and/or by tour. Contact me if you want a local guide and/or local transport or book one of the tours below.

Things to do in Chimgan

If you’re an outdoor lover, you’ll enjoy spending time in Uzbekistan’s highest mountain range. There are many hiking trails leading to mountain peaks or alpine lakes. You can also just relax and enjoy nature to its fullest at one of the many chalets in Chimgan.

3 great day hikes in the Ugam Chatkal National Park in Uzbekistan

Tours to Chimgan

I offer a 2-day hike in the Chimgan Mountains on my Highlights of Uzbekistan Adventure Tour . I can also bring you in touch with my local guides or you can book one of the tours below:

Where to stay in Chimgan

Chimgan is also Uzbekistan’s ski base so there are plenty of chalets where you can stay in summer and winter. Here are a few of my suggestions:

• Chimgan Apple Garden
• Gostevoi Dom Apachi
• Amirsoy Apple Dacha

Day 6: Travel from Tashkent to Nukus (Karakalpakstan)

Nukus is located all the way on the other side of Uzbekistan. You can either take the train and travel for 19 hours across the country or choose the fastest option, which is flying from Tashkent to Nukus with Uzbekistan Airways (around €80 one way). There’s daily an early flight in the morning or one in the evening.

The train from Tashkent to Nukus is a sleeper train and leaves every day, except on Mondays, at 14h in Tashkent. You’ll arrive the day after around 7am in Nukus.

Day 7-9 : Karakalpakstan

Whether you’re arriving by train or by domestic flight, you’ll very likely arrive in Nukus in the morning of day 7.

Nukus is the capital of the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan. Karakalpakstan, which translates to ‘ land of the black-hatted people ’ is a self-governing republic within Uzbekistan.

With the arrival of the Soviet Union in Central Asia in the 1920s, various groups were designated and given territory. Karakalpakstan was one of them and it became a self-governing province within the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was given autonomous Soviet socialist republic status in 1932. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Karakalpakstan became the only autonomous republic allowed to retain its position within the then-new Republic of Uzbekistan. 

If you’re fascinated about Uzbekistan’s ancient history and its ties with the Aral Sea, then I would definitely explore Karakalpakstan for at least three days.

Things to do in Karakalpakstan

Here are some highlights to visit in the region of Karakalpakstan:

• The Savitsky Museum in Nukus
• The ancient Khorezm Fortresses
• The ship graveyard in Moynaq
• The South Shore of the Aral Sea

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

For a detailed 3-day itinerary suggestion for Karakalpakstan, I’m going to refer you to my Karakalpakstan Travel Guide with all the info on where to go, where to stay and how to get to all the different places.

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

Day 10-11 : Khiva

My suggestion for day 10 would be to book a driver or a guided tour from Nukus to Khiva while visiting the Khorezm Fortresses along the way.

You’ll arrive in Khiva in the afternoon of day 10, leaving you 1.5 days in this tiny Silk Road City. This is in my opinion plenty of time to visit all the highlights in Khiva . See day 4 & 5 of the 14-day itinerary above.

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

Day 12: Travel from Khiva to Bukhara

See day 3 of the 7-day itinerary above

Day 13-14 : Bukhara

See day 7 & 8 of the 14-day itinerary above

Day 15-18 : Nuratau Mountains

In the 10-day and 14-day itinerary above, I’m giving suggestions on how to spend 2 or 3 days in the Nuratau Mountains and Kyzyl Kum dessert. As you have more time during your 3 weeks in Uzbekistan, I’d recommend spending at least 4 days in this part of Uzbekistan or even go on a 4-day tour in the Nuratau Mountains .

Travel to Samarkand in the morning of day 19. This leaves you plenty of time to visit all the highlights of Samarkand and even go on a half-day trip to Shahrisabz .

Day 21 : Return to Tashkent

See day 7 of the 7-day itinerary above

I hope this guide was useful and has given you lots of ideas for your upcoming trip to Uzbekistan. I wish you a fantastic time in this stunning Silk Road country!

Have you recently been on a trip to Uzbekistan or are you going soon? What were the highlights of your visit? Do you know more places I should add to these itineraries or do you need help with planning a customized itinerary ? Please let me know in the comments below!

• Tashkent City Guide
• Samarkand City Guide
• Shahrisabz City Guide
• Bukhara City Guide
• Khiva City Guide
• Fergana Valley Guide
• Karakalpakstan Guide

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4 thoughts on “the best uzbekistan itinerary ideas: what to visit in one week in uzbekistan up to 4 weeks”.

This post is AMAZING. great job! I have been in Uzbekistan but only for week and I will be coming there this year cause there is soo much to see! Thank you for all your tips!

Thank you Natalia! Wishing you a great second trip in Uzbekistan!

Hi Cynthia, thank you for all the excellent information about Uzbekistan travel. I am planning to take the sleeper train from Khiva to Tashkent. Do you know if this train has a dinning car?

the sleeper train has a dining car but don’t expect too much from it (+ it’s quite expensive). I recommend bringing your own snacks. Have a great trip!

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• 4 December 2023

Top 10 things to do in Uzbekistan – The best experiences

These are the top 10 things to do in uzbekistan.

Central Asia is a beautiful region. Following a visit to Kyrgyzstan in September 2022, we booked a trip to Uzbekistan and visited in April 2023. Our itinerary included Uzbekistan’s main sights and cities: Tashkent , Khiva , Bukhara and Samarkand . Also, you can find a full 10-day Uzbekistan itinerary online describing our travel route ( or check out the best hotels to stay ). However, Uzbekistan deserves even more attention. Therefore, I created an overview of the top 10 things to do in Uzbekistan. Moreover, this will guarantee you cover all the best experiences on your trip! 

1 || Visit Shahi Zinda

Samarkand was the final city of our trip where, at times, we had to motivate ourselves to continue to explore. However, Shahi Zinda made it easy to enjoy Uzbekistan’s beauty. This mausoleum in Samarkand is beyond stunning and one of the most impressive places I’ve seen in my life. Moreover, I would advise you to visit in the morning or the evening (around 7 pm, near closing hours) for the best light and to limit the number of tourists present.

2 || Explore Registan

Although I didn’t know any sights by name before researching Uzbekistan, Registan is mentioned as the top thing to do in Uzbekistan. After visiting, I can say, that’s for a reason. Next to that, the Registan in Samarkand gives you a good impression of the various buildings that can be found in Uzbekistan. As we wanted to escape the crowds, we entered at 8 am, when the place opened. Lastly, don’t forget to visit the second floor of one of the Madrassahs, a lovely experience!

3 || Take a City Tour by a local in Khiva

Khiva was the town in Uzbekistan we enjoyed the most. Therefore, I would recommend Khiva as one of the top experiences in Uzbekistan. However, if you want to understand more of the culture, and history and explore ancient corners all around town, you should book a tour. Upon arrival in Ichan Kala – when we bought our ticket – we booked a 3-hour city tour with a local guide. To me, this has been one of the best experiences in Uzbekistan!

4 || Enjoy the views from TerraSSa in Khiva and indulge the local food

Even though I wasn’t the biggest fan of Uzbek cuisine, one of the best things to do in Uzbekistan is to taste the local food in Khiva. There are multiple dishes available in Khiva that can’t be found in the remainder of the country. My favourite is the green dill pasta (Shivit Oshi) and the dumplings (Gumma and Yumurta Barak). Next to the great food, Khiva is also home to one of the best views from a bar/restaurant: Terrassa. In my opinion, this is an experience that can’t be missed.

5 || VIsit a local market

What is a better way to feel the local experience than visiting a market? Firstly, almost all towns and cities in Uzbekistan have a main bazaar where you can find a mix of goods being sold. During our first day in Uzbekistan, we explored Tashkent where we visited the Chorsu Bazaar. However, the Siab Bazaar in Samarkand or Central Bazaar in Bukhara will reward you with a similar experience. A must-do to experience the local culture.

6 || Explore the metro stations in Tashkent

Quite surprisingly, Tashkent has an elaborate underground network. On top of that, it’s not just an average underground network as there are plenty of beautiful metro stations to explore. Therefore, exploring the interior of the metro stations is   one of the main activities in Tashkent . During our visit, we decided to use the metro for transportation along some of the main sights and made quick stops at some of the stations along the way, such as  Gafur Gulum, Pakhtakor, Mustakillik Maydoni and Bodomzor. Also, i f you want to learn more about visiting the metro stations, check out my 24-hour Tashkent guide.

7 || Board the night train from Tashkent to Khiva

Be aware that a 14-hour train ride is waiting for you when boarding the night train from Tashkent to Khiva. Nevertheless, it is one of the top things to do in Uzbekistan to experience the local culture. Especially the older night train brings you back to the Sovjet Times. As we were still looking for a comfortable experience, we booked a ‘luxury’ cabin with 2 beds. If you fully want to submerge yourself, you should of course take the normal class.

8 || Try Plov in a Plov Center

Plov is the national and most famous dish in Uzbekistan and includes rice, lamb, onions and carrots. Therefore, it must be part of the top 10 things to do in Uzbekistan list! Even though Plov can be found at almost all restaurants in Uzbekistan, you also should try it at a Plov Center. On top of that, the cooking process is interesting to see. Some of the best-known locations for Plov are the Central Asia Plov Center and the Beshqozon Pilaf Center.

8 || Visit a tea house in Bukhara

The perfect activity when you want to cool down on a warm day and indulge in the local culture simultaneously. When we were in Bukhara, we visited the Silk Road Teahouse, where you can sip a lovely and healthy tea (think ginger or saffron) including some less healthy snacks. Moreover, you can also buy some tea as the perfect souvenir.

10 || Try local wines and spirit

During our visit to Samarkand, we visited the Wine Museum during one of our afternoons. Luckily, we could also enjoy a tasting of several traditional Uzbek wines as well as stronger spirits. Looking at this list of the top 10 things to do in Uzbekistan, can you already see that I’m a big fan of indulging in the local food and drinks to learn more about a country?! 

All About Uzbekistan

• 25 December 2023

Travelling by train in Uzbekistan: What you need to know

More about uzbekistan.

• 25 November 2023

Best places to stay in Uzbekistan – A full overview

• 19 November 2023

10 day Uzbekistan Itinerary – Your perfect round trip

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Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Beautifully-tiled mosques, hearty, aromatic food, and some of the most welcoming people you will ever meet.

Best time to visit Uzbekistan

Travel insurance for uzbekistan, best places to visit in uzbekistan, samarkand, uzbekistan: best things to do & see, the ancient mosque city bukhara, uzbekistan, things to do in khiva, uzbekistan: the open air museum, map of uzbekistan, weather in uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s weather is continental, meaning it’s dry year-round, with sweltering summers and cold winters. For this reason, the seasons of spring and fall are the best times to visit when the weather is milder for exploring the incredible cultural highlights of the Silk Road.

Best Travel Insurances

How to plan a trip.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• 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
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Uzbekistan worth visiting?

Part of the epic Silk Road (an ancient trade route that connected China with the West), Uzbekistan welcomes travelers with its rich cultural heritage. With stunning Islamic architecture around every corner and gold and blue domes dotting the skyline, every inch of the country brings history to life. It’s also home to some of the friendliest people in the world, providing an extremely hospitable travel experience.

Is Uzbekistan cheap to visit?

Uzbekistan is a dream for budget travelers, mainly because it is relatively new as a travel destination. With such a low cost of living, you can stay in beautiful hotels for anything between $15 – $30 and dine on plates of doughy flatbreads, fresh fruits, and honeyed tea for $2 – $5. Even the excellent train network is affordable, making it accessible for every kind of traveler!

Can I drink tap water in Uzbekistan?

There are still some concerns about tap water quality in Uzbekistan, so it’s better to stay hydrated by using a reusable water bottle with a filter system. Alternatively, refill your bottle at hotels or restaurants with water filtration systems to quench your thirst and explore worry-free!

Do I need a visa for traveling in Uzbekistan?

Most travelers need a visa to explore Uzbekistan, but the good news is that it’s super easy to apply. Simply check your country’s entry requirements , apply online, pay the visa fee (which varies according to nationality), and wait for approval. Once accepted, pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

What language do they speak in Uzbekistan?

The Turkic language of Uzbek is spoken in Uzbekistan, which is a blend of continental influences from Arabic to Persian. Luckily, the alphabet is a Latin script so it’s easy to learn a few useful phrases before your trip — particularly helpful if you’re traveling outside larger cities like Tashkent. Grab your phrase book and get practicing to connect with the wonderful local people. 

Do I need travel insurance for Uzbekistan?

Having travel insurance for your vacation in Uzbekistan is always a good idea, acting as a safety net for unforeseen circumstances like lost belongings and medical emergencies. Insurance will keep you protected on the go and ensure peace of mind while you explore this mesmerizing nation.

Is Uzbekistan safe?

Uzbekistan is one of the safest countries to travel to, with a low crime rate and a government that works hard to foster a warm, tourist-friendly environment. Of course, like any destination, it’s always a good idea to watch out for petty crime in major cities and busy areas; keep an eye on your belongings and leave any valuables at home to be on the safe side.

What power plug type does Uzbekistan have?

The standard plug used in Uzbekistan is the two round-pin plug, known as plug type C (used widely in Europe ), and the three flat-pronged plug type I. Make sure to bring an adapter or purchase one at the airport to keep connected during your trip.

Why do people love Uzbekistan?

The rich Silk Road history is what beckons travelers to explore Uzbekistan. As you travel throughout the country, discover palatial Islamic buildings, ancient-preserved traditions, fantastic food, and warm hospitality. From one moment, explore the beautiful green mountain valleys and contemporary cities in the east, and in the next, travel to the sandy deserts and magnificent fortresses of the west.

Uzbekistan Travel 

Discover the jewel of the Silk Road on a vacation in Uzbekistan , one of the most astonishingly beautiful destinations on the planet. Tourism is relatively new to the country, and, as a result, the hospitality of the local people is overwhelming. Experience the journey of a lifetime through a variety of phenomenal landscapes from East to West, making memories and friends that will last forever.

How to plan your trip to Uzbekistan

Use our Uzbekistan travel guides to create the ultimate adventure! Whether you’re planning to explore the cosmopolitan capital Tashkent, eager to take in the cultural wonders of ancient Silk Road cities like Bukhara and Samarkand , or looking for a desert experience in the far West, our guides have you covered with all you need to plan the perfect Uzbekistan holiday . 

On a backpacking Silk Road adventure? The affordable nation is the perfect place, best explored on an Uzbekistan itinerary of 10 days . This covers a range of cultural highlights, allowing you to discover all the best places in Uzbekistan .

Best time to visit Uzbekistan 

Heading on vacation to Uzbekistan ? Plan ahead for the best time to visit according to the season, and find the perfect time for you!

Spring and Fall (April – June, September – November): The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during these seasons when the temperatures are milder and perfect for exploring. Because of this, though, these months see the highest number of visitors, so booking your accommodation and tours well in advance is advisable. This period brings temperatures between 17°C – 25°C with fresh blooms in Spring and colorful foliage in Fall, making the landscapes even more beautiful.

Winter (December – February): Winter in Uzbekistan can get very cold, with some regions seeing below-freezing temperatures; you may even get some snow in the higher, more mountainous areas! Particularly over the festive period, this brings a cozy feel to your Uzbekistan travels, with twinkling lights, markets, and charming guesthouses providing a warm and welcoming environment for a fraction of the prices seen in the high season. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip, this is the best time to visit Uzbekistan !

Summer (June – August): Summer in Uzbekistan is scorching! Daily temperatures are above 30°C, and afternoons see an intensely dry heat, which can make it a difficult time to explore. Therefore, avoiding these months is best, as it can make touring the Silk Road a little more challenging. Higher regions like Fergana Valley in the East can see slightly cooler temperatures during the summer, so it is a good alternative. 

Other than the summer months, which can be intensely hot, Uzbekistan weather is typically beautiful, clear, and dry year-round, perfect for exploring the architectural gems of the Silk Road. 

Landscapes in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a double landlocked country, so it’s not a destination for those looking for beaches and coastlines. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting, though! Although often considered a dry, arid destination, it has some surprisingly luscious and green areas, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes. 

Follow an Uzbekistan itinerary from East to West, covering green rolling valleys, mountains, and arid deserts. The one constant, however, is a horizon dotted with the endless turquoise-blue domes of stunning mosques, palaces, and madrassas. The best places in Uzbekistan are the cities home to these architectural beauties; discover a time capsule to a fascinating past. Enter through fort walls to find sensational golds, oranges, and blues of mesmerizing palaces, religious relics, and squares. Witnessing this architecture against a backdrop of varied landscapes is one of the most extraordinary things about a vacation in Uzbekistan .

Food, culture, and religion in Uzbekistan

From the divine smells that float down every ancient passageway to the vibrant blue domes of the mosques that pepper the landscapes, Uzbekistan is a nation where food, culture, and religion are integral to its story, each with a spectacular history just waiting to be discovered.

Food: Exciting cuisine might not be the first thought when considering a holiday in Uzbekistan . However, the country is home to some incredibly diverse dishes from a range of continental influences. Dine on fragrant rice plates bursting with aromatic spices, or savor warm doughy flatbreads, hearty dumplings, or flaky pastries selected from sensory bazaars. Tea traditions in Uzbekistan are also important (the national drink), served green or black on arrival in every home and office, and drunk from a traditional bowl named piala. Even in the height of summer, hot tea is served as a thirst-quencher when walking in warm temperatures.

Culture: Uzbekistan’s culture is all about vivid details — in the detailed soviet mosaics on many walls in Tashkent, in the intricate patterns of the tiles or carved wood, and the rainbow colors of market fruit and veg. The best way to discover these wonders is to travel the country’s length via train, stopping off at living museums like Samarkand , Bukhara , and Khiva . Discover iconic sites like the Ark Fortress and the Registan, and explore vibrant markets with Uzbek textiles, ceramics, and food, all created from ancient methods passed down for generations.

Religion: Religion is an integral part of Uzbekistan life, with most of the population following Islam. Predominantly, this is Sunni Islam, the largest branch of the religion that strives for a harmonious community. As you travel Uzbekistan , you’ll see and hear this influence through the stunning mosques, majestic mausoleums, and daily calls to prayer, showcasing the country’s dedication, spirituality, and sacredness of faith. 

Why you should travel to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a delight for the senses, offering culture vultures one of the most enriching travel experiences in the world. As the jewel of the Silk Road, the county is home to ancient civilizations that have stood the test of time, with perfectly preserved cities like Samarkand , Bukhara , and Khiva acting as open-air museums and providing a unique window into the past. Detailed tilework, gold detailing, epic fortress walls, and awe-inspiring religious buildings showcase architectural wonders on a different scale, and you can’t help but marvel at the work of the Uzbek in creating such magic. 

Witnessing history in this way is truly something magical; you’ll not only learn about it, but you’ll become a part of the rich tapestry as you travel — the story of your Uzbekistan holiday leaving its own imprint on the people and cities. Immerse yourself in fantastic flavors, make local friends, and explore an incredible diversity of landscapes as you tread the Silk Road for yourself. 

Additionally, as a relatively new travel destination, Uzbek locals are eager to greet you, tell you their stories, and show you around their cities, providing an unrivaled travel experience. Warm smiles greet you at every market, restaurant, and guesthouse as people open their doors with an infectious patriotism for their country that’s hard to beat.

Safety and travel advice Uzbekistan

Traveling Uzbekistan, a landlocked land of mysteries in central Asia , is one of the most rewarding journeys. Follow our Uzbekistan travel guides to get the most out of your trip and take the necessary precautions using this safety information.

Crime and safety in Uzbekistan: Crime rates are very low in Uzbekistan, and the government has worked hard to create a warm and welcoming environment for tourists. As such, Uzbekistan feels like one of the safest destinations to travel in Asia . However, it’s always good to exercise caution, especially in popular tourist areas where there may be pickpockets. Be aware of your belongings and surroundings, and leave any important valuables at home or in your hotel.

Natural Disasters: Uzbekistan can be prone to earthquakes, particularly in regions like the Fergana Valley. Earthquakes are often minor, but there have been reports of significant damage, so it’s essential to learn about safety procedures for your trip. Stay informed about your vacation in Uzbekistan by registering with your embassy for telephone updates. 

Driving in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan has a generally good infrastructure, but road quality can be mixed, especially outside major cities. As such, it’s a good idea to research ahead of time if you’re considering driving in Uzbekistan. Ensure you have an international driving license and stick to the speed limit, as speed checks are frequent.

Travel Insurance: Don’t forget travel insurance for your vacation in Uzbekistan! This will cover you for unexpected incidents such as medical emergencies, flight delays, and theft, ensuring you have a worry-free trip. 

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• 10 Trending Places To Visit In Uzbekistan For A Fabulous Vacation In 2024

23 Mar 2023

The current showstopper of world tourism, Uzbekistan- which was almost absent in the tourist map until 2011 – has become a trending destination. The bloody history of the Silk Road, and the cultural assortment of ancient cities have contributed to the budding tourism in Uzbekistan. In the year 2017, Uzbekistan witnessed an influx of 3 million tourists, ranking it 76th in the world in absolute terms. Ever since the Arab Spring, tourists have shown a greater interest in the history, culture and architecture of Uzbekistan. If you are planning a classic tour, make sure to scale these trending places to visit in Uzbekistan for an impressive experience.

10 Trending Places To Visit In Uzbekistan

Steeped in rich cultural history, Uzbekistan offers a vivid window for tourists to capture amazing glimpses of its eccentric attractions, architectural wonders and rugged terrains. From the futuristic city of Samarkand to the sprawling city of Tashkent – Uzbekistan holds the potential to be the topmost destination for your next holiday. While you are here or planning a visit to explore Uzbekistan, check out the list of the 10 best places to visit in Uzbekistan:

1. Ark, Bukhara

Image Source Boasting one royal town inside another town, the impressive Ark is Bukhara’s oldest structure till date. Ark, Bukhara, also the residence of the emir of Bukhara for many centuries, remained occupied from the 5th century to the early 20th century. Although the structure was bombed by the Red Army in 1920, it still reflects the royalty of the past. Plan a visit to the ruins to witness the remaining royal quarters now converted into museums.

Must Read: E-Visa To Uzbekistan Will Soon Be Valid For 51 Countries Including India!

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2. Registan, Samarkand

Image Source Equipped with majolica, mosaics, and well-proportioned spaces, Registan is a vast, cambering medressas occupy the heart of Samarkand. Undoubtedly one of the most stunning sights in Central Asia, Registan makes up for three magnificent edifices which were constructed as per the Islamic architecture. Although destroyed by Chinggis Khan, it still boasts the world’s oldest preserved medressas and holds pride in being one of the major Uzbekistan tourist attractions. Visit anytime in the day for a stunning glimpse.

3. Amir Timur Museum, Tashkent

Image Source Named after the Mongol emperor, Timur, the Amir Timur Museum in Tashkent is home to more than 5,000 exhibits of heirloom which represent the culture and history of the Timurid Dynasty. Only in the year 1996, it was inaugurated in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. An interesting fact about the Museum is that it is deliberately constructed to replicate the Gur-e Amir mausoleum in Samarkand. And no one knows why!

4. The Walled City of Khiva

Image Source Often known as Khorasam, Kiva is an ancient city which is 2,000 years old. Protected by the crenellated brick walls, Kiva is abundant in amazing places and monuments. UNESCO named the walled inner city – Itchan Kala- as the first Uzbek World Heritage Site. It is suggested to spend a night in Khiva because the old town offers some marvelous views of sunsets and sunrises.

Suggested Read: Uzbekistan Visa For Indians: Everything You Need To Know And Remember!

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5. Chor Minor, Bukhara

Image Source

Located in the northeast of Bukhara, Chor Minar was constructed in the 18th century. A rich merchant, Khalif Niyazkul, is accredited for its construction. True to its meaning, “four minarets”, Chor Minor is a long-standing symbol of the four cardinal points of geography. Do not miss out on the strikingly unique decorations in the Minor as you get to explore more of Chor Minor which is also one of the impressive places to see in Uzbekistan.

6. Gur-e-Amir, Samarkand

Image Source Mausoleum of the 14th-century Mongol conqueror, Timur, Gur-e-Amir is an ancient structure remarkable for its beautiful azure dome constructed in the shape of a flute. The dome holds special importance because Timur and his sons and grandsons were cremated here. A visit during night enhances the beauty of the dome manifold.

Suggested Read: 8 Uzbekistan Famous Landmarks That Will Make You Time Travel!

7. Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent

Situated in the centre of Tashkent, Chorsu Bazaar is a blue-domed building which is famous for its traditional market. From clothes to trinkets – the bazaar offers a host of articles for tourists and locals, equally. Make sure to visit the Kukeldash Madrasah which is present at the end of the bazaar which is definitely one of the top places to visit in Uzbekistan.

Suggested Read: Uzbekistan Nightlife: Explore The 10 Most Vibrant And Exciting Nightlife Spots

8. Palace Of Khudayar Khan, Kokand

Named after Khudayar Khan, the last ruler of Kokand Khanate, the Palace was once housed seven magnificent courtyards and 119 rooms. It was built in the year 1871 and occupied four acres of green land. Also known as ‘the Pearl of Kokand,’ it is now left with only two courtyards and 19 rooms which are open for public visits.

9. Lyab-i-Hauz, Bukhara

Lyab-i Hauz, built in the early 17th century, stands as one of the few remaining ponds in Bukhara. It is quiet plaza which is surrounded by tall mulberry trees and watered by an ancient canal. There is a historic city of Jewish Quarter located towards the south of Lyab-i-Hauz which definitely demands attention as one of the nicest places to visit in Uzbekistan.

10. Aydarkul Lake

Image Source Created by the Soviets, Aydarkul Lake is a semi-natural lake which covers more than 4,000 sq kms in the present time. It is located near a smaller seasonal lake amidst the Kyzylkum desert. This place is not only a tourist attraction but also offers a few things to do during vacation.

Further Read: 10 Ancient Museums In Uzbekistan For An Exciting Historical Tour

While these are some of the most trending and remarkable places to visit in Uzbekistan, there are many others which demand less or similar attention. Once you are in Uzbekistan, hit out the streets and alleyways to discover the mysterious Silk Road and many more. If you haven’t planned yet, make haste and reserve your Uzebkistan vacation with TravelTriangle for an even more memorable experience.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Uzbekistan

What Uzbekistan is famous for?

Uzbekistan is famous for its amazing Islamic architecture in the form of mosques and mausoleum some of them belong to the 17th century. History and culture of this place have attracted a lot of tourists in recent times.

Is Uzbekistan safe to visit?

Traveling to Uzbekistan is absolutely safe and has a very relaxed atmosphere even for solo travelers who often find their solo trip quite rewarding.

What is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?

April to May and September to November is the best time of the year to visit Uzbekistan. During this time you can enjoy the warm and dry climate which is quite pleasant and does not get uncomfortable.

What should I wear in Uzbekistan?

There is no particular dress code to follow in Uzbekistan but the conservative dressing is very much appreciated. Long pants and skirts along with long sleeves shirts are the most preferred dress code for both men and women.

Can you drink alcohol in Uzbekistan?

Alcohol is a part of the culture and day to day life for most people of Uzbekistan. So you are free to drink alcohol and can find them being served in most of the restaurants and hotels.

What is the climate like in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan enjoys a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The temperature in summers reaches up to 40℃ and in winters drops to -2℃.

What is there to do in Uzbekistan?

Some of the fun things to do in Uzbekistan are: 1. Explore Uzbekistan’s History at Gur-e-Amir 2. Enjoy sightseeing at Sher Dor Madrasa 3. Check Out Mosques And Madrasas at Registan 4. Shop For Handicrafts in Tashkent 5. Dig into the most delicious Pilau at Plov Center

What can I buy in Uzbekistan?

Some of the must-buys in Uzbekistan are: 1. Ceramics. 2. Wood carvings. 3. Ikat fabrics -Uzbek textiles. 4. Embroidery. 5. Samarkand paper. 6. Puppet. 7. Miniature paintings. 8. Metal art – engravings. and jewelry.

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• Nov 21, 2023

Top Places to Visit in Uzbekistan - A Travel Guide

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country with a rich history and culture. It has many impressive mosques, mausoleums, madrasas, bazaars and ancient cities along the famous Silk Road. This travel guide will help you find out the best places to visit in Uzbekistan.

I have visited Uzbekistan and was amazed by its hospitality, delicious food and turquoise domes of ancient buildings. In this article, I want to share my top recommendations on what is worth seeing in Uzbekistan as a tourist.

Is Uzbekistan Worth Visiting?

Definitely yes! Uzbekistan is one of the world's oldest countries with over 3000 years of history. While traveling across Uzbekistan, you'll discover ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva that used to be important trading points on the Great Silk Road.

Uzbekistan has a lot to offer to any tourist - you can spend hours walking in historic city centers, do shopping at colorful bazaars, climb ancient fortresses or just relax in nice parks and squares. Local cuisine is another highlight you shouldn't miss when visiting Uzbekistan.

When is the Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan?

The climate of Uzbekistan is continental with very hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is spring (mid-March to May) when mountain flowers start blooming and temperatures are pleasant.

Autumn (September to mid-November) is another good season with sunny and warm weather. Summers are dry and hot, so if you visit Uzbekistan between June and August make sure to always have water with you and avoid walking under the sun during midday hours.

Top 10 Places to See in Uzbekistan

Registan square in samarkand.

Registan is the main square of Samarkand lined with three madrasas and the most photogenic place in the city. The architectural ensemble consists of three madrasas - Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kori built in the 15th-17th centuries. Impressive minarets, turquoise domes and Islamic ornament make it one of Uzbekistan's top attractions.

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis in Samarkand

Shah-i-Zinda is a holy place with series of mausoleums built between the 11th and 19th centuries. Located near the ancient settlement Afrosiab, Shah-i-Zinda is part of the World Heritage Site - Samarkand. The ensemble has over 20 buildings with intricate mosaics, tiles and Arabic scriptures.

Also read - Discover the Best Time to Visit Vanuatu: Climate, Weather, and More

Ark Fortress in Bukhara

Ark fortress dates back to the 5th century AD and used to be residence of Bukhara rulers. The Citadel has seen several reconstructions over centuries with its current layout made in the 18th century. Today visitors can see Throne Room, Reception Hall, Mosque, Prison Cells and Royal Mint Place.

Poi Kalon Complex in Bukhara

Poi Kalon consists of three structures built in the 12th-16th centuries - Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. Kalon Minaret (48 m high) dominated over Bukhara for centuries and served as lighthouse for travelers. You can also visit the mosque and madrasa to see old Qur'ans and artifacts.

Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble in Bukhara

Lyab-i Hauz is a cozy square surrounding one of the few remaining hauz (ponds) in Bukhara. The pond was the main source of water in the past, while now it is surrounded by traditional teahouses. Other prominent buildings located here are the 17th century Kukeldash Madrasa and largest shopping domes in Bukhara.

Itchan Kala in Khiva

Ichan Kala is an old walled city of Khiva that preserves the appearance of this important Silk Road Oasis down to the smallest details. With more than 50 historic sites located within the city walls, Khiva seems to be an open-air museum. Make sure to see Kunya Ark, Tosh Hovli Palace, Juma Mosque, as well as minarets and madrasas.

Afrosiab Museum in Samarkand

Located on the site of ancient settlement of Afrosiab, this museum has one of the world's best collections of wall paintings found in old palaces of Samarkand. Besides 13th-15th centuries paintings, there are also many artifacts discovered on site - coins, ceramics, glassware and sculptures spanning several periods.

Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent

As the capital and largest city in Uzbekistan, Tashkent has its fair share of bazaars. But Chorsu is the Grand Bazaar located right in the heart of the Old City area. Under turquoise domes you'll find displays of traditional bread, spices, dry fruits all accompanied by authentic Oriental music. Don't forget to try hot green tea with Uzbek bread!

Amir Timur Square in Tashkent

Being the central square in Tashkent, Mustakillik Square offers pleasant walks along fountains and modern buildings neighboring important sites like Opera House and Independence Monument. Previously it was called Lenin Square during Soviet times, but in 1992 got renamed after medieval ruler Amir Timur who established the Timurid Empire.

Fergana Valley

Despite most popular cities being on the Silk Road route, Fergana Valley in the heart of Central Asia equally deserves your attention. Scenic mountain views, green landscapes, craft workshops and talkative people shape the mood of the valley. Consider visiting cities like Margilan, Rishtan or Kokand to experience true Uzbek village lifestyle.

Also read - The Best Time to Visit the Vatican Museums

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Uzbekistan?

Realistically you need around 7-10 days to visit the most important destinations of Uzbekistan. It's possible to see all in a shorter 5-6 day tour as well by taking night trains, but some places require long drives so you'll lack time to fully enjoy cities.

Ideally plan to spend 2 full days in both Samarkand and Bukhara. Khiva and Tashkent can be covered in a day each. Also think of getting outside cities to enjoy scenic nature around Tashkent or drive into the Kyzyl Kum desert from Khiva.

Getting Around Uzbekistan

Samarkand and Bukhara are connected by the Afrosiab high-speed train - most comfortable option

Shared taxis connect all key destinations usually with fixed prices - no need to negotiate

Tashkent has very convenient metro that takes you quickly across the capital

Consider hiring a private car for day trips from Bukhara and Khiva

Where to Stay in Uzbekistan

There's a wide variety of hotels in Uzbekistan - from cheap hostels for backpackers to luxury 5-star branded properties. I would highly recommend staying in historic boutique hotels that are often built inside old madrasas or traditional houses. This way you get even more exposures to Uzbek culture.

In general hotels are quite affordable for Western tourists in Uzbekistan and offer good value. Make sure to book early online to secure rooms in popular historic hotels.

Some of my favorite hotels in Uzbekistan:

Caravan Hotel in Bukhara

Arkanchi B&B in Khiva

Grand Samarkand Hotel Superior at Registan Square

City Palace Hotel in Tashkent

What is Uzbekistan most famous for?

Uzbekistan is most famous for its ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva which contain stunning Islamic architecture. Other major highlights are Registan square in Samarkand and the ruins of once a powerful empire - Timurid dynasty founded by Amir Timur.

How many days are enough to visit Uzbekistan?

You need a minimum of 7 days to visit the key destinations of Uzbekistan including Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and the capital Tashkent. 10 days are ideal to not rush and enjoy the sights at leisurely pace. Consider visiting during spring or autumn seasons.

What are 3 interesting facts about Uzbekistan?

Three interesting facts about Uzbekistan:

Uzbekistan is one of only two countries in the world that is double landlocked - meaning surrounded completely by landlocked countries.

The ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara were flourishing cultural and scientific centers during the Middle Ages - scholars from Europe traveled to study there.

Uzbekistan stands in the historical crossroad between the East and West for millennia as shown by blending of cultures.

Famous things to buy in uzbekistan?

Popular Uzbek souvenirs to buy include colorful ikat fabrics, handmade carpets from Bukhara, ceramics decorated with national ornament, as well as traditional clothing and authentic skull-caps. Great for memorable gifts or your home decoration.

Uzbek Food You Should Try

Lastly, one of the highlights of visiting Uzbekistan is enjoying the delicious cuisine. Here are top 5 Uzbek dishes I would highly recommend trying:

Plov - most popular rice dish with lamb, carrots and raisins

Manti - steamed meat dumplings that are served with sour cream and tomato sauce

Shashlik - skewered chunks of lamb grilled over charcoal

Samsa - baked triangle pies with lamb or pumpkin filling

Lagman - noodle soup with vegetables and lamb

Whatever places in Uzbekistan you decide visiting, I'm sure you'll come back charmed by its hospitality, iconic blue domes and embroidered skull-caps sold at every corner. Let the adventure begin!

Uzbekistan is an underrated Central Asian travel gem waiting to be explored. For many centuries, it stood at an important crossroad of ancient civilizations as part of the legendary Silk Road. This rich past has left a spectacular cultural legacy - magnificent Islamic architecture blending Eastern and Western influences.

The ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva give a glimpse into medieval times through majestic mosques, madrasas and mausoleums. Beyond history, Uzbekistan charms with intricate crafts and textiles as well as warm hospitality and tasty cuisine. Its diverse natural scenery from desert sands to mountain trails invites adventure seekers as well. After traveling across Uzbekistan, you’re sure to leave with unforgettable memories that will stay long after returning home.

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Ultimate Uzbekistan Itinerary 5 Days (Best Places To Visit + Things To Do)

What to see in Uzbekistan? In this post, I’d like you to read a detailed Uzbekistan itinerary 5 days covering the capital city, Tashkent, and the historic town of Samarkand. Uzbekistan is rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, so make the most of your time exploring its wonders.

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Uzbekistan Itinerary 5 Days (Things To Do In Uzbekistan in 5 days)

Uzbekistan is worth visiting for its mesmerizing blend of ancient Silk Road history, stunning Islamic architecture, and warm hospitality, offering travelers a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Visa to Uzbekistan for UAE Residents:     Individuals with a residency visa for UAE will get a 30-day visa-free entry, provided the resident visa is valid for at least 90 days after entering Uzbekistan.

Plan your Uzbekistan Itinerary 5 Days with a day-wise things-to-do guide with some of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan.

Places to visit in Uzbekistan – Things to do in Uzbekistan

Day 1: arrival in tashkent.

• Morning:  Arrive at Tashkent International Airport.
• Afternoon:  Check in at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent, a 5-star hotel or Hampton by Hilton due to superb location.
• Evening:  Stroll through Amir Timur Square, visit Independence Square, and enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner at Sim-Sim.

Day 2: Tashkent

• Late Morning:  Explore the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Barak-Khan Madrasah.
• Afternoon:  Discover the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan and admire its beautiful stations on the Tashkent Metro.
• Evening: Try Uzbek cuisine at the Caravan Restaurant in old town.

Day 3: Tashkent to Samarkand

• Morning:  Check out from your hotel and take the  Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand  (approximately 2 hours) .
• Late Morning: Check in at the Shoh Jahon Palace Hotel, a top-rated hotel in Samarkand .
• Afternoon:  Visit the iconic Registan Square and its three stunning madrasahs.
• Evening:  Enjoy a local dinner at Platan restaurant.

Also read: Best Things To Do In Azerbaijan 5 Days Itinerary

Day 4: Samarkand

• Morning:  Explore the Bibi-Khanym Mosque , one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world.
• Late Morning:  Visit Shah-i-Zinda, a beautiful necropolis with colorful mausoleums.
• Afternoon:  Discover the Ulugh Beg Observatory and the Afrosiyob Museum.
• Evening: Experience a traditional Uzbek folklore show at the El Merosi theater .

Day 5: Samarkand to Tashkent

• Morning:  Check out from your hotel and visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, where Timur’s tomb is located.

• Afternoon:  Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train back to Tashkent.
• Evening:  Check in at the Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace , another luxurious option.
• Night: Dine at the Real Art & Cafe , which offers a mix of Uzbek and international cuisine.

Day 6: Departure

• Depending on your flight schedule, you can relax at your hotel or explore any remaining sights in Tashkent.
• Transfers to Tashkent International Airport for your departure.

Internal Commuting Options – Uzbekistan Itinerary:

• Tashkent:  You can use the Tashkent Metro, taxis, or ride-sharing apps for local commuting.
• Tashkent to Samarkand:  Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train, which is comfortable and efficient.
• Samarkand:  Most attractions in Samarkand are within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.

Must-Do Tours in your Uzbekistan Tour 5 days

• Consider a guided city tour in Tashkent that includes visits to the city’s historical sites and a bazaar tour.
• In Samarkand, a guided tour of Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda is a must.

FAQs – Uzbekistan itinerary 5 days

• How To Reach Uzbekistan?

Fly to Tashkent International Airport.

• Is 5 days enough to explore Uzbekistan?

While 5 days can provide a taste of Uzbekistan’s culture and history, more is needed to see everything this diverse country offers. However, you can cover the highlights in Tashkent and Samarkand during this time.

• What’s the best time to visit Uzbekistan for a 5-day trip?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Uzbekistan. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without extreme temperatures.

• Do I need a visa to travel to Uzbekistan for 5 days?

Most travelers will need a visa to enter Uzbekistan. Check with your home country’s Uzbekistan Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa requirements and application procedures.

• Is it safe to travel to Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, staying informed about the local customs and travel advisories is always wise before your trip.

• How do I get from Tashkent to Samarkand?

The most convenient way to travel between Tashkent and Samarkand is by taking the Afrosiyob high-speed train. The journey takes around 2 hours and offers comfortable seating.

• What currency is used in Uzbekistan, and can I use credit cards?

The official currency of Uzbekistan is the  Uzbek Som (UZS).  While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger cities, carrying cash for smaller expenses is advisable, as not all places may accept cards.

• What should I wear when visiting religious sites in Uzbekistan?

When visiting mosques, mausoleums, and other religious sites, it’s respectful to dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or pants, while men should avoid wearing shorts.

• What are some must-try Uzbek dishes during my 5-day trip?

Some delicious Uzbek dishes to try include plov (rice pilaf), manti (dumplings), shashlik (kebabs), and various types of bread, such as naan and lavash. Remember to try the local fruits and nuts, as Uzbekistan is known for its fresh produce.

• Are there English-speaking guides available for tours in Uzbekistan?

You can easily find English-speaking tour guides in popular tourist areas like Tashkent and Samarkand. Hiring a guide can enhance your experience and provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the country.

• Can I use public transportation in Tashkent and Samarkand?

Both Tashkent and Samarkand have public transportation systems, including buses and trams. However, they may not be as tourist-friendly as taxis or ride-sharing apps, especially if you don’t speak Uzbek or Russian.

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Vegetarian Food In Uzbekistan – Places to visit in Uzbekistan

Uzbek cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, many of which can be adapted to suit vegetarian preferences. Here is a list of local vegetarian food options you can try in Uzbekistan:

• Achichuk Salad:  A refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs, often dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
• Somsa:  While traditionally filled with meat, you can find vegetarian somsas filled with potatoes, pumpkin, or spinach.
• Plov:  A popular Uzbek dish, vegetable plov is made with rice, carrots, and various spices. It’s often cooked with plenty of oil and can be very flavorful.
• Manti:  These steamed dumplings can contain vegetarian ingredients like pumpkin, potatoes, or mushrooms.
• Lagman:  A noodle soup with a vegetable broth, Lagman can include a mix of bell peppers, tomatoes, and carrots.
• Shashlik:  Grilled vegetable skewers, often marinated in spices and served with lavash (flatbread).
• Non (Bread):  Uzbekistan is known for its delicious bread, and you can find various types of non, some of which are plain and suitable for vegetarians.
• Dolma:  Stuffed grape leaves or vegetables, such as bell peppers or tomatoes, filled with rice, herbs, and spices.
• Borani:  A yogurt-based dish with vegetables like eggplant, spinach, or pumpkin.
• Samarkand-style Eggplant:  A popular dish in Samarkand consists of roasted eggplant served with a garlic-tomato sauce.
• Moshkichiri:  A dish made with mung beans, rice, and spices, often served with yogurt and herbs.
• Uzbek Green Noodles  are noodles made from spinach or other greens and served with various sauces and toppings.
• Fresh Fruits:  Uzbekistan is known for its delicious fruits, so try local varieties of melons, grapes, pomegranates, and more.
• Chak-Chak:  A sweet dessert made from deep-fried dough soaked in honey, sometimes garnished with nuts. While traditionally made with honey, you can ask for a version without honey to make it vegetarian.

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Adventure things to do in Uzbekistan

• Rock Climbing:  The Chimgan Mountains also provide excellent rock climbing opportunities with varying difficulty levels for climbers of all skill levels.
• Camel Trekking in the Kyzylkum Desert:  Head to the desert near Khiva or Bukhara for a unique camel trekking experience. Explore the vast dunes and sleep in a traditional yurt under the stars.
• White-Water Rafting:  The Charvak Reservoir, near Tashkent, offers white-water rafting opportunities. The fast-flowing rivers and scenic landscapes make for an exhilarating adventure.
• Cycling:  Rent a bicycle and explore the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva at your own pace. Uzbekistan is increasingly becoming a bicycle-friendly destination.
• Horseback Riding:  Enjoy horseback riding in the beautiful countryside, where you can visit rural villages and experience Uzbek nomadic culture.
• Paragliding:  Tashkent and its surroundings provide excellent paragliding opportunities. Soar above the city and take in breathtaking views of the landscapes below.
• Skiing and Snowboarding:  During winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding in the Chimgan Mountains, transforming into a winter wonderland.
• Caving:  Explore the cave systems of Chatkal and other regions. Some caves have impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
• Hot Air Ballooning:  Take a hot air balloon ride over the picturesque landscapes of Uzbekistan, including the ancient city of Bukhara or the desert near Khiva.
• Desert Safari:  Experience the thrill of off-road desert safaris in the Kyzylkum Desert, including dune bashing and exploring remote oases.
• Silk Road Trekking:  Follow in the footsteps of ancient Silk Road traders by embarking on multi-day treks that take you through remote villages and historic sites.
• Wildlife Watching:  Uzbekistan is home to diverse wildlife. To spot unique bird species, consider birdwatching in the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve or the Aral Sea region.
• Eco-Tourism:  Explore the eco-tourism opportunities in the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve, where you can hike, spot wildlife, and immerse yourself in pristine nature.

Shopping – Uzbekistan itinerary 5 days

Uzbekistan offers many unique souvenirs that make excellent mementos for your trip. Here’s a list of souvenirs to buy in the cities you’ll visit during your 5-day itinerary in Uzbekistan:

• Silk and Textiles:  Samarkand is famous for its silk production. Visit the Siab Bazaar and the Samarkand Silk Paper Workshop for silk scarves, ikat fabrics, and traditional suzani embroideries.
• Ceramics and Pottery:  Bukhara is known for its ceramics. Explore local workshops and markets to find intricately decorated plates, bowls, and tiles.
• Carpets and Rugs:  Khiva is a great place to buy carpets and rugs. Look for handmade wool and silk carpets with traditional patterns and vibrant colors.
• Spices and Dried Fruits:  Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar is ideal for purchasing aromatic spices, dried fruits, and nuts. The variety is astounding, and the quality is excellent.
• Lacquerware:  In Khiva, you can find intricately painted lacquerware items like plates, boxes, and utensils.
• Authentic Tea Sets:  Visit tea shops and markets in Samarkand and Bukhara to purchase beautiful tea sets, including teapots and cups.
• Handmade Paper Products:  In Samarkand, the Samarkand Silk Paper Workshop offers handmade paper products like notebooks, greeting cards, and more.

Remember to haggle and compare prices at different shops to get the best deals when shopping for souvenirs. Additionally, ask for a certificate of authenticity for valuable items like carpets or jewelry. Uzbekistan’s souvenirs are beautiful and rich in cultural significance, making them wonderful keepsakes from your trip.

ALSO READ: Best Turkey Itinerary 5 Days – 4 Different Types

Now you know What to see in Uzbekistan? I hope you loved reading about the Uzbekistan Itinerary 5 Days (things to do in Uzbekistan in 5 days) with things to do, where to stay, where to find vegetarians, food, adventure activities, shopping, and many helpful information and tips. 

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Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

Here is the list of best places to visit in uzbekistan:.

Shahrisabz happens to be a city in Qashqadaryo in southern Uzbekistan about 80 km to the south of Samarkand. As per history, the city is known as Kesh or Kish and it was one of the major cities of Central Asia as well as the urban centre of Sogdiana which was the province of Achaemenid Empire of Persia. The city is very much famous for being the birthplace of Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur. Shahrisabz happens to be one of the beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan that is adorned with pristine landscapes and age old architectural marvels with beautiful intricate designs. You will surely fall in love with the heritage sites. Shahrisabz is home to some of the architectural marvels and tourist places like the famous Palace Complex of Ak-Saray, Dorut Tilovat, statue of Amir Timur, crypt of Tamerlan, and Dor Us-Siyodat. While on a trip to Shahrisabz, you can capture the glimpse of the beautiful construction  of Ak-Saray Palace, explore the relics of the past era at Amir Timur Museum, enjoy your time at the peaceful courtyard shaded by trees of Dor-Us Siyadat Complex. The summer season of Shahrisabz is hot, arid and clear however the winters are very cold, dry, and partly cloudy. The average temperature of these places remains in the range of 32 - 95 degree celsius.

Karakalpakstan

Karakalpakstan which is also known as the Republic of Karakalpakstan happens to be an autonomous republic that is located to the northwestern end of Uzbekistan. The capital city of this region is Nukus. The territory of this region covers the land of Khwarezm. Karakalpakstan is one of the enchanting cities of Uzbekistan that is packed with pristine landscapes and enthralling architectural marvels that display the intricate artworks of the bygone era. During your trip to Karakalpakstan, you will be marvelling at Savitsky Museum which is known for its remarkable art collections, unexpectedly modern and hip place Cinnamon Cafe, ruins of the beached ships close to the  Aral Sea memorial, Karakalpak State Museum of Regional Studies which is home to some of the ethnographic and jewellery displays, and Moynaq Museum which stores  interesting photos and paintings of the area. Explore the remarkable art collections in the former Soviet Union at Savitsky Museum, sip some real coffee and a tempting array of cakes and home-made gelato at Cinnamon Cafe, and explore the underground vault of the Mausoleum of Mazlum Khan Slu at Mizdakhan Necropolis. Karakalpakstan happens to be one of the coldest regions in Uzbekistan that has an average daily high temperature of 20 degree celsius. The climate of this place is basically cold and wet and it corresponds to most Central European Weather.

Khiva which is also known as Kheeva, Khwarizm, Khoresm, Khorasam, Khwarzam, and Chorezm in the past is a city in the Xorazm region. The city is believed to have been established about 1500 years in the past. The city has served as the capital of Khwarezmia. Khiva was the very first place in Uzbekistan to be included in the world heritage site by UNESCO because of its architectural beauty and rich heritage. The city flaunts some of its heritage constructions that are fashioned with the best ever artworks. The popular attractions of Khiva are Itchan Kala GatesKhiva Gates in Uzbekistan known for its oriental atmosphere, Kunya Ark which is home to mosque, Arsenal, harem along with a royal residence, and Blue Minaret which is known for its colorful tiles. During your stay in Khiva, you can walk on top of the Northwestern Wall, capture the beautiful view over Khiva from the watchtower, witness the blue and green tile decorations  of Kalta Minor Minaret, and appreciate the beauty of Juma mosque. Khiva happens to be located at an elevation of 98 meters above the sea level. It has got a desert type climate with no rainfall during the year. The climatic condition of Khiva is classified at BWk by the Kopper Geiger classification system. The average annual temperature is recorded to be 14.9 degree celsius and the annual rainfall is about 103 mm.

Kokand happens to be a city in the Fergana Region that is located in Eastern Uzbekistan. The city is situated about 228 km southeast of Tashkent, 88 km west from Fergana, and 115 km west of Andijan. The name of the city derives from the well known tribal family group of Kokan which belong to the Kongrat tribe of Uzbeks. Popularly known as the city of winds, Kokand is a beautiful place that is popular for its colorful architectural marvels. Tourists love to capture the scenic moments in their cameras so that they can cherish all through their life. The popular tourist attractions of Kokand are Chimgan popular for its ecotourism, Alisher Navoi Grand Theatre which is popular for its operas and ballet theatres, The State Museum of the Timurids History which stores a wide range of relics of the past, and The Ak-Saray Palace in Shakhrisabz which happens to be a grandiose monument of the Medieval era. While heading out on a trip to Kokand, you can think of spending time exploring some of the age old museums and boutiques, relishing a delicious meal, hangouting in cafes, taking in a show at a theatres, walking hand in hand with your partner along the streets. You can also choose to visit some of the art galleries to capture the beautiful portraits made by local artists. The climate of Kokand is hot and humid. It is one such city of Uzbekistan which experience all the climate changes ie. monsoon, winter, and summer. The average annual rainfall is recorded at 300 mm - 900 mm and the average temperatures remain in the range of 40 - 22 degree celsius.

Best of Russia

Bukhara is the 5th largest city in Uzbekistan and the capital of the Bukhara Region. This place has been inhabited for more than five millenium and the city has been existing for more than half of it. It has served as a centre of trade, religion, culture and scholarships in the bygone era. It has also served as the capital of the Samanid Empire. Bukhara City is one of the most beautiful cities in Uzbekistan because of its arches and cupolas that take you back in the timeline to witness age old art and architecture. Bukhara can be considered as an architectural mirror of the past. Some of the popular places in Burkha are Ark Fortress which was a military fort and the symbol of the state’s power, Poi Kalon Ensemble which is famed for its blue cupola of the Madrasah, and Ismail Samani Mausoleum which is one of the few marvels left out of the rich Persian Samanid dynasty. You can stroll around the city and marvel at its architectural legacy of the city which is home to more than 140 beautiful monuments. Tourists can marvel at the architectural complex in Bukhara, Khoja Gaukushan Complex, explore the beautiful and reflect daily scenes of Uzbek life at Bukhara photo gallery, and shop souvenirs at the covered bazaars. The city of Bukhara can be considered as an epitome of beautiful architectural marvels. It is home to more than 140 architectural marvels which stand tall as the testimony for the intricate design styles. UNESCO has also listed the city as a world heritage site because of its beautiful mosques. Bukhara has a Central Asian Coll Arid type climate. As per the Koppen Geiger classification, the climate of Bukhara is classified into BWk. The maximum average temperature is 37.2b degree celsius in the month of July and 6.6 degree celsius in the month of January. The annual precipitation is recorded at 135 millimeters.

Best of Moscow

Termez happens to be a city in the southernmost part of Uzbekistan that is located close to the Hairatan Border crossing of Afghanistan. It is the capital of Surxondaryo Region. It is believed to be founded more than 2500 years in the past. Termez is very much popular for its amazing brick works and pristine Buddhist monasteries adorned with colorful deities and prayer flags. The most sought after attractions in Termez are Al Hakim At-Termizi Mausoleum, Fayaz-Tepa, Fortress Kirk Kiz, Friendship Bridge, Jarkurgan Minaret, Karatepa, Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, Stupa Zurmala, and Sultan Saodat Ensemble. During your stay in Termez, you can Visit Fayaz-Tepe Buddhist Monastery, Dine at Rich Restaurant, Visit Sultan Saodat Complex, Eat at Restaurant Dubai, Go on a Samosas Tour, Visit Surxon Ipagi Silk Factory, See the Silk Road Gate, and Enjoy a Soviet Breakfast at Café Bistro. Termez is located at an elevation of 302 m above the sea level. It has got a cold desert type climate that is very hot, long summer and short, cool winters. As per the Koppen Geiger classification, the climate of the city is classified as BWk.

Best of Egypt

Andijan happens to be a city in Uzbekistan that serves as the administrative, cultural and economic centre of the region. Located in the south eastern edge of Fergana Valley close to the border with Kyrgyzstan. It is one of the oldest cities in the Fergana Valley and it dates back to almost the 7th and 8th centuries. It is widely famous for being the birthplace of Babur, a mighty Mughal Emperor. Andijan is very much famous for its beautiful architectural marvels that are adorned with intricate design elements of the bygone era. You will also get to witness some wonderful scenic beauty as well. Some of the popular attractions of Andijan are Jami Madrasa which is a popular religious school and Ruins of the fortress Ershi which housed the capital of the ancient state of Davan. During your stay at Andijan, you can think of exploring the Garden of Winds, go spices and the souvenir shopping at the Local Bazaar, learn more about the Andijan local culture at Juma Mosque, stroll along the collection of art and history at Babur Museum, and witness the work of art and splash of colors at Babur Memorial Park. The city has got a cold semi arid type climate. It experiences cold winters and hot summers and midler winters. The precipitation in this area is a bit light and erratic.

Best of Georgia

Tashkent is one of the largest cities as well as the capital of Uzbekistan. It is also one of the most populous cities of Uzbekistan. It is located in Northeastern Uzbekistan close to the border with Kazakhstan. The city has got a islamic influence and you will find prevailing Sogdian and Turkic cultures. It has been one of the important parts of the famous silk route and has witnessed a major growth. Tashkent is a beautiful city with a decorative heritage. It is home to extremely wide avenues and the centre of cultural tradition. You will come across beautiful architectural marvels that not only have great heritages but also have got beautiful designs. Some of the must visit tourist places of Tashkent are Chorsu Bazaar which is well known for handicraft shopping, massive, old-fashioned Hotel Uzbekistan, and Central Asian Plov Center which offers delicious meals. During your stopover at Tashkent, you can eat at Minor Somsa, visit the Khazrati Imam Complex, tour Chorsu Bazaar to purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. If you wish to explore the history of Tashkent, you can visit Amir Timur Square and admire the Hotel Uzbekistan. Tourists can also visit Minor Mosque to capture the glimpses of the scenic mosaic works, and dine at Lagman House which is popular for its wide range of cuisines. Tashkent has got a mediterranean climate with a humid continental climate. The city experiences cold and snowy winters and hot and dry summers. It receives a peak of precipitation in the early winters as well as in the spring season. The climate of the city remains hot for most of the time of the year and receives very little precipitation in the form of snow.

Best of Kazakhstan

Samarkand is located in Southeastern Uzbekistan. It is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia that was inhabited. As per the records, human activities have been found in these places from the late Paleolithic Era. The city is believed to be founded in between 7th and 8th century BC. It lies on the ancient silk road that connects China and Mediterranean sea and was one of the largest settlements of Central Asia. Samarkand happens to be the home of contemporary Uzbek culture. With beautiful historical monuments and holy places, the city is very much popular among the pilgrims and architecture lovers. You will get to enjoy some of the best architectural marvels here.Samarkand is home to some of the beautiful tourist attractions like Registan which is popular for its beautiful madrassah that dates back to the 15th and 17th century and Gur-e-amir Mausoleum which is considered to be the architectural model of Taj Mahal in India. While visitng Hovrenko’s wine factory lets you taste some exotic spirits, the Tomb Of The Prophet Daniel is famous for its impressive 18 meter long sarcophagus. While on a trip to Samarkand, you can explore the masterpieces of ancient architecture, impeccably glittering minarets, sparkling turquoise domes and hypnotic mosaic. You can stroll along the narrow avenues witnessing blue tombs and various spectacular mausoleums. Samarkand has got a Mediterranean Climate which means you will find hot, dry summers and wet, variable winters. The hottest months of the year are July and August whereas the coldest month is January. The average summer temperature is recorded at 40 degree celsius while the winter temperature can drop till -22 degree celsius.

Best of Azerbaijan

Urgench is a city located in western Uzbekistan and is the capital of Khorezm Regions. The city is about 45 km west of Bukhara which is across the Kyzylkum Desert. Urgench is famous for its orchards and serene landscapes. During your visit, you will not only be able to witness the architectural marvels and age old heritage sites, but you will also be able to take a tour of the agricultural lands of cotton and rice. Some of the popular tourist places of Urgench are Statue of Muhammed al-Khwarizmi who was a mathematician known especially in Algebra, Itchan Kala a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and Of Note which was constructed in remembrance of the twenty Komsomol members. While on a tour of Urgench, you can offer prayers at the Bibi Khanym Mosque, explore the heritage monument of Statue of Amir Timur, marvel at the beautiful Shah-i-Zinda, and head out on beautiful countryside tours with your loved ones. Located at an elevation of about 101 meters above the sea level, it has a desert type climate. There is absolutely no rainfall in this place all through the year. As per the Koppen Geiger classification, the climate of the city is classified as BWk. The average annual temperature of this place is recorded to be 14.5 degree celsius and the rainfall recorded is about 103 mm.

Nukus is the 6th largest city in Uzbekistan and the capital city of the Republic of Karakalpakstan which is an autonomous city. The city of Nukus is very much popular for being the centre of the world class Nukus museum of Art. Nukus is very famed for its countryside environment and old fortresses. During your visit to the city, you will be heading out on various exploration tours to witness the intricate art of the artisans of the bygone era. Some of the popular tourist places to visit in Nukus are Qaur Qala Fortress which is popular for its beautiful location on top of the hill, Moynaq & Aral Sea which is a popular ship cemetery, Karakalpak Homestay known for its traditional Karakalpak culture, and Mizda Khan Necropolis which happens to be an  active place of worship. Capture the glimpse of some Russian avant garde paintings at Savitsky Art Museum, try local delicacies like samsa, kymyz and kurut at the bazaars, walk along the amu darya river, explore the ultimate collection on traditional Karakalpak culture at Karakalpak Homestay, and find some architectural marvels that date back to the soviet era. Nukus has a cold desert climate which is BWk as per the Koppen Geiger classification. The summer season in this place is experienced for a long period of time and the atmosphere remains dry and hot. The winters are very short, cold and snowy. The city overall experiences a dry continental type climate.

Other Attractions

Aydarkul lake.

Nurota Mountains

Greater Chimgan

Fergana Valley

Lake Charvak

Ugam Chatkal National Park

Amir Timur Museum

Chorsu Bazaar

Palace Of Khudayar Khan

Lyab I Hauz

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Best attractions in Uzbekistan: Top 30

Uzbekistan is a bright and inspiring country of the East. Rich architectural heritage, lots of historical monuments, colorful bazaars, generous nature, which is carefully protected in the protected parks - this is all that everyone can see in Uzbekistan, even without a solid budget. It’s simply impossible to count all the interesting sights of Uzbekistan, but you should definitely visit at least the main ones, which will be discussed further in this article.

What to see first of all in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is divided into several regions, each of which holds a lot of its unique attractions. But every tourist, as a rule, is faced with the need to “fit” all the memorable places in a limited time, given for traveling and exploring the country, often even have to choose what to see in Uzbekistan for 1 day. Exactly to simplify the process of choice and competent planning of future trip this rating is compiled.

1. Tashkent

The review begins with the capital of the country - Tashkent, which is one of the five largest cities in the CIS in terms of population. Among the tall modern buildings are hidden historical buildings, ancient mosques and modern shopping centers alternate with traditional oriental bazaars and markets. It is worth noting that many of the old buildings have been restored - in 1966, a powerful earthquake partially destroyed them, and the look of the renewed city has since changed significantly.

Official site: https://tashkent.uz

Uzbekistan | Save on hotel reservations

2. tashkent tv tower.

This structure is considered the tallest in all of Central Asia - the TV Tower of Tashkent is 375 meters high, and its long spire, piercing the sky, can be seen from anywhere in the city. At the height of about a hundred meters you can visit the observation deck in the TV tower, and one level higher there are restaurant halls, where you can not only admire the panoramic views from the windows, but also have lunch. Guides in Uzbekistan eagerly cover the history of the construction of the structure, take visitors through the interior, including the museum, the exposition of which reveals the role and place of the TV tower among other similar structures in the world.

Official website: https://www.tv-tower.uz

3. Amir Temur Square

The square, which bears the name of the famous commander, was built at the end of the 19th century. Then it was a small park in the center of Tashkent, at the intersection of two main city streets. Only in 1994 a monument to Amir Temur was installed there, and the park was cleared and turned into a square with greenery and fountains. Today the square is surrounded by such famous buildings as a hotel, a law institute, a museum in honor of Amir Temur, and the Palace of Forums, where many official ceremonies are held.

4. Chorsu Oriental Bazaar

Visitors have a lot to visit in Uzbekistan once they find themselves in Tashkent’s central square, Eski Zhuva. Despite the modern look that this market has today, the history of Chorsu market goes back centuries. About two thousand years ago, an ancient settlement was founded in this area, the center of which was traditionally a bazaar. As time passed, a fair was established where an active exchange of goods began and merchants from different parts of Central Asia streamed here. Since some time the bazaar became the center of town life, and to this day Chorsu, located at the intersection of four shopping streets, attracts visitors with its fresh fragrant fruits, oriental sweets and colorful Uzbek souvenirs.

5. Samarkand city

The city of Samarkand is famous for its amazingly long history - it is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded as far back as 8 centuries before our era. Some time ago this city was the most important point connecting the East and the West, and the Great Silk Road passed exactly through Samarkand. That’s why here, like nowhere else, a great number of cultural and historical monuments have been preserved, such as mausoleums, museums, mosques, ruins of ancient settlements and many other things.

Official website: https://www.samshahar.uz

6. Registan Square in Samarkand

The best sights of Uzbekistan should certainly be complemented by another historical place - Registan Square, which has existed for more than 6 centuries. Some of the buildings on the square have been preserved here in their original form since the moment of their construction. The complex of three medieval madrasahs (schools) faced with mosaic in traditional national style deserve special attention. The square itself was paved with cobblestone and burnt brick back in the late 19th century.

Official website: https://www.centralasia-travel.com

7. Bibi-Khanum Mosque in Samarkand

Another ornament of Samarkand is the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, a sacred monument of the 15th century. It is believed that the mosque was erected by order of Tamerlane Khan, who returned from India with a triumphant victory. The great commander wanted to erect a lifetime monument as a testimony of his victories. About 7 hundred people were involved in the construction, including a huge number of masters from other Asian countries. To this day, despite numerous earthquakes, the mosque was able to retain its original grandeur and beauty, it contributed to the large-scale restoration work, which was carried out here for 35 years, starting in 1968.

8. Rukhabad Mausoleum in Samarkand

9. Bukhara city

The following recommendations will touch on another ancient city founded 2.5 thousand years ago. Bukhara is a real museum city: every building there is a landmark, a real exhibit. Ancient mosques, citadels, mausoleums, madrassahs, monuments - all this you can visit, enthusiastically walking through the city, because here every corner of the land keeps its memory. Once upon a time the Great Silk Road ran through Bukhara, which is being purposefully revived these days.

10. Lyabi-Hauz in Bukhara

And, of course, when mentioning the best sights of Uzbekistan, it is impossible not to sound at least some of the sights of Bukhara. One of the main squares of the city, Lyabi-Hauz, is a real treasure of Bukhara - there is a whole architectural ensemble consisting of a mosque, madrasah and a monument in honor of Khoja Nasreddin - a favorite character in oriental folklore. The square is surrounded by a wonderful clean pond with a fountain. Lyabi-Hauz has become a favorite place for various mass festivities and official celebrations in Bukhara.

11. Samanid Mausoleum (Bukhara)

The Samanid Mausoleum, an ancient family tomb, another masterpiece of architecture created at the juncture of the 9th-10th centuries, is located in Samanid Park, on the territory of the ancient Bukhara cemetery. Despite the fact that the facade and interior decoration of the structure does not play with bright colors, amazing openwork finish, which builders managed to achieve using ordinary bricks, impresses. On the territory of the tomb there used to be an ancient Muslim cemetery, and later there was laid out a park with ponds, which became a place for mass festivals.

12. The Minaret and Mosque of Kalyan in Bukhara

Choosing where to go in Uzbekistan, traveling through Bukhara, it is definitely worth visiting Poi-Kalyan, the main architectural complex that has become a symbol of Bukhara, which includes a minaret, a mosque and a madrassah. Constructed in the 12th century of burnt brick, the minaret of Kalyan rises more than 46 meters, and its top is crowned with a conic lantern. The minaret is connected to the roof of the Kalyan Mosque by a bridge, from where, in turn, a spiral staircase leads up to the dome itself, where a spectacular panoramic view opens up. The mosque itself was built a little later than the minaret, in the 16th century, and to this day it is the main cathedral mosque of the city.

13. Khiva city

Another city, many centuries ago located on the Great Silk Road, is the ancient Khorezm, or Khiva, as it is called now. Khiva may be regarded as an open air museum, not without reason it is included in the UNESCO list, because here every building is an ancient landmark. In the old part of the city of Ichan-Kala, founded about 5 century AD, kept about 60 historical monuments, including a citadel, palaces, mosques, minarets and mausoleums. Outside the walled old city is another ancient part, Dishan-Kala, where there were residential buildings and trading rows.

14. Ichan Qala Fortress in Khiva

Now more details about the citadel of Ichan-Kala, which like nothing else preserves the image of the ancient eastern city of Khiva. The conclusions of archaeologists suggest that Old Khiva, which already existed in the 5th century, served as a stopover on the Great Silk Road. The old city within the walls of Ichan-Kala occupies about 30 hectares and is surrounded by a massive wall of 6-8 meters. Ditches were dug on the outer side of the walls and filled with water. There are also four gates in the fortress wall, reinforced with percussion towers and augmented with observation galleries.

15. Ulugbek Observatory

The background to the appearance of this landmark in Uzbekistan was the birth of the famous Tamerlane’s inquisitive grandson Ulugbek, who from an early age was reaching for knowledge. During one of his grandfather’s expeditions, the boy saw and visited an observatory for the first time, and ever since then he dreamed of building one of his own. At a fairly young age, becoming the ruler of Samarkand, Ulugbek begins to realize the dream, and by 1423 a famous observatory appears in Samarkand. Only one part of the observatory has survived to our time - a sextant with a radius of 40 meters, which was used to measure the height of the celestial bodies.

16. Shahi Zinda Architectural Monument

Not far from Bibi-Khanum mosque in Samarkand there is one of the most beautiful and picturesque memorial complexes, the street-cemetery, Shahi Zinda necropolis. The history of this ensemble begins in the 11th century, when a cousin of the prophet Muhammad - Abbas, nicknamed Shahi Zinda, which translates as the Living King, was buried on the southeastern slope of the settlement of Afrasiab. Today there are 14 mausoleums, whose facades sparkle with blossoms of blue and blue ornaments and painted domes. Here are the tombs of famous personalities, military leaders, scientists and masters who have entered the glorious history of Samarkand.

17. Ark Citadel

One of the interesting places, which can be attributed to the ancient cultural monuments of Uzbekistan, is located in Bukhara - the Ark Citadel. Archaeological research determined the age of the citadel - its foundations were laid between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC. Up to the beginning of the 20th century the citadel served as a palace for the rulers of Bukhara. During its long history many creative and scholarly minds, including Avicenna, Ferdowsi and Omar Khayyam, lived on the territory of the citadel. Nowadays the citadel has turned into a big museum, where there are several departments - for example, history, numismatics or nature department.

18. Gur-Emir (Tamerlane Mausoleum)

Like many other famous monuments of Samarkand, Gur Emir Mausoleum is associated with the name of the famous warrior Tamerlane. Many descendants and associates of Amir Timur found their last resting place here. And the beginning of the construction of the tomb was associated with the sudden death of one of Tamerlane’s grandsons - Muhammad-Sultan. The family vault of the Timurid dynasty is a large single-domed building, the expressive design of which left a mark on many of the great architects of all Central Asia. The intricate wall paintings, filigree blue and gold patterns, and the combination of precious materials are further reminders of how great personalities rest within these centuries-old walls.

Sights of Uzbekistan: what else to see in Uzbekistan

The main sights of Uzbekistan were briefly listed above, but this is only a part of the memorable places, whose glory through the centuries has reached our days. In addition to man-made monuments, there are a lot of beautiful and amazing places created by nature itself on the territory of the country. Natural attractions of Uzbekistan photo with names and descriptions are given in the continuation of the review.

19. Charvak reservoir

Charvak reservoir would be a simple artificial reservoir, if not for its emerald waters on the background of the magnificent nature, so harmoniously framing the banks. In the background are the peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, and the total length of the reservoir shoreline is almost a hundred kilometers. This contributed to the fact that with the advent of the reservoir began to actively develop and resort infrastructure: the coast is now the best hotels in Uzbekistan, summer camps, resorts and tourist centers, the entire coastal area is divided into several large recreation areas.

20. Kyzylkum desert

In the Uzbek lands between the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers lies the great desert of Asia - Kyzylkum. In addition to Uzbekistan, Kyzylkum partially extends into the lands of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, occupying a total area of 300 square kilometers. Despite the lifeless sand massifs, dry and sharply continental climate, flora and fauna is quite diverse, especially with the advent of spring when precipitation increases. Also the lands of Kyzylkum have been partially developed by man - small oases are created on the basis of artesian basins, gold ore deposits are discovered, and sheep breeding is carried out.

21. Fergana valley

Fergana Valley is a real gem of Uzbekistan with a rich and very picturesque nature. This fertile land, full of water resources, various natural resources and oasis lands, cultivated by sedentary farmers, and the perimeter of this land is surrounded by majestic Tien Shan ridges. Even in ancient times representatives of different civilizations lived in this blooming oasis, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds.

22. Chimgan mountains

Chimgan mountains are not only beautiful nature, picturesque slopes overgrown with relict bushes, valleys and gorges with the cleanest mountain rivers. It is also a popular tourist area where skiing, paragliding, hiking thrives. The reviews testify that a trip to Chimgan Mountains allows you to “reload” and recover, being nourished by the inexhaustible source of energy - nature itself. They come here not only on vacation but also on weekends and holidays, and a large number of active tourist facilities and hotels can always find a suitable place for accommodation and overnight stays.

23. Ship cemetery in Muinak

Muynak was once a real oasis city where fishing flourished and the Aral Sea was one of the world’s largest salt lakes. Beginning in the 1960s, the sea began to be regularly drained by man in order to change the direction of the rivers to irrigate the fields. As a result of these activities, the sea began to die, denuding the land of much dust and poisonous chemicals. The rusty remains of ships are a sight to see, illustrating the sad consequences of the unwise treatment of the Aral Sea. The seaport that was once there has turned into a graveyard of ships, to the ruins of which you can go down and walk along the former seabed.

24. State Museum of the History of the Timurids

In the heart of the main city of Uzbekistan, the capital city of Tashkent, the State Museum of the History of the Timurids is located - its collection contains more than 5 thousand exhibits from the era of Amir Timur and the Timurid dynasty. Opening of the museum in 1996 was timed to coincide with the 660th anniversary of Tamerlane’s birth, and the site was located next to the square of Amir Timur, surrounded by beautiful parks, public and educational institutions. The style of the building is appropriate to the epoch it is dedicated to - the round building is crowned with a huge blue dome, the walls are lined with mosaics in the national style. The interior rooms are solemnly decorated and impress with their pomp; the second and third floors are completely devoted to the history of the famous dynasty. The interior of these halls is richly decorated with gold leaf, marble, oriental paintings and miniature paintings; on the walls there are frescos depicting historical paintings. The exposition includes archeological, numismatic and ethnographic materials, military ammunition, skilful miniatures, pictures of Amir Timur performed by talented European masters.

25. History Museum of Uzbekistan

The eventful history has found its reflection in numerous museums - these national attractions of Uzbekistan can be found even in the smallest towns of the country. What to say about the capital - in Tashkent at the end of the 19th century was founded the National Museum of Turkestan, which at the beginning of the last century was transformed into the Museum of History. The vast and original cubic building houses a large scale composition describing the country’s historical development through cultural objects such as tools, crockery and household items, jewelry, mirrors and many others. On the first floor there is administration, conference hall and cinema hall. And the most interesting places are on the 3rd and 4th floors. Around ten thousand exhibits are on display here, and this is just a small part of the 250-thousand collection in the funds. Among the most famous exhibits are a huge Saka cauldron from the 4th-5th centuries BC, a Buddha figure with 2 monks called “Triad” from the 1st century AD, samples of ancient fabrics and ceramics, coins, historical photographs and documents.

Official website: https://www.history-museum.uz

26. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Tashkent

Against the background of the usual Tashkent skyline of blue domes and minarets stands the gothic silhouette of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the main Catholic cathedral in Uzbekistan known to locals as the “Polish church”, which is not typical of Central Asia. It is worth saying that Christianity first began to spread in Central Asia in the first centuries AD thanks to the development of the Great Silk Road. Nevertheless, the first Catholic churches did not appear until many centuries later - for example, the construction of this cathedral started in 1912, and the process was mainly carried out by prisoners of war, among whom there were many specialists - architects, engineers, sculptors, etc. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Its odious and gloomy façade is adorned with stained-glass windows and spires, the interior is lined with granite and marble, and the furniture and doors are made of precious wood. The main hall is adorned with a 2-meter statue of Jesus Christ and a musical organ.

Official website: https://www.uzinform.com

27. Assumption Cathedral in Tashkent

The history of the Assumption Cathedral is unique in that it was once a small cemetery church, called the Church of St. Panteleimon. In the middle of the last century work began to expand the temple. In the 1930s and 1940s, the church was closed, and its premises were used for the needs of a hospital. After the end of the Second World War, the church was consecrated with the name of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and appointed the main Orthodox cathedral in the capital. In 50-60’s the church was almost rebuilt, the new premises could accommodate up to 4 thousand worshipers. After the collapse, the cathedral was thoroughly renovated and restored. Today you can visit the territory of the cathedral by passing through a triple arch, topped with a golden dome. The constructions in the courtyard are strikingly beautiful. They are all designed in the same style according to classicism; the white decor in combination with the blue facades give the composition an airy feeling. The 5-tier openwork belfry, reconstructed in the 20th century, deserves special attention.

Official website: https://pravoslavie.uz

28. Bolo House Complex

For travelers to Uzbekistan, there’s a good reason to take a hot tour with a visit to Bukhara. This city is famous for its many historical buildings that testify to turbulent historical events, among them the majestic Ark fortress occupies a special place. Another striking example of the architectural traditions of the East is the Bolo-Hauz Mosque, built near a spring of water. In general, the tradition of erecting artificial reservoirs, as well as mosques near them, appeared many centuries ago - there have always been problems with water on the territory of Central Asia. The beautiful architectural ensemble Bolo-Khauz has the status of Bukhara’s historical landmark. The mosque rises on Registan square and is decorated with 20 carved wooden columns. Near the mosque you can see the minaret, erected a few years after the mosque - this elegant structure for a long time before the reconstruction was in a slightly inclined condition, but later was thoroughly strengthened and acquired an upright appearance.

29. Khoja Donier Mausoleum

The status of the most revered landmark of Samarkand has theMausoleum of Khoja Doniyer, located in the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. Today, thousands of pilgrims come to the tomb, including not only Muslims, but also Jews and Christians. All because Donier, in Orthodoxy Daniel is a prophet, significant in these three world religions. Anyway, it is worth visiting this sacred place for everyone who comes to get acquainted with Samarkand - it hides a lot of amazing beliefs and keeps a blessed spirit. Daniel was endowed by God with the ability to see and understand dreams and visions, and some of those concerning the end of the world and the second coming of Christ were recorded by the prophet and carried by peoples through the ages. One of the legends says that Amir Timur, making a pilgrimage to the place of the saint’s original burial, decided to move some of his relics to Samarkand, and now that is where the mausoleum is located. It is captivating in its peacefulness, and for many believers it is an ideal place to rest in peace and quiet, to find a state of grace.

30. Kukeldash Madrasah in Tashkent

During the Middle Ages, arid Central Asia was a true cultural oasis. Intellect, knowledge of the basics of art and theology were the most important abilities of men of that time. At that time madrasahs served as educational centers, Muslim educational centers and, at the same time, religious seminaries, and nowadays they are historical and cultural landmarks of Tashkent. Kukeldash is the largest institution of its kind and an important architectural monument in the center of the Uzbek capital. This “high school” was founded in the 16th century by one of the people close to the Tashkent khans. This man had a nickname “kukeldash”, which in Uzbek means “foster brother of khan”. During centuries of the existence Madrasah was both fortress and hotel, it survived two strong earthquakes. That’s why the building has been restored many times, and only modern restorers were able to restore its original appearance - today the architecture and size of the madrasah is fully consistent with the canons of medieval architecture. The urge to explore the world more and more attracts modern travelers to Uzbekistan. Today almost everyone can afford it, even having a relatively modest budget. Uzbekistan is one of the post-Soviet countries, where with the fall of the “Iron Curtain” began a slow but steady development of tourism. Bright sun, exotic cuisine, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, oriental flavor, an unimaginable number of historical sites - this is what gives its guests a fabulous sunny country of the East.

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The 9 Top Places To Visit In Uzbekistan

This double-landlocked Central Asian country and former Soviet republic is mostly known for its stops along the ancient trade route of the Silk Road like Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. Characterised by their mausoleums, madrassas and mosques boasting intricate Islamic architecture and tiled domes, towering fortresses and thriving bazaars, here you can still witness traditional techniques of silk production which has been used for centuries.

But there’s so much more to Uzbekistan than its Silk Road heritage. Get off the beaten path to experience its diverse land from the natural beauty of the countryside to verdant slopes of the Ferghana Valley and the arid landscapes of the Aral Sea. Be charmed by the friendly locals along the way who knows how to make you feel welcome. As an intro to this fascinating country, here are some of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan:

Bukhara was a major staging point on the Silk Road. By about 500BC, it was already an important centre, defended by a citadel that has stood in one form or other ever since. Today it is the site of the Ark Fortress, the residence of the former Emirs of Bukhara, which occupied an area of about 13 hectares.

Many of Bukhara‘s buildings were constructed during the Kharakhanid era (992 - 1211) and there are more than 150 monuments in the city. With its narrow alleyways and bustling bazaars, Bukhara is the quintessential Silk Road city.

Known as the "Garden of Uzbekistan" the Fergana Valley lies in the eastern part of Uzbekistan between the Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) and the Pamir Alay range and is shared with neighbours Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It is the most fertile and populous area of Uzbekistan. Fergana, the largest town in the valley, with its Russian colonial architecture and streets shaded with plane and poplar trees, makes a good base from which to see the older and more interesting towns of Kokand and Margilan.

Khiva is a fascinating medieval desert town which has been perfectly preserved. It came to prominence in the 16th century as the capital of the Khans of Khiva whose territory stretched from the Caspian Sea to India and was famous for its religious fervour and slave markets. Khiva's inner walled city or "Ichan Kala" has been described as an open-air museum (or perhaps an abandoned film set). It consists of a maze of narrow medieval streets lined with madrassahs, mosques, caravanserais and palaces.

Kokand has existed since at least the 10th century when it was known as Khavakend and was located on a caravan route between India and China. Destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century, the present city began as a fort in 1732. In 1740 it became the capital of an Uzbek khanate (a state ruled by khans) that reached as far as Qyzylorda to the west and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to the northeast.

The palace of Khudayar Khan sits in the centre of the city. Built by the last Khan of Kokand, Khudoyar, it was completed in 1873 - three years before the tsar's troops arrived, abolished the Khan and blew up his fortifications.

Nukus is now the 6th largest city in Uzbekistan but it grew from a small settlement. However, the city's isolation made it host to the Red Army's Chemical Research Institute. The State Museum has artifacts recovered from archaeological investigations, traditional jewellery, costumes and musical instruments, but more interestingly, displays of the area's now vanished or endangered flora and fauna.

The Art Museum is noted for its collection of modern Russian and Uzbek art from 1918-1935. Stalin tried his best to eliminate all non-Soviet art from this period and sent most of the artists to the gulag. The collection at Nukus survived because of the city's remoteness.

The Nurata mountain range is home to the Nurata Nature Reserve and many lush green river valleys as well as the ancient town of Nurata, founded by Alexander the Great. Rural Tajik and Uzbek villages are dotted through the valleys and the traditional way of life is very much preserved here; the natural hospitality of the villagers gives visitors the chance to experience the culture first hand.

The area is home to an endangered species of mountain sheep, and the many habitats provide an array of flora, rare endemic tulips and over 300 species of birds. Historic fortress ruins can be found in many of the villages, which lie close enough together to trek between. Lake Aydar lies to the north, a serene, peaceful place for bird watching or swimming.

Samarkand is the mythical, evocative name of one of the key trading cities of the ancient Silk Road. With a history dating back 2700 years, Samarkand became famous as the capital of the vast state created by Timur Lang (known in English as Tamerlane) and later ruled by his grandson Ulugbek in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Some of the most magnificent architecture in the Islamic world can be found in Samarkand with some wonderful mosques, mausoleums and madrassahs. Samarkand sits on the banks of the Zerafshan River and to the northeast of the modern town is Afrosiab. This is the site of the most ancient parts of the city, from where the Sogdians, the masters of Silk Road trade ruled.

Shakhrisabz

Shakhrisabz is one of the most ancient cities in Middle Asia. In certain periods through its long history, it appeared as the centre of some of the most important events in world history - sometimes glorious, sometimes tragic. But Shakhrisabz would not be as famous if on 9 April 1346, in the village of Hodja-llgar a certain individual known as Tamerlane had not been born. Wherever destiny took him, Shakhrisabz remained Tamerlane's native city, the place where he spent his childhood and youth.

Notable places of interest include the remains of the once vast Ak-Saray Palace - parts of the portal remain and are evidence of the scale of construction, the Dorus-Syadot mausoleum where Jahangir - the most beloved son of Amir Temur, was buried; and Dorut-Tilavete.

Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, with a population of more than 2 million, is the major economic, political and cultural centre of the Republic. Its history spans over two millennia, although few monuments from ancient times have survived here. Wars and natural calamities have swept most of the old buildings from the face of the ancient city.

Among the survivors are: The 16th Century Kukeldash Madrassah, the 15th Century Sheikhantaur Ensemble, the 15th Century Yunus-Khan Mausoleum and the Khazrati-Imam Complex. After a disastrous earthquake in 1966, Tashkent was almost totally rebuilt. Modern apartment houses, administrative buildings, new architectural complexes and theatres decorated with traditional tilework make Tashkent an attractive and interesting city.

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Harry Foskett

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The Top 14 Things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

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Samarkand is one of the highlights of Uzbekistan and one of the cities that you must visit during your trip. This small town is packed with strikingly beautiful architecture and so much history. Add in delicious cuisine and cute shops, all in close proximity so it’s easy to walk everywhere. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Samarkand!

Federico Mayor, the former Director-General of UNESCO accurately described Samarkand in his touching quote – “There are such names in the world, which unwillingly lead people to the world of dreams. The magic and fame of these words immediately impact your mind when you hear or read about them. There is such a name among them that attracts our imagination to itself, it is Samarkand. It seems that this name emerged from the whirlpool of clear and diverse colours, the scent of perfume, fabulous palaces, bells of caravans, pure melodies and yet misunderstood feelings.”

So if you’re wondering what to do in Samarkand, then you have come to the right place! Read on for our list of the best things to do in Samarkand!

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).

Samarkand, Uzbekistan Travel Basics

Know before you go.

• The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Soʻm (UZS). At the time of writing, the conversion was 8,450 UZS to $1 USD. In this post, we’ll be referring to prices in Uzbekistan currency.
• Many people in Samarkand, and Uzbekistan overall, do not speak English. Ask your hotel to write down the names of the places you want to go by taxi as taxi drivers are often the most difficult to communicate with.
• Google Maps isn’t entirely accurate in Samarkand. Restaurants that appear to be in one location aren’t actually there and some addresses are simply listed as “Samarkand”.

Getting to Samarkand

There are several trains each day from Tashkent to Samarkand. They are fast, comfortable, and generally run on schedule. The trip from Tashkent to Samarkand takes less than three hours and you’ll pay 105,000 UZS for the fast train, and 70,000 UZS for the regular train.

You can book your train tickets online but the station names are all in Uzbek which can be confusing. Plus, they’ll add a processing fee to the price of the ticket. You can save yourself some cash and confusion by buying your tickets directly at the station.

A taxi from the train station to downtown Samarkand or the historic area around Registan should cost you 20,000 UZS.

Getting Around Samarkand

Unfortunately, the Yanix.Taxi app does not work in Samarkand and none of the taxis in Uzbekistan use a meter. So you’ll have to attempt to communicate your destination with taxi drivers and negotiate the price.

The yellow taxis operate on a shared taxi system meaning they will continue to pick up additional people as long as there are extra seats. There is a flat rate of 4,000 UZS for most trips around downtown and Registan.

If you want to take a taxi further than a few kilometers, you’ll need to negotiate a taxi fare. Shoot for 2,000 UZS per kilometer as it seems to be the going rate, even though they’ll always start with a price about twice that. Never get into a taxi before first agreeing to the cost.

Where to Stay in Samarkand

L’Argamak Hotel

The L’Argamak Hotel is ideally located right near the main tourist sites in Samarkand. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed with views of the beautiful garden below. Guests love the delicious breakfast spread and the super friendly and helpful staff!

Check Prices on Booking.com

Sultan Hotel Boutique

The Sultan Hotel Boutique is located right in the heart of Samarkand and offers stunning views from the rooftop terrace. You’ll be within walking distance of all of the most popular sites in the city. Rooms are comfortable with all of the amenities that you’ll need during your stay.

Platan Hotel

The Platan Hotel is a bit further from the tourist sites of Samarkand, but closer to restaurants (including their own restaurant which is one of the top-rated in town!). Rooms are clean and spacious and the bathrooms are updated, a rare luxury in Uzbekistan.

Where to Eat in Samarkand

Our favorite place for lunch was Cafe Magistr , a small cafe that serves both Western and traditional Uzbek food . Plus, they had the best Wi-Fi that we found in the city. It’s a great place to chill, drink a coffee, and catch up on emails. Be sure to try the Magistr Pizza and the Chuchvara Soup! And if you are in the market for a manicure/pedicure or a haircut, the barbershop right next door has the best prices around and super friendly staff.

The Bibikhanum Teahouse is a cute outdoor restaurant near the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. It’s a bit touristy in that the servers are all dressed in traditional clothing but prices are reasonable and the food is delicious. Be sure to try the “Mantu” and the stuffed peppers!

We’ve included several other favorite restaurants below!

The Top 14 Things to Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

1. visit the registan.

Of course, one of the top things to do in Samarkand is to visit Registan . This iconic landmark of Uzbekistan is a central courtyard surrounded on three sides by impossibly beautiful madrasahs.

When you enter the courtyard, Tillya-Kori is directly in front of you. It has the most striking interior area with a small mosque. The walls of the mosque are covered in intricate gold details and the ceiling is spectacular. If you walk around here, you’ll see photos on the walls of the Registan before it was restored to its current glory.

Facing the Tillya-Kori, the Sherdor Madrasa is on the right, and the Ulu Bey Medresesi is on the left. Both have beautiful courtyards in the back as well as small shops with traditional Uzbekistan souvenirs. Be sure to stop by the shop at the Sherdor Madrasa where you can dress up in traditional clothes for the small fee of 5,000 UZS per person. It’s super entertaining and the guy running the place will take as many photos of you as you want!

Around sunset, the lights come on and illuminate all three of the gorgeous buildings. Crowds dwindle and it’s a great time to enjoy the inner courtyard.

Entrance Fees: 40,000 UZS per person

Hours: Open daily from 8 am until 7 pm. From our observation, as long as you’re at the gate by 7 pm, you are allowed to stay until 8:30 or 9 pm.

2. See the Nighttime Show at the Registan

If you take our advice and stay inside the Registan courtyard for sunset, you’ll be in for another treat. At 7 pm every evening (except, apparently, when they don’t feel like doing it), there is traditional music and dance show in the courtyard of the Sherdor Madrasa.

A small group of five men plays instruments while several others sing and dance. It’s a 50-minute show and you’ll certainly be entertained the entire time. The backdrop of the performance is the beautiful interior walls of the courtyard, lit up with colorful lights.

Entrance Fees: 60,000 UZS per person to see the 50-minute show

Hours: The 50-minute show begins at 7 pm

3. Check out the Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Another one of the best places to visit in Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is directly in front of the Siab Bazaar. It’s a striking mosque with a lovely interior courtyard. Areas of the courtyard and the interior are under reconstruction so a few areas are off-limits. There are so many opportunities for beautiful photos here and it’s generally not that crowded so spend some time here enjoying the peaceful garden.

Entrance Fees: 25,000 UZS for adults, 10,000 for children. The sign says you’ll need to purchase a camera permit but it does not appear to be enforced.

4. Shop at the Siab Bazaar

The Siab Bazaar is mainly a food market meant for locals, but there are a few things here to satisfy tourists as well. If you enjoy wandering through markets and enjoying the people watching, you’ll definitely get your fill of that here. And if you’re searching for the perfect Uzbekistan souvenir to take home with you, there are several small shops off to the side of the covered market.

The candy, fruit, and nut vendors will call out to you from their stalls, offering you small tastes of their goods. Be sure to try the pistachio halva, it’s a sweet, chewy nougat that is absolutely delicious. It’s easy to get ripped off here so be sure to bargain. A bar of halva should cost no more than 5,000 UZS.

5. Appreciate the Beauty of the Gur-e Amir Complex

The Gur-e Amir Complex is a striking madrasah that houses the tombs of Amir Temur and his beloved descendants. The building was originally meant to be an Islamic school at the direction of Temur’s grandson, Muhammad Sultan. But after he died suddenly in 1403, Temur ordered that the complex be changed to a mausoleum.

Temur was originally meant to be buried in his hometown of Shakhrisabz, but his body was laid to rest at the Gur-e Amir, as well as his other infamous grandson Ulugbek. Amir Temur’s jade stone grave is in the center of the grandiose room that houses all of the tombs. Outside is a lovely courtyard and garden, with a spectacular arched gate at the entryway.

Entrance Fees: 25,000 UZS per person. Keep your ticket as it’s good for reentry for three days.

Hours: Open daily from 8 am until 7 pm

6. Admire the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum

The Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum is a magnificent work of art and a must-see during your trip to Samarkand! Once inside it feels as though you’re walking down the main avenue of a city comprised of the most beautiful mausoleums. The vibrant blue tilework is prevalent throughout the complex, making it a photographer’s dream!

The name Shah-i-Zinda translates to “Tomb of the Living King” which refers to the holiest of the shrines, what is likely the grave of Qusam ibn-Abbas. He is famed for bringing Islam to this region in the 7th century. The mausoleums here were built over the periods of the 11th to the 19th centuries as Timur and Ulugbek buried their families and closest confidants here at later dates.

If you want to snap photos here without loads of people in the background, come in the early morning.

There are several rules that visitors are asked to follow during a visit to the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum, namely to dress modestly with respect to the deceased. It is also forbidden to take photos next to the tombstones, sit on them, speak loudly, behave badly, put money on graves, or sacrifice animals on the graves.

Entrance Fees: 15,000 per person

Hours: Open daily from 7 am until 7 pm

7. Sample the Goods at the Museum of Wine-Making

At this point, you’re probably wondering what to do in Samarkand besides looking at Islamic architecture. How about sampling some Uzbekistan wine?

The Museum of Wine-Making is less of an actual museum and more of a tasting room. There is a large room with some old winemaking tools on display that you can wander around before heading into a room with a large central dining table. Here you’ll get to try 10 different alcoholic beverages for 50,000 UZS per person. There are three dry wines, four dessert wines, two brandys, and one medicinal liquor similar to Jagermeister. You’ll get some information on the varietals while you sample.

8. Take a Day Trip to Shakhrisabz

Shakhrisabz is a small town located about 55 miles south of Samarkand. You’ll need to hire a driver for the day, the going rate is generally $40 for two people and the drive takes about an hour and 40 minutes each way. You’ll want about two hours to explore the city and your driver will drop you off on one end of the complex and pick you up at the parking lot on the other side.

Shakhrisabz is an important city in the history of Uzbekistan as Amir Temur was born in the neighboring village of Hodja-Ilgar and made Shakhrisabz his residence. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several interesting architectural sites to explore. Your tour will start at the Ak Saray Palace where you’ll pay 7,000 UZS per person to visit. A large statue of Amir Temur stands proudly in front.

The next stop along your tour of Shakhrisabz is the Medrese Chubin if you choose to visit. It’s 16,000 UZS per person and the museum is poorly signed with some “artifacts” that are just paper-mâché copies of the originals. It is definitely skippable, especially if you are short on time. The Caravanserai Koba has been converted into a very fancy-looking restaurant, and the Medieval Bath is now a cafe.

You’ll wander through the central park before coming to the highlight of the city, the Dorut Tilovat Complex (entrance fee of 7,000 per person). Here, you’ll be able to see the Kok Gumbaz Mosque and two mausoleums. And directly across the park pathway is the Dor-Us Siyadat Complex (entrance fee of 10,000 per person) which houses the tomb that was meant for Amir Temur before it was decided that he would be buried at the Gur-e Amir Complex in Samarkand.

9. Visit the Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari

The Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari is about 30 minutes north of the central area of Samarkand, so you’ll need to catch a taxi to get there. The architecture of the complex is similar in architectural style to most of the buildings listed above and it is a revered pilgrimage site in Uzbekistan for the devout. Imam al-Bukhari was a theologian and authored the second most important book for Muslims after the Quran.

The complex houses a mausoleum, mosque, library and museum, and several souvenir stalls.

10. Eat Plov

No trip to Uzbekistan is complete without trying their beloved national cuisine – plov. This hearty rice dish is cooked in a cast-iron pot and topped with chunks of lamb and an assortment of veggies. And the most popular place to eat plov in Samarkand is at Osh Markazi Filial 1 . It’s a bit outside of town, but conveniently located just a few blocks from the Ulugh Beg Observatory.

11. Dress Up to Dine Out

A popular nighttime activity for locals in Samarkand is to get dressed up and go out for dinner and dancing. Restaurants serve classic Uzbekistan dishes while blasting club music and the patrons move from their tables to the dance floor throughout the night. There is a strict dress code for locals, but tourists aren’t held to the same standards. But if you show up in workout clothes, you’ll probably feel out of place.

Karimbek is a lively restaurant where you’ll find locals dressed to the nines rocking out to music in the room right off the entrance. If the music downstairs is too loud for your taste, you can grab a private room upstairs. There are no prices on the English menu which can be scary, but everything is quite reasonable. Their local red wine is only 8,000 UZS per glass. Be sure to try the kabobs!

Samarkand Restaurant is perfect if you’re looking to be entertained while enjoying your dinner. As you enter you’ll immediately see the dance floor where locals are dancing to the loud club music. The food is great, the alcohol is cheap, and you really can’t beat the people watching! The menu is quite similar to Karimbek and you’ll have to ask for the Uzbek menu to see the prices.

Oasis Garden is similar to Karimbek and Samarkand Restaurant in that there is a room dedicated to dancing and loud music. But there are also several quieter areas of the restaurant if you’re not in the mood to party. The staff members are super friendly and attentive and the decor is cute and comfortable.

12. Get a History Lesson at the Ulugh Beg Observatory

In full disclosure, our visit to the Ulugh Beg Observatory (also called Observatory of Ulugbek Samarkand) wasn’t our favorite activity in Samarkand. But if you have some extra time in Samarkand, or if you are particularly interested in astronomy, it’s worth a visit.

The Ulugh Beg Observatory was originally constructed in 1428-1429 by astronomer Ulugh Beg and at the time it was one of the finest in the Islamic world. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1449 by religious fanatics and was lost for many years before being discovered in 1908.

Some truly magnificent discoveries were made in this observatory. Ulugh calculated that the length of a star year was equal to 365 days, 6 hours, 10 minutes, and 8 seconds which is only off by less than a minute to our current calculations.

The only thing that remains of the observatory today is the sextant, which was an instrument that was used to determine midday. It is covered by a roof but you can peer down into the large hole and see a large section of it below. There is also a very small museum that gives some history of Ulugh and of the work that was done in the observatory in the 1400s.

Entrance Fees: 25,000 per person

Hours: Open daily from 9 am until 7 pm

13. Stop at the Saint Daniel Mausoleum

If you do choose to visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, it’s a fairly easy walk back to the main touristy area of Samarkand. There are a few optional stops along the way. The Saint Daniel Mausoleum supposedly houses at least part of the remains of Saint Daniel, a biblical prophet from the Old Testament. It is a religious pilgrimage site for religious people wishing to worship him.

There is also a natural spring that is considered good luck so you’ll see people drinking from it or splashing water over their faces. You’ll need to pay a small fee to enter the mausoleum and an additional 20,000 if you’d like a tour guide to explain the significance of the area.

It is a peaceful place, and it’s a nice break from your walk to sit and enjoy if your legs are tired. But it’s probably not worth going out of your way to visit unless you have a particular interest in Saint Daniel.

Entrance Fees: 15,000 UZS per person to enter. 20,000 UZS if you want a tour guide.

14. Visit the President’s Tomb

The President’s Tomb is another easy stop on your walk back from the Ulugh Beg Observatory. But unlike Saint Daniel’s Mausoleum, I would recommend going out of your way to visit this spot. You’ll be able to see both the Hazrati Khizr Mosque and the tomb of the former president.

The former Uzbekistan president, Islam Karimov, ruled Uzbek SSR in 1990 before declaring Uzbekistan’s independence on September 1, 1991. The first general election took place in December of that year which he won by a landslide. He continued to win re-elections with over 90% of the vote until his death in 2016.

As with many of the other religious and historical sites in Samarkand, the mosque and enclosed tomb are absolutely stunning. You may be able to climb the minaret after paying your entrance fee which offers views of the courtyard below. You can take photos here, just not of the actual president’s tomb.

We hope that’s enough things to do to keep you busy in Samarkand, Uzbekistan!

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

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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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2 thoughts on “the top 14 things to do in samarkand, uzbekistan”.

Amazing travel blog! I am going to Uzbekistan next May. In your opinion, how much time to spend in Samarkanda, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent? We have few days and wonder which cities need more time to seet it.

Oh yeah, you’ll LOVE it! Khiva is quite small and Tashkent is more of a metropolitan city so I’d recommend less time in both of those and more time in Samarkand and Bukhara!

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