ouzbekistan road trip

The Perfect Uzbekistan Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 6, 2024

If you’re looking for the perfect 1, 2 or 3-week Uzbekistan itinerary, we’ve got you covered!

Uzbekistan is a land unknown to the vast majority of travellers. One of only two double landlocked nations in existence, it sits in the heart of Central Asia, an area of the world mostly known for the old silk road and the former Soviet Union. 

In recent years Uzbekistan has grown in popularity amongst the travel community.

The visa process has become significantly easier, you can now change your dollars, euros, pounds and yen at banks and it is now easier than ever to get around. 

This is a great time to visit Uzbekistan and we look forward to helping you plan your trip!

Table of Contents

Day 1: Tashkent

Day 2: tashkent, day 3: bukhara, day 4: bukhara, day 5: samarkand, day 6: shahrisabz, day 7: samarkand, day 3: nukus , day 4: the aral sea, day 5: the aral sea, day 6: khiva, day 7: khiva, day 8: bukhara, day 9: bukhara, day 10: samarkand, day 11: shahrisabz, day 12: samarkand.

• Day 13: Tashkent/Chimgan Canyon

Day 14: Tashkent

Day 1 and 2: tashkent, day 3-7: the fergana valley, day 3: fergana city, day 4: kokand, day 5 – andijon , day 6: margilon, day 7: namangan, day 8: tashkent and onto bukhara, day 9 and 10: bukhara, day 11-13: samarkand and shahrisabz, day 1 – 2: tashkent , day 4 – 5: aral sea , day 6 – 8: khiva and the elliq qala fortresses, day 9 – 10: bukhara , day 11 – 13: samarkand and shahrisabz, day 14 – 15: tashkent and the chimgan canyon, day 16 – 20: fergana valley, day 21: tashkent, getting to and from uzbekistan , shared or private taxi, the perfect uzbekistan travel itinerary.

All of our travel itineraries start and end in Tashkent, as the vast majority of travellers arrive in Uzbekistan via air.

However, if you are entering the country overland then these itineraries can be altered based on the closest destination of the border crossing.

Because it is not really possible to visit both the Aral Sea and the Fergana Valley in the same 2-week Uzbekistan itinerary we have included 2 options from which to choose.

READ MORE: Learn more about all of these great places to visit in Uzbekistan in this post !

7-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary 

This 7 day Uzbekistan itinerary will get you to Uzbekistan’s major sites. However, be prepared for some early starts and the possibility of a night train!

Start your journey in Central Asia’s largest city, Tashkent. Although it doesn’t get a lot of love from the travel community I absolutely loved Tashkent and would recommend spending a bit of time there.

Spend your first day getting acclimatised by taking a wander around Tashkent’s Soviet architecture around the Navoi Theatre.

Head over to Tashkent’s Islamic University to check out some lovely Islamic architecture before relaxing Alisher Navoi park. 

As the sun begins to set, head over to the rather spectacular Minor Mosque for some spectacular photos as the sunsets behind it.

For dinner head down the area around Amir Timur square fills stalls, games and inline skaters. There are a couple of decent eateries nearby which a worth checking out.

On your second day get up bright and early and take a wander through old Tashkent, along the Kolkouz Canal to Khast Imam.

Then head over to the Chorsu bazaar to chow down on some delicious shashlik and plov. 

If you’re lucky enough to be in Tashkent when a performance is on at the Navoi theatre make sure you get yourself a ticket. Their ballet performances are excellent. 

The best way to book tickets is to head to the ticket kiosk at the theatre itself. However, you will need a bit of Russian or google translate handy. 

READ MORE: Check out all the great things to do in Tashkent in this post !

Check out our Uzbekistan Vlog on things to do in Tashkent.

Catching a train is the best option for your journey to one of the ancient silk roads most spectacular cities, Bukhara.

The journey from Tashkent is 6 hours by the older Sharq service and 4 hours on the faster Afrosiyob.

Both of these services run daily. There is also a night train departing at 10 pm and rolling up in Bukhara at 6:30 am which could be a good option. 

After you’ve dumped your bags head out and explore this spectacular city.

Make sure you visit the Ark and Zindan prison for a perspective on the city’s turbulent and slightly gruesome history. 

The Kaylan Square which contains the famous Kaylan Minaret and mosque, as well as the Mir-i-arab, makes up the architectural heart of the Bukhara’s old town.

In the surrounding area, there are numerous mosques and madrasa’s that are well worth checking out. 

Be sure to get out bright and early on your second day to wander Bukhara’s maze of backstreets and alleyways to visit some of it’s less well known such as the Khoja Kalon and Hoja Zayniddin Mosque’s.

Do make sure to get over to the east side of town to see Bukhara’s most well-known sight the rather lovely, Chor Minor.

After strolling around Bukhara’s old town, grab a beer and wash the sunset from the very well located Chashmai Mirob.

READ MORE: Check out all the great things to do in Bukhara in this post !

Hop on another train as you head to Samarkand , your final stop on this 7 day Uzbekistan itinerary. 

There are many that say Samarkand is Uzbekistan’s most spectacular silk road city. The architecture is awe-inspiring.

The Registan may be one of the most spectacular sights in the Islamic world. 

However, unlike Bukhara and Khiva, modern-day Samarkand has grown around its ancient architecture leaving an oddly appropriate harmony. 

Unsurprisingly the Registan is the place to start. This combination of three spectacular madrasas will leave you spellbound.

From here carry on to the Bibi Khanym Mosque. 

READ MORE: Check out all the great things to do in Samarkand in this post !

Check out our Uzbekistan vlog on things to do in Samarkand .

Take a day trip out to the beautiful city of Shahrisabz . Just under two hours from Samarkand, this small town is well worth the visit. 

Start at the spectacular Gumbaz mosque before carrying on up to view the remains of the Ak Saray palace built on the orders of the region’s greatest conqueror, Amir Timur. 

You can either book a taxi from your hotel or guesthouse, or if you meet a particular friendly driver at the station, then arrange it with them directly.

Expect to pay around $50 for a day trip. 

On the final day of you 7 Day Uzbekistan itinerary head out to check out two of Samarkand’s most spectacular sights. 

Shah-i-zinda is a collection of small mausoleums decorated with incredible tile work. The narrow alleyway the winds through from the entrances makes the experience all the more magical. 

You final sight in Samarkand before you catch the train back Tashkent is the Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum to Amir Timur, Uzbekistan’s greatest hero.

A fitting place to end your 7 days in Uzbekistan.

From here hop on the train and head to Tashkent for your flight out.

2-Week Uzbekistan Itinerary: OPTION 1 – Including the Aral Sea

The first of our two week Uzbekistan itineraries take in the fabled Aral Sea. This route takes you to the countries extremities with plenty of hidden gems. 

Starting out in Tashkent spend your first day chowing down on all manner of delicacies at the Chorus Bazaar.

However, if you’ve been in the area for a while and fancy a change, check out one of the cities awesome Korean restaurants. 

Uzbekistan’s Korean current population are descendants of ethnic Koreans that formally lived in Russian far wast and were forcibly moved to Uzbekistan by Stalin in the late 1930s.

Make sure you visit some of the city’s museums and some classic Soviet architecture around the Navoi Theatre. 

Get up early and head over to old Tashkent. Follow the Kolkouz canal west to east through some of the oldest parts of the city.

Eyes peer over fences, friendly locals offer cups of tea, and Ladas rest precariously on the canal’s edge. 

Head over to the mainstay of Tashkent’s Islamic architecture; Khast Imam. 

Grab your bags from your hostel and take a taxi to the station to board your overnight train to Nukus. Time to travel across the desert in style.    

You’ll arrive in Nukus around midday, most likely beneath searing heat. 

Trips out to the Aral Sea depart early in the morning so you will have the afternoon to explore a place that has real end of the line feel. 

After you’ve dumped your bags at one of the two Jipek Joli’s in town (comfortably the best accommodation options in town) make sure you check out the Savitsky museum which contains a fantastic collection of banned Soviet art.

Approximately half of the works were brought here during the time of the Soviet Union, with Nukus’s location making it an excellent place to evade the authorities. 

Most tours of the Aral Sea last two days. The first day will take you out to the Aral Sea via the Ustyurt plateau. There is a campsite on the southern edge of the Aral Sea offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views. 

The only way to visit the Aral Sea is on a tour as you need guides with an intimate knowledge of the tracks, as a large portion of the trip is off-road. Whilst it’s certainly not a budget option it is well worth it. 

You’ll stop in at Mizdakhan, home to a collection of sacred mosques and mausoleums. From here it will be onto the Ustyurt Plateau and a potential visit to the military-grade airfield at Qula Ustyurt. 

From here it’s onto the shores of the Aral Sea. You will get the opportunity to swim. However, do not swallow any of the water and try to avoid getting it in your eyes if possible. 

You can then spend the evening at the campsite chatting with your guide and drinking a bit too much Uzbek vodka. 

If you head isn’t too fuzzy from the previous night’s festivities then get up early to watch the sunrise over the Aral Sea. 

You’ll now head to the Aral Sea’s most famous sight: Moynaq. Its ship cemetery is one of the clearest representations of this tragedy.

The rusting ships on the former seabed in Moyaq are now approximately 80km from the Aral Sea itself. 

From Moynaq it’s back to Nukus. From here you have two options:

• Take the train to Khiva
• Take a taxi directly from Nukus.

We chose the latter option, at a cost of about $70 per taxi, certainly not bad for a 3-hour drive.

Also, we had the added flexibility that meant if we delayed coming back from the Aral Sea, the rest of the trip would not be impacted.  

Welcome to the first of ancient silk road towns located in the heart of Uzbekistan.

Khiva is very much an open-air museum with all of the cities main sights concentrated within the walls of the Ichon Kala .

Upon entering through the west gate you will need to purchase a 2-day ticket which will grant you entry to almost all of the mosques, mausoleums, minarets. 

Start with the Kalta Minor Minaret, before checking out the Kuhna Ark, the Juma Mosquee and wandering the cities alleyways and backstreets.

In the southeast of the city is the Isom-Khoja mosque and minaret as well as the spectacular Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum. Be sure to visit the stunning and sometimes missed Tosh-hovli Palace. 

Grab a beer at one of the guesthouse bars opposite the west gate and watch as the sunset paints the cities walls orange.  

Head out early to explore some of the spectacular Elliq-Qala forts. You can book taxi’s from your guesthouse or from guesthouses opposite the western gate. Expect to pay between $40 – $50 for the day. 

There are quite a few fortresses that are available to explore. However, Ayaz Qala, Toprak Qala, Kirk Kiz Qala and Kizil Qala are particularly spectacular.

Catch a later afternoon train down to Bukhara.

Spend the day exploring the heart of Bukhara’s old town. The area around the Kaylon Mosque and Minaret is spectacular.

Make sure you grab a drink at Chashmai Mirob to take in the stunning view. Sunset is particularly nice, unsurprisingly.

The Ark is Bukhara’s imposing fortress that was the residence of the city’s Khan and offers a great insight into the area’s history.

Just to the north is the Zindan prison which shows a more gruesome side of the city’s history, demonstrating why the Khan had such a fearsome reputation. 

Check out the local market for some of the best salsa you will eat in Central Asia as well as the nearby crumbling madrasas. 

Get up early and explore the city’s backstreets as the sun begins to rise. In the southwestern section, there are numerous hidden mosques and madrasas that barely see any visitors. 

After breakfast make sure you head over to Chor Minor and then head further out of town to check out the emir’s summer palace. 

Take the train to Samarkand in the afternoon.  

Get up bright and early to take on the Registan, Bibi Khanym, the spectacular Shah-i-Zinda. If time is on your side check out the Hazrati Hizr Mosque and its tribute to Islam Karimov, the country’s former leader. 

In the evening head out to Besh Chinor for some incredible shashlik washed down with a few beers, or Uzbek vodka if you’re feeling brave. 

Take a day trip out to spectacular Shahrisabz.

Follow the same itinerary for here as in the 7-day schedule above.

On your final day in Samarkand take a trip to Gur-e-Amir, Amir Timur’s mausoleum before heading out to the Ulughbek Observatory.

Head to Tashkent in the evening.

Day 13: Tashkent/ Chimgan Canyon

Get out of Tashkent for a day of hiking in the rather beautiful Chimgan Canyon, a world away from the desert landscape of the last few days.

It is possible to get here via public transport but it will require a few changes, so you’re best off taking a private taxi. Usually, they charge between $50 and $80. 

Make sure you bring good hiking shoes, plenty of water and sunscreen. However, if hiking isn’t your thing there are swimming options at the Chimgan reservoir. 

Say goodbye to Uzbekistan with a visit to the Minor Mosque and the Islamic University of Tashkent.  For a different side of Tashkent head down to Alisher Navoi Park. 

If the political side of Uzbekistan is of interest, take a trip to the Islam Karimov museum.

However in-spite of the fact that this Soviet-era dictator has passed away, Uzbekistan is still a repressive state. Therefore act in a respectful manner. Be prepared for quite a lot of propaganda. 

2 Week Uzbekistan Itinerary: OPTION 2 – including the Fergana Valley

For this 2 week Uzbekistan itinerary we will be saying goodbye to the Aral Sea and Khiva and taking a journey to the rarely visited Fergana Valley.

Follow the same itinerary as above for Days 1-2. However, travel to Fergana City on the afternoon day 2 or the morning of day 3.

Trains from Tashkent are just around 6 hours and depart daily at around 8 am and 5:30 pm. If the train times are inconvenient, a shared taxi is the best bet. 

Once in the Fergana Valley itself, there are plenty of options to get around: shared taxis, marshrutka and trains.

The Fergana Valley is very different from the rest of Uzbekistan. It’s one of the most diverse regions with Uzbeks, Tajiks and Kyrgyz living in close proximity.

When Stalin divided up the region in the 1920s no attention was paid to tribal, cultural or linguistic borders. Hence why this area has historically been a hotbed of violence in the past. Now however it is much safer. 

This region is very different from the rest of Uzbekistan. Don’t expect to see the same spectacular Islamic architecture here. It is the people that truly make this area special, and many have fascinating tales to tell.

Welcome to the main town in the Fergana Valley.

In recent years travel in this part of Uzbekistan has gotten quicker and more convenient.

Therefore it is entirely possible to base yourself in one place and explore the region from there, with Fergana City being the best place to do this from. 

Spend your first day exploring Fergana. The city has an almost Tashkent feel to it with tree-lined streets. The bazaar and the city’s regional studies museum are well worth checking out. 

Take a day trip to the city of Kokand, which is home to the spectacular Khan’s Palace as well as some other mosques and madrasa’s. 

Taking a marshrutka is the best was to get here from Fergana. It takes about 1.5 hours and they run throughout the day.  

The largest city in the Fergana Valley will always be associated with the massacre that took place in 2005 . From a cultural and linguistic perspective, there is a strong argument that this is the purest Uzbek city in Uzbekistan. 

The city’s bazaar and Jome mosque and madrasa as worth a visit. 

Again, marshrutka is the best option. 

This city is mostly known for the Yodgorlik silk factory, which helps Uzbekistan to maintain it’s position as the world’s third-largest producer of cotton behind India and China. 

Alongside the Yodgorlik silk factory, the town’s bazaar is also worth a visit. 

Located in the north of the Fergana Valley is the town of Namangan. It is a city that has been, and still, at the centre of culture and crafts in Uzbekistan. 

The Hoja Amin Mausoleum is well worth checking out. However, the jewel in the crown here is Akhsikent, the remains of an ancient city that was built 2,500 years ago. 

A travel day today. You may be able to do this all in one shot, or you may need to break this up into two journeys.

Get stuck into one of the region’s most stunning cities. Make sure you explore the Bukhara’s backstreets, with the best time being in the early morning. 

After Bukhara head over to Samarkand , where you can squeeze in a day trip to Shahrisabz. 

Head back to Tashkent where you can explore some of the areas you’ve previously missed out on before flying out.

3-Week Uzbekistan Itinerary

For our 3 week Uzbekistan itinerary we have combined all of the previous routes. But we have also added an additional day in Khiva to give a bit more time for Khiva itself.

Uzbekistan’s capital city is packed with amazing things to see and do .

The end of the line, as far Uzbekistan’s railway is concerned, Nukus is the jumping-off point for the Aral Sea, as well as being home to the Savitsky Museum.

A trip that few people will ever make. The Aral Sea is a confusing mixture of wonder, enlightenment and despair. However, this is probably the most eye-opening place I visited during my time in Uzbekistan. 

You could spend far more than two days wandering around Khiva’s narrow alleyways. It is easily the best-preserved in Uzbekistan. The Elliq Qala fortresses are stunning, albeit brutally hot.

Bukhara’s backstreets hold a charm of their own. The architecture here is phenomenal, as is the Bukharan plov. 

Possibly the most awe-inspiring city in the region, Samarkand is home to some of the Islamic world’s most jaw-dropping architecture. 

Take a day to chill out in Tashkent, before getting some hiking in around the Chimgan canyon.

Make Fergana City your base as you explore this off-the-beaten-track area of Uzbekistan. 

Back to Tashkent where your Uzbekistan adventure ends. 

Uzbekistan Itinerary Travel Guide

Now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of how to get to Uzbekistan, and how to get around on this epic adventure.

Uzbekistan is easily accessible overland from the four other Central Asia nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

However, the coming from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan can be a little trickier as you will be crossing in the Fergana Valley.

The border crossing at Chernyaevka, between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, can be particularly chaotic. However, it is the main crossing between the two countries with many travelling between Tashkent and Shymkent. 

Incidentally, it is easy to add on a trip to Turkmenistan, taking a u-shaped route from border crossings near Khiva and Bukhara. However, if you do this you will need to get a double entry Uzbek visa. 

Uzbekistan is reasonably well connected by air, with a number of international carriers offering flights to Tashkent. The country’s national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, is well connected across Central Asia and the Caucasus. 

Getting around Uzbekistan

This is a great option for getting between some of Uzbekistan’s more off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Long-distance taxies can be booked through guesthouses and hostels. You will pay for the cost of the four seats. So naturally, the price will be cheaper the more people you have to split it with. 

In Uzbekistan’s cities, any car can potentially be a taxi. Stand on the side of your road with your thumb out and pretty soon a car will pull up.

This could be a regular taxi driver, or someone trying to make a bit of extra money on their journey.

For these short distance, journeys make sure you agree on a price before you get in. There may be a little bit of haggling.

However, we found that the vast majority of prices quoted for trips within a city are actually very reasonable and in line with what you would expect. 

But there are a few exceptions where you will need to flex your negotiating skills.

At Tashkent airport taxi drivers will quote some insanely high prices. It should be between $1-2 US dollars for a trip to the city centre. However, we had drivers quoting $20.

The second place is at border crossings. Very often drivers will charge very high fees, especially if there are no other options.

However, they will come down to a more reasonable price if you stick to your guns. 

The converted transit vans are a crucial part of the transport infrastructure in the region.

However, they are less common in Uzbekistan than in other nearby countries. This is possible because of Uzbekistan’s reliable railway network.

But marshrutkas are commonly used to get from place to place in the mountainous Fergana Valley. Although the train line in the area has improved in recent years.

They are much cheaper than taxi’s however schedules are not always super reliable as drivers don’t want to leave until the marshrutka is full to maximise their takings.

Uzbekistan’s train network is excellent. With reliable old Soviet trains running alongside the high-speed Afrosiyob service there are plenty of options to get you across the country. 

Uzbekistan’s dry, desert climate and long journey times make train travel a great option for getting around.

Tickets can be purchased online, from train stations or at small travel agents. Train travel between Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent does not need to be booked too early in advance. 

However, if you are planning on taking the night train between Tashkent and Nukus it’s best to book as early in advance as possible as this service can be quite busy.  

Internal flights are a great option if your time is limited to visit Uzbekistan and you have the budget. 

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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 7-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary: Your all-in-one Guide

“Everything I have heard about the beauty of Samarkand is pure truth – but it is even more splendid than I could have imagined!” said Alexander the Great. Indeed, Uzbekistan is full of unreal beauty, and it looks exactly like in the stunning photographs you see of its cities.

I had lost count of the number of times my breath had been taken away: between the country’s dazzling blue mosques, beautifully carved minarets, Soviet-style buildings, and ancient towns stuck in time. It’s a destination you have to see to believe.

We spent one week in Uzbekistan in June 2021 and wanted to share our experience. So let’s take a look at this very detailed 7 day Uzbekistan Itinerary, where we share with you some of the best places to see, attractions to visit, how to travel around the country, where to stay, and a few more handy tips. 

Get inspired to embark on your own Silk Road adventure by reading our 40 Most Interesting Facts about Uzbekistan! The region’s culture is also very welcoming and warm, which always makes for a great deal of flavourful and delicious cuisine, read more about Uzbek cuisine and must-try dishes.  

Best time to visit Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is an exciting location when it comes to its weather conditions. The summers are hot and dry, but you can still travel and enjoy the country’s beauty in comfort. However, keep in mind that June, July, and August are the hottest.

The highest season and the best time to visit Uzbekistan is in spring, from April till June . You don’t need to worry about the overcrowded attractions, though. The second touristic season in Uzbekistan starts in autumn.

In fall, the most comfortable months are September and October , as it gets chilly in November. The winters are cold, and the country is off-season, so plan your Uzbekistan itinerary accordingly.

How to get to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a double landlocked country, which means you can travel there by plane or by car. 

Flying is the easiest option. You can arrive in Tashkent if you have your visa figured out. The two leading airlines flying to Uzbekistan are Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines . 

But you can also travel on land and cross the border from one of the neighboring countries. That’s what we did. We were already in Kyrgyzstan , so we crossed the border from Osh and took a taxi to Tashkent. It’s possible to do it all in one day. We can also provide you with the phone number of our taxi driver to get you started. 🙂

How to get around Uzbekistan

We took a combination of shared taxis and high-speed trains moving around Uzbekistan.

Trains are most comfortable for long distances, while shared taxis are more convenient when traveling in the same city. 

How to Get Around Uzbekistan By train  

High-speed trains are the most comfortable and cost-efficient way to get around Uzbekistan. It’s also one of the safest options. They travel between the most popular locations and are much faster than other local transport. The trains sold out fast, so you should book the tickets way in advance, at least a few days before your trip. Unfortunately, since 2017, you can’t secure the ticket online. This option is available to locals only. That’s why you will have to go to the local train station and get the ticket in person. You can, of course, try getting it on the same day as you travel. But it will likely be fully booked, especially during the summer months and in September.

Here is a timetable of the Uzbekistan railways

How to Get Around Uzbekistan By taxi

One of the most common ways to get around Uzbekistan is with shared taxis, called “marshrutka.” It is an impressive experience, which should appear in your Uzbekistan itinerary . It’s a fantastic way to meet the locals and learn more about their everyday lifestyles.

Of course, the prices for such a trip can vary based on the route and the individual driver. But you can always negotiate to get the best deal. 

There are two ways to get a shared taxi. The first is to find one in their departure spot, usually near the popular city locations. 

Make sure to go past the crowds of hungry taxi drivers spotting the exit of tourists in the train stations and look for a driver with whom you could negotiate a reasonable price.

The second is to order one through YandexGo, an app like Uber, widely used in Uzbekistan.

How to Get Around Uzbekistan By car (not recommended) 

Unlike in most countries, you cannot rent a car through a car rental agency in Uzbekistan. However, it’s also true that Uzbekistan isn’t the best country to take that chance. Most drivers don’t care for the rules. Also, random stops by Uzbek police looking to collect a bribe are not rare. All this can only complicate your travel experience.

7-Day Itinerary in Uzbekistan

Day 0 – arriving in tashkent.

The first thing on your Uzbekistan itinerary will be its capital city, Tashkent. It’s a big city with the title of the most populous in Central Asia. Influenced by Turkic, Indian, Chinese, and Soviet cultures, this city is an exceptional travel destination. It is full of exciting things to do and see. 

The first thing to do here would be to get accommodation. If you prefer a modern and comfortable stay, we’d recommend staying at the Moderno Hotel . It is a new hotel with a fresh and contemporary design. The rooms are soundproof and have spacious beds.

All of the amenities are of international standard. There’s a beautiful swimming pool and a fancy gym. The breakfast buffet is as good as it gets. The pricing is an excellent value for the quality and location. Moderno Hotel is an exceptional place to stay in Tashkent. 

If you are a hostel-type traveler, a great place to stay in Tashkent is the Art Hostel . Located not far from the top attractions, it’s a great budget-friendly choice. The hostel has an Uzbek home ambiance. It offers various rooms – from single through quadruple to four- and six-bed dormitory-style rooms. There’s also a medium-sized swimming pool and a fantastic breakfast.

Day 1 – Tashkent

Now that you’ve had the time to rest, it’s high time to explore this thrilling Uzbek city. You’ll find out that one of the best ways to get around Tashkent is the metro. There are metro stations all over the city, and you can get to almost any location without a problem.

Tashkent Metro also happens to be one of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s a mix of Uzbek culture, Soviet past, and urbanistic design. There you’ll be amazed by stunning art exhibits, fascinating decorations, and interesting materials used while building the underground.

Get ready for marvelous frescoes, mosaics, arches, and other architectural wonders. 

Tasting local produce and speaking to the locals is a surefire way to feel the country’s culture. You can do all this at the Chorsu Market (or Bazaar, as the locals call it). The market is located at 57 Tafakkur Ko’chasi street, right next to the Chorsu metro station.

It’s an old traditional food market with meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, and nuts. Most vendors will let you sample their goods, which is an amazing passage to the local cuisine. You can also try to visit the Alay Bazaar , located at 7 Yahyo Gulyamov Street. It has a modern feel to it and operates in an orderly fashion. 

After visiting the Chorsu Market, stop by at the fantastic Kukeldash Madrasah . Built in a traditional shape from yellow brick, it’s a significant place for Islamic students in Tashkent.

There you’ll also find a Juma (or Dzhuma) Mosque , built in the 15th century. But, in the 19th century, the main building was rebuilt. So now, we can only see the old construction layout and fragments of preserved designs.  

If you are into urban architecture and history, Amir Temur Square and Independence Square (a.k.a. Mustakillik) are worth visiting. Amir Temur Square , near Uzbekistan Hotel, is a massive city square with much greenery. It feels like a smaller park.

Look out for a monument dedicated to Amir Temur, a prominent historical figure for Uzbeks. In addition, independence  Square is home to government buildings and important historical memorials. There you’ll visit the Glory and Memory Alley, honoring the heroes of World War II.

Each year on May 9th, it’s full of flowers brought by the residents in the memory of the fallen. It’s a relaxing place for many Tashkent residents. 

For a later lunch, stop by The Central Asian Plov Center , which we mentioned earlier. The building is a vast dining hall where you’ll meet both locals, out-of-towners, and tourists. You can get an impressive portion of plov, a salad, and a drink (usually lemon tea). To reach the center, get off at the Habib Abdullayev metro station. 

Next to The Central Asian Plov Center, you’ll see Tashkent Television Tower , a true city landmark. It is 375-meter-high and is the 12th tallest tower in the world.

The tower’s observation deck offers excellent city views. It attracts quite a few tourists each year. The observation deck is 97 meters above the ground. For a different experience, you can get a drink or grab a bite at the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower.

A trip to Tashkent wouldn’t be complete without the remarkable Hazrati Imam Complex . Located in Sibzar, an old city district, it’s a complex of historical and architectural monuments. Moreover, it’s a religious center in Tashkent. There are two mausoleums – Khazrati Imam and Kaffal Shashi.

There’s the Barak-Khan Madrasah, built in the 16th century by the “Lucky Ruler,” and Muyi Muborak Madrasah, a 16th-century educational center, and a rich library today. Many people visit to see the world’s oldest Quran of Caliph Uthman, listed in the UNESCO. The complex also has three mosques – Khazrati Imam, Tilla Sheikh, and Namazgokh.

There’s also an educational center and the Building of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Uzbekistan.

Another fabulous place to see in Tashkent is the Minor Mosque , located in the newer part of the city. It’s not far from the UzExpoCentre, where many people come for business. The area around the mosque is large (more than 11ha) but very peaceful and quiet.

The Minor Mosque, open since 2014, is fascinating both from outside and inside. Built with white marble, it’s an architectural wonder and a landmark of Uzbekistan. 

Tashkent is the largest city in Uzbekistan and plays a role as its cultural hub. So if you’re into arts and history, there are quite a few places in Tashkent worth your attention.

One of the most famous museums in the city is the Amir Timur Museum , which opened in 1996. There are more than 5000 memorabilia and artifacts exhibited focusing on the life and deeds of Amir Timur. They take the visitors through a vital part of Uzbekistan history.

If you’d like to dig deeper, pay a visit to the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan , founded in 1876. It’s one of the oldest museums in Central Asia, with more than 250,000 exhibits. The museum’s collection covers Uzbek history and its culture, arts, and ethnography.

For architecture fans, the museum’s building is a curious example of multicultural Soviet architecture.  

Day 2/3 – Samarkand

After spending a day in Tashkent, let’s head out to stunning Samarkand. This city is a magnificent landmark of Islamic architecture. It’s also one of the finest destinations in our Uzbekistan itinerary. With its unique history, Samarkand has a special magical feel to it.

It used to be the capital for Timur the Great’s empire and a crucial economic and cultural center in Central Asia. So it’s best to spend at least a few days there. Samarkand is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan. All attractions are pretty spread out, and there are two parts of the city.

The frequently visited part is the old town. It has the main religious and historical attractions. And there’s the new town with cultural hubs, educational institutions, and governmental buildings. 

For a hotel, we’d like to recommend the Emirkhan Hotel , which is where we stayed. This place is beautiful both inside and outside! There are plenty of traditional Uzbek patterns, stylish furniture, and lavish amenities. There’s also an outside swimming pool and a wonderful terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast or sit down for a coffee break. 

The top attraction in Samarkand is, of course, the Registan . It’s a former heart of the ancient empire of Timur the Great. Today this square is a part of the UNESCO Heritage List. It attracts many religious travelers, but also those interested in history and Islamic architecture.

The square is trendy, so we’d recommend heading there early in the morning or later at night. It’s best to do both as at night Registan lights up and turns into a magical place.

Every day at 7:00 pm there’s a show with traditional music and dancing. It’s a beautiful way to spend your evening, which will leave you in awe. Registan has three madrassas – the Ulug Begh, Sher Dor, and Tillya Kari.

The architecture of each madrassah depicts the history of the Timur Empire. Their exterior might be similar, but the interior of each madrassah is very different. The mosaics of each one are astonishingly intricate and beautiful. 

Shah-I-Zinda Complex , a necropolis located in the northeastern part of Samarkand, is another “must-see” site in Samarkand. The site’s name means “The Living King,” which is undoubtedly the most important Muslim shrine.

The complex consists of many temples, mausoleums, and other ritual buildings. One of the most valuable in the complex is the tomb of Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, who brought Islam to the region.

This place will astonish you with one of the richest tilework in the Muslim world, along with its historical value. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of the Zarafshan valley and the mountains to the south. 

Another point of interest is the Gur-e-Amir , a mausoleum of Timur. This attraction, a.k.a. The Tomb of the King, is considered an inspiration and a model for the world-famous Taj Mahal.

It’s a resting place for Timur and his sons, grandsons, and his teacher. The building dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, but not all of it is original, and a big part had to be restored. Nevertheless, its famous blue-tiled dome and walls with gold inscriptions will amaze any visitor. 

Ulugh Beg Observatory , built in 1420, is another top attraction in Samarkand. It used to be one of the finest observatories in the Islamic World. But, unfortunately, later in the 15th century, it was destroyed and wasn’t rediscovered until 1908.

However, due to its unique construction, the observatory served as an exceptional astronomical tool. Discoveries made at the observatory were terrific. They were amazingly exact, even though the astronomers didn’t use any visual tools. Today you can see the observatory remains and visit a museum that explains the work of Ulugh Beg.  

If you’re looking to explore something different, the Afrasiyab Settlement and Museum would be a great choice. Covering about 220 ha, it’s one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. The attraction itself represents natural hills and a museum.

The experience might be better with a guide . She is called Feruza and she can tell you more about the history and significance of this place. Here is her number: +998 91 525 55 13.

The museum describes the Afrasiyab settlement and tells the story of how Samarkand was found. You can find it in the north of Samarkand.

 Day 4 – Samarkand– Bukhara

On the 4th day of our Uzbekistan itinerary, it’s time to move along and travel to Bukhara. The best way to travel there from Samarkand is by high-speed train. The road will take about 4 hours, which you can use to rest and enjoy the scenery. 

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, there are quite a few options in Bukhara. For a truly boutique experience, we’d recommend staying at the Boutique Hotel Minzifa . The interior is extraordinary and beaming with Uzbek national patterns and prints. The hotel’s location is perfect, as it’s near all the city’s main attractions. They also serve delicious Uzbek-style breakfast and offer local dishes a-la-carte. 

Another option (and the more affordable one!) is the Lyabi House Hotel . Located in a 19th-century building, it combines Uzbek traditions, antique furniture, and modern amenities. It has a beautiful courtyard and serves a tasty and nutritious breakfast. 

For a cheaper option, take a look at the Rumi Hotel . Here you’ll be able to get close to Bukhara culture for a delightful price. It’s a hostel-type of accommodation, with comfortable common spaces. The location is lovely, too, and you can meet and chat with other travelers. The hostel’s specialty is tea and Uzbek baked sweets.

 Day 5 – Bukhara

The Po-i-Kalyan complex is, no doubt, the main attraction in Bukhara. Many visitors come here to see the Kalon minaret , the Miri Arab Madrasah , and the Kalon mosque . The Kalon minaret is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. It dates back to the 12th century. Even the mighty Genghis Khan spared the building after he conquered Bukhara.

Today this 45-meter building is one of the top attractions in this destination. The Kalon mosque, dating back to the 16th century, will amaze you. It has 288 domes and 208 pillars, which makes it a sight you can’t miss. The third part of the complex is the beautiful Miri Arab Madrasah. It’s pretty sacred, so tourists can’t enter and can enjoy it from the outside.

Like the one in Samarkand, you’ll find the Ulugbek Madrassah in Bukhara, too. Constructed by Ulugbek, it’s one of the earliest buildings in the city. It’s also the first madrasah he built. The famous ruler hoped that Bukhara would become the center of science and education.

This site is worth a visit, even though it has less decoration than the other city sites. Next to it, you’ll find the Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah, built in 1625. This madrassah shows the sensational skills of the medieval Central Asian architects.

Bolo Hauz Mosque is another historical mosque located in Bukhara. You can find it opposite the Ark. Its best features are the stunning carved wooden pillars and remarkable frescoes. There’s also a small artificial pond in front of the mosque, where you can take a break and relax. 

Built in 1620, Lyabi-Hauz is one of the best things to do in Bukhara. For ages, it has been a place where locals gathered to talk and relax. Here you’ll find a few places to eat, some small shops, and a pleasant shade from the mulberry trees. 

Another architectural gem is the Fayzulla Khodjaev House Museum . You can find it in the Goziyon neighborhood. This house used to belong to a wealthy merchant and one of the prominent Uzbek politicians.

It’s a beautiful example of 19th-century residential architecture. The exciting aspect about this house is that there are havli darun (female area) and havli berun (male area). 

Samanid Mausoleum , located outside the old town, is another iconic example of Islamic architecture. Built-in the 10th century C.E., it’s the oldest building in Bukhara. It’s also one of the earliest examples of the Islamic tomb to preserve in Central Asia.

This mausoleum is the resting place of the Samanid dynasty. It’s an exciting location that will amaze you with its delightful decorative brickwork.

Another top historical attraction is the Chor Minor Madrassah . It is a mysterious structure consisting of four blue domes. Located a bit far from the old historical part, it used to be the entrance to a madrassah that no longer exists. Each minaret has a unique shape and design, and each one reflects a different world religion.

If you have the time, we’d recommend traveling a few kilometers outside of the old town to the village of Sumitan. There you’ll see a beautiful memorial complex called Chor Bakr.

Known as the Town of the Dead, it is a burial place of Abu-Bakr-Said, one of the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The area is about 3 ha and consists of 25 constructions. 

Of course, visiting any city in Uzbekistan wouldn’t be complete without the local bazaars . There are four trading domes in the city. They are Toqi Sarrofon, Toqi Telpak Furushon, Toqi Zargaron, and Tim Abdulla Khan. There you’ll find traditional crafts like suzanis, along with other fascinating goods. 

An extraordinary bazaar experience is the animal market in Bukhara. Each week, on Thursdays and Sundays, the locals gather to buy, sell and trade livestock. You’ll have to come there very early as the market operates from 3 am to 9 am. We’d recommend taking a taxi to get there.

Day 6 – Bukhara – Khiva.

Many tourists neglect traveling to Khiva because it’s a bit far. But, it’s a mistake. You can’t travel to Uzbekistan and miss out on an opportunity to feel the Khiva charm. The best way to get there is by train. The railway station in Khiva has been operating since 2018. There are now daily trains from Tashkent, with a stop in Bukhara. 

When it comes to staying in Khiva, there are two places we can point out. One of the finest places to stay in Khiva is the Meros Hotel . It is more of an inn or B&B type of accommodation.

It’s decorated in traditional Uzbek style (with carpets on the walls and floors). It’s an atmospheric place. But the best feature of this hotel is its terrace overlooking the city. It is also where they serve breakfast, so it’s worth your money. 

A budget-friendly option in Khiva would be the Hostel Laliopa . The price difference isn’t extreme, but it’s an acceptable option if every penny counts. Its disadvantage is that it’s pretty far from the center (40 minutes walking). But, the hostel staff is amicable and might be willing to drive you to the old town for free. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience to stay there.

Day 6 – Khiva

When in Khiva, it’s worth climbing to the top of Islam Khoja Minaret . It’s the tallest one in Uzbekistan and offers spectacular views of the city. Islam Khoja Minaret is a symbol of Khiva and is home to the Museum of Applied Arts. 

Kuhna Ark Fortress is a former fortified citadel located in the heart of Khiva. The Khan’s house was a place for his harem, stables, barracks, a mosque, and a jail. Today one of its main attractions is the Summer Mosque, built in 1838. It is an open-air mosque covered in gorgeous blue and white tiles.

The fortress’s watchtower is a perfect point to see the sunset. 

Although not included in the ticket, we’d say it’s worth seeing Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum . The building itself is the Persian-style chamber under the blue dome. Built-in 1701, it is the tomb of Mahmoud Pakhlavan, a famous poet and warrior. It’s a religious spot where people come to pray and drink holy water. You should remove your shoes when entering.

Last but not least on our list of top things to do in Khiva is the Isfandiyar Palace . Built between 1906 and 1912, it was Khiva Emir’s summer palace. You will appreciate the gold-embroidered ceilings, 4 meter high mirrors, and gorgeous chandeliers. 

Day 7 – Khiva -Tashkent

There are two best ways to travel back to Tashkent. You can travel by train, or you can take a taxi. The reason why you might want to skip on the train is a possible stop at the desert castles of the ancient Khorezm . It takes about an hour to get there from Khiva. 

When you see the dry landscape, you won’t believe that it is one of Uzbekistan’s wealthiest areas.

One of the best attractions there is the Ayaz-Kala fortress . It stands high on a hill and offers incredible views of the Kyzylkum desert. There you can find local camel herders who provide rides to the castle.

Here are some other points of interest in Khorezm. Guldursun Kala , built in the 12th century C.E., is the most famous still standing fortress. It has an internal area of about 6 ha. Koy Krylgan Kala is a temple complex of the Chorasmian Dynasty.

It’s of a mysterious circular shape, and many scientists believe it was one of the first astronomical observatories. Toprak Kala was an ancient palace city and the region’s capital, abandoned in the 6th century.

The rooms of the palace are still in good shape. Qizil Kala was revived in the 14th century and underwent modern restoration relatively recently. It used to be a fortified house of a Khorezmian official.

Things to Know Before Traveling to Uzbekistan

What to know about uzbek money  .

We’d recommend taking at least part of what you’re planning to spend in cash. Then, later you could exchange the money at the bank or local exchange spots. At these places, you can get an official and fair rate.

Unfortunately, official exchange offices are harder to find. However, except for the Tashkent airport, you’ll find some in Bukhara and Khiva . So while changing more significant amounts, be ready to get a massive stack of Uzbek soms. Of course, you can also find ATMs, but you’ll have to be lucky.

Sometimes they are empty or take only a specific card (Visa or Mastercard, but not both). They also charge your bank a significant commission. If you’ve ever heard of the black currency market in Uzbekistan, you should know that it no longer exists. And for tourists, it’s a good thing. 

What to Know about Uzbekistan Language  

Language is the crucial thing to keep in mind while planning your Uzbekistan itinerary . Unfortunately, unlike in many countries, English here isn’t going to help you. But, unfortunately, it’s a common feature of the post-Soviet Asian countries. 

The official language is Uzbek, and 85% of the population speaks it. But Russian is the communication language that will help you get by in Uzbekistan. It is universal and used by many locals. So it’s best to prepare for that in advance and learn some phrases or use translation apps as a reference.  

What to Know about Uzbekistan Food  

Traditional Uzbek dishes are a must-have experience! They combine tastes from other Eastern and Western Asian countries. They make it very rich and diverse. Vegetarians and vegans will find it hard to discover traditional Uzbek cuisine. Most of it contains meat, yet we’ve seen some veggie options too. Here are the top Uzbek foods to try while in the country.

It is the most traditional and famous Uzbek dish, which you can find in every restaurant and every home. There are more than 200 varieties of the recipe. The main ingredients are usually lamb or beef. It’s fried in a large pot called “Kazan” with onions and carrots. An exciting experience in Tashkent is a plov center that serves plov only. There you can also see how it’s cooked. This dish is not only special for Uzbeks but also considered a UNESCO Cultural Heritage .

It is pretty similar to Georgian khinkali. These are dumplings filled with minced meat, fat, and onions cooked over steam. Uzbeks usually serve it with vinegar or sour cream. Vegetarians can taste manty with pumpkin or potatoes instead of meat. But you won’t find those in every restaurant.  

Shashlik is usually spiced and marinated skewered beef. It’s not an original Uzbek dish, as it’s popular in many Asian and even Eastern European countries. 

Lagman is a specific dish made with handmade pulled noodles covered in a meat or vegetable sauce. A curious detail about Lagman is that it can work both as a main dish and soup. 

It is a variation of a soup made with lamb broth. In Uzbekistan, you’ll generally find a wide variety of soups. It’s a common feature of Uzbek culture.  

Don’t forget to try Samsa , a triangle-shaped baked dough filled with meat and onions. Rarely you’ll find Samsa stuffed with potato or pumpkin. 

Other Uzbek Food to Try

Other things we’ve tried and loved include:

• A vegetable salad made with tomato, cucumber, and onion.
• Famous Uzbek yogurt dip called suzma .
• A local dessert called halva .
• Different kinds of bread, dried fruit, and nuts. 

What Budget to Plan in Uzbekistan

Traveling to Uzbekistan doesn’t have to be costly, but it’s also not the cheapest. The most expensive items on your Uzbekistan itinerary will be flights and accommodation. 

• The pricing for the flights will vary depending on your departure destination and the airline you choose.
• The accommodation price can be 20-40 EUR/night in a hostel and 50-170 EUR/night in a hotel. 
• You can get the food from street vendors, eat in a restaurant or a cafe. It is relatively affordable and will generally cost you from 5 to 15 EUR/day.  
• Transportation will be about 8 EUR/day as there’s always room for negotiation. 
• Most entrance fees will be from 3 to 17 EUR/person .
• A sim card with the local service will cost you 7 EUR. So for that money, we got the UCell sim card with 9GB of data.

Visa in Uzbekistan

Today, it’s pretty easy to get a visa to Uzbekistan. Before, it took lots of paperwork, and the country’s government was very strict about the rules.

Since 2018 the process has gotten much easier for most nationalities. If you are a citizen of some eligible countries, you might not need a visa at all. You will have a free visa on arrival at the airport or land border.

The nationalities which cannot get a VOA can apply for an e-visa. The e-visa allows you to stay in the country for a total of 30 days. After that, you can enter the country several times and travel for business or pleasure.

Generally, the visa is valid for 90 days. To get it, you have to fill out an online application and pay the fee. Once it’s approved, you’ll get a confirmation and a visa itself via email.  

For more information, check out Uzbekistan Visa Requirement on Caravanistan.

Safety in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is safe for travel, especially compared to its neighboring countries. There’s no need to leave out certain places from your Uzbekistan itinerary. Don’t believe the rumors, and use common sense while on your travels. A curious fact: Uzbekistan is one of the top 20 safest destinations in the world! 

There’s very little chance that you’d end up in a dangerous situation. Yet, like anywhere, it’s best to keep track of your things in crowded places. So we felt pretty safe here, and even when visiting the country’s top attractions. 

Final Thoughts about Uzbekistan Itinerary

Based on our experience, Uzbekistan should be on the top of your travel bucket list. There’s beautiful Islamic architecture and a wonderful mix of Eastern and Western cultures.

People are welcoming, and the food is delicious. Even though Uzbekistan is not the most known travel destination, it is getting more popular daily.

So pack your bags and get there as soon as you can! 

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Rym is the cofounder of Walk Beside Me Blog. With a knack for connecting with people and cultures, she's explored more than 70 countries over the last 10 years. Rym's passion for travel blogging shines through in her 50+ blog posts on Walk Beside Me, making her a true travel expert.

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Thanks for this post, I have such romantic ideas when I think of Stans, especially UzbN and been thinking to travel there for ages. Your Itenirary is perfect for duration I intend to stay. What is perhaps missing is if it’s worth hiring car there?

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Full Backpacking Uzbekistan Itinerary in One Week (Or More) + Tips

There are a lot of places to visit in Uzbekistan. However, a well made, a one week Uzbekistan itinerary is enough to see most of them, together with going off the beaten path and meeting local people. I carefully planned my Uzbekistan itinerary to see as much as possible in a week of backpacking Uzbekistan, and I share it with you.

Uzbekistan tourism places narrow down to three main cities located on the Silk Road: Samarkand , Bukhara , and Khiva. Those are the cities that feature almost every Uzbekistan itinerary, and for a reason. There are, however, also other places to visit, and things, that you should put your attention to when you plan your trip to Uzbekistan.

And how to plan your Uzbekistan travel anyway? Is Uzbekistan safe ? What about transport, money, prices, food?

Below, I explain it all to you. Dig in!

Table of content # Uzbekistan itinerary tips # Tashkent # Samarkand # Khiva # Elliq-Qala # What to add with more time # Map of Uzbekistan itinerary # What to pack for Uzbekistan

BACKPACKING UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY 

Uzbekistan was a second country on my Central Asian itinerary , after I stayed a few days in Kazakhstan, and before I moved to Kyrgyzstan .

The route that I chose, I managed to do in 7 days with plenty of spare time in between.

However, before travelling to Uzbekistan, I’ve read on several blogs, that I cannot possibly do that all in a week unless I rush it through. And should only focus on three cities that are closer to each other – Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara .

Of course, if you want to spend several days in one city and come back to the same places at different times of the day, then plan like this would work. Or, if you don’t want to travel at night.

However, with correct planning, you can still see much more. With no rushing!

During my Uzbekistan 7-day itinerary, I followed the Silk Road, witnessed the history written in the walls of Bukhara, learned about the Timurid Empire in Samarkand, listened to the stories of Khiva, had Uzbek food in the traditional yurt, explored the abandoned desert castles, and met tons of wonderful local people. And this is how.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More details here .

Uzbekistan itinerary tips.

I travelled in Uzbekistan solo and I checked on my own skin if Uzbekistan is safe .

Uzbekistan has recently relaxed its visa rules, which includes no-visa entry for some passport holders. Check the information about the visa requirements for Central Asia before departing. You can read the latest visa information for Central Asia on the official country website. For Central Asia visas for Uzbekistan , click on the blue link.

To travel in Central Asia you can use different modes of transport. My favourite transport in Uzbekistan were trains, shared taxis and marshrutkas. Marshrutkas are the minibuses that travel either on short or long distances. They are usually small and cramped but it’s the cheapest option to travel around. Shared taxis are the cars where you share places with other people. Their price is normally a bit higher than the marshrutkas, but they can get you to the destination faster. Trains connect the main places on this Uzbekistan itinerary, they are cheap and fast, so this was my favourite transport to use.

You need to bring a lot of cash with you to Uzbekistan. Or take dollars and exchange them in the bank. Most places don’t accept cards (any cards), and ATMs are either broken or only working for locals. Sometimes, in Tashkent, you can use Revolut .

Accommodation

By law, you need to register your stay in Uzbekistan every three days. When you stay in hotels, they will do it for you. Then you just need to collect the receipts in case you get asked for them at the border. Check for accommodation in Uzbekistan here .

Uzbekistan tours

I did Uzbekistan backpacking as a solo traveler, and I felt safe in Uzbekistan . However, I’ve already visited over 60 countries , most of them independently, I speak Russian and I can make my way around pretty well. If you don’t consider yourself ready for taking an independent trip to Uzbekistan, here are some recommendations for the organized tours to consider instead:

• 2 Days desert Yurt camp tour in Uzbekistan – Check details here
• 4 Days Pearls of Uzbekistan Tour – Check details here

DAY 1 UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY – TASHKENT

Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, has quite a lot of charm, especially if you compare it to other world’s capitals. If you have some time, you can spend a day in Tashkent and see how life goes on in a big city. In terms of main Uzbekistan tourism places, there is not that much there, but you can still find something to see.

I was quite tired after my travels, so I didn’t manage to see much of the city. If you have time, spend at least half a day there and make sure to see some of the Soviet architecture.

Top places to visit in Tashkent

• Uzbekistan hotel  – it’s the most famous hotel in Uzbekistan due to the interesting look. The building is mainly of interest to photographers who enjoy the post-Soviet architecture.
• Asian Plov Center – it’s a place to try some of the national Uzbek dishes like Central Asian plov, made from rice and meat.
• Amir Timur Museum – Timur was the first ruler of the Timurid dynasty, founding the Timurid Empire in Iran and Central Asia. If you are interested in learning more about this emperor, you can find out a lot there.
• Chorsu bazaar – main bazaar in Tashkent. The outdoor markets in Central Asia are always worth a visit 😉
• Tashkent Metro stations – trip to beautifully decorated metro stations is recommended. The photography used to be forbidden there, but now it’s possible.

Where to stay in Tashkent:

Sunrise Caravan Hotel – I stayed there for one night after arrival. The location is central. The interior was really nice and wooden, with a clean bathroom and a comfortable bed with a curtain in a mixed dormitory room. A simple breakfast was included. They also offer private rooms. Check prices and availability here .

Tashkent Amir Khan Hostel – a nice hostel, located close to the airport (I walked for my flight). I stayed in a female-only dormitory room and it was clean and comfortable. Plugs and curtains for each bed. Clean bathroom. Breakfast included. The staff were really nice and offered me a takeaway breakfast with no additional charge as I was leaving early for my morning flight. Check prices and availability here .

How to get around Tashkent

Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, serves as a transport hub of Uzbekistan. In the city, you can find several modes of transportation.

The only metro in the country, and one of the two in Central Asia, Tashkent underground is quick transport option in the Uzbekistan capital. And if the speed of transport is not enough to convince you, the interesting designs of the metro stations should! Trains run every 10 minutes from 5am to 00:00.

Bus network in Tashkent is quite extensive, but route planning might be difficult. Ask locals for help if you’re unsure.

Taxis is also a convenient option to get around the city. This is when there is no traffic! Remember to agree on the price before you get on.

Read more: Central Asia Travel Guide

DAYS 2-3 UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY  –  SAMARKAND   

Samarkand , and especially its old town is a crossroad and melting pot of cultures . Founded in the 7th century B.C., but has been mostly developed from the 14th to the 15th centuries, during the Timurid period.

It is quite a big city, and contrary to other Silk Road cities like Bukhara or Khiva, it doesn’t have entirely separated old town. From one side, it’s better as it looks more “real” to have all those old Silk Road buildings dotted around.

On the other side, it can feel a bit noisy and crowded with all the locals and cars everywhere around, when you try to get from one place to another. There are, however, parts of town, where the cars don’t go in, and this is where you can catch a bit of peace and enjoy the magical feel of the ancient Silk Road.

I managed to see most of the important things to do in Samarkand on the first day after arrival, so during the second day, I was mainly walking around, talking to people, eating, drinking tea and wandering the streets. I would say that one full day there would be enough, but make sure to not miss sunrise and sunset in Registan, so plan accordingly.

How to get to Samarkand

The easiest way to go to Samarkand from Tashkent is by train. The tickets are cheap and the trains are quite fast and efficient. You can book the tickets on the Uzbek rail website . I recommend buying them in advance, as they can get sold out. To avoid hefty bank fees, use Revolut for payments. 

The ticket price from Tashkent to Samarkand cost me 69585 UZS. The journey took 3 hours. Plan for an early train to have the whole day to explore, or for a late train to not to lose time.

Top places to visit in Samarkand

• Gur-e-Amir 

A mausoleum for Amir Timur, the first ruler of the Timurid empire. You can walk around the building to see people paying their respects to the emperor, or pay a fee to get inside.

Registan square

The most famous square in Samarkand, is worth the hype. Three madrasas (Islamic schools) create the complex. It’s worth going up to the minaret, just beware for the very narrow stairs. The Registan looks the most beautiful in the morning before all the local crowds arrive.  

Make sure to also visit Registan at night, when the whole complex is lit up. Even after the entrance is closed, you can still admire the square from the outside. 

Bibi Khanym Mosque

This huge mosque is worth visiting. It used to be one of the largest mosques in the world, but it has been destroyed with time. It still does look magnificent, from the outside and from the inside, showing off the delicate Islamic architecture design. 

The mosque is located by the busy local street, and near the market, so expect a lot of locals hanging around.

Siyob (Siab) Bazaar

The biggest open-air market in Samarkand and the largest bazaar in the whole of Uzbekistan. It’s located just by the Bibi Khanym Mosque. It’s a great place to wander around and explore what items you can get there – from sweets to fresh produce, meat, bread, medicines to kitchen dishes.

• Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Beautiful complex, full of turquoise mosaics, consisting of mausoleums, ritual buildings and tombs. It has been built for Amir Timur’s family and aristocracy from his times. I recommend visiting in the late afternoon when it’s quieter and the sun creates long shadows and golden colour on the buildings. Opening hours: 7 am-7 pm. Entrance fee: 10,000S.

There are many more sights to see in Samarkand. Find more info in the post about things to do in Samarkand .

Where to stay in Samarkand:

I stayed in B&B Emir . It’s a nice hostel, located close to Gur Emir complex and a short walk away from Registan. Traditional wooden interior, rooftop (it wasn’t fully ready when I was there though) and clean rooms. Breakfast wasn’t included, but there are plenty of places in the city where you can get food. Check prices and availability here.

If you want something on the other side of town, check Tilyakori Hotel or Hotel Caravan Serail , both traditional and with beautiful interior.

DAYS 3-4  UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY – BUKHARA

Bukhara is much quieter than Samarkand. However, there are still many impressive things to do in Bukhara (click on the link to learn).

Focus on visiting mainly the old town, but do venture out of it to see the daily lives of people and to encounter even more interesting places.

It’s a perfect place to just walk around and discover it on your own. Do not miss some of the important sights, though 😉

How to get to Bukhara

The easiest way to go to Bukhara from Samarkand is by train. The tickets are cheap and the trains are quite fast and efficient. You can book the tickets on the Uzbek rail website . I recommend buying them in advance, as they can get sold out. To avoid hefty bank fees, use Revolut for payments. 

Ticket price from Samarkand to Bukhara cost me 76600 UZS . The journey takes around 2h.

Bukhara train station is a bit away from the city center, so you would need to take a taxi to get there. The station is called Kagan. You can take shared or private taxi or marshrutka. I ended up taking a local bus and rode through the city people watching.

Top places to visit in Bukhara

• Po-i-Kalyan

Po-i-Kalyan is the top place to visit in Bukhara. It consists of Kalan Mosque, Kalon Minaret, Mir-i-Arab Madrasa (not accessible for tourists, as it’s still being used). For the birds-eye view of the complex, head to Bukhara Chasmai Mirob restaurant.

A heritage monument left from now destroyed madrasa with four minarets (Chor minor means four minarets). It now houses a souvenir shop. It’s the tiniest interior that I’ve seen. You can enter the roof for a small fee.

Opposite the building, there’s an interesting shop selling old military uniforms.

• Bukhara fortress (The Ark) 

A huge fortress with interesting architecture. You can enter part of the fortress, which is now a museum, for a fee. I especially liked looking at everyday life happening in front of the 5th-century walls.

• Bolo Haouz Mosque 

The opposite the fortress, you can find this beautiful wooden mosque. Raise your head up to admire the finely decorated ceiling!

• Lyab-i-Hauz

The central square in the old town of Bukhara. Filled with locals resting under the trees with a cup of tea during the day and with kids buying ice-cream in the evening. It’s a place with a special atmosphere. And perfect for people watching and making new local friends.

• Samonids Recreation Park – nice park, where you can watch locals relaxing after work.

There are many more places to see, check them in the post about things to do in Bukhara.

Where to stay in Bukhara:

Bukhara Rumi hotel – I stayed there for two nights in a mixed dormitory room. There were bunk beds with curtains, which was nice. The building is rather old and has a courtyard inside. The toilet was a basic one. We had a good and very big breakfast, unfortunately, the owner didn’t want to give me anything for takeaway as I was checking out before breakfast was served. The wifi was working mainly in the common area. The location was good enough, but further from the tourist attractions. It was ok for a few nights. Check prices and availability here .

If you look for a hotel closer to the main tourist attractions check Old Bukhara with very good reviews – check prices and availability here .

For nice hotels with a bit higher price range, Hotel Malika Bukhara with their spa center is a good choice. I wanted to stay in a beautifully decorated Boutique Hotel Minzifa that has traditional Uzbek architecture, but it was fully booked. It gets quite popular, so make sure to book in advance. Check prices and availability here .  

DAYS 4-5 UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY – KHIVA

Khiva, with its old town, Itchan Kala, that is part of the UNESCO Heritage list , was last of the main cities on my Uzbekistan itinerary.

Itchan Kala, the historic old town of Khiva, is the main purpose people travel to the city. Some call it an open-air museum, but for me, it was more than that. You have many historical buildings and architectural pieces in one place, crisscrossed by the local’s stalls and restaurants serving local food.

The mud walls of the buildings and walking off the main paths, as well as waking up for the sunrise on the city walls added magic to my stay in Khiva. I spent one full day, an evening and the next morning before and after the sunrise, wandering within the old city walls.

How to get to Khiva

The easiest way to go to Khiva from Bukhara is by train. However, the train doesn’t go all the way to Khiva. It goes to Urgench and from there you need to take a bus or taxi to Khiva.

The tickets are cheap and the trains are quite fast and efficient. You can book the tickets on the Uzbek rail website . I recommend buying them in advance, as they can get sold out. To avoid hefty bank fees, use Revolut for payments.

The ticket price from Bukhara to Urgench cost me 123487 UZS on a sleeper train in the private compartment. I shared it with 3 other people. The journey took around 6 hours. I recommend taking a night train, so you save a day and you can start exploring the city straight away.

Places to visit in Khiva

Itchan-Kala

Spend most of your time there. You don’t need the ticket to enter the old city. However, if you want to enter some of the museums or buildings you would need a ticket, which you can buy at the entrance of the old town.

I recommend just to walk around and stop wherever something sparks your interest. Below are some places that you shouldn’t miss inside the Khiva old town.

• Kalta Minor Minaret

This unfinished, turquoise minaret features in most of the photos you can find from Khiva. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to enter it anymore, but it still makes for an interesting sight.

• The Mohammad Amin Khan madrasah

Located next door to Kala Minor Minaret. It has been turned into the hotel, and the student cells are the guestrooms. Do stop for a photo there.

• Pakhlavan Makhmoud Mausoleum

Mausoleum with green tile roof and beautiful tile works. Separate entry ticket.

• Islam Khoja Minaret

A tall minaret on the southeast side of the old town. To climb it, you need to pay an entrance fee and go through the set of steep steps. The effort is worth it – the views from the top are magnificent.

• Kunya-Ark Citadel

Beautiful citadel from 1686. Inside there is a mosque Ak Sheikh Bobo and a museum. It features stunning tile and woodwork. Visit in the late afternoon to have a whole place for yourself.

• Khiva city walls

You can climb the city walls for free for the great views of the old and new town. The entrance to climb up is near Bakcha Darvaza. I recommend going there for the sunrise and/or the sunset.

Where to stay in Khiva:

Khiva Meros B&B – family-run hotel with rooftop terrace and wonderfully decorated ceilings. It’s located within the Old Khiva walls, perfect for peaceful strolls amongst the historical buildings and offering great sunset and sunrise views. It gets very popular and it’s hard to get a room, so be quick with booking. Check prices and availability here .

ELLIQ-QALA, THE 50 FORTS – UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY DAY 6

Golden ring of khwarezm .

I finished my Uzbekistan itinerary with a day trip to the Elliq-Qala, which means “50 forts”. I was looking forward to this part of the trip, as it sounded very unusual to me. The ruined towns and forts located in the middle of the desert oasis Khwarezm are collectively called a Golden Ring.

Currently, there are around 20 ruin sites that have been discovered, but the new ones are constantly being added to the list. The area of Khwarezm proves to be one of the biggest and most interesting areas of ruin on the planet.

A visit to the Golden Ring was a very interesting experience, that I can definitely recommend. The forts were empty and we could visit the walls in peace. The landscape reminded me of the intriguing rock formations of Wadi Rum in Jordan in the Middle East.

The most known fortress is Ayaz Qala, which is also the biggest one.

How to get to Elliq-Qala, the Golden Ring of Khwarezm

There is no public transport going there and the ruins are located in different places in the desert. The best way to get there is by car. You can rent a taxi to take you there or take a tour. I shared the car with a driver with other travelers from the hostel I stayed in Khiva.

It cost me around 10$ (and was a bit too expensive, you can get it cheaper, but I didn’t have time or energy to look for anything else). The car took us to four different ruin sites.

We had time to explore each one of them and spend as much time as we wanted. On top of the price for the car, we needed to pay a small entry fee into each site.

WHAT TO ADD TO UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY WITH MORE TIME

The sixth-largest city of Uzbekistan and the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan is located far away into the desert on the west side of the country. Nukus is known for its world-class Nukus Museum of Art, dubbed “museum of forbidden art” or “ the Louvre of Uzbekistan “.

The ghost-city, which population has been on a constant decline since the recession of the Aral sea, now it’s a testament of how the Muynak used to be a seaport, and now it lies more than 90 miles from the shore.

Travellers visit Muynak for the ship graveyard and to understand the ecological disaster of the Aral Sea.

The Aral Sea used to be the fourth-largest lake in the world. After excessive usage of water to the Soviet Union irrigation projects, the lake has started shrinking and now parts of it completely disappeared.

The shrinking of the Aral Sea has been called one of the planet’s worst environmental disasters. Today, you can drive up to the shore of the Aral Sea through the desert, which used to be filled in with water. It’s a good place to reflect on the impact of human actions on the planet and why being a responsible traveller is so important.

Fergana valley

Huge depression lying between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It’s the most fertile area in the southern part of Central Asia , used as an agricultural region.

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the division of the Valley between several countries created some cultural complexities in the region.

Hiking Uzbekistan

Even though Uzbekistan is not often associated with mountains, there are some options for hiking in Uzbekistan. Some places to consider for Uzbekistan hiking are the Chimgan Mountains and Kadwansai Mountain River Valley.

A MAP OF UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY

Below you can find a rough map of my Uzbekistan itinerary.

WHAT TO PACK FOR UZBEKISTAN

A few things that I recommend bringing when you travel to Uzbekistan:

• Revolut card for fee-free ATM withdrawals (some of the local ATMs will still charge a small fee, but it’s not the bank fee). Order your card here .
• US dollars in cash (so important Uzbekistan)
• Water filter. I recommend SteriPen , that also filters viruses or LifeStraw . You can buy SteriPen here , LifeStraw here .
• Russian phrasebook & dictionary – I used the one from Lonely Planet and found it very helpful. Buy it here.
• Sunscreen, always. I love this 50+La Roche Posay .
• Good sunglasses for the harsh sun and higher altitudes
• First aid kit

Are you planning a trip to Uzbekistan? Or maybe you have already been to Uzbekistan and can recommend what to see in Uzbekistan and what to add to the guide to Uzbekistan? Let me know in the comments.

Read more about Central Asia:

10 Astonishing things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

21 Impressive Things to do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

  13 Unique & Interesting things to do in Kyrgyzstan 

Is Uzbekistan safe? I traveled solo to Uzbekistan and this is what I discovered

Central Asia Travel Guide and Backpacking itinerary

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Related posts:

• Central Asia Travel Guide and Backpacking Itinerary
• Elliq Qala – 50 Desert Fortresses Of The Golden Ring in Uzbekistan
• Is Uzbekistan Safe? 5 Things I Discovered Traveling Solo
• Bukhara, Uzbekistan – 21 Impressive Things To Do In Bukhara (+ Less Known Ones)

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Uzbekistan Overland Travel Guide – Travel Information for Your Road Trip

August 21, 2021 February 9, 2024 | Karin-Marijke

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Uzbekistan captures the imagination like almost nowhere else. The country is virtually synonymous with the Silk Road and the three of the greatest Silk Road cities – Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva – all fall on Uzbek soil. The people, ideas, and goods that travelled east to west, and, indeed, west to east, have left indelible marks on Uzbekistan’s landscape, its culture and the genetic make up of its people, creating a diverse destination with layer upon layer of competing (but entwined) identities. From: Uzbekistan, Bradt Travel Guides

This Uzbekistan travel guide is for overlanders who are planning to drive to Uzbekistan, as well as for travelers who fly to Tashkent and want to do a road trip from there. Information on Uzbekistan’s road conditions, road maps, navigation apps, guidebooks, gas stations, SIM & WiFi stuff – you will find it all here.

Make sure to also check out our Uzbekistan Travel Budget Report with our travel expenditures and focus on paperwork, workshops, sightseeing, and accommodation/camping!

And then there’s our overview with our favorite camping spots in Uzbekistan .

Check it out: The Landcruising Adventure Sticker &Magnet Collection

Check it out: the Landcruising Adventure Magnet Collection

Index for our Uzbekistan Overland Travel Guide

Our Overland Travel Information Pages for Uzbekistan consists of two parts: The Uzbekistan Travel Budget Report , and this is the Uzbekistan Overland Travel Guide.

In this blog post we will discuss the following topics:

• Uzbekistan travel – Why / When / How
• Our Road Trip in Uzbekistan
• Roads, Traffic Rules & Police
• Roadmaps & Navigation Systems
• Guidebooks & Other Books & Resources for Uzbekistan
• Water & Food (including info for vegetarians)
• WiFi & Local SIM Card & Apps
• Additional Overland Travel Information Sources

1 – Uzbekistan Travel – Why / When / How

1a – uzbekistan travel – why.

What we loved:

• The plethora in mind-blowing architecture (particularly Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva).
• The surprising, culturally rich region of Termez .
• The sites in the town of Shahrisabz .

On the downside:

• Forget about vegetarian let alone vegan food. Most local dishes are animal-based. More on that below, see 7- Water & Food.
• The asphalted roads are mostly in bad condition making for long tiring drives, esp. when your vehicle has a stiff suspension like our Land Cruiser. If you are looking for overland adventures, neighboring Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are definitely more of interest.

An extra note:

I can imagine there is a great off-road adventure to be had, from Moynaq to the Aral Sea. It was not part of our itinerary because we came from south Kazakhstan and had driven thousands of kilometers through similar scenery (and saw the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan). So that’s why this is not mentioned either on the plus or minus side of our Uzbekistan overland experiences.

Read More: A Rainy Day in Aralsk, Aral Sea (Kazakhstan)

1b – Uzbekistan Travel – When is the Best time to Visit

It depends on what you define ‘the best’:

Climate wise , the best time to travel Uzbekistan is in spring or autumn (April – May & September / October).

Tourist-busy wise, it’s a different story. The best-climate months will be far the busiest, particularly in the popular cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Uzbekistan is hitting the ‘must see’ lists of Lonely Planets, CCN, Fodors and the like and so the masses are growing rapidly.

If you like sightseeing but not with the crowds:

• Go in summer, but know it will be bloody hot (except probably for the Tashkent metro system which has aircon :-))
• Go in winter. We ‘did the sites’ early November. Sure it was a bit cold, but dry and blue skies and there were no tourists. Bliss in every possible sense. Recommended. When we returned in January, the temps were still above zero (Celsius) but more grey skies.

1c – Uzbekistan Travel – How

For the largest part, we explored Uzbekistan with our Land Cruiser. Our home on wheels gives us the freedom to go and stop where we want. To be able in sleep in it allows for rough camping in the wilderness, but also in a parking lot or in a street in cities. The latter will save you a lot of money – accommodations in Uzbekistan are not cheap.

Another part of the journey was in the great company of my mother and sister. With them we rented a car in Tashkent, drove to Samarkand and Bukhara and back. The only foreign car rental company in Uzbekistan is Sixt . The big difference with local car rental companies is that Sixt allows unlimited kilometers, which is great for long-distance travel (like we did, 1 week Tashkent – Bukhara – Tashkent).

Every major hotel offers car rental services, which for one or two days is perfect because you most likely won’t drive a lot of kilometers. When driving few kilometers, this will be a cheaper option than renting a car at Sixt.

In retrospect a better, but more expensive, option would have been to drive to Bukhara, leave the rented car there and take the train back. The road between the cities isn’t particularly interesting and not particularly comfortable due to bad sections of asphalt. The train, of which there are many in different budget levels, is a great alternative ( more details trains in Uzbekistan here ).

Read More: Back on the Road after Covid

2 – Our Road Trip in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north and west, Kyrgyzstan to the east, Tajikistan to the southeast, and Turkmenistan to the south.

Fun fact: Uzbekistan or, officially, the Republic of Tajikistan, is a double-landlocked country in Central Asia, meaning it is surrounded by land-locked countries (The only other double-landlocked country in the world is Liechtenstein).

“ Uzbekistan in Asia is surrounded by five, all of them are Stan countries (ending with “stan”). They are Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan is of course a Stan country on its own. As there are seven Stan countries in total, the only Stan country missing is then Pakistan, which is 300 kilometers from Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is then of course the only country in the world exclusively surrounded by stan countries. Oh, the trivia you pick up here… ” From: Garfors.com

Of the 5 Stan countries, Uzbekistan arguably has the most to offer in terms of sightseeing. This is a country to be a tourist and stroll the sites in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva – palaces, forts, mausolea, mosques, museums, and more. Uzbekistan is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

The advantage of overlanding is that you can easily drive on and see more off-the-beaten-track sites in Termez and Shahrisabz as well.

Uzbekistan is vast and so has enough distances for you to cover. The main attraction for off-roading lies in the far west, across the deserts all the way to the shore of the ever-shrinking Aral Sea. But when tired of vastness and desert-like landscapes, the mountains are waiting from you east from Tashkent, in the magnificent Umag National Park.

Uzbekistan Country Stats

• Size/area: 447,400 square km
• Climate: Extreme continental
• Population: 29,2 million (July 2015)
• Life expectancy: 73,5 years
• National Sports: Kupkari (a game played between two teams, using a goat’s carcass to score points), Kurash (traditional wrestling), football, judo, boxing, and tae kwondo

From: Uzbekistan, Bradt Travel Guides

Our Visits to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Road Trip #1

For our first road trip we arrived from Tajikistan to southern Uzbekistan late October ’19. This turned out to be a perfect time to arrive in Uzbekistan weather-wise – blue sky, pleasant temperatures. We were blown away by everything new and exciting, the super friendly people on the bazaar in Denau , the gorgeous but not much known Silk Road architecture in and around Termez as well as in Shakhrisabz.

If you like sightseeing, Uzbekistan is the country for you!

Arguably best known for the incredible architecture of mausoleums, mosques, forts, minarets, and other buildings, we dig right into the heart of historic Uzbekistan in Samarkand and Bukhara. Some of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

All this sightseeing has nothing to do with overlanding , but you sure don’t want to miss these cities.

Looking back at our photos, I am still overwhelmed by all that beauty that we got to see and admire. What a privilege! By being there in November it was a bit cold but the crowds were gone and the weather was still good. Recommended time to go!

Read More: The Silk Road History in Termez (Uzbekistan)

Uzbekistan Road Trip #2

Our second visit was to western Uzbekistan (winter ’20). This journey happened mostly under cloudy skies which took away part of our pleasure of being here. We decided not to take up the one off-road adventure that attracts many overlanders (including us, normally, but just not now): driving from Moynaq –  the famous harbor on the Aral Sea that now lies in the middle of the desert – into the desert and to the shore of the Aral Sea, now 200 kilometers away.

Western Kazakhstan means a lot of driving through monotone desert over badly maintained asphalt roads. But hey, you get to see the Aral Sea if you persevere, and otherwise the third famous town of Uzbekistan, Khiva, as well as the nearby remains of 2000-year old fortresses, palaces, and caravansarais certainly make up for that.

Uzbekistan Road Trip #3

After covid we returned to Central Asia . In Uzbekistan (spring ’21) were sort of locked up because the surrounding land borders were closed. While spring was pleasant and beautiful, summer was incredibly hot. We divided our days between Tashkent, the capital (with temps of 48 degrees Celsius / 118F) and the mountains on its east.

The Uzbek mountains are beautiful, offer plenty of opportunities to wild camp and hike. However, since it’s nearby Tashkent, it can get quite busy during weekends and vacation season. To find space in the wilderness, Kyrgyzstan offers more opportunities.

Despite the heat we also traveled to the Fergana Valley, the place to learn everything about the country’s rich history of ceramics and silk production.

Having said that, we did enjoy our cooped up time in Uzbekistan, largely thanks to some incredible, kind, fun people we me. Thanks, among many others, Pavel and Michael, Zoha, and the incredible team of Deniz who again worked hard on the Land Cruiser.

At last, late July, we managed to find a way into Kyrgyzstan and cooler temperatures.

Uzbekistan, it’s been a pleasure and privilege to visit you!

Travel Stats for Uzbekistan:

• Time traveled in Uzbekistan: 155 days (Oct/Nov ’19 & Jan ’20 & spring ’21)
• Total kilometers driven: 4826 kilometers
• Average km/day: 31
• Note: Our average is so low because we were stuck in Uzbekistan due to covid restrictions (land borders closed) and spent a lot of time in & around Tashkent (spring ’21).

3 – Language

The national language in Uzbekistan is Uzbek , spoken by some 27 million native speakers in Uzbekistan and surrounding countries.

Many speak (some) Russian, which is taught in schools, although I had the impression it was less than in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Not speaking any Uzbek, it helped we spoke a few words of Russian (no matter how limited that still is), which we learned during our overland trip through Russia’s Far East and Siberia .

Google Translate

Google Translate is super useful to have. There are a couple of ways to use it: • Google Translate on the web – online only • Google Translate app – instant voice translation in a two-way setup – online only • Google Translate app – camera translation – offline* • Google Translate app – text-typing translation – offline*

* Offline = you need to download the Russian language package (unfortunately this is not possible with the Uzbek language). The offline use is particularly useful because in many of the remote regions you won’t have cellphone connection let alone WiFi (more on that below, 8- WiFi, Local SIM card, Apps)

Tip: It is wise to install a Russian keyboard so that the other party can type a text in Russian into the Google Translate app.

Insight Guides Phrasebook

We have an Insight Guides Phrasebook ,  which comes with an app for on your smartphone.

Russian Courses

What did we try to learn Russian:

• We practiced online using e.g. Russian for Free,  or on apps such as Duolingo and Memrise.
• We tried a one-week course on arrival in Russia, Vladivostok  but that didn’t help much.

Michel Thomas Method to Learn Russian

We are smitten with the Michel Thomas method! We used it in South America to learn Spanish and it worked great and it turns out that his method is available in a number of languages, among which Russian.

It was perfect to listen to and learn while driving those endless roads. We only wish we had known about this earlier. It is a super intuitive way of learning a language.

Find them here: Start Russian / Perfect Russian / Total Russian .

Read More: Sightseeing in Vladivostok

4 – Roads, Traffic Rules & Police

4a- roads in uzbekistan.

• In Uzbekistan people drive on the right side of the road.
• There are no toll roads.
• Uzbekistan has a fair amount of crazy drivers, playing chicken when overtaking, pushing you off the road, driving without lights at night or in thick fogs. Driving only during the day = recommended.

Paved Roads

No matter which road trip we did, the asphalt was smooth only for short only sections. For the most part, asphalt is badly maintained with a quilt of patches, potholes and gullies across the width of the road. It makes for tiring driving. To cover the distances, take 1,5 times more than Google maps suggests.

Read More: Chores when Overlanding in Uzbekistan

Recommended Books on Overlanding

(click on the images to look inside)

Drive Nacho Drive 1 – Brad & Sheena van Orden

Travel the Planet Overland – Graeme Bell

Revolutionary Ride – Lois Pryce

Products from Amazon

Unpaved Roads

Between the border on the far west with Kazakhstan to Moynaq, the asphalt was so bad that we often drove across the steppe/desert instead. There are many trails and it’s a game to find the best one. But the quality of those trails was quite bad as well, including washboarded sections, so it was a bit of a lucky shot where we were the least shaken to pieces.

I guess the only true off-road adventure lies between Moynaq up to the shore of the Aral Sea. We didn’t do this but apparently it’s not uncommon to get stuck there.

Tips on stuff to bring for unpaved, possibly dusty or muddy roads:

• Put a dust screen at the back (we use Velcro to keep it in place).
• Carry an air compressor and a  pressure gauge to inflate/deflate the car tires depending on the road surface.
• Carry recovery gear .

Read More: Recovery Gear – What do we Bring and How do we Use it

4b- 2WD or 4WD?

You don’t need 4WD to see the main sites, the exception being – as mentioned above – is the off-road part between Moynaq and the Aral Sea.

4c- Traffic Rules & Traffic Police in Uzbekistan

Speed limits:

• Highway: 100 km/hr
• Within city limits (indicated by white road sign, rectangular): 70 km/hr unless indicated otherwise

Pay attention because there are cameras on the highways. This may not be an issue when driving a vehicle with foreign license plate but if you rent a car, the rental company will charge you immediately when you turn in the vehicle (we had one minor speed-limit ticket, which cost the equivalent of about 20 euros).

We haven’t been stopped by the police. In case you’d like to know what to do when stopped by a police officer, we wrote a general blog post on how to deal with police officers based on tricks and experience during 18 years of overlanding.

Read More: How to Deal with Police Officers when Overlanding

5 – Roadmaps Navigation Systems

5a- roadmaps.

Our paper map is, as usual, from Reise KnowHow . Hardly ever perfect as roads change all the time and we don’t mind. The Reise KnowHow maps give a perfect overview of the whole country, which is great for planning a general itinerary and getting a feel for how to get where and what the distances are.

Reise KnowHow has a dedicated road map for Uzbekistan as well as a map of Central Asia, which helps to detail your trip in a bigger picture:

• Reise KnowHow Uzbekistan 1:1,000,000
• Reise KnowHow Central Asia Travel 1:1,700,000

5b- Navigation Systems (Electronic Road Maps)

Our choice for offline navigating in Uzbekistan:

Guru Maps (formerly: Galileo)

• Organic Maps (the successor or Maps me, which we used to use)

Galileo had disappeared from our phone since we first started experimenting and beta testing it in 2012. It appeared on our radar recently when they too offered offline routing. But that is not its greatest feature.

The gem is the fact that you can add your own offline maps. Although it is not easy to accomplish that, it is by no means impossible. E.g. we had Russian Military maps installed and are testing with some contour, hill-shaded sat maps. So far it has not resulted in the optimal solution, which would be vector-based maps with contours and maybe hill-shading. If you know where to access them, please let us know.

Apart from that, the base-installed OSM vector map shows nice detail when zoomed out (this is where it outshines MapsMe) and instead of routing there is the option of showing a bearing line that indicates the general direction to travel instead of turn-by-turn navigation where you lose any sense of control.

This way it is more like our first old-school Garmin-eTreks ( read about it here ) with just a line on a very detailed terrain. You are free to choose which roads or direction you want to travel.

Additionally, Guru Maps has a very nice tracking feature that just works.

6 – Guidebooks & Other Books

6a- guidebooks for uzbekistan.

There are way too few guidebooks out there on the Central Asian countries yet. Not one to be had in Dutch, and very few in English. Here’s what we’ve used:

• Find Bradt Travel Guide – Uzbekistan here
• Find Lonely Planet – Central Asia here
• Find Insight Guides – The Silk Road here
• Find Insight Guides – Russian Phrasebook here

Travel Guides for Uzbekistan

Lonely Planet Travel Guides – Central Asia

Bradt Travel Guides – Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan – the Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

6b – Books on Uzbekistan

More than enough reading material available to get inspired for your road trip to the Pamir Region, whether as a destination by itself or as a part of a bigger trip to Central Asia / of the Silk Road.

Among the ones I’m reading / are on my list to read:

Non-Fiction:

• Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present , by Christopher I. Beckwith
• Tamerlane: Sword of Islam, Conqueror of the World , by Justin Marozzi
• Restless Valley: Revolution, Murder, and Intrigue in the Heart of Central Asia , by Philip Shishkin
• The Great Game, the Struggle for Empire in Central Asia , by Peter Hopkirk
• Setting the East Ablaze; Lenins Dream of an Empire in Asia , by Peter Hopkirk

Travel Memoir:

• Travels into Bokhara: A Voyage up the Indus to Lahore and a Journey to Cabool, Tartary & Persia , by Alexander Burnes
• A Carpet Ride to Khiva: Seven Years on the Silk Road , by Christopher Alexander
• Land of Lost Borders: a journey on the Silk Road , by Kate Harris
• Stans by me; a Whirlwind Tour through Central Asia , by Ged Gillmore
• Sovietistan; Travels in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan , by Erika Fatland
• Life along the Silk Road (Second Edition), by Susan Whitfield
• A Poet and Bin-Laden , a reality novel, by Hamid Ismailov

But, of course, there is more. A dedicated book page on Uzbekistan will follow.

6c- Other Resources on Uzbekistan

• Eurasianet covers news and analysis of the Central Asian region. Find the website here , and Facebook page here .
• For information about Karakalpakstan (western Uzbekistan), check out this website .

Read More: Books about Mongolia, Central Asia & the Silk Road

7 – Water & Food

Clearly in this desert climate, drinking water is of utmost importance. However, drinking tap water in Uzbekistan is not recommended (based on what locals told us).

With the filter system and water tank in the Land Cruiser that’s easy for us. We fill the water tank from water pumps in villages, or at people’s homes.

Whether you hike, bicycle, motorcycle, drive a car or backpack around the country, please minimize buying water. Bring a stainless -steel water bottle and a water filter system. There is an amazing selection of small, handy, water filter systems out there, such as MSR water filters or, even smaller, a Lifestraw . Or carry water purification tablets if weight and space really are a big issue (we do so on our long-distance hikes).

The environment will thank you!

Water Filter Systems

(click on the images to check them out)

MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter Water Filter

Straw Water Filter

MSR Pump & Gravity Water Filter System, 2-Liter

7b- Uzbek Food

There is enough to say about the Uzbek cuisine, for sure ( here’s a good website, including recipes ). However, this being a big animal-eating country and use being vegetarians (vegan-diet, mostly), our food choices have been extremely limited. We mostly cooked our own meals. On bazaars there are plenty of vegetables and legumes to be found.

In the cities you will find supermarkets that are reasonable to well-stocked. You may expect to find (no guarantees) olive oil, canned foods, proper coffee. The ‘really’ big supermarkets may have a wider selection of vegetables than on bazaars – you’ll pay for that privilege, of course. Overlanders have shared some of these supermarkets on iOverlander .

In the countryside, shops are small and is a great place to stock up if you love soda, chips, candy, and cookies. You’ll find some staples like rice, pasta, couple of canned foods, frozen meat, and maybe a bit of fruit and minimal vegetables.

7c- Info for Vegetarians

Among the food we found:

• Mushrooms I only found in a big supermarket in Tashkent.
• Most common legumes : mung beans, red lentils, pinto beans, chickpeas.
• Most common vegetables : tomatoes, cucumber, onion, potato, white cabbage, carrots, pumpkin, bell pepper, garlic, spring onions. Less common, depending on supermarket/bazaar: eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce.
• Nuts / seeds : In abundance: walnut, pistachio, hazelnuts (different varieties), peanuts, cashew (expensive), pumpkin seeds.
• Dried fruit : Particularly rich in dried apricots, dates, and figs.

You can try the Happy Cow app to find restaurants that serve vegetarian/vegan foods.

Tip on bazaars: Take reusable mesh bags to stock up on legumes, grains, nuts and the likes. Many vendors want to sell every product in a different plastic bag and you’ll find the bags littering towns and countryside.

Spread the word through good example 🙂

Good restaurants to eat non-Uzbek food:

• Yusuf Khos Khodjib Street, Tashkent
• GPS Waypoint: 41.297656, 69.257984
• International food in great ambiance, 1970s style restaurant
• GPS Waypoint: 41.309999, 69.272322
• Italian food (don’t order the cheese plate, but the soups and pizzas are very good)
• GPS Waypoint: 39.773659, 64.430414

8 – WiFi & Local SIM Card & Apps

8a- wifi & local sim card.

• In every city you can buy SIM cards.
• Beeline is only in offer in the main cities.
• We bought Ucell in Denau, right across the border from Tajikistan (which worked well). This small shop in Denau even had a form printed in English with the different packages – “Tourist S” tariff plan (in English!) with 3 options, ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 and 80,000 UZS.

For the most up to date information about a countries cellphone service it is wise to ask other travelers who have been in the region recently or find it on this website .

Good WiFi in Tashkent:

• Good coffee and cakes, and packed sandwiches
• Adress: Rakatboshi Street 15A
• GPS Waypoint: 41.300896, 69.258351

WhatsApp is popular. Install it if you don’t have it. It’s free, fast, and easy to use. You do need to be online to use it.

9- Additional Overland Travel Information Sources

• The forum on Horizons Unlimited has been a longstanding source of information especially for motorcycle tourers but has a growing wealth for four-wheeled travelers as well.
• WikiOverland , help expand the special Wiki Overland pages.
• iOverlander  is the place where overlanders share GPS waypoints on many things, among which camping spots.
• 4ever2wherever is another site where overlanders contribute with practical information
• Overlanding Facebook groups among which  Overland to Asia and  Overlanding Asia .
• Caravanistan is an excellent, up to date online resource for Central Asia.

Eurasia Overland Travel Guides:

• Overland Travel Guide Russia
• Overland Travel Guide Mongolia
• Overland Travel Guide Kazakhstan
• Overland Travel Guide Kyrgyzstan
• Overland Travel Guide Tajikistan
• Overland Travel Guide Uzbekistan

Tips, Suggestions, Feedback?

We hope you find this Uzbekistan Travel Guide useful. Do you have questions or your own experiences to add? Feel free to do so in the comment section below. Thanks!

Here is the Uzbekistan Travel Budget Report , with additional road-trip information for Uzbekistan.

Originally published: June ’20 / updated Aug ’21

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More on Uzbekistan:

Exploring Uzbekistan’s Tien Shan Mountains

Why Add Central Asia to your Overland Bucket List

Books about Central Asia, Mongolia and the Silk Road

4 thoughts on “uzbekistan overland travel guide – travel information for your road trip”.

Another quality, epic post guys.

I’ve never been to Uzbekistan but have always thought Samarkand is one of those must-experience places.

Love your excellent photos, they always inspire a sense of wanderlust.

And good to see you managed to get some sushi in Tashkent!

Wow what an informative page – there is so much information in one place, just what I have been looking for in relation to looking at options for visiting Uzbekistan. I really like the travel books as well and the vegetarian restaurant recommendations. Thanks again 🙂

Glad to hear that you enjoy it!

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Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Updated April 2024 , The Uzbekistan Travel Guide was originally written in June 2018

The Central Asian cradle of culture, Silk Road history, Caravansarais, and traces of great conquerors from Genghis Khan to Amir Timur and more are just a few reasons to travel in Uzbekistan.

The blue-tiled Silk Road cities of Samarkand , Bukhara , and Khiva are the biggest draws for those visiting the country, but without much effort, you can veer off the beaten path to discover little-visited mosques & madrasas, villages exploding with culture, yurt camps, the desolate semi-autonomous region of Karakalpakstan and so much more. In this Uzbekistan travel guide you will find information including:

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Uzbekistan?

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Stay online across Uzbekistan Rent a UZWifi mobile pocket router

Practical Information

The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek Som ( UZS ). The current exchange rate ( April 2024 ) is $1 USD = 12,525 UZS , however, it’s worth noting that the Uzbek Som is in constant fluctuation and could change from hour to hour at times.

In September 2017, Uzbekistan abolished its black market and finally bumped its bank rate up to the black market rate, so the days of avoiding banks and official money exchangers are over. Another thing to note is that 10,000, 50,000, and 100,000 bills were introduced.

When I visited in 2016 the largest note was 5000 UZS, so my bag at all times was stuffed with cash until it was about to explode and I had like $40 worth of UZS on me.

The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek. Uzbek is a Turkic language and is closely related to Uyghur as well as Kazakh and Kyrgyz.

Russian is widely spoken and understood among most Uzbeks over the age of 30 due to Uzbekistan being a former state of the Soviet Union. The younger generation (think mid-20s and younger) is less likely to speak Russian fluently.

Tajik is spoken in Bukhara and Samarkand as these cities were formerly part of Tajikistan prior to their addition into the Soviet Union ( the two countries still have sour feelings toward each other because of this ). Tajik is also common in the Uzbek Fergana Valley.

Karakalpak is spoken in the semi-autonomous state of Karakalpakstan . Karakalpak, like Uzbek, is a Turkic language, however, it has more ties to the Kazakh language.

If you want to learn some useful words and phrases before your visit to Uzbekistan, check out this Uzbek basic phrases post by the Tour Central Asia blog .

Islam is the predominant religion in Uzbekistan with 88% of the population following the religion. Eastern Orthodox comprises 9% of the population and the remaining 3% practice all other forms of religion.

What To Wear

Being a majority Islamic country it’s recommended to dress more on the conservative side. It’s advisable that skirts and shorts go to at least the knee. The headscarf is not required except for inside mosques.

Uzbekistan has 4 seasons with winter being pretty cold ( -10 C ) and summers being uncomfortably hot (sometimes over 40 C), so make sure to have clothing suitable for the temperatures.

How Long To Visit

Typical tourist visas are given for 15 and 30 days, so these are the most common amounts of time spent in the country. With that said there are many visitors who spend just a week traveling Uzbekistan spending a couple of days each in the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.

Start Planning: 2 Weeks In Uzbekistan, A Backpacker’s Itinerary

When To Visit

The best times to visit Uzbekistan are spring and fall- April, May, September, and October as this is when temperatures are most comfortable.

Summers ( June, July, August ) can be miserably hot throughout most of the country, and winters ( November-March ) can be downright cold. Although it’s cold, Uzbekistan can be beautiful in the winter months with the iconic Silk Road cities dusted in snow.

Uzbekistan is fairly easy to get around in. Most tourist sites are reachable by train ( note that there is an express and modern Afrosiyob train and the old school and slower Sharq trains ). Visit the Uzbek Railways website to see schedules or download the UZRailways Ticket App on the App Store (Apple) or Google Play . You can book and pay for train tickets online through the app.

Just as easy is traveling around by shared taxis between cities. Depending on where you’re headed you’ll need to go to a specific taxi stand in town to find a shared taxi to the place you’re going. Ask your accommodation or a local and they’ll know where to go. Make sure you negotiate a price before you get in a car.

Taxis are the best way to go longer distances within cities, and since just about anyone with a car functions as a taxi driver you won’t be left waiting long to get a ride. Just stand at the edge of the street with your arm extended outwards and tap your hand up and down. I recommend asking a local how much your hop should cost because you will need to haggle your price before you get in.

You can hitchhike in Uzbekistan, however, you will be hard-pressed to find a ride for free. Since most anyone with a car will function as a taxi driver most drivers will expect payment.

One anomaly to this is during the Mongol Rally. On my trips through Central Asia, I’ve met many people hitchhiking the rally as rally drivers will pick up people sometimes.

Uzbekistan has international airports in Tashkent , Samarkand , Bukhara , Fergana City, Navoi, Urgench, and Qarshi. The most common airport to enter the country from is Tashkent.

As Uzbekistan is also commonly visited by those overlanding through Central Asia , there are several border crossings with Turkmenistan , Kazakhstan , Tajikistan , Kyrgyzstan , and Afghanistan . To read up more on border crossings head to Caravanistan .

Entry requirements in 2023 (thanks COVID): Foreigners arriving in Uzbekistan must present proof of Covid-19 vaccination in order to enter Uzbekistan. A negative PCR is no longer required.

Entering Uzbekistan: Drugs, Porn, Photos & Drones

In the past (pre-2018) Uzbek officials would typically scour through tourists’ bags upon arrival (and departure) at borders and airports.

Prior to 2018 many over-the-counter and prescription drugs that are legal in many countries were illegal in Uzbekistan. Antidepressants, anything containing codeine, sleeping pills, and more were all on the list.

Books containing anything regarding religion, history, or politics were almost always confiscated if found, and porn, whether in print, on laptops, or phones would be confiscated or deleted.

Now, (2019 on), bringing in medications is no longer a problem. It isn’t usual that you’d even have a thorough bag searching like the old days, so bringing in books shouldn’t be much a problem either.

On occasion, I’ve heard of phones being searched, but it’s not the norm. However, in the past when I’d had my phone searched, I noticed the officers are giddily scrolling and smiling (I got the vibe they were hoping to find nudes, and they were disappointed to find nothing except memes, photos of my parrot, and random snaps from my Central Asia trip). My advice is that if you have any porn downloaded on your devices, just delete it before you arrive in Uzbekistan.

Also, do be aware that if your phone or laptop is searched and they find photos of sensitive locations (border area, military installations, government buildings, etc.) you’ll be forced to delete them.

In fact, on my first visit to Uzbekistan, it took about 6 hours to cross the Dostyk border between Osh and Andijon as officers went through bags and removed one item at a time, wanting to know what each thing was. Fast forward to 2019 (my most recent visit) and crossing the Tajik-Uzbek border from Panjakent to Samarkand took mere minutes. Nothing was searched and was overall a pleasant experience.

Uzbekistan has made major changes to its visa policy in the last few months, introducing an e-visa and allowing several more nationalities are visit visa-free.

The recently introduced Uzbek e-visa is making travel to Uzbekistan easier than ever before. The following countries are eligible for an e-visa:

Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Cote d’ Ivoire, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, India, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Macedonia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Morocco, Nauru, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, Tunisia, USA, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

E-visas are issued for single entries for 30 days. Apply for your e-visa here .

Uzbekistan has expanded the nationalities eligible to enter visa-free. The following countries can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for 30-90 depending on nationality:

All EU citizens, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa, Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Russia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, Tajikistan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, and the Vatican.

Uzbek food is very similar to the cuisines served up all around Central Asia. In cities, it’s easy to find international cuisine for those needing a break from Central Asian dishes. Check out my Best Restaurants in Tashkent Guide .

As in much of Central Asia bread is life. You’ll see the round discs of non in bazaars all over the country.

No Uzbek meal is complete without a cup of chai.

Popular noodle dish, typically with mutton or beef, spices, and various vegetables. Sometimes plov will have fruit or chickpeas.

Fried rice typically served up with meat, onion, carrot, and sometimes other vegetables, fruit, and chickpeas.

Noodle dumplings typically served stuffed with meat and onion. Sometimes can be found in a vegetarian version with either potato or pumpkin as a filling. Typically served with sour cream and can be found served in a soup, or in a sauce.

There are similar smaller dumplings called chuchvara.

Grilled skewers of meat. Beef and mutton are the most common. Chicken is less common and on occasion, you can find veggie shashlik.

Similar to Indian samosa. Most commonly stuffed with minced meat and onion.

An Uzbek soup of mutton or beef, potato, onion, vegetables, and optionally fruit.

A spiced soup that will typically contain mutton or beef and potato.

Noodle dish of homemade noodles and horse meat (called Beshbarmak in Kyrgyzstan as well).

Accommodations

In cities and most places of interest, you’ll find hotels and hostels. In more rural areas you’ll find yurt camps. Note that when departing Uzbekistan you will need to hand over the vouchers for every accommodation you’ve stayed at.

Sometimes border officers will check them thoroughly, other times they hardly glance at them, or when departing from Tashkent Airport in 2019 I wasn’t even asked for them.

Note that for your time spent in the Fergana Valley you must be registered every night you spend there. Your hotel or hostel will take care of this for you.

If you do not do this it can get you into some trouble. If you take an overnight train in the Fergana Valley keep your ticket as this will be considered your registration for that night.

Where To Go In Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a fairly large country, but the Silk Road giants of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are all clustered not too far from each other. Veer much off of this well-beaten path and you’ll get to see another side of Uzbekistan.

Need Help Planning? Read The Perfect Two Week Uzbekistan & Tajikistan Itinerary

Central Uzbekistan

Central Uzbekistan is by far the most visited region in the country with the Silk Road giants of Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva sitting within Central Uzbekistan, as well as the capital of Tashkent.

Tashkent is the biggest city in Uzbekistan, as well as Central Asia. While it doesn’t appear to be an old city, Tashkent has a history that dates back an estimated 2,000 years. The reason for the newer look is the 1966 earthquake that decimated the city.

The biggest attractions in Tashkent include the Imam Hazroti Complex, Sheik Khantour Mausoleum Complex, a plethora of museums, Chorsu Bazaar, and the ornate Tashkent Metro Stations .

If you’re tired of Central Asian food, there’s an array of international cuisine including Korean, Georgian, Italian restaurants, and more. Read up more on where to eat in Tashkent in my Tashkent Restaurant Guide .

From personal experience, I recommend staying at the Eco Art Hotel , located about a 15-minute walk from Novza Metro Station. If you’re looking for something super cheap try Topchan Hostel , which are both highly recommended.

Shop Tashkent accommodations here .

Check out the Tashkent Metro in photos and plan your time in the city with the Tashkent Travel Guide

The main draw to visiting Parkent is to visit the fascinating Solar Furnace, located at the top of a hill just outside the town. Built in 1981 the Solar Furnace (also called the Physics of the Sun, Heliocomplex, or Institute of the Sun) uses curved mirrors to reflect light to create concentrated solar power that reaches temperatures up to 3,000ºC. Read up more about the Solar Furnace here .

You can visit the Solar Furnace quite easily on weekdays during normal business hours (8 am-4 pm) and get a tour of the facility by one of the scientists working on site. We just showed up and were taken inside to the museum (there’s some cool artwork inside), up the elevator inside to the viewing decks, wandered around the hillside of reflecting mirrors, and even given a fun demonstration of pinecones being burned by the reflection of light. A tour of the facilities costs 100,000 UZS.

To get to Parkent you can either grab a marshrutka from Tashkent, and then hire a taxi in Parkent to drive you another 7 km and up the hill to the Solar Furnace, or much easier and still pretty cheap is to book a Yandex to take you there and back (plus waiting time).

Read about my visit to the Solar Furnace and how you can visit it too

Samarkand is probably the most well-known city in Uzbekistan, and for good reason- it’s home to more Silk Road historical sites than you’ll believe. A few must-sees include the Registan’s Shirdor Madrasa, Ulugbek Madrasa & Tilla Kari Madrasa, Gur e Amir Mausoleum, Shah i Zinda Ensemble, Afrosiab, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Ulugbek’s Observatory…. just to name a handful!

I’ve stayed at Samarkand Center Hotel , which I highly recommend and I’ve splurged and stayed at the East Star Hotel in Samarkand, but there is an array of accommodations to fit most budgets. Amir Hostel comes highly rated among backpackers.

Check out other Samarkand accommodations here .

Want a guided tour of Samarkand? Check out this one-day Samarkand tour as well as this Samarkand wine tasting tour .

Start Planning: The Samarkand City Guide

Shahrisabz doesn’t have the major attractions of Samarkand but also doesn’t have the crowds either. Shahrisabz is most well known as the birthplace of Amir Timur. There are several points of interest in Shahrisabz that can be easily visited on a day trip from Samarkand.

For those opting to spend the night, check out Shahrisabz accommodations here .

Rabat Malik Caravanserai

Rabat Malik Caravanserai is a ruin of the complex built by the orders of Karakhanid Shams-al-Mulk Nasr who ruled Samarkand from 1068 to 1080. It’s located along the M37 between Samarkand and Bukhara.

Bukhara was an important trading city along the ancient Silk Road with plenty to explore in a couple of days. Make sure to visit the Arc Citadel, Labi Havz, Poy i Kalyan & Kalyan Minaret, Mausoleum to Ismoil Somoni, Chor Bakr, and the many bazaars around the city.

The Samani Bukhara is a great hotel right in the heart of Bukhara from personal experience. Shop Bukhara accommodations here .

Plan your visit to Bukhara: The Bukhara Travel Guide

Gijdovan is located just outside of Bukhara as you approach the city on your way down from Samarkand. The main draw to visit is the Gijdiovan Ceramic Museum ran by the Narzullaev family. Uzbeks are known for their impressive ceramic work.

Located at the foot of the Nurata Mountains and at the fringe of the Kyzylkum Desert. Make sure to explore the Nur Fortress and the Chashma Complex.

Shop Nurata accommodations here .

Aydar Kul is a large lake in the Kyzylkum Desert nearby to Nurata. Aydar Kul only exists because of a flood of the Syr Darya River breaching the Chardara Reservoir. There is a great yurt camp near to its shores that is a great place to stargaze from or take a sunset camel ride from.

Stay at Aydar Yurt Camp during your stay in Aydar Kul where you’ll sleep under the stars and take a camelback ride during sunset.

The original capital of Khorezm and the Khanate of Khiva. Khiva ended up being my favorite of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities.

Khiva’s Itchan Kala was Uzbekistan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Must-see sites include the Itchan Qala’s City Walls & Gates, Kuhna Arc, Kalta Minor, Mohammed Rahim Khan Madrasa & Square, Juma Mosque, Pahlawan Mohammed Mausoleum, Islam Khodja Minaret, Shirgiz Khan Madrasa, Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa, Ak Mosque, Bogbonli Mosque, Said Alauddin Mosque, as well as Kutli Murad Inak Madrasa, Khan Anush Mohammed’s Bath, Uc Avlija Mausoleum, Tash Chauli, Khan Allakuli Madrasa, Tim, and the Ditchan Qala.

I opted to splurge for the Hayat Inn , but it was nothing to write home over. Check out other Khiva accommodations here .

Going to Khiva? Read the Khiva Travel Guide to make the most of your time there

The Uzbek Fergana Valley

The Fergana Valley has a tense feel to it as Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Kyrgyz all have strong feelings that the valley belongs to them. With that said, occasional strife does break out, however, it usually wouldn’t affect tourists.

Plan your visit with the Uzbek Fergana Valley Travel Guide

Margilan is Uzbekistan’s Silk Capital that sits at the crossroads of the Silk Road in the Uzbek Fergana Valley. A stop in Margilan would be incomplete without a visit to the Yodgorlik Silk Factory to get a lesson on how Silk is made from start to finish.

Make sure to pay a visit to Chakar & Toron Bazar Mosques, Khodja Maggiz Mausoleum, Said Ahmed Khodja Madrasa, and Pir Siddiq Complex.

For those opting to spend the night in Margilan, shop accommodations here .

Fergana City

Fergana City is the Uzbek Fergana Valley’s transportation hub and a great place to base yourself for exploring more of the Fergana Valley.

Shop Fergana City hotels and guesthouses here .

Kokand will be the first introduction for those crossing from Tajikistan’s Fergana Valley. Kokand is a far cry from Tajikistan’s Fergana Valley cities with its obvious wealth in comparison, Silk Road Palace, and fancy hotels. Make sure to pay visits to Juma Mosque and the Khudayar Khan Palace.

Check out Kokand hotels here .

Andijan will be a first welcome to those crossing the border from Kyrgyzstan . There’s not a lot to see on Andijan aside from a handful of mosques.

Search Andijan Hotels here .

Namangan is Uzbekistan’s Islamic Center. Make sure to visit the Khodja Amin Mosque, Mullah Kyrgyz Madrasa, and the Wahabbi Mosque of Ota Valikhon Tur.

Karakalpakstan

Karakalpakstan is a semiautonomous state of Uzbekistan that is rarely visited. The fascinating Qala Castles of Khorezm, Savitsky Museum, and remnants of the Aral Sea sit in this region. Read more about Karakalpakstan in my Karakalpak Travel Guide .

Plan your time in Nukus, Moynaq, The Aral Sea and beyond: The Karakalpakstan Guide

Ancient Qala Castles of Khorezm

Many ancient castles sit perched along the Kyzylkum Desert. They were built to protect ancient Khorezm from invaders traveling along the Silk Road.

Several of the qalas are UNESCO World Heritage protected castles are Toprak Qala, Ayaz Qala, Koy-Kirilgan Qala, Big Guldursun fortress, Pil Qala, Ankha Qala, Kurgashin Qala, and Janbas Qala.

If you want to make a trip out to visit some or all of the Khorezm Castles , I recommend contacting Islambek Travel to set up a tour for you. Prices are per car, so if splitting amongst a group their tours are a great deal.

Read more about the fascinating Khorezm Fortresses

Lonely Planet describes Nukus as desolate and hopeless, but I found Nukus to be inhabited by friendly locals with a busy bazaar. The city does have a cold Soviet feel to it mostly due to the apartment blocks and architecture.

Make sure to stop and check out one of the best collections of Soviet Avant-garde artwork at the Savitsky Museum ( Nukus Museum of Art ).

The best option for accommodations in Nukus is the Hotel Jipek Joli (note that there is a different hotel in Nukus called Jipek Joli Inn ). You can shop other options here .

Moynaq has a more desolate and hopeless feeling to it. Moynaq used to sit at the shores of the Aral Sea and was a busy port.

It now sits about 100 kilometers from the edge of the present Aral Sea. Most who visit Moynaq do so to visit the ship graveyard and as a stop on a camping tour to the shores of what is now the Aral Sea.

One of the world’s worst environmental disasters. In a poorly executed diversion effort by the Soviets, more than 90% of the shallow lake has disappeared.

The basin is continuing to desertify and is now covered in toxic chemicals due to weapons testing in the area. You can visit the shores of the new Aral Sea by tour.

Further afield is the former bioweapons testing facility of Arask 7, located on the former island of Vozrozhdeniya . A friend and I visited in 2021 (we had our own vehicle) to find that the entire ghost town of Aralsk 7 and village of Kantubek had been recently demolished (as in completely gone).

Southeastern Uzbekistan

Southeastern Uzbekistan still remains off the tourist track. The most intriguing draw to the region would have to be the Dark Star Cave near Boysun.

You’ll likely find yourself in Denau only if you’re crossing the Tajikistan -Uzbek border in transit between Dushanbe and Termez. If you end up spending a day in Denau visit Said Attalik Madrasa and the bazaar next to it, the ruins of Beg Denau Fortress, and the arboretum.

You can use Denau as a base if you want to explore Kalchayan, Dalverzin Teppe, and Sangartek Falls.

Denau could be a great place to explore the Uzbek Hissar Mountains, however, this prospect can be a bit difficult with Uzbekistan’s policies on being registered in a hotel while you are staying in the country, as well as areas close to the Tajik border being off-limits.

Boysun is the jumping-off point for those wanting to explore the Dark Star Cave in the Boysuntov Mountains. Teshik-Tash and Festivalnaya are other nearby caves that can be explored. Boysun village itself is worth a visit to see the homes adorned with colorful carpets called Suzane.

Katta Langar

Want to explore beautiful Uzbek architecture without the crowds? Katta Langar is the perfect alternative. Set in green hills with a 500 year old mausoleum.

Termez has a long-standing history of over 2,500 years as it was a stop along the ancient Silk Road. It’s not very touristed but does have a handful of hotels and restaurants to offer.

Termez is a good stop for those interested in archeological sites and Sufi Islamic sites. Must-see spots in Termez are Khanaka Mausoleum Kokildor-Ota, Al Hakim At-Termezi Mausoleum, Sultan Saodat, Jarkorgan Minaret, Kirk-Kiz, Fayaz-Teppe, Karateppa, and Zurmala Stupa.

Most who come to Termez are stopping en route to Mazar e Sharif in Afghanistan .

Shop Termez accommodations here .

Heading to Uzbekistan’s deep south? Here’s everything you need to know to visit Termez and its surrounding sites

Qarshi has a long history of being sacked by different empires. It was once the Sogdian city of Nakhshab, then was overtaken by the Arabs to become the city of Nasaf, and then became the second city of the Emirate of Bukhara.

Sites to see in Qarshi include Bekmir/Rabiya Madrasa, Khodja Abdul Aziz Madrasa, Khodja Kurban Madrasa, Kurgancha Mosque, Chakar Mosque, Sharafbai Madrasa, Kok Gumbez Mosque, Namazgokh Mosque, public baths, and the Kashkadarya Bridge.

Check out Qarshi accommodations here .

Plan your visit to Qarshi

Although Uzbekistan is fairly flat and deserty, there is a few treks believe it or not!

Rocky and forested, the Chimgan Mountains offer trekking around in tulip-covered hills in the summer to the summit of 3300 meter Greater Peak Chimgan. In winter there is a ski complex to go make some turns.

There are CBT ( community based tourism ) guided hikes offered connecting Chimgan and Beldersay, and the Western Tien Shan that all vary in duration and difficulty.

Home to the alleged longest ski lift in Central Asia, Beldersay is a bit steeper and closer to Tashkent than Chimgan.

In summer hike around in the pine tree forests, explore the Beldersay Gorge, Marble Waterfall, and even view ancient petroglyphs of hunters and ibex.

There are CBT ( community based tourism ) guided hikes offered connecting Chimgan and Beldersay as mentioned above.

Stay in homestays in the Nurata Mountains, visit small mountain villages, and see the rare and very endangered Severtzov’s wild sheep.

There are CBT ( community based tourism ) guided hikes offered into the Nurata Mountains from Hayat Village.

Trekking around Aydar Kul is a great addition to a stay at the yurt camp along the lake’s shore. Aydar Yurt Camp can arrange trekking and camel treks around the area.

Uzbekistan Tours

Uzbekistan is probably the most touristy of the Central Asia republics. Many local companies offer tours around the country.

Additionally, the foreign companies of Intrepid and GAdventures offer tours around Uzbekistan. Intrepid offers tours that traverse the entire Silk Road , where you can either join the whole nearly 12-week endeavor or just join for certain legs of the trip. G Adventures offers tours of just Uzbekistan alone, as well as tours of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and even Kazakhstan overland from Uzbekistan.

You can also shop tours from 1-dayers to multi-day trips here .

Uzbek Festivals

Chimgan Extreme – A winter sporting even held in Chimgan each year in late February.

Nowruz – Persian New Year. Held on March 21 each year. Festivals including food, dances, and performances will be held all over the country. Families will usually celebrate at home as well.

Bukhara Silk & Spice Festival – Held in late May in Bukhara. The festival includes national games, traditional food, Uzbek fashion design, and folk performances.

Chimgan Echo Festival – A music festival held in the Chimgan area in early June each year celebrating singers and songwriters.

Sharq Taronalari – Held in late August every other year ( odd years ) in Samarkand’s Registan Square. Sharq Taronalari means Music of the Orient and celebrates traditional music from all over the world.

Independence Day – September 1. Cultural events, concerts and festivals take place throughout Uzbekistan.

Stihia Music Festival – The first one was held on September 14, 2018 and another was held in May 2021 and is probably the biggest event in Moynaq since the 1960s. This electronic rave took place in Moynaq’s Ship Graveyard. Future dates are TBA, but you can check the event website here .

Bazar-Art – An art exhibition held in November in Tashkent. Dates are TBD for 2020.

Uzbekistan Travel Budget

Uzbekistan is on the more expensive end of the budget spectrum for Central Asia, but that doesn’t mean backpacking on a budget isn’t impossible. Here are some rough estimates for different travel styles.

200,000 UZS/$20 USD Per Day

Staying in hostel dorms, travel by marshrutka & train, dining in local eateries and bazaars.

400,000 UZS/$40 USD Per Day

Staying in decent double rooms, travel by a mix of public & private transport, dining in restaurants, taking occasional guided tours.

800,000 UZS/$80 USD + Per Day

Sleeping luxury hotels, traveling by private hire, dining in fine & international restaurants, taking private & guided tours.

Packing List For Uzbekistan Travel

You’ll want to pack light for Uzbekistan as it’s the best country in Central Asia for picking up great souvenirs and handcrafts including carpets, silks, and ceramics. Here are a few items I recommend for traveling in Uzbekistan.

• An external battery pack can be a great help on long marshrutka or bus trips.
• I use the Osprey Ariel 65L backpack and recommend Osprey’s products because of their guarantee. Shop backpacks here !
• A good pair of hiking boots if you plan to do any trekking. My personal favorite is the La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX hiking boot.
• I personally use the Katadyn water filter . Tap water in the entire country is unsafe for drinking and natural water sources can be contaminated. Using a water purification system can also help cut down on plastic usage.
• A headlamp will come in handy at yurt camps or if going on a mountain trek to stay at village homestays.
• Don’t forget the sunscreen! The Uzbek sun can be harsh.
• The best guidebook to Uzbekistan in my opinion is Bradt’s Uzbekistan . Lonely Planet’s Central Asia Guidebook and their phrasebook can come in handy if you’re planning a larger Central Asia trip covering multiple countries.

Internet & Mobile

Wifi is widely available throughout the country in hotels & hostels, as well as some restaurants in larger cities.

Sim cards right now are easy to pick up, the two largest mobile services are UCell and Beeline. In the past mobile companies would not let foreigners register a sim card, and would need to find a local who would register one for them.

As Uzbekistan can falter back and forth on policies such as this it could go back to this way without much to any notice. Some news sites, blogs, and of course opposition, porn, and torrent sites are blocked in Uzbekistan. Download a VPN to get around blocks.

Mobile Issues for Returning Visitors

Another thing to note for returning visitors to Uzbekistan as of 2021 is that the government will block your phone’s IMEA number. I was in Uzbekistan in May 2021 and then again in October-November 2021. Upon purchasing a sim card in October, it would not work and when trying to register the sim card a message popped up stating that the IMEA number of my phone was blocked.

Fixing this problem required me to visit an Uzbek post office, where I had to fill out a document with my personal details, have copies of my passport and entry stamp taken. Before long my phone was working once again.

Uzebekistan Travel Safety

In general, Uzbekistan is completely safe for travelers. It is essentially a police state, and in cities you will see plenty of police walking around everywhere. However, there are a few things to watch out for including:

• All border areas, especially those in the Fergana Valley. Many areas are still landmined, so exercise extreme caution if planning to trek around in these areas.
• The Fergana Valley can get tense at times as there are still hostilities between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan , and Tajikistan over the obscurely created borders.
• Occasional purse/wallet snatching and pickpocketing happens in crowded areas, so do be aware at all times.
• In general, Uzbekistan is safe for solo female travelers and the general precautions apply. Read more on solo female travel in Uzbekistan .
• Say no to any stranger walking up offering to show you the nightlife, usually, it’s part of a scam.
• Carry a scanned copy of your passport info page. It’s pretty uncommon to be bribed by police here, but if you are asked by law enforcement for identification it’s better to hand over a copy rather than have them potentially hold your passport hostage for ransom.

Read: Solo Female Travel In Uzbekistan

Ready To Travel Uzbekistan?

Need anything you couldn’t find in the Uzbekistan travel guide? Ask in the questions below!

More Posts from Uzbekistan:

Uzbek Fergana Valley Travel Guide

Khiva Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Khiva

Two Week Tajikistan & Uzbekistan Itinerary

Bukhara Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do

Khorezm Fortresses: Uzbekistan’s Castles of a Forgotten Empire

Crossing The Uzbekistan-Afghanistan Border At Hairatan

Samarkand Travel Guide: The Best Things To Do In Samarkand

Two Week Uzbekistan Itinerary

Uzbek Food: 33 Must-Try Dishes in Uzbekistan

A Beginner’s Guide To Central Asia Travel: Discover The Silk Road

Tashkent Travel Guide + 16 Things To Do In Tashkent

The Best Restaurants In Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Panjakent-Samarkand Border Crossing Between Tajikistan & Uzbekistan

Secret Soviet Bioweapons Lab of Aralsk 7 on Vozrozhdeniya Island  

Qarshi Travel Guide, Uzbekistan

Solo Female Travel In Uzbekistan

Visiting the Solar Furnace in Parkent, Uzbekistan 

Exploring the Frontier Town of Termez, Uzbekistan 

Travel Karakalpakstan: The Stan Within A Stan

Visiting the Aral Sea Disaster, Uzbekistan 

A Simple Guide To Central Asia Visas

30 Best Things To Do In Uzbekistan

7 Tips For Solo Female Travel In Central Asia

Tashkent Metro In Photos & Guide

Shahrisabz Travel Guide + Best Things to do

6 thoughts on “uzbekistan travel guide”.

By any chance if you know, do debit cards work in ATMs and restaurants. I am planning to travel in June and i am going to visit only Tashkent. I am from India and i am thinking of using my debit card instead of credit cards.

Thank You, Vaibhav.

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Uzbekistan again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

– Veronika

I do read up more and more through your blog guides. Thanks

Thanks Eric, glad to hear that!

Hi Nicki, I Just wanted to thank you for this informative guide. I leave for Uzbekistan in April and cannot wait. I’ve added Nukus/Moynaq/Aral Sea, the desert castles and Aydarkul to my itinerary after seeing your photos and reading what you wrote about them. Thanks for tipping me off to them they seem right up my alley! 🙂

Hi Doug, I hope you enjoy Uzbekistan, especially Nukus, the Castles and Aydarkul!

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Road Trips in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is an incredibly unique and fascinating destination for a road trip. With its stunning architecture, rich cultural history, and vibrant modern cities, it offers travelers a wealth of experiences and sights to discover.

One of the highlights of a road trip in Uzbekistan is the chance to explore the country's ancient cities and historic landmarks. From the majestic Registan Square in Samarkand to the towering minarets of Bukhara, Uzbekistan is home to some of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Travelers can marvel at the intricate tilework and mosaics that adorn these ancient structures, and learn about the rich history and culture that have shaped Uzbekistan over the centuries.

Another highlight of a road trip in Uzbekistan is the chance to experience the country's vibrant modern culture. In cities like Tashkent, travelers can explore bustling bazaars and modern shopping centers, sample delicious Uzbek cuisine, and discover a thriving arts and music scene. Whether you're interested in contemporary art, traditional music, or cutting-edge fashion, Uzbekistan has something to offer.

Road tripping in Uzbekistan also allows travelers to explore the country's stunning natural landscapes. From the deserts of Kyzylkum to the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains, Uzbekistan offers a diverse range of natural environments to discover. Travelers can hike through stunning canyons and gorges, ride camels across vast sand dunes, or simply take in the breathtaking views from scenic overlooks and mountain passes.

Overall, Uzbekistan is an ideal destination for a road trip, offering a perfect mix of ancient history, modern culture, and natural beauty. With its friendly people, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, Uzbekistan is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler lucky enough to explore it by car.

Expect on your itinerary

Best months to drive, discover road trips in uzbekistan, road trip highlights in uzbekistan.

One of the greatest jewels of Uzbekistan is, of course, the town of Samarkand. In the past it was an important stopover for numerous merchants travelling along the Silk Road. Its architecture is characterised by blue domes and tall minarets looming on the horizon.

For more interesting examples of Uzbekistan’s architecture you should travel to Khiva. Among its most notable highlights, you’ll find interesting museums, old city walls, and a number of local dining venues. Yet another instance of an attraction in itself is Bukhara, known as the Pillar of Religion. It will be a superb choice for those who praise calm ambiance and breathtaking cityscapes.

Travelers who seek some quality time spent close to nature should direct their steps to the Fergana Valley, where you’ll admire fertile grounds that are home to a plethora of bird species.

While traveling around Uzbekistan, you shouldn’t forget about a visit to the capital, Tashkent. You’ll be surprised at the myriad of tourist attractions that can be found here. These include the Museum of Applied Arts, Chorsu Bazaar, and the Minor Mosque.

Suggested Road Trips in Uzbekistan

Tashkent to Samarkand: This road trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Uzbekistan, as it allows travelers to explore some of the country's most iconic sights. The journey from Tashkent to Samarkand takes around four hours and passes through stunning mountain landscapes and quaint Uzbek villages. Once in Samarkand, travelers can explore the ancient city's stunning architecture and historic landmarks, including Registan Square, the Shah-i-Zinda complex, and the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum.

Bukhara to Khiva: This road trip takes travelers through some of Uzbekistan's most picturesque landscapes, including the Kyzylkum desert and the Amu Darya River valley. The journey from Bukhara to Khiva takes around five hours and passes through several charming towns and villages. Once in Khiva, travelers can explore the city's historic old town, which is home to dozens of stunning mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums.

Nukus to Muynak: This road trip takes travelers through the starkly beautiful landscapes of the Aral Sea region, and offers a glimpse into one of Uzbekistan's most tragic environmental disasters. The journey from Nukus to Muynak takes around two hours and passes through a haunting landscape of abandoned fishing boats and rusting Soviet machinery. Once in Muynak, travelers can explore the Museum of the Aral Sea, which chronicles the history and impact of the sea's disappearance.

These three road trips offer a range of experiences and sights, from ancient cities and stunning architecture to stark desert landscapes and tragic environmental disasters. Each journey is unique and unforgettable and provides an opportunity to explore a different aspect of Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Car Rentals in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan offers only a few opportunities when it comes to public transport. You’ll be mostly compelled to travel by buses, taxis, or trains. However, travellers who would like to stay independent and safe throughout their whole trip often choose rental cars. Rental vehicles can be found in major cities and at international airports.

While travelling around Uzbekistan, you can use your own driver’s licence or an International Driving Permit. Uzbekistan is infamous for its poor road state. That’s why you should stay extra cautious at all times. Avoid travelling at night as roads are unlit and road signs are scarce. You must wear seatbelts and take care of your children’s safety. In Uzbekistan, it is forbidden to drive and talk on the phone so you should use a hands-free set.

When taking a Road Trip in Uzbekistan

When taking a road trip in Uzbekistan, there are a few things to be aware of to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Road conditions: Uzbekistan's roads can vary widely in quality, with some highways in good condition and others in need of repair. It's important to be aware of road conditions and take precautions when driving, such as slowing down on rough roads and being prepared for unexpected obstacles.

Driving rules: Uzbekistan follows right-hand traffic rules, and drivers should be familiar with local driving customs and road signs. It's also important to be aware of speed limits and other regulations, and to carry a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.

Security: While Uzbekistan is generally a safe country, travelers should be aware of the risk of petty crime and take precautions to protect their valuables. It's also important to be aware of any security risks in the areas you plan to visit, and to follow local customs and regulations.

Cultural norms: Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and travelers should be respectful of local customs and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. It's also important to be aware of cultural norms around hospitality and social interactions, and to show respect for local traditions and customs.

Language: Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan, although many people also speak Russian. It can be helpful to learn a few basic phrases in either language to communicate with locals and navigate the country more easily.

By being aware of these factors and taking appropriate precautions, travelers can enjoy a safe and rewarding road trip experience in Uzbekistan.

Best Time for taking a Road Trip in Uzbekistan

The best time to take a road trip in Uzbekistan is during the spring and autumn months, which run from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

In the summer months of June to August, temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), making outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Additionally, summer is peak tourist season in Uzbekistan, so roads and attractions can be crowded and prices may be higher.

During the winter months of December to February, temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly in the mountainous regions of the country. While some travelers may still enjoy the winter landscapes and skiing opportunities, road conditions can be unpredictable and many attractions may be closed or inaccessible.

Overall, the best time for a road trip in Uzbekistan is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are fewer crowds to contend with.

How expensive is a Road Trip in Uzbekistan

The cost of a road trip in Uzbekistan can vary depending on a number of factors, including the length of the trip, the type of accommodation chosen, and the activities and attractions visited.

In general, accommodation in Uzbekistan is relatively inexpensive, with budget guesthouses and hostels available for around $10-15 per night. Mid-range hotels can cost around $30-50 per night, while luxury hotels and resorts can cost upwards of $100 per night.

Food and drink in Uzbekistan is also reasonably priced, with traditional Uzbek dishes such as plov (rice pilaf), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and lagman (noodle soup) available for around $5-10 per meal. Local beer and wine can be purchased for around $2-3 per bottle, while imported spirits and wine are more expensive.

Renting a car in Uzbekistan can be relatively affordable, with daily rates starting at around $30-40 per day for a basic compact car. Larger SUVs and luxury cars can cost upwards of $100 per day. It's also worth noting that hiring a driver is a common and convenient option in Uzbekistan, and can often be arranged through hotels or travel agencies.

Overall, a budget of around $50-75 per day per person should be sufficient for a comfortable and enjoyable road trip in Uzbekistan, although costs can vary depending on the individual traveler's preferences and travel style.

Guidebooks and Road Maps for Road Trip in Uzbekistan

Here are some recommended guidebooks and road maps for a road trip in Uzbekistan:

Lonely Planet Uzbekistan: This comprehensive guidebook covers everything from the country's history and culture to practical travel information, including recommended itineraries and tips for getting around.

Bradt Uzbekistan: Another popular guidebook, Bradt Uzbekistan provides detailed information on everything from local customs and etiquette to off-the-beaten-path attractions and destinations.

Uzbekistan Travel Map: This detailed road map of Uzbekistan includes major highways and routes, as well as information on key cities and attractions.

Marco Polo Uzbekistan: This compact travel guide provides information on the country's top attractions and activities, as well as practical travel tips and recommendations for local food and drink.

Open Road's Uzbekistan Guide: This digital guidebook includes detailed information on recommended itineraries and off-the-beaten-path destinations, as well as practical information on transportation, accommodations, and more.

Whether you prefer print guidebooks or digital resources, these guidebooks and road maps can help you plan and navigate a road trip in Uzbekistan, and ensure that you don't miss any of the country's top sights and experiences.

The Complete Guide to travel in Uzbekistan (2024) – 18 Very Useful things you need to know to visit Uzbekistan

This is the most complete and updated online guide to travel in Uzbekistan with all the information you need to know to plan your visit to Uzbekistan!

Located on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia that has recently opened its doors to the world. Since doing so, this off-the-beaten-path destination is gradually becoming more and more popular with tourists.

Nowadays, it’s far easier to travel independently around this spectacular place than during my first trip to Uzbekistan in 2017. I’ve seen many positive changes during my later trips since then.

That’s why I’m happy to share this complete and updated guide to travel in Uzbekistan that will help you in preparing for your trip.

This travel guide will provide you with useful and up-to-date Uzbekistan travel tips, and recommendations to visit Uzbekistan.

Come and find out more about this wondrous land, brimming with rich history, culture, and stunning Islamic architecture in this Uzbekistan travel guide!

Tip: See my Uzbekistan Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Uzbekistan!

Discover the mystical Silk Road cities and travel along the ancient caravan trails in the mountains and desert of Uzbekistan during the 14-day H i g h l i g h t s o f Uzbekistan Adventure Tour !

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Uzbekistan

• 18 important things to prepare your trip to Uzbekistan
• 26 beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan Itineraries: 1 to 4 weeks in Uzbekistan
• How to travel aroun d Uzbekistan by train
• What to pack for Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan Safety Guide
• Uzbekistan Money Guide
• Tours & Experiences: Guided City Tours in Uzbekistan, Adventure Tours in Uzbekistan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Visiting Uzbekistan in 2024 – Uzbekistan Entry Requirements

1.1 do i need a visa to travel to uzbekistan.

Starting from 1 February 2019, citizens of the European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and many more countries can travel to Uzbekistan visa-free for a period of 30 days .

Citizens of 76 countries including the United States, China, and India have been granted the right to receive an electronic entry visa for a period of 30 days.

If your country of citizenship isn’t on any list, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the Uzbek Embassy.

How to apply for an Uzbekistan e-visa?

Applying for an electronic visa for Uzbekistan is very easy but remember that you should apply at least 3 days before your arrival in the country .

Head online to the Official Electronic Visa Portal of Uzbekistan and fill in your information.

This visa is still date-specific so you need to enter the date of your arrival and departure. Remember that you can stay up to 30 days in the country.

Once you’ve filled in your personal details, you have to upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport (look here for guidelines ).

After you’ve activated your application by entering your email address, you’ll need to pay the consular fee to receive your e-visa. The cost of obtaining an e-visa is 20 USD and has to be paid with a valid Visa card.

Once your application has been approved, the electronic visa will be sent to your email address in pdf format within 48 hours.

Print the e-visa so you can show it upon your arrival. Your passport should also be valid for three months from the date you arrive.

1.2 Can I extend my Uzbekistan visa?

If you travel to Uzbekistan on a free tourist visa, you can enter and exit as many times as you want.

I traveled for a couple of days to Tashkent and Samarkand , left the country by crossing the land border with Tajikistan and returned 8 days later to Uzbekistan. Upon my 2nd arrival in Tashkent, I received a new stamp that allowed me to stay another 30 days in the country. 

As there are no clear rules yet about how many days within a year you’re allowed to stay in Uzbekistan, you can currently do a couple of border runs in the nearby countries like  Kazakhstan ,  Kyrgyzstan , and  Tajikistan   and easily renew your tourist visa.

Before you get all excited, just keep in mind that this might change at some point in the near future. 

1.3 What happens if I overstay my Uzbekistan Visa?

Whilst traveling in Uzbekistan, it’s really important that you keep an eye on how many days you’ve spent in the country and that your outgoing flight is booked within your visa time allowance.

If you happen to overstay your visa for any extra time it may result in a 2,000 USD fine as well as the Uzbek authorities delaying your exit from the country by a week or more.

1.4 Uzbekistan Vaccination Requirements

There aren’t any compulsory vaccinations needed to travel in Uzbekistan.

However, it is recommended that you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A, and typhoid especially if you are planning on traveling to more remote villages.

The 26 most beautiful and best places to visit in Uzbekistan

2. When is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is in spring (mid-April –  beginning of June) or autumn (mid-September – beginning of November). The temperatures during these seasons are very pleasant and it shouldn’t be too hot to walk around during the day.

Soaring temperatures usually start from the beginning of June until mid-September. When planning your travels in Uzbekistan, it’s also good to know that most of the country’s major events take place in either spring or autumn. 

2.1 What is the hottest month in Uzbekistan?

July and August are the hottest months of the year in Uzbekistan. With temperatures ranging from 35 ° C to sometimes even up to 40 ° – 45 ° C, visiting Uzbekistan during the summer can be quite uncomfortable.

It’s good to have this in mind if you are planning any long overland journeys as the sun is very strong.

2.2 Should I visit Uzbekistan in Winter?

Winter is a great time to visit Uzbekistan for anyone who wants to avoid crowds. The temperatures are not that cold, it can be sunny and crowds of tourists are nonexistent.

The chance of rain increases from mid-March, but March and April are still quiet months to visit.

Winter in Uzbekistan is very special and if it snows, you’ll get to see a magical winter wonderland. That’s why I once traveled to Uzbekistan in December. Unfortunately, I arrived a bit too late (or was it too early?) to see the cities fully covered in snow. 

It had snowed several days before my arrival and I could only enjoy the last bits of it in the capital Tashkent. In other cities, the snow had already disappeared by the time I arrived there. 

Another advantage of traveling during winter is that in the low season, the hotels and hostels are cheaper. 

3. Travel Insurance for Uzbekistan

It isn’t mandatory to have travel insurance if you are traveling to Uzbekistan. However, I would suggest getting one for the period of your trip. You just never know when you might need it …

If you don’t have travel insurance yet, I highly recommend HeyMondo as it covers both medical costs and theft.

What are the 3 best budget-friendly travel insurance companies

Need Travel Insurance for Central Asia ? I use and highly recommend HeyMondo Travel Insurance . As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!

4. What is the best way to get to Uzbekistan?

4.1 where do you fly into uzbekistan.

Tashkent and Samarkand both have international airports. Tashkent International Airport is the most popular arrival destination into Uzbekistan and because the airport is fairly small, you would struggle to get lost.

There is a currency exchange office in the airport that offers a good exchange rate if you have US Dollars. There are nowadays also ATMs available in the airport of Tashkent where you can take out and exchange US Dollars and Uzbek som (see 7.5 How much money should I take to Uzbekistan ).

How to get from the airport to Tashkent city center by taxi and how much does it cost?

It’s a 30-minute drive to get from the airport to the city center of Tashkent by taxi.

As soon as you exit the airport, you’ll be greeted by many eager taxi drivers who are happy to bring you to the city center of Tashkent for 50.000 Uzbek som.

This is the same rate as the “official” taxi office in the airport, which doesn’t make sense as the standard price for a taxi from the airport to the city center of Tashkent is 25.000 som (around US$2 – US$3).  

This means you’ll have to negotiate the price with the driver and you might not feel like playing the bargaining game after a long flight. So here’s a good personal tip. 

When you exit the airport, ignore the taxi drivers who are standing at the gate. Walk to the left towards the parking lot across ‘Departures’. There you’ll find taxi drivers who just drove travelers from the city center to the airport. 

They’ll be happy to quickly return to the city center and therefore are a lot easier to negotiate with. Offer the driver max 25.000 som. Show him the money and tell him to take it or leave it. He’ll probably try to ask for more but as soon as you start walking towards another taxi, he’ll very likely take it…

Another tip: if you buy a SIM card at the airport, install the Yandex Go app on your phone. This app works like Uber and shows you the taxi rates.

How to get from the airport to Tashkent city center by bus and how much does it cost?

There are buses that run daily from 6 am until 11 pm between the airport and the city center.

When you exit the airport, walk past the parking lot and you’ll see them on your left.  A bus ticket costs 1200 som and can be bought on the bus itself. 

As there are different buses, it might be hard to figure out which bus to take. The apps Maps.me and wikiroutes can help you to see which bus and route to take to your hotel. Bus #67 goes straight to the city center. 

How to get from Tashkent City center to the airport and how much does it cost?

The easiest and most straightforward way is to ask the receptionist of your hostel or hotel to call a taxi for you. You can also install the app Yandex Go to order a taxi.

A taxi from the city of Tashkent to the airport will cost around 20.000 som, depending on where you are in the city.

Top Things to do in Tashkent – Tashkent City Guide

4.2 How to travel to Uzbekistan by road ?

Uzbekistan shares land borders with Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , and Tajikistan .

The security at the overland border points used to be very strict . Not only did you have to fill in a lot of paperwork, but you were also asked many questions about your trip and your bag would be opened and the contents searched for any prohibited items.

Nowadays, border crossings tend not to take so long. Border guards will still scan your luggage, ask if you’re traveling with a drone (which is strictly prohibited!) but they are not as strict as they used to once be. It’s rare that you will be asked to open your bag to be searched and you’re not required to fill in any paperwork.

Overland border crossings are now faster and far easier than they were. You should check online for up-to-date information, as borders can close without notice. All travel to the Termez region and to within 5km of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border is not advised at the moment.

Caution should be exercised in some areas bordering Tajikistan . The border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan is currently closed.

The most common and easiest routes to travel overland to Uzbekistan are:

• From Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Tashkent by bus and train
• From Shymkent (Kazakhstan) to Tashkent by bus and train
• From Osh (Kyrgyzstan) to Tashkent by bus, train or shared taxi
• From Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) to Tashkent by bus
• From Penjikent (Tajikistan) to Samarkand by shared taxi
• From Khudjand (Tajikistan) to Tashkent by bus

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

5. Where should you go in Uzbekistan?

5.1 top silk road cities to visit in uzbekistan.

If you’re going to travel in Uzbekistan to find treasures of the ancient Silk Road, you should visit the following 5 cities to see the most stunning and impressive Islamic architecture in the entire country:

The majority of these sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

5.2 More interesting places to visit in Uzbekistan

The country has, of course, more to offer than only beautiful Silk Road cities. If you want to go off-the-beaten path, you can visit the follow destinations in Uzbekistan:

• the Fergana Valley
• Karakalpakstan , an autonomous republic of Uzbekistan
• the Aral Sea and the ship graveyard in Moynoq
• hiking in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains

5.3 How many days do you need for Uzbekistan?

If you’re wondering how many days you need to visit Uzbekistan, then it’s kind of an open-ended question. It would be possible to visit the main tourist attractions in Uzbekistan within one week.

If you’re not time-restricted, I’d recommend at least 10 days to fully absorb everything this country has on offer.

Tourism in Uzbekistan is an economy that is growing larger and becoming more popular as time passes. I would urge you to plan a trip to soak up the sights before it perhaps becomes super touristy.

Uzbekistan itinerary suggestions: visit Uzbekistan in 1 to 4 weeks

6. Is Uzbekistan a safe country to visit?

Many people wonder if it’s safe to travel in Uzbekistan. It’s still a relatively unknown country in Central Asia and its neighboring country Afghanistan doesn’t have the best reputation. A country ending with -stan gets quickly associated with danger.

However, you absolutely have nothing to worry about! Uzbekistan is totally safe. You’ll see police officers on every street corner and at every public place. They even introduced a “Tourist Police” now. There Tourist Police officers have an office in every touristic city and are glad to be of any assistance when needed.

Tourism is a rich source of income and the Uzbeks genuinely want you to have a fantastic experience in their country. They are very hospitable and kind people and you’ll be received as a very welcome guest.

One of the most common scams in Uzbekistan is getting overcharged by taxi drivers. It starts as soon as you arrive at the airport or at any land border. The taxi drivers will usually charge you double or triple the standard rate.

You have to bargain hard and have a lot of patience to get the price down. If you’re not sure what the normal price is, try to get at least half the price of what the driver is offering you or install Yandex Go as this app will show you the rates upfront.

Another scam you have to be careful of is when you visit monuments or museums. When you pay the entrance fee, make sure that they don’t charge you automatically for a guide. In some places, especially in Samarkand , you have to pay extra if you want to take photos (with a camera, not with your phone).

Some ticket offices will automatically include a camera price or pretend there is one. If you’re in doubt, ask for the price list as every ticket office should have one, and check if you’re paying the correct fee.

Is Uzbekistan safe? 1 4 useful safety tips

Uzbekistan solo travel/ Is Uzbekistan safe to travel alone?

Yes, Uzbekistan is a very safe country to visit for solo (female) travelers! When I first traveled on my own to Uzbekistan in 2017, I was a bit anxious but I quickly experienced I had nothing to worry about.

The Uzbeks are very kind and hospitable, welcome you as a guest in their country and they want you to enjoy yourself.

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

7. Money and currency in Uzbekistan

7.1 what kind of money do they use in uzbekistan.

The Uzbekistani Som (UZS) is the official currency used in Uzbekistan.

• Banknotes circulating in Uzbekistan: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 som.
• Coins circulating in Uzbekistan: 50, 100, 200 and 500 som

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are ( November 2023) :

• $1 USD = 12,300 UZS
• €1 Euro = 13,000 UZS
• £1 British Pound = 15,000 UZS

Only a few years ago, the highest denomination available was a banknote of 5000 Uzbeki Som. I needed an extra bag to carry the 2400 banknotes after exchanging 150 US dollars for 1.200.000 Som…

The new banknotes of 10.000, 50.000, and 100.000 UZS make a huge difference in size and weight in your wallet (and the amount of time spent on counting your change…).

7.2 Which credit cards are accepted in Uzbekistan?

Visa is probably the most widely accepted credit card in hotels and restaurants. However, Uzbekistan still has a cash economy which means you won’t always be able to pay with your credit card.

It is slowly becoming more common practice, but it would be wise to carry some cash rather than depending on your card whilst traveling in Uzbekistan. 

7.3 ATMs in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva nowadays all have ATMs where you can take out US dollars and/or Uzbek Som with a VISA card. There are also 2 ATMs at the international airport in Tashkent. 

7.4 Exchanging money in Uzbekistan

The best place to exchange money in Uzbekistan is at one of the banks in Tashkent as they give the best exchange rate.

Just keep in mind that if you want to exchange money, your banknotes should be crisp and in good condition . It happened a few times that the exchange office gave me a lower rate as my banknotes were a little crumpled. 

Before you leave Uzbekistan, you can exchange your remaining Som at the bank or in one of the exchange offices at either the airport or at the land borders.

Update: You can nowadays also pay with Euro and US dollar bills in shops, restaurants, at the hotel, to guides and drivers,…

7.5 How much money do you need in Uzbekistan?

You may be wondering whether it is cheap to visit Uzbekistan? The average monthly wage in Uzbekistan is $300 which is useful to keep in mind.

With most people traveling to Uzbekistan visa-free these days, it’s pretty inexpensive to get around Uzbekistan. Although basic accommodation is not dirt cheap due to a convoluted tax code.

For a 10-day trip, depending on the activities you want to do, I would recommend taking 600 USD or Euro per person in cash to Uzbekistan (if you’re not planning on using your credit card).

Average prices are $10 for a basic meal, $15 for a hostel bed and $30 upwards for a double room in a decent hotel, and $10 for a train ticket.

Uzbekistan Money Guide: How much does it cost to travel in Uzbekistan?

7.6 Should you tip in Uzbekistan?

You don’t have to leave a tip in the restaurant as the service is automatically included in the bill. However, this is not mentioned on the menu and a lot of foreigners get confused or think they’re being overcharged once they receive the bill.

If you take a look at the bottom of the bill, you will see the service fee of 10 -15% added to the total cost of your meal.

Tipping your guide or driver is not mandatory but is getting lately more and more expected… I usually give an additional 10% tip on top of the price.

8. How to get around in Uzbekistan/Is it easy to travel around Uzbekistan?

8.1 are there trains in uzbekistan.

Yes, there are trains in Uzbekistan and the Uzbekistan railroad is the most convenient, interesting and fastest way to travel around the country!

The Uzbekistan railway connects now all the major touristic destinations: Tashkent , Samarkand , Bukhara , and – since December 2018 – Khiva . 

There are three types of trains (and I’ve tested them all!): the Afrosiyob , the Sharq  and the Night Train .

In my post Taking trains in Uzbekistan – The Uzbekistan railways guide , you’ll find a complete guide to the Uzbekistan train system, including information on taking the Uzbekistan high-speed rail, the Uzbekistan Sharq train and the Uzbekistan night train.

The Complete Guide to Train Travel in Uzbekistan

8.2 How to travel around Uzbekistan by bus

If you prefer to see the road instead of the railway, you can travel around Uzbekistan by bus. You can check the bus schedules and buy your ticket online or at the local bus stations. You’ll need your passport so bring it with you. You should also buy your ticket at least one day in advance.

Long distance buses are a slow and not very comfortable way to get around,  as well as not being much cheaper than a second class train or a ride with a shared taxi.

City buses are very cheap and you pay the fare directly to the driver on the bus. You can check the bus routes within cities on the apps maps.me and wikiroutes .

You’ll also see many minibuses racing around the cities. The most common ones are the ‘Damas’. These minibuses are great if you want to travel in a larger city or to travel to nearby towns or villages.

8.3 Getting around Uzbekistan by shared taxi

A shared taxi is a taxi that you share with usually 4 to 5 other passengers. It doesn’t have a fixed schedule but leaves once the taxi is full. They leave from a fixed location which is often near a bus station or just outside of a city.

Your hostel or hotel will know where to find them and you usually won’t have to search long for one. The drivers will probably find you first, they’ll ask where you’re going or they’ll be shouting out their destinations to you.

Be careful because they can be quite pushy and they like to double the rate if they think you’re an ignorant tourist. That’s why it’s a good plan to have an idea of how much you should pay for a ride beforehand and you can ask about this in your hotel or hostel.

Before you get into a shared taxi, confirm the price with the driver and tell him clearly that you want to share the taxi with other passengers. It can happen that the driver may think that you’d like to have the taxi to yourself and if you don’t want to share a taxi, you’ll have to pay for the other seats as well.

A trip of 2 to 3 hours to another city will cost you around 60.000 UZS, depending on how good you are at bargaining.

You can also take a private taxi to get around cities. Just flag them down on the side of the road. You should pay a maximum of 8.000 UZS for a ride within the city.

Taking a shared taxi used to be the only way to travel from Bukhara to Urgench and Khiva. This trip costs 80.000 UZS and isn’t very comfortable as it’s an 8-hour long drive, mainly through the desert. Since there is a train nowadays that connects Bukhara and Khiva, I’d go for this option.

You can also take a private taxi to get around cities . Just flag them down on the side of the road or, if you have a sim card, install the Yandex Go app   on your phone. The app functions like Uber.

Pay a maximum of 10.000 UZS for a ride within the city . 

If you’re visiting Tashkent, you can also get around the city by metro.  The Tashkent Metro Stations are very beautiful and taking the underground should be one of the things you definitely have to do while visiting Uzbekistan’s capital!

The 1 3 m o s t b e a u t i f u l m e t r o s t a t i o n s i n T a s h k e n t

8.4 Renting a car in Uzbekistan

It used to be impossible for foreigners to rent a car in Uzbekistan. This has changed and now you can find several car rental places in Tashkent . 

You can also travel to Uzbekistan with your own car, as long as you have all the required documents. More information can be found here .

It’s important to note that it’s very difficult to find diesel; propane is the main fuel in Uzbekistan, petrol comes in second. It’s also worth noting that some secondary roads can be difficult to drive on unless you have a 4×4. 

Check out the website of Caravanistan for more information on traveling by car in Uzbekistan.

8.5 Hitchhiking in Uzbekistan

Hitchhiking in Uzbekistan is possible and a fun way to connect with the locals. One thing you have to know is that most drivers will charge you money for the ride.

Be very clear from the start that you don’t have money if you don’t want to pay for the ride.

If you want to hitchhike, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to learn some Russian so you can explain your intentions to the driver and have a conversation with him. 

8.6 Domestic flights in Uzbekistan

If you don’t have much time and you want to cover the distance between Tashkent and Khiva quickly, you can take a domestic flight between Tashkent and Nukus or Tashkent and Urgench. Urgench is a 30-minute drive from Khiva.

The duration of the flight between Tashkent and Urgench is only 1.5 hours, between Tashkent and Nukus 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can book easily your flight ticket(s) on the website of Uzbekistan Airways.

If you book well in advance, the average price for a flight between Tashkent and Urgench costs 60USD. You can pay online by Visa and Mastercard.  

Important: When arranging a taxi to drop you off at the domestic airport, make sure the driver brings you to terminal 3 (domestic flights) and not terminal 2 (international flights).

When using the Yandex Go app, it will only show you “Tashkent International Airport”. Make sure you type in “Tashkent International Airport Terminal 3” , or you’ll end up at the wrong terminal!

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

9. Uzbekistan Tours

Uzbekistan could be described as one of the most special yet overlooked countries in the world that is brimming with natural beauty and rich with culture. Going on an organized private/group tour is a wonderful and worthwhile way to see some of this country’s most beautiful spots.

I recommend checking out some of these guided city tours in the Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan as you don’t only get to see the highlights of the city but also learn more about the rich historical background.

10. Where to stay in Uzbekistan – Accommodation in Uzbekistan

It used to be illegal to stay with a host family in Uzbekistan. Travelers had to register every night in a hotel or hostel. These rules have since become more flexible. 

Nowadays you’re allowed to camp, stay with a host family or book a room or apartment on Airbnb for 3 nights in a row without having to register. If you stay longer than 3 nights, you will need to check again in order to register.

The registration happens automatically as soon as you check in and payment for this registration is in the form of a “city tax” which is usually $3 per night.

The receptionist will ask for your passport and register you online. Sometimes you’ll receive a registration slip upon check-out, which you should keep in case the border guards would ask for them when leaving the country (although, I haven’t noticed them doing this in the past 2 years). Nowadays, all your stays should be registered online and traceable via your passport.

If you take the overnight train, this ticket is also seen as registration, so don’t throw this one away. If you’re overlanding and/or planning to regularly camp in the wild or stay with a local family, you have to register online on Emehmon .

If you’re having trouble with your online registration, I’d recommend staying in a ho(s)tel every 3 to 4 nights, just to have some proof of registration.

10.1 Hostels, hotels and Airbnb in Uzbekistan

Because of the growing number of tourists traveling in Uzbekistan, there are many new hostels and hotels appearing in all of the larger cities. It’s important to remember the $3 city tax that is added (or sometimes already included) in the price of your accommodation per night.

Booking.com is a great website to use when looking for hostels and hotels whilst staying in Uzbekistan and Airbnb also has many great apartment options to choose from. It all is just dependent on what your budget is.

There are some lovely options for independent and solo travelers such as small-scale boutique hotels or B&B’s. There is a wide range of high-quality hotels in Uzbekistan but keep in mind that the tourist economy is still developing in Uzbekistan.

During the high season, many of the rooms can be booked up weeks in advance, so if you know your itinerary , book early to avoid disappointment.

Not all of the hotels available are online yet so there may be a chance of securing a room for the night upon spontaneous arrival at a hotel and booking on the spot.

If you plan on visiting Uzbekistan during Winter, keep in mind that electricity black-outs can be an issue and in the Summer the hot water can sometimes be turned off. You can ask at reception if this is likely to happen during your stay.

10.2 Homestays in Uzbekistan

If you’re drawn to spending a few days in the countryside soaking up the Uzbek culture then a homestay is for you.

There is a network of homestays in the Nuratau mountains as well as in the village of Katta Langar near Shahrisabz . Vegetarian meals, solar-powered showers, and clean toilets are all available.

6 Fantastic Hiking Trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan

10.3 Staying in a yurt in Uzbekistan

Some of the people in Karakalpakstan still live in yurts for part of the year as they are culturally much closer to Kazakhs and Turkmens than to Uzbeks.

There are some desert yurt camps in the Kyzyl Kum and Aral Kum deserts and also near Urgench. These have been specifically set up for tourists so if you have your heart set on staying in a yurt, you can experience it here.

However, budget for this before you set off on your trip as they can be quite expensive.

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

10.4 Camping in Uzbekistan

Wild camping is permitted in Uzbekistan so why not take the opportunity to sleep under the stars whilst on your Uzbekistan trip. Why not camp in the mountains near Samarkand and Tashkent or in the desert for epic and atmospheric starlit skies.

It’s important that you are aware of the registration rules and it’s a good idea to camp for only a couple of nights before then booking into a hostel or hotel in order to fill in your registration card.

11. Uzbekistan Food and drinks

Uzbek food is characterized by meals including noodles, mutton, rice, and vegetables.

Traditional bread (tandir non) is particularly sacred in Uzbek culture. Flat and round, this bread is torn by hand and never thrown out.

The summers bring fresh, delicious and vibrant fruits that you can buy at the local markets along with vegetables, spices and sweet Uzbek candy.

Green tea is often drunk regularly throughout the day and is a common drink offered to guests.

There are many international restaurants in the larger more touristic cities if you find that you are craving a change from traditional Uzbek cuisine. 

11.1 5 Uzbek Dishes you have to try

Trying local cuisine and traditional dishes is a great way to experience a country’s culture.

‘Plov’ is the national dish of Uzbekistan and it’s one that Uzbeks are extremely proud of. It is commonly made as a family meal or made in larger quantities to celebrate special occasions such as weddings.

It is traditionally prepared in a large cooking pot (a Kazan) and the most famous version is made with a base of onions, carrots, and meat that is sautéed in fat.

The rice is then added, topped up with water and simmered until everything is cooked. Sometimes additional ingredients are added such as chickpeas, other vegetables, raisins, and fruit.

2) Shashlik

If you’re a fan of meat dishes, then you should try ‘shashlik’. Not only is it one of the most popular dishes in Uzbek cuisine, but it’s also a dish that is enjoyed right across Central Asia.

The word ‘shashlik’ comes from the Russian word for ‘shish kabob’. Traditionally, the dish is made with lamb however beef, chicken, and venison can be used instead. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try the grilled skewers with horse meat.

3) Kazan Kabob

‘Kazan kabob’, as its name suggests, is a dish that is prepared in a kazan, a large cooking pot also commonly used to make plov.

Marinated meat such as mutton or beef is fried with potatoes and then covered and steamed in a kazan on a low heat. When the meat is fully cooked it is finally served with onions and some fresh vegetables.

‘Obi non’, also known as ‘lepyoshka’, is a type of round, flat Uzbek bread that has been baked in a traditional clay oven called a ‘tandyr’. Similar to Indian naan bread, it’s thicker and then decorated on top. Additional meat, nuts, seeds and raisins are sometimes added.

It is considered one of the most important foods in Uzbekistan and is eaten with just about anything. It can be made in a variety of ways and changes slightly from region to region.

5) Shivit oshi

‘Shivit oshi’, also known as ‘khorezm lagman’ is an eye-catching Uzbek dish. Hand-pulled Lagman noodles are infused with fresh dill which gives them their distinctive bright green color. The dish originates from Khiva .

Fresh herbs and vegetables feature more in cuisine in this region in comparison to other areas in Uzbekistan. It’s a summer dish that is served only in Khiva and is traditionally topped with a meat and vegetable stew and a side of sour cream or yogurt.

11.2 Is vegetarian food available in Uzbekistan?

If you happen to be a vegetarian, visiting Uzbekistan and finding a meat-free meal can sometimes be tricky but not impossible. When visiting the cities, it’s quite common to find vegetarian options available in many of the restaurants.

Some vegetarian dishes available are eggplant satay with egg, pumpkin-filled dumplings and vegetarian flatbread (lavash) filled with cheese and tomato.

However, the main issue with eating vegetarian food in Central Asia is the bacteria in the water that is used to wash and rinse them. If there is a choice between a raw salad or a cooked meal, it’s wise to choose the cooked option.

If you happen to be a vegan, you may struggle to find a wide variety of choices available to you without dairy or meat.

11.3 What is the national drink of Uzbekistan?

Uzbek people are really big tea drinkers. Green tea or ‘Kuk-choy’ is served in a bowl or a glass and all meals start and end with tea.

Tea is offered as a gesture when welcoming guests into a home. If you happen to be poured a half-full bowl of tea, see it as a gesture of respect from the pourer.

12. What to pack for Uzbekistan?

Let’s start with a few things that you are NOT allowed to bring into Uzbekistan

12.1 Prohibited items – what is forbidden to bring to Uzbekistan.

Some guards might check your phone or laptop for any pornographic content (photos or videos of naked people) which is forbidden and will have to be deleted before entering Uzbekistan (I’m sure you can travel without for a while).

It also used to be strictly forbidden to bring painkillers with codeine, sleeping pills, antidepressants or any other medication with narcotic substances in the country. Nowadays the border guards don’t check the medication you’re bringing with you.

However, if you are bringing medication with you, ensure you keep things in their original packaging if you bring them from overseas. If you have a prescription, make sure it has the same name as on your passport.

And – unfortunately – drones are still prohibited .

12.2 What should I wear in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan has a continental climate with four seasons. Pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re traveling.

If you’re traveling to Uzbekistan in winter (November – March), bring warm clothes as it can be very cold. Average Winter temperatures can be around -10°C/ 14°F and there can be a lot of snow.

Pack light clothing if you’re visiting Uzbekistan between the months of June and September as the temperatures in summer are around 38°C/ 97°F.

Uzbekistan is a secular state which means that in theory, people can wear whatever they want. However, the Uzbek people are rather conservative people who do not show much skin so it’s important to keep this in mind when packing.

Men can wear shorts and T-shirts but it’s better to leave any sleeveless shirts at home. It’s also not appropriate to walk around bare-chested.

You’ll see many Uzbek women wearing beautiful colored scarves tied around their heads. This is a cultural thing and it’s mainly older Uzbek women who wear these. Younger female travelers need not worry about covering their hair.

What is seen as appropriate will depend on where you’re going. Tashkent, the capital, is a modern city and many young girls and women walk around in short skirts, dresses, and shorts.

It’s okay if you wear shorts, dresses, skirts and tops or T-shirts with short sleeves in tourist places like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. But it would be viewed as disrespectful to parade around in revealing mini-skirts, dresses and tops. You’ll draw unwanted attention to yourself.

If you like to explore less-touristic places like small towns and villages, dress modestly. Wear a T-shirt or a tunic over long trousers or a long skirt. Three-quarter pants or skirts are also fine, just don’t walk around the village in a vest top and short shorts.

If you visit mosques and religious sites, even in touristic cities, cover your arms. If you’re an influencer who wants a nice photo for Instagram, please remain respectful of the culture in Uzbekistan.

12.3 Travel essentials for Uzbekistan

• Water Filter Bottl e : I wouldn’t advise you to drink tap water in Uzbekistan. Buy bottles of water in the local supermarkets or better, bring a water bottle with a filter . These are reusable bottles that filter water using a microfiltration device. When you drink tap water using a water bottle with a filter, any dirt, bacteria or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through. It’s not only good for your belly and wallet, but it’s also great for the environment because you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles of water. I use and highly recommend the  Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . 
• Anti-diarrhea tablets: yes, I’m afraid that this is an essential as well… 50% of the travelers I’ve met struggle at some point with stomach issues, due to a certain bacteria in the food. I always have Furazolidone tablets (which you can buy over the counter at a local pharmacy) as it has proven its worth. These tablets tackle the bacteria causing bowel problems within a day.
• International travel adapt or : the power sockets in Uzbekistan are of type C and F (the same as in Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
• Power bank :  a power bank is always handy to have with you in case of a power outage (which sometimes happens, even in the major Uzbek cities), during long bus or train rides, or if you’re planning to go camping.I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
• Anti-theft money belt : handy and safe when you travel with cash
• Photography equipment: you can’t visit Uzbekistan without capturing its beauty on camera! Below is an overview of the gear I used. You can also see my article on  photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers  for more information.
• Camera: Panasonic LUMIX DC-90
• Main lens: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6
• Wide-angle lens : Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0
• Prime lens: Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7
• Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod (Hybrid Head)

13. Are drones allowed in Uzbekistan?

Drones in Uzbekistan are strictly prohibited. Operating, selling, importing, or buying a drone in Uzbekistan could even result in a prison sentence.

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

14. How is the Internet in Uzbekistan?

The internet connection in Uzbekistan isn’t always the best so downloading city maps for offline usage and bringing an old-fashioned travel guidebook with you will be useful.

The wi-fi connection in big cities like Tashkent and Samarkand is usually reliable and relatively fast. There’s also internet connection in Bukhara and Khiva but it can be slow.

It’s difficult to find a good internet connection when you travel to more remote areas.

14.1 Which is the best sim card in Uzbekistan and how to get one?

There are 5 main mobile phone providers in Uzbekistan: Ucell, Uzmobile, UCell, UMS, and Beeline.

The coverage with Ucell is pretty good and $7 will get you 22GB of data. You have to bring your passport with you to buy a SIM card and you must provide a registration slip of your ho(s)tel to have a SIM card registered to your name.

Update: you can now easily buy a SIM card at the airport in Tashkent upon arrival.

14.2 Uzbekistan Wi-Fi rental services

If you need to stay connected at all times during your trip (work or personal reasons), you can also opt to rent a Wi-Fi pocket device in Uzbekistan .

This device works like a home wi-fi router and allows you to stay connected at all times. It also has unlimited date plans and you can use the connection on multiple devices and even share it with your fellow travelers. You can read more about this Wi-Fi service here .

14.3 Recommended apps for travel in Uzbekistan

Here are some useful apps to use while traveling in Uzbekistan:

• Maps.me : This is a very practical app to find your way in Uzbekistan. You can download the map of the country for offline usage. The app gives you accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest. It also tells you the number of the bus you need to take when you travel within a city.
• Wikiroutes : Wikiroutes is a handy app if you travel by public transportation. It shows you the bus and/or metro route and tells you where to hop on and off. 
• Google Translate :   Translates written and spoken Russian or Uzbek. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
• Xe currency:   a very handy currency conversion app that always uses the latest rates in effect. It’s useful to keep track of how much things cost in Uzbekistan This app also works offline.
• Booking.com : I made all my reservations for hostels and guesthouses in Uzbekistan through this hotel and hostel booking website, which is also available as a phone app. No other app comes close to it in terms of inventory and price.
• Yandex Go Taxi : Yandex is the Central Asian version of Uber. I used this app to get around the major cities in Uzbekistan by taxi without having to bargain for the price and/or getting ripped off by a taxi driver. You can also use Yoko Taxi for getting around Bukhara.

15. Culture and etiquette in Uzbekistan

The Uzbek people of today hail from Turkic and Persian people who lived along the country’s borders and Turkic-Mongol nomads. During the Soviet rule, many other nationalities living in Uzbekistan were labeled Uzbeks in an effort to create more easily governable subdivisions.

Today, under the Islamic faith, women are expected to cover their bodies when in public. Although full veils are not that common, there are areas where it still is expected.

Elders in Uzbek culture are very highly respected and it’s customary for men to greet one another with a handshake. And overall Uzbek people try to carry themselves with dignity and patience.

Here are some handy tips:

• Bread is sacred in Uzbekistan. Try not to leave chunks on your plate or drop it on the floor. Especially don’t put it under your lap and save for later and, even worse, throw it in the bin (this will deeply upset the people)!
• Remove your shoes before going inside a guesthouse, homestay or any home. Even if you don’t need to, it’s a sign of respect.
• Don’t blow your nose at the table. Apparently it’s incredibly disrespectful and it will not go down well. By all means, itch your nose or wipe away snot with a tissue, but don’t go gung-ho and start emptying the bats in the cave.
• Veggies/vegans! When traveling in the cities and eating at restaurants, you’ll be fine. But… if you’re staying at guesthouses or homestays in the mountains, it’s a huge sign of honour for the hosts to present the guest with meat at dinner. You could try not eating the meat but it would be pretty disrespectful. I don’t eat meat in Europe but appreciated where I was and how kind it was of the host to cook me it and dove in. Same goes for the other dishes with dairy etc really.

16. What is the Religion in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a secular state. When the country was under the control of the Soviet regime, religious practices were dramatically suppressed. It was only after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 that the country gained back religious freedom.

Around 90% of the population are Sunni Muslim and the rest are Russian Orthodox. And though many people actively practice their religion, they can be quite liberal in their views about it. 

You’ll see women wearing headscarves but this is more connected to the culture than to the religion.

As a foreign woman, you’re not expected to cover your hair. There’s also no strict dress code (as you could read in 12.2 What to wear in Uzbekistan) that is related to religion.

17. Do people in Uzbekistan speak English?

In general, the Uzbek people don’t speak a lot of English. People who work in the hospitality sector know a bit of English but most people in Uzbekistan don’t speak the language.

Young people in the larger cities will know some English but with older people, it’s less common. However, in touristy areas, English is spoken and understood so don’t fear!

17.1 What languages are spoken in Uzbekistan?

The official language is Uzbek and it belongs to the family of Turkic languages so if you speak some Turkish, it may help you understand Uzbek a little bit. Especially the numbers are similar. My knowledge of the Turkish language helped a lot when I had to bargain with vendors and taxi drivers!

Russian is the second most commonly spoken language in Uzbekistan. Many people know and understand Russian and for 14% of the population, it’s their first language. If you can read the Cyrillic alphabet or you happen to know some Russian phrases, both would come in handy whilst traveling in Uzbekistan.

I learn a new language using the audio classes of Pimsleur . This is a great learning method to study a new language. It helped me a lot to quickly reach a basic level of Russian.

11 Tips to learn Russian quickly and effectively

I also recommend bringing a small pocket phrasebook like the Lonely Planet Centra Asia Phrasebook & Dictionary  as it contains useful phrases that you might need on your trip around Uzbekistan.

I also suggest you install the Google Translate App  for Uzbek translations (only online) and download Russian into your app that you can use offline.

17.2 Useful expressions to know before visiting Uzbekistan

• ‘Assalomu alaykum’ translates as ‘hello’ .
• ‘Salom’ means ‘good afternoon’.
• ‘Ismingiz nima?’ translates ‘What is your name?’
• ‘Tanishganimdan hursandman’ translates ‘I am glad to meet you’.
• Xayr! means Good bye!

18. Recommended books in Uzbekistan  

When traveling in Uzbekistan, I would recommend bringing a small pocket phrasebook like the Lonely Planet Central Asia Phrasebook & Dictionary as it contains some useful phrases.

I would also recommend reading one or more of the following books:

• Uzbekistan Bradt Travel Guide : one of the most comprehensive travel guide books about Uzbekistan
• Lonely Planet Central Asia , is ideal if you’re also planning on visiting other destinations in Central Asia
• The Silk Roads: A New History of the World : a journey through time, a revelatory new history of the world, connecting all the vast webs of roads to gain a greater understanding of modern history
• Uzbekistan – Culture Smart! offers an insider’s view of Uzbekistan’s fascinating history, national traditions, various cuisines, and cultural scene
• Uzbekistan: the Road to Samarkand is a stunning coffee table book with unique and luxurious, vibrant pictures that really highlight the wonders and history of Uzbekistan

I hope this guide helps you to travel around Uzbekistan with ease. I’m wishing you a fantastic time in this special country and enjoy marveling at the exquisite architecture! 

Do you still have questions about your upcoming journey to Uzbekistan? Let me know in the comments below or send me an emai l!

Related posts

The best way to get from Tashkent to Osh and from Osh to Tashkent, crossing the Dostyk border (Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan)

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

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

What are the 26 Best Places to visit in Uzbekistan in 2024?

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

Hiking in Uzbekistan –  6 best Hiking Trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan

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

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

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

Hi Cynthia. Thank you so much for your insightful website. Do you know if it is possible to hire a driver that speaks English or a combination driver and guide one of which speaks English who could travel with my wife and I for the week we will be there?

Hi Doug, yes, that’s possible. You can send me an email (hello (at)journalofnomads.com) and I’ll help you further.

Cynthia! Your blog is so so helpful! Loads of love to you!

Thank you Paridhi! 🙂

Thank you so much for your excellent description. I will visit in last week of October,23.I am a senior Banker from Bangladesh. I have gone through the top to bottom of your literature it would be very helpful for my visit .

Hi Zulfiquer, happy to hear! Thank you for reading!

This is a great resource, Cynthia. Thanks so much for all your recommendations. I’m going to Uzbekistan in October with a group of friends and your guide is exactly what I was looking for.

Hi Rebecca, thanks so much! Wishing you all a fantastic trip!

hI FIRST OF ALL CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR INFOS I’m planning to go to Samarcand in october and got to know that once arrived I need to register within three days.. I am a free lance journalist writing travel reports for people on a budget so I will stay in a hostel. the hostel keeper asked me 5$ per day per registration and other rinfo say that surfing into the following site http://reg.emehmon.uz/ you can buy it on line BUT BUT BUT this site opens up but clicking on FILL IN THE FORM this is not hypertestual and doesn’t send to another proper page…. do you know or perhaps somebody who recently visited Uzbekisthan personally how to help me? thanks sauro

Hi Sauro, the website to register online often doesn’t work properly. The best way would be to do it via your hostel but they have to register you automatically and NOT charge extra for it. Guess you should check with another hostel…

Hello, Cynthia. What a comprehensive overview! I’m feeling a little wary to visit as a lone female traveler but after reading your article, I now feel excited to plan my trip. One question though, if tourists want to cross the border to Kyrgyztan and Kazakhstan, for example, are they simply allowed to do so, or must they secure a visa for those other countries (depending of course, on country of origin) beforehand? Thank you so much!

Hi Bernadette, I’m happy my article has helped you. Central Asia is fine for a solo female traveler! Whether or not you need a visa depends on the country of your passport. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan offer a free visa on arrival for a lot of countries, check if your country is on the list too. Best wishes, Cynthia

Hi Cynthia, This is an amazing resource you’ve created – even better than the Brandt guide (which is now sadly 4 years out of date)! It is a treasure trove of down-to- earth, practical information which is exactly what you need. I’ve been dreaming about (and had already done all the planning) for going to Uzbekistan in May 2020. But then a little virus stopped me in my tracks. My question is: has the war in Ukraine made any difference for visitors travelling in Uzbekistan? Given the country’s previously strong links to Russia (and with a large Russian speaking minority)? Especially if you are from Europe/England which is experiencing having a very hostile relation with Russia.

Hi Ben, thanks so much! And no, the war hasn’t made any difference. You don’t have to worry about it at all. I hope you can make your dream to visit Uzbekistan soon a reality!

Hi Cynthia, sorry to border you, have you heard of Advantour which is a website that helps visitors from abroad to buy train ticket with a commission? I was not able to pay for my night train ticket from Khiva to Tashkent on May 20 (Saturday) at 16h22 as the screen freeze & I tried many times. So happened I came across the above website not sure whether I should go ahead as I don’t mind to pay a bit more so I can plan the rest & in fact I save money for accomodation. Thank you very much for your attention and have a great day! Caterlina

Hi Caterlina, yes, Advantour offers train booking services but I don’t know what their commission is. It might be worth it to be certain that you have train tickets.

Wishing you already a fantastic trip to Uzbekistan! Warm wishes, Cynthia

Thank you soooo much, have a good day…! Can’t wait to go there in May. cc

Hi Cynthia,

Excellent resource on Uzbekistan – thank you so much for creating this.

Is there a resource that you used for homestays? How did you go about finding and selecting those?

Hi Joel, I found those homestays through my local guides. If you’d be interested in visiting f.eg. the Nuratau Mountains, you can always send me an email and I’ll bring you in touch with the right people.

Enjoyed reading your guide for Uzbekistan. It dies cover almost everything that is essential. I dont have immediate plans to go there but i will use the information provided by you whenever travel to Uzbekistan beckons in us.

Thanks for this wonderful post.

Hello Harshad, thank you so much!

I came across your website when I was searching infos about Uzbekistan. A country I wanted to visit since a long time and see all this beautiful architecture.

Thank you for the massive information you put out there. It’s probably the most comprehended and most detailed travel blog I’ve seen. You have no idea how helpful the infos are to me. Even-tough I traveled a lot in my life so far, Central Asia sounds more challenging. So after reading so much on your website I feel much more comfortable to fly there and explore it. So I booked for March 23 a trip there, TAS and SKD ! Can’t wait to see it all !

Thank you very much ! Best regards and stay safe

Hi Henri, thank you so so much for your kind words and I’m very happy that my blog inspired you and helped you with planning your trip to Uzbekistan!

Wishing you an unforgettable trip! Warm wishes, Cynthia

I had a wonderful time in Uzbekistan. Much better than I anticipated ! Came back with lots of memories of friendly people who sometimes didn’t spoke English and great pictures of all the sites. Thanks to you and all the information you put out and shared with us.

Oh, that’s wonderful to hear! Thank you so much for sharing!

Hi Cynthia, I have planned a trip Almaty to Tashkent to Samarkand to Bukhara for October 8 to October 20, booked the hotels (cancelable) but now trying to use your links to pay for train tickets I have hit problems. The Uzbek site will not let me register. (I click to register and get no response, with 3 different email addresses). Any ideas?

Hi Stuart, are you trying to buy your tickets via this link ? You should be able to easily register via your Google account.

Hi Cynthia, thank you so much for the article on UZBEKITSTAN, especially all useful tips on traveling around. My family will be entering Tashkent from the Tashkent Airport in September and we need to take private taxi to Samarkand due to tight scheduale. Do you think taxi on this destination is doable and do you have any experience/recommendations on this.

Hi Alenka, as Samarkand is a 4,5-hour drive from Tashkent, I don’t think you’ll find many taxi drivers at the airport who are keen to drive this distance. What I would recommend is contacting a local tour agency to arrange private transfer. It will be easier and a lot less hassle than negotiating with a taxi driver at the airport. Hope this helps?

Hi Cynthia, thx a lot for the info… Tour agencies are quite expensive, could you recommend someone ? Also my husband researched yandex app and he thinks, we have pretty good chance getting reasonable priced taxi from the airport … if of course we can buy a SIM card on the airport.

Hi Alenka, are you looking for city guides or a tour in Uzbekistan? The Yandex app works well in Tashkent and is so handy to get fair taxi rates. You should be able to buy a SIM card at the airport. Have a great trip! I’m currently in Uzbekistan 🙂

I’m visiting Uzbekistan soon on an organised trip. I have arranged to have 4 days on my own in Tashkent before the tour starts and I have found your article very useful and reassuring. Thank you. Well done travelling young. I left it until my sixties and now have less energy and bits of my body are wearing out!!

Hi Jane, I’m happy you found my posts useful! Wishing you a fantastic trip to Uzbekistan and kuddos for still traveling at a later age!!

Thanks for the wonderful background. I will be traveling to Uzbekistan with a few other hikers in September to hike the Marco Polo Trail.

You’re welcome Mary Lou! Wishing you a fantastic adventure ahead! Let me know if you’d have more any questions 🙂

Very nicely put through. good work

Thank you Ramneek! 🙂

Thanks so much – I am travelling solo to Uzbekistan tomorrow and this was very comprehensive.

Hello Hoey, I’m very happy to hear this guide will help you with your solo journey to Uzbekistan! I’m wishing you a fantastic trip!!

Excellent article. Thank you so much for all the information and your tips. I’ve been wanting to visit Uzbekistan for a whule now.

Hi Emma, thank you so much! Now is the best time to visit Uzbekistan. It’s not such a ‘hot’ destination yet and it’s so much easier now since they started issuing visas on arrival. When are you planning on going?

Hello Cynthia! I have read your vacation experience. Thank you for sharing your holiday experience.

Hi Sora, thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed reading this post!

Hi Cynthia! Great blog post! I’m researching the destinations for a 6 months trip around Asia next year and I found your blog really helpful on Central Asia. I got a bit of bad surprise when I saw that antidepressants are not allowed in Uzbekistan, do you know of any way I could legally take them with me anyway? I know you’ve probably no experience but it can’t hurt to ask, right? Have a nice day!

Hoi Annelies! Thank you 🙂 I think that you can bring antidepressants legally with you as long as you have the prescription with you. The rules in Uzbekistan are becoming less and less strict so I don’t think they’ll give you a hard time when you can show them the prescriptions of your medication. Hope that helps! Have a beautiful day and a great trip! Know that you can always email me if you have more questions or need help with planning your trip!

Super bedankt! This blogpost answered all my questions. I’m going backpacking with a friend (2 females) in april. Felt nervous but this post made me very excited!

Hoi Nanouk, ik ben heel blij om dit te horen! You really don’t have to be nervous about traveling as a woman in Uzbekistan. Honestly, I felt the same way before I traveled there as I had no idea what to expect. But the people were super friendly and they welcome travelers with open arms! Have a great time in April and enjoy the beauty of the country!

Thanks for providing such detailed information. Uzbekistan is on my bucket list, I fell in love with the architecture. One question I had was in regard to taking in medication. You mentioned antidepressants are strictly forbidden but the attached medications list from Caravanistan doesn’t have any SSRIs or SNRIs listed (as far as I can tell). Any place I can check this for sure?

You’re very welcome! I’m glad this post is useful to you! Regarding the medication, here’s another reliable source where you can check whether or not you can take any SSRIs or SNRIs with you: http://uzbekistan.travel/en/list-of-prohibited-drugs/

When are you planning on going to Uzbekistan?

Thanks! After looking this over, it doesn’t seem to contain any antidepressants, only short term anti anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. I was thinking of going in the fall of next year, which is a while away. It’s not the easiest to find travel information on the Central Asian countries, so I wanted to do some research well beforehand.

I don’t have much knowledge about medications and what is in there but it’s good to double-check with countries like Uzbekistan 🙂 If you would have a prescription that you can show at the border and what it’s used for, you should be fine! It’s good to think ahead and do some good research so you’re well-prepared, especially in countries that are still off-the-beaten-path. Central Asia is worth it, beautiful architecture (Uzbekistan), amazing nature and landscapes (Kyrgyzstan), hospitable people,… I’ll keep writing guides and posts about these destinations in the coming months but feel free to send me an email if you’d have any more questions!

Hi cynthia, thank you somuch for the article on UZBEKITSTAN. I will be entering Tashkent from the oybek border Tajikistan, sometime in September,I have read some daunting posts about crossing the border, Iam a little nervous,any recommendations.

Hi Magalie, the border crossing isn’t as bad as many might make it sound. I was pretty nervous about it as well but if you don’t take items with you that are on their ‘illegal’ list of things, you’ll be fine! They checked my first aid kit and the books that were on my e-reader but the officials were nice and friendly so you don’t have to worry. The rules are slowly on becoming less strict (f.eg. they never checked my hotel registration papers when I left the country) and if you’re traveling as a woman alone, they’re very respectful to you. I wish you happy and safe travels and let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with!

I’ve been wanting to visit Uzbekistan for a while, partly because of the amazing architecture! This was great to read and really interesting. It sounds pretty strict.Thanks for sharing your tips and advice!

Hey Mike! Thank you! 🙂 It sounds strict but once you’ve passed the border, it’s actually really fine. The people are very nice and yes, the architecture is stunning! Any idea yet when you will go?

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Travel Guide Uzbekistan

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Locked in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is both a museum to the ancient Silk Road and a country shaking off its Soviet past while striving to develop its place within the modern world. This concoction of old and new is what makes it so special – go for the history and you’ll undoubtedly fall for the distinctive culture and friendly people.

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Highlights of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Discover the highlights of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on this compact trip. Explore part of the Uzbek Golden Triangle with Bukhara and Samarkand before heading to the cosmopolitan city of Almaty. The Kazakh capital awaits with plenty of adventures in the surroundings.

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Along The Great Silk Road

Explore all the highlights of Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan await you in this 3 weeks trip. Learn about the history, enjoy breathtaking nature and experience local traditions and culture. It's time to discover the Silk Road with an expert guide!

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Blessing Women of Uzbekistan

Explore the lives of Uzbek women in this extraordinary itinerary: from cooking sessions over shopping (and haggling!) at local bazaars with your host family to workshops on dancing and arts, this trip will show you the real lives of women in the Central Asian country.

With everything from Unesco World Heritage Sites and ruined desert fortresses to mega meat kebabs, artistic tile work, and buzzing neighbourhoods, Uzbekistan is ripe for exploring now.

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Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan: Mountains and Cities of the Silk Road

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Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan may be Central Asian neighbours, but they couldn’t be more different. For while Kyrgyzstan is a land of epic mountain scenery and semi-nomadic shepherds, Uzbekistan is home to the atmospheric towns of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, probably Central Asia’s most revered Silk Road trading centres.

Starting in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, we’ll spend much of our time in traditional yurts and will be introduced to the ways of mountain life on the ...

Starting in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, we’ll spend much of our time in traditional yurts and will be introduced to the ways of mountain life on the Old Silk Road, before driving on to the ancient city of Osh. From here, we will cross the border into Uzbekistan and travel on to see the fabled cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand where merchants still ply their wares in the shadow of some of the world’s greatest architectural achievements.

If you wish to experience the contrasts and variety that this fascinating region has to offer, this is the trip for you.

At a glance

Minibuses in Kyrgyzstan and coaster buses and cars in Uzbekistan, as well as a domestic flight and train

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Accommodation, entrance fees, fitness rating.

As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.

On this particular trip when in Kyrgyzstan, outside of the capital, we will mostly stay in traditional yurts and homestays with communal (often long-drop) toilets and limited washing facilities. The yurts have beds, but both here and in the homestays it is often necessary to share rooms with up to 6 people. Once we reach Uzbekistan, the hotels we stay in are again more comfortable and often characterful. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.

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Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below

Day 1 Tour starts in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)

The tour will begin early afternoon at our hotel in Bishkek, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals. After a spot of lunch, we will make a short walking tour to see the main sights and watch the spectacle that is the Changing of the Guards. This evening, we will enjoy a local dinner - soaking up the city by night.

Day 2 Bishkek - Son Kul (3,016M)

This morning, we will head out of Bishkek and visit the restored 11th century Burana Tower before lunch in a family home in Tokmok. Our final destination of the day will be Son Kul, the spectacular 3000m mountain lake used as summer pastures for many local shepherds. There, we will be welcomed by our hosts and enjoy a traditional dinner, and maybe the odd vodka toast!  Driving distance 360km, 6-7 hours approx.

Day 3 In & Around Son Kul

Today we will walk or ride (optional and payable locally) up into the hills looking for petroglyphs and enjoy the mind-blowing views over the lake. Those wishing to relax can hang out at the camp and enjoy some down time. Or you might like to visit the local shepherds and try a taste of kumis (fermented mare’s milk). We may also get the chance to see some traditional Kyrgyz horse games today.

Day 4 Son Kul - Tash Rabat (2,900-3,100M)

In the morning, we’ll take a beautiful drive on to Tash Rabat, where we will spend the next two nights. We’ll stop on the way in Naryn to visit the town and enjoy a local lunch. Having settled into our yurt camp later this afternoon, we’ll have a chance to look around the famous ancient Silk Road caravanserai.  Driving distance 230-250km, 5-6 hours approx.

Day 5 In & Around Tash Rabat

Today is free to explore the stunning mountain surroundings. The walking in this area is wonderful and those wishing to ride (optional and payable locally) can also do so. We might head up towards the 3,500m Tash Rabat Pass or follow another beautiful circular route, or you could just do your own thing. This valley, just 35km as the crow flies from the Chinese border, is lush and green - home to horses, yaks, sheep and, of course, nomads. This evening we’ll have another traditional dinner at our camp.

Day 6 Tash Rabat - Kazarman

Today we have a long drive but through some really stunning mountain scenery. We’ll stop en route for a picnic lunch and the odd photo opportunity. Arriving in the small village of Kazarman this evening, we’ll stay with a local family and enjoy some of their home-cooking.  Driving distance 330km, 8-9 hours approx.

Day 7 Kazarman - Osh

This morning we’ll drive over Kaldama Ashuu pass, which at 3062m offers some amazing views. We'll stop in Jalal-Abad for lunch with a local family and then continue on to the ancient city of Osh, where we’ll visit Solomon’s Throne – Suleiman Too – the rock that looms over the city and is an important Muslim pilgrimage site protected by UNESCO. Tonight we’ll stay in the wonderful home of our friend Imanjan, enjoying traditional cuisine and hospitality.  Driving distance 260km, 8-9 hours approx.

Day 8 Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)

Today we make the short drive to the Duslik border, say farewell to our Kyrgyz team and go through formalities to enter Uzbekistan. Here we will be met and driven through the Fergana Valley, an incredibly fertile region that was the breadbasket of the Central Asian USSR and is still one of the wealthiest parts of the whole region. Our first stop today will be in the town of Margilon, centre of the still thriving silk trade in the area, where we’ll see the entire silk-weaving process from cocoon to end product. We will also visit nearby Rishton, renowned for its blue and green ceramics, before reaching Kokand where we spend the night.  Driving distance 190km, 3-4 hours approx.

Day 9 Kokand - Tashkent - Khiva

After a chance to visit the 19th century Palace of Khudayar Khan this morning, we will drive in cars through the mountains to reach Tashkent. From here, we’ll take a short flight to Khiva and check into our hotel for the next two nights, in the heart of this UNESCO protected old town. Driving distance 270km, 4-5 hours approx.

Day 10 In Khiva

There’ll be ample time to soak up the atmosphere of Khiva today, wandering around the quiet streets of this wonderfully preserved Silk Road city. We’ll visit some of the most colourful and sumptuous sites, including the Kukhna Arc, Mohammed Khan Madrassa and Kalta Minor Minaret. In addition, there'll be opportunity to explore the Jama Majid Mosque with its amazing wooden pillars and the Alloquli Khan Madrassa, bazaar and caravanserai. There will be some free time later this afternoon and evening to be able to explore further at leisure.

Day 11 Khiva - Bukhara

Today we will take a slow train to Bukhara, which is considered to be the most complete medieval city in Central Asia. Steeped in history at more than 2,000 years old, we will take a first wander around the old town - soaking up the atmosphere of Labi Hauz, the 17th Century pool and eating area before dinner.

Day 12 In Bukhara

Today we have all day for sightseeing. We will start at the Ismaili Samani Mausoleum, and continue via the Jama Majid (or the mosque of forty pillars) to the Arc where Connolly and Stoddard – two luckless British officers – met their deaths while playing the Great Game. From here, we will visit the historically important Zindan, followed by the Kolan Minaret and beautiful mosques and madrassas that lie beneath it. Lunch will form part of a cooking demo with a local family. We will then have the remainder of the day free for shopping and generally relaxing in this most characterful of the old Silk Road towns.

Day 13 Bukhara - Samarkand

After breakfast, we’ll drive along the Royal Road to the famous Silk Road city of Samarkand, stopping along the way to view the remains of an old caravanserai. After checking into our hotel, we will make our visit to the Registan, the public square that is the heart of historic Samarkand and a particularly beautiful sight at sunset. There will be plenty of time to explore the three madrassas that make up the ensemble and to take plenty of memorable photographs.  Driving distance 300km, 4-5 hours approx.

Day 14 In Samarkand

We have all day in this amazing town, wandering through the gargantuan sights. In the morning, we will visit Tamerlane’s Tomb, followed by the Bibi Khanym Mosque and the town’s excellent bazaar. In the afternoon, we will visit the Shah-i-Zindar – the street of the dead, and then take some free time to explore this city at our leisure. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Day 15 Samarkand - Tashkent

This morning we will take a train (subject to operation) back to Tashkent where there’ll be time for some sightseeing in this city that once played a pivotal role during the Great Game between the expanding 19th century British and Russian Empires. We plan to visit Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum and Barak Khan Mosque on Khasty. Tonight we’ll have our final dinner together and reflect on our journey.

Day 16 Tour ends in Tashkent

The tour ends after breakfast today, although those on the suggested group flights will depart in the early hours of the morning before breakfast.

ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR

Ramada by wyndham bishkek centre, bishkek.

The Ramada Bishkek Hotel is a very good quality mid-range hotel in the city centre of Bishkek, close to the museums, theatres and main square. It combines a personal touch by the owner with international four-star standards. The friendly, multilingual and proactive staff will be at your service to offer you comfort and convenience during your stay. Each of the sixty-four comfortable rooms are fully equipped with all necessities and amenities and come in multiple categories including Standard, Superior, Suite, Deluxe or Presidential Suite. Through the elegant lobby you can reach the sport club and the Sapphire Restaurant, serving an à la carte menu of French, Italian and Lebanese cuisine. In the evenings, socialise on the summer terrace with a drink from the Forbes Bar and Restaurant.

Son Kul Lake Yurt Camp, Son Kul Lake

This authentic yurt camp provides the ultimate adventure experience, sleeping in traditional nomadic tents beside the beautiful Son Kul. Surrounded by roaming herds of cattle, horses and goats, the snow-capped peaks and an impressive alpine lake, the camp has an inspiring backdrop to the puffing yurt chimneys and nomadic life. The camp itself is comprised of ten cosy yurts with original décor and traditional Kyrgyz Felt carpets – each of which sleeps up to five people. With simple wooden beds, clean bed linen, blankets, pillows and a stove lit each night before dinner, your stay will be both warm and comfortable. Nearby there are two larger yurts used for dining where you can sample hearty local cooking and even fresh fish caught from the lake. After a full day’s activities, riding, walking and exploring the surrounding area, a session in the camp’s homemade, rustic sauna is a relaxing experience.

Tash Rabat Yurt Camp, Tash Rabat

Tash Rabat Yurt Camp is in the perfect location for learning more about the historic caravanserai while exploring the surrounding valley. The 15 yurts are set up in the summer months to welcome visitors to the valley. The yurts are decorated in a traditional style and are comfortable and cosy, each containing simple wooden beds, basic electricity and an oven that heats the yurt twice a day. There are shared toilet facilities and a sauna.

Kazarman Village Homestay, Kazarman

Epic mountains and lush green fields provide an impressive backdrop to the rural village of Kazarman. As part of the CBT initiative, you will have the chance to experience the hospitality of local families who provide a private room for guests along with authentic home-cooked meals. Comfortable beds, shared washing facilities and electricity are a welcome respite after a long day on the road.

Imanjan's Guesthouse, Osh

This simple but comfortable homestay-style guesthouse in a traditional suburban home in Osh is run by a friendly Uzbek family. The rooms are set across two buildings: half of the rooms are furnished with twin beds and the other half offer thick mattresses laid on the floor. Although simple, this remains the best guesthouse option in Osh and the family are constantly trying to improve guests' comfort and convenience. The majority of rooms provide shared bathroom facilities with a few en suite options. The main building houses six rooms on the first floor (all of which have fully raised beds) and four rooms on the second floor (equipped with comfy, floor mattresses). A separate building has four additional rooms, mostly offering floor mattresses. Traditional Kyrgyz rugs and decorations dot the accommodation throughout and there are large outdoor seating areas in the garden.

Silk Road Kokand Hotel, Kokand

Only five minutes from Khudoyarkhan Palace, the Silk Road Hotel is a lovely four-star option in Kokand. The thirty-five luxurious rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and tea making facilities. Some rooms have views of the quaint landscaped garden and a terrace bar. The property’s interiors have simple elegance with plush furnishings, regal patterns and brightly lit rooms. The restaurant serves a variety of European dishes and continental breakfast. There is also an ATM for guests to use.

Orient Star Hotel (Khiva Madrasah), Khiva

Contained inside the 19th century Mukhamed Aminkhan Madrassah, the Orient Star enjoys a faultless location within the walls of Ichan Qala, the medieval citadel in the heart of Khiva. Only a short walk from the city's mosques, madrassas, palaces and hammams, the building used to be the biggest operational madrassah of the city and held up to 250 students. The traditional building now features 60 simply decorated but comfortable and clean en suite rooms. Once cells of the students who studied here, each room is a historical and architectural adventure. The restaurant and bar, situated in another madrasah next to the hotel, offers Uzbek meals and local wine.

Sasha & Son, Bukhara

Sasha & Sons was a 16th-century Jewish merchant’s house that has been renovated and converted into a beautiful, boutique hotel. Located in the heart of city, and within walking distance from ancient Labi-Hauz complex, the family-run hotel is decorated with art pieces and wall paintings  hand made by well-known Uzbek craftsmen and painters, reminiscent of 18th-century Bukhara. Guests can walk through the peaceful, inner courtyard and up the ornate stairs to the guestrooms. With 20 rooms in total, each offers an individual interior design brimming with local character and comes with standard amenities including air-conditioning and a mini bar. Meals and refreshments can be enjoyed in the dining room or served in the property’s central courtyard.

Malika Classic Hotel, Samarkand

The Malika Classic Hotel is located in a quiet residential area, roughly 10 minutes by car from Registan Square and the old centre of Samarkand. There are 26 comfortable rooms surrounding the two courtyards and the rooms are furnished in a simple, local style. Each room comes with its own private bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, satellite TV and a telephone. Guests can enjoy an al-fresco breakfast on a national bench "supa" in the traditional central courtyard or can experience some authentic, local refreshments and cuisine in the hotel's restaurant and two bars. The restaurant primarily serves breakfast, and lunch and dinner can be prepared on request.

City Palace Hotel, Tashkent

Located at a short walk to Amir Timur Square, the lively entertainment hub of the city, and the Amir Timur Museum, the City Palace Hotel is also just a 10-minute drive to most of the city’s main sites. A modern 15-storey hotel, City Palace offers 251 tastefully furnished rooms and suites, all featuring private bathrooms with bathtub and shower, satellite TV, a writing desk, a minibar, air-conditioning and standard amenities. During the summer, guests can lounge in the garden by the outdoor swimming pool and bar or head inside to the indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and sauna in the winter. Other facilities include a tennis court, a gym and a beauty salon. The stylish Amudaryo restaurant serves a mixture of local and international dishes and you can head to the lounge bar or lobby bar and café for a drink.

Hotel Rating

Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.

PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?

All group tours can be taken on a private basis.

Additional Details

Responsible travel.

With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit. When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.  Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.

Travel, Discover, Help

For every passenger that our local agent in Kyrgyzstan hosts, $1 per day is donated to their charitable project during your stay.   Travel, Discover, Help enables children from orphanages to learn more about Kyrgyzstan, by offering excursions to the countryside and events throughout the year.     Additionally, they provide 40,498 days of work for locals annually and support ecological campaigns - transporting waste from glaciers and mountain gorges across this beautiful country.

Reducing Single Use Plastic

We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)

Getting There

If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.

If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.  

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here -  https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa

For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan . Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.

Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for trav ellers to Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.  For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk Covid Testing : No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers. If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration. The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.

*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert

Governmental Travel Advice

Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department . Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.

Key Information

The weather conditions can be extremely varied on this trip. In the mountains of Kyrgyzstan you will often be travelling at heights in excess of 3000m and even in the middle of summer it can turn cold with snow falling, although in general we expect daytime temperatures in the early 20s (C). At the same time Uzbekistan has a dry, desert climate and so mercury in the thermometers of Bukhara can be nudging 40C.

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.

KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the walks and rides are optional.

There are some long drives involved in this tour due to the distances we need to cover, but the changing scenery throughout make these an interesting aspect of the trip.

It should be noted that whilst in Kyrgyzstan you will be dining and staying in yurts and homestays for much of the time, so you should be prepared for communal living and sleeping arrangements, limited shower access and long-drop toilet facilities for parts of the trip. But don’t panic too much – this is genuine adventure travel and your overall experience will easily make up for the lack of modern conveniences, plus accommodation in Uzbekistan is considerably more comfortable!

Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited.  

THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL

We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.

TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS

As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!

Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.

On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except while staying in the yurts and homestays in Kyrgyzstan, where it is often necessary to share with others.

Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.  

Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.

General Information

All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.

A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.

PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY

For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page

This tour will earn you 6826 Wild Miles

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour. Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights Beverages & any costs of a personal nature : This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY

If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events. 

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.

Visiter l’Ouzbékistan, je l’ai fait ! Voici mon itinéraire

Je n’aurai jamais pensé un jour visiter l’Ouzbékistan. Cette destination de l’Asie centrale encore méconnue est incroyablement magnifique. Avant de vous donner chaque détails de mon séjour en Ouzbékistanen, je tiens d’abord à vous présenter l’itinéraire que j’ai suivi pendant ces 10 jours de voyage.

Table des matières

Faire un voyage en Ouzbékistan

Je vous rassure, il y a bien plus à dire que tout ce dont je vais vous raconter ci-dessous. Mais avant de vous parler de mon voyage en détails, je tiens à vous dire quelques mots à propos de cette perle de l’Orient .

L’Ouzbékistan, un pays en « stan » comme Kazakstan, Turkménistan, Tadjikistan, Afghanistan… c’est amusant ou cela fait peur ? Prenez-le comme vous voulez dans tous les cas moi j’y étais !

Avant de partir je ne connaissais vraiment rien de ce pays, je savais juste que l’Ouzbékistan se situe en Asie Centrale et que si l’on a déjà entendu parler de ce pays c’est bien pour Samarcande et la route de la Soie . Aujourd’hui, je peux vous en parler et dire que l’Ouzbékistan a beaucoup à nous offrir. Ses paysages de montagnes, de désert, ses lacs, ses sentiers, ses nomades. .. L’Ouzbékistan est un pays d’Asie centrale qui vous emmène à la rencontre de leur civilisation et hors des sentiers battus .

A travers mes prochains récits de voyage, je vous parlerai de l’histoire de la route de la Soie, des habitants et de leurs coutumes et tradition du moins de ce que j’ai pu voir et de la nature en Ouzbékistan.

Mon itinéraire de voyage en Ouzbékistan

Ce voyage n’était pas prévu dans mon planning, c’est en échangeant avec d’autres consoeurs et une agence de voyage sur mesure  que nous décidions de partir ensemble au mois de mars pour visiter l’Ouzbékistan en groupe . Au cours de nombreux échanges, l’agence a su adapter notre voyage en fonction de nos attentes, nous avons donc construit un voyage personnalisé plutôt un voyage sur mesure .

En plus des nombreuses visites de villes faisant partie de la fameuse Route de la Soie (itinéraire dit « classique »), nous arrivons à ce qu’on voulait faire en plus: aller dans les steppes, dans les villages et passer une nuit chez l’habitant .

Visiter l’Ouzbékistan avec un séjour à Tachkent

Tachkent , la plus grande ville d’Asie centrale ex-soviétique (2,5 millions d’habitants), ne reçoit pas beaucoup d’amour de la part de la communauté des voyageurs . Avec son urbanisme monumental et ses embouteillages interminables, Tachkent n’est pas à la hauteur de l’image de l’Ouzbékistan évoquée dans les brochures touristiques axées sur Boukhara , Samarcande et Khiva .

Cela laisse plus d’espace à ceux qui aiment sortir des sentiers battus, apprécier l’architecture soviétique et vouloir prendre le pouls de l’Ouzbékistan moderne . Ils se sentiront chez eux à Tachkent, comme tout le monde : Tachkent est, plus encore que le reste de l’Asie centrale, un grand creuset de nations et de cultures de toute l’Eurasie . Ajoutez à cela les nouvelles mosquées, la construction chic du dictateur et les pubs à bière artisanaux d’aujourd’hui, mélangez le tout avec les mausolées d’antan au final pour moi je peux dire que Tachkent est un endroit intéressant à visiter.

La merdesa Barak Khan madrasah, construit au 16ème siècle impressionnant ! #instagood #photooftheday #picoftheday #instalike #instacool #igers #beautiful #travel #voyage #instadaily #travelblog #beautifulplaces #travelphotography #travelgram #explore #neverstopexploring #tourism #visiting #wanderlust #travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelling #wanderlust #trip #mosque #architecture #merdesa #mosque Une publication partagée par Princesse Krama (@princessekrama) le 14 Mars 2017 à 20h12 PDT

Nuit à Tachkent.

Matinée libre à Tachkent et vers midi transfert à l’aéroport national pour prendre un vol pour Ourguench.

Transfert à Khiva. Promenade et nuit à Khiva.

Khiva, un incontournable pour visiter l’Ouzbékistan

À 500 km de Tachkent, de l’autre côté du désert, se trouve Khiva , une ville fascinante et bien conservée, dont les carreaux de faïence azurés scintillent au soleil de midi.

La ville était bien connue des Victoriens, qui étaient choqués par les récits sur la barbarie des dirigeants locaux, les Khans de Khorezm. Cependant, à l’intérieur des redoutables murs de la ville, une histoire parallèle d’érudition et d’étude, caractérisée par les merveilleuses médersas (ou madrassas) et mosquées, avec leurs motifs complexes de majolique, attend d’être découverte.

Autour de Khiva Le bassin de la mer d’Aral, OuzbékistanNord-ouest de Khiva, à Nukus, les visiteurs peuvent être témoins des vestiges tragiques de la mer d’Aral, où les chalutiers rouillés sont isolés loin des eaux qui se retirent. Une visite dans cette région désolée contraste fortement avec le faste et la majesté qui règnent ailleurs dans le pays.

La citadelle Kounya ark à Khiva #instagood #photooftheday #picoftheday #instalike #instacool #igers #beautiful #travel #voyage #instadaily #travelblog #beautifulplaces #travelphotography #travelgram #explore #neverstopexploring #tourism #visiting #wanderlust #travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelling #wanderlust #trip #citadelle #architecture #uzbekistan #visituzbekistan #xurosontour Une publication partagée par Princesse Krama (@princessekrama) le 16 Mars 2017 à 2h11 PDT

Porte Ouest de la vieille ville de Khiva #instagood #photooftheday #picoftheday #instalike #instacool #igers #beautiful #travel #voyage #instadaily #travelblog #beautifulplaces #travelphotography #travelgram #explore #neverstopexploring #tourism #visiting #wanderlust #travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelling #wanderlust #trip #architecture #uzbekistan #visituzbekistan #xurosontour #nasrullo Une publication partagée par Princesse Krama (@princessekrama) le 16 Mars 2017 à 8h20 PDT

Visiter en Ouzbékistan la ville la plus sainte d’Asie centrale: Boukhara

Ville la plus sainte d’Asie centrale , Boukhara (270 000 habitants) possède des bâtiments qui couvrent un millénaire d’histoire, et un vieux centre habité qui n’a probablement pas beaucoup changé en deux siècles. C’est l’un des meilleurs endroits d’Asie centrale pour avoir un aperçu du Turkestan pré-russe. La plus grande partie du centre est une réserve architecturale, pleine de madrassas, de minarets, d’une énorme forteresse royale et des vestiges d’un ancien complexe de marché . Les efforts de restauration du gouvernement ont été plus subtils et moins aveugles que dans la ville tape-à-l’œil de Samarkand, et les possibilités d’hébergement de la ville vont de plus en plus loin.

Que vous soyez attiré par l’Arche, la citadelle médiévale en briques de terre cuite de la ville, et l’histoire macabre de son Registan et de son zindan, ou par la beauté majestueuse de la mosquée Kalyon et des bâtiments de Lyabi Hauz qui se reflètent dans les eaux doucement mouvantes du réservoir, tout ce que vous voyez est un régal pour les yeux. Beaucoup de gens passeront, à juste titre, la totalité de leur séjour à errer dans les rues labyrinthiques de la vieille ville, savourant chaque vue, chaque son et chaque odeur.

Séjour dans les steppes de l’Ouzbékistan

Environ 75 % du territoire de l’Ouzbékistan est occupé par des déserts . Le désert de Kyzyl-Koum est le plus grand désert du territoire de l’Ouzbékistan. Kyzyl-Koum – a toujours le deuxième nom – les Sables rouges . La coloration rougeâtre est ici le résultat de l’altération et de l’ondulation des dépôts sableux de base. La surface du désert présente une pente générale douce du sud-est au nord-ouest, jusqu’à la côte de la mer d’Aral. C’est ici que se trouve l’endroit le plus sec de tout le pays et cette immensité de sable est l’un des déserts les plus populaires et les plus célèbres du monde entier.

Camp de yourte en Ouzbekistan. On a passé une nuit de folie au milieu des steppes avec les chameaux, Les agneaux et un Super feu de bois le soir Avec musique et bière ouzbek #instagood #photooftheday #picoftheday #instalike #instacool #igers #beautiful #travel #voyage #instadaily #travelblog #beautifulplaces #travelphotography #travelgram #explore #neverstopexploring #tourism #visiting #wanderlust #travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelling #wanderlust #trip #yourte #steppes #visituzbekistan #uzbekistan #xurosontour Une publication partagée par Princesse Krama (@princessekrama) le 21 Mars 2017 à 9h16 PDT

A Nourata, je n’ai pas réussi à trouver la source d’eau curative… c’est bien l’une des choses pour lesquelles les visiteurs viennent ! Heureusement j’ai pu me balader en haut de la colline pour admirer les environs comme ces deux ouzbèques 🙂 #instagood #photooftheday #picoftheday #instalike #instacool #igers #beautiful #travel #voyage #instadaily #travelblog #beautifulplaces #travelphotography #travelgram #explore #neverstopexploring #tourism #visiting #wanderlust #travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelling #wanderlust #trip #visituzbekistan #uzbekistan #xurosontour Une publication partagée par Princesse Krama (@princessekrama) le 27 Mars 2017 à 9h37 PDT

Samarcande, un incontournable à visiter en Ouzbékistan

Saviez-vous que l’une des villes les plus importantes au monde de tous les temps se trouvait précisément en Ouzbékistan ?

La ville de Samarcande est une légende vivante du monde . Avec son histoire qui remonte à plus de 2700 ans, c’est une ville qui existait à l’époque de la Rome antique et de Babylone. En tant que capitale de l’un des plus grands empires, le monde n’a jamais vu, et encore aujourd’hui, Samarcande inspire et attire les gens du monde entier pour qu’ils voient sa beauté .

Même si Samarcande n’est pas la seule ville historique qui mérite d’être visitée en Ouzbékistan, c’est à coup sûr un excellent point de départ .

Matinée libre à Samarcande et visite

Train en fin de journée pour Tachkent

Fin de séjour en Ouzbékistan

Informations pratiques pour visiter l’ouzbékistan, quand partir en ouzbékistan .

Quel est le meilleur moment pour visiter l’Ouzbékistan ? L’Ouzbékistan se visite le mieux au printemps et en automne (d’avril à mai et de septembre à début novembre). Pendant ces périodes, il fait généralement chaud et sec, et vous pouvez profiter de la chaleur de cette région désertique sans qu’il fasse trop chaud, comme cela peut être le cas pendant les mois d’été. Pour ma part, j’étais partie au mois de mars juste avant l’arrivée des touristes.

Décalage horaire

En hiver il faut compter 4 heures de décalage avec la France , en été, vous n’avez que 3 heures seulement. Après avoir passé 10 jours en Ouzbékistan, il m’a fallu seulement un week end pour récupérer alors que pour d’autres il leur faut une semaine complète 😀

Obtenir son Visa pour l’Ouzbékistan

Pour visiter l’Ouzbékistan, il vous faut un visa d’entrée.

Vous pouvez obtenir votre visa:

• en faisant la demande directement à l’ ambassade de l’Ouzbékistan à Paris, sur ce même site vous aurez toutes les informations nécessaires quant aux différents visa selon votre pays d’origine car pour certains il vous faudra une invitation.
• ou en faisant appel aux services d’une agence spécialisée dans l’obtention de visas à distance si vous ne pouvez pas vous déplacer. J’ai pour habitude de passer par  www.rapidevisa.fr  qui sont très professionnels et respectent les délais de livraison. Le visa d’entrée à l’ambassade coûte 70 euros pour 15 jours de séjour  (80 euros pour 30 jours). À cela vous ajouter une trentaine d’euros de frais d’agence qui s’occupe de tout pour vous.

MISE A JOUR

Les citoyens français n’ont plus besoin d’obtenir un visa pour se rendre en Ouzbékistan. Le décret signé par le président le 4 octobre dernier est entré en vigueur le 5 octobre 2018. Le ressortissant français a droit à un séjour de 30 jours maximum.

Trouver les meilleurs prix de billets d’avion pour partir en Ouzbékistan

J’utilise Skyscanner qui permet d’afficher les prix des vols les moins cher de l’année, à découvrir ici .

Les hébergements en Ouzbékistan

Il y a des hôtels et des chambres d’hôtes. Ceux sélectionnés par l’agence sont dans l’ensemble corrects avec un petit-déjeuner inclus. Au moment de rédiger ce billet je me souviens de quelques établissements qui m’ont particulièrement plu. Je vous parlerai de mes expériences prochainement.

Que manger en Ouzbékistan ?

Je vous prépare prochainement un article dédié à la cuisine locale ouzbèque en attendant sa sortie je dois vous dire que la cuisine locale est plutôt pas mal et pas mal grasse. Si vous aimez la viande, le gras, les soupes et le riz, vous devriez apprécier cette cuisine. Le gras en Ouzbékistan c’est plus qu’un plat, c’est une religion ! Sinon on peut aussi manger des crudités en entrées.

Monnaie locale

Il vous faudra changer votre monnaie directement à l’aéroport ou dans des bureaux de changes à Tachkent. Il faut compter environ 1 euro = 3800 SOUM

Pour les duty free, il vous est conseillé de changer tous vos soum avant de partir du pays car même à l’aéroport vous ne pourrez pas payer en Sum mais en Euros.

Quelques chiffres pour se repérer:

une bouteille d’eau = entre 1500 et 2000 Soum une bière locale 50cl = 3500 Soum une soupe ouzbek = 9000 Soum un repas simple (plat+boisson) = 13000 Soum

Quel budget pour un voyage en Ouzbékistan ?

Nous venons de voir ci-dessus quelques prix de dépense courante. Vous pouvez généralement retirer de l’argent liquide aux distributeurs automatiques en UZS ou en USD. La seule chose que je vous recommande est d’apporter quelques euros ou dollars américains en liquide, juste en guise de réserve. Pour un voyage de 10 jours, je vous recommande d’emporter 400 USD ou 350 € par personne en espèces en Ouzbékistan.

Combien ça coûte de voyager en Ouzbékistan ?

Voyager en Ouzbékistan n’est pas aussi bon marché qu’au Kirghizistan ou au Tadjikistan mais, néanmoins, c’est très abordable. Généralement : Hébergement économique : de 8 à 12 USD. Hôtels de moyenne gamme : de 30 ou 40 USD. Pour mon voyage nous étions dans des hôtels de moyenne gamme.

La langue locale

En Ouzbékistan on parle l’ouzbek mais dans les villes principales le russe est compris et parlé.

• Salom : Salut
• Assalomu alaykum : Bonjour
• Raxmat :  Merci
• Meni ismim … : Je m’appelle …
• Fransus : Le français

Pour la prononciation vous pouvez jeter un oeil sur ce site.

Connexion internet

Pour avoir internet en toute heure et de manière illimitée j’ai utilisé le boîtier wifi MyWebspot ,  facile d’utilisation et qui me permettait également de partager la connexion avec mes consoeurs. Pour ne rien vous cacher, dans les zones reculées (villages et dans les steppes) il n’y a pas d’Internet. Dès lors que je revenais en ville, je pouvais à nouveau répondre à mes mails. 😄 Si vous voulez aussi partir connecté(e) vous pouvez passer commande ici .

Sécurité en Ouzbékistan

En général, pas un seul moment je me suis sentie en danger ou menacée. Avec toutes les caméras installées partout dans les villes et tous les officiers de police (surtout à Tachkent la capitale) je me suis sentie en sécurité. Le vol ou l’agression n’est pas dans la mentalité ouzbèque.

Il est évident que vous êtes responsable de vos affaires personnelles car quelques pickpockets existent tout de même. Enfin partez assuré en cas de pépin cela peut vous être utile, je vous parle de ce qu’il m’était arrivé en voyage et pourquoi j’avais choisi Chapka assurance lors de mon premier voyage en Asie.

Justificatifs d’hébergement

Veuillez à bien conserver vos justificatifs de séjour dans les établissements hôteliers (hôtels, B&B etc), ce sont des petits papiers que chaque hébergement vous délivre avec vos coordonnées et le numéro de votre passeport ainsi que les dates d’un séjour, suivis d’un tampon. Ils vous seront demandés avant de quitter le territoire à l’aéroport.

Visiter l’Ouzbékistan sans agence de voyage

Il est tout à fait possible de visiter l’Ouzbékistan sans agence, vous trouverez toutes les informations utiles pour préparer votre voyage dans le Petit Futé Ouzbékistan .

J’espère que ce premier billet vous aura donné envie de d’aller visiter l’Ouzbékistan et par la même occasion de découvrir mes récits de voyage.

Mon avis pour visiter l’Ouzbékistan

L’Ouzbékistan est vraiment un pays sûr à visiter – à part Tachkent, les villes sont toutes assez petites et ont une atmosphère tranquille et détendue , tandis que Tachkent a une énorme présence policière qui semble dissuader la petite criminalité. … En bref : voyager en Ouzbékistan en solitaire est certainement possible et peut être très enrichissant, chose que j’aimerais faire lors d’un prochain voyage dans ce pays d’Asie pour y découvrir d’autres trésors et merveilles.

Cependant, l’anglais n’est pas aussi répandu en Ouzbékistan qu’en Europe occidentale, et même en Russie. Cependant, de plus en plus de personnes, en particulier des jeunes, l’apprennent. Dans les villes et l’industrie du tourisme, vous trouverez des personnes qui parlent anglais mais ce n’est pas encore assez courant.

Ce que j’ai appris sur l’Ouzbékistan ?

Avec un voyage de ce genre, il n’y a pas de place pour faire du farniente ou des safaris. En revanche j’ai appris qui était Tamerlan , ce que sont des médersas, madrassas, des mausolées en Ouzbékistan…

Ce voyage organisé a permis de voir quelques-uns des plus beaux sites de l’Ouzbékistan, de faire connaissance avec les ouzbèkes, et de gouter à la cuisine locale. Je tiens à préciser que le guide local qui nous accompagnait est un guide francophone qui parle un très bon français.

L’alcool fait partie de la vie quotidienne de nombreuses personnes en Ouzbékistan – en particulier les Russes. Les Soviétiques ont introduit la vodka et d’autres boissons alcoolisées et aujourd’hui, elle fait partie de la culture ; seuls les musulmans les plus stricts s’abstiennent de boire de l’alcool. Les Ouzbeks ont une longue tradition de consommation d’alcool. D’ailleurs je n’ai jamais bu autant de vodka de ma vie, le guide en propose tous les jours.

Je tiens à remercier l’agence de voyage sur mesure Xuroson Tour et les consoeurs Kaouthare ( Touristissimo ), Claire ( No mad land ), Marion ( Madame Voyage ) ainsi que Kontact Communication pour ce blogtrip en partenariat. Et je remercie également les partenaires RapideVisa et My Webspot pour leur soutien.

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14 réflexions au sujet de “Visiter l’Ouzbékistan, je l’ai fait ! Voici mon itinéraire”

Un super séjour que je recommande pour tous. A faire au moins une fois dans sa vie !

Oui et d’autant plus quand ce n’est pas encore très touristique 🙂

C’était un très bons séjour, merci encore d’avoir participé à l’aventure Ouzbék, tes photos me donnent envie d’y retourner J’avoue j’ai mis une semaine pour m’en remettre du décalage horaire, l’horloge de mon portable a complétement sauté entre l’Ouzbékistan, La Turquie et l’Italie ma destination de retour

Merci à toi de m’en avoir parlé sinon ce voyage ne serait pas possible

Maintenant que j’ai vu l’ensemble de ton circuit et toutes ces info, ça me donne encore plus envie de visiter l’Ouzbékistan !

Ah ça fait plaisir pour la lecture ! Allez y tant qu’il n’y a pas trop de monde 😉

Bonjour Princesse Krama,

Merci pour ce retour d’expérience, vraiment super! Je pars en juillet pour un trip assez similaire 🙂

Je n’ai pas trouvé la partie « logement » que tu as évoqué, le lieu en photo qui illustre ton commentaire est d’ailleurs très joli, où est-ce? Je suis à la recherche de guesthouses avant tout, aurais tu des suggestions? Merci beaucoup! À bientôt! Ilhem

Bonjout ilhem,

Ah tu vas en voir des choses en juillet 🙂 En fait je n’avais pas encore communiqué le nom de cet hébergement car c’est à Samarcande, je n’ai pas encore écrit l’article. Mais je t’ai mis le lien pour aller voir plus de photo. Il s’agit d’un hébergement B&B, une maison d’hôtes avec quelques chambres. Les hôtels se développent en Ouzbékistan et cela reste encore cher, donc on n’a dormi dans beaucoup de B&B avec un bon service. 🙂

Merci Rattana 🙂 J’ai réservé pour mon passage à Samarcande! À bientôt.

Salut Ilhem,

Je suis ravie pour toi, je te dis bon voyage quand tu y seras alors 🙂

Bonjour, Beau voyage, en effet. Nous partons fin septembre pour un circuit (personnel) classique de 15 j. J’ai eu de la chance de trouver des vols CDG-Urgentch et Taschkent-CDG. Je me posais la question de la durée de notre séjour à Khiva : 2 ou 3 jours, on y restera 3 suite à la lecture du blog ! Mais je me pose la question des devises qui n’est pas toujours claire : US dollars ou euros ? Merci pour la réponse

Bonjour Daniel, Khiva 3 jours pour prendre son temps c’est très bien ! Pour la devise, c’est simple c’est que devise locale : le Soum ouzbek ! Il faut faire le change sur place car on ne peux pas acheter des soum (sum) en dehors du pays. 🙂

Savez vous que cette année le voyage en Ouzbékistan pour les français est sans visa. donc profitez-en!

Bonjour, Oui je sais merci 🙂

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‘Ahead lay cypress-lined Tuscan roads waiting to be discovered’: readers’ best road trips

Our tipsters navigate Alpine passes, serene backcountry and dramatic coastlines across Europe, stopping off for the odd hike, cycle or dip in the sea

Slow roads in Tuscany’s sunny back country

Driving through the Tuscan hills, the sun beginning its slow descent in the hazy, glowing heat on an August evening was one of the most exquisite experiences I have ever had. Travelling slowly along small, winding roads near Siena in our old Polo, we settled in to the rhythm the locals live by. The peaceful embrace of the Tuscan way of life was felt at every turn, with every smile we saw and every vineyard we gazed across. The cypress trees lining other, yet-to-be-discovered roads in the distance added to our awe at our surroundings. Lotta

Riding the flats and peaks of Slovenia

A week in western Slovenia offers everything you could want from a European road trip – breathtaking mountain views, easy hops between stops and, maybe most importantly, scenic but well-maintained roads. Pick up a car in Ljubljana, head north to the lakes of Bled and Bohinj, then wind slowly south, via the vinicultural Vipava valley, to the caves and cliffside castles of Postojna . Finally, end your trip in the coastal town of Piran for an open-air spa day on the salt flats of the Sečovlje Salina nature park , and a view of the glittering Adriatic sea, with a glass of Slovenian wine in hand. Holly R

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Hairpin bends from Como to Constance

My trip by motorcycle from Lake Como in Italy to Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Germany over the wonderfully twisty Splügen Pass was fantastic. Setting off in bright sunlight with the scent of wisteria in the air, up and over the pass with its road signs beginning with Tornante (hairpin bend) moving on to Due tornanti (two hairpin bends) and finally warning you of M olti Tornanti as the winding road up the steep mountainside comes fearfully into view. Down into Switzerland along sweeping curves, through the micro state of Liechtenstein in just 30 minutes or so, clipping a corner of Austria and on into Germany. A late afternoon arrival in Immenstaad on the shores of Lake Constance and an opportunity to sample the local wine in celebration of a great bike ride was perfection. Five countries in five hours. Stephen Shaw

A true story from the Troodos mountains, Cyprus

In Cyprus’s Troodos mountains, after driving on the scary mountain roads, we ran out of petrol in the middle of a village on a Sunday morning. The villagers knocked on doors to wake up the man who operated the petrol pump, while we were served cheese snacks and black coffees. They wouldn’t accept our offers of money, so we bought literally all of their tomatoes! Piled into the back I remember tears of laughter as to what we were going to do with them all. Best trip ever. Zoe

On a roll in Bosnia-Herzegovina

After navigating the Montenegrin coastal roads, we decided to cycle inland into mountainous Bosnia-Herzegovina. After a border crossing at almost 1,000 metres above sea level, we descended into a beautiful country with wide plains and empty roads. Enjoying a section of the Ćiro Trail , a former railway route converted into a bicycle path – we enjoyed the spectacular 100-mile journey on the mountain-hugging paved roads into Mostar. The nine-day road trip through Bosnia-Herzegovina was memorable – a juxtaposition of beauty and war – a diverse landscape dotted with a scarred past evident with its landmine signs, gun-shelled houses and verdant valleys. Gwen Sim

Alpine highs on a circular trip from Munich

After a day’s sightseeing in Munich we headed south to Ötztal in Austria. Here we stayed at Hotel Stern for the night then hiked up to Farst at 1,450 metres to take in the views. After that we relaxed at Aqua Dome , floating in its heavenly outdoor pools as the moon peeked behind the mountains. On the next leg, we took the Timmelsjoch high alpine road (May-Oct) and crossed into Italy at nearly 2,500 metres, staying overnight at Albergo Hochfirst , high in the mountains with stunning views. The following day we headed west and entered Switzerland in Müstair , admiring the wonderful Unesco-listed Benedictine Abbey of St John. At Davos, 50 miles further west, we took the Schatzalpbahn funicular railway to 1,800 metres and enjoyed a breathtaking panorama and an invigorating walk. Then we drove along the shores of Walensee and Zürichsee into Zurich, where we visited museums and strolled around taking in Swiss culture, history and architecture. Our final stop before heading back to Munich was at Lindau on Lake Constance, where we sat in a quaint beer garden under chestnut trees, gazing at the soaring Alps on the other side of the lake. Marei

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Rivers and waterfalls, Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Our road trip started in Zagreb, which is great value and still has amazing foodie finds. Our next port of call was the stunning Plitvice Lakes national park, with its waterfalls and forests, before a beautiful 120-mile stretch of road to Skradin, a hidden sailing town gem, and a perfect base for heading out to Krka national park to enjoy more rivers and waterfalls. Next up was Split, where we took in views of the old town from the 12th-century bell tower of St Domnius Cathedral. We also took a relaxing boat trip to Hvar from Split. Back in the hire car we headed 150 miles south to crowded but utterly beautiful Dubrovnik – also a great place for eating out. Sophie

A precipitous drive in Provence

La Garde-Freinet is a well-preserved medieval village with a fascinating history about 10 miles inland from Saint-Tropez. The hairy roads and mountainous terrain have helped the area avoid the tourist saturation of the coast. When I was a teenager, we drove these mountain roads, eyeing the beautiful scenery and trusting my parents’ driving ability to navigate cliff edges and dust tracks. The village is absolutely worth the edgy drive. The beautiful stone houses, the deep chestnut and cork forests and the distant outline of the Alpes-Maritimes will capture any heart. Sarah

South of Naples on the road to Aspromonte

An Italian ice-cream seller told me a less crowded, equally spectacular road trip alternative to the Amalfi coast last summer: the evocatively named Violet Coast road in Calabria. Inspired by his praise, we headed south 260 miles from Naples in our camper – to the Capo Vaticano peninsula on a road of dramatic cliffs on one side tumbling down to soft sandy beaches and sensual cerulean sunsets on the other. I had to concentrate on keeping my eyes on the road so I stopped at the town of Tropea for an energising coffee. I carried on along narrow streets zigzagging their way past ancient castles and villas with the mountains of the Aspromonte national park in the distance until another break at the pretty village of Pizzo. More coffee and a view of the volcanoes of Stromboli (from Tropea) and Etna (from Lazzaro) drew me ever farther south before heading back to Naples via Siderno and Catanzaro. Will

Winning tip: A change of gear, Roscoff to San Sebastián

As one of a group of surfers I took the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff and drove down the west coast of France to San Sebastián, just over the Spanish border, stopping along the way to surf the amazing breaks and eat some fantastic food. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Dune du Pilat (Europe’s biggest sand dune), eating fresh moules-frites by the port in Hossegor , and chipirons à la plancha (tiny fried squid from the Basque region) with a cold beer watching the sun go down in Guéthary . San Sebastián proved as wonderful as its reputation suggested: a beautiful city full of more gastronomic and architectural delights. Sarah D The last tip was amended on 26 April 2024. The ferry was from Plymouth to Roscoff, not Saint-Malo, as a previous version said.

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Day trip: A farm-inspired brunch in Stuart. A Tuscan wine shop in Hobe Sound.

When I lived in Miami, I’d drive to the upper Keys sometimes for lunch. My parents and I loved to do this, spur of the moment, drawn by the promise of fresh fish and key lime pie. For me, it was about the drive, particularly the stretch of road that ran between the ocean and the bay. That first sight of water was a much-needed segue into a more relaxed dimension.

I always remember this when I drive north on U.S. Highway 1, past Tequesta and toward Hobe Sound. The segue to chill is not a water view but the blur of preserve land that’s part of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. For a few soothing miles, there are no strip plazas or other signs of big-city life. By the time you’ve reached the first glimmers of Hobe Sound, you’ve shifted into island mode. For me, this alone is worth a day trip. 

On a recent Saturday, I took such a trip. Here are my three favorite experiences from my Palm Beach Gardens to Stuart drive.

Bridge Road: the ‘establishing shot’

Driving north on U.S. 1/Federal Highway, I wanted to double-down on the island feel. So I made a right turn on Bridge Road and took the scenic drive that is always my Hobe Sound establishing shot. In filmmaker terms, it means the shot that captures your setting and sometimes mood. Southeast Bridge Road always does just that.

Drive slowly beneath the canopy of intertwined banyan tree branches, and you’ve reached the enchanted-forest part of your day trip. Cross the Bridge Road Bridge and you’ll find another tree-lined stretch before you reach Hobe Sound Martin County Beach Park, where you can park and access the public beach. Even if you haven’t planned a beach day, you can soak up the salt air, the sun and surf. 

On this recent day trip, we only paused at the beach for a look-and-see. We had brunch plans in Stuart.

Brunch at the Colab Kitchen

You can only follow a cool spot on Instagram for so long before the food photos and funky al fresco views beckon you to visit. Stuart’s Colab Kitchen restaurant and market has been calling my name for a while now. And when I heard the farm-inspired restaurant and market had a new brunch menu, I headed north.

When I got there, I realized Colab Kitchen’s concept goes beyond the farm inspiration. It is as “farm-to-table” as you get. As you step into the spacious and modern building in downtown Stuart, you’re greeted by a kind of farmers market. You can buy freshly harvested greens from Indiantown’s Colab Farms, produce, farm eggs, fresh bread, bakery items, prepared sauces, natural toiletries and other items.

The main dining room and bar area follows in a sweep of clean lines and modern lighting over more rustic wood floors. It’s a welcoming space, both in decor and hospitality. Even though we arrived less than an hour before the end of brunch, we were greeted warmly and led to a sunny indoor table that offered terrific views of Colab Kitchen’s large dining patio and sprawling lawn.

The brunch menu proved to be a problem, but only because I wanted to order everything on it. It’s one of those rare menus on which the “healthy” items — the salads and bowls — are as tempting as the comfort-food items, such as the smoked brisket hash with poached eggs, sweet potato, onions and sourdough toast ($19), the lemon-ricotta pancakes ($17) and the egg-topped tomato pie ($19). 

I ordered a small-plates type of brunch because I couldn’t decide on one big dish. It offered me a good introduction to Colab Kitchen’s talents.

We started with house-made sourdough bread ($14), a deliciously crusty half-loaf served on a wood board with salt-sprinkled cultured butter, roasted garlic and a good dollop of the best pimento cheese I’ve had in a while.

Our deviled eggs appetizer ($9) was almost too lovely to eat: Four boiled egg halves, topped with a tall swirl of deviled filling and crowned with a bit of tomato jam and pickled mustard seed, were served atop a mix of farm greens. 

I had to have some crispy, thick-cut bacon on the side ($5), and it did not disappoint. Ditto for the loaded hash browns side dish ($8), a perfectly crispy smash topped with melting cheeses and snipped chives — put an egg on top and you’ve got a yummy entree. 

We got a sweet kick from one of the daily dessert specials, a warm peach bread pudding topped with caramel and vanilla ice cream ($12). 

As much as I wanted to try the lemon-ricotta pancakes, I had to leave those for the next time. (Because I’m hoping there will be a next time!)

Colab Kitchen: 100 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Stuart, 772-872-6243, ColabKitchenFl.com

A Tuscan wine shop visit

Heading back south, I made an obligatory stop at my favorite area wine shop, Casa del Vino. This cozy shop is where proprietors Silvia and Franco Mininni have welcomed wine lovers, wine novices and the community at large since opening seven years ago. 

They furnished the place with decorative touches from their native Tuscany, a few comfy chairs and a long wooden table they hand-built and covered with a tapestry of wine crates. Inspired by the eclectic variety of wine crates they had amassed during years of working with Italian wineries, they built the table inside their warehouse a good two years before opening the shop. 

“There was no particular reason why we built it, but we thought that maybe one day we would know why,” says Silvia. “Two years later, we opened this place, and this table is now a major part of it.”

It didn’t take long for her to realize the why of the table. It brought together a new wine-appreciating community, sparked conversation and new friendships over generous pours of wine and cheese and salumi boards topped with cured meats and cheeses imported from Italy.

Now Silvia and Franco have given their shop a new focus. While they continue to sell imported wine and goods at Casa del Vino, they are serving multi-course dinners just about every night. The dinners, intimate affairs that tend to sell out quickly, are offered at the wine-crate table.

During my recent visit to the shop, Silvia told me she and Franco plan to expand into the space next door in the plaza. The new space will be for wine tastings, classes and other events, she said.

I could not leave without buying some of my Casa del Vino Italian favorites: pecorino studded with pistachios, mortadella from Bologna, Italian crackers, a bottle of Ad Astra Super Tuscan, a sippable pinot bianco from Trentino and a fiano wine from Campania.

Back home later, I thought about my day’s adventures — and of the Italy I’ve found in Hobe Sound — as I enjoyed bites of the pecorino and mortadella.

Casa del Vino: 11330 SE U.S. Hwy 1, Hobe Sound, 772-675-2228, on Instagram @casadelvinolifestyle

Read recent columns by Liz Balmaseda

◾ A fresh batch of places to eat and locally made treats

◾ New West Palm steakhouse restaurant kicks off Sunday brunch

◾ A favorite seafood restaurant gets a glow-up in the Gardens

◾ New oceanfront bar opens, 2 others named ‘best’ in The South

◾ 3 new pizzerias to put on your radar

◾ Where to find the best meatballs in town? Some favorites!

Liz Balmaseda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA Today Network. She covers the local food and dining beat. Follow her on  Instagram and  Post on Food Facebook . She can be reached by email at  [email protected] . 

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Carlos Correa to return from injury on upcoming road trip?

Correa was hitting the ball well before he suffered an injury on April 12.

• Author: Joe Nelson

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After three straight wins – and possibly reaching four straight if they beat the White Sox on Thursday afternoon – the Minnesota Twins are finally heading in the right direction and more good news could come in the form of a healthy Carlos Correa.

According to Twins beat reporters Do-Hyoung Park and Dan Hayes, Correa did some glove work on Wednesday and he's swinging a bat. Both suggested that if Correa continues to feel well he could be back in the lineup at some point on Minnesota's upcoming road trip.

"Sounds like there's some possibility that he could come off the IL on the coming road trip without a rehab assignment if things keep trending well," Park reported Wednesday.

Hayes added: "This would be a positive development for the [Twins] if Carlos Correa returns sometime during the road trip. Team starts in Anaheim on Friday and then travels to Chicago. Either way, good."

Correa has been out with a right intercostal (ribs) strain since April 12. Before the injury, the 29-year-old shortstop was slashing .306/.432/.444 with a homer, two doubles and four RBI in 11 games.

The Twins got a boost earlier this week when Max Kepler (knee) returned from the injured list. Getting Correa back would put the Twins one step closer to the roster that the front office envisioned before a rash of injuries thumped the club over the head in the spring and first part of the season.

Royce Lewis, the star third baseman who suffered a serious quad strain in the season opener, continues to make progress but doesn't have a timeline for a return just yet. And star closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) is feeling good after a rehab outing at Triple-A St. Paul and he could be back in the bullpen any day now.

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Max Thieriot Likes to Watch Things Grow, Including Himself

The “Fire Country” star talks about the road trips, the farm equipment and the family time that keep him grounded.

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By Kathryn Shattuck

For Max Thieriot, one of the creators and the star of the CBS series “ Fire Country ,” all roads lead back to his roots.

He was raised on a vineyard off the coast of Sonoma in Northern California. And for a while, he lived nearby on 90 acres of his own with his wife and two sons.

But “Fire Country” — about prison inmates joining elite firefighters to battle the region’s blazes in exchange for shorter sentences — shoots near Vancouver, British Columbia. So Thieriot, 35, moved his family to rural Washington, where his kids could continue to run around with the chickens and the goats.

“I wanted to try and keep the same lifestyle for my wife and my boys, and not to totally upend their world,” he said.

Alas, Thieriot still has wine in his blood.

About 14 years ago, he and a couple of childhood friends started their own vineyard. The big lesson?

“It’s much faster to do, and makes a lot more sense, when you have an entire crew,” he admitted before discussing the tractors, the road trips and the grapevines that keep him grounded.

These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

I consider my closest friends my family, but certainly at the center of my universe is my wife and my boys. I can have an exhausting day and no matter what, when I come home and I get to see my wife and I get to see my kids, it makes all of the other stuff go away.

The Ruby Mountains in Nevada

Mount Jefferson is almost 12,000 feet and there’s this insane plateau on the top of it, this huge meadow mesa, and in the summertime it’s filled with bighorn sheep. There’s a lot of Native American artifacts up there. You can see these rock outcroppings where they would have their hunting camps and their tents. You can imagine what it was like 1,000 years ago to be sitting in that place.

Digging in the Dirt

Growing up on a vineyard, one of my favorite things to do was to ride on the tractor with my dad. So as soon as we bought our Sonoma place, I went out and purchased a couple of tractors. I got a Kubota Skid Steer because there was a lot of cleaning-up work to do. Then I got a vineyard tractor, a narrow New Holland. And up here I’ve got a utility tractor. The boys love being able to dig holes and have a bucket and all the fun attachments that I can put on it.

As soon as I had children, I suddenly became a terrible flyer. So when Covid happened, we started driving everywhere. We call it the Thieriot Family Adventures. Frankly, when you’ve got a 6- and an 8-year-old who can be best friends one moment and then going at it the next, when we’re contained in our car, our wild, crazy family stuff is just our stuff. We don’t have to share it with everybody in the airport.

My family’s been in San Francisco for something like six generations now. I have a Joe Montana jersey, signed, that my dad got me when I was a kid. My boys have grown to love the sport as well. They both play flag football. I’m not quite ready for them to start tackling.

Storytelling

I never felt that confident in my writing because English was not my strongest class. I didn’t have the same vocabulary as a lot of writers. But I eventually realized that I didn’t need to as long as I could make someone feel something.

Working Out

I was always a skinny kid, and I wanted to gain muscle. As soon as I became dedicated enough to it, and just through perseverance, I started to see this change. I realized, OK, if you really commit yourself to something, you can achieve pretty amazing things.

Farm to Table

We had a guy named Ulises Valdez who was one of our vineyard managers, and he said to me, “Max, when you work hard, the food tastes a lot better.” And that stuck with me. I feel like when I’m raising a beef cow, I’m watching the animal grow. I know what I’m feeding it. I have an appreciation for its life, where this meat has come from.

I think about music as I’m directing. What’s the tempo of the scene? And if I can imagine a song right now, what is the song that’s playing here and how is it motivating whatever the audience is supposed to be feeling at this point?

Lifelong Friends

I grew up in a small town where a lot of my friends I’ve known since childhood. I think it has kept me grounded in a way. It’s brought me back to my roots, brought me back to the people that know me for me and who I really am at my core and not the actor that they see on TV.

Copy My Trip: Exploring Uzbekistan's cities, deserts and mountains

Nov 2, 2023 • 6 min read

The incredible buildings in Bukhara, Uzbekistan © Ozbalci / Getty Images

Lonely Planet editor Alex Butler traveled to Uzbekistan for a whirlwind trip to some of the country's highlights and what lies beyond the Silk Road cities. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip. 

Uzbekistan had long been one of those destinations I dreamed about visiting. Photographs of intricate blue tiles on towering medressas and markets piled high with spices and handcrafted ceramics had me enthralled. I wanted to admire the mosaics of the Registan in all their detail and smell the cumin in the markets for myself. And this year, I finally got the chance. 

Admiring 12th-century minarets and the golden spectacle of the  Tilla-Kari Medressa  in person was incredible, but I was also wowed by the natural beauty of Uzbekistan, from its mountains to its deserts. And there’s never been a better time to start planning a trip to see Uzbekistan for yourself. Lonely Planet has just released its annual Best in Travel list and Uzbekistan is one of the top countries to visit in 2024 . Here are some of my stand-out experiences.

What was the most touristy thing you did? 

The most touristy thing I did was visit the  Kalon Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah  in Bukhara , which was my favorite city I visited. Stood in the square in the scalding heat of the afternoon⁠ — when locals and sensible tourists were inside or in the shade ⁠— I gazed in awe at the scale of these architectural feats. The Kalon Minaret , which was built in 1127, has been a source of awe for centuries, as it was likely to have been the tallest building in Central Asia when it was built. With its intricate bands of design that encircle it, it remains captivatingly beautiful today. 

Favorite activity from the trip?

While the historic cities of Uzbekistan get the most attention from travelers, my favorite activity was gazing up at the Milky Way from the Kyzylkum Desert.

I stayed in the Kyzylkum Safari Yurt Camp , a 3-4 hour drive from Bukhara or Samarkand. Located near Lake Aidarkul, an expansive Soviet-built reservoir, I swam in its salty water as a reprieve from the intense desert heat. Back at the yurt camp, I climbed up to the top of a sand dune to find the best vantage point to watch the sunset over the sand. After the sun slipped away, we gathered by the campfire to listen to a folk performer sing Kazakh songs.

However, the real magic happened after dark. We wandered away from the fire and into the desert, where the dry climate and lack of light pollution meant the sky was carpeted with stars. 

What was the most under-the-radar activity you enjoyed?

I traveled to Shirin Ethno Village to learn about local Uzbek customs, cuisine and agriculture. Located 27 miles from Bukhara, the village is home to about 1500 people and about 300 homes. In 2022, the village opened a new cultural and agrotourism spot to promote rural tourism to travelers, whilst also providing them with a place to stay.

Its rooms and yurts are spread out through a grapevine-covered garden and there's also a swimming pool to cool down in the heat of the day. As a working farm, the meals we ate were made from the produce grown onsite — eggplant, carrots, basil, mint, corn, grapes, tomatoes, watermelon, and pumpkin. The farm sells its additional produce at the market.

During the day I learned how to make bread and samos (stuffed bread) in a tandir (a round oven heated by burning cotton stalks). Learning about rural life made a nice change of gears from visiting the cities. I also ate a delicious lunch, which included my bread, under the apricot tree that provided the fruit for my dessert.

What was the most scenic experience of the trip?

I took a horseback ride through the Nuratau Mountains, where I could really take in the scale of the landscape. We rode next to the Hayat National Park Preserve where we were able to see Severtsov argali, an endangered wild sheep, that is protected in the park. 

In these mountains, there are a string of ecotourism villages along a stretch of about 70 km. They're home to several guest houses and are a popular spot for travelers to go on hiking holidays, traveling through the area from village to village and staying in the rural homestays. I stayed at Hayat Guest House, one of the more established guest houses in the area. It was started back in the 90s when domestic travelers started coming for fresh mountain air, and the hiking and trekking industries began. After being in the desert, the lush trees and creek that surround this house truly made it feel like an oasis. 

Best thing you ate? 

I was already familiar with plov — an Uzbek dish of rice, meat and spices — from traveling around Siberia 15 years ago. It was one of my favorite things to eat there and I was looking forward to eating it in Uzbekistan, where it is revered as the national dish. It did not disappoint. Plov is rich, beautifully spiced and very filling. In Samarkand, I stopped at a spice market and bought “plov spice,” watching as they mixed the barberries, cumin, coriander and many more fragrant spices needed to make the perfect plov. Now that I’m home in Ireland, I will be trying to recreate this delicious, warming dish all winter. 

What’s your best tip for someone who wants to plan the same trip?

Book train tickets in advance. The high-speed Afrisoyob train connects Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, making it easy to travel between the major cities. That train is set to expand to Khiva in the coming years, making travel across the country even easier. However, in the high season, the train is in high demand so travelers should book as soon as possible when tickets go on sale, 45 days in advance of the date of travel. If you don’t snag tickets for when you want to travel, you can also find tickets through a tour operator. 

I think my biggest mistake was not getting a local SIM card. While there are free public Wi-Fi hotspots at popular tourist spots around the cities, you need to receive an SMS to connect to them.  That effectively means you can't access public Wi-Fi without turning on your phone data. Bite the bullet and pick up a SIM from a stall at the airport or a local shop. Or, if your phone supports eSIMs, you can organize that in advance. 

Alex traveled with the support of Uzbekistan Airways and Peopletravel . Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

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Travel | A road trip to Oklahoma, the path of totality,…

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Travel | a road trip to oklahoma, the path of totality, and making family memories.

We had expected that seeing a total solar eclipse in the path of totality would be the highlight of our trip. In hindsight, it was also the perfect excuse to be together, three generations on a simple road trip through five states.

On April 6, three of us set out from Lakewood — me, my 23-year-old son Ryan and 85-year-old mother, Mary — toward Oklahoma, near the Texas and Arkansas borders. We hoped to be in the path of totality, but were fully aware that the weather could thwart our goal. We were willing to risk it. We had other reasons for the trip.

Mom grew up in Healdton, Okla., a small town just west of the path that, incidentally, is the birthplace of the late “Golden Girls” TV star Rue McClanahan (who, also incidentally, lost a baby beauty contest to my Aunt Susie in the 1930s). Mom hadn’t been to this part of her home state in 60 years or so and has fond memories of Girl Scout camp near the Red River as a young tomboy nicknamed Missy.

Who knew if we’d ever have this chance again?

En route to the eclipse, we were chasing nostalgia, looking to experience Oklahoma through mom’s eyes, prompting her to reminisce, and determined to have our fill of Arbuckle Mountain’s Original Fried Pies. (They can now be found in Arkansas, Kansas and Texas as well, but we were aiming for the flagship shop in Davis, Okla.)

We were keeping the itinerary “loose,” travel-speak for “we didn’t plan the specifics of our trip well enough in advance.” The only hotel room we had booked was 96 miles west of our eclipse-watching destination of Idabel, Okla. We couldn’t find anything closer, but didn’t much care.

After all, committing to a five-day, 1,900-mile round-trip through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico for a four-minute experience that won’t happen again within the United States for another 20 years is an act of optimism, and perhaps faith. Especially if the clouds refused to cooperate on April 8.

Let the adventure begin.

High hopes from the get-go

My car — a bright yellow Kia with license plates that by chance begin with the letters ECLP — was stocked with snacks (including four flavors of Moon Pies), our eclipse-viewing sunglasses, and a pack of toilet paper. (I had seen all the doomsday predictions about limited port-o-potties and local restaurants and gas stations running out as the roving millions invaded the path of totality like so many locusts.)

We weren’t even out of Colorado before we stopped, finding a charming coffee shop in Ordway, The Sand Cherry, along Main Street. I went a little tourist crazy, buying pastries, coffee, locally made jars of jam and homemade salsa, and some earrings.

It was starting to feel like a vacation.

Not long after, billboards began to sprout up along US 50 in Kansas: large, hand-written messages with “Jesus” and “God Is Real” on them. Here, the eclipse felt more like a wink from the Creator than an event scientifically studied and brought live to a television audience by NASA cameras and commentators.

Traveling Gen Z-style

Eschewing the finicky Google maps, Ryan brought an oversized Rand McNally road atlas to chart our journey and find routes other than the interstates we feared would be packed with eclipse-chasers and semi-trucks. This throwback approach rewarded us with well-paved but sparsely populated country roads from town to town showcasing gorgeous agricultural vistas and flocks of starlings moving in murmuration.

He also provided the soundtrack of eclectic music from the 1940s to the 1980s, contemporary alt, and upbeat Mexican pop music. Mom and I approved.

The occasional remains of an armadillo or raccoon that failed to make it across the road alive made us sad but also reassured us that those wild creatures are still out there. Ryan longed to see a pronghorn and I hoped to spot a fox or two.

When we reached Dodge City, Kan., we decided to stay at the Best Western North Edge Inn, where metal palm trees adorned a small swimming pool out front. We were delighted to discover the real trees surrounding the parking lot were a bird haven. Ryan’s Merlin Bird ID app recorded the chorus singing outside our room and came up with a list of nine: American goldfinch, blue jay, Eurasian collared-dove, European starling, great-tailed grackle, house finch, Mississippi kite, mourning dove and Western meadowlark.

We later spotted bright red cardinals whistling their distinctive calls, circling vultures, and white cattle-egrets living the dream near a fetching pond in a wildflower-speckled meadow that was spotted with cows.

The next morning, we headed for Oklahoma City and arrived just in time for burgers, beers and big screens streaming the NCAA Women’s College Basketball Finals. Watching Caitlin Clark’s dream of leading Iowa to a win over undefeated South Carolina slip away somehow seemed a bad omen for our hopes of a win over April showers. So irrational.

Nearly there

We arrived in Choctaw Nation on the eve of the eclipse just after sunset, content from a stop for a dozen fried pies with sweet fillings like cherry and pumpkin. A casino lit our way to a rather dismal hotel in Durant, but we toughed it out. We planned to check out early anyway, fearing a traffic jam of eclipse watchers would prevent us from reaching our goal.

The increase in humidity was noticeable the next morning as we rolled onto US-70 East. The slowdown we expected never developed, and we were treated to a lovely sunrise. Ninety minutes later, we found ourselves in Idabel, ahead of schedule and with six hours to kill before the eclipse. Clouds were building; we were willing them to take their time.

To my disappointment, the Museum of the Red River was closed. (I had hoped to see the Acrocanthosaurus exhibit and learn about Oklahoma’s state dinosaur.) We stopped at Accent Coffee Company, where baristas said they had served visitors from as far away as Hawaii in recent days. At a nearby T-shirt stand selling eclipse-themed merchandise, the excited proprietors mentioned meeting a guy from Germany who was a global eclipse chaser.

We looked up at the gray skies and hoped the German knew something we didn’t.

A nature hike seemed a good way to pass the time so off we went to Beavers Bend, a state park that skirts the shores of nearby Broken Bow Lake. I saw my first loblolly pine with its shingled bark; Ryan spotted a dead crayfish in a clear brook, which caused him to slip on a mossy rock into the water; and Mom took a minor tumble on the trail but luckily got back up unscathed.

By 11:30, about an hour before the eclipse would begin, we were feeling antsy so headed back toward Idabel and stopped for a quick lunch at The Oaks Steakhouse in Broken Bow. Several tables were filled with uniformed state police and local sheriffs’ officers. They were in good humor but wearing bulletproof jackets and checking their watches.

With the celestial event near, we decided the field behind the restaurant seemed an ideal place for viewing. As the minutes passed, the clouds thinned and thickened, teasing us with momentary glimpses of blue sky.

Family members in Colorado and Washington state began texting updates from their televised views starting in Mexico and moving up through Texas. We were about three minutes behind Dallas by this measure and the few clusters of people who had also parked and pulled out picnic blankets and unfolded camping chairs nearby began to settle down, don protective glasses and look up.

The big event

I fidgeted with my iPhone and attempted to use a device made to simultaneously look through one lens and take photos and videos through another side-by-side. I couldn’t get it to work and soon abandoned the clumsy thing.

Mercifully, the clouds continued to blow by. Car traffic stopped, a few airplanes buzzed overhead, and all birds but one obnoxious blue jay stopped singing. The temperature dropped and the sunlight dimmed, street lights came on, and we oohed and aahed and felt fortunate and amazed and suddenly so clearly aware of sitting atop the crust of a spinning planet with an orbiting moon that miraculously appears to be the same size as the much larger star beaming at us from 93 million miles away.

Unlike partial solar eclipses where the moon scoops a semicircle out of the sun’s shape like two flat plates, it became visible as a dark, three-dimensional sphere. As it traveled right to left, we marveled at the “diamond ring effect” before the last piece of sunlight beamed outward, and then — BLINK! — a solitary speck of bright light burning at the bottom, possibly a solar flare, was visible. The rest was the sun’s radiant corona framing the dark moon.

Spontaneous applause and shouts went up around us, with one woman repeating “Oh my God!” over and over. We removed our glasses (it was now safe to do so) and observed two tiny red lights race past, one after the other: satellites in Earth’s orbit. We could see Jupiter and Venus glowing in the middle of the afternoon. It was astonishing how dark it became in the moon’s shadow.

We stared at that moon until the diamond ring reappeared, and rather than replacing our glasses and watching the rest of the eclipse, strangely felt that that was enough. We noted the return of the sun’s heat and saw the dimness lift, the street lights blink off, the birds start up again. Car engines signaled our collective pause had passed.

We three looked at each other with mutual awe and happiness and agreed the effect had been better than expected. That full solar eclipse, despite all the anticipation and explanation, was a sight that will live on in our memories.

It also left us with gratitude for each other, and the willingness we each had to give in to the adventure of it all.

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Francisco Lindor breaks through as Mets close road trip on high note

SAN FRANCISCO — Sitting at his corner locker in the visiting clubhouse Wednesday morning, Francisco Lindor was as optimistic as ever.

The night before, changeup after changeup from San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb made Lindor look silly. So, nearly a month into the season with his batting average on the interstate and his left-handed average below .150, how close did Lindor feel to finding his swing from that side?

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“I’m there. I’m there,” the New York Mets shortstop said confidently. “It’s just a matter of getting the hits.”

The hits showed up on Wednesday.

Lindor collected his first four-hit game since last August, including a pair of two-run homers in the Mets’ 8-2 win over the Giants. New York avoided the sweep and closed its West Coast trip with a 3-3 record.

“That man’s a dawg,” said Tyrone Taylor , who homered and drove in three. “He rakes.”

Lindor’s two-run homer off Sean Hjelle in the third gave New York its first lead since Saturday. His two-run homer off Mitch White in the ninth was crushed, a no-doubter off the bat.

Francisco Lindor's second two-run homer of the day! A four-hit game! pic.twitter.com/EiNeoRxx3m — SNY (@SNYtv) April 24, 2024

He also collected an infield single in the first and a ground-ball single in the seventh. His OPS for the season jumped 114 points on the day; from the left side, it leaped from .459 to .608.

“It’s baseball,” Lindor said after the game. “Yesterday it didn’t seem like I was on any pitch. Today I was on most of the pitches.”

Lindor began breaking out of his season-long slump from the left side over the weekend in Los Angeles. He pointed to his first at-bat of that series — a strikeout against Yoshinobu Yamamoto — as when he felt ready to bust out.

“Even though I struck out and didn’t swing the bat, I felt like it was a productive at-bat for me,” Lindor said before the game Wednesday. “(It was) being in control, it’s my at-bat. When I’m there, that’s when I know things are going to start following.”

Lindor hammered a go-ahead two-run homer later that game, then had two more hits on Saturday. A 1-for-9 stretch the next three days, including four rough at-bats against Webb on Tuesday, didn’t temper Lindor’s optimism.

“We’ve got to stay the course,” hitting coach Jeremy Barnes said before the game. “The worst thing we can do is panic and start searching for answers and change a lot of stuff and not know how to get back to where we were. Work the problem in front of us, try to stay as unemotional as we can about it and keep going forward.”

Barnes noted that many of Lindor’s peripheral stats align with his career-long track record.

Francisco Lindor golfs one out. 🏌️ pic.twitter.com/5l3rGpeGDi — MLB (@MLB) April 24, 2024

“Honestly, things have been extremely similar to the past,” Barnes said. “In a lot of ways, he’s made more contact this year than he has in the past. His decisions have overall been better than they have been in the past. The results of batted ball stuff are a little bit lower, a few more ground balls.”

Lindor is chasing less than ever; his strikeout rate is his lowest while a Met. However, his average exit velocity and his expected slugging numbers are both down.

That’s what makes Wednesday’s swings so welcome for the Mets. When the Mets left for this West Coast trip, Lindor didn’t have an extra-base hit from the left side. Now he’s got four.

“We knew he could drive the ball with authority,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.

“The one thing you want to carry over,” Lindor said postgame, “is the feeling of being successful. When you start getting a couple hits, it feels good.”

Lindor wasn’t the only one hitting on Wednesday. Over the first two games of the series, Starling Marte and Pete Alonso combined for nine of New York’s 11 hits. On Wednesday, Taylor contributed a solo homer and a two-run double. Jeff McNeil had two hits. The Mets kept the line moving.

“We could be really deep,” Barnes said pregame. “It’s definitely promising to know we’ve done some really good things offensively and it hasn’t just been Lindor and (Brandon) Nimmo and Pete leading the charge. It’s nice to see it spread around. You just want to make sure all the big guys get going.”

The Mets expect to add another big guy Friday in J.D. Martinez .

“I feel like we’re not close to where we want to be and should be,” Lindor said of the offense. “It’s going to continue to grow and get better.”

(Photo of Francisco Lindor: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

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Tim Britton is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the New York Mets. He has covered Major League Baseball since 2009 and the Mets since 2018. Prior to joining The Athletic, he spent seven seasons on the Red Sox beat for the Providence Journal. He has also contributed to Baseball Prospectus, NBC Sports Boston, MLB.com and Yahoo Sports. Follow Tim on Twitter @ TimBritton

Miami Heat | After notching win in Boston, Heat look to deny…

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Miami heat | after notching win in boston, heat look to deny celtics road-trip advantage.

MIAMI — Conventional wisdom is that the home team has an advantage. Conventional wisdom does not apply to the Celtics in the playoffs.

Boston is 14-7 in its last 21 road playoff games, including five of seven games in Miami, with one being a victory in Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference finals.

So, coming off a needed road win over their own on Wednesday, the Heat will try to flip the scrip t on the top-seeded Celtics and take a lead in the series in Game 3 (Saturday at 6 p.m.) and increase the advantage in Game 4 (Monday at 7 or 7:30 p.m.).

“We know what Boston’s going to come in here with,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Even knowing that, it’s hard to create that edge, that urgency, all that. We had an unbelievable sense of urgency after Game 1 of getting absolutely embarrassed and feeling a certain way about that. And having that extra day to sit with that was horrible. And that can be motivating.

“I’m sure Boston feels the same way. We’re going to have to beat them, I’m sure, at their best version of what they bring.”

The Heat have not been bad on the road in crucial games, either. Last year, they went 7-6 in road playoff games. They picked up a series-clinching, overtime win against the Bucks in the opening round as well as two series-opening wins and a Game 7 against the Celtics in the TD Garden. In this opening series against the Celtics, they split the first two games on the road.

“I think just staying steady,” said forward Caleb Martin, who scored 21 points and drained five 3-pointers in Miami’s win on Wednesday. I think a lot of it (is) you know what type of environment it’s going to be. It’s going to be a lot of runs, especially in that building. The basket can get 8 feet wide sometimes for them. I think just staying steady, just knowing they’re going to have those runs and knowing it’s going to be explosive. As long as we just stay steady, mentally, we’ll be alright.”

Although the Celtics are favored to win the series, the Heat’s victory in Game 2 threw a wrench in Boston’s coronation. Miami and Boston have faced off six previous times in the postseason since 2010. The Heat have won four series to the Celtics’ two, and the last four playoff series have gone six or seven games.

“That goes back to, obviously, when the Big 3 was here,” center Bam Adebayo said. “It just is what it is. It’s a great rivalry. You know it’s going to be a dogfight series every time.”

If the Heat are going to win this series, they will need to go back to Boston at least once.

“You’ve got to come in there with that mentality that whoever gets on that bus, that’s who’s got your back,” Adebayo said. “That’s how you’ve got to look at it: going into the lion’s den.”

But before that, the Heat know they will get the Celtics’ best punch in Miami.

“It goes both ways,” Martin said. “Just like you feed off your home crowd, one of the best feelings in the game is to go into somebody else’s place, especially a hostile environment, and leave with a win. They’re going to try to do the same.”

Wright questionable for Game 3

Heat guard Delon Wright may miss Game 3 against the Celtics. Miami listed the guard as questionable due to personal reasons on its injury report Friday night.

Duncan Robinson (back), Kevin Love (arm) and Haywood Highsmith (arm) are all listed as available.

Star Jimmy Butler (knee) and guard Terry Rozier (neck) are both still listed as out for Game 3 with their lingering injuries.

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