The oases of Uzbekistan: an invitation to travel to the heart of Central Asia

Uzbek history and culture owe much to the oases that dot the desert landscapes of Uzbekistan. These mythical places, which were strategically aligned along the ancient Silk Roads, are still today essential to the country's trade and culture.

Famous oases in Uzbekistan

1. Bukhara

Bukhara is one of the oldest and largest oases in Uzbekistan, dating back more than 2,000 years.

Its location allowed it to flourish and become a center for Islamic studies and trade.

Getting there from Tashkent

🚄 By train: the high-speed Afrosiyob train takes 3-4 hours to reach Bukhara.

🚗 By car: approximately 9 hours

✈️ By plane: Bukhara has an airport that receives domestic flights from Tashkent, which take around 2 hours.

2. Samarkand

Samarkand is another must-see oasis and one of the most popular destinations for first-time visitors to Uzbekistan.

It is renowned for its monumental heritage, including Registan Square, the Mausoleum of Tamerlane, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. Since the 7th century BC, it has been a center of culture, science, and art under the reign of Emperor Tamerlane and continues to captivate travelers with its sumptuous ruins and unique historical atmosphere.

Getting there from Tashkent

🚄 By train: the Afrosiyob high-speed train takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Bukhara.

🚗 By car: approximately 4 hours.

3. Khiva

Khiva, located in the Khorezm Valley, is a legendary oasis that seems to have come straight out of One Thousand and One Nights. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a veritable time machine.

Visit its mosques, mausoleums, and bazaars, which will immerse you in the history of the great Khorezmian Empire.

Getting there from Tashkent

🚗 By car: up to 13 hours

✈️ By plane: direct flight to Urgench, 30 km from Khiva

4. Nukus

Nukus is the capital of the Karakalpakstan region, a semi-desert area that is home to one of the most interesting oases in the country.

The city, located near the Amu Darya River, has a rich history linked to the Khorezm Empire and is best known for the Nukus Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Russian and Soviet art.

The city itself is smaller and less touristy than Bukhara or Samarkand, allowing it to retain a quiet and authentic atmosphere.

For archaeology enthusiasts, visit the Mizdakhan necropolis site 30 kilometers to the south.

Getting there from Tashkent

🚄 By train: approximately 20 hours

🚗 By car: over 1,000 kilometers, or approximately 15 hours

✈️ By plane: just under 2 hours

5. Termez

Termez is located in southern Uzbekistan, in the Surkhandarya region near the Afghan border.

This oasis is historically significant as a crossroads between Central Asia and India, and was a major Buddhist center before the arrival of Islam.

Remnants of this heritage can be seen in the ruins of Kahf al-Shaykh Zayd and the ruins of Kalyan.

The nearby archaeological site of Fayaz Tepa features some amazing discoveries, including Buddhist statues and frescoes dating back to the 1st century CE.

Getting there from Tashkent

🚄 By train: approximately 12 hours; there are also lines connecting Samarkand and Bukhara to Termez

🚗 By car: approximately 10 hours

✈️ By plane: approximately 1 hour

6. Shahrisabz

The city of Shahrisabz is one of the most iconic oases in southern Uzbekistan. It was once the capital of the Timurid Empire and the birthplace of Tamerlane (Timur), one of the greatest conquerors in history.

Shahrisabz boasts spectacular monuments such as the Ak-Saray Palace, which was one of Tamerlane's most sumptuous residences. Although the city is less frequented by tourists, it offers a real journey into the past.

Getting there from Samarkand

🚄 By train: journeys are long and infrequent

🚗 By car: approximately 1.5 hours

7. The Fergana Valley

The Fergana Valley is crossed by several rivers, one of the most important being the Syr Darya River.

Andijan, in eastern Uzbekistan, is a large city located in this fertile valley. It is a major industrial center, but it is also known for its historical monuments, bazaars, and lush gardens.

The Fergana Valley itself, although more rural, is rich in agricultural and craft traditions, with picturesque villages.

Getting there from Tashkent

🚄 By train: 4 to 5 hours

🚗 By car: about 6 hours

✈️ By plane: regular flights of about 1 hour arrive at Andijan International Airport

In the Fergana Valley, also visit the historic city of Kokand, with its palace, Jami Mosque, and Khudoyar Khan Mausoleum. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding mountains and valleys.

🚗 By car: 2 to 3 hours from Andijan

🧭 While waiting for our next expeditions to Uzbekistan, discover its neighbor: Kazakhstan, and its vast steppes, through our multi-day treks on foot, horseback, or by jeep. And if you're still hesitating between the two destinations, check out our article that will help you choose, or convince you to visit both!

Tips for traveling through the oases of Uzbekistan

• Best time to visit: During spring (April to June) or fall (September to November), when temperatures are pleasant. Uzbek summers can be very hot, especially in desert areas, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.
• Currency: The local currency is the Uzbek sum, and although credit cards are accepted in major cities, be sure to carry cash, especially in rural areas.
• Clothing: Consider wearing light, comfortable clothing, but be sure to respect local dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites.

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