Travel to Uzbekistan: the guide

Located in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan captivates visitors with its legendary cities, desert landscapes, and culture inherited from the history of the Silk Road.

The country offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and hospitality. To help you plan your trip, here is a practical guide with tips, itineraries, and essential information.

Plan your trip to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan remains a destination that is still untouched by mass tourism. This is not due to a lack of development, but because it has long been overlooked, like other Central Asian countries. However, the country is particularly welcoming to foreign travelers and offers great ease of travel.

How long should I plan for a trip to Uzbekistan?

A stay of around 10 days allows you to visit the main cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. But if you want to discover more remote places and immerse yourself in the culture, plan for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

What to visit in Uzbekistan?

Major cities

Four cities stand out in Uzbekistan, particularly thanks to their rich history:

• Tashkent: The country's capital, Tashkent blends modernity with history. Visit the Hast Imam, a mosque that is said to house the oldest Koran in the world, or take a stroll through the Chorsu Bazaar, a trading center dating back to the Silk Road era.
• Samarkand: Visit Registan Square and the Gur-Emir Mausoleum in this UNESCO-recognized city.
• Bukhara: A Silk Road city, Bukhara is well preserved and reflects past eras, particularly with its historic center, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Khiva: Like the two previous cities, Khiva is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air museum with impressive walls. It is home to many religious buildings.

🧭 If you're more interested in remote locations and multi-day expeditions, follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with our upcoming destinations in Central Asia.

How to get around Uzbekistan?

• 🚄 Trains: High-speed trains (Afrosiyob) connect Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, offering a comfortable ride. Day and night trains connect other cities.
• 🚕 Taxis: Taxis are affordable and easy to find, with the Yandex Go app widely used locally.
• 🚌 Bus: For short distances, minibuses (marshrutkas) remain an economical option.

Where to stay in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan offers a wide range of accommodation options, from small family-run guesthouses to modern hotels in major cities.

In historic sites such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, staying in a traditional guesthouse allows you to enjoy a more authentic and welcoming experience.

To book in advance, Booking.com is a reliable platform that is widely used in the country, with many well-rated establishments offering good value for money. Rates are generally affordable: expect to pay between €15 and €30 for a single room and €40 to €60 for a more comfortable hotel.

Traveling to Uzbekistan: a few tips

Choosing the right season

Spring and fall are mild and pleasant seasons, but Uzbekistan can be visited at any time of year, depending on your preferences and the activities you wish to do.

For more advice on this topic, see our guide to the seasons in Uzbekistan.

Plan a budget 

Uzbekistan is an affordable destination:

• Accommodation: €15 for a guesthouse and between €50 and €100 for a comfortable hotel, depending on the city.
• Meals: between €3 and €10 depending on the type of restaurant.
• Transportation: trains are economical (around €10-20 per long journey).

An average budget of €40 to €60 per day allows you to travel comfortably.

Check travel requirements: Visa

In recent years, Uzbekistan has made it easier for travelers to visit.

Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, and Canada are generally exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days.

Citizens of other countries may need to obtain an e-visa, which can be easily obtained online

Always check the latest requirements before departure.

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!

📚 You may be interested in these readings:

Travelling to Kazakhstan as a single woman

Do you need a visa to go to Kazakhstan?

Is Kazakhstan dangerous?

Visit Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan

Budget to go to Kazakhstan