Ultimate Travel Guide to Uzbekistan

Are you ready for an adventure like no other? Get ready to step back in time and explore the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan, a land steeped in rich history and culture. From Bukhara’s bustling bazaars to Samarkand’s majestic architecture, Uzbekistan will transport you to a world straight out of “Arabian Nights”.

Indulge in delicious traditional dishes, shop for unique handicrafts, and immerse yourself in the local customs. This Uzbekistan travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know from flights, visas, accommodation, food, and places to visit when you are there. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and let’s hit the Silk Road!

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Where to Stay in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets.

Average price per night for stay:

• Hostels: USD 10 (& above)
• Guest Houses: USD 20 (&above)
• Hotels: USD 30 (& above)

Please find below the recommendations for stays in Uzbekistan divided by location and sorted by price (lowest first).

Tashkent

Samarkand

Bukhara

Khiva

Budget (30 USD & below)

Khiva Muhammadali – Located inside the walled city, Khiva Muhammadali guest house gets 10/10 on location. Very friendly hosts and excellent home made breakfast. Overall, a great value for money.

➜ Check price at Khiva Muhammadali

Mid-Range (30 USD & above)

Khiva Tosh Darvoza – One of the highest-rated properties in Khiva (9.8/10 for over 280 reviews on booking.com). Great location and at the same time, it’s in a quieter neighborhood away from tourists. It’s run by a local family who gives great care and attention to their guests.

➜ Check prices at Khiva Tosh Darvoza

Luxury (100 USD & above)

Farovon Khiva Hotel – This is a glamorous hotel that’s tastefully designed while paying homage to the old-style Madrassa arches. Farovon Khiva Hotel is perhaps the most luxurious stay in Khiva. The lobbies and rooms are impressively spacious, and each room here comes with a balcony. From the balcony, we enjoyed the serene view of the central courtyard, a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks. It features a gorgeous pool and the breakfast spread is delicious.

➜ Check prices of Farovon Khiva Hotel

Visa Requirements to Uzbekistan

According to trade.gov, as of May 2022, Uzbekistan has implemented a visa-free regime for citizens of 86 countries, and e-visas for citizens of 57 countries, making it easier for travelers to visit the country.

If you are an Indian citizen, you need to apply for an e-visa which is a simple and straightforward process from the embassy website.

Do you need to book flight tickets or stay before applying for Uzbekistan e-visa?

No, it’s not necessary to book flight tickets or all your stays in Uzbekistan before applying for an e-visa.

Here are the documents that you would need while applying for e-visa:

• Preliminary place of residence in Uzbekistan – You could book the stay with free cancellation on booking.com, so there isn’t much of an overhead cost in case you don’t receive the e-visa (The chances of this happening are quite low anyway).

• Photo: The photo must have a size of 35×45 mm with a resolution of 300 dpi. Image dimensions should not exceed 1 Mb.

• Passport: Photo of the main page of the passport.

Costs for Uzbekistan E-Visa

Single Entry: USD 20 (Rs. 1600)
Double Entry: USD 35 (Rs. 2800)
Multiple Entry: USD 50 (Rs. 4000)

Flights

Flights to Uzbekistan are quite affordable from India, with return flights between Delhi and Tashkent starting at around USD 250 (Rs. 20,000).

These are the 3 major Airlines that ferry passengers between Delhi and Tashkent:

• Uzbekistan Airways – Official Airlines of Uzbekistan. (Direct flight: Less Than 3 Hours)
• Air Astana – Official Airlines of Kazakhstan. (Layover in Almaty or Astana)
• Indigo – This is a newer addition to the list. You might be able to find return flight tickets for as cheap as Rs. 20,000 between Delhi and Tashkent.

If you are flying from other parts of the world, then there are good connections from Dubai and Istanbul that are worth checking.

Tashkent would most likely be your first point of contact with Uzbekistan.

Do you need to buy a suitcase for your trip to Uzbekistan? Check out the best trolley bags of 2023 here.

Transportation

High-Speed Trains

Uzbekistan has an excellent transportation infrastructure, including high-speed trains called Afrosiyob that connect Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. These trains are comfortable, mostly on time, and are a great way to explore the country. Trains are the primary mode of transportation between cities in Uzbekistan.

To book railway tickets, you can use the UZ railway app. Download and install from Google Playstore or Apple Store.

Make sure you book train tickets at least a month in advance, especially during season time as the seats get filled quickly. The cost of a train ticket is around $10.

Also, reach the railway station at least 30 minutes in advance as there are security procedures that might take some time.

Recommended Trains for Tourists

• Afrosiyob trains (Tashkent <-> Samarkand <-> Bukhara): These are the fastest trains available (seats get filled very quickly) and they are also very clean even the economy seats. The trains run daily at a speed of 210km/h. Afrosiyob train has 2 VIP class carriages, 2 business class carriages, 4 economy class carriages, and 1 bistro carriage.

• Sharq Express (Tashkent <-> Samarkand <-> Bukhara): These trains are slower than Afrosiyob but still better than the slower trains. The train runs daily at a speed of up to 140 km/h.

• Regional Fast Trains (Khiva <-> Urgench <-> Bukhara): There are no Afrosiyob trains between Bukhara and Khiva, so this is the next best option.

• Night Trains (Khiva <-> Urgench <-> Bukhara): It takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes to reach Khiva from Bukhara and vice versa. So, it would be ideal to use night trains in order to save time and money on your visit to Uzbekistan.

Within cities, you can use taxis, marshrutkas, or metros (if it’s available).

Yandex

Yandex is a cab-hailing app similar to Uber which is widely used in Uzbekistan. I’ve used Yandex in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. This is really useful as you don’t have to haggle with the taxi drivers regarding the fares and generally less confusion regarding the destination.

The Roving Heart Insider Tip:

In Tashkent, you can add your card details on the app and pay through a credit card which is really useful when you don’t have change with you. Also, I found taxis in Tashkent to be cheaper than other cities – generally around $1-$2 for 5kms.

Local Taxis

I have used the local taxi option quite often in Samarkand. Especially when I was staying outside the town, and wanted to visit the most popular tourist places like Registan or Shah-i-Zinda. This is a shared-taxi option and I was charged 5000 som (50 cents) per seat for about 4-5kms. The only problem is that it might be hard to figure out if there’s a local taxi passing by. Just keep waving your hand by the side of the road and taxis will stop. Also, not a good idea to hail local taxis during the night.

Marshrutkas

This is the most budget-friendly option to go around the city. You’ll see mostly locals using this option. Make sure to check with your local host on where the stops are and which marshrutka to board as language could be a problem.

Travel Insurance for Uzbekistan

I always buy travel insurance just as a way of safeguarding my trips. You never know when you need it until you do, and then by then, it’s already too late if you don’t have one.

For Indian audiences, I recommend HDFC Ergo Travel insurance or ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance. The plans are affordable and they have higher claim settlement ratio than most of the travel insurances out there (over 98.4%).

For long term travels, I recommend Safety Wing insurance as their prices are quite competitive and they offer excellent customer support. With its affordable and flexible plans, SafetyWing ensures that you have access to quality healthcare, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your travels. If you are looking for a policy with global coverage at affordable prices, then Safety Wing is a great choice well suited for frequent and long term travelers.

Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is home to many beautiful and historic places that are worth visiting. Some of the must-see places include Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Aral Sea, and Fergana Valley.

I’d suggest saving at least 7-10 days for a trip to Uzbekistan. 10 days would be ideal as it would give you some leisure time while visiting places. This would make your trip more enjoyable, in my opinion.

Uzbekistan Travel Guide: 10-day Itinerary

Day 1 in Tashkent

Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent and take a rest from the flight journey. Stay for 1 night in Tashkent before proceeding to Samarkand. If you have a few hours to spare, visit the metro stations in Tashkent. Trust me, it’s an attraction in itself. and explore the city. Explore the bustling markets of Chorsu Bazaar, and go to the Central Asian Plov Center and sample the local Plov. Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 2 – 4 in Samarkand (3 Days)

Day 2: Travel to Samarkand by train (preferably Afrosiyob). Spend 3 nights in Samarkand to take in the sights and sounds of this historic and well-preserved city. Upon arrival, visit Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Ulugh Beg Observatory. Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 3: Continue exploring Samarkand. Visit the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the Afrosiab Museum, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. In the evening, attend a traditional music and dance performance. Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 4: Visit the local workshops like Samarkand-Bukhara Silk Carpet Factory, Paper Making Factory, and Pottery Making Workshops and learn more about the craft-making culture in Samarkand.

Day 5-6 in Bukhara (2 Days)

Day 5: Visit the city of Bukhara by train from Samarkand (preferably Afrosiyob). Spend 2 nights in Bukhara and preferably stay close to the city center so that you can walk around this open-air museum of a town. Upon arrival, visit the Poi-Kalyan Complex, the Kalyan Minaret, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 6: Continue exploring Bukhara. Visit the Ark Fortress, the Bolo-Khauz Complex, and the Chor-Minor Madrasah. Take a stroll through the city’s bazaars. And then pack your bags and take the overnight train from Bukhara to Khiva which takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Day 7-9 in Khiva (3 Days)

Stay for 3 nights in Khiva so that you can rest from your long journey and explore this ancient Silk Road city at a slower pace.

Day 7: Spend an entire day in Khiva. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itchan Kala, including the Kalta-Minor Minaret and the Tash Khouvli Palace. Overnight in Khiva.

Day 8: Day Trip to the Aral Sea. It is one of the biggest manmade disasters in the world and it can be a sobering and haunting experience to visit here. One can see the remnants of the once-thriving fishing industry, including rusting ships stranded in the desert, and abandoned fishing villages. Return to Khiva and spend the night there.

Day 9: Continue exploring Khiva. Visit the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Complex, and the Juma Mosque. Take a stroll through the city’s bazaars. Overnight in Khiva.
Take a flight from Khiva to Tashkent.

Day 10 in Tashkent (1 Day)

Day 10: Flight back from Tashkent.

Note: This is a suggested itinerary and you can customize it according to your preferences and interests. It’s also better to check for the operational hours of the places you are visiting before you go.

Uzbekistan Food Guide

When it comes to food in Uzbekistan, it’s a culinary adventure that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Uzbek cuisine has a rich history, blending elements of Central Asian, Russian, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Uzbekistan is a highly-meat-eating country and most of the traditional dishes here are made with meat. However, it’s possible to try the vegetarian versions of popular dishes in Uzbekistan, especially in tourist areas.

Plov

One of the most popular dishes in Uzbekistan is Plov, a traditional dish made of long-grain rice, onions, carrots, and chunks of lamb. Served with bread and salad, it’s similar to Pulao in India.

Staple of Uzbek cuisine, Plov is a hearty rice dish that is cooked with meat, usually lamb or beef, and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, onions, and sometimes raisins. The ingredients are cooked together in a large, deep pan called a “kazan” and are flavored with a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Plov is considered the national dish of Uzbekistan, and it is often served at special occasions such as weddings, celebrations, and festivals.

Samsa

Samsa is a traditional Uzbek dish that is a type of savory pastry. It is typically made with thin, flaky dough and filled with a variety of savory fillings such as meat, onions, and potatoes. Samsa has often shaped a triangular or oval shape and can be either baked or fried. It is a popular street food in Uzbekistan and can be found at most local markets and street vendors. The meat filling is usually made of lamb or beef, but sometimes it can be made of chicken or even pumpkin.

Manti

Another traditional Uzbek dish consisting of small, steamed dumplings filled with meat (usually lamb or beef) and onions. The dumplings are often served with a yogurt-based sauce, and may also be garnished with herbs such as dill or cilantro. Manti can also be made in a large, round shape, called “Laghman Manti”, it is more similar to Chinese Jiaozi and Italian ravioli.

Shashlik

Shashlik is a popular street food in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries and is also commonly served in restaurants and at home.

This dish is made of skewered and grilled meat, typically lamb or beef. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs before being skewered and cooked over an open flame. Take a stroll around the a city in Uzbekistan, you will chance upon someone grilling shashlik by the roadside.

Samarkand Bread

Samarkand bread, also known as noni or patyr, is a traditional type of bread from the city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan. It is made from wheat flour, water, and yeast, and is typically round in shape with a diameter of about 40 centimeters. The dough is rolled out thin and then placed on the walls of a tandoor oven, where it is baked to a crispy crust. Samarkand bread is often served with traditional Uzbek dishes such as plov and shurpa.

Ayran

Ayran is a traditional fermented dairy drink from Uzbekistan, as well as other Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It is made by mixing yogurt with water and salt and is often served as a refreshing beverage during meals or as an accompaniment to traditional dishes. Ayran is also considered a healthy drink as it is rich in probiotics, calcium, and other essential nutrients.

Fruits

Uzbekistan is home to a diverse array of fruits that are both delicious and nutritious. Some of the most popular fruits grown in the country include apricots, peaches, pears, apples, and melons. Many of the fruits in Uzbekistan are also used in traditional dishes and in making jams, jellies, and other preserves.

Must Try: The melons here are so juicy, so don’t miss it when you are here!

Uzbek Tea

Every meal in Uzbekistan starts and ends with tea. Uzbek tea, also known as Chay, is a traditional drink that is deeply ingrained in the culture of Uzbekistan. It is typically made from black tea leaves, which are grown in the mountains of the country. The tea leaves are hand-picked and then processed using traditional methods passed down through generations. The resulting tea is rich in flavor and aroma, and is often served with sugar or honey. It is considered a symbol of hospitality and is often served to guests as a sign of welcome.

Tourism Infrastructure in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure has undergone significant improvements in recent years. The country has invested in building new hotels, resorts, and guesthouses to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Additionally, the government has also focused on developing the country’s transportation infrastructure, which includes the construction of new airports, train stations, and highways to make it easier for tourists to travel within the country.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan has put a lot of effort into preserving its rich cultural heritage by restoring historical sites such as the Registan in Samarkand, the Khiva Old City, and the Bukhara Old Town which are now turned into popular tourist destinations.

 

Many of these sites have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and are now well-maintained and easily accessible to visitors. The country also has a vast network of tour guides who speak multiple languages and can provide detailed information about the country’s history and culture. All these initiatives have greatly improved the overall tourism experience in Uzbekistan, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Central Asia.

What to Pack for Uzbekistan?

When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, it’s important to consider the cultural customs and climate of the country. As it is a relatively conservative country, it is best to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites such as mosques or mausoleums.

Usually, when you are visiting religious sites, you need to cover your arms and legs (not required to cover your head). I usually carry a shawl with me so that I can cover myself up if needed. Outside of the religious sites, sleeveless tops or knee-length dresses are mostly fine. I have seen only a handful of people wearing shorts here — it’s not too common outside of Tashkent.

In terms of climate, summers can be quite hot, so it’s essential to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Pack light and airy clothing that can help you to stay cool during the daytime. And, pack a light sweater or a jacket to keep yourself warm during windy evenings. It is also a good idea to pack a reusable water bottle preferably with a water filter to keep yourself hydrated as you might end up paying for water otherwise.

Other items to consider packing include a universal adapter as the electrical outlets in Uzbekistan are different from India, and a small first aid kit. It is also a good idea to bring a guidebook or a translation app like Google Translate to help you navigate and communicate with locals.

Language

Uzbekistan is a multilingual country, with the official language being Uzbek, which belongs to the Turkic language family. It is spoken by the majority of the population and is used in official government and educational settings. However, Russian is also widely spoken and understood, particularly in urban areas. It is considered the language of business and is often used as a second language in schools. Therefore, if you plan to visit Uzbekistan, it would be beneficial to learn a few key phrases in both Uzbek and Russian to navigate through the country more easily.

Key Phrases in Uzbekistan

• Salom (sa-lom) – Hello
• Rahmat (rah-mat) – Thank you
• Mening ismim (me-ning is-mim) – My name is
• Men yerga borishni istayman (men yer-ga bo-rish-ni is-tay-man) – I want to go there
• Qancha? (kancha) – How much?
• Yaxshi (yah-shi) – Good
• Men sizga kuting (men siz-ga ku-ting) – I love you
• Men sizga xush kelibsiz (men siz-ga kush kel-ib-siz) – Nice to meet you.
• “Xayr” (hayr) – Goodbye

Key Phrases in Russian

• Privyet (pree-vyet) – Hello
• Spasibo (spa-see-ba) – Thank you
• Menya zovut (men-ya zovut) – My name is
• Ya khachu tuda (ya khachu too-da) – I want to go there
• Skol’ko stoit? (skol-ko sto-it) – How much?
• Xorosho (kharasho) – Good
• Ya vas lyublyu (ya vas lyub-lyu) – I love you
• Ochen’ priyatno poznakomit’sya (o-chen’ pri-ya-tna poz-na-ko-mitsya) – Nice to meet you.
• Do svidaniya (das-vee-da-ni-ya) – Goodbye

If you are a vegetarian, use the phrase “bes myasa” which means “without meat” in Russian. This would help you find vegetarian food in Uzbekistan and in general, Central Asia.

Download These Apps Before Traveling to Uzbekistan

• UZ Railway App – Book train tickets within Uzbekistan. Google Play Store | Apple App Store
• Google Translate – Translation app to communicate with the locals and read menus. Google Play Store
• Yandex – Book taxis in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Google Play Store | Apple App Store
• Happy Cow – Find restaurants serving vegetarian or vegan food. Google Play Store | Apple App Store
• Google Maps – Download offline maps for Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Google Play Store

Travel Budget in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a budget-friendly destination for travelers, with a daily average travel budget of around $50 per day. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. However, this budget can vary depending on your style of travel and the type of accommodation you choose.

For example, if you opt for budget-friendly accommodations such as homestays or guesthouses, you can expect to spend less than $30 per day. On the other hand, if you prefer more luxurious accommodations, you can expect to spend more, around $70 per day.

Additionally, food costs in Uzbekistan are relatively low, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around $3-$10. Transportation costs are also reasonable, with public transportation and local taxis being affordable options. To budget for a 10-day trip to Uzbekistan, on average, you would need around $500, excluding flights and e-visa costs.

Border Crossings

If you plan to do an overland trip through the stans, it is quite possible. Most of the border crossings involving Uzbekistan are simple and straightforward. Make sure to carry a copy of the visa wherever required. And check the Caravanistan forum for the latest updates.

Due to the unique geography of Uzbekistan, there are 17 border crossing options between Uzbekistan and its neighboring countries: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. (Note that this is exclusive of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan).

Samarkand – Panjakent

I ended up crossing the border both ways. First when I went from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan. And then my plan was to cross to Kyrgyzstan from Tajikistan. But due to border tensions, this route was closed in 2022. So, I had to take a longer route from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan (through Panjakent – Samarkand border crossing), and then cross over to Kyrgyzstan from Uzbekistan. Some border crossings might be more difficult or impossible to cross than others. So, it’s best to do research beforehand if you are planning to do an overland border crossing.

First, take a shared taxi to go to the Uzbekistan border from Samarkand. It takes about 1 hour to reach the border. The border crossing is straightforward and hassle-free. Expect to take anywhere between 20 minutes to 1 hour at the border. In another 30 minutes, you’d be at Panjakent – the closest town to the border. If you are planning to go all the way to Dushanbe, then start the day early from Samarkand.

Tashkent – Bishkek

I booked an overnight bus from Tashkent to Bishkek. It’s about a 12-hour journey along with the border crossings. My only concern with this crossing is that this route also passes through Kazakhstan, so it’s double the security procedures. And crossing the borders here isn’t as easy or simple as crossing borders in Europe.

Here’s how it works:

• Exit Uzbekistan
• Enter Kazakhstan
• Exit Kazakhstan
• Enter Kyrgyzstan

You need to de-board the bus, take off your luggage, pass it through security, submit the documents at immigration, put the luggage back on the bus, and board the bus at every checkpoint. Doing this four times isn’t easy. Also, navigating questions from border officials in the middle of the night can be rough.

Shymkent – Tashkent

I stayed in Taraz for a few days to break the long journey from Almaty to Shymkent. I booked a ride from Taraz to Shymkent through InDriver, a ride-sharing app. From Shymkent, I found local taxis to go to the border.

At the checkpoint, it took about 30 minutes to finish the security and immigration procedures.

Once on the Uzbekistan side, I took a taxi from the border to Tashkent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Uzbekistan

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Uzbekistan is an excellent destination for travelers who are looking for a unique blend of culture, history, and adventure. Also, the country is budget-friendly and easy to navigate, with well-developed transportation infrastructure, making it easy to get around between cities. Best of all, Uzbekistan is considered a safe destination and has implemented measures to ensure the safety of tourists.

Anything else you’d like to know about traveling to Uzbekistan? Anything you’d like to add to this ultimate Uzbekistan travel guide? Let me know in the comments below. If this blog post helped you in planning a trip to this wonderful country, then feel free to tag me on Instagram @therovingheart. I’d be happy to hear from you!

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