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!
Step into the heart of the Silk Road and experience Uzbekistan beyond the guidebooks: from the blue domes of Samarkand to remote desert landscapes and hidden mountain trails.
Join the 14-day Highlights of Uzbekistan Adventure Tour and experience the country in a deeper, more meaningful way!
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 around 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
1. Visiting Uzbekistan in 2026 – 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. As of 2026, citizens of the USA aged 55 or above can now also visit the country visa-free for 30 days.
Update: As of January 1st, 2026, citizens of the USA can now also travel visa-free for 30 days in Uzbekistan.
Citizens of 75 countries, including 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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Step into the heart of the Silk Road and experience Uzbekistan beyond the guidebooks: from the blue domes of Samarkand to remote desert landscapes and hidden mountain trails.
Join the 14-day Highlights of Uzbekistan Adventure Tour and experience the country in a deeper, more meaningful way!
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.
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.
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.
1) Plov
‘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.
4) Obi non
‘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.
11.4 Alcohol in Uzbekistan
Although Uzbekistan is, for the most part, a religious, Muslim country, drinking alcohol is part of daily life for many people. During Soviet rule, Russians introduced vodka along with other alcoholic drinks and today it is a big part of the culture.
And did you know that Uzbekistan is the main wine-producing country in Central Asia? A significant part of the Central Asian wine is exported by Uzbek winemakers. Uzbekistan produces dry, semi-sweet, sweet red and white wines.
You can buy and drink alcohol in restaurants in larger more touristic cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. It’s not always mentioned on the menu but if you ask the waiter/waitress for a beer or bottle of wine, they’ll usually have it.
You can also easily buy alcohol in stores. Look out for “вино”, “водка”, “алкоголь” in Russian at the stores selling alcohol. The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old.
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 Bottle: 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 adaptor: 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.
Curious what I use to capture places like this? Here’s my go-to gear:
- 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.
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.
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 email!
Related posts
What to wear in Uzbekistan – The Essential Uzbekistan packing list
The best way to get from Tashkent to Osh and from Osh to Tashkent, crossing the Dostyk border (Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan)
Uzbekistan Travel Itinerary (2026): 1, 2, 3 & 4 Week Travel Routes + Tips
Uzbekistan Money Guide (2026) – How much does it cost to live and travel in Uzbekistan?
What are the Best Places to visit in Uzbekistan in 2026?
Thanks so much for your amazing travel writing, it’s so helpful! I was wondering if you did any wildlife/nature day trips when you visited Uzbekistan in Winter and whether you could recommend any? I’m going to Samarkand and Buhkara for 3 days each and then Khiva for 2 days in early December, and wondered if there are any day trips I could do from those cities. Thanks! Jen
Hi Jen, there isn’t much to see or do on the countryside during winter in Uzbekistan. I could recommend the Chimgan mountains near Tashkent, it’s a place in winter for skiing. Otherwise, there isn’t much I could recommend as day trips.
Just to add for you to update.
MONEY
There is a new 200,000 note.
You can exchange some money at airport for transport and essential use first and exchange the rest at the bank later. You get a receipt and they don’t even want to see my passport. Not much different from the bank. There are 2 exchange counters right after immigration. There are unofficial higher black market rate outside, but for a few dollars difference, why take the risk for you may get rip off with so many notes and zeros to count?
AIRPORT TAXI
After immigration you see an open space where the luggage belts are and also a few counters for SIMcard, Airport Taxi and Exchange. Once you clear that is outside. No arrival hall.
There are Official Airport Taxi counters inside the airport, in case you do not want to haggle with the hound of aggressive taxi drivers outside at night. Of course you pay a premium, but safe if you happen to arrive after 10pm. Actually, there are 3 more official one just before the exit. Official mean the car has the permanent sign taxi sign at the side and own by a company, not a private car. I bought Ucell SIMcard at the airport and use YandexGo (install the apps before you go there). Tashkent is a big city and the airport is right at the edge of the city. City center is only 7km. As a guide, my hotel is only 5km from airport. Hotel pickup $40. Airport taxi, $10. YandexGo, $3. Understand they are building a new bigger airport.
Thank you very much for amazing informantion. For your information Yandex Go should be available from June 27 in Urgench and Chiva! I will try it in five days:-).
Hi Miras, let me know if it works!
Thanks so much for this comprehensive guide.
My pleasure 🙂
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!
Hi Cynthia,
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
Henri
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
Hi 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.
Cheers
Hi Henri,
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?
Hi Megan,
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?