Uzbekistan

Is Uzbekistan Worth Visiting?

With a myriad of destinations open to 21st century globetrotters, why choose Uzbekistan, a seemingly obscure country in Central Asia? Uzbekistan is unique, offering visitors exquisite architecture that echoes from the days of Tamerlane, Alexander the Great and the land’s earliest Zoroastrian inhabitants. Not to be outdone by the past, contemporary Uzbekistan is equally alluring, replete with a magnetic culture and diverse landscapes that form the perfect backdrop to endless adventures. Uzbekistan is an affordable option for thrifty travelers, with all-inclusive, guided tours available for a fraction of the cost of equivalent trips in Europe or South America. Inexpensive transportation, cheap meals and an ever-growing selection of hostels have also opened the door to independent travelers. Uzbekistan is more accessible than ever before, with citizens of almost every nation eligible for either 30-day visa-free entry or an inexpensive online visa. Once in country, all major sights are connected by a modern and reliable rail system, while each major city welcomes you with a wide array of comfortable accommodation choices. Uzbekistan is still off the beaten path and sure to satisfy those with a thirst to explore the world’s unknown corners. You won’t have to battle throngs of tourists and may well find yourself the lone visitor at some of its most ancient and mind-blowing sites. The bottom line? There’s never been a more ideal time for Uzbekistan travel – one of the world’s best-kept secrets, a seat of ancient empires that’s steeped in culture and host to a wealth of beauty.

Visa Matters

Thanks to relaxed Uzbekistan visa policies that made their grand debut in 2018, travel to Uzbekistan has never been easier. Citizens of nearly 80 nations, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many European and South American countries can now travel in Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. Passport holders of over 50 additional nations, including the US, India, Hong Kong, China and most Middle Eastern nations can apply online for a 30-day electronic tourist visa at a cost of 20 USD.

Additionally, 5-day transit visas may be obtained pending prior approval or flight tickets that confirm your departure.

Is Uzbekistan Safe To Travel?

Uzbekistan is safe, with an extremely low rate of violent crime. Law enforcement officers patrol the streets regularly and stand prepared to help and support tourists as needed. Also in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva you will find English speaking Tourist Police ready to assist guests of this sunny land. Travelers often remark on the kindness and helpfulness of Uzbekistan’s people, who will go out of their way to assist a guest in need. The nation has become increasingly tourist-friendly in recent years and takes a genuinely welcoming stance towards foreigners and tourists. 

Uzbekistan Travel Season

Being the diverse and temperate country that it is, Uzbekistan is a worthy travel destination year-round. While spring and autumn draw the most crowds with their pleasant temps and vibrant landscapes, each season has its own perks: Winter: Perfect for ski enthusiasts, who can while away the time at Chimgan, Beldersay and Amirsoy Ski Resort, the latter of which opened in December 2019. Fewer tourists in winter also mean discounted accommodations and reduced Uzbekistan travel costs near many touristic sites. Summer: Sultry summers bring succulent fruits and vegetables of every variety. In July and August, you won’t have to battle crowds and can often find tickets and accommodation at discounted prices. It’s also a great time to cool off in the mountains at Lake Charvak near Tashkent. Spring: Uzbekistan’s most gorgeous season with pleasant weather, green pastures, flowers in full bloom and several local holidays and festivals that are well worth seeing. Autumn: Cool and sunny weather, coupled with bazaars that burst with melons and grapes, call a second wave of tourists to this Silk Road land. Mass tourism season is March to May – September to November.

How Many Days You Need In Uzbekistan?

Every trip to Uzbekistan will be uniquely patterned after the interests and schedules of each individual traveler. If you’re looking for a general blueprint to follow, these guidelines can be a helpful starting point for planning your Uzbekistan trip: Tashkent – Metropolitan capital of Uzbekistan with welcoming parks, modern amenities and a smattering of historical sites How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major sites: Tashkent Metro, Chorsu Bazaar, Amir Temir Square Samarkand – Seat of Tamerlane’s medieval empire with striking turquoise-domed palaces, including the glorious Registan How long should I stay? 2-3 days, especially if you wish to include a visit to nearby Shakhrisabz Major sites: Registan, Gur Emir, Shakhi Zinda Bukhara – Famed center of learning in the Islamic world, its charming Old City quarters will transport you back in time How long should I stay? 1.5-2 days Major sites: Ark Fortress, Lyabi-Hauz, Poi Kalyan Ensemble Khiva – A ‘Museum Under the Open Sky’ and former Silk Road trade city preserved for over 1500 years How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major sites: Kunya Ark Fortress, Juma Mosque, Kalta Minor Minaret Fergana Valley – Beautiful, populous valley where the country’s finest ceramics and silk products are produced, it includes the cities of Andijan, Fergana, Margilan, Rishtan and Kokand How long should I stay? 2-3 days if you wish to travel to each city Major sites: Ceramics Workshop (Rishtan), Yodgorlik Silk Factory (Margilan), Palace of Khudoyar Khan (Kokand)