Uzbekistan Travel Guide : Everything you need to know

Last Updated on May 17, 2024 by admin

This is the one stop Uzbekistan Travel Guide to plan your trip to Uzbekistan covering information on visa, flights, places to visit, itinerary, vegetarian food and what to wear!

The underrated gem of Central Asia – Uzbekistan is rich in history, architecture and heritage due to its location on the legendary Silk Road. The cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are some of the most popular silk road cities in the country.

With the country opening its doors to tourism thanks to the flexible visa laws and great transportation across the country as well as the neighboring countries, Uzbekistan is a wonderful travel destination. It is also the perfect introduction to Central Asia!

A lot of people asked me why travel to Uzbekistan and I counter asked them why not? This blogs answers all such questions asked to me.

Come delve into the details of this wonderful country with this Uzbekistan Travel Guide.

TRAVEL IN UZBEKISTAN : THE COMPLETE GUIDE

UZBEKISTAN VISA

The citizens of 76 countries including the United States, China, and India have been granted the right to receive an electronic entry visa for a period of 30 days.

the 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.

If your country of citizenship isn’t on any list, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the Uzbek Embassy.

Costs for Uzbekistan E-Visa 

The cost of obtaining an e-visa is 20 USD and has to be paid with a valid Visa credit card. Double entry costs 35 USD and multiple entry costs 50 USD.

After filling basic information, one has to upload the soft copy of passport and photograph. You also have to fill in dates of travel to Uzbekistan. And then make a payment.

The visa usually comes in 3-4 working days. The visa is valid for 30 days. 

Apply for a visa at least a month in advance and check for entry dates (as per your flight details) as the visa will carry the date you applied on and is valid for 3 months.

For example, if you are traveling on 15th September and applied for a visa 2 months prior, then your visa date validity will be 15 July to 15 October. You can travel anytime during these 3 months and your visa will be valid for 30 dates from your date of arrival. 

In many cases there are issues with dates so check thoroughly. For any issues you may write to [email protected] and you will get a response soon.

FLIGHTS TO UZBEKISTAN

Flights to Uzbekistan are quite affordable from India, with round-way flights from Delhi to Tashkent starting at around $400 – $550 (INR 32,000 – 45000) offered by Uzbekistan Airways. 

There are some great transit options from other Indian cities to Samarkand via UAE. Look for the best flight options here – Flights to Tashkent

Visitors will likely fly into Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport. There are many carriers that fly from many countries to Tashkent. Their national airlines – Uzbekistan Airlines has direct flights to Delhi in India as well other neighboring countries including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, etc.

How to get from Tashkent Airport to the city?

The airport is about 5 kilometers from the center of the capital and it’s best to take a taxi to your hotel. The time duration is approximately 10-15 minutes depending upon the location of your hotel.

More affordable and quickest option is to hail an app-based taxi called YandexGo. They are extremely affordable and generally do not crib about big bags in luggage. It costs approximately 25,000-35000 SOM ($3-5) to get from the airport to the city center.

GETTING AROUND IN UZBEKISTAN

There are many ways to get around Uzbekistan – train, private taxi or flight. How to travel in Uzbekistan out of these options depends on your budget, where you want to go, and how much time you have. Trains are amazing in Uzbekistan with the option of a bullet train called Afrosiyob or an overnight sleeper train called Sharq.

Trains

Uzbekistan has an excellent transportation infrastructure, including trains that connect the far east to west. All the major cities and towns are well connected. 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.

Railway tickets in Uzbekistan can be booked via the official website here. Make sure you book train tickets 2 months in advance, especially during tourist season as the seats get filled quickly. There is enough storage space in both the trains and they are extremely clean and comfortable.

Flights

The country is well serviced with domestic airlines – Uzbekistan Airways. All the major 4 cities – Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva (Urgench airport) have domestic airports with good connectivity. The distance between most cities is 30-45 minutes.

Taxis

Within cities, tourists can use local taxis or app based taxis – YandexGo. Similar to Uber, it is widely used in Uzbekistan. This is really useful as you don’t have to haggle with the taxi drivers regarding the fares and confusion regarding the destination – the accent makes it difficult to understand. I used it in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara without any issues. However, in Khiva the app service is not available. 

In Tashkent, payment is possible through card. Even food delivery is possible through the YandexGo app in Tashkent.

Metro

While metro exists only in the city of Tashkent, it is one of the best and oldest systems. The metro stations are a landmark in themselves and thankfully it is now allowed to photograph. The metro connectivity is amazing within the city and is very affordable.

UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY

If you’re wondering how many days you need to visit Uzbekistan, then it can be done within a few days or few weeks. It is possible to visit the main tourist attractions in Uzbekistan within one week. However, to cover the silk road highlights I suggest 10 days in Uzbekistan.

10 days Uzbekistan itinerary

Day 1-2:  Explore Tashkent

Day 3-5: Trip to Samarkand

Day 6-7: Trip to Bukhara

Day 8-9: Trip to Khiva

Day 10: Fly back to Tashkent and back to your country

WHERE TO STAY IN UZBEKISTAN

Thanks to the boom in tourism in the last few years, there is no dearth of accommodation options in Uzbekistan. There are hostels and AirBnBs also easily available.

Average price per night for stay:

Hostels: $10-20

Guest Houses: $20-30

Hotels: $30 – 50

Tashkent

Art Hostel

I heard about this hostel from a lot of backpackers and they had great reviews about it. So I decided to stay here and it lived up to its promise. Tucked in a small alley in a residential area, it is a peaceful place. Metro station is 500 meters and there are a couple of banks and convenience stores near the hostel so it’s easy to get around. The hostel is clean and cozy.

They serve breakfast with a good variety of vegetarian options. Only disappointment was that they didn’t accept card payments. Cash is acceptable in SOM or USD.

Art Hostel can be booked here.

Michelin Hotel

Located close to Art Hostel, I promised myself to stay here the next time. This 3-star hotel features a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bar. The premises also has an ATM. The accommodation features a concierge service, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests. 

Michelin Hotel can be booked here. 

Hotel Uzbekistan

One of the most luxurious properties in Tashkent, the hotel is a landmark in itself. Located at the posh Amir Temur square, the property has a pool, spa and indoor game options. There are 2 restaurants that cook up quite a storm with lip-smackingly delicious Uzbek and global cuisine. 

Hotel Uzbekistan can be booked here. 

Samarkand

Registan Hostel

Located very close to the Registan Square, Registan Hostel has air conditioned dorms and private rooms. It also features complimentary WiFi access and a common lounge, shared kitchen and airport transfers. 

The property can be booked here.

Muborak Hostel

A family run hostel, it has the feel of a guest house or AirBnB. It is 1 km from Bibi Khanum mosque and can be easily reached by a short walk.

The rooms are clean and comfortable at Muborak Hostel. And the food buffet at breakfast and dinner is incredible too. The owner has a convenience store that sells baked goods (including Uzbek bread), snacks, water, cold drinks, etc.
Muborak Hostel can be booked here.

Orient Star Hotel

The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and poolside terrace that is located in the old part of the city. Orient Star Samarkand’s rooms include a minibar, TV and wi-fi. Breakfast is provided in the hotel’s restaurant, which serves both European and regional Uzbek cuisine.

Orient Star Hotel can be booked here.

Bukhara

Diyor Hostel

Located in Bukhara, there is a garden, shared lounge, terrace and free WiFi. They also offer continental breakfast. The property can be booked here.

Grand Ark Hotel

I stayed here for 2 nights exploring the Bukhara. It is an idyllic property with very comfortable rooms. Grand Ark Bukhara features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, and free WiFi throughout the property. 

At the hotel, the rooms come with a wardrobe. Each room comes with air conditioning, a desk and a flat-screen TV, and certain rooms at Grand Ark Bukhara have a balcony. 

The property can be booked here.

Lyabi House Hotel

I went to their in-house restaurant and promised myself to stay the next time! I highly recommend one meal at the Avyan Restaurant – the aesthetics are so well done!

Located in the historic centre of Bukhara, Lyabi House Hotel is set in a 19th-century building decorated with antique furnishings. With free Wi-Fi access, the air-conditioned rooms all come with a refrigerator, a work desk and a TV. Each has a private bathroom equipped with a bathtub, free toiletries and a hairdryer.

The restaurant offers Uzbek cuisine, which is served on the terrace in warm months. Breakfast is available daily.

Lyabi House Hotel can be booked here.

Khiva

Islam Khodja 

The property provides air-conditioned accommodation in Khiva. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and slippers, rooms at Islam Khodja also feature free WiFi. 

It can be booked here.

Nazira Boutique Hotel

Nazira Boutique Hotel features family rooms and is located right in front of Ichan Kala. This property also provides guests with a picnic area and has free WiFi.

The guest house provides guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bath. All units include a wardrobe. Breakfast is available daily, and includes Asian, vegetarian and halal options.

It can be booked here.

BUDGET FOR UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL

The amount of money you spend in a country completely depends on how soon you book your flight tickets, number of days you plan to do, the kind of hotels you stay in, the type of restaurants you visit, and the amount of shopping you do. However, Uzbekistan is an extremely affordable country in general.

You can find nice luxury hotels for less than $50 per night. Hostels can be hit or miss, so if you’re on a budget I suggest opting for AirBnB or guest houses in Bukhara and Khiva.

Food options are great everywhere and very affordable. There are vegetarian options in most places. You can get delicious street food for $1-$3. Sit down meals at nice restaurants cost approximately $5 – 10 per head.

Renting a car with a driver costs approximately $15-20 for 1 day. You can negotiate the cost of excursions with tour agents or guides. Rates are competitive and affordable. 

However, I suggest keeping some money aside for the souvenirs in Uzbekistan because there are so charming and unique you would want to buy a lot!

On an average, per day budget would be around $30-75 excluding the flights, internal train transport and visa.

UZBEKISTAN FOOD GUIDE

Being a vegetarian, I was quite worried about getting vegetarian food in Uzbekistan. Most of the food is meat heavy. Although less, there are vegetarian options in Uzbekistan – even in Khiva. I cannot say so for the countryside or smaller towns, but I got decent veg options in all 4 cities I traveled in.

If you are wondering what to eat in Uzbekistan or best Uzbekistan food to try then check out this list. I am sticking to the most popular vegetarian options, since I am a vegetarian but there are many meat options too.

Uzbek Bread

Traditional Uzbek bread (locally known as ‘non’) is particularly sacred in Uzbek culture. Flat and round, this bread is torn by hand before eating. The flour is mixed with water, salt and yeast and made to rest. Once it rises, the dough is weighed, rolled into round shapes, added with sesame seeds and baked in a tandoor till the crust is crispy.

The delicious fragrance reverberates through small streets of each city and you can be sure there is a small bread making factory tucked behind some closed doors.

This bread is served with each meal and acts like a side dish.

Manti

Similar to momos, Manti is another traditional Uzbek dish. They are small, steamed dumplings filled with meat (usually lamb or beef) and onions. They are also made in potato and pumpkin fillings for vegetarians. Manti is served with a yogurt that is garnished with dill. 

Gumma 

Gumma is the most delicious meat pies. Most often there are fried, but at home they are baked.  They are usually served with tomato sauce, lightly peppered. The vegetarian version has potatoes or pumpkin in them.

Plov

Plov is very symbolic to Uzbek cuisine. Plov, just like Pulav in India, consists of traditional rice with meat and carrots. There are many variations of this recipe, depending on the region, however, the Samarkand Plov is the most peculiar one.

Plov incorporates quail eggs, chickpeas, raisins, garlic and a rich combination of spices such as saffron, coriander or Berberis seeds. For its preparation sheep’s fat and cottonseed oil are used, which is what gives it its characteristic flavour. In many areas, horse meat is used in Plov, making it a rare speciality.

Plov is not available in vegetarian version (unfortunately).

Shivit Oshi

Shivit oshi is a unique Uzbekistani dish of bright, green noodles and can be found almost exclusively in the city of Khiva. The noodles for shivit oshi are colored with dill infusion and, when cooked, covered with a hearty stew of potatoes and carrots. It is served with tangy yoghurt.

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 melon, watermelon, apricots, peaches, pomegranate, apples, grapes and figs. Fruits and dry fruits are generally offered in breakfast. 

I had the sweetest and juiciest melons and peaches here everyday for breakfast and they should not be missed.

Tea

Every meal is incomplete without Uzbek tea. Uzbek tea, also known as Chay, is a traditional drink that is offered to guests and is part of the traditional culture. It is typically made from black tea leaves, which are grown in the mountains of the country. Green tea with honey is also amazing and should be tried while traveling in Uzbekistan.

Somsa

A puff pastry very similar to Samosa in India, the filling is also of potato and onion. Sometimes, it has meat filling too. Somsa like Samosa is shaped in a triangularl 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.

BEST TIME TO VISIT UZBEKISTAN

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during fall months September- October or spring months April-May. Summer months (June to August) are extremely hot and uncomfortable. Walking around the historical sights becomes actually difficult and uncomfortable. And I am saying this even though I live in an Indian city that experiences 40 degrees summer for 3 months straight. The roads look deserted and everything kind of shuts down between 1-4pm.

Winter (December to February) months are extremely cold with chilly winds and it may snow.

WHAT TO PACK FOR UZBEKISTAN

When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, it’s important to consider the 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 and mausoleums.

When visiting religious sites, you need to cover your shoulders and knees. Outside of the religious sites, you can dress as per your comfort. Unlike some countries, it is not compulsory to wear a headscarf in Uzbekistan.

Summers in Uzbekistan are extremely hot, so it’s essential to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Pack light, cotton and airy clothing that can help you to stay cool during the daytime. Carry a stole/shawl which can be wrapped around the waist or shoulder if need be. Most religious places have a scarf or shrug and request you to wear one.

Always carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. Banks, convenience stores, hotels and hotels have water dispensers with hot and cold water so fill the bottle before heading out.

LANGUAGE IN UZBEKISTAN

The main language spoken in Uzbekistan is Uzbek language. 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. 

Most locals in tourist areas can speak English but it is always handy to keep Google translate with you. I found youngsters in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to be better versed in English than in Tashkent.

Key Phrases in Uzbek to get you by

Salom (sa-lom) – Hello

Rahmat (rah-mat) – Thank you

Do svidaniya (das-vee-da-ni-ya) – Goodbye

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT UZBEKISTAN

Is Uzbekistan worth visiting?

Yes! Uzbekistan is a great destination for tourists for many reasons – from historical monuments, incredible architecture, interesting culture, friendly locals and delicious cuisine. The accommodation, local travel and food is extremely affordable. 

With a daily average travel budget of around $30-75 per day, travelers can enjoy all that the country has to offer without breaking their savings. All of these factors combined make travel to Uzbekistan an excellent destination for tourists.

The country also has an easy e-visa process available making it a hassle free destination to visit. This makes it easy for travelers to plan their trip and obtain the necessary documents within a short period of time.

Is travel to Uzbekistan safe?

Yes! Uzbekistan is considered a safe destination for tourists. Incidents of violence against tourists are rare. There are police in every tourist site and a helpline number specially for tourists which makes it very reassuring. I met many solo women travelers throughout my journey and everyone said they felt safe at all times. Read in detail here – Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists?

In any case and any country it is important that tourists should always be aware of their surroundings, and keep an eye on their personal belongings, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. I walked alone in alleys of cities and even took cabs at 11 pm and I did not feel unsafe. 

How many days do you need to travel in Uzbekistan?

As mentioned in this Uzbekistan travel guide, when planning a trip to Uzbekistan, it’s important to consider how much time you have available and what you want to see and do. A typical itinerary for a first-time visitor should be 7-10 days in Uzbekistan, allowing you to see the main highlights of the country.

Buying a SIM card in Uzbekistan?

Although most hostels/hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi if you want to be connected on the go, it is best to buy a prepaid SIM card with data. It will also be useful to make/receive calls from taxi drivers to coordinate the exact location.

Ucell, Mobiuz and Beeline are the companies that operate in the country and most of them offer the same prices. They have 4G connectivity throughout the country. I bought a Ucell data card from the Tashkent International Airport arrival as I needed to call my driver for pick-up and it was the best decision ever. Getting into the city and then trying to find a store can get cumbersome. Plus the airport accepts USD so you don’t need to exchange money immediately.

There are 3 data packs for tourists:

5 GB ~ 30 days ~ 25,000 SOM ($2.19)

20 GB ~ 30 days ~ 50,000 SOM ($4.38)

50 GB ~ 30 days ~ 1,00,000 SOM ($.8.24)

Do you need a guide in Uzbekistan?

The silk road is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and one can understand the history well if there is a guide with you. Although tourists can hire local guides at each tourist destination who offer services in many languages, I suggest that having a guide on the entire trip is beneficial as one can visit some offbeat spots. The guides also know good places to eat and stay.

Is travel to Uzbekistan cheap?

Yes. Owing to the currency conversions (12000 Uzbek Som  ~ 1 USD ~ 83 INR) and lower cost of living, it is affordable to travel in Uzbekistan. 

What should you avoid in Uzbekistan?

Do not drink tap water. Always ask the hotel staff for filtered drinking water and in most hostels and hotels there are filtered water dispensers. In restaurants you have to buy bottled water as they do not serve water like in India.

Is a Covid-19 test needed to enter Uzbekistan?

As of May 2023, you don’t need a Covid test. But it’s always better to check the embassy website in your country to get the latest information.

Do you need Registration slips from hotels and hostels?

I read about this before going that there are random checks at immigration for registration slips. The registration slip is basically a paper given by the hostel/hotel claiming that you stayed with them. It has your name, date of stay and passport number.

I diligently collected it from all my accommodations but I was not asked to produce it at the immigration.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL GUIDE

In conclusion, Uzbekistan is a wonderful destination and great introduction to Central Asia. With many heritage sites to explore and adventure options, there is something for every kind of traveler. Being budget-friendly and very close to India (2.5 hour direct flight from Delhi), it can be easily added to bucket-list destinations.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO UZBEKISTAN

• Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not trash the heritage site with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully especially in mosques and mausoleums.
• Respect the ancient structures of mosques and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archeological sites and monuments.

I hope this Uzbekistan travel guide helps you plan a trip to this beautiful and underrated country. Do you have more questions? Write to me in the comment below and I will reply.

Looking for more Uzbekistan Inspiration? Read Here

• Things to do in Samarkand
• Tashkent Metro Stations
• Things to do in Bukhara
• Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan
• Things to do in Khiva
• Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan
• Travelling by train in Uzbekistan

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