Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Bustling bazaars overflow with spices and silk, whilst architectural masterpieces stand as monuments to a golden age of Islamic civilization.

Welcome to Uzbekistan, where legendary Silk Road cities rise like mirages from vast deserts, their azure domes and intricate tilework telling stories of merchants, scholars and conquerors. 

This Uzbekistan travel guide will help you explore a land shaped by movement, exchange and empire.. From the romantic splendour of Samarkand to the living museum of Khiva, we’ll show you how to step back in time along these ancient trade routes.

Whether you’re planning to explore Bukhara’s madrasas, camp under desert stars or discover traditional crafts in local workshops, you’ll find practical Uzbekistan travel advice and insider tips throughout these pages.

Ulug Beg Observatory, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Ulug Beg Observatory, Samarkand

What to expect from Uzbekistan

Blue domed mosques and ancient silk road cities are the shining stars in Uzbekistan, offering visitors a snapshot into a time of epic trading journeys between Asia and Europe. Many of the buildings date back to the 13th and 15th centuries; one can only wonder at the skills of the craftsmen who laboured with such primitive tools. The markets are a delight and a photographic paradise, while outside the cities, the dusty, isolated villages with their flocks of woolly, fat-tailed sheep have changed little over the years.

Fergana Valley Pass, Uzbekistan
Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan
Kyrgyz nomad by yurt, Bulunkul, Tajikistan
Kyrgyz nomad in Tajikistan
Decorating Bread, Damla, Turkmenistan
Decorating bread in Turkmenistan

Beyond the Ordinary

In eastern Uzbekistan lies the fertile valley of Fergana. Shielded by mountains, this conservative region is an ethnic melting pot where mosques and bazaars are alive with activity. As the centre for silk production, it was once a crucial link on the Silk Road. From the Fergana Valley, it is a short drive to cross the border into Kyrgyzstan which combines beautifully with Uzbekistan, showcasing mountainous landscapes and nomadic culture.

Tajikistan and Turkmenistan also combine well and offer diverse scenery, ranging from mountains to deserts and lakes, as well as a thriving felt-making industry and fascinating archaeological sites.

Everything you need to know about the

Explore Uzbekistan

  • Bukhara
  • Khiva
  • Samarkand
  • Tashkent
  • Fergana Valley

Frequently asked questions about Uzbekistan

What money should I take with me to Uzbekistan?

What type of food should I expect in Uzbekistan?

When is the best time of year to visit Uzbekistan?

Do I need a visa to travel to Uzbekistan?

Can I drink alcohol in Uzbekistan?

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