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Bukhara
Today the atmosphere of a Silk Road city is once again returning to Bukhara. Narrow alleyways, sectioned by dark imposing heavy carved…
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Uzbekistan holidays
Uzbekistan possesses the cream of Central Asian architecture, epitomised by the magnificent Registan Square in Samarkand.
Back in the early ’90s, Steppes Travel was the only company in the UK to be offering trips to Uzbekistan. As such, our expertise in this region is unrivalled and we would recommend a trip to Uzbekistan for anyone who wants to get to the heart of Central Asia.
Recent investment has produced some excellent hotels and small guesthouses that are brimming with character; plus, there are direct flights from London and some excellent high-speed train routes. It is now also a visa-free destination. Despite the modernisation, the traditional chapan (or coat) and long afternoon battles of chess and backgammon are still very much a common sight.
What to expect on your Uzbekistan Holiday
Today, much of Uzbekistan is a shadow of its former glory, however, the buildings and architecture which remain, much dating from the 13th and 15th centuries, are truly magnificent and 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.
Explore Uzbekistan
- Bukhara
- Khiva
- Samarkand
- Tashkent
- Fergana Valley
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. The centre for silk production, it was a crucial link on the fabled silk route. 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.
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Experiences
Choose from our collection of curated experiences that will help us to create a bespoke and memorable journey for you.
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Paul Craven
Paul is the Conde Nast Traveler chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.
Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz. Later, my father’s postings took us to Nepal where we had to transit Delhi and Kathmandu where we were sometimes stranded for days and Hong Kong from where I travelled in 1983 through China for two months.
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Deborah Brock-Doyle
My first journey for Steppes was in 1999 when I set off to explore Thailand to gather those little details that constitute Steppes Travel’s trademark knowledge. I have since been lucky enough to travel extensively in Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East and India. A few special memories include being joined at dinner by an otter in Laos, proudly being shown an illicit picture of the Dalai Lama in Tibet and diving with manta rays on Christmas day in Indonesia. I’m pretty sure I always leave a country wishing I had done more, seen more, learned more ….. but I also always hope to return …
Talk with our experts
- 1 855 2037885
Let’s chat
Speak to our experts
Our team is waiting to help you tailor a trip that will leave you with stories for a lifetime. Call us on
01285 601 784 What money should I take with me to Uzbekistan?
ATM’s are not always reliable in Uzbekistan but have improved in recent years. We recommend you also bring some cash which can be exchanged at the bank with the help of your guide.
When is the best time of year to visit Uzbekistan?
It is best to visit Uzbekistan in the spring, between April and early June when days are dry and temperatures warm, and similarly in the autumn between September and early November. Winters can be bitterly cold and summers dry and extremely hot.
Do I need a visa to travel to Uzbekistan?
British passport holders travelling to Uzbekistan for tourism, for durations of up to 30 days do not require a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from Uzbekistan.
Other nationals would need to check with the respective embassy or contact us for assistance.
How long is the flight to Uzbekistan?
Flying direct from London to the capital of Tashkent takes around seven hours.
What type of food should I expect in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is not known as a culinary destination and food here merges influences from Russia, Tajikistan, Mongolia and Turkey. Popular dishes include ‘Plov’, a rice dish traditionally made with meat, vegetables and infused with herbs and spices, cooked together all at once. A wide variety of delicious and attractive flatbreads are also produced in Uzbekistan, some glazed and intricately patterned.
Can I drink alcohol in Uzbekistan?
Alcohol can be consumed, though is not always available due to Uzbekistan being a Muslim country. However, it does produce its own wine thanks to the perfect climate and terrain, and with around 14 Vineyards to choose from you will be spoilt for choice.
Can I travel by train in Uzbekistan?
More and more train routes are appearing and it is now possible to connect all the way from Tashkent to Khiva by high speed train.
What is the time zone in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is five hours ahead of GMT.
Can I use my mobile phone in Uzbekistan?
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies, although the coverage is average and charges are high. Pre paid SIM cards are available, and can be topped up during your trip.
Phones are available at most hotels, though making a call from your hotel room can be very expensive. Enquire at the reception.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Why Choose Steppes?
These may be uncertain times but they are, without a doubt, still full of opportunity to discover the extraordinary safely. Through knowledge and expertise, we can connect you to those destinations embracing travellers with the added confidence of flexible booking and decades of insight.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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