Khiva, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

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.

Renowned for its silk route cities, Uzbekistan is for anyone who wishes to get to the heart of Central Asia. Despite the modernisation, the traditional chapan (or coat) and long afternoon battles of chess and backgammon are still very much a common sight. With excellent hotels and small guesthouses brimming with character, direct flights from London, excellent high-speed train routes and no visa required, exploring the UNESCO sites and architectural gems of this silk route destination has never been easier.

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

What to expect on your Uzbekistan Holiday

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.

The traditional Uzbek cap, named tubeteika
Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Best time to visit Uzbekistan

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is in spring, late March to May, and in autumn, September to early November. Summers here can be sweltering, with temperatures climbing to 37°C and winters can be freezing. Temperatures steadily climb in spring as the landscape begins to blossom, making this a wonderful time to explore. It is typically warm and dry in autumn, making it possible to enjoy the heat without it being uncomfortably hot.

Best time to visit Uzbekistan

Explore Uzbekistan

  • Bukhara
  • Khiva
  • Samarkand
  • Tashkent
  • Fergana Valley
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.

Experiences

Choose from our collection of curated experiences that will help us to create a bespoke and memorable journey for you.

Ata Darvoza, Itchan Kala, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan

UNESCO Khiva

Explore the UNESCO city of Khiva, possibly the best preserved of all the Silk Road cities.

Suggested Holiday Idea

The edge of Aydarkul Lake fringed by beautiful red foliage
Uzbekistan

Kyzylkum Desert

Visit Aydarkul Lake in the Kyzylkum Desert – camp out in yurts and ride a camel.

Chor Minor, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan

Discover Bukhara

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of Bukhara, home to bazaars, minarets and madrasas.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Person Hiking through the Chimgan Mountain landscape in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan

Hike in the Chimgan Mountains

Embark on a day trek or a more challenging multi day hike in the Chimgan Mountains.

Fergana Valley Pass, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan

Fergana Valley

Visit the fertile silk producing region of the Fergana Valley.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan

Registan Square

Wander around Samarkand exploring the restored madrasas flanking the edges of Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the countries most iconic images.

Suggested Holiday Idea

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 Traveller 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.

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Frequently asked questions about Uzbekistan

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