“Why would you go to Uzbekistan?” — asked pretty much everyone when I told them I was going to spend 10 days in this country.
To be fair, I knew close to nothing about Uzbekistan for most of my life. But after coming across an article about the Silk Road and all the incredible architecture scattered around this country, I knew I had to see it for myself.
While planning this Uzbekistan itinerary, I had no idea what to expect on this trip, and I certainly did not expect Uzbekistan to end up being one of my most favorite destinations on earth.
Two months later, I found myself standing inside Registan – the biggest square in Samarkand, with tears rolling down my eyes.
I teared up because I couldn’t believe a place so beautiful could even exist. I teared up because in the 10 days I’d spent in Uzbekistan, I’d lost count of the number of times my breath had been taken away.
So to answer the question “why would you go to Uzbekistan?” — Why wouldn’t you go to Uzbekistan?
This 10-day itinerary & travel guide will provide you with all the best places to visit in Uzbekistan along with lots of helpful travel tips. I hope it will inspire you to visit this incredibly underrated country as well!
You might also be interested in:
🧿 14 Top Things to Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
🕌 14 Top Things to Do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
🏰 14 Top Things to Do in Khiva, Uzbekistan
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can learn more about this in my disclosure policy.
🌟 10-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary: Top Tips
🏡 WHERE TO STAY
Tashkent: Ichan Qal’a Hotel (⭐️ 9.1)
Samarkand: Jahongir Hotel (⭐️ 9.2)
Bukhara: Komil Bukhara (⭐️ 9.4)
Khiva: Polvonnazir House (⭐️ 9.5)
👩🏻 BEST TOUR: Join this 6-day private tour that takes you to all the major Uzbek cities and attractions. Hotels are all included, and the itinerary can be customized to your liking as well.
- 🌟 My Top Tip: Pack some modest clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. You’ll need them when entering the many mosques and mausoleums in Uzbekistan!
- 🛡 Get travel insurance with the most reliable provider Heymondo
- 📚 Read Lonely Planet Central Asia and Uzbekistan: Culture Smart
🗿 A Brief History of Uzbekistan: Silk Road & USSR
Uzbekistan’s geographic location allowed it to play a key role in the Silk Road (114 BC – 1450s AD). In the first millennium BC, caravans crossing miles of unwelcoming deserts from China to the bazaars of Europe found their oasis in the ancient Uzbek cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, and turned them into major trading hubs and centers of cultural exchange.
Traders not only transported materials such as ivory, silk, and gold, but also religion and philosophies. In fact, when the Timurids conquered Uzbekistan, they brought Islamic art and culture to the country, which are still very prominent today.
Today, Uzbekistan is filled with ornate mosques, glittering minarets, and majestic madrasahs – scenes you’d only expect to see inside the most magical chapters of One Thousand And One Nights.
In the 16th century, as ocean trade flourished, the Silk Road cities began to decline. Uzbek khanates soon entered into wars with Iran, and in the 18th century, all of them were controlled by Nader Shah of Persia.
Then, in the 19th century, Russia, drawn by the commercial potential of the region, began a full military conquest of Central Asia. In 1924, Uzbekistan became a part of the USSR, and although the country has found its identity back after its independence, there are still strong Russian influences around the country today.
Primarily, Russian is still one of the main languages spoken in the country (particularly among elders), and Soviet-style architecture is found throughout the country, standing alongside majestic Islamic buildings.
🇺🇿 The Ultimate 10-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of how to spend 10 days in Uzbekistan:
- Day 1: Tashkent
- Day 2-3: Khiva
- Day 4-6: Bukhara (and the nearby Khorezm fortresses)
- Day 7-9: Samarkand
- Day 10: Tashkent
🗓 Day 1: Tashkent
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and home to the largest international airport in the country, so it’s most likely where you will be flying into and out of.
Although much more interesting Uzbek cities lie ahead, it’s worth spending a day in Tashkent to experience its intriguing blend of modern buildings, Soviet-style architecture, traditional mud-walled houses, and bustling bazaars.
Among the most remarkable places to visit in Tashkent are:
- The incredibly picturesque metro stations, which were built in the former USSR
- Minor Mosque – a stunning modern mosque made of white marbles
- Hazrati Imam Complex – a religious center with remarkable architecture
- Plov Center – the best place to taste plov (a national dish) in Uzbekistan
🏡 WHERE TO STAY: Ichan Qal’a Hotel (⭐️ 9.1) | Mirzo Boutique Hotel (⭐️ 9.7)
🗓 Day 2 – 3: Khiva
Step into a fairytale in the medieval town of Khiva, nestled in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. As Central Asia’s very first UNESCO World Heritage City, Khiva is one of the most beautifully preserved Silk Road destinations in the world.
Enclosed by ancient city walls, Khiva feels like a journey back in time. Wandering around town feels like you’re inside an open-air museum and exploring a sandcastle city.
Home to captivating mosques, ancient minarets, and picturesque clay-toned houses, the compact Old Town of Khiva (Itchan Kala) boasts over 50 historical sites, making it well worth a 2-day visit.
🏡 WHERE TO STAY: Polvonnazir Guest House (⭐️ 9.5) | New Star Boutique Hotel (⭐️ 8.9)
Read more: 14 Top Things to Do in Khiva, Uzbekistan
✈️ Getting From Tashkent to Khiva
✈️ By air (recommended): The closest airport to Khiva is Urgench International Airport (UGC), which is around a 30-min drive from the city center. You can fly from Tashkent to Urgench with Uzbekistan Airways for around $60 USD. The flight takes 1.5 hours.
🚊 By night train: There’s also a 14-hour night train from Tashkent to Khiva. It arrives in Khiva around noon next day. You can buy tickets directly at the local train station, or for a higher price, reserve them online on Global Connect.
🗓 Day 4 – 6: Bukhara
With over 2,000 years of history, the ancient city of Bukhara is an amazing place to experience Uzbek culture, history, and traditions. In fact, Bukhara became the cultural and religious heart of Central Asia in the 8th century.
This city also nurtured philosophers, poets, and scientists who went on to become the Shakespeares and Newtons of the Islamic world. You can learn all about this and more in the UNESCO Old Town, embellished with stunning minarets, mosques, and madrasahs.
Spend 3 days in Bukhara admiring the majestic architecture, browsing bazaars, and—for full cultural immersion—getting a massage at one of the oldest traditional hammams in the world.
🏡 WHERE TO STAY: Komil Bukhara Hotel (⭐️ 9.4) | Boutique Hotel Minzifa (⭐️ 9.5)
Read more: 14 Top Things to Do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
🚗 Getting From Khiva to Bukhara
🚕 By taxi via the Khorezm fortresses (recommended): A taxi from Khiva to Bukhara typically takes around 7-8 hours with a stop for lunch. You can arrange it directly from your hotel in Khiva. A shared taxi for 2 people should cost $20 USD per person for the whole journey.
While the journey is long, the upside is you can arrange for the taxi to stop at the stunning Khorezm desert castles. This would make your total journey around 9 hours long and you’d pay an extra $10 USD, but it’s completely worth it.
🚊 By train: There’s also a train that takes you from Khiva to Bukhara. The journey takes around 7 hours and tickets cost around $6 USD at the local train stations. For a higher price, you can also reserve them online on Global Connect.
Read more: The Khorezm Desert Castles of Uzbekistan
🗓 Day 7 – 9: Samarkand
Samarkand, a true gem of Uzbekistan, is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Founded in the 7th century BC, its prime location along the Silk Road has made it a crossroads for travelers and conquerors alike, from Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan.
Once conquered by Persians, Greeks, Chinese, Turks, and Mongols (just to name a few), half a dozen religions have found a home in Samarkand in the course of its history. And today, it’s listed as ‘Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures’ in the UNESCO World Heritage.
This city once served as the capital of the Timurid Empire, which left behind much of the breathtaking Islamic architecture that adorns it today. Wander through these magnificent structures and admire the intricate blue tiles—they’re truly otherworldly.
🏡 WHERE TO STAY: Jahongir Hotel (⭐️ 9.2) | Bibikhanum Hotel (⭐️ 8.8)
Read more: 14 Top Things to Do Samarkand, Uzbekistan
🚊 Getting From Bukhara to Samarkand
🚆 By train: Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train. The journey is around 1 hour 45 mins and tickets start at $7 USD at local train stations. The slower and slightly cheaper Sharq train takes around 2 hours 45 mins. I recommend Afrosiyob for better comfort.
You can also book train tickets online at Global Connect (for a higher price). The high-speed trains in Uzbekistan are very comfortable, clean, and punctual. In fact, I had a much better experience with them than with most trains I took in Europe.
🗓 Day 10: Tashkent
It’s usually much cheaper to fly out of Tashkent than Samarkand, even though there’s an international airport there too. Spend your last day in Uzbekistan unwinding in the capital and enjoying your last bites of Uzbek food.
If you’ve already explored the must-see spots from your first day in Tashkent, head over to Chorsu Bazaar for a glimpse of vibrant local life. While there, you can even try your hand at baking traditional Uzbek nan bread — a perfect way to cap off your trip!
Alternatively, a visit to Amir Timur Square, the heart of Tashkent, is well worth it. The protagonist of the square is Hotel Uzbekistan, an iconic Soviet-era building that stands as a striking example of imposing Communist architecture.
🚊 Getting From Samarkand to Tashkent
🚆 By train: It’s very convenient to travel between Samarkand and Tashkent. There are very frequent trains between these two cities that run daily.
I recommend the Afrosiyob high-speed train. The journey is around 2.5 hours and tickets cost around $7 USD at local train stations. There’s also a slower Sharq train, which takes around 3.5 hours and costs a little bit less. You can also book tickets online at Global Connect for a higher price.
🗓 Alternative One Week Uzbekistan Itinerary
I recommend spending 10 days in this beautiful country to fully absorb the history and culture without any rush. However, if you have limited time, 7 days would be enough too, albeit a bit tight. Here’s what I recommend:
- Day 1: Arrive into Tashkent
- Day 2: Take an early morning flight to Khiva; spend the rest of the day there
- Day 3: Take a train to Bukhara in the morning; spend the rest of the day there
- Day 4: Explore Bukhara during the day; take a train to Samarkand in the evening
- Day 5: Full day in Samarkand
- Day 6: Explore Samarkand for most of the day; take a train to Tashkent in the evening
- Day 7: Fly out of Tashkent
🏡 Where to Stay in Uzbekistan
Hotels and guesthouses in Uzbekistan are truly delightful: beautifully decorated, cozy, and clean. Best of all, they’re also quite affordable; you can find excellent options starting around $30 USD a night. Here are my top recommendations for each city.
TASHKENT: Ichan Qal’a Hotel (⭐️ 9.1)
This gorgeous hotel offers indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and gym. Its cozy air-conditioned rooms are ornate with rich fabrics and offer warm-colored, oriental interiors. A two-storey on-site restaurant serves European and local Uzbek cuisine.
SAMARKAND: Jahongir Hotel (⭐️ 9.2)
This friendly family-run B&B is just 5 mins by foot from Registan and the city center. Each of their rooms has traditional wall decorations, giving it a unique cozy atmosphere. They also offer delicious Uzbek cuisine, a 24-hour reception, and a stunning courtyard & garden.
BUKHARA: Komil Bukhara Hotel (⭐️ 9.4)
This gorgeous hotel in the Old Town features a stunning 19-century dining room, free WiFi, and stylish, ornate air-conditioned rooms. They serve local, European, and vegetarian cuisine at their restaurant, which is worth visiting even if you’re not staying here.
KHIVA: Polvonnazir Guest House (⭐️ 9.5)
This friendly family-run guesthouse features a stunning rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the Old Town. It’s also situated right in the middle of Old Town, surrounded by all the main attractions. The rooms are spacious and spotlessly clean.
✈️ How to Get to Uzbekistan
The easiest way to reach Uzbekistan is to fly into either Tashkent International Airport (TAS) or Samarkand International Airport (SKD), both of which have many international connections.
Tickets can be pricey, so I also recommend checking flights to the nearby cities of Almaty (Kazakhstan), Dushanbe (Tajikistan), or Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) and consider driving into Uzbekistan from there.
🛂 Getting the Uzbekistan E-Visa
Citizens of many countries, including most European nations, the UK, and Canada, can enter Uzbekistan visa-free. US citizens and travelers from many other countries can easily apply for an e-visa via this official website.
The e-visa costs $20 USD and you will receive it in your email usually within 2 business days. It’s valid for 90 days from the date of application and allows you to spend up to 30 days in the country.
To see if you need a visa or e-visa for Uzbekistan, head to the official website of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
🔮 Travel Insurance for Uzbekistan
I never thought I needed travel insurance… until I did. And I’m a careful traveler. Sometimes, things are simply out of your control.
During my many years of traveling, I’ve gotten into a really scary car accident while riding in the back of a taxi, have needed emergency dental services, and have almost had all my valuables stolen. (These were all from separate trips, thankfully).
I use Heymondo and can highly recommend them — they provide 24/7 worldwide assistance (with Covid-19 coverage included), and no hidden out-of-pocket fees.
🚊 How to Get Around Uzbekistan
Contrary to what a lot of people may think, Uzbekistan is incredibly easy to navigate on your own. You don’t need a tour agency to take you around at all. Arranging a trip to Uzbekistan isn’t very different from arranging a trip to Europe.
That’s because you can easily book all your hotels via Booking.com, and Uzbekistan has a very well-developed railway system. Below are some tips to help you get around this country hassle-free.
✈️ Getting Around by Air
There are airports in all the major cities in Uzbekistan. However, taking the train is a cheaper and more convenient way to get between Uzbek cities. With that said, if you’re traveling between Tashkent and Khiva, flying is the fastest option.
You can fly out of Tashkent International Airport (TAS) into Urgench International Airport (UGC), which is around a 30-minute taxi ride to the center of Khiva. You can book your flight via Uzbekistan Airways.
To get between Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand, it is much more convenient and affordable to take the train instead.
🚊 Getting Around by Train
The three major cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent are very well-connected via frequent daily trains, making travel between them incredibly easy and convenient.
The high-speed trains in Uzbekistan are very comfortable, clean, and punctual. In fact, I had a much better experience with them than with most trains I took in Europe.
You can take either the Afrosiyob high-speed train or the slower Sharq train. While both trains are very comfortable and punctual, I recommend Afrosiyob for its faster speed and extra comfort and cleanliness. It only costs a bit more than the Sharq train.
🔥 Top Tip: Buy the tickets at local train stations for the best prices (around $7 USD). If you prefer booking in advance, you can do so via Global Connect for a much higher price. Alternatively, contact your hotel and ask them if they’re happy to buy the tickets for you — some hotels offer this service and charge a lot less than any online platform.
🚕 Getting Around by Taxi
To get between Khiva and Bukhara, you can either take the train or a taxi. The advantage of going by car is that you can take a little detour along the way and visit the incredible Khorezm desert fortresses — an experience you won’t come by every day.
Nestled in the Karakalpak desert, these abandoned desert castles have stood for over 2,000 years. Wandering through them is an experience like nothing else. There are no laid-out paths, protective ropes, or “tourist” signs to guide you around the area.
You’ll feel like an archeologist discovering a place that’s completely untouched, with barely anyone else around.
To explore these fortresses while getting between Khiva and Bukhara, simply arrange a taxi via your hotel. The total duration of the taxi ride would be around 9 hours, costing around $30 USD per person.
🚕 Getting Around With a Tour Group
If you don’t enjoy the hassle of planning a trip by yourself, consider booking a private tour of Uzbekistan. For this 6-day tour, you’re welcome to work with the local guide to customize your itinerary based on your interests — be it history, cuisine, or nature.
All logistics will be taken care of for you. Accommodations, internet access, travel (train, flight, and bus), and tickets for activities are all included.
🚶🏻♀️ How to Get Around Inside Uzbek Cities
🚗 Tashkent: I recommend using a taxi to get around Tashkent, as this city is much bigger than Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, and isn’t very walkable.
🚶🏻♀️ Samarkand & Bukhara: The best way to explore these cities is on foot, as most attractions are very close to one another. To reach remote sights or train stations, take a taxi.
🚶🏻♀️ Khiva: This compact town is also completely walkable, and the best way to explore is on foot. If you’re flying to/from Tashkent though, you’ll need a taxi to reach the nearby airport of Urgench.
🚕 Top Tip: Download the Yandex app to use in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. It’s like Uber; much cheaper than regular taxis, and easy to use. It sadly doesn’t work yet in Khiva or Urgench.
🥘 Food in Uzbekistan
🍲 What to Eat in Uzbekistan
Uzbek dishes are some of the richest and most flavorful ones I’ve tasted. The food in Uzbekistan left me longing for more long after leaving the country. Some staples of the local cuisine that I highly recommend trying are:
- Plov – a tasty rice dish with mutton, apricots, and carrots
- Nan bread – a traditional fresh oven-baked flatbread
- Shurpa – a soup with mutton and vegetables
- Lagman – a soup with noodles, potatoes, and meat
- Manti – dumplings with either meat or pumpkin inside
- Somsa – a savory meat pastry (the Central Asian version of samosas)
- Shashlik – meat skewers cooked over an open fire
- Kazan kabob – Uzbek kebab
- Shivit oshi – green noodles with meat and dill — a specialty of Khiva
🥗 Tips for Vegetarians & Vegans
As you may have gathered, Uzbek food is very meat-heavy. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you might have a hard time finding places that offer meatless options.
However, there definitely are restaurants that serve vegan/vegetarian dishes, and I have listed many of them in my individual Uzbekistan city guides.
🔥 Top Tip: Say “bez myasa” when ordering salads. It means “without meat”. This can come in handy as some salad plates may also occasionally contain sliced meat (yes, Uzbek people really love their meat!).
🍧 Where to Eat in Uzbekistan
There are a lot of restaurants in Uzbekistan with absolutely gorgeous decor and delicious food. You can find my top restaurant recommendations in my Samarkand Travel Guide, Bukhara Travel Guide, and Khiva Travel Guide.
If I had to choose one restaurant per city, they would be:
- Tashkent: Plov Center – The best place to taste plov (a national dish) in Uzbekistan
- Samarkand: Bibikhanum Teahouse — A great place to experience the cozy and traditional tapchan (outdoor sofa) seating arrangement.
- Bukhara: Mavrigi Restaurant – A friendly place with live music in the evenings. Be sure to try their Uzbek spice tea – the best tea we’ve had in Uzbekistan!
- Khiva: Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant — This is the one restaurant you shouldn’t miss in Khiva. It offers the ultimate meal with a view, as well as delicious vegetarian food.
💰 Costs of Traveling in Uzbekistan
🏨 Accommodation (per night): $20 – $40 USD budget / $40 – $65 USD comfort / $65 – $100 USD luxury
🥘 Food: ~$10 USD per day
🚕 Taxis: $1.25 USD for a 10-15 minute ride
✈️ Flight from Tashkent to Khiva: $60 USD
🚊 High-speed trains: $7 USD at local stations / ~$25 USD online
🎫 Admission to attractions: ~$25 USD in total for all attractions
📱 SIM card: $3 USD (2 GB) / $5 USD (5 GB) / $9 USD (10 GB) with Ucell
💵 Currency & ATMs in Uzbekistan
The currency in Uzbekistan is Uzbekistani Som. Use this currency converter to check how it compares to your home currency. There are also ATMs all around the four main cities mentioned in this guide.
However, it isn’t guaranteed that the ATMs will work with all credit/debit cards (including VISA/Mastercard), and it’s quite likely that you’ll walk from ATM to ATM because many are faulty and others simply don’t accept your card.
🔥 Top Tip: Withdraw cash at the airport when you arrive and be sure to have more cash on you than you need, just in case. I also found that ATMs inside higher-end hotels and fancy restaurants work much better than the ones elsewhere in the cities.
☀️ The Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan
The most ideal time to visit Uzbekistan is during the spring (mid-April to early June) and fall (September to mid-October). These seasons bring pleasant, warm weather (around 14°–26°C / 57°-78°F), making it perfect for exploring on foot.
Summers (June to August) can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), especially in desert areas like Khiva and Bukhara. Winters, on the other hand, bring very chilly weather (as low as -10°C / 14°F) and the occasional snow.
🔥 Top Tip: One downside to visiting in the spring and fall is that it’s also high-season then. To enjoy sightseeing with fewer crowds, consider visiting at the end of March or end of October, when it’s not as warm, but still mild (around 5°–18°C / 41°-64°F).
🙏🏻 Religion in Uzbekistan
There’s a general false assumption that Uzbekistan is a Muslim country. While 92% of the population here practices Islam, Uzbekistan is actually officially a secular country.
In fact, Uzbekistan is known for its religious tolerance and secular government. Visitors will notice a blend of traditional Islamic culture and modern, secular practices — creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers of all backgrounds.
As mentioned before, the majority of the population practices Sunni Islam. Uzbekistan is home to beautiful mosques, madrasahs, and shrines that reflect its rich Islamic heritage, many of which are found in historic cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
👚 What to Wear in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a lot more liberal than you may think. In modern cities like Tashkent and Samarkand, it’s not uncommon to see schoolgirls wearing mini-skirts.
With that said, the older generation is generally still conservative, so dressing respectfully is recommended, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Covering your shoulders and knees is also required when visiting mosques and other sacred places.
In short: you don’t need to dress like you’re in a Muslim country, because you’re not in one. You can technically wear whatever you want. However, do bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and consider dressing modestly if you mind people staring.
🧕🏻 A note about headscarves: Headscarves are only required when entering mosques. You don’t need to wear them at all when walking around town.
🧿 What to Buy in Uzbekistan
There are tons of souvenirs you can bring home from Uzbekistan, including beautiful ceramics, wood carvings, carpets, and miniature paintings. The most interesting and common items you’ll see in souvenir stores, though, are suzanis.
A suzani is a traditional hand-embroidered textile that dates back to the nomadic tribes in Uzbekistan. Back in the 15th century, suzanis were used as bedsheets and prayer mats inside yurts.
They were also commonly presented as dowries to grooms on their wedding day; the brides and their moms would adorn the embroideries with symbols of luck, health, and fertility.
Today, wandering through bazaars in Uzbekistan, you’ll find suzanis everywhere. Available in countless colors and designs, they’re usually sold as pillowcases, tablecloths, and blanket covers. A typical suzani pillowcase costs around $5-$10 USD.
Many vendors are also eager to share the stories and meanings behind their intricate embroidered designs, which is really interesting to learn.
🎒 Is Uzbekistan Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
Uzbekistan is one of the safest countries I’ve ever been to. It boasts a very low crime rate and doesn’t have the safety concerns such as pickpocketing that you may find in many Western countries.
Never once did I feel threatened during my time in Uzbekistan, even when wandering around at night.
If you’re a solo female traveler, simply apply common sense and take the general travel precautions you would anywhere else, and you’ll have no problems at all in Uzbekistan.
🗣️ Is English Spoken in Uzbekistan?
There are two main languages spoken in Uzbekistan: Uzbek and Russian. However, very basic English is understood in most tourist attractions.
You will probably have to rely on hand gestures or Google Translate in other parts of the cities though, as English is barely spoken outside the main attractions.
With that said, I never found the language barrier to be significant enough to cause any real obstacles.
🌷 People in Uzbekistan
Uzbek people are genuinely the kindest, friendliest, and most welcoming people I’ve ever met during my travels. They’ll put a smile on your face every day. You’ll often get strangers approaching you just to say a warm “welcome to my country!” and start a friendly conversation.
People here also tend to go out of their way to ensure you’re having a great time on your trip. For example, on two separate occasions, I was randomly given flowers (one real and one paper-made) from locals, just as a random act of kindness!
🌐 Internet in Uzbekistan
WiFi connection in Uzbekistan is likely to be a hit-or-miss situation depending on which hotels you stay in. If getting online during your trip is important to you, I recommend getting a SIM card with data just in case.
I’ve stayed in hotels/guesthouses with very slow and unreliable WiFi, but have also experienced really good WiFi in other accommodations. Essentially – don’t expect every hotel with WiFi to have reliable WiFi.
📱 SIM Cards in Uzbekistan
The easiest way to get a SIM card is to buy one at the Tourist Information Center inside the Tashkent International Airport upon your arrival. They sell Ucell SIM cards there, and you can choose between 2 GB ($3 USD), 5 GB ($5 USD), or 10 GB ($9 USD) of data.
I recommend getting a SIM card in Uzbekistan mostly because the WiFi in many hotels can be unstable and unreliable, so it’s always better to have some data to rely on.
💌 Final Thoughts on Uzbekistan
The fact that Uzbekistan is not one of the most popular travel destinations in the world is seriously baffling to me.
This country is genuinely one of the most breathtaking, surreal, and underrated places I’ve ever been to, and to this day, I’m still trying to figure out whether my time there was actually real—or all just a really cool dream.
I hope this article has given you enough reasons to visit Uzbekistan. But truly no words can do this country justice. I hope you’ll go and experience its pure magic for yourself. ✨
📸 My Uzbekistan Photography Gear
This is the gear Lukas and I used to capture the best of Uzbekistan. You can also see my article on the best cameras for bloggers for more options other than the ones listed below.
- Cameras: Nikon D610 + Sony A6400 (check out the best Sony lenses)
- Main lens: Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8
- Wide-angle lens: Tokina AF 16-28mm f/2.8
- Prime lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.4 G
- Tripod: Manfrotto Element Traveller Tripod (Ball Head)
I hope you found this Uzbekistan travel guide helpful!
For further reading on Uzbekistan, discover:
🕌 11 Top Things to do in Samarkand
🏯 14 Top Things to do in Bukhara
🏰 12 Top Things to do in Khiva
If you’re interested in other less-visited destinations, discover:
🇵🇰 11 Best Places to Visit in Lahore, Pakistan
🇦🇿 27 Best Places to Visit in Baku, Azerbaijan
🇮🇷 36 Most Beautiful Places in Iran
🇴🇲 A 10-Day Oman Road Trip Itinerary
🇫🇯 Top 12 Things to do in Nadi, Fiji
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Thank you for this! This is on my late spring 2021 list (assuming we are able to by then!) and I definitely would love to stay at one of the recommended guesthouses in the three cities but everything is completely and utterly booked up already. Any tips? Do bookings tend to free up or is it actually impossible to stay in these hotels? Cheers!
Hi there! I’m sorry to hear the recommended guesthouses are all booked up! I would suggest searching on Booking.com for other guesthouses if you haven’t done that already – there are lots of them in each city so I hope at least some of them should still have availability? If that still doesn’t work out, feel free to email me at hello@thediaryofanomad.com and I can try to get you some help from my local contacts 🙂
come here I am from uzbekistan
I’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t been yet. The architecture looks amazing and good to know they have a local alternative to uber. Thanks again.
Hello! Thank you so much for such an informative and beautiful article! I am (was) on the way to Uzbekistan so I really appreciate all your tips! I will be cycling there soon hopefully! 😉
Hey there! I’m so happy to hear this was helpful, thank you so much for your kind feedback! 🙂 Hope you’ll get to make your way there sooner than later. Stay safe! x
Oh my, those photos are gorgeous! I always admired the Turkish art of mosaics. Pinning this for when we finally do a trip to the middle east! Actually, what would you chose if you could only visit one – Uzbekistan or Oman?
Thanks so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it. I personally preferred Uzbekistan over Oman simply because the architecture there is so incredibly breathtaking and Uzbek locals truly won my heart! But it depends on the kind of vacation you want 🙂 Uzbekistan is very history and architecture heavy, whereas in Oman you’ve got beaches, waterfalls, deserts and mountains, so it really depends on the kind of activities you want to do on your trip!
Wow, your pictures are stunning! Uzbekistan looks like a beautiful country, that’s another country to add to my bucket list!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Lara!
This is stunning! All the information is truly helpful. I have been looking to plan a trip here for a long time. I have pinned this so I can refer back when it’s ok to start trip planning again!
I’m so happy to hear that Melissa! Thanks for reading 🙂 x
Gorgeous! Your photos make this place look so amazing!
Thank you Patti!
I can feel your love for this country by reading this post its fabulous.
Aw thanks Caro <3
I have been so impressed since the first day I have seen your photography of Uzbekistan! Thank you for sharing this very thorough guide Jiayi! The architecture is magnificent!
Aw thank you so much Ophélie!
Such beautiful architecture in your photographs is something amazing. I’m impressed! Super! Thanks for sharing! I dream of being there!
Thanks so much for your kind words, John! The architecture there is stunning indeed 🙂
Wow! Your photos are absolutely stunning. This is such an epic itinerary – I really hope to get to Uzbekistan soon. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Emma, I really appreciate it! 🙂
I loved how you said “why wouldn’t you go to Uzbekistan?” instead of people’s usually question of why to go! I feel this way about so many lesser-known places. I’m definitely inspired to visit Uzbekistan from your post! It’s good to know that it is really safe too. Thanks for this detailed post, I liked the way you organized it with both an itinerary and helpful information at the end.
Thanks so much Elizabeth, your kinds words mean a lot! <3 There are definitely so many underrated countries in the world!
I went to Uzbekistan a few years ago and loved it. It’s one of the most unique countries I’ve traveled to. Your photos are gorgeous and this is a great post with so many helpful tips.
Thank you Disha! It’s definitely an incredibly remarkable country!
Wow, such stunning photos! I love all the colors 💙 I really enjoy reading about your travel journey to a place less traveled to.
Thank you so much Madi! 🙂
This is an incredible guide Jiayi! Uzbekistan is so high on my bucket list and you truly inspired me to go. I am hoping to go in 2021 and will keep this post handy. Also, your photos are always so outstanding. 🙂
Thank you so much Taylor! 🙂 It means a lot. I hope you’ll get to go in 2021!
Your photos are incredible! Each one is stunning. Thanks for such a great guide!
Thank you so much Brooklyn! 🙂
Oh wow, what a beautiful place. I’ve heard great things about Uzbekistan. The buildings look so intricately decorated it’s unbelievable. I would definitely visit at some point
Happy to hear that, Emma! 🙂 It’s totally an incredibly beautiful place!
This is an incredible guide.I am following you since long on Instagram, and I have seen you traveled there 2 times and how incredible architecture this country has! I had Planned to visit it this year, but now don’t know when will be able to visit. As always love your captures, so stunning.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Mayuri! <3 I hope you'll get to visit it once things are back to normal again! 🙂
Uzbekistan has been on my to-do list so this detailed post is perfect. Hopefully 2021 will be my Central Asia year! Your photos are great and really give a good idea of how colourful Uzbekistan is. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Hazel! 🙂 I’d love to see more of Central Asia in 2021 too!
Taking me right back to Uzbekistan, both the positive and the negative :).
😀
Uzbekistan is next on my travel list and agreed – no one understands why I want to go! But your pictures are BEAUTIFUL. Can’t wait!
Aw thank you Julia! I’m sure you’ll love it when you go 🙂
So many stunning photos!! Uzbekistan really was a photography dream! I will just not mention the cold in November :p
Haha yes winters in Uzbekistan are brutal 😛
Jiayi, your photos are incredible as always and I love how detailed this blogpost is. Thank you so much for showing us the magic of this photogenic country 💗
Thank you so much for your kind words, Charu! <3
I am in just in awe of your beautiful photos!! Thank you for the wonderful guide!
Aw thank you so much Brit!! x
I see why you called this the ultimate guide! It is packed with information. This country is definitely on my bucketlist
Aw thanks Kesi! Glad to hear you want to go! 🙂
WOW! This is so beautiful and I love how detailed and helpful, plus the stunning pictures. Saved on my bucket list – dreaming about traveling again, and dreaming about going to Uzbekistan. Thanks for your post.
Aw thank you so much Paula! Dreaming of traveling again too, and I’m sure you’ll have a memorable time in this country in the future! 🙂
Awesome! I am devastated about not visiting Uzbekistan last year when somehting came up. I hope we can all travel soon again, it´s definitely high up on my list and this post just made me visit it more. Such gorgeous pictures and lots of useful info, thanks for sharing, x
Aw thank you Katja! I’m sure when you do visit in the future, the wait will be more than worth it 🙂
I just LOVEEEE your photos!!! Uzbekistan looks incredibly beautiful and you’ve captured it so beautiful! I’ve pinned this post for when I plan my trip, thanks for all the useful info!
Thank you so much Ellie, it means a lot! 🙂
Uzbekistan has been on my list for a little while ago but reading this and seeing these spectacular photos has definitely bumped it to the top. This guide is so helpful and I’ll be saving it for when I can travel here. Thank you!!
I’m so happy this was helpful, Sophie! Thank you for your kind words and I’m sure you’ll love this country when you do go 🙂
Your trip sounds like it was absolutely amazing and your photos are incredible! I deff feel so inspired to go now and totally saving this guide!
Thank you so much Sam! It’s totally an incredible country, hard to take a bad photo here 😉
Uzbekistan looks stunning! I cannot get over your pictures! That’s a good tips about flights from Istanbul or Moscow. I have never heard of Uzbekistan but now I want to go!
Thank you so much Linnea! Happy you want to go! 🙂
This guide is so detailed, I learned a lot! You have definitely convinced me to visit!
Thank you Tiana! Happy to hear that!
I’m sad because I was SO set on going to Uzbekistan this summer, I had almost booked my flight. However, I’m grateful for all this information and beautiful photography to inform me better and inspire me even more for my trip in the future.
Sorry to hear that Arabela, I’m sure when you do go in the future that it’ll be well worth the wait! 🙂
Amazing article that is….
Thanks for sharing with us
Thank you!
I can’t believe the colors you capture in your photos of the mosaics. Amazing shots!
Thanks so much, Jason! Hard to take bad photos of such a beautiful place though! 🙂
Thanks for your very interesting article (and wonderful photographs). Uzbekistan has been on my wish list for a while; your article has given me the encouragement to start planning now. Best wishes to you. James
Thats some great info! Uzbekistan is on my list and I cannot wait to explore it. Also your pictures are so dreamy!
Hi,
I need some help. The website for booking train tickets in Uzbekistan shows 4 Wagon types — Sedentary, Reserved Seat, Coupe & SW.
However, there are no details on the website about what each of these mean & how they they differ from each other.
Do have any informtion on this issue that you could share with me?
Thanks
Rajiv
Great commentary and photos, some many colourful tiles. Took me back to our travels, and their bread, in October 2003.
Cheers
Chris
I love Uzbekistan, I lived there almost for a year. It’s one of the safest countries I’ve been to, which comes as a surprise for many people.
I was born and raised in Uzbekistan. Now I live in the USA. I plan a 7-10 day family trip there with my hubby and interested in all-inclusive package. Which travel agency you would recommend to use? Thank you so much in advance for your help!!
I highly recommend StanAdventure (https://stanadventure.com/) – I personally know and have worked with these guys, they are so friendly, kind, professional, and would plan an amazing trip for you! 🙂
Your detailed 10-day itinerary for Uzbekistan is a travel enthusiast’s dream! The mix of historical wonders, cultural insights, and practical tips is incredibly helpful. Did you have a favorite city or site along the way? Also, any unexpected discoveries that made the journey even more memorable? Your insights are fueling my wanderlust, and I can’t wait to embark on my own Uzbekistan adventure armed with your recommendations!
I am planning a trip to Uzbekistan, stumbled upon your website and found this very informative guide with many useful tips (and beautiful photos). Thank you so much.