Samarkand was the centre of the known world under Tamerlane. Bukhara has been continuously inhabited for 2,500 years. Khiva is a living medieval city. Uzbekistan has more Silk Road history per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth — and the tourism infrastructure to make it accessible without losing the authenticity.
Quick Facts
capital
Tashkent
best Time
March – May, September – November
visa
E-visa available online
currency
Uzbekistani Sum (UZS)
language
Uzbek, Russian
altitude
Mostly lowland, Fergana Valley 500m
Tours From
€890
Where to Go
Regions & Highlights
🕌
Samarkand
Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. The jewel of the Silk Road. An hour from Tashkent by high-speed train.
🏰
Bukhara
The best-preserved medieval city in Central Asia. The Ark fortress, Kalon minaret, and hundreds of madrasahs. The last Emir's palace is still standing.
🏛
Khiva
A perfectly preserved Silk Road city that feels unchanged since the 19th century. The entire inner city (Itchan Kala) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
🎨
Fergana Valley
The heartland of Uzbek culture. Silk workshops in Margilan, potters in Rishtan, suzane embroidery. The richest craft tradition in Central Asia.
What to Do
Experiences
- Registan Square at sunrise & sunset
- Bukhara old city exploration
- Traditional Uzbek cooking classes
- Silk weaving in Margilan
- Khiva heritage walking tour
- Desert tour to Aydarkul Lake
Before You Go
Practical Information
Getting There
Tashkent is the best-connected city in Central Asia with direct flights from Frankfurt, London, Istanbul, Dubai, Moscow, Seoul, and more. High-speed Afrosiyob train links Tashkent to Samarkand (2h) and Bukhara (3h).
Visa
E-visa available online for most nationalities. Processing takes 2–3 days and costs around $20. Citizens of many countries are now visa-free — check the latest list at mfa.uz.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations. Tap water not safe to drink — bottled water everywhere. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C — plan outdoor activities for early morning.
Money
USD can be exchanged everywhere at good rates. Cards accepted in major hotels and restaurants in cities. The Uzbek Sum has many zeros — nothing to worry about, just a quirk of the currency.
Expeditions
Uzbekistan Tours
Ready to Go?
Let's plan your
Uzbekistan expedition
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