Uzbekistan is home to the most famous cities of the Silk Road: Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Mosques covered in blue tilework, madrasas, caravanserais and bazaars are found in towns that are easy to explore on foot and linked by a network of fast trains. This Uzbekistan travel guide brings together the essentials for planning your trip: what to see, suggested itineraries, budget and entry requirements.
To locate cities, regions, terrain, national parks and airports, see our map of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan at a glance
CapitalTashkent
LanguagesUzbek (official language)Russian is widely understood; English mainly in hotels and travel agencies
Afghan border: the UK FCDO advises caution near the border with Afghanistan. The Friendship Bridge crossing remains officially closed to foreigners, and you risk arrest if you approach the fenced « neutral zone » along the Amudarya river or photograph military infrastructure there.
Tourist sites near the border: many require permission from the local authorities or must be visited with an organized tour group.
Source: UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 19 March 2026, read on 24 October 2026. Check the latest version before you travel.
When to go to Uzbekistan
The best periods are spring (mid-April to late May) and early autumn (September to mid-October): 21 to 30 °C (70 to 86 °F) in the afternoon, little rain and mild nights. Summer is dry and very hot, with more than 35 °C (95 °F) in Bukhara and Khiva in July; winter is cold, with frequent night frosts. All the details, month by month and with official climate normals, are in our article best time to visit Uzbekistan.
What to see in Uzbekistan: the highlights
The monuments of Khiva in the morning light, Uzbekistan
Samarkand
Tamerlane’s former capital, Samarkand is the country’s best-known stop. Registan Square and its three madrasas form the most spectacular ensemble, but the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, with its avenue of blue-tiled mausoleums, is often the most memorable visit. Add the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siab Bazaar and Ulugh Beg’s observatory. Allow two full days.
Bukhara
Bukhara has kept a compact, largely pedestrian historic center around the Lyab-i-Hauz pool. Highlights include the Kalyan minaret and its adjoining mosque, the Mir-i-Arab madrasa, the Ark citadel, the Samanid mausoleum and the trading domes, old covered bazaars where craftspeople still work. It is the ideal town to slow down: plan two or three days.
Khiva
In the west, on the edge of the desert, Khiva is home to the Itchan Kala, an inner town entirely enclosed by earthen walls and listed as a World Heritage Site. Minarets, palaces, madrasas and houses can be visited on foot in one or two days. In the evening, once the groups have left, the lanes are very quiet. The nearest airport is in Urgench, about thirty kilometers (20 mi) away, and Khiva also has its own railway station.
Tashkent
The capital is a large modern city, largely rebuilt after the 1966 earthquake. It deserves one or two days for the Khast Imam complex, Chorsu Bazaar, the museums and above all the metro, whose stations are decorated like palaces. It is also the starting point for trips into the western Tian Shan mountains and for trains to Samarkand.
Shahrisabz
Tamerlane’s birthplace, about two hours’ drive from Samarkand over a mountain pass, Shahrisabz preserves the monumental remains of the Ak-Saray palace and several mausoleums. It is an easy day trip from Samarkand.
The Fergana Valley
In the east, this fertile valley is the agricultural and craft heartland of the country. Rishtan is known for its ceramics, Margilan for silk and its weaving workshops, Kokand for the palace of Khudayar Khan. Less visited than the classic route, it is reached by train from Tashkent. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026), air quality in the Fergana Valley, as in Tashkent, is often poor in winter between November and February.
Nukus and Karakalpakstan
In the northwest, Nukus is home to the Savitsky Museum, renowned for its collection of Russian avant-garde and Central Asian art. It is also the base for reaching Moynaq and the ship graveyard of the former Aral Sea, as well as the earthen fortresses of Khorezm, between Nukus and Khiva.
The Kyzylkum Desert and Lake Aydarkul
Between Samarkand and Bukhara, several yurt camps welcome travelers for a night in the desert, with a camel ride and a swim in Lake Aydarkul. This stop is usually booked through a local agency or your accommodation.
Things to do in Uzbekistan
Visit the monuments of Samarkand: the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-e-Amir and Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Wander through Bukhara’s trading domes, around the Lyab-i-Hauz pool
Walk Khiva’s Itchan Kala in the evening, once the groups have left
Travel by fast train between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
Sleep in a yurt in the Kyzylkum, with a camel ride and a swim in Lake Aydarkul
Meet the craftspeople of the Fergana Valley: ceramics in Rishtan, silk in Margilan
Discover the Savitsky Museum in Nukus and the ship graveyard of Moynaq, on the former Aral Sea
Taste plov, the national dish, in a teahouse or a bazaar
Itinerary ideas for Uzbekistan
7 to 10 days: the classic Silk Road
Days 1 and 2: Tashkent (metro, Chorsu Bazaar, Khast Imam)
Days 3 to 5: fast train to Samarkand, Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, day trip to Shahrisabz
Days 6 to 8: train to Bukhara, old town and trading domes
Days 9 and 10: Khiva (by train or by road across the desert), then a flight back to Tashkent from Urgench
2 weeks: Silk Road, desert and Fergana
Days 1 and 2: Tashkent
Days 3 to 5: Fergana Valley (Kokand, Rishtan, Margilan), back to Tashkent
Days 6 to 8: Samarkand and Shahrisabz
Day 9: night in a yurt near Lake Aydarkul
Days 10 to 12: Bukhara
Days 13 and 14: Khiva, then a flight from Urgench to Tashkent
Distances are long between Bukhara and Khiva (several hours by road or train). To avoid backtracking, travel the route in one direction and return to Tashkent on a domestic flight.
Who is Uzbekistan for?
Our verdicts by traveler profile, based on the stops, budget and conditions in this guide to Uzbekistan.
Profile
Our verdict
Culture and history
✅ Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva: the great Silk Road cities, explored on foot.
Independent travelers
✅ Afrosiyob fast trains between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara; hotels handle your registration.
Budget travelers
✅ Roughly US$45–80 a day; meals and transport remain affordable.
Couples
✅ Hotels in old mansions or caravanserais, Khiva’s Itchan Kala in the evening.
Adventure
✅ A night in a yurt in the Kyzylkum, the Aral Sea ship graveyard, the Fergana Valley.
Beach and relaxation
❌ A cultural touring destination; summer is very hot, with more than 35 °C (95 °F) in Bukhara and Khiva.
Budget for a trip to Uzbekistan
Once there, Uzbekistan is affordable, especially for meals and transport. Boutique hotels in the old towns are the main expense. Indicative amounts per person per day, excluding international flights (converted from our euro estimates at the ECB rate of 23 October 2026, €1 = US$1.12):
Item
Budget
Comfort
Accommodation (based on a shared double room)
roughly US$17–34
roughly US$55–110
Meals
roughly US$11–17 (plov, shashlik, local cafés)
roughly US$28–45
Transport (trains, taxis)
roughly US$6–17
roughly US$17–34
Sightseeing and activities
roughly US$6–11
roughly US$17–34
Total per day
roughly US$45–80
roughly US$110–200
Indicative estimates, varying by season. Accommodation prices rise in spring and autumn.
Most monuments charge an entrance fee, sometimes with a supplement for taking photos. In Khiva, a combined ticket gives access to many sites in the Itchan Kala.
Getting around Uzbekistan
Train: the most practical option. Afrosiyob fast trains link Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara; slower trains also serve Urgench, Khiva, Nukus and the Fergana Valley. Tickets are sold at stations or on the Uzbek Railways website; according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026), you need to show your passport when booking. Book early in high season. On overnight trains, the FCDO advises locking the compartment door from the inside and never leaving your belongings unattended.
Plane: useful to avoid a long journey back from Khiva or Nukus. Domestic flights link Tashkent with Urgench, Nukus, Bukhara and Samarkand.
Taxis and ride-hailing: in the big cities, ride-hailing apps save you from haggling. For intercity trips, shared taxis leave from bus stations. The UK FCDO recommends licensed taxis whenever possible (official airport taxis, or taxis booked through apps such as Yandex or MyTaxi); the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated January 29, 2026) advises against using private cars as taxis and against unmarked taxis. Many taxis have no rear seatbelts.
Car with driver: convenient for Shahrisabz, the desert or the Bukhara to Khiva road. Local agencies and hotels offer this service.
Driving: the U.S. Department of State warns that driving at night can be dangerous: rural roads are generally unlit, and livestock and carts without lights are found on the roads at any hour. UK licence holders can drive for 30 days with their UK licence plus the 1968 International Driving Permit, which must be obtained in the UK before travel (UK FCDO). Uzbekistan drives on the right.
Where to stay in Uzbekistan
In Samarkand, stay near the Registan or in the old town to reach the main sights on foot. In Bukhara, the Lyab-i-Hauz area is ideal: everything is within walking distance. In Khiva, sleeping inside the Itchan Kala or just outside lets you enjoy the walls at sunrise and sunset. In Tashkent, choose an area close to a metro station.
Options range from family guesthouses, often built around an inner courtyard, to hotels in old mansions or caravanserais, and large international hotels in Tashkent and Samarkand. Hotels handle the compulsory registration of your stay: check that they do, and keep the proof.
Entry requirements for Uzbekistan
US citizens
According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated January 29, 2026), US citizens traveling for tourism for 30 days or less can apply for an e-visa through the government of Uzbekistan’s e-visa portal. Wait for the email confirming approval (payment confirmation is not approval), print it and carry it with you; e-visas cannot be extended in Uzbekistan. US citizens under 16 traveling with their guardians, and those over 55 traveling for tourism for up to 30 days, do not need a visa. You cannot enter with a valid Uzbek visa in a canceled or expired passport.
UK citizens
According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 19 March 2026), British citizens can visit without a visa for tourism or business for up to 30 days. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you arrive. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry: border guards check it on exit.
Registration (all travelers): both sources state that you must register with the local authorities within 3 days of arrival. Hotels do it for you; in a private home your host registers you; campers must register themselves online on the Emehmon system (GOV.UK). On departure the authorities may ask for a full record of your stays, and missing registration can lead to fines and deportation (GOV.UK).
Customs: according to GOV.UK, you must fill in a customs declaration (in two copies, both stamped) if you carry more than US$10,000 or more than 65 g of precious metals or gemstones, and you cannot leave with more foreign currency than you brought in. Drones are largely prohibited without a licence obtained before arrival.
Medication: bring your doctor’s prescription and declare prescription medicines on your customs form; some medicines sold without prescription in the UK, including codeine, cause problems on entry (GOV.UK). The U.S. Department of State advises carrying medication in its original packaging with the prescription.
Entry requirements checked on 24 October 2026; check them again before you travel.
Health and safety
Healthcare: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026), the quality of medical care is generally poor and most hospitals are badly equipped; the U.S. Department of State notes that care is below U.S. standards. Insurance covering medical costs and evacuation is essential.
Vaccines: check the latest recommendations at least 8 weeks before your trip (TravelHealthPro for UK travelers, CDC for US travelers) and see a doctor or travel health clinic.
Water and air: tap water is not potable in many areas; bottled water is generally safe (U.S. Department of State). Air pollution is a risk in the big cities, especially between November and February (GOV.UK).
Safety: the U.S. Department of State reports that violent crime against foreigners is rare; pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in bazaars and on public transport (GOV.UK). Terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, and the FCDO advises caution near the Afghan border. Uzbekistan is in an active seismic zone (GOV.UK).
Local laws: you must carry your passport at all times (GOV.UK); the U.S. Department of State advises carrying a copy of your passport, visa and registration. Same-sex relations between men are illegal (U.S. Department of State). Check before taking photos near government buildings, airports, border checkpoints, bridges and metro stations (GOV.UK).
Emergencies: 112 (unified number), ambulance 103, police 102, fire 101; tourist hotline 1173, with English-speaking operators (GOV.UK). For mobile connectivity, see our page Uzbekistan eSIM.
Practical tips for Uzbekistan
Money: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026), the som is not available outside Uzbekistan, there are very few ATMs accepting international cards outside the main cities, and international credit cards are not widely accepted outside Tashkent and the main cities: bring enough cash or withdraw it in a main city before heading to the regions. US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange; only change money at official exchange booths, which refuse damaged notes and dollars issued before 2013. Black-market exchange is illegal. Our currency converter helps you plan your budget.
Internet: Wi-Fi is common in hotels. A local SIM card or an eSIM is handy for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Dress: Uzbekistan is a mainly Muslim country but fairly relaxed in the cities. In active mosques and mausoleums, cover your shoulders and knees; women may want to bring a scarf.
Etiquette: hospitality is strong. Tea is served everywhere; accept it gladly. Take off your shoes if you are invited into someone’s home. Ask permission before photographing people.
Social media: according to GOV.UK, disrespectful posts about public buildings, the flag, national food or customs, including criticism of the government, can lead to fines or detention.
Bazaars: haggling is customary for crafts (ceramics, silk, suzani, carpets).
Food: plov (rice with carrots, meat and spices) is the national dish, and each region has its own version. Also try oven-baked samsa, shashlik (kebabs), lagman (noodles) and the round bread, non, which differs from town to town. Vegetarians will find salads and soups, but meat is everywhere.
British citizens can visit visa-free for up to 30 days, with a passport valid at least 3 months after arrival (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026). US citizens traveling for tourism for up to 30 days apply for an e-visa, except those under 16 or over 55 (travel.state.gov, last updated January 29, 2026). Your stay must be registered within 3 days, which hotels do for you. Checked on 24 October 2026.
Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists?
According to the U.S. Department of State, violent crime against foreigners is rare; pickpocketing is common in bazaars and on public transport. The UK FCDO advises caution near the border with Afghanistan, where the Friendship Bridge crossing is closed to foreigners.
How many days do you need in Uzbekistan?
About ten days is enough for Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Two weeks lets you add the Fergana Valley, Shahrisabz and a night in the desert.
How much does a trip to Uzbekistan cost?
Excluding international flights, allow roughly US$45–80 per person per day on a budget, and US$110–200 in comfort. Boutique hotels in the old towns are the biggest expense.
What is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?
Spring (mid-April to late May) and early autumn (September to mid-October). Summer is very hot and dry, with more than 35 °C (95 °F) in Bukhara in July, and winter is cold.
What can you see in Uzbekistan in one week?
Tashkent (metro, Chorsu Bazaar), Samarkand (Registan, Shah-i-Zinda) and Bukhara, linked by fast train. To add Khiva, allow 9 to 10 days and return to Tashkent on a domestic flight from Urgench.
Which route should you take in Uzbekistan?
The classic route follows the Silk Road: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and then Khiva, with a flight back from Urgench to Tashkent to avoid backtracking. In two weeks, add the Fergana Valley, Shahrisabz and a night in a yurt near Lake Aydarkul.
Discover our other destinations in Asia, such as China, neighboring Kyrgyzstan for the mountains, or Mongolia.
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