The Perfect 7-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary: Your all-in-one Guide

“Everything I have heard about the beauty of Samarkand is pure truth – but it is even more splendid than I could have imagined!” said Alexander the Great. Indeed, Uzbekistan is full of unreal beauty, and it looks exactly like in the stunning photographs you see of its cities.

I had lost count of the number of times my breath had been taken away: between the country’s dazzling blue mosques, beautifully carved minarets, Soviet-style buildings, and ancient towns stuck in time. It’s a destination you have to see to believe.

We spent one week in Uzbekistan in June 2021 and wanted to share our experience. So let’s take a look at this very detailed 7 day Uzbekistan Itinerary, where we share with you some of the best places to see, attractions to visit, how to travel around the country, where to stay, and a few more handy tips. 

Get inspired to embark on your own Silk Road adventure by reading our 40 Most Interesting Facts about Uzbekistan!

The region’s culture is also very welcoming and warm, which always makes for a great deal of flavourful and delicious cuisine, read more about Uzbek cuisine and must-try dishes.

 

Best time to visit Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is an exciting location when it comes to its weather conditions. The summers are hot and dry, but you can still travel and enjoy the country’s beauty in comfort. However, keep in mind that June, July, and August are the hottest.

The highest season and the best time to visit Uzbekistan is in spring, from April till June. You don’t need to worry about the overcrowded attractions, though. The second touristic season in Uzbekistan starts in autumn.

In fall, the most comfortable months are September and October, as it gets chilly in November. The winters are cold, and the country is off-season, so plan your Uzbekistan itinerary accordingly.

How to get to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a double landlocked country, which means you can travel there by plane or by car. 

Flying is the easiest option. You can arrive in Tashkent if you have your visa figured out. The two leading airlines flying to Uzbekistan are Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines. 

But you can also travel on land and cross the border from one of the neighboring countries. That’s what we did. We were already in Kyrgyzstan, so we crossed the border from Osh and took a taxi to Tashkent. It’s possible to do it all in one day. We can also provide you with the phone number of our taxi driver to get you started. 🙂

How to get around Uzbekistan

We took a combination of shared taxis and high-speed trains moving around Uzbekistan.

Trains are most comfortable for long distances, while shared taxis are more convenient when traveling in the same city. 

How to Get Around Uzbekistan By train 

High-speed trains are the most comfortable and cost-efficient way to get around Uzbekistan. It’s also one of the safest options. They travel between the most popular locations and are much faster than other local transport. The trains sold out fast, so you should book the tickets way in advance, at least a few days before your trip. Unfortunately, since 2017, you can’t secure the ticket online. This option is available to locals only. That’s why you will have to go to the local train station and get the ticket in person. You can, of course, try getting it on the same day as you travel. But it will likely be fully booked, especially during the summer months and in September.

Here is a timetable of the Uzbekistan railways

How to Get Around Uzbekistan By taxi

One of the most common ways to get around Uzbekistan is with shared taxis, called “marshrutka.” It is an impressive experience, which should appear in your Uzbekistan itinerary. It’s a fantastic way to meet the locals and learn more about their everyday lifestyles.

Of course, the prices for such a trip can vary based on the route and the individual driver. But you can always negotiate to get the best deal. 

There are two ways to get a shared taxi. The first is to find one in their departure spot, usually near the popular city locations. 

Make sure to go past the crowds of hungry taxi drivers spotting the exit of tourists in the train stations and look for a driver with whom you could negotiate a reasonable price.

The second is to order one through YandexGo, an app like Uber, widely used in Uzbekistan.

How to Get Around Uzbekistan By car (not recommended) 

Unlike in most countries, you cannot rent a car through a car rental agency in Uzbekistan. However, it’s also true that Uzbekistan isn’t the best country to take that chance. Most drivers don’t care for the rules. Also, random stops by Uzbek police looking to collect a bribe are not rare. All this can only complicate your travel experience.

7-Day Itinerary in Uzbekistan

Day 0 – Arriving in Tashkent

The first thing on your Uzbekistan itinerary will be its capital city, Tashkent. It’s a big city with the title of the most populous in Central Asia. Influenced by Turkic, Indian, Chinese, and Soviet cultures, this city is an exceptional travel destination. It is full of exciting things to do and see. 

The first thing to do here would be to get accommodation. If you prefer a modern and comfortable stay, we’d recommend staying at the Moderno Hotel. It is a new hotel with a fresh and contemporary design. The rooms are soundproof and have spacious beds.

All of the amenities are of international standard. There’s a beautiful swimming pool and a fancy gym. The breakfast buffet is as good as it gets. The pricing is an excellent value for the quality and location. Moderno Hotel is an exceptional place to stay in Tashkent. 

If you are a hostel-type traveler, a great place to stay in Tashkent is the Art Hostel. Located not far from the top attractions, it’s a great budget-friendly choice. The hostel has an Uzbek home ambiance. It offers various rooms – from single through quadruple to four- and six-bed dormitory-style rooms. There’s also a medium-sized swimming pool and a fantastic breakfast.

Day 1 – Tashkent

Now that you’ve had the time to rest, it’s high time to explore this thrilling Uzbek city. You’ll find out that one of the best ways to get around Tashkent is the metro. There are metro stations all over the city, and you can get to almost any location without a problem.

Tashkent Metro also happens to be one of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s a mix of Uzbek culture, Soviet past, and urbanistic design. There you’ll be amazed by stunning art exhibits, fascinating decorations, and interesting materials used while building the underground.

Get ready for marvelous frescoes, mosaics, arches, and other architectural wonders. 

Tasting local produce and speaking to the locals is a surefire way to feel the country’s culture. You can do all this at the Chorsu Market (or Bazaar, as the locals call it). The market is located at 57 Tafakkur Ko’chasi street, right next to the Chorsu metro station.

It’s an old traditional food market with meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, and nuts. Most vendors will let you sample their goods, which is an amazing passage to the local cuisine. You can also try to visit the Alay Bazaar, located at 7 Yahyo Gulyamov Street. It has a modern feel to it and operates in an orderly fashion. 

After visiting the Chorsu Market, stop by at the fantastic Kukeldash Madrasah. Built in a traditional shape from yellow brick, it’s a significant place for Islamic students in Tashkent.

There you’ll also find a Juma (or Dzhuma) Mosque, built in the 15th century. But, in the 19th century, the main building was rebuilt. So now, we can only see the old construction layout and fragments of preserved designs.  

If you are into urban architecture and history, Amir Temur Square and Independence Square (a.k.a. Mustakillik) are worth visiting. Amir Temur Square, near Uzbekistan Hotel, is a massive city square with much greenery. It feels like a smaller park.

Look out for a monument dedicated to Amir Temur, a prominent historical figure for Uzbeks. In addition, independence Square is home to government buildings and important historical memorials. There you’ll visit the Glory and Memory Alley, honoring the heroes of World War II.

Each year on May 9th, it’s full of flowers brought by the residents in the memory of the fallen. It’s a relaxing place for many Tashkent residents. 

For a later lunch, stop by The Central Asian Plov Center, which we mentioned earlier. The building is a vast dining hall where you’ll meet both locals, out-of-towners, and tourists. You can get an impressive portion of plov, a salad, and a drink (usually lemon tea). To reach the center, get off at the Habib Abdullayev metro station. 

Next to The Central Asian Plov Center, you’ll see Tashkent Television Tower, a true city landmark. It is 375-meter-high and is the 12th tallest tower in the world.

The tower’s observation deck offers excellent city views. It attracts quite a few tourists each year. The observation deck is 97 meters above the ground. For a different experience, you can get a drink or grab a bite at the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower.

A trip to Tashkent wouldn’t be complete without the remarkable Hazrati Imam Complex. Located in Sibzar, an old city district, it’s a complex of historical and architectural monuments. Moreover, it’s a religious center in Tashkent. There are two mausoleums – Khazrati Imam and Kaffal Shashi.

There’s the Barak-Khan Madrasah, built in the 16th century by the “Lucky Ruler,” and Muyi Muborak Madrasah, a 16th-century educational center, and a rich library today. Many people visit to see the world’s oldest Quran of Caliph Uthman, listed in the UNESCO. The complex also has three mosques – Khazrati Imam, Tilla Sheikh, and Namazgokh.

There’s also an educational center and the Building of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Uzbekistan.

Another fabulous place to see in Tashkent is the Minor Mosque, located in the newer part of the city. It’s not far from the UzExpoCentre, where many people come for business. The area around the mosque is large (more than 11ha) but very peaceful and quiet.

The Minor Mosque, open since 2014, is fascinating both from outside and inside. Built with white marble, it’s an architectural wonder and a landmark of Uzbekistan. 

Tashkent is the largest city in Uzbekistan and plays a role as its cultural hub. So if you’re into arts and history, there are quite a few places in Tashkent worth your attention.

One of the most famous museums in the city is the Amir Timur Museum, which opened in 1996. There are more than 5000 memorabilia and artifacts exhibited focusing on the life and deeds of Amir Timur. They take the visitors through a vital part of Uzbekistan history.

If you’d like to dig deeper, pay a visit to the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, founded in 1876. It’s one of the oldest museums in Central Asia, with more than 250,000 exhibits. The museum’s collection covers Uzbek history and its culture, arts, and ethnography.

For architecture fans, the museum’s building is a curious example of multicultural Soviet architecture.  

Day 2/3 – Samarkand

After spending a day in Tashkent, let’s head out to stunning Samarkand. This city is a magnificent landmark of Islamic architecture. It’s also one of the finest destinations in our Uzbekistan itinerary. With its unique history, Samarkand has a special magical feel to it.

It used to be the capital for Timur the Great’s empire and a crucial economic and cultural center in Central Asia. So it’s best to spend at least a few days there. Samarkand is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan. All attractions are pretty spread out, and there are two parts of the city.

The frequently visited part is the old town. It has the main religious and historical attractions. And there’s the new town with cultural hubs, educational institutions, and governmental buildings. 

For a hotel, we’d like to recommend the Emirkhan Hotel, which is where we stayed. This place is beautiful both inside and outside! There are plenty of traditional Uzbek patterns, stylish furniture, and lavish amenities. There’s also an outside swimming pool and a wonderful terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast or sit down for a coffee break. 

The top attraction in Samarkand is, of course, the Registan. It’s a former heart of the ancient empire of Timur the Great. Today this square is a part of the UNESCO Heritage List. It attracts many religious travelers, but also those interested in history and Islamic architecture.

The square is trendy, so we’d recommend heading there early in the morning or later at night. It’s best to do both as at night Registan lights up and turns into a magical place.

Every day at 7:00 pm there’s a show with traditional music and dancing. It’s a beautiful way to spend your evening, which will leave you in awe. Registan has three madrassas – the Ulug Begh, Sher Dor, and Tillya Kari.

The architecture of each madrassah depicts the history of the Timur Empire. Their exterior might be similar, but the interior of each madrassah is very different. The mosaics of each one are astonishingly intricate and beautiful. 

Shah-I-Zinda Complex, a necropolis located in the northeastern part of Samarkand, is another “must-see” site in Samarkand. The site’s name means “The Living King,” which is undoubtedly the most important Muslim shrine.

The complex consists of many temples, mausoleums, and other ritual buildings. One of the most valuable in the complex is the tomb of Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, who brought Islam to the region.

This place will astonish you with one of the richest tilework in the Muslim world, along with its historical value. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of the Zarafshan valley and the mountains to the south. 

Another point of interest is the Gur-e-Amir, a mausoleum of Timur. This attraction, a.k.a. The Tomb of the King, is considered an inspiration and a model for the world-famous Taj Mahal.

It’s a resting place for Timur and his sons, grandsons, and his teacher. The building dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, but not all of it is original, and a big part had to be restored. Nevertheless, its famous blue-tiled dome and walls with gold inscriptions will amaze any visitor. 

Ulugh Beg Observatory, built in 1420, is another top attraction in Samarkand. It used to be one of the finest observatories in the Islamic World. But, unfortunately, later in the 15th century, it was destroyed and wasn’t rediscovered until 1908.

However, due to its unique construction, the observatory served as an exceptional astronomical tool. Discoveries made at the observatory were terrific. They were amazingly exact, even though the astronomers didn’t use any visual tools. Today you can see the observatory remains and visit a museum that explains the work of Ulugh Beg.  

If you’re looking to explore something different, the Afrasiyab Settlement and Museum would be a great choice. Covering about 220 ha, it’s one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. The attraction itself represents natural hills and a museum.

The experience might be better with a guide. She is called Feruza and she can tell you more about the history and significance of this place. Here is her number: +998 91 525 55 13.

The museum describes the Afrasiyab settlement and tells the story of how Samarkand was found. You can find it in the north of Samarkand.

 Day 4 – Samarkand– Bukhara

On the 4th day of our Uzbekistan itinerary, it’s time to move along and travel to Bukhara. The best way to travel there from Samarkand is by high-speed train. The road will take about 4 hours, which you can use to rest and enjoy the scenery. 

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, there are quite a few options in Bukhara. For a truly boutique experience, we’d recommend staying at the Boutique Hotel Minzifa. The interior is extraordinary and beaming with Uzbek national patterns and prints. The hotel’s location is perfect, as it’s near all the city’s main attractions. They also serve delicious Uzbek-style breakfast and offer local dishes a-la-carte. 

Another option (and the more affordable one!) is the Lyabi House Hotel. Located in a 19th-century building, it combines Uzbek traditions, antique furniture, and modern amenities. It has a beautiful courtyard and serves a tasty and nutritious breakfast. 

For a cheaper option, take a look at the Rumi Hotel. Here you’ll be able to get close to Bukhara culture for a delightful price. It’s a hostel-type of accommodation, with comfortable common spaces. The location is lovely, too, and you can meet and chat with other travelers. The hostel’s specialty is tea and Uzbek baked sweets.

 Day 5 – Bukhara

The Po-i-Kalyan complex is, no doubt, the main attraction in Bukhara. Many visitors come here to see the Kalon minaret, the Miri Arab Madrasah, and the Kalon mosque. The Kalon minaret is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. It dates back to the 12th century. Even the mighty Genghis Khan spared the building after he conquered Bukhara.

Today this 45-meter building is one of the top attractions in this destination. The Kalon mosque, dating back to the 16th century, will amaze you. It has 288 domes and 208 pillars, which makes it a sight you can’t miss. The third part of the complex is the beautiful Miri Arab Madrasah. It’s pretty sacred, so tourists can’t enter and can enjoy it from the outside.

Like the one in Samarkand, you’ll find the Ulugbek Madrassah in Bukhara, too. Constructed by Ulugbek, it’s one of the earliest buildings in the city. It’s also the first madrasah he built. The famous ruler hoped that Bukhara would become the center of science and education.

This site is worth a visit, even though it has less decoration than the other city sites. Next to it, you’ll find the Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah, built in 1625. This madrassah shows the sensational skills of the medieval Central Asian architects.

Bolo Hauz Mosque is another historical mosque located in Bukhara. You can find it opposite the Ark. Its best features are the stunning carved wooden pillars and remarkable frescoes. There’s also a small artificial pond in front of the mosque, where you can take a break and relax. 

Built in 1620, Lyabi-Hauz is one of the best things to do in Bukhara. For ages, it has been a place where locals gathered to talk and relax. Here you’ll find a few places to eat, some small shops, and a pleasant shade from the mulberry trees. 

Another architectural gem is the Fayzulla Khodjaev House Museum. You can find it in the Goziyon neighborhood. This house used to belong to a wealthy merchant and one of the prominent Uzbek politicians.

It’s a beautiful example of 19th-century residential architecture. The exciting aspect about this house is that there are havli darun (female area) and havli berun (male area). 

Samanid Mausoleum, located outside the old town, is another iconic example of Islamic architecture. Built-in the 10th century C.E., it’s the oldest building in Bukhara. It’s also one of the earliest examples of the Islamic tomb to preserve in Central Asia.

This mausoleum is the resting place of the Samanid dynasty. It’s an exciting location that will amaze you with its delightful decorative brickwork.

Another top historical attraction is the Chor Minor Madrassah. It is a mysterious structure consisting of four blue domes. Located a bit far from the old historical part, it used to be the entrance to a madrassah that no longer exists. Each minaret has a unique shape and design, and each one reflects a different world religion.

If you have the time, we’d recommend traveling a few kilometers outside of the old town to the village of Sumitan. There you’ll see a beautiful memorial complex called Chor Bakr.

Known as the Town of the Dead, it is a burial place of Abu-Bakr-Said, one of the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The area is about 3 ha and consists of 25 constructions. 

Of course, visiting any city in Uzbekistan wouldn’t be complete without the local bazaars. There are four trading domes in the city. They are Toqi Sarrofon, Toqi Telpak Furushon, Toqi Zargaron, and Tim Abdulla Khan. There you’ll find traditional crafts like suzanis, along with other fascinating goods. 

An extraordinary bazaar experience is the animal market in Bukhara. Each week, on Thursdays and Sundays, the locals gather to buy, sell and trade livestock. You’ll have to come there very early as the market operates from 3 am to 9 am. We’d recommend taking a taxi to get there.

Day 6 – Bukhara – Khiva.

Many tourists neglect traveling to Khiva because it’s a bit far. But, it’s a mistake. You can’t travel to Uzbekistan and miss out on an opportunity to feel the Khiva charm. The best way to get there is by train. The railway station in Khiva has been operating since 2018. There are now daily trains from Tashkent, with a stop in Bukhara. 

When it comes to staying in Khiva, there are two places we can point out. One of the finest places to stay in Khiva is the Meros Hotel. It is more of an inn or B&B type of accommodation.

It’s decorated in traditional Uzbek style (with carpets on the walls and floors). It’s an atmospheric place. But the best feature of this hotel is its terrace overlooking the city. It is also where they serve breakfast, so it’s worth your money. 

A budget-friendly option in Khiva would be the Hostel Laliopa. The price difference isn’t extreme, but it’s an acceptable option if every penny counts. Its disadvantage is that it’s pretty far from the center (40 minutes walking). But, the hostel staff is amicable and might be willing to drive you to the old town for free. Overall, it’s an enjoyable experience to stay there.

Day 6 – Khiva

When in Khiva, it’s worth climbing to the top of Islam Khoja Minaret. It’s the tallest one in Uzbekistan and offers spectacular views of the city. Islam Khoja Minaret is a symbol of Khiva and is home to the Museum of Applied Arts. 

Kuhna Ark Fortress is a former fortified citadel located in the heart of Khiva. The Khan’s house was a place for his harem, stables, barracks, a mosque, and a jail. Today one of its main attractions is the Summer Mosque, built in 1838. It is an open-air mosque covered in gorgeous blue and white tiles.

The fortress’s watchtower is a perfect point to see the sunset. 

Although not included in the ticket, we’d say it’s worth seeing Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum. The building itself is the Persian-style chamber under the blue dome. Built-in 1701, it is the tomb of Mahmoud Pakhlavan, a famous poet and warrior. It’s a religious spot where people come to pray and drink holy water. You should remove your shoes when entering.

Last but not least on our list of top things to do in Khiva is the Isfandiyar Palace. Built between 1906 and 1912, it was Khiva Emir’s summer palace. You will appreciate the gold-embroidered ceilings, 4 meter high mirrors, and gorgeous chandeliers. 

Day 7 – Khiva -Tashkent

There are two best ways to travel back to Tashkent. You can travel by train, or you can take a taxi. The reason why you might want to skip on the train is a possible stop at the desert castles of the ancient Khorezm. It takes about an hour to get there from Khiva. 

When you see the dry landscape, you won’t believe that it is one of Uzbekistan’s wealthiest areas.

One of the best attractions there is the Ayaz-Kala fortress. It stands high on a hill and offers incredible views of the Kyzylkum desert. There you can find local camel herders who provide rides to the castle.

Here are some other points of interest in Khorezm. Guldursun Kala, built in the 12th century C.E., is the most famous still standing fortress. It has an internal area of about 6 ha. Koy Krylgan Kala is a temple complex of the Chorasmian Dynasty.

It’s of a mysterious circular shape, and many scientists believe it was one of the first astronomical observatories. Toprak Kala was an ancient palace city and the region’s capital, abandoned in the 6th century.

The rooms of the palace are still in good shape. Qizil Kala was revived in the 14th century and underwent modern restoration relatively recently. It used to be a fortified house of a Khorezmian official.

Things to Know Before Traveling to Uzbekistan

What to Know about Uzbek Money 

We’d recommend taking at least part of what you’re planning to spend in cash. Then, later you could exchange the money at the bank or local exchange spots. At these places, you can get an official and fair rate.

Unfortunately, official exchange offices are harder to find. However, except for the Tashkent airport, you’ll find some in Bukhara and Khiva. So while changing more significant amounts, be ready to get a massive stack of Uzbek soms. Of course, you can also find ATMs, but you’ll have to be lucky.

Sometimes they are empty or take only a specific card (Visa or Mastercard, but not both). They also charge your bank a significant commission. If you’ve ever heard of the black currency market in Uzbekistan, you should know that it no longer exists. And for tourists, it’s a good thing. 

What to Know about Uzbekistan Language 

Language is the crucial thing to keep in mind while planning your Uzbekistan itinerary. Unfortunately, unlike in many countries, English here isn’t going to help you. But, unfortunately, it’s a common feature of the post-Soviet Asian countries. 

The official language is Uzbek, and 85% of the population speaks it. But Russian is the communication language that will help you get by in Uzbekistan. It is universal and used by many locals. So it’s best to prepare for that in advance and learn some phrases or use translation apps as a reference.  

What to Know about Uzbekistan Food 

Traditional Uzbek dishes are a must-have experience! They combine tastes from other Eastern and Western Asian countries. They make it very rich and diverse. Vegetarians and vegans will find it hard to discover traditional Uzbek cuisine. Most of it contains meat, yet we’ve seen some veggie options too. Here are the top Uzbek foods to try while in the country.

Plov

It is the most traditional and famous Uzbek dish, which you can find in every restaurant and every home. There are more than 200 varieties of the recipe. The main ingredients are usually lamb or beef. It’s fried in a large pot called “Kazan” with onions and carrots. An exciting experience in Tashkent is a plov center that serves plov only. There you can also see how it’s cooked. This dish is not only special for Uzbeks but also considered a UNESCO Cultural Heritage.

Manty

It is pretty similar to Georgian khinkali. These are dumplings filled with minced meat, fat, and onions cooked over steam. Uzbeks usually serve it with vinegar or sour cream. Vegetarians can taste manty with pumpkin or potatoes instead of meat. But you won’t find those in every restaurant.  

Shashlik

Shashlik is usually spiced and marinated skewered beef. It’s not an original Uzbek dish, as it’s popular in many Asian and even Eastern European countries. 

Lagman

Lagman is a specific dish made with handmade pulled noodles covered in a meat or vegetable sauce. A curious detail about Lagman is that it can work both as a main dish and soup. 

Shurpa

It is a variation of a soup made with lamb broth. In Uzbekistan, you’ll generally find a wide variety of soups. It’s a common feature of Uzbek culture.  

Samsa

Don’t forget to try Samsa, a triangle-shaped baked dough filled with meat and onions. Rarely you’ll find Samsa stuffed with potato or pumpkin. 

Other Uzbek Food to Try

Other things we’ve tried and loved include:

• A vegetable salad made with tomato, cucumber, and onion.
• Famous Uzbek yogurt dip called suzma.
• A local dessert called halva.
• Different kinds of bread, dried fruit, and nuts. 

What Budget to Plan in Uzbekistan

Traveling to Uzbekistan doesn’t have to be costly, but it’s also not the cheapest. The most expensive items on your Uzbekistan itinerary will be flights and accommodation. 

• The pricing for the flights will vary depending on your departure destination and the airline you choose.
• The accommodation price can be 20-40 EUR/night in a hostel and 50-170 EUR/night in a hotel. 
• You can get the food from street vendors, eat in a restaurant or a cafe. It is relatively affordable and will generally cost you from 5 to 15 EUR/day. 
• Transportation will be about 8 EUR/day as there’s always room for negotiation. 
• Most entrance fees will be from 3 to 17 EUR/person.
• A sim card with the local service will cost you 7 EUR. So for that money, we got the UCell sim card with 9GB of data.

Visa in Uzbekistan

Today, it’s pretty easy to get a visa to Uzbekistan. Before, it took lots of paperwork, and the country’s government was very strict about the rules.

Since 2018 the process has gotten much easier for most nationalities. If you are a citizen of some eligible countries, you might not need a visa at all. You will have a free visa on arrival at the airport or land border.

The nationalities which cannot get a VOA can apply for an e-visa. The e-visa allows you to stay in the country for a total of 30 days. After that, you can enter the country several times and travel for business or pleasure.

Generally, the visa is valid for 90 days. To get it, you have to fill out an online application and pay the fee. Once it’s approved, you’ll get a confirmation and a visa itself via email. 

For more information, check out Uzbekistan Visa Requirement on Caravanistan.

Safety in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is safe for travel, especially compared to its neighboring countries. There’s no need to leave out certain places from your Uzbekistan itinerary. Don’t believe the rumors, and use common sense while on your travels. A curious fact: Uzbekistan is one of the top 20 safest destinations in the world! 

There’s very little chance that you’d end up in a dangerous situation. Yet, like anywhere, it’s best to keep track of your things in crowded places. So we felt pretty safe here, and even when visiting the country’s top attractions. 

Final Thoughts about Uzbekistan Itinerary

Based on our experience, Uzbekistan should be on the top of your travel bucket list. There’s beautiful Islamic architecture and a wonderful mix of Eastern and Western cultures.

People are welcoming, and the food is delicious. Even though Uzbekistan is not the most known travel destination, it is getting more popular daily.

So pack your bags and get there as soon as you can!