· UZ

Uzbekistan

Journey to the Heart of the Silk Road: Uzbekistan Awaits Step into a vibrant tapestry of ancient cities, shimmering mosques, and bustling bazaars in Uzbekistan, a land where history whispers from every corner. Situated i…

#Central Asia#Silk Road#Historic landmarks#Cultural diversity#Turkic heritage

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Uzbekistan.

Top Hotels in Tashkent

Top Flights to Tashkent

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Uzbekistan.

Tours

Samarkand City Tour

Explore the historical landmarks of Samarkand including the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, and Gur-e-Amir.

Bukhara Old Town Visit

Visit the ancient city of Bukhara, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Khiva Historical Exploration

Wander through the ancient city of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Shopping

Tashkent Shopping Tour

Experience the vibrant shopping scene in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan.

Outdoor

Chimgan Mountains Hiking

Enjoy a breathtaking hiking experience in the Chimgan Mountains, known for their scenic beauty.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Uzbekistan.

Currency

so'm | UZS | Uzbekistani Soʻm Republic of Uzbekistan

Population

33.6 million

Languages

Uzbek, Uzbek, Russian, Tajik

Average weather

Uzbekistan

Jan

6°-3°

Feb

8°-1°

Mar

14°4°

Apr

21°9°

May

27°14°

Jun

34°19°

Jul

37°21°

Aug

35°19°

Sep

29°14°

Oct

20°8°

Nov

13°3°

Dec

8°-1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Uzbekistan.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Uzbekistan, a country located in Central Asia with a rich history and culture. Here are some detailed advantages of visiting Uzbekistan:

Historical Sites: Uzbekistan is home to several well-preserved historical sites along the ancient Silk Road, such as the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. These cities boast stunning architecture, including intricately tiled mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas that offer a glimpse into the country's past.
Cultural Experience: Traveling to Uzbekistan provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique blend of Central Asian culture, influenced by Persian, Turkic, and Russian traditions. You can explore traditional bazaars, witness local crafts like pottery and carpet weaving, and enjoy authentic Uzbek cuisine.
Hospitality: Uzbek people are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. You are likely to encounter locals who are eager to share their culture, stories, and traditions, making your travel experience more enriching and memorable.
Affordability: Compared to many other travel destinations, Uzbekistan offers good value for money, with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options. This makes it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore a new and exciting country.
Visa-Free Entry for Many Nationalities: Uzbekistan has recently introduced visa-free entry or e-visa facilities for citizens of many countries, making it easier for travelers to visit and explore the country without the hassle of obtaining a visa in advance.

Overall, traveling to Uzbekistan can be a rewarding experience for those interested in history, culture, and adventure, offering a unique blend of ancient heritage, warm hospitality, and affordability.

What to know

Traveling to Uzbekistan, like any destination, has its pros and cons. Some potential cons of traveling to Uzbekistan include:

Visa Requirements: Visitors from many countries are required to obtain a visa to enter Uzbekistan. The visa application process can be complex and time-consuming.
Language Barrier: Uzbek is the official language in Uzbekistan, and while English is spoken in tourist areas, communication may be challenging in other parts of the country.
Infrastructure: While major cities like Tashkent have modern infrastructure, rural areas may lack basic amenities and services.
Currency Exchange: The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbek som, and exchanging money can be a bit of a hassle due to limited availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance in smaller towns.
Safety Concerns: While Uzbekistan is generally a safe country for travelers, it's always important to remain vigilant and take precautions against petty crimes like pickpocketing.
Cultural Etiquette: Uzbekistan has a conservative culture, and travelers are expected to respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering homes or religious sites.

Overall, while Uzbekistan has its challenges for travelers, many people find the country to be a fascinating and rewarding destination to explore.

Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region that is now Uzbekistan has been home to various civilizations and cultures, including the Bactrian, Sogdian, and Khwarezmian peoples. Here is a brief overview of the history of Uzbekistan:

Ancient Civilizations: The area of present-day Uzbekistan was part of the ancient Persian Empire and later became a center of the Silk Road trade route connecting East and West. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva flourished as important cultural and trading centers.
Islamic Conquest: In the 7th century, Arab Muslim conquests reached Central Asia, bringing Islam to the region. The cities of Bukhara and Samarkand became centers of Islamic scholarship and culture.
Mongol Invasion: In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan swept through Central Asia, bringing destruction and upheaval to the region.
Timurid Empire: In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Timurid Empire, led by the famous conqueror Timur (Tamerlane), rose to power in Central Asia. Timur made Samarkand his capital and built many stunning architectural monuments that still stand today.
Russian Empire: In the 19th century, the Russian Empire expanded into Central Asia, including present-day Uzbekistan. The region came under Russian control and later became part of the Soviet Union.
Soviet Era: Uzbekistan was a Soviet republic from 1924 until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. During this time, the economy was heavily industrialized, and the population urbanized.
Independence: Uzbekistan declared independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Islam Karimov became the country's first president and ruled for over two decades until his death in 2016.
Modern Uzbekistan: Today, Uzbekistan is a presidential republic with a diverse population and rich cultural heritage. The country has made efforts to modernize its economy and attract foreign investment while preserving its historical landmarks such as the Registan in Samarkand, the Ark Fortress in Bukhara, and the Itchan Kala in Khiva.

Significant historical figures from Uzbekistan include Timur (Tamerlane), Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire in India), and Islam Karimov (Uzbekistan's first president).

Key landmarks in Uzbekistan include the Registan in Samarkand, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand, Ark Fortress in Bukhara, Itchan Kala in Khiva, and the Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara.

This is a brief overview of the history of Uzbekistan, highlighting some of the key events, figures, and landmarks in the country's long and storied past.