Uzbekistan
Visit Uzbekistan and discover stunning medieval cities with tall minarets reaching into the sky. See local pilgrims in bright, colorful robes and experience the lively atmosphere of bustling bazaars filled with rich aromas and friendly voices. A trip to Uzbekistan is both exciting and welcoming, offering a mix of adventure and comfort.
This Silk Road destination has been making history for thousands of years – decrepit Buddhist stupas and Zoroastrian shrines speak of its antiquity, while jaw-dropping vestiges of palaces and mosques make it easy to believe how these medieval kingdoms spawned stories of fantasy and lore.
Perhaps Uzbekistan has already captured your imagination and you’re simply looking for practical details on how to prepare for your upcoming trip, in which case we encourage you to check out Uzbekistan Trip Planner.
Is Uzbekistan Worth Visiting?
With a myriad of destinations open to 21st century globetrotters, why choose Uzbekistan, a seemingly obscure country in Central Asia?
Uzbekistan is unique, offering visitors exquisite architecture that echoes from the days of Tamerlane, Alexander the Great and the land’s earliest Zoroastrian inhabitants. Not to be outdone by the past, contemporary Uzbekistan is equally alluring, replete with a magnetic culture and diverse landscapes that form the perfect backdrop to endless adventures.
Uzbekistan travel is an affordable option for thrifty travelers, with all-inclusive, guided tours available for a fraction of the cost of equivalent trips in Europe or South America. Inexpensive transportation, cheap meals and an ever-growing selection of hostels have also opened the door to independent travelers.
Uzbekistan is more accessible than ever before, with citizens of almost every nation eligible for either 30-day visa-free entry or an inexpensive online visa. Once in country, all major attractions are connected by a modern and reliable rail system, while each major city welcomes you with a wide array of comfortable accommodation choices. At the same time…
Uzbekistan is still off the beaten path and sure to satisfy those with a thirst to explore the world’s unknown corners. You won’t have to battle throngs of tourists and may well find yourself the lone visitor at some of its most ancient and mind-blowing sites.
The bottom line? There’s never been a more ideal time for Uzbekistan travel – one of the world’s best-kept secrets, a seat of ancient empires that’s steeped in culture and host to a wealth of beauty.
Your Dream Vacation in Uzbekistan
Dive into Uzbek culture with homestays, cooking classes and yurt camping. Hop on a time machine for a cross-country tour of historic Uzbekistan. Craft your tour around Uzbekistan’s fine-tuned artistic traditions with pottery lessons, silk paper production and carpet weaving.
Our Uzbekistan tourism packages are as diverse as the clients we serve. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures or cultural immersion, wanting a quick jaunt to Uzbekistan’s main sites or an extensive, multi-country expedition, chances are we have a tour that’s just what you’re looking for. And if not, drop us a note so that we can begin designing a personalized Uzbekistan travel itinerary that’s tailored to your specific needs and interests.
Uzbekistan Visa Matters
Thanks to relaxed Uzbekistan visa policies that made their grand debut in 2018, travel to Uzbekistan has never been easier. Citizens of nearly 80 nations, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many European and South American countries can now travel in Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. Passport holders of over 50 additional nations, including the US, India, Hong Kong, China and most Middle Eastern nations can apply online for a 30-day electronic tourist visa at a cost of 20 USD.
Additionally, 5-day transit visas may be obtained pending prior approval or flight tickets that confirm your departure.
Is Uzbekistan Safe for Travel?
Uzbekistan is safe, with an extremely low rate of violent crime. Law enforcement officers patrol the streets regularly and stand prepared to help and support tourists as needed. Also in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva you will find English speaking Tourist Police ready to assist guests of this sunny land. Travelers often remark on the kindness and helpfulness of Uzbekistan’s people, who will go out of their way to assist a guest in need. The nation has become increasingly tourist-friendly in recent years and takes a genuinely welcoming stance towards foreigners and tourists.
Choose Your Transport
The Silk Road sojourners of old would doubtless be jealous of the ease with which modern explorers can reach that golden road to Samarkand described in the poem of James Elroy Flecker. Uzbekistan, located in the very heart of Central Asia, is more accessible than you may think. Direct flights currently connect capital city Tashkent with Istanbul, Bangkok, Moscow and even New York City, while most major cities in Europe and the eastern US are one layover away from this otherworldly land.
Once in Uzbekistan, each region and major city is conveniently connected by an intricate, efficient railway system. If train travel isn’t your thing, short domestic flights are a quick alternative, while transport by private car allows you to soak in the scenery as you go.
Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan
Being the diverse and temperate country that it is, Uzbekistan is a worthy travel destination year-round. The best time to visit Uzbekistan is typically spring and autumn, when pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes attract the most visitors. However, each season has its own perks:
Winter: Perfect for ski enthusiasts, who can while away the time at Chimgan, Beldersay and Amirsoy Ski Resort, the latter of which opened in December 2019. Fewer tourists in winter also mean discounted accommodations and reduced Uzbekistan travel costs near many touristic sites.
Summer: Sultry summers bring succulent fruits and vegetables of every variety. In July and August, you won’t have to battle crowds and can often find tickets and accommodation at discounted prices. It’s also a great time to cool off in the mountains at Lake Charvak near Tashkent.
Spring: Uzbekistan’s most gorgeous season with pleasant weather, green pastures, flowers in full bloom and several local holidays and festivals that are well worth seeing.
Autumn: Cool and sunny weather, coupled with bazaars that burst with melons and grapes, call a second wave of tourists to this Silk Road land.