Uzbekistan

Asia

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Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, Central Asia's most populous state, is rich in Silk Road, Timurid dynastic and Islamic heritage, spanning centuries. The Muslim-majority nation has preserved various mosques, madrasas and other structures across the country.

Uzbekistan has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of which are must-visit historical centers in the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. Soak in history as you witness the grandeur of Samarkand's Registan square architecture, the intricate tilework of Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand, Bukhara trading domes that resemble Silk Road-era markets, and Bukhara's Poi Kalyon Square. Traveling between major Uzbekistan cities is accessible thanks to its Afrosiyob high-speed train.

Many international tourists arrive via Tashkent, yet don't skip Uzbekistan's capital altogether. Stroll around Chorsu Bazaar for an authentic people-watching and souvenir-shopping experience. The city's Tashkent Metro connects you to many sites through affordable rides; remember to take photos of beautifully-designed Alisher Navoiy and Kosmonavtlar station interiors.

Not just convenient transportation, experiencing Uzbekistan is also safe with the presence of tourist police at major attractions. After all, the country welcomes visitors from all over the world, just like during the Silk Road time: Citizens from around 90 countries can enter the republic visa-free. E-visa arrangement is also available to some nationalities.

Get to Know Uzbekistan

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Uzbekistan

What you need to know before traveling here

Practical Tips for Uzbekistan

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What airlines fly to Uzbekistan?

flydubai flies from Dubai to Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent, the ancient city of Samarkand, as well as the eastern city of Namangan. Those traveling from other parts of the world can fly with Emirates to the United Arab Emirates before continuing their journey on the same flight booking.

Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul to Tashkent, Samarkand, Fergana in the east, Urgench in the west, and the historic city of Bukhara. You can first head to Istanbul before heading to Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Uzbekistan Airways flies to Tashkent from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Beijing, Delhi, London, and other cities. The airline also operates routes to other domestic destinations.

Where to change your money to local currency?

Uzbekistan's currency is Uzbekistani som (UZS), of which US$1 equals around 11,400 UZS.

If you land at Tashkent International Airport (TAS), there is a money changer inside the arrival hall offering decent exchange rates once you pass through passport control.

You can exchange American dollars in Tashkent at any National Bank of Uzbekistan (with the NBU sign) branch. ATMs with Visa and Mastercard logos allow you to withdraw the local currency easily with some transaction fees

What and where to eat in Uzbekistan?

Enjoy plov (rice dish with beef or lamb and other spices), non (bread), shashlik (beef, lamb, or chicken kebab), manti (dumplings with onion filling and minced beef or lamb), airon (yogurt drink), as well as fresh cheese and salads as you travel across Uzbekistan.

If you've just arrived in Tashkent, Restaurant Buxara Elit serves lamb shashlik and non. Family restaurant SOY offers French salad made of beet, red cabbage, mayonnaise, chicken, and other ingredients. Lamb manti, with thick wrapping, is also available.

Fancy a local market while in Tashkent? You can find locals selling fresh nons, cherries, strawberries, and qurts (fermented dry cheese) at Chorsu Bazaar.

Axmadjon (read: Ahmadjon) Lux Osh in Samarkand serves beef or lamb plov; you can ask for a plate of meatless plov with sliced carrots on top, too. Also, grab some beef plov and lamb shashlik at Restaurant Kavsar near Hotel Shahdil.

In Bukhara, you can drink cups of ayran at Chayxana (read: Chayhana) Chinar. The restaurant serves beetroot, Caesar, vinaigrette, and other salads. Lamb, beef, and chicken kebabs are also available.

Take some time to enjoy black or green tea at one of the many teahouses. Also, check out local supermarkets and get a Vazira ice cream with red packaging and CCCP written on it to enjoy a creamy and milky taste.

How to stay connected in Uzbekistan?

Buying a local SIM card is a hassle-free way to access the internet in Uzbekistan. While waiting for your luggage at Tashkent International Airport, you can buy a SIM card from the major mobile carrier Beeline. Prices depend on the data package you choose.

UZTELECOM is another operator that offers similar services.

Those traveling to Uzbekistan for less than 30 days don't need to register their phones.

What are some transportation options in the country?

Afrosiyob high-speed rail gets you from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara, and other cities. It is a comfortable way to travel; you can buy the tickets online.

Yandex Go is a popular ride-hailing service available in English on your smartphone. You pay the drivers in cash. Be careful when hopping on a taxi, especially in Tashkent, where the traffic is more chaotic and some drivers are more reckless.

Meanwhile, Central Asia's first MRT system Tashkent Metro has three lines and affordable fares.