Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country. It is famous for its ancient monuments, including mosques, mausoleums, madrasas, and other sites associated with the Silk Road, an ancient trade route between China and Europe. Uzbekistan is located in the center of Asia and played an important role on the Great Silk Road. Architectural monuments built in ancient times still exist today, and they stood side by side with bustling bazaars.

Brief information

Population	37 million (2022)
Capital	Tashkent
Area	447,000 km2
Language	Uzbek
Religion	Muslim
Currency	Uzbek Som (UZS)

BEST TIME TO VISIT UZBEKISTAN

There are four seasons in Uzbekistan, each season is attractive.

Winter (December-February)	cold and dry, with more snow.
Spring (March-May)	occasionally rainy and sunny.
Summer (June-August)	hot and dry, with temperatures often above 40C.
Autumn (September-October)	occasionally rainy and sunny

The important point is that the temperature can vary greatly depending on the region of the country, for example: the east and the west have different climates. While it rains in the West, it is sunny in the East, and the highlands are cooler than the lowlands.

The best time to visit Uzbekistan usually depends on what season you visit and what you want to see and do. Spring (April-May) you can enjoy nature in this season. 

Autumn (September-October) in this month you can see a clear sky and a colorful world,

 Summer (June-August) can be hot and dry, but during this time you can spend meaningful time in the country's beautiful mountains and water bodies. 

Winter (November-March) can be cold, but it's convenient for skiing and the best time to experience its traditional festivals.

UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL COSTS

Depending on your travel preferences and the season, the cost of visiting Uzbekistan can change. All things considered, nonetheless, Uzbekistan is regarded as an inexpensive travel destination.

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels run from $50 to $100 per night, while budget hotels cost between $20 and $40 per night.
• Transportation: Buses and trains are reasonably priced for local travel; a train ride between two big cities will cost between $12 to $24. Additionally, taxis are inexpensive; a trip within the city often costs $5 to $10.
• Food: Meals at local restaurants range in price from $5 to $20.
• Activities and Attractions:  Tours cost approximately $15–20, while admission to many historical sites and museums in Uzbekistan is inexpensive, typically ranging from $1–5. Another low-cost method to learn about the local way of life is to visit a market or bazaar.
  

TRAVEL TIPS FOR UZBEKISTAN

You need to know the following to travel to Uzbekistan:

• Visa: Check whether you need a visa to travel to Uzbekistan and apply for one before you travel.
• Currency: The Uzbek som (UZS) is the local currency. It's recommended to bring US dollars or euros and exchange them when you are there because it can be hard to find outlets to exchange foreign currencies.
• Safety: Although it's typically safe to travel to Uzbekistan, it's a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings and use caution when you're traveling.
• Transport: A great way to travel around Uzbekistan is by train, but you can also take buses and taxis. but it can cause discomfort.
• Language: Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan, but many people also speak English and Russian. We recommend learning a few basic sentences in Russian or Uzbek.
• Food: Uzbekistan has its own delicious food famous for including pilaf (pilaf), shashlik (kebab) and somsa (samosa) manti(menti) Try some of the local dishes when you are in Uzbekistan.
• Respect the culture: When visiting historical sites and monuments, show consideration for Uzbekistan's rich cultural legacy. When you enter a mosque or madrasa (Islamic school), it's also a good practice to take off your shoes.

REGIONS & HIGHLIGHTS OF UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan is divided into 12 regions, and there is 1 autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. Each of them has its own culture and history. Below are the main regions and their attractions:

• Tashkent: The capital and most populous city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is a modern metropolis with a rich history. Independence Square, Tashkent Tower, subway and Chorsu Market are noteworthy
• Samarkand: Another major city of Uzbekistan, known as the "Jewel of the East", Samarkand is one of the cities with the oldest and most historic buildings in Uzbekistan. Registan, a complex of medieval buildings, Bibikhanim Mosque and Gur-e-Amir mausoleum are noteworthy.
• Bukhara: Another historic city, Bukhara is renowned for its historically significant buildings and landmarks. Notable include the Ark fortress, which was the city's royal palace for centuries, the Poy-Kalyan complex, and the Chor-Minor madrasa.
• Khiva: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of ancient buildings Khiva is a well-preserved medieval city with a rich history. Among the attractions are Kalta Minar Tower, Tosh-Hauli Palace and Juma Mosque.
• Fergana: Known for its fertile valley and hospitality, Fergana is home to several traditional Uzbek cities, including Margilon, Kokan, and Rishton. Rishton Pottery School and Kokan Palace are noteworthy.
• Andijan: Andijan, known as its capital and the "City of Lights", is home to several historical monuments, including the Andijan Castle and the Temur-Malik Mausoleum.
• Navoi: There are manufacturing industries and amusement parks, including the Navoi Theater, the Navoi Museum, and the Navoi Amusement Park.
• Kashkadarya: Famous for its beautiful mountains, Kashkadarya is home to several ancient cities and historical sites, including the Karshi Khanate and the Karshi Khan Palace.
• Surkhondarya: Surkhondarya, known as the "Land of Great Harvests", is home to several ancient cities, including Termiz and Shahristan, as well as the famous Fayoz-tepa Buddhist complex.
• Namangan: One of the major scientific and cultural centers of the republic, Namangan is home to several historical monuments, including the Namangan Castle and the Namangan Region Museum.
• Jizzakh: Famous for its national cuisine, Jizzakh is home to several historical monuments, including the Jizzakh Castle and the Jizzakh Regional Museum.

WHAT TO EAT IN UZBEKISTAN

If you come to Uzbekistan, don't leave without trying Uzbek national dishes. Here are some traditional dishes you should try when visiting Uzbekistan:

• Plov (pilov): Plov is a popular dish in Uzbekistan. Plov is a rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, vegetables and spices. It is considered the national dish of Uzbekistan and is often served during holidays and celebrations.
• Shashlik (kebab): Shashlik is a puffed meat grilled over an open fire and served with vegetables and bread, usually made of beef or mutton.
• Lag'mon: Lag'mon is a thick noodle soup with dough, meat, vegetables and spices. This is a popular dish in Uzbekistan, and there are different types of it,
• Somsa (samosa): Somsa is a doughy, meat-filled dish that is a popular snack in Uzbekistan. It is usually served with tomato sauce and sour cream.
• Manti: Manti is a steamed dumpling filled with meat or vegetables and is a popular dish in Uzbekistan.
• Soup: Soup is a hearty dish made from meat and vegetables, often recommended to those on long journeys.
• Chuchvara: Chuchvara is a small dough ball filled with meat and is a popular dish in Uzbekistan, often served with soup.
• Tashkent-style pilaf: A variant of traditional pilaf, made with finer spices and more ingredients such as raisins, pepper and sometimes chestnuts.

THINKS TO DO…

Uzbekistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and historical monuments, and there are many places to see and see when you visit. Here are the top things to see and do when visiting Uzbekistan:

• Explore the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva: These three cities are famous for their well-preserved medieval architecture and are considered the most important historical monuments in Central Asia.
• See the Registan in Samarkand, a collection of medieval structures regarded as one of the world's most exquisite examples of Islamic architecture.
• A must visit is the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel in Samarkand: This tomb is an important religious site for Muslims and is famous for its intricate tiling and ornate decorations.
• Visit Tashkent Tower: Tashkent Tower is the tallest structure in Central Asia and offers a completely brilliant view of the city.
• Visit Tashkent's Chorsu Bazaar, the city's biggest bazaar and a fantastic opportunity to learn about the local way of life and purchase traditional handicrafts.
• Travel to the Fergana Valley: Famous for its beautiful mountains and traditional Uzbek towns, the Fergana Valley is a great place to experience the local culture and explore the countryside.
• See Khiva's Kalta Minor Minaret: One of Khiva's most recognizable landmarks is the Kalta Minor Minaret, which is also a fantastic location to enjoy city views.
• Travel to the Nurota Mountains: The Nurota Mountains are a great place to enjoy the incomparable beauty of the mountains and explore the natural beauty of Uzbekistan.
• Travel to the Aral Sea: You will witness the Aral Sea Ship Graveyard and a unique place where you can see the human impact on the environment and learn about the history of the region.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

SERVICES FOR VISAS

Travel planning can be made easier with iVisa's help with electronic visas, travel authorizations, arrival visas, and even paper visas. Additionally, they can assist with Embassy registrations and health declarations. They also offer a One-Stop Shop for safely and accurately renewing your passport if you're from the US.

FLIGHTS

Find cheap flights with Skyscanner or Momondo. These are our best flights. They index other travel websites and airlines around the world to easily find you the best deal.

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com is our number one source for finding and booking accommodation. Apart from Booking.com, we've found Agoda.com to consistently return the cheapest prices in Southeast Asia.

TRANSPORT

A pioneer in online reservations for rental cars, DiscoverCars.com compares offers from numerous businesses so you may select the one that's ideal for your trip. With a single, easy-to-use ticket, 12Go offers door-to-door global connections, including flights and transfers.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected illness, injury, theft and cancellation.

• Heymondo (International Travel Insurance)
• World Nomads (Travel / medical insurance for long-term travellers and nomads)