Things to Do in Uzbekistan

About Uzbekistan

Samarkand's Registan Square is impossible blue, and it stops you cold. Ancient Silk Road cities fill Uzbekistan, packed with madrasas and minarets that rise above the desert. The architecture is impressive. Bukhara's streets twist for miles. In Khiva's walled Ichan-Qala, craftsmen still weave carpets and forge copper the way their ancestors did five centuries ago. You're walking through a working museum. The real draw is the people. Strangers get invited to family tables to share plov, and elderly men gather in chaikhanas to drink green tea and play backgammon. This hospitality is real—not performed for tourists. Mass tourism hasn't arrived yet. You can explore the ship graveyard of the former Aral Sea or spend hours in Chorsu Bazaar's spice-scented corridors without fighting crowds. Every carved doorway matters here. The country runs on hospitality. Meals stretch for hours. The Silk Road era didn't die—it just moved into the tilework and tea shops.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book high-speed Afrosiyob trains between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara well in advance online at uzrailway.uz. For shorter distances, use shared taxis (marshrutkas) which are faster than buses but negotiate prices beforehand. Download Yandex.Taxi app for reliable city transport.

Money: Bring crisp, new US dollars (post-2009) for best exchange rates at official exchange points—avoid black market. ATMs are limited outside major cities. Budget $30-50 daily for mid-range travel including meals, transport, and accommodation.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites—long pants and covered shoulders mandatory. Remove shoes before entering homes and some restaurants. Always accept tea when offered; it's considered rude to decline this gesture of hospitality.

Food Safety: Stick to busy local restaurants where food turnover is high. Try national dishes like plov, manti, and shashlik at traditional oshkhanas (plov centers). Bottled water is recommended; avoid raw vegetables at street stalls but embrace fresh bread from tandoor ovens.

When to Visit

Uzbekistan's continental climate creates distinct seasons with dramatic temperature variations. Spring (March-May) offers ideal conditions with temperatures ranging 15-25°C, minimal rainfall (20-40mm monthly), and blooming apricot trees, though accommodation prices increase 20-30% during peak April-May period. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat with temperatures soaring to 40-45°C and virtually no rainfall, making it challenging for sightseeing but offering 40% lower accommodation rates. Early summer coincides with cherry and melon harvest seasons. Autumn (September-November) provides excellent weather with comfortable 18-28°C temperatures, clear skies, and perfect conditions for photography, though prices rise 25% in September. Winter (December-February) sees temperatures drop to -5 to 10°C with occasional snow, creating atmospheric scenes in ancient cities but limiting outdoor activities; accommodation costs drop 50%. Major festivals include Navruz (March 21st) celebrating spring with traditional foods and performances, and Independence Day (September 1st) featuring cultural events nationwide. Ramadan affects restaurant hours and cultural experiences. Photography ensoiasts should visit during golden autumn months, while budget travelers benefit from winter's lower costs. Adventure travelers exploring the Nuratau Mountains should avoid winter, while cultural tourists can visit year-round with appropriate clothing adjustments.