Uzbekistan is a land rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, home to some of the most spectacular sights in Central Asia. The Silk Road weaves through the country, leaving behind traces of conquerors like Genghis Khan and national hero Amir Temur. Throughout Uzbekistan, you’ll find countless attractions, from architectural wonders to delicious cuisine and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re wandering the bustling bazaars of Tashkent or exploring the ancient fortresses of Khiva, there are endless things to do in Uzbekistan that will captivate your heart and soul.
While Uzbekistan is famous for the incredible Islamic architecture in cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva, there is so much more to discover beyond the grand mosques and minarets. We ventured off the beaten path between these Silk Road cities. We hiked through the Nuratau Mountains, spent the night under the stars in the Kyzylkum Desert, and watched the sunset over the Aral Sea. These experiences made us fall in love with quaint mountain villages and introduced us to some of the warmest, most welcoming people we’ve ever met.
In this blog post, we want to share the moments that made our travel to Uzbekistan unforgettable. Besides the iconic sights we will also go beyond the typical tourist spots and delve into experiences that made us fall in love with the country. So, here are our travel highlights that will make you want to pack your bags and explore Uzbekistan, ensuring you return home with countless photos and cherished memories.
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Quick Uzbekistan Trip Planning Essentials
VISA
Uzbekistan introduced FREE VISAS ON ARRIVAL or e-visa for most nationalities (30 days). Check the visa requirements on ivisa.com for your nationality before you go.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Heymondo is our top recommendation for comprehensive and trustworthy coverage for Uzbekistan. Get 5% OFF through our link.
FLIGHTS
Discover the best flight deals to Uzbekistan on Skyscanner, and check for flights to Tashkent (the capital).
INTERNET
Airalo eSIM lets you stay connected as soon as you arrive at your destination. Use promo code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off any eSIM (for new Airalo users only).
ACCOMMODATION
Browse Booking.com to discover budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, or hotels.
TRANSPORT
The easiest way to travel around Uzbekistan is by railway. During high season it’s advisable to book your train tickets online upfront.
CURRENCY
The official currency is Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Check the Xe.com app for current exchange rates. Current exchange rate: $1 = 12,500 UZS and €1 = 13,000 UZS.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
For booking the best & cheapest city tours and day trip excursions, check out GetYourGuide or Viator.
LANGUAGE
Basic English is spoken in major cities, but knowing basic Russian comes in handy! Recently we have been loving the Ling App to pick up some language basics.
ONLINE PRIVACY
Safeguard your online activity and digital privacy when using public Wi-Fi abroad by using ExpressVPN. Get 3 months FREE when getting a 12-month plan with our link.
1. Roam for hours around the Registan in Samarkand
What would a list of the best things to do in Uzbekistan be without highlighting the stunning Registan? This architectural marvel was rebuilt under Tamerlane’s rule in the 14th century, after being razed by Genghis Khan. Once the bustling main square of Samarkand and a key stop on the Silk Road, it boasts three grand madrasahs: Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori, each adorned with intricate blue mosaics. Today it’s the postcard image of Uzbekistan.
The Registan’s magnificence is hard to put into words. Each madrasah features a unique entrance, showcasing vibrant tile work and grand portals. The turquoise domes, colorful mosaics, and towering minarets are so intricate that you could easily spend hours marveling at the details. We found ourselves captivated for more than half a day. The Registan is truly the crown jewel of Samarkand, with a 1001-night fairytale ambiance.
Ensure you allocate enough time to explore the Registan fully, as it’s vast and there’s much to see! Our favorite experiences included gazing at the stunning gold and blue ceiling inside the Mosque of the Tilya-Kori Madrasah. You’ll find shops and vendors in the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, but don’t miss the ‘secret’ staircase inside one of the shops leading to a second-floor café. Here, you can enjoy tea while admiring the beautiful courtyard views. Another must-do is returning to the Registan after dinner for the light and culture show held every evening at 8 and 9 pm during high season. This 40-minute spectacle projects the history of humankind and Uzbekistan onto the madrasah facades, creating a memorable and enchanting experience.
2. Uncover the haunting beauty of the Aral Sea and Muynak Ship Cemetery
Visiting the Aral Sea is undeniably one of the most unusual things to do in Uzbekistan. Once the world’s fourth-largest lake, this region boasted a rich ecosystem with wetlands, expansive lakes, and thriving fishing villages just 50 years ago. Today, the Aral Sea has shrunk to just 20% of its original size, standing as one of mankind’s most dramatic environmental disasters. The lake’s decline began in the 1960s when Soviet irrigation projects diverted water from its feeding rivers, exacerbated by pollution and climate change. What remains is a haunting desert expanse with remnants of its once underwater landscape, including a ship cemetery in Moynaq. This visit will leave you torn between the stark beauty and the region’s tragic history.
Our trip to the Aral Sea and Muynak ship graveyard was undoubtedly one of our most unforgettable Uzbekistan adventure experiences. While most tourists flock to the Silk Road cities, reaching the Aral Sea isn’t straightforward or cheap, as you can’t drive there yourself. However, several organizations offer organized trips to this remote area. Initially, we hesitated to make the journey, but realizing we might never have another chance, we decided to go for it. We’re so glad we went, as the experience was nothing short of spectacular! The two-day, one-night trip, starting from Nukus, was spectacular. Everything was included in the price, and the experience was worth every penny.
Be prepared to spend considerable time in a 4×4, as the journey is remote, but the scenery is breathtaking. We saw wild camels in the steppe! Organized tours typically include visits to the Muynuq ship graveyard, spending the night in a yurt camp near the Aral Sea, visiting a desert fortress, Mizdakhan necropolis, and remote, half-abandoned fishing villages where locals still live near the Aral Sea.
3. Stay in a yurt camp in the Kyzylkum Desert
Staying in a yurt camp in the middle of the desert was high on our wishlist for visiting Uzbekistan, and we can’t recommend it enough! The Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are magical, but after a while, you can get a bit ‘tiled out.’ Visiting the Kyzyl Kum Desert and Nuratau Mountains was a refreshing change of scenery.
We stayed in several yurt camps, but this one was pure magic. Remote and wild, with camels, meerkats (yes, meerkats!), and donkeys roaming around. Running through the desert with sand dunes as far as the eye can see, enjoying traditional meals, and listening to locals play music around a bonfire at night were some of our favorite moments. Watching the stars and the Milky Way at night was an absolute dream. Plus, we had the best night’s sleep in our yurt; it gets super cold, but the heavy blankets kept us perfectly warm. Honestly, we were sad to leave.
A trip to the Kyzylkum Desert can easily fit between Samarkand and Bukhara since it’s just a small detour. We opted for a private driver, but organized tours are also available. Along the way, we stopped at Aydarkul Lake, which was only formed in 1969 and is now a key part of the environment. Even flamingos stop by during their migrations!
4. Hike the Nuratau Mountains & stay with an Uzbek Family in a rural village
We combined our trip to the Kyzylkum Desert with a few days of hiking through the Nuratau Mountains and staying with local families in the surrounding villages. While most visitors stick to the main attractions, few venture into the Nurata Mountains. We enjoyed it to the fullest and it quickly became one of our top recommendations for things to do in Uzbekistan.
If you love nature and hiking, this area is perfect for leaving the cities and crowds behind. The breathtaking views and incredibly hospitable people make it worth every step. You can trek through the Nuratau Mountains independently, hitchhiking and finding guesthouses along the way. We arranged for a driver to take us from the desert camp to the first village, and locals accompanied us on our hikes between villages each day. The trails are intermediate level, often steep and challenging, earning them the nickname “mountain goat trails.” But the adventure and the chance to step out of our comfort zone made it so much fun!
As you hike, you’ll come across green oasis villages nestled between the mountains, where only a small number of people live. These families are mostly self-sufficient, with vegetable gardens, cows, and goats. The best way to experience the Nurata Mountains is by staying with a local family. There’s no better way to connect with a country than through its people. The hospitable families here will feed you delicious homemade meals, offer plenty of green tea, and even invite you to dance. Enjoying these meals on a tapchan in their garden, under a tree with mountain views, was unforgettable. The warmth and generosity of the local families, coupled with the stunning natural beauty, made for an experience we’ll never forget.
5. Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Khiva and watch the sunset over Itchan Kala
Our Uzbekistan itinerary took us from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara, and finally, Khiva, the last Silk Road town. We thought we had seen it all after marveling at the Registan in Samarkand and wandering through the trading domes of Bukhara. However, Khiva still managed to surprise us! Even though Khiva is smaller than the other cities and has been heavily restored—sparking some controversy about its authenticity—we were smitten! Many people only spend a day or two here, but we thoroughly enjoyed our 3.5 days, roaming the narrow alleyways and discovering hidden corners outside the typical tourist spots. Taking the time to simply enjoy being there, rather than chasing sights, made all the difference. Plus, the food in Khiva was some of the best we had in Uzbekistan!
One of our favorite memories was enjoying a traditional Uzbek meal on a rooftop terrace at sunset, overlooking the Itchan Kala (the old inner town). Located right on the main square near the entrance of the Kuhna Ark, Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant is a popular place—and for good reason! Certain terrace tables are highly coveted, so we recommend making reservations in advance. Despite its popularity, the service is impeccable. The staff is sweet and helpful, and the food is delicious. We had one of the best dining experiences of our trip to Uzbekistan here. Besides typical Uzbek dishes, they offer the local Khiva specialty Shivit Oshi and a delicious meat pie.
The Terrassa Cafe in Khiva is the perfect place to end your day of exploring, and watching the sunset behind the Kuhna Ark. We enjoyed it so much that we returned the next day for afternoon tea and pie, as they have a huge selection.
6. Spending the night in a historic Madrasah
During your Uzbekistan adventure, you’ll visit numerous former madrasahs, or Islamic schools, often bustling with vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs. But did you know you can also spend the night in one? Many madrasahs are no longer active and have been repurposed, with several transformed into hotels. Staying inside a madrasah was high on our wishlist, and we found the perfect spot in Khiva.
In the heart of Itchan Kala, the Feruzkhan Hotel has converted former classrooms and student rooms into beautifully decorated guest rooms with typical Uzbek style. The courtyard is a serene oasis, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day, and having breakfast there was pure bliss. We absolutely loved our stay and highly recommend it! Staying in a majestic ancient madrasah within a historic old town is truly a unique experience.
Another popular converted hotel is the Orient Star Khiva Hotel, located right next to the Kalta Minor Minaret. This two-story building, formerly the Mohammed Amin Madrasah, was once one of the largest madrasahs in Central Asia. In Samarkand, you can stay at the famous Bibi Khanum Hotel, which offers rooms with balconies and stunning views of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Spending the night in these historic madrasahs adds an extra layer of charm and history to your trip, making your stay in Uzbekistan even more memorable.
7. Explore the ancient Khorezm Fortresses in the desert
One of the most unique things to do in Khiva is taking a day trip to the Khorezm Fortresses. Nestled in the middle of the Karakalpak Desert, these ancient fortress ruins are about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Khiva.
If you’re a history enthusiast, Ancient Khorezm is a must-visit. This region offers a fascinating glimpse into the 3,000-year-old citadels of the Khorezmian Empire. Key sites like Toprak Kala, Kizil Kala, Ayaz Kala, and Chilpik Kala were once thriving cities of one of Uzbekistan’s earliest empires. Today, their ruins resemble sandcastles amidst the desert, and you can explore around a dozen of them. Built from thick mud bricks to protect against nomadic raids, these fortresses stood strong until the 13th century when Genghis Khan’s invasion led to their downfall. His forces destroyed the region, enslaved its people, and left the fortresses to crumble. Rediscovered by Soviet archaeologists, these ruins now offer an incredible peek into a 2,000-year-old history with minimal crowds.
You can arrange a tour to these fortresses through your hotel or local travel agencies in Khiva. In one day, you can comfortably visit four to five fortresses. We recommend sticking to this number to avoid rushing. The fortresses mentioned above are the most unique and best-preserved; the others are less remarkable as they have mostly deteriorated and can start to look similar.
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8. Take in the grandeur of Shah-i-Zinda at sunrise
The Registan may be the iconic postcard of Samarkand, but our favorite sight was the necropolis Shah-i-Zinda. It is probably one of the most magnificent places we’ve ever visited. For a truly magical experience, we recommend visiting early in the morning for sunrise. Watching the sun hit the sandstone buildings and colorful tiles was truly enchanting. Sunset near closing time is also ideal, offering the best light and fewer tourists. During these times, you’ll mostly encounter photography enthusiasts and Instagrammers seeking perfect lighting. Truthfully, the beauty of this place is best enjoyed with fewer people around, as it gets crowded during the day.
This sacred necropolis houses the remains of both famous and unknown individuals, showcasing some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. Many of these tiles date back to the 14th-century Timurid Empire. From the 11th to the 19th centuries, various mausoleums and temples were continually added. As a result, we now see the stunning avenue of mausoleums that stands today. The intricate tilework and mosaics in each mausoleum make Shah-i-Zinda one of the top things to do in Uzbekistan.
9. Shop & interact at local bazaars
What’s a better way to immerse yourself in local culture than visiting a market? Uzbekistan boasts some of the most lively and colorful bazaars we have ever seen. These markets sell everything from fresh local produce to beautiful handmade souvenirs by skilled craftsmen. Visiting a bazaar is one of the top things to do in Uzbekistan to experience the local culture and atmosphere.
In Samarkand, you can explore the Siyob Bazaar, where you’ll be greeted by a delightful array of smells and colorful fruits and vegetables. This bustling place offers a perfect opportunity to soak in local life, chat with friendly vendors, and get a real taste of daily activities. For us, exploring the bazaar was a highlight. We loved sampling local delicacies, especially the sweet and delicious halva.
In Tashkent, the labyrinth-like Chorsu Bazaar is a must-visit. It’s famous for its main hall with the iconic blue dome, packed with vendors selling raw food products. The market’s maze of stalls, outdoor food stands, and wholesalers embodies the chaotic charm of a Central Asian bazaar. This bustling market is mostly frequented by locals, providing an authentic slice of daily life.
Last but not least, Bukhara takes the title of a shopping mecca. The city is renowned for its craftsmanship. Everywhere you go in the Old Town, whether through a madrasah or along pedestrian-friendly streets, you’ll encounter exquisite handmade products. Bukhara’s historical prominence on the Silk Road and its history as a thriving trading center are evident today. Four well-preserved trading domes still stand, filled with souvenir shops and stalls of specialized craftsmen. Inside, you’ll discover a treasure trove of traditional suzanis (hand-embroidered textiles), jewelry, copperware, hand-forged knives, ceramics, and more.
10. Indulge in Uzbek food & get loaded on Plov
One of the best things to do in Uzbekistan is to savor the local food! Uzbek cuisine might not be internationally renowned, but it’s truly delicious. Just thinking about it makes me hungry. Uzbekistan’s culinary heritage shares similarities with Turkish cuisine, while its noodle and dumpling dishes remind me of those in China, Nepal, and other East Asian countries.
The food in Uzbekistan is hearty and meat-centric, so be prepared to indulge during your trip—you might even gain a couple of kilos! To balance out the richness, try some of their refreshing salads, which are generously seasoned and make perfect side dishes. One dish you simply cannot miss is the much-loved national dish, plov. Made with rice, vegetables, and meat (usually mutton, lamb, or beef), plov is a staple at almost every restaurant in Uzbekistan. For an authentic experience, visit a Beshqozon Plov Center in Tashkent. Watching the cooking process is fascinating!
Uzbek bread, or non, is another must-try. It’s a round, flat bread baked in a tandyr (clay oven) and found everywhere. Our favorite restaurant in Samarkand was Shokhrukh Nur, known for its shashlik and manti, which sell out daily! Shashlik is skewered grilled meat, and manti are dumplings typically filled with minced meat.
In Bukhara, we recommend Mavrigi Restaurant, a former caravanserai. They serve amazing dishes like Laghman (noodle soup) and Shurpa (meat and vegetable soup) in a beautiful setting, often with live music, creating the perfect ambiance for dinner.
Khiva offers unique dishes not found elsewhere in the country. Our favorites are the green dill pasta (Shivit Oshi) and the dumplings (Gumma & Barak). Besides the great food, Khiva is also home to one of the best views from a bar/restaurant: Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant. Enjoying a meal there is an experience that can’t be missed.
11. Take a city tour of Tashkent!
Last but not least, we can’t leave out Tashkent! Often overshadowed by the classic Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, Tashkent is truly underrated. We had the best time here, and the city has a lot to offer. This unique city is definitely worth a few days’ stay to experience life outside the more touristy towns.
Tashkent is a captivating blend of brutalist Soviet architecture, restored Islamic sites, and classical Russian buildings, setting it apart from the rest of the country. The city center is remarkably green, with leafy squares, beautiful parks, cozy cafes, and excellent restaurants. It’s also a perfect place to unwind at the end of your travels in Uzbekistan, offering a refreshing break when you’re “tiled-out.”
There are stunning historical sites such as the Hazrat Imam Complex and the Kukeldash Madrasah, which provide a beautiful introduction to the country’s famed architecture. You can also explore Soviet architectural gems like the State Museum of History and Hotel Uzbekistan, both worth a photo stop. The city features modern parks with beautiful fountains and statues, especially at Independence Square and the Memorial to the Victims of Repression.
For those short on time, guided city tours are available and highly recommended. These tours allow you to learn more about the local culture and history, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights. We highly recommend the following Tashkent City Tours, which also includes lunch at the infamous Plov Center!
Practical Travel Resources
TRANSPORTATION | The easiest way to travel around Uzbekistan is by railway. For hassle-free bookings, we recommend using the user-friendly platform 12go.Asia. Skip the queues and reserve your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
ACCOMMODATION | Booking affordable accommodations in Uzbekistan is effortless with Booking.com. This platform is perfect for discovering budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, and hotels tailored to your preferences.
FLIGHTS | Discover the best flight deals to Uzbekistan on Skyscanner. Benefit from their feature highlighting the cheapest days to fly and check for flights to different cities.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Ensure comprehensive and reliable coverage for your backpacking journey in Uzbekistan with Heymondo. Prioritize peace of mind with their trustworthy travel insurance options. Get 5% OFF through our link.
STAY CONNECTED | Guarantee reliable internet access throughout your Uzbekistan trip by using Airalo. Install it on your eSIM-compatible smartphone before your journey for convenient connectivity. Use promo code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off any eSIM (for new Airalo users only).
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | Explore the best city tours, day excursions, and cooking classes in Uzbekistan with GetYourGuide or Viator.
VISA ORGANIZATION | Uzbekistan introduced FREE VISAS ON ARRIVAL or e-visa for most nationalities (30 days). Make sure to check the visa requirements on ivisa.com for your nationality before you go.
ONLINE PRIVACY | Always safeguard your online activity and digital privacy when using public Wi-Fi abroad by using a VPN. We’ve trusted ExpressVPN for years! Plus, a VPN lets you stream Netflix shows from any country. Get 3 months FREE now when getting a 12-month plan with our link.
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It looks amazing! I’m planning my trip for next year and I was wondering what’s the name of the Yurt camp? Unfortunately the link is not working 🙁
Hi Renate, that’s so exciting, the yurt camp is an amazing experience! 😀 oh thank you for mentioning, here is the yurt camp tour which includes transport: https://www.viator.com/tours/Bukhara/2-days-Desert-Yurt-Camp-tour/d50479-90312P3?pid=P00068453&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=thingstodo-uzbekistan , otherwise you can check the booking link for the yurt itself: https://www.booking.com/hotel/uz/kyzylkum-safari-yurt-camp-nurota.en.html?aid=7943710&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2 . Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions, happy to help 😀