“Welcome to Uzbekistan, where the ancient Silk Road meets modernity. Beyond its bustling cities, this Central Asian country holds an array of hidden gems waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers. From stunning mosques and mausoleums to breathtaking mountains and lakes, Uzbekistan has it all. Join us on a journey as we uncover some of the top tourist destinations in this landlocked gem.”
Uzbekistan’s Top Tourist Destinations
Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It borders Kazakhstan to the north and northeast, Kyrgyzstan to the east and southeast, Tajikistan to the south, and Afghanistan to the west. The name Uzbekistan comes from the ancient Turkic word Utəpkʻa which means “land of the Uzbeks”. The Uzbek people are ethnically similar to the Kazakhs and Tajiks who also inhabit this region.
The majority of tourists come to Uzbekistan for its mountainous terrain, deserts, lakes and wildlife zones. Popular tourist destinations include Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Qashqadaryo, Saint Petersburg in Russia, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan and Andijan in Uzbekistan. Many of these sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Other popular tourist destinations include Amu Darya National Park in Turkmenistan; Registan Square in Tehran; Baku Avenue in Iran; Terra Cotta Warriors Museum in Xi’an City; Ili River Canyon in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China; Kashgar Valley along the ancient Silk Road Route; Pamir Mountains National Park located near Tashkent City; Raua Forts National Monument overlooking Lamerd city on Lake Balkhash (the world’s highest mountain lake at 5,596 meters above sea level).
There are numerous other attractions such as Buddhist temples such as Shayban-Koin in Tashkent and Khiva, traditional markets like Bukhara Bazaar, and Himmatan Fort in Samarkand. The Uzbekistan Tourism Development Agency operates a number of tourist resorts, including Arkhyz Resort, Bulvar Bukhara Resort, Kokand Resort, Andijan Resort and Panj-alai Termei Resort.
Things to Do in Uzbekistan
If you’re planning a trip to Uzbekistan, here are some places you should check out:
Bukhara – one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its gorgeous old mosques and tombs. It’s also home to the impressive Shah Ismail Khan Museum, which showcases naval artifacts and paintings from the Timurid period.
Samarkand – another UNESCO World Heritage site, Samarkand is renowned for its splendid architecture, including Tamerlane’s Palace and Jama Mosque. It’s also home to a number of important historical sites (including the Tomb of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi), as well as some lovely lakeside spots.
Karakoram National Park – located in eastern Kyrgyzstan and northwestern Pakistan, Karakoram National Park is one of the world’s largest mountain ranges and contains some stunning landscapes (including glaciers). It’s also home to a number of beautiful lakes and caves.
Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan’s southern neighbor offers plenty to see (including extraordinary desert landscapes), taste (watermelon is widely eaten there) and hear (the Turkmen language is considered one of the most difficult in the world to learn). Highlights include Ashalluqlar Cave, Qurghonteppa Waterfall and Sarykamysh Lake.
What to Pack for a Trip to Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a largely undeveloped country, with plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered. Visiting the country doesn’t require a lot of preparation – just some comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. However, visitors should be prepared for cold weather in winter and hot weather in summer. It’s also helpful to have appropriate hygiene items, including soap and shampoo, as well as some snacks and drinks.
Visa Requirements for Uzbekistan
When planning your trip to Uzbekistan, be sure to check the visa requirements for your destination. While the country can be visited on a tourist visa for up to 30 days, many visitors arrive on a business visa and need to obtain an extra-ordinary or long-term visa before departure.
Some basic requirements for visas include a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of adequate funds. Business travelers may also need to provide letters from their employers confirming their stay in Uzbekistan for business purposes. Visitor visas are available at most Uzbekistani embassies and consulates overseas.
How to Get Cheap Airfare to Uzbekistan
There are a number of inexpensive and relatively unknown tourist destinations in Uzbekistan that offer some stunning scenery and intriguing history. Bishkek is the capital and largest city, offering plenty of tourist attractions such as the National Museum, the Kirov Opera House, and the Karakol Mountains. But there are also quieter suburbs such as Surozi that are great for walks and hikes, as well as exploring local markets. Samarkand also has many historical sites to explore, including the Imam Shirzai Mausoleum, Tamerlane’s Tomb, and the Horde Fortress. And lastly, Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its lavish mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools), and khanaqahs (entertainment quarters).
All of these destinations can be accessed cheaply with affordable airfare options. For example, flights from Western Europe to Bishkek cost around €200 per month on low-cost carriers like Air Asia or Norwegian airline Wideroe. Flights from North America to Samarkand or Bukhara are often even cheaper thanks to promotional deals offered by major airlines at certain times of year.
Tips on Saving Money while Traveling in Uzbekistan
1. Use bus passes and tour packages:
Many tourists don’t realize that they can save money by using bus passes and tour packages. Bus operators in Uzbekistan are often willing to negotiate special deals, so it’s always worth checking out the options available before trekking off on your own. Additionally, many of the touristy destinations in Uzbekistan offer free transfers for guests of certain hotels and resorts.
2. Plan ahead:
When planning your trip, be sure to account for transportation costs as well as food and lodging expenses. Make a budget and stick to it – you’ll be glad you did when prices start creeping up during your travels. Also, consider downloading an app like TripAdvisor or Vayama before traveling to help plan your itinerary and find cheaper alternatives for attractions and activities.
3. Shop around:
Allow yourself time to explore each market town or city you visit – there’s bound to be something unique on sale that will save you some dough. Tourist areas can also be a great place to find bargains – just remember that souvenirs are typically much more expensive in Uzbekistan than in other parts of Central Asia. As a general rule, try not to spent more than $10-15 per day on items like food and drinks – even small towns have supermarkets where prices tend to track lower than in major cities (which may also have higher hotel rates).
