Why Travel to Uzbekistan
As an inevitable place on the Silk Road, ancient and splendid Central Asian civilizations and cultures converged here. Explore the ancient city of Bukhara with an informative local guide, admire the well-known Char Minar, the massive Ark of Bukhara and the Po-i-Kalyan Complex. Take a high-speed train to Samarkand, and visit the most important landmarks including Gur-e-Amir Complex and the Registan. Cross the Kyzylkum Desert then head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Khiva. This magical land can show you more than these, just come and get an unforgettable travel experience.
Capital
Toshkent
Currency
Uzbekistani Soʻm
Best Time
MAR - MAY SEP - NOV
Language
Uzbek
Uzbekistan Private Tours
View our most recommended private tours for inspiration, or contact our experts to plan a custom itinerary perfectly suited to your interests.
15 Days
Central Asia Five Stans Tour
Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek, Cholpon Ata;
Kazakhstan: Almaty;
Tajikistan: Dushanbe, Penjikent;
Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva;
Turkmenistan: Darvaza, Ashgabat
12 Days
Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan Tour – 12 Days Adventure
Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek, Karakol, Jety-Oguz, Bökönbaev, Song-Köl Lake;
Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand
10 Days
15 Days
Central Asia Five Stans Tour
Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek, Cholpon Ata;
Kazakhstan: Almaty;
Tajikistan: Dushanbe, Penjikent;
Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva;
Turkmenistan: Darvaza, Ashgabat
12 Days
Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan Tour – 12 Days Adventure
Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek, Karakol, Jety-Oguz, Bökönbaev, Song-Köl Lake;
Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand
10 Days
Uzbekistan Travel FAQs
A trip with Royalairtrip allows you to have a tour with freedom and flexibility. You decide where to visit, when to see, what to eat and where to stay.
What currency is used in Uzbekistan and how should I manage money?
The official currency is the Uzbekistani Som and it is important to know that cash is still very much the preferred payment method throughout the country. While major hotels and some upscale restaurants in Tashkent accept credit cards, the vast majority of bazaars, local restaurants, guesthouses, and smaller shops operate exclusively on cash basis. The good news is that the Som has a very favourable exchange rate for most international travellers meaning your money goes incredibly far and daily expenses feel very affordable compared to most other travel destinations. ATMs are available in Tashkent and other major cities but can be unreliable in smaller towns so it is always wise to carry enough cash when venturing outside the capital. US Dollars are widely accepted for exchange and it is recommended to bring crisp clean notes as damaged or old bills are sometimes refused at exchange offices.
What should I pack for a trip to Uzbekistan?
Packing smartly for this destination depends heavily on the time of year you are visiting and which regions you plan to explore. For spring and autumn visits lightweight breathable clothing is perfect for daytime sightseeing but always pack a light jacket or cardigan as evenings can get surprisingly cool especially in desert cities like Bukhara and Khiva. Summer visitors should pack loose lightweight cotton clothing, a wide brimmed hat, high SPF sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle as the heat can be intense and staying hydrated is absolutely essential. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as the ancient medinas and historical sites involve a lot of walking over uneven cobblestone surfaces. Modest clothing is important to carry as this is a predominantly Muslim country and covering shoulders and knees is expected and appreciated when visiting mosques, madrasas, and religious sites.
What are the must visit bazaars and markets in Uzbekistan?
Shopping and exploring the ancient bazaars is one of the most exciting and culturally rich experiences this Silk Road destination has to offer. The Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent is one of the oldest and largest markets in all of Central Asia housed under a stunning blue domed roof and overflowing with fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, nuts, handmade ceramics, and traditional Uzbek clothing that gives you a genuine glimpse into everyday local life. The Siab Bazaar in Samarkand is equally fascinating and is particularly famous for its incredible selection of fresh breads, seasonal fruits, and local dairy products enjoyed by locals every single morning. Bukhara's covered trading domes known as Toki are ancient merchant arcades dating back to the 16th century and are still used today for selling handcrafted silk scarves, miniature paintings, wooden lacquerware, and intricate embroidery. The Itchan Kala bazaar inside Khiva's walled old city is perfect for finding unique handmade souvenirs including ikat silk fabrics that the region has been famous for producing since Silk Road times.
What handicrafts and souvenirs should I buy in Uzbekistan?
This country is an absolute paradise for souvenir hunters and handicraft lovers and you will find it very hard to leave without filling your bags with beautiful handmade treasures. Ikat silk fabric is perhaps the most iconic product featuring stunning hand woven patterns in rich jewel tones of burgundy, gold, turquoise, and indigo that have been produced in the Fergana Valley using traditional methods for over a thousand years. Hand painted ceramics from Rishtan are another beloved souvenir featuring distinctive blue and white geometric patterns inspired by ancient Persian and Chinese artistic traditions that look absolutely stunning displayed at home. Suzani embroidery is a traditional needlework art form consisting of large hand embroidered textiles featuring bold floral and geometric designs that make for incredibly beautiful and meaningful gifts. Miniature paintings on silk or paper depicting Silk Road scenes, Persian poetry, and historical figures are exquisite pieces of art that are lightweight and easy to carry home.
What language is spoken and will I face any communication barriers?
Uzbek is the official language and is spoken by the majority of the population throughout the country. Russian is also widely understood particularly among older generations and in urban areas and serves as a useful second language in many business and tourist settings. English is increasingly spoken in major hotels, upscale restaurants, and popular tourist attractions in Tashkent and Samarkand though outside these areas English proficiency drops significantly and communication can become challenging. Learning a few basic Uzbek phrases will be enormously appreciated by locals and goes a long way in creating warm and memorable interactions. Rahmat means thank you, Salom means hello, and Kechirasiz means excuse me and using these simple words will immediately bring smiles to the faces of the incredibly warm and hospitable Uzbek people.
What are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan?
This remarkable country is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites that together paint a vivid and extraordinary picture of its ancient Silk Road civilisation and architectural genius. Samarkand is listed as a UNESCO site under the name Samarkand Crossroads of Cultures and features iconic landmarks including the breathtaking Registan Square, the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum where the great conqueror Timur is buried, and the stunning Shah-i-Zinda necropolis with its dazzling mosaic tilework. The historic centre of Bukhara is another UNESCO listed city featuring over 140 architectural monuments including the ancient Ark Citadel, the Kalon Minaret, and the beautifully preserved trading domes of the old bazaar quarter. Khiva's Itchan Kala was the first site in the country to receive UNESCO recognition and is a perfectly preserved walled inner city containing over 50 historic monuments and 250 traditional houses that together create one of the most atmospheric and intact ancient urban environments anywhere in the world.
How is the local transport within Uzbekistan?
Getting around is surprisingly comfortable and efficient especially between the major Silk Road cities that most tourists visit. The Afrosiyob high speed train connecting Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara is modern, clean, punctual, and affordable making it one of the most pleasant ways to travel between cities with journey times of around 2 hours between each destination. Shared taxis known as marshrutkas are the most common form of intercity transport used by locals and are very cheap though they can be crowded and depart only when full rather than on a fixed schedule. For travelling to more remote destinations like Khiva and the Fergana Valley domestic flights and private transfers are the most practical and comfortable options. Within cities taxis are widely available and very affordable though it is always best to agree on a price before getting in or use ride hailing apps like Yandex which operates reliably across the country. Royal Air Trip arranges all internal transportation for our clients as part of the tour package so you never have to worry about figuring out local transport logistics on your own.
Uzbekistan Travel Guide
Discover the timeless beauty of Uzbekistan, where Silk Road history comes alive beneath dazzling blue domes and ancient city walls. From the iconic squares of Samarkand to the historic charm of Bukhara and the open-air museum feel of Khiva, every destination tells a story. Our expert travel guides share must-see highlights, cultural insights, and practical tips to help you explore this extraordinary country with ease and inspiration.
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