Uzbekistan Travel Guide: What to Do

What to do in Uzbekistan? Main activities and attractions

Uzbekistan is home to some of the most important historical cities on the Silk Road. In Samarkand, visitors can marvel at the majestic Registan Square and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, both adorned with intricate blue mosaics. Bukhara, with over 140 architectural monuments, offers a glimpse into the region’s Islamic golden age through Kalon Mosque, the Ark Fortress, and trading domes. Khiva, another UNESCO World Heritage city, is an open-air museum with perfectly preserved palaces, madrasas, and minarets within its ancient walls. These cultural sites transport travelers to a time of caravans and empires.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes, from the Kyzylkum Desert to the Chimgan Mountains, ideal for hiking or winter sports. The Aydarkul Lake offers opportunities for yurt camping, fishing, and camel rides across the sand dunes. Culinary enthusiasts can delve into Uzbek cuisine through local markets and cooking workshops for dishes like plov and samsa. Don’t miss tea houses where the hospitality tradition invites you to share stories over green tea and sweets. Whether through scenic nature, flavorful food or immersive cultural experiences, Uzbekistan offers offbeat but rich adventures.

Unusual and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Uzbekistan

Beyond its ancient cities and monumental architecture, Uzbekistan offers many lesser-known gems that reward the curious traveler. Venturing off the tourist trail allows for more intimate encounters with local traditions and untouched nature, far from bustling bazaars or famous mosques.

Start your journey at the Nukus Museum of Art in Karakalpakstan, home to the Savitsky Collection, a hidden trove of Soviet avant-garde art rarely seen elsewhere. From there, head into the desolate Ustyurt Plateau and the Aral Sea’s ghost towns, where rusting ships now rest on sand—a stark reminder of environmental transformation. The experience offers reflection more than spectacle.

In the village of Sentob in the Nuratau Mountains, travelers are invited to stay with local families in eco-guesthouses. Here, you’ll enjoy homemade food, legends passed down for generations, and trails shaded by ancient nut trees. For a surreal landscape, visit the Yangikala Canyon-like formations near Sultan Uvais Dag Mountains, largely unknown to tourists yet perfect for sunset hikes.

For a spiritual experience, witness a ziyorat (pilgrimage) to the lesser-known shrine of Hazrat Bashir outside Termez, where locals gather in prayer and donate meals. These discrete yet powerful moments highlight a side of Uzbekistan rooted in tradition, hospitality, and resilience. Choosing these unusual routes reveals the soul of the Uzbek people and makes your travel to Uzbekistan uniquely personal.

When to visit Uzbekistan? Best travel periods

Essential practical information for traveling to Uzbekistan

📋 Formalities and visa

EU, UK, and US citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. A valid passport with at least six months validity is required. No invitation letter is needed for short-term tourism. For longer stays or work purposes, apply through Uzbekistan’s e-visa portal.

🚗 Driving rules

Uzbekistan drives on the right-hand side. An international driving license is required and must be carried alongside your national license. Traffic conditions vary widely, and road quality may be poor in rural areas. Watch for pedestrians and animals on roadways outside major cities.

🔌 Electricity

Standard voltage is 220V with 50Hz frequency. Plug types C and F are used (common in Europe). Travelers from the UK or US will need an adapter. Power outages are rare in cities but still occur occasionally in smaller towns.

📱 Mobile network and internet

The mobile coverage is good in urban areas but limited in rural zones. Main operators include Ucell, Beeline, and Mobiuz. Prepaid SIM cards for tourists are widely available, and 4G internet is common. Expect to pay around $5–10 for a gigabyte of data.

⚠️ Safety and areas to avoid

Uzbekistan is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, avoid remote border regions (especially near Afghanistan). Exercise standard precautions in public spaces, and keep emergency numbers at hand: 101 (fire), 102 (police), 103 (ambulance).

🚫 Prohibitions and regulations

Importing drugs, pornography, and weapons is strictly forbidden. Drone usage is also restricted. Exporting antiques or cultural artifacts without approval can lead to fines or confiscation. Always declare large cash amounts upon entry.

🤝 Cultural codes and behavior

Greet with a handshake and avoid public displays of affection. Dress modestly, especially in rural and religious areas. Shoes should be removed when entering homes, and showing the soles of the feet is considered rude. Hospitality is central—accept tea when offered.

🕌 Respect for religious traditions

Islam is the dominant religion, though the state is secular. Always dress respectfully when visiting mosques or shrines, and women may be asked to cover their heads. During Ramadan, public food consumption during daylight hours should be discreet.

Sources: Foreign Office, Embassy in Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan National Tourism Office. Last updated: January 2025