If Uzbekistan isn’t yet on your radar, it should be. This Central Asian country, once a critical link on the ancient Silk Road, offers a heady mix of history, architecture, and culture. Think glittering turquoise domes in Samarkand, the labyrinthine old streets of Khiva, bustling bazaars where the scent of spices mingles with freshly baked non (bread), and the wide Soviet-style boulevards of Tashkent. Uzbekistan is a revelation for travellers chasing offbeat experiences: affordable, well-connected, and welcoming. Yet it remains just exotic enough to feel like a true discovery.
Recent reforms have made travel here far easier than in decades past. With streamlined visa requirements, new high-speed trains, and improved infrastructure, Uzbekistan is now Central Asia’s most tourist-ready nation. Still, like anywhere with deep traditions and quirks, it rewards travellers who arrive prepared.
So before you set off to explore the Silk Road’s most dazzling stretch, here’s what you should know about navigating Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan lies in the heart of Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the east, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Once the beating centre of the Silk Road, it sits at the crossroads of cultures and trade routes, connecting East and West.
Travelling around Uzbekistan is both affordable and convenient. The country’s major cities—Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and even Fergana, are connected by regular trains. The fastest option is the sleek Afrosiyob high-speed service, complete with air conditioning and entertainment screens. But slower Soviet-era trains also run, and these can be hot and crowded, so check the type before booking. Tickets are easy to buy online or at stations, though popular routes (especially in high season) do sell out.
Being a Muslim-majority country with deep traditions, in Uzbekistan. modest clothing is appreciated. While many Uzbek women wear beautiful tunic-and-trouser sets in bright colours, tight or revealing clothing is rare. When visiting mosques, mausoleums, or other religious sites, covering shoulders, knees, and chest is essential, and women should carry a scarf to cover their hair. In cosmopolitan Tashkent, travellers have more leeway, but in smaller towns and in the conservative Fergana Valley, dressing modestly is both respectful and practical.
Navigating Uzbekistan’s bustling cities doesn’t have to involve haggling with taxi drivers. The ride-hailing app Yandex Go functions much like Uber and is widely used in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. It’s reliable, affordable, and gives you a set fare upfront. The only catch is that you’ll need a local SIM card or eSIM to access the app, making it a good idea to sort out your connectivity on arrival.
When it comes to payments, Uzbekistan is a country in transition. Larger hotels, supermarkets, and modern restaurants accept cards, but many smaller shops, guesthouses, and local taxis still require cash. The local currency is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). One quirky thing: withdrawing even modest amounts can leave you with a comical stack of notes, so always ask ATMs for large denominations.
Travellers should also budget for small but unavoidable ATM fees. As of 2025, nearly all banks charge around 1.5% for cash withdrawals. Kapital Bank is reliable and has ATMs in most major cities, though it’s wise to withdraw a larger amount in one go to minimise charges. Carrying a back-up stash of US dollars or euros can also prove useful in emergencies or in more rural areas.
Food is central to the Uzbek experience, but vegetarian travellers may find it tricky. Traditional dishes such as plov (a rich rice pilaf with lamb), shashlik (grilled skewers), and shurpa (meat stew) are meat-heavy, and local eateries don’t always cater to vegetarians. That said, there are ways to navigate the cuisine. Salads, breads, fresh fruit, and dairy products are widely available, and some restaurants in Tashkent and other tourist hubs now offer vegetarian-friendly menus. A must-try is shivit oshi, a strikingly green, herb-infused noodle dish that can be made meat-free on request. Pair it with local green tea, Sarbast beer, or even Uzbek wine—a surprisingly good discovery for many travellers.
One of the country’s biggest reforms in recent years has been the streamlining of visas. Citizens of over 60 countries, including those from the EU, UK, and Canada, can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Indian travellers, along with many others, can apply online for an eVisa that is usually processed within a couple of days. Compared to the bureaucratic hurdles of the past, this ease of entry has played a huge role in boosting tourism.
One quirky aspect of travelling in Uzbekistan is the requirement for police registration. Visitors must be able to prove where they stayed on each night of their trip. Fortunately, hotels and guesthouses usually handle the process automatically and provide you with a registration slip if needed. While checks are less common than they once were, it’s a good idea to keep your registration documents handy, particularly if travelling to less-visited regions or crossing borders.
Uzbek is the official language, and its Turkic roots make it somewhat similar to Turkish. Russian is also widely spoken, especially among older generations. English, however, is not commonly understood outside Tashkent and major tourist sites. A few key phrases can go a long way. Simple greetings like “Salom” (hello) and “Rahmat” (thank you) are warmly appreciated, while knowing numbers will help immensely when negotiating for taxis or in markets. Downloading offline Uzbek and Russian packs on Google Translate is highly recommended.
Unlike many destinations, tipping is not deeply ingrained in Uzbek culture. That said, most restaurants add a non-negotiable service charge of 10–15% to bills, so check carefully before adding extra. Beyond this, rounding up a taxi fare or leaving small change for good service is a nice gesture but never expected. Bargaining in markets is common, but unlike in some parts of Asia, aggressive haggling is frowned upon—keep negotiations friendly and light.
Connectivity is straightforward thanks to prepaid tourist SIM cards. Beeline is among the best providers, with strong coverage across much of the country, including in rural areas. Ucell is another popular option. With the increasing availability of eSIMs, many travellers now arrive and connect instantly without even visiting a store. Having local data also ensures smooth use of Yandex Go, Google Translate, and mapping apps.
Every city in Uzbekistan tells its own chapter of the Silk Road story, and a well-rounded trip should include at least a few highlights. In Khiva, the walled desert citadel of Itchan Kala feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Samarkand dazzles with the sparkling mosaics of Shah-i-Zinda and the grandeur of Registan Square, particularly when lit up at night. Bukhara offers the chance to explore atmospheric madrassas like Chor Minor and sip tea in ancient caravanserais. In Tashkent, don’t miss a ride on the Soviet-style metro, where every station is a work of art, and be sure to shop for bread, melons, and spices at the bustling Chorsu Bazaar. For something different, head south to Termez to discover Buddhist ruins, or east to Margilan to tour a Soviet-era silk factory still producing the fabric that made the region famous.
Uzbekistan is not yet a mainstream tourist destination, and that’s part of its charm. It offers the grandeur of Islamic architecture on par with Istanbul or Isfahan, yet without the overwhelming crowds. It is deeply traditional yet rapidly modernising, affordable yet rich in priceless experiences. As major travel publications tip Uzbekistan as one of the world’s top destinations for 2025, there has never been a better time to go. Prepare well, dress respectfully, and travel with an open mind, you’ll find yourself immersed in a land of history, hospitality, and extraordinary beauty.
