Uzbekistan your way
Tailor-made Uzbekistan holidays shaped around your passions
Khiva, Uzbekistan
The crossroads of central Asia, Uzbekistan is home to works of architecture that have beguiled visitors and itinerants for centuries. Whether you travel to Uzbekistan as part of a longer journey along the Silk Road or as a standalone destination, our specialists will talk you through the country’s star attractions. They’ll also weave their knowledge of its backstreets, museums, Soviet relics, and Islamic sacred sites into your own tailor-made Uzbekistan journey.
For many visitors, the climax of a holiday to Uzbekistan is the triptych of madrasas (Islamic schools) gracing Registan Square in the historical city of Samarkand — our specialists will help you make the most of your experience here. You can complement this by exploring sights in the country’s other historic cities — Khiva’s city walls, teahouses in the capital of Tashkent, and Bukhara’s marketplaces. Our specialists will also point you toward lesser-known sights, including ruined mud-brick fortresses marooned amid desert sands.
Creating tailor-made tours for 30 years
Suggested tours for Uzbekistan
These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday to Uzbekistan could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
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![Bukhara]()
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![Song-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan]()
Highlights of Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan's mountains & Uzbekistan's architecture
Uzbekistan and KyrgyzstanView this tour
Suggested activities for Uzbekistan
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Uzbekistan.
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Guided tour of Samarkand ![Bibi-Khanym Mosque at Samarkand]()
Guided tour of Samarkand
SamarkandGuided tour of Samarkand
With a local guide, you’ll explore Samarkand’s historic sites on a full-day private tour. From the Mosque of Bibi-Khanym and Registan Square to monuments like Gur-e-Amir, Shah-i-Zinda, and Ulugbek Observatory, you’ll uncover the city’s rich Silk Road heritage and architectural marvels.
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Historical walking tour of Bukhara ![Poi Kalyan Mosque, Bukhara]()
Historical walking tour of Bukhara
BukharaHistorical walking tour of Bukhara
With a local guide, you’ll explore Bukhara’s Old Town on a full-day guided walk. Visiting bazaars, mosques, minarets, and citadel streets you’ll gain an insight into the centuries of stories woven into this historic city.
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Guided visit to rural Urgut ![Urgut Market]()
Guided visit to rural Urgut
SamarkandGuided visit to rural Urgut
With a local guide, you’ll journey to Urgut, a traditional town near the Tajik border. Exploring bustling markets, artisans’ workshops, and narrow streets, you’ll gain a vivid insight into the enduring traditions and daily life of rural Uzbekistan, framed by scenic Fann Mountain views.
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Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Uzbekistan, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your holiday in Uzbekistan
What languages are spoken in Uzbekistan?
The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek, with all official signage, including street signs and public transport information, written in the Latin alphabet. Russian is widely used, especially in bigger cities, where you’re likely to find menus written in both Uzbek and Russian.
Tajik, the official language of Tajikistan, is also used in some areas, particularly Samarkand and Bukhara. English is not widely spoken, so knowing a few phrases in Uzbek or Russian is very useful.
What's the currency of Uzbekistan?
The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som (UZS). ATMs can be found in the central areas of larger cities, such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, but outside of these, they’re scarce.
Visa cards are increasingly accepted, but mobile payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, aren’t yet widely used, and many smaller, rural places operate on a cash-only basis.
We recommend carrying a supply of US dollars in cash, which can be easily changed into UZS at official exchange offices.
What food and drink should I try in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan’s cuisine is hearty, aromatic, and central to hospitality. The national dish, plov, is a rice pilaf with lamb or beef, carrots, and onions, traditionally served at weddings, celebrations, and funerals. Other popular dishes include laghman, thick hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetables, and manti, steamed dumplings often topped with sour cream or yoghurt.
Street food is also a highlight. Try samsa, baked pastries filled with meat or pumpkin, and shashlik kebabs cooked over open grills, served with bread, onions, and fresh herbs. Meals are often communal, reflecting Uzbekistan’s social culture.
Tea is a cornerstone of daily life, with green tea being the most traditional. Served very hot in small handleless cups, it’s often accompanied by sweets, nuts, dried fruit, or pastries and is a symbol of Uzbek hospitality.
Where can I find the latest travel advice for Uzbekistan?
For the latest travel advice for Uzbekistan, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.
What can I experience in Uzbekistan?
One of Uzbekistan’s biggest draws is its Silk Road heritage. You can explore its historic trading cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, where intricate madrasas, mosques, and mausoleums showcase centuries of Islamic artistry that a privately guided tour can demystify for you.
You could also journey out to rural mountain communities and immerse yourself in the sensorial feast of Uzbekistan’s artisanal bazaars, discovering local food, spices, and crafts. Alternatively, you might like to watch traditional music and dance performances that bring Uzbek culture to life.
Our specialists can help you combine these experiences with scenic landscapes, local cuisine, and authentic cultural encounters to create a journey that captures Uzbekistan authentically, in ways that speak to you.
Where can I stay in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan offers a mix of accommodation to suit all tastes and requirements. In major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, you’ll find modern hotels with full amenities. Boutique hotels in historic cities, such as Bukhara and Khiva, provide character and charm, often set in beautifully restored buildings that reflect Uzbekistan’s rich heritage.
Options range from affordable city stays to luxury properties with spacious rooms, pools, and central locations. Our specialists hand-pick each one to ensure the best choice for your trip, whether you’re seeking contemporary comfort, traditional character, or a blend of both.
Where should I go in Uzbekistan?
For Silk Road history and architecture, visit Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Samarkand is known for its distinctive Islamic designs, with highlights including Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and Shah-i-Zinda. Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers mosques, madrasas, and the atmospheric old city, including the Po-i-Kalyan complex and Lyabi-Hauz. Khiva is a perfectly preserved walled city that feels like an open-air museum, encircling Itchan Kala.
For a modern twist, Tashkent blends Soviet and contemporary architecture and has vibrant markets, museums, and lively city life.
How long does it take to fly to Uzbekistan from the UK?
It takes around seven hours to fly directly from London to Tashkent.
You can choose to break up the journey with a stop in Istanbul (a four-hour flight) and then fly on to a choice of several Uzbek cities with onward flight times of around four hours and 30 minutes.
What's the time zone in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan’s standard time zone is GMT +5.
What's the best way of getting around in Uzbekistan?
You’ll find good quality, high speed trains linking Uzbekistan’s major cities, such as Tashkent to Samarkand and Samarkand to Bukhara. To access Khiva and the more rural areas, we’ll arrange a driver and private vehicle for you.
Do I need a visa to visit Uzbekistan, and what do I need to check with my passport?
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Uzbekistan. Enter where you’re travelling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Uzbekistan
Your doctor is best placed to offer up-to-date advice on recommended vaccinations for Uzbekistan. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Travel Health Pro website. It’s also a good idea to ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations at home.
Uzbekistan in pictures
Admire the views from Ferghana Valley
Experience Uzbekistan culture
Enjoy time in the markets and bazaars
Take in the sights of Bukhara
Watch the artisans in their workshops in Khiva
Explore the Silk Road cities
Visit the Mosque of Bibi-Khanym in Samarkand
Our expert guides to travelling in Uzbekistan
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Uzbekistan. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Uzbekistan at its best.
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![My travels along the Silk Route]()
My travels along the Silk Route
Travel specialist Nick documented his journey along the ancient Silk Route, taking in the cultures and landscapes of China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, from the Gobi Desert to the beautiful mosaic buildings of Samarkand’s Registan Square.
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The Silk Road unpacked: highlights of Central Asia ![Kyrgyzstan]()
The Silk Road unpacked: highlights of Central Asia
The Silk Road unpacked: highlights of Central Asia
The Silk Route spans a vast area of the globe from China to Uzbekistan. Here, Silk Route specialist Chris explains why you should focus your energies on Central Asia, and why this region is so fulfilling to explore.
Read this guide
