Hi everyone! I'm planning a self-organized trip to Uzbekistan for late April to early May. Here’s my proposed itinerary:
I have a few questions:
Is it worth adding Tashkent to my trip, specifically to visit Chimgan, given that I’ve already been to several mountain destinations before?
Honestly, I wouldn’t bother with Tashkent just to visit Chimgan. While I personally enjoyed Tashkent, the Chimgan mountains didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. If you’ve seen other, more dramatic mountain ranges, this won’t stand out much. It’s nice, but skippable.
You’ll be fine! People were friendly and respectful during my solo trip. I didn’t feel unsafe at any point. As a precaution, I booked excursions through reputable agencies rather than from random street guides, but even street guides seemed harmless. Uzbekistan is a very welcoming country for solo travelers.How safe is it for a cheerful, middle-aged woman traveling solo? I plan to use trains to move between cities.
Yes, three days is a bit much unless you’re really into detailed exploration. I spent two full days and three nights in Samarkand, and that felt perfect. If you haven’t visited Tashkent before, I’d suggest spending at least one full day there. As for getting around, consider flying. There are affordable flights from Urgench (near Khiva) to Tashkent, which might save you some time.Samarkand for 3 days (is that enough time?)
Kokand is off the main tourist trail. Most of Uzbekistan’s highlights for visitors are concentrated in Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva. Unless you’re particularly interested in Ferghana Valley history or architecture, I’d say it’s not worth the detour.What about Kokand?
I agree with @future33 about skipping Chimgan. If you’ve already been to stunning mountain regions, Chimgan might not wow you. However, Tashkent itself is worth considering for its cultural diversity and modern vibe—it’s different from the historical charm of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva.
For your question about Kokand, I’d say it depends on your interests. Kokand has some unique features, like the Khudoyar Khan Palace, but it’s not as grand as what you’ll see in the main cities. If your schedule is tight, you won’t miss much by skipping it.
Regarding your safety question, Uzbekistan is one of the safest places I’ve visited as a solo traveler. People are helpful and polite, and the trains are comfortable and secure. Just a tip: bring a scarf or light shawl for visiting mosques or religious sites, even if it’s not required—it’s a sign of respect.
Also, about your itinerary:
If you’re still considering Tashkent, I’d say go for the food and cultural experiences, but don’t add it just for Chimgan.
Thanks, everyone! This is super helpful. It looks like I’ll skip Chimgan and Kokand for this trip and stick to my original plan. I might tweak it a bit by adding a day in Tashkent to explore the city itself.
For Samarkand, I’ll keep it at three days for now, but if it feels too long, I can always take a day trip somewhere nearby. And I appreciate all the safety tips—sounds like Uzbekistan is perfect for a solo adventure.
One last question: How’s the food on the trains? Should I pack snacks, or is it good enough for a long journey?
For train food, it’s hit or miss. Some trains have decent snacks and drinks, but I wouldn’t rely on them for a full meal. Bring some snacks just in case—local markets have great dried fruits and nuts that are perfect for the journey.
And don’t forget to try the plov in Samarkand—it’s different (and arguably better) than in other cities! 😊
Enjoy your trip, @alenkared! Let us know how it goes. Maybe you’ll be the next one giving advice here. 😊