Hey folks! Just recently got back from an epic solo trip to Uzbekistan, and I wanted to share my experience, especially since I struggled to find solid info while planning. Here’s the lowdown!
A Bit About Me:
I’m a 41-year-old dude who decided to go solo (good luck finding friends to join you—most just look puzzled when you bring up Uzbekistan!). But seriously, if you’re thinking about visiting, just do it! This place is incredible, with jaw-dropping sights, a rich history, scrumptious food, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
First Impressions:
Uzbekistan can feel super exotic or somewhat familiar, depending on where you’re from. If you’ve traveled through Eastern Europe or other post-Soviet nations, you’ll see some familiar sights—think Soviet-era architecture and old-school cars bustling around Tashkent.
Safety:
I never felt unsafe during my trip. Just a heads-up: traffic can be wild! Drivers don’t stop for pedestrians; they just honk and zoom by. There were some stories from a while back about police stopping tourists for passport checks in the metro, but that seems to be a thing of the past. Everyone I met was polite and friendly.
Getting There and Back:
I rolled in with my EU passport, and guess what? No visa needed for stays up to 30 days! The arrival process was a breeze—just a quick passport check, a photo, and a few casual questions like, “Is this your first visit?” Five minutes later, I was in!
Leaving was a bit of a different story. Make sure to get to the airport early—at least two hours ahead—because the lines can be long. You’ll get a registration card from your hotel when you check out, which is supposed to cover your stay. I didn’t need to show it at the airport, but it’s good to have just in case.
Getting Around:
Transportation was a bit of a puzzle, but it all worked out in the end. I flew into Tashkent, then hopped a flight to Khiva (plenty of domestic flights with decent service), and planned to take the train back between cities.
Here’s the scoop on the trains: you gotta buy tickets online, and there are passport checks at the station. It’s a bit like flying! I had a tough time booking tickets because the website crashed on me, but my hotel helped me sort out the Khiva-Bukhara train. I also took shared taxis for the Bukhara-Samarkand and Samarkand-Tashkent legs of the journey. Here’s how it went down:
You can haggle with drivers, and shared taxis usually leave when they fill up with four passengers, which doesn’t take long since locals use them a lot. City taxis pick up and drop off passengers along the way, so don’t be surprised if it feels a bit crowded!
Accommodations:
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of places to stay. I went with small boutique hotels and a guesthouse in Khiva, and the staff were super friendly and professional. There are tons of options in each city, often clustered in certain areas.
Costs:
Once you’re there, Uzbekistan is pretty budget-friendly! Accommodation prices are reasonable, with meals ranging from $4-5 at local spots to $10-15 at nicer restaurants. Drinks are cheap too—50-80 cents for water or soft drinks, and a metro ticket in Tashkent is just 10 cents! Taxis are about $1-2 in the cities, and entrance fees for attractions are around $2-5.
USD is widely accepted, but be sure to bring smaller bills (like $5-20) since some places might not take larger ones. Exchanging money is easy, and I even used my European VISA card without any issues.
Health Tips:
Stick to freshly made food, avoid unwashed fruits and veggies, and don’t eat bats (just common sense stuff!). Tap water is safe in Tashkent but not recommended elsewhere. I had a few minor stomach issues, but nothing too serious.
Food and Drinks:
Alcohol is easy to find, with dedicated shops and corner stores selling it. I tried a few local beers, and while some were decent, others weren’t great. Drinking in public is illegal, but I didn’t see anyone doing it.
As for food, it’s absolutely fantastic! I indulged in plov, shashlik, hearty soups, and tons of meat dishes. If you’re not a meat eater, don’t worry—there are plenty of salads, veggies, fruits, and sweets to choose from. Breakfasts at my accommodations were huge and varied.
Time Spent:
I spent ten full days exploring, which was just enough to see everything I wanted and travel between locations. Here’s a rough itinerary: Tashkent (2 days), Khiva (1 day), Bukhara (1 day), and Samarkand (2 days). Tashkent and Samarkand are great for hanging out longer, while Khiva and Bukhara are smaller with fewer options.
Language:
If you speak Russian, you’ll have no problems at all. English is fine in hotels and tourist spots, but outside of that, you might need to do some pointing and gesturing. It’s a good idea to learn a few basic Russian phrases—people really appreciate it!
Telecom:
Internet is pretty good, and Wi-Fi is everywhere. I didn’t bother getting a local SIM, but they’re available if you want one.
All in all, traveling in Uzbekistan was easy and fun. The locals are super friendly, so if you’re planning a trip, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy your adventure!
Hey fellow travelers! I wish I had stumbled upon this info before my trip, so I’m here to share my experiences and a few tips that might help you out.
First off, I decided to get a local SIM card, and let me tell you, it took about 20-30 minutes. They check your passport and ask a bunch of questions. If you can, avoid the airport kiosk and just grab your SIM in the city. I went with Ucell, which gave me 5GB for under €5. If you want it to last beyond 30 days, you'll need to register it, which costs more, but honestly, for a short trip, you’ll be just fine without that hassle.
The coverage is pretty decent, except when you’re in the desert—expect to find signal only where there are houses.
Yandex: I downloaded the app with my local SIM and it was a lifesaver! Super easy to use—you can pay in cash, so no need to share your credit card info. You can track your ride on the map, and the fare is usually what the app quotes.
Traffic: OMG, driving in Uzbekistan felt like a scene from a racing game! Especially that stretch from Nukus to Khiva—drivers know what they’re doing, but it’s wild!
Nukus: Definitely check out the Igor Savitsky Museum—it’s a must-see! Set aside at least two hours and consider a guided tour if you can swing it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also make a day trip to Mizdakhan Necropolis and the boat cemetery in Muynak. Just start early and grab a quick lunch to fit it all in.
Desert Fortresses: There are some impressive ones! We visited Toprak and Ayaz, both accessible from the main road. The view from Ayaz Qala was stunning; I kinda wished we’d stayed overnight to catch the sunset and sunrise in the desert. There’s a solar-powered yurt camp nearby with Wi-Fi and a decent restaurant.
Airport: The domestic terminal in Tashkent isn’t too crowded. There’s just a small café before security, and after that, it’s mostly vending machines that only take soum.
City Time: I mostly agree with the previous posts about how long to spend in each city. If you can spare some extra time, Khiva is a gem! You can get a daily ticket to visit monuments as many times as you want, which is awesome for snapping photos in different lighting. Plus, you can kick back with a beer while taking in the views.
Alcohol: Don’t just assume every restaurant serves it. Some do, many don’t, so it’s best to ask first if that’s important to you.
Plov in Tashkent: The plov is delicious, but the experience is even better. You literally have to wait for a table to open up! Once you’re seated, they’ll clean the table and take your order. No English here, so unless you speak Uzbek or Russian, expect the standard plov, salad, and tea. No alcohol served! You’ll get a ticket after eating to pay at the counter.
Food: If you’re looking for vegetarian options, try somsa (stuffed pastries) with meat, pumpkin, cheese, or egg. Even meat lovers will enjoy them! And don’t miss out on roasted apricot seeds. If you’re feeling brave, give ayran (a fermented milk drink) a shot—I passed on that one.
You’ll find the locals are super friendly, and sometimes teenagers will ask to take photos with you. It’s heartwarming to hear kids say, “Welcome to our country!”
Money: The best exchange rates for USD to soum are at banks. There are plenty of ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard, so keep an eye out.
Tour Stops: I’d skip some of the stops our tour operator suggested, like Hulli Hovli near Khiva and a bread-making “masterclass” in Gijduvan. Not worth the time or the $20 per person.
Metro in Tashkent: The metro has three lines, but interchanging stations have different names. You’ll need to follow signs to get to the next line, but you can use the same ticket.
Museums: Most museums in Tashkent are closed on Mondays, so plan your visits accordingly. In Samarkand, I missed the State Museum of History of Culture because it closes at 5 PM, while Registan and Bibi Khanum were open later and way less crowded.
Samarkand Registan: It stays open until after dark, so I’d recommend buying your ticket in the late afternoon. This way, you can enjoy the breathtaking architecture in both daylight and the enchanting dusk light. Plus, you’ll be right there for the free light show that kicks off an hour after sunset. Fair warning, though—it’s in Russian, but trust me, the visuals are absolutely mesmerizing, even if you don’t understand the language.
You’ll notice a lot of local sightseeing groups, especially school trips. It’s great to see how much they value their culture and history! Just a heads up: on Mondays and Fridays, school groups get free entry, so expect larger crowds, especially in the mornings.
I had a blast visiting the Museum of Applied Arts—it’s got some really cool exhibits and a lovely setting. The State Museum of Fine Arts is also worth a visit, even if not everything is a hit. I was hoping to check out the Museum of History, but it closed before I could make it there. Next time, for sure!
Oh, and if you’re looking for something unique, check out Konigil, a quaint village just a short taxi ride from Samarkand. You can see how they make paper from mulberry bark. The entrance fee is 10,000 soum, and the way they collect it is quirky—no printed tickets! A lady just remembers you’ve paid and gives you the thumbs up when you go into the demonstration room. It’s a fun little experience!
A couple of attractions, including Konigil and the Afrosyab Museum, are featured on the uztour.orpheo app, which you can download by scanning a QR code at the entrance. Super handy!
I have to say, I found Bukhara more charming than Samarkand, and Khiva completely stole my heart! Sure, Samarkand’s architecture is impressive, but navigating the crazy traffic between sites was a bit of a hassle. In contrast, Khiva and Bukhara feel like magical little worlds where you can wander through historic streets, dine under the stars, and soak in the atmosphere without the noise of traffic.
In Khiva and Bukhara, you can enjoy the sights at your own pace. Explore the bustling bazaars, grab a drink, or have a meal right by the historic buildings without cars zooming by. Unfortunately, that’s not the case in Samarkand. The Registan is surrounded by a park, but it’s pretty limited in terms of nearby food options, and the street noise can be a bit overwhelming.
Don’t forget to set aside time for the Afrosyab Museum in Samarkand, and make sure to check out the stunning mural in the semi-hidden room right by the main entrance—it could be the highlight of your visit!
So, if you’re planning a trip to Uzbekistan, keep these tips in mind, and make the most of your time in these beautiful cities. Enjoy every moment—trust me, you won’t regret it! Safe travels! 🌍✨
Hey everyone! I recently got back from an amazing 2 weeks trip to Uzbekistan and I also wanted to share some insights that might help you out.
First off, let’s talk about the Uzbekistan Railways app—it can be a bit of a pain because it crashes frequently. But don’t lose hope; if you keep trying, it’ll eventually work! We followed a similar route to the original poster: flew into Tashkent, then hopped to Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and back to Tashkent. We took trains for the legs to Samarkand and Tashkent, and I highly recommend booking your tickets as early as possible. We reserved ours about two weeks in advance, and there were barely any seats left at that point.
Oh, and about the light show at Registan in Samarkand—it’s not a regular occurrence. We found out it only happens when a group or company funds it, so don’t count on seeing it unless you check ahead.
The people of Uzbekistan are incredibly warm and friendly. We had so many locals asking to take pictures with us, and even teenagers stopped us just to practice their English. One of the highlights was having breakfast with a group of Uzbek men at a stall in Samarkand—they were so welcoming!
A quick note on dress code: I wore a knee-length t-shirt dress in Khiva and got some strange looks. When I took a shared taxi-bus, the young woman next to me looked horrified. After that, I kept my knees covered out of respect for the local customs until we reached Tashkent, where it felt more relaxed. No one said anything, but I didn’t want to offend anyone who was being so kind to us.
We used Yandex in Samarkand and Tashkent with our US phones—no need for a local SIM card if you have access to Wi-Fi. Just a heads up, while you can use Yandex to call a taxi and set the fare, you pay in cash, not with a credit card like Uber. Uzbekistan is still pretty much a cash-based economy. If you opt not to use Yandex, make sure to get the fare written down by the cab driver in advance; otherwise, you might get hit with a hefty overcharge. We had one driver who agreed to a price but then insisted we owed ten times that amount—definitely a learning experience!
When we left Tashkent for Tajikistan, we didn’t need hotel registration slips, but we did need them at the border when we took a day trip to Khujand. Honestly, Khujand didn’t impress us much.
We arranged a day trip to Shakhrisabz through Abask Travel for $50. Our driver was professional, had a nice air-conditioned car, and knew some great scenic spots for photos. He even took us to a farmers market along the way. The agency recommended a mountain restaurant for lunch, which sounded charming, but when we got there, they made us sit in the main dining room instead of the lovely outdoor tables our driver had reserved. The food was still good, though!
Prices in Uzbekistan were a bit higher than what I’d read in blogs from past trips, so keep that in mind when budgeting.
I completely agree that Bukhara deserves more time than Samarkand. And let’s not forget Khiva—it’s absolutely worth spending a couple of days there, especially if you want to visit the Aral Sea. We booked a day trip with Islambek Tours, which took us to Chilpik Kala (a fascinating Zoroastrian site), the Nukus Art Museum (which has a beautiful collection), and the Aral Sea. Our driver didn’t speak English, but that was totally fine. Islambek Tours was easy to work with; we paid $99 for a private tour for two, and it was worth every penny for the ease and reliability. You can check out their offerings at the Islambek Hotel in Itchan Kala.
The Museum of Applied Arts in Tashkent is a must-visit! It’s beautifully curated, with some of the best textiles and wood carvings I saw in all of Uzbekistan, and trust me, the quality is high everywhere!
Hey there! I’m planning a trip to Samarkand and was wondering where the best area to stay is. I’m looking for a lively spot where I can stroll around in the evening and have plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. I'm considering the area around Registan Square—do you think that’s a good choice? Also, what do you think of the Sangzor, Movenpick, or Zarafshon hotels?
And I’ve got the same question for Bukhara. I’m eyeing the Lyab-i-Hauz area—does that fit the bill for what I’m looking for? Any thoughts on Malika, Lyabi House, or Mercure hotels?
If you’re considering Bukhara, the area in front of the Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah is fantastic! It’s a pedestrian-friendly zone packed with restaurants and outdoor seating, plus you’ll get lovely views of historical monuments and souvenir stalls.
As for the weather during your visit, I was there a few months back, and it was perfect for wandering around without worrying about traffic.
I can’t really comment on Samarkand since we stayed in a hotel in the Russian part of town, which had its own restaurant. Walking around in search of bars or eateries would have meant dealing with heavy traffic, even late at night. I did notice a few restaurants near Registan, but nothing too close. I only spent a single day and night there, so I might have missed some hidden gems! Maybe you could start a new thread specifically for more detailed inquiries?
Thanks for the tips, Yusuf! I’ll be visiting in the first week of June. I know it’ll be hot, but I’m hoping the humidity won’t be too bad. Coming from South Asia, I’m used to temperatures around 35-40 degrees Celsius, so I think I’ll manage just fine!
Hello, everyone! I’m planning to visit Uzbekistan next month and was wondering if, besides my EU passport, I need anything else like an e-visa or online registration through the E-mehmon system for foreign tourists? Thanks in advance!
Hey Daxmaut! Whether you need a visa really depends on your nationality. Most EU citizens don’t need one, but it’s best to double-check the official Uzbek immigration website to be sure it’s still valid for your arrival date. I’m Italian, and I didn’t need a visa when I visited in October, and neither did my husband, who has a UK passport.
Hey there! I just returned from Uzbekistan in December 2024. I flew Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Tashkent, and let me tell you, the airport experience was a breeze—only took me about 5 minutes to get through!
I stayed at the Holiday Inn, which is near the Hilton and close to Tashkent City, a lovely area filled with gardens and lakes. The central bazaar is definitely worth a visit, as is the Khast-Imam complex. Don’t miss out on a ride on the metro—it’s a fun experience!
The fast train to Samarkand was smooth, and I stayed at the Royal Hotel, which, while a bit quiet, was conveniently located within walking distance of the main attractions. You can reach Registan Square in about 25 minutes on foot. All the sights are breathtaking and a photographer's dream!
Then I took the train to Bukhara and stayed at the Minzifa boutique hotel, which is right at the edge of the old town. It’s picturesque and quaint, though a bit noisy. Exploring from there was easy, but the attractions are spread out, so comfy shoes are a must!
Overall, I felt very safe and the city was clean. The food was great, especially the fresh fruits and vegetables. Uzbekistan should definitely be on everyone’s travel bucket list!
Hey everyone! I wrapped up my trip to Uzbekistan in October 2024, and I wanted to share my experience, especially for those of you planning your own adventure. I hope this helps clarify any doubts you might have!
Profile: 42-year-old solo male traveler from Southeast Asia
Route: Tashkent - Samarkand - Bukhara - Khiva - Tashkent
Duration: 12 days
Nights in each city: Tashkent (3 nights), Samarkand (3 nights), Bukhara (3 nights), Khiva (2 nights)
I flew from Singapore to Jakarta and then straight to Tashkent on Uzbekistan Airways (Dreamliner B787). There are other options to fly from Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, but I opted for the Dreamliner because it had better amenities. The flight was decent—just keep your expectations in check. They don’t provide pillows or blankets for everyone, but you do get slippers. No beer on the flight, but there’s wine available. I booked my ticket directly through the airline’s website without any hassle.
Airports: Honestly, the airport experience could use some improvement. Upon arrival, you’ll notice that arrivals and departures are in different buildings, and the domestic terminal is a separate 10-minute drive away from the international terminal. On my last day, my driver dropped me off at the arrivals entrance instead of departures, which was confusing since there are no clear signs.
Weather: I got lucky with the weather—sunny days and cool nights made for perfect exploring conditions!
Dress Code: I mostly wore jeans throughout my trip, especially when visiting mosques. I only donned shorts on a day when I had extra time in Samarkand and wasn’t visiting any religious sites.
Language: The main languages are Russian and Uzbek. English isn’t widely spoken, but you’ll manage just fine. I noticed a lot of Russian and Indian tourists during my travels.
Alcohol: No worries about finding alcohol; there are plenty of shops and restaurants serving it.
Safety: I felt completely safe throughout my trip. As a solo traveler, I never encountered any situations that made me uncomfortable.
Currency: I brought USD and exchanged some at the Tashkent airport right after immigration. There’s a currency exchange just outside the restrooms, but they take a break from 7 to 8 PM, so plan accordingly. The exchange rate was decent, and I only changed enough for my first day. The next day, I went to a bank for the rest, but make sure your notes are in good condition—old or marked bills can be rejected. Don’t forget to exchange any leftover soms back to USD or other currencies before you leave! There are 2 offices in the departure hall. There are no exchange offices once you enter immigration.
ATMs: I saw plenty of ATMs but didn’t use them, opting for cash throughout my trip instead.
SIM Card: This is crucial! I struggled to find accurate info about SIM cards online. At the airport, there was a Beeline ad for a plan called “Hello,” but it wasn’t available. Instead, I ended up getting a Beeline plan for 100,000 soms, which gave me 25GB of data and 200 min call. I initially hesitated because it seemed pricey, but I needed a local number for Yandex, so I went for it. The connectivity was excellent, and I had no issues during my trip.
Yandex: You’ll definitely want to download this app! You need a local number to set up your account. It made getting around so much easier and save you the hassle of haggling with drivers, and I paid cash for all my ridesbut you can add you card details to avoid cash paments. Prices are super cheap, usually under 30,000 soms for trips around the city. Just a heads up, Yandex doesn’t cover Khiva, so you’ll need to negotiate taxi fares there. Don't expect drivers to understand English, they'll just won't. interesting fact is that 99% of all cars in the country are white colored Chevrolets, not even sure why.
Trains: I traveled between cities by train, and purchasing tickets was straightforward through the railway website. The only hiccup was trying to buy a ticket from Bukhara to Khiva; I wanted a private cabin, but they weren’t available. The Bukhara-Khiva route opens for booking 15 days in advance, while others open 30-45 days ahead. I took the Afrosiyob fast trains, which were new and efficient—tickets were under 300,000 soms. Security checks were quick and easy too!
For the Bukhara to Khiva leg, I learned a trick: search for Navoi to Khiva to find earlier availability. I booked a bed in a 4-bed cabin, hoping for the best. Luckily, I only had one other person in my cabin, so there was enough room for my luggage. The train had no air conditioning which was fine in October but not sure if there will be AC during summer.
Food: I had a great time trying local dishes! I was expecting doner kebabs but ended up loving lagman (noodle soup), manti (dumplings), and somsas (savory pastries). You’ll definitely be eating a lot of somsas during your trip!
Tashkent:
I spent three nights and 2 full days in Tashkent, which gave me ample time to explore the city. In my opinion, one day for Tashkent as recommneded in many blogs is just not enough for such a big city with so many landmarks and interesting places to see. Even 2 days might not be enough. I stayed at the Hilton Tashkent, which was comfortable and conveniently located. The hotel had great amenities, including a pool and a gym, which I appreciated after long days of walking.
Highlights in Tashkent:
Samarkand:
After Tashkent, I took the fast train to Samarkand, which took about 2 hours. I stayed at the Royal Hotel, which was within walking distance of the main attractions. The hotel was modern and had a lovely rooftop terrace with views of the city.
Highlights in Samarkand:
I was also planning to visit Shakhrisabz on the 3rd day but didn't do it in the end. I slightly regret that as it was quite easy to do, catching a shared taxi ride right from Registan where there is a deprature point. The hotel where I stayed quoted me USD70 for a private car ride, but I decided that this was overly priced declined the idea of going there at all, even though I could do it myself just with the fraction of that sum. But when I realised that it was too late. I opted to go to Eternal City (in replacement of Shakhrisabz) and can't really recommend it as it is a small man-made place which was underwhelming and there was nothing to do. All in all 2 days should be just fine for Samarkand unless you plan to go to Shakhrisabz.
Bukhara:
Next, I traveled to Bukhara by train, staying at the Minzifa Boutique Hotel (unique accommodation as it used to be a madrasah and you get to stay in one of the cells). This hotel was charming, with a traditional decor and a rooftop terrace that offered lovely views of the city. I stayed 3 days in Bukhara and that was too much for a relatively small city. 2 days is more than enough. I wasn't blown away by Bukhara (just my personal opinion)! While there were things to do, I didn't feel it as compared to Samarkand. I visited the Observation Tower which had a great view of the Ark Fortress (40.000som) and Bolo-Khauz Mosque. The mosque was the best thing I saw in Bukhara IMO.
Highlights in Bukhara:
Khiva:
Finally, I made my way to Khiva, which was a bit of a journey, but worth it! Although quite far, it was very unique and I feel shouldn't be missed if you are already visiting Uzbekistan. I stayed at the Islam Khodja Hotel, located within the old city walls. The hotel was unique, and I loved being so close to the historical sites. Yandex app for taxis doesn't work in Khiva, so you need to bargain with drivers. But knowing by now how much is the city ride on average in Uzbekistan makes it much easier. Only the ride to Urgench airport costed me 100,000 sums (smth like $9-10), but this was a 45 min ride.
The town is small and charming. 1,5-2 days should allow to cover it all.
Highlights in Khiva:
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Uzbekistan exceeded my expectations. The people were friendly and welcoming, the history and architecture were fascinating, and the food was delicious. I felt like I was in a different world, and I loved every moment of my trip. If you’re considering a visit, I highly recommend it—you won’t be disappointed!
There may be an overkill of mosques, madrasahs and mausoleums but hey, this is what you signed up for and they all look better and better as you see more.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need more specific recommendations! Safe travels!
Hey everyone! Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome trip report! Super helpful! Quick question: besides the train tickets, do we need to book anything else in advance for the places you mentioned? Or can we just show up and grab tickets on the spot? Appreciate any tips!
Hey Tavelb! The only tickets I bothered to book in advance were for the trains. For all the attractions I visited, I just bought tickets on the spot, and it was super easy—no hassle at all! The prices for tickets range from 15,000 to 50,000 sums (ie. from $1,5 to $5) which is rather cheap comparing to what they charge in Europe or some other places.
Hey Kelvin! Quick question for you—do the bullet trains from Tashkent use e-tickets, or do we need to queue up at the station to get a physical ticket like in Japan? Thanks a bunch!
Hey there! You can totally use e-tickets for the trains! Super convenient!