Most travelers who come to Uzbekistan follow the classic tourist trail — Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva.
But we won’t.
Uzbekistan is a country unlike any other — a land where history is as captivating as its culture is diverse. The nation preserves an astonishing wealth of historical and architectural monuments, and many of its cities could rightfully be called open-air museums. Yet beyond the famed destinations that adorn postcards and travel guides, there exists another Uzbekistan — one that remains hidden from the eyes of even many locals. These are the places I longed to explore most, and today I want to share them with you.
Once the fourth-largest inland sea on Earth, the Aral Sea today has all but vanished. To reach its receding shores, you must journey for hours across a barren land that was once the seabed. The story of the Aral’s disappearance has long become a symbol of ecological tragedy — of how human ambition reshapes nature. In the mid-20th century, people would come here to rest on its beautiful shores, swim, and admire the vast blue expanse. Now, that world exists only in photographs and fading memories. Few have the chance to witness what remains — and fewer still seize it.
Yet I would urge everyone to take this unusual journey. The road to the Aral’s marshy edges leads through surreal, otherworldly landscapes filled with silence and mystery. To fully immerse ourselves in this atmosphere, we stayed overnight in a yurt camp — an experience that made us feel the spirit of the steppe.
The sea continues to retreat rapidly — locals say it moves back at least 50 meters each year. Go while you still can, before this vanishing wonder becomes nothing but a story.
On our second day in Bukhara, we were lucky enough to climb inside the Kalyan Minaret, ascending its narrow spiral staircase to reach the rotunda. I’m convinced that most residents of Bukhara have never been inside. One of the city’s main symbols, the Kalyan Minaret rises nearly 47 meters high. Built in the 12th century, it has never been restored — an astonishing testament to its enduring craftsmanship. Only the lantern that once crowned its conical tower has been lost to time.
A similar story surrounds the Ark Citadel, Bukhara’s most iconic fortress. What many don’t know is that only about 15–20% of its territory is open to the public — the rest remains in ruins, remnants of tragic chapters in history. And yet, we managed to enter that forbidden section and see what lies beyond the tourist path.
In Uzbekistan, with a bit of curiosity and a respectful attitude, it’s surprisingly easy to arrange access to many “closed” sites. So, take advantage of that — it’s an opportunity few travelers experience.
Online sources often claim that apart from the mountains near Tashkent, Uzbekistan has few natural attractions worth visiting. Let me assure you — nothing could be further from the truth.
The Zaamin District of the Jizzakh Region could easily rival Switzerland in beauty, with its dramatic mountain ranges, emerald valleys, and crystalline lakes. Here lies the Zaamin National Park, a haven of alpine meadows, gorges, and ridges that will take your breath away.
The Surkhandarya Region, in the far south, is also rich in natural wonders — mountains, canyons, waterfalls, and even geological anomalies. The Kashkadarya Region, too, is blessed with astonishing landscapes and several protected reserves.
If you are a nature lover, these places absolutely deserve a place on your itinerary.
Behind the grandeur of Uzbekistan’s architectural monuments lie winding, untouristed city streets that tell stories of their own. Here, among humble courtyards and sunlit walls, everyday life unfolds — the true rhythm of the East.
To understand this side of the country, venture into small kishlaks (villages). Uzbek people are famously warm-hearted and welcoming. Many will gladly invite you into their homes, share tea and stories, and show you what hospitality truly means.
Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage lives not only in its monuments but also in the hands of its craftsmen — artisans who preserve ancient skills and pass them from generation to generation. For centuries, Uzbek craftsmanship has been admired for its beauty and precision, and today it continues to captivate all who witness it.
You can visit small workshops and factories across the country. In the artisan city of Chimbay, in the Republic of Karakalpakstan near Nukus, you’ll find masters constructing traditional yurts by hand. In the Fergana Valley, the Yodgorlik Silk Factory demonstrates the meticulous art of silk weaving, while in Samarkand, the Khudjum Factory continues the age-old tradition of crafting exquisite handmade silk carpets.
Not far from Samarkand lies the village of Konigil, home to the Meros Paper Mill, a small private workshop where artisans make the world-famous Samarkand silk paper using ancient techniques.
Watching the full process — from raw materials to finished product — is deeply inspiring. The sincerity and artistry of manual labor here carry a rare authenticity. Most factories have small shops where you can browse or purchase their creations — unique souvenirs imbued with the spirit of Uzbekistan itself.
