wilderness travel uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Tours

Cultural adventures in the heart of the silk road.

Uzbekistan is home to legendary Silk Road cities: Samarkand, with its dazzling 15th century public square, atmospheric medieval Bukhara, and the romantic walled city of Khiva, Central Asia’s first UNESCO site. Or travel across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan—the “Five Stans”—by private luxury train.

All Trips to Uzbekistan

Small Group Adventure

Central Asia Explorer

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan

Call for Pricing

The Great Game

Uzbekistan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan

From $15,695

Ultimate Uzbekistan

From $5,695

Cruise Collection

Republics of the Silk Road Rail Journey

Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

From $24,695

Caspian Odyssey

Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan

From $28,095

Treasures of Uzbekistan Rail Journey

From $17,595

Experience Uzbekistan

Talk to an Expert

Our Asia Specialists know every detail about our Uzbekistan Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

THE 10 BEST Uzbekistan Nature & Wildlife Tours

Nature & wildlife tours in uzbekistan.

• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Sayyah Uzbekistan
• Mizdakhan Necropolis
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day Private Tour in Seven Lakes from Samarkand

2. Day Tour to Shahrisabz of Amir Timur

3. SEVEN LAKES from Samarkand, One-Day tour

4. Aral Sea One Day Tour from Tashkent

5. Yurt stay and Hiking in the Nurata Mountains tour - 2 days

6. Desert Yurt Camp tour - 2 days (shared)

7. Kolkhoz: Private visit to the cotton farmers' village

8. Seven Lakes Tajikistan Private Excursion From Samarkand

9. Full Day Trip from Samarkand to the Seven Lakes in Tajikistan

10. Desert yurt camp and Mountain tour - 3 days

11. Muynak - "Ship Cemetery" Tour from Nukus

12. 2 Days of Tour in Yurt Camp and Aydarkul

13. 2-Day Small Group Jeep Adventure Tour to Aral Sea in Nukus

14. Hiking tour to Hayat, Uhum and Asraf villages – 4 days

15. Aral Sea - Lost Paradise

16. 3-Day Small Group Jeep Adventure Tour to Aral Sea & Usturt Plateau in Nukus

17. Darband-Boyson Uzbekistan Mountain Trekking 3-Day Private Tour From Samarkand

18. Nuratau home stay observe and live the Uzbek rural life

19. Aral Sea trip to Uzbekistan

20. 10-Hour Private Karakalpak Heritage Tour to Aul Topi and Chimbay Villages

21. Yurt Camp - "One Day as Nomads" from Samarkand / Bukhara

22. Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan 11d10n

23. Heliocomplex "Institute of the Sun" - Remnants of USSR

24. Snowy Tashkent mountain tours

25. Fann Mountains, trekking, 10 days

26. Undiscovered Uzbekistan: Ukhum Village from Samarkand

27. Yurt Camp from Samarkand to Bukhara Self-Guided Tour

28. Nurata Mountain 3 Day Private Rural Tour from Samarkand or Bukhara

29. Nurata Mountain & Kyzyl-kum Desert 3 Day Tour From Samarkand or Bukhara

30. Adventure Tour to Aydarkul from Samarkand or Bukhara

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Retrace the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane along the Silk Road, the famous ancient route that brought the flow of trade and knowledge from East to West. Tour Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the striking oasis cities of the Silk Road, and admire the vaulted domes, towering minarets and intricate tile work of medieval Islamic architecture, including Samarkand's spectacular Registan Square.

Enjoy the museums, monuments and markets of Tashkent; tour ancient palaces, mosques and mausoleums; wander the narrow streets of walled cities and shop for colourful carpets, silks and ceramics in bustling bazaars.

Cycle your way through contrasting desert and mountain landscapes, and engage with the cultures and age-old traditions of local communities by camping under the stars in the Kyzyl Kum desert.

From engaging city tours and comfortable cycle journeys, to more challenging treks and mountaineering expeditions, World Expeditions leads a host of unique adventures tailored to get you deep into the heart of Central Asia.

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Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans

Activities:, adventure touring.

Silk Road to Samarkand via Kashgar

Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities

Central Asia Journey

In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

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Uzbekistan by Bike

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Walking: Day Walks

Uzbekistan highlights.

Explore ancient Samarkand

See spectacular Islamic architecture

Marvel at Registan Square

Walk the walled city of Khiva

Wander the markets, monuments and museums

Our all inclusive approach

Our Uzbekistan itineraries offer great value for money, featuring park permit fees and fully supported camping accommodation. We aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals and private, air conditioned transportation, eliminating the need for you to carry large sums of money.

Innovative itineraries

Whether you are hiking, cycling or touring through Uzbekistan, the country offers endless adventures for the active traveller. Famous for its mosques, mausoleums, and Silk Road sites, our adventures encompass the highlights of the impressive and ancient culture.

Experienced local guides

Our local experts aren't just guides; they are also keen adventurers like you. Their passion for exploring their country will shine through as they share their local knowledge and take care of all logistics to ensure your journey is a smooth one.

Leave No Trace

We operate our itineraries following the principles of Leave No Trace, ensuring that we take out all waste that we bring in and more where possible.

Child safe tourism

Children working and living in tourist areas are especially vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. We protect vulnerable children by adhering to our Child Protection Code of Conduct.

Animal welfare focus

We advocate for cruelty free animal encounters, encouraging travellers to follow the guidelines in our comprehensive Animal Welfare Code of Conduct as we seek to inform stakeholders about animal welfare matters.

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Enjoy our fully supported camping in quality two person tents erected in scenic wilderness.

Gain wonderful insight into the local culture during a homestay, a style of accommodation where a local family opens their home to you.

We use quality inns, typically situated in natural environments. They are not luxury inns however we ensure they offer you a truly authentic experience.

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

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Where to Go

Explore ancient mosques, madrassas and mausoleums in Samarkand

Marvel at spectacular Islamic architecture in the medieval city of Bukhara

See the stunning tombs, domes and towering minarets of Itchan Kala, Khiva’s ancient walled city

Wander markets, monuments and museums in the capital, Tashkent

Visit the remote Nukus Art Museum for an incredible collection of Russian avant-garde art

Get a taste of nomadic life with a yurt stay in the Kyzyl Kum desert

Head to the Nuratau Mountains for hiking and horse riding

Shop for colourful Uzbek carpets, silks and ceramics

Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate.

It is generally warmest in the south and coldest in the north.

Temperatures in December average -8°C in the north and 0°C in the south. However, extreme fluctuations can take temperatures as low as -35°C.

During the summer months, temperatures can climb to 45°C and above.

Humidity is low.

In recent years Uzbekistan has been notably affected by general global warming and the specific effects of the drying-out of the Aral Sea. This has turned snowy cold winters to mild ones with less precipitation.

The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn, with September being the absolute optimum month.

Time in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is +5 hours ahead of UTC/GMT

Uzbek (official) 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other languages 7.1%

Uzbekistan’s official and primary language, Uzbek, belongs to the southeastern or Chagatai branch of the Turkic language family. The Uzbeks were the least Russified of the Turkic peoples formerly part of the Soviet Union, and virtually all still use Uzbek as their primary language.

Following independence from the Soviet Union, Uzbek replaced Russian as the language of education. Russian language skills among Uzbeks have declined greatly since independence, but in a region that is very multilingual, Russian is still the lingua franca of Central Asia.

Basic English is spoken by some students, government officials and by those who work in hotels and other tourism industries.

Uzbekistani Som

USD is the best currency to carry in Uzbekistan.

We recommend you bring US Dollars cash only dated no earlier than 2006 (the newer the better) in larger denominations (US$50 & US$100) as your main source of money. ALL notes should be in excellent condition. They should not be torn or have any writing on them. If in doubt ask your bank to supply alternatives.

Credit cards and ATM’s are not as widely accepted in Uzbekistan so it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

International Dialing Code

Electricity in Uzbekistan is 220 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Passport holders from the following countries and all European Union citizens are eligible for visa-free entry for a stay of up to 30 days. This service can be used for multiple entries:-

New Zealand

United Kingdom

US citizens aged either under 16 years or over 55 years of age are eligible for visa-free entry for a stay of up to 30 days. All other US citizens can gain a visa via two ways. The easiest and quickest is an e visa through the official website https://e-visa.gov.uz/main The price for a Double entry e-visa is US$35 (subject to change) and takes up to 5 business days to issue the e-visa. The e visa works at all entry points: land borders and airports. No sticker is placed in your passport, only an entry/exit stamp. If you cannot apply to the e visa website, you will need to apply through your in country embassy. The cost changes regularly and can vary from US$55 to US$120. Refer https://uzbekistan.org/visa/ for more details.

Upon arrival you should carry spare passport photos (approx 2 photos).

It is very important that upon arrival in Uzbekistan you fill in a customs declaration form in duplicate and retain one form in your passport for your departure from Tashkent.

All other nationalities please check with your reservations consultant.

Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en-route or transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements of all countries you will visit.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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Backpacking in Uzbekistan – 1 to 3-week itinerary

By Joan Torres 30 Comments Last updated on May 3, 2024

Sitting at the actual crossroads of Eurasia and, for centuries, being the gateway to both east and west, a place which traders from all over the world passed through and a land which was conquered by countless civilizations, from the Greeks to the Mongols and even the Russians in the 20th century, the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan is huge and it can be seen not only in the numerous palaces, fortresses and mosques, but also in the extremely mixed people’s faces, ranging from Mongolian to clear Indo-European features.

Uzbekistan used to be the most important knowledge exchange center in the world, the stopover for important intellectuals, religious figures, traders and travelers in general, who all the historical buildings and caravanserais were built for, unlike in neighboring Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, two countries which were mainly based on nomadism.

Today, Uzbekistan is really synonymous with the Silk Road, home of the three major Silk Road cities, composed of a magnificent architecture that can’t be rivaled anywhere else in the world, not even in  Iran , I am afraid.

This is the ultimate destination for architecture and history lovers, but also for travelers who want to visit a real off the beaten track destination, as outside of the three main touristic cities, including in the Fergana Valley and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, there is very little Western exposure and the people are extremely hospitable.

I spent one entire month backpacking in Uzbekistan and, here, I have compiled all the places I visited in a 1 to 3-week itinerary.

This article talks about places to visit in Uzbekistan. For all the practical information, including visas, transportation, border rules, etc, read: Tips for traveling to Uzbekistan

In this backpacking guide for Uzbekistan you will find:

Table of Contents

• 1-week itinerary
• 2-week itinerary
• 3-week itinerary
• More resources

our recommended travel insurance for Uzbekistan

With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Uzbekistan.

A few things to know before backpacking in Uzbekistan

Best time to go backpacking in uzbekistan.

Unlike the rest of the Stans where the mountains are the highlight, one goes to Uzbekistan for city sightseeing, which means that it can be a year-round destination.

Nevertheless, bear in mind that summers are utterly hot, especially in Khiva and, in winter, temperatures may easily go below 0ºC.

I was there from mid-October to mid-November and days were pretty mild and nights quite cold, around 5ºC. We also camped in Moynaq, in the Aral Sea , and temperatures went down to -5ºC.

However, I think that it was a really good season to travel as there were few tourists and, during the day, the temperature was just perfect. Therefore, autumn and spring should be the best seasons to visit!

Uzbekistan is a hot destination!

Who the hell backpacks in Uzbekistan?

This is what most travelers say before booking their tickets to Uzbekistan, but you will be surprised to learn that this country is much more popular than you think!

The three main Silk Road cities, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, tend to be swamped with, literally, tens of tour groups, so don’t be surprised at getting lost among all the souvenir shops or being caught in the occasional rip-off!

Nevertheless, as soon as you step out of these three places, you are likely to be the only tourist.

How to move around

You can travel by train to pretty much everywhere, except Khiva and the Aral Sea, where you will need to take a bus or a local shared taxi.

You can travel in both modern trains and old Russian trains, which is quite an experience. To check different train schedules, go to the Official Railway Website .

However, it is a bit confusing, as results are shown in the Cyrillic alphabet and, in any case, you can’t buy them online with a foreign card, so you will have to go to the station anyways.

Read: Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan – 1 to 4-week itinerary

Useful books for planning your Uzbekistan itinerary

Here you have the most typical options, but if you want to get deeper, I recommend you check this list, containing the 28 best books on the Silk Road and the Stans , with specific books on Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan travel guide by Bradt

The most complete guide to Uzbekistan. I am a heavy consumer of Bradt Guides, as they give more local insights and personal experience than any other book.

Central Asia travel guide by Lonely Planet

If you are traveling to other countries in Central Asia, you may want to buy the generic guide in order to save some money. It contains a full chapter dedicated to Uzbekistan.

Murder in Samarkand by Craig Murray

If you want to know about all the human rights abuse during the regime from the previous president, this is the best book.

Backpacking in Uzbekistan – Ultimate travel itinerary

Places to visit in uzbekistan in 1-week itinerary.

Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva are the highlights of Uzbekistan.

However, Khiva is around 1,000km away from the capital, so trying to fit it in a 1-week itinerary for Uzbekistan is not very realistic, unless you don’t mind rushing, of course, but personally, I am not a very big fan of that.

Therefore, in 7 days, I recommend you visit Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.

Uzbekistan 7-day itinerary – Map

Day 1 – Tashkent

I liked Tashkent and spent 5 great days there.

It is a very modern city, quite different from the other Central Asian capitals, composed of wide, modern avenues, fancy places, and top-end restaurants. It reminds me of Minsk .

At first, it looks like a very wealthy city and, to some extent, it really is but this development is more materialistic than social, as you can easily see that the city has little Western exposure, which can be seen in the way the people dress, the poor nightlife and, basically, that all the young people look very homogenous.

For me, this was what made it particularly interesting but also, here you can get a glimpse of traditional Uzbekistan, by visiting the Chorsu bazaar , the largest in the country; and checking some real Islamic architecture at the Hazrat Imam Complex and the  Kulkedash Madrassa .

If you like Soviet stuff, don’t forget to take the metro and check the Hotel Uzbekistan, two real Soviet masterpieces.

Forget what people say. Tashkent is a city that you can’t miss when you go backpacking in Uzbekistan.

For more information about the city, read my guide: Places to visit in Tashkent

Where to stay in Tashkent

Budget – Top Chan Hostel – The most popular hostel for backpackers, Top-Chan is always busy with plenty of travelers to share stories with.

Mid-range – Hotel Uzbekistan – Not many things have changed in this hotel since it was opened during the time of the Soviet Union, so staying here must be a unique experience, like nowhere else.

The nicest –  Ichan Qal’a Hotel  – The best-rated hotel in Tashkent, this rather Orient-themed hotel is beautifully decorated in a very traditional way. The best option for travelers with a larger budget.

Getting out of the city

Whether you are going towards Samarkand or Fergana, the main train station is located here: 41.293289. 69.287721.

You must buy your tickets in advance, preferably the day before. You can book them at the train station. Bring your passport.

Day 2, 3, 4 – Samarkand

You should go to Samarkand the day after your arrival.

It is very difficult to summarize the historical importance of Samarkand in just a few sentences but one important thing you should know is that this city has been hosting travelers for many centuries, so if you are one of those egocentric travelers who think that you are one of the first people to ever visit Samarkand, you are absolutely wrong because those madrassas have made people breathless since ancient times.

It was Amir Timur who made it great again in the 14th century, so most buildings date from that period.

Note that tickets for entering the sites range from 20,000UZS to 30,000UZS (2.50USD to 3.85USD). 

The Registan is the most imposing building in Uzbekistan and, perhaps, the most breathtaking Islamic building in the world, as its dimensions can’t be compared to anywhere else, not even the Shah mosque in Esfahan, Iran .

Composed of three giant madrassas, you can easily spend the whole afternoon here. I recommend you come at sunrise, when nobody is around and, if you bribe the guard, you will be allowed to climb the minaret.

Bibi Khanym would be my second favorite building, even though it is a little bit fake, as it was totally reconstructed due to an earthquake.

By the way, inside the mosque, there is the stone that used to hold the world’s oldest Quran, today on display in Tashkent.

Moreover, Shah-i Zinda is another popular building, consisting of different mausoleums, one of which is dedicated to Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.

I recommend you enter from above, through the graveyard, as you won’t pay an entrance fee and the pictures you can take from there are pretty cool.

Last, around Registan, there are  a few more madrassas and mosques which might look smaller in comparison but they are actually more impressive than those in Turkestan, a city I visited when I was backpacking in Kazakhstan .

Also, don’t forget to visit the Siyob Bazaar . Because of the large number of tourists that visit Samarkand, some parts of the bazaar are getting a bit commercial, especially those selling traditional products like kurut , the dried cheese balls. However, today it is still pretty authentic.

Ah! If you fancy some wine, in Samarkand, there is a wine cellar (Hovrekno) where you can do some wine tasting for just 40,000UZS (5USD) and taste 10 different types of local wine.

We didn’t do the wine tour but, at the same winery, we bought 2 bottles of dry red for the same price.

For more information, read the best things to do in Samarkand .

Where to stay in Samarkand

Budget Guest House – B&B Emir – A family-run hostel-guesthouse which is very well located and traditionally decorated. This is the best option for backpackers.

Nicer (mid-range) – Jahongir Hotel – For couples and people with a larger budget, this also family-run hotel is super cozy and you will book it right away after just looking at the photos. Super nice decoration and only 5 minutes away from the Registan. One of the best options in town.

The best – L’Agarmak – One of the best-rated hotels in town, this hotel has found the perfect balance between luxury and tradition. The breakfast is amazing and all the reviews are just great.

How to get to Samarkand from Tashkent

We took the high-speed train which left at 8:30am sharp and cost 58,000UZS (7.50USD). It was a 2-hour journey.

Day 5, 6 – Bukhara

Bukhara is pretty and very different from its sister Samarkand.

This is the birthplace of Imam Bukhari , a Muslim scholar and narrator of Prophet Muhammad, who wrote the Bukhari Shareef, the most important book about Islam after the Quran.

Bukhara was a real landmark during the Silk Road times, especially due to its close location to Merv, today in Turkmenistan and one of the most important cities in the ancient world.

Whereas in Samarkand, all the buildings and sites are spread around the city, in Bukhara, most of them are within a very restored old town, which sometimes may even feel it is too restored.

Nevertheless, Bukhara is actually beautiful and, even though the sites are not as big as in Samarkand, they are equally impressive and walking randomly in its narrow alleys is one of the highlights.

Among all the sites, Chor Minor  would be my favorite. It is a tiny mosque with very little historical importance but it is very cute and very different from any other mosque I had seen before. Nowadays, the inside is a souvenir shop and, for a little money, you can climb to the rooftop.

Furthermore, the highlight and one of the most photogenic places in town is  Po-i-Kalyan , a set of two impressive madrassas and the famous Kalyan minaret, also called the Tower of Death.

Where to stay in Bukhara

Backpacker Hostel – Rumi – Super cheap, great backpacker atmosphere and run by a lovely family. The location is also great, 5-10 minutes from the old city. The top option for backpackers.

Budget Guest House – Al Bukhari – This hotel is run by a very humble family, very Muslim as per Uzbek standards, so it is a nice chance to try some Uzbek hospitality. It is very clean and decorated with plenty of suzannies , a local traditional fabric. They were made by the mother of the house and you can buy one from her.

Mid-range Hotel – Boutique Safiya – Built in a traditional Uzbek house, this is the preferred option for travelers with a larger budget.

How to get to Bukhara from Samarkand

We took the high-speed train which only cost 48,000UZS (6USD) and took around 3 hours.

Day 7 – Back to Tashkent

Bukhara is about 575km from Tashkent. Take the high-speed train, which takes around 6 hours.

Places to visit in Uzbekistan – 2-week itinerary

If you have 2 entire weeks for backpacking in Uzbekistan, you can add Khiva and the Fergana Valley to your travel itinerary.

Uzbekistan 2-week itinerary – Map

Day 1, 2 – Tashkent

(explained before, but you can add one extra day)

Day 3, 4, 5 – Fergana Valley

If you want to take a break from all the mosques and historical sites, go to the Fergana Valley, home to the nicest people in the country and the highlight when I was backpacking through Uzbekistan.

The Fergana Valley is internationally known for being the most troubled place in Central Asia as, almost 100 hundred years ago, when Stalin created the 4 Stans, the region was ethnically mixed, so many people suddenly belonged to a Republic which did not match their ethnicity, like Uzbek people living on the Kyrgyz side.

Over the decades, this developed into several conflicts and a very recent Civil War. On top of this, there is a city named Namangan which is where the most radical Muslim group in Central Asia was found.

Fergana is a political destination but, also, here you will find the most hospitable people in the country, one of the very few places where even today, people will stop you in the street to invite you for some tea, a meal or just to improve their English.

I spent one week in the Valley but, if you only have 3 days, go to Fergana City and use it as a base to explore the rest of the valley.

From there, you can visit Margilan and the  Yodgorlik Silk Factory and, on the second day, go to Kokand , a lovely town where you find the Khudayar Khan Palace, a building from the 18th century and residence of the ruler.

If you have more days, go to Namangan and Andijan .

For more information, read my guide to the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan

Where to stay in Fergana city

Budget Guest House  –  Sakura  – The owner is a really kind man who will make you feel at home. Comfy beds and everything is brand-new. They have very few rooms, so book it in advance.

Budget Guest House –  Valentina Guest House  – If Sakura is booked, I recommend you stay with Valentina, a local woman with a very strong character. We stayed here the first night in the city.

How to get to the Fergana Valley

I actually entered the Fergana Valley from Tajikistan at Konibodom. Read here the full report .

There are, however, direct trains from Tashkent to Fergana City. They typically cost 52,000UZS (6.50USD) for a 3-4-hour journey.

Day 6, 7, 8 – Samarkand

(explained before)

Day 9, 10 – Bukhara

Day 11, 12, 13 – khiva.

Khiva is my favorite city in Uzbekistan, as it is small, cute and very pleasant to walk around. I enjoyed my time there so much, working at the numerous terrace-cafés over endless cups of good coffee.

Composed of mud-brick houses and super narrow alleys, Khiva is really similar to Yazd and, actually, when I posted photos on my Instagram , many people thought that they had been taken in Iran .

This is a 2,500-year old city and the highlight is nothing else than wandering around its super narrow alleys while bumping into several minarets, mosques and traditional houses. I strongly recommend you wake up at sunrise, the only time of the day when the streets are free of tourists.

All the sites are inside the old city ( Ichon Qala ) and there is something to see every few meters, the most famous places being  Kalta Minor , the short and shabby minaret that is on all postcards; Turas Murad , the tallest orange minaret, given its position, it is better to climb it in the morning (opens at 8am and costs 7,000UZS – 1USD).

At sunset, I recommend climbing the wall located next to the main entrance, where the  Muhammad Aminkhan Madrassa  is. From there, you view the full skyline of the old city. The ticket costs 7,000UZS.

Update June 2019 – They are now making travelers pay for entering the Old City!

The general entrance fee is 50,000UZS (almost 6USD) and it is valid for 48 hours.

Entrance with museums included costs 100,000UZS.

VIP entrance (not sure what includes) costs 150,000UZS.

So far, they make you pay only if you enter after 6pm, which is when most people come anyways, to see the sunset. 

You will have to pay when entering through the eastern and western gate. This new rule is pretty new so, apparently, there are still ways to get around it, like entering via the bazaar, etc.

Moreover, it is still uncertain what will happen if your hotel is in the Old City. 

Updates on this topic are more than welcome. 

Where to stay in Khiva

Budget Hotel – Farrukh Guest House – I enjoyed my time here so much. It has a super cool garden café where I spent many hours working. The breakfast is super nice, especially because they try to make something different every day.

Nicer – B&B Zafarbek – Modest but it totally fulfills the need, so this is the best option for travelers with a larger budget.

The nicest – Shaherezada Hotel – You can call it a luxury hotel but it is not that expensive, so it is the best value-for-money option. Like all good hotels, it is traditionally decorated and located in the old city.

How to get to Khiva from Bukhara

Khiva is very far, almost 500km from Bukhara.

There is no train station and the closest one is in Urgench, 35km away.

However, there is no direct train from Bukhara to Urgench, so the easiest and fastest way to get to Khiva is by local shared taxi.

If you ask at your hotel for the price, they will say something between 75,000 and 100,000UZS per person (9.60 – 13USD). If you go to the actual taxi terminal at the bazaar, you may get it for 50,000-60,000UZS (6.40 – 7.70USD). That is what we paid.

Update June 2019 – Khiva has finally a train station!

You can take a direct train from Samarkand to Khiva. My friend took the classic Soviet, night train, which takes 12 hours and costs, 132,000UZS, but you can also take it from Bukhara.

The faster train from Bukhara takes nearly 6 hours and costs 83,000UZS.

The train station in Khiva, is 15-20 minutes walking from Itchan Kala gate. 

Day 14 – Back to Tashkent

Be ready for the 1,000km ride.

The easiest way to do this is taking a fast train from Urgench, although I recommend you take the old Russian train, which takes double the time but it is a great experience. If you need to catch a flight, book the train ticket well in advance.

Places to visit in Uzbekistan – 3-week itinerary

If you have 3 weeks for backpacking in Uzbekistan, go to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, home to Nukus, the Aral Sea, and a few historical sites.

If you think that 1 week for the Aral Sea and Nukus is too much, consider spending more time in the Fergana Valley or the other cities.

Uzbekistan suggested 3-week itinerary – Map

Day 14, 15 – Nukus

Nukus is a very strange city.

On the one hand, it is a real off-the-beaten-track place, super remote and the capital of the Republic of Karakalpkastan, the poorest region in the country.

On the other hand, it has the most important art collection in the country and in Central Asia , the Igor Savitsky Museum, the collection of a dude who decided to hide a treasure of Russian avant-garde art from the 20s and 30s here.

The entrance costs 38,000UZS (4.85USD) but you may bring it down to 30,000UZS if you say you are a student. By the way, taking pictures is strictly forbidden.

If you fancy some good coffee and Western food, go to Café Cinnamon, very close to Jipek Joli Hotel.

Nukus is the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, a semi-autonomous region that has been always forgotten by the Uzbek Government.

It has the highest unemployment rate, the lowest GDP and, due to the drought of the Aral Sea, the air is a very polluted air which causes the lowest life expectancy in the region.

Where to stay in Nukus

Budget/mid-range Hotel –   Jipek Joli  – The only decent option in town but it’s pretty good. It has rooms for both backpackers and high-range travelers, including a yurt in the courtyard. You must book in advance, as rooms run out quickly.

How to get to Nukus from Khiva

First, get a mini-marshrutka to Urgench. With luggage included, it should cost 5,000UZS. 

The marshrutka dropped us right at the Nukus taxi station but, just in case, this is the location: 41.575528, 60.630456

The shared local taxi to Nukus cost 30,000UZS per person (3.80USD). 

Alternatively, you can go by train from Urgench but it’s more expensive and slower: around 50,000UZS (6.40USD). 

Day 16, 17 – Moynaq and the Aral Sea

After traveling in Central Asia for so many months, I was excited to visit the Aral Sea because it was something very different from what I had seen before.

The drought of the Aral Sea is one of the worst man-made environmental disasters ever and it was the consequence of deviating rivers to irrigate cotton plantations during the Soviet Union, as they wanted to become one of the world-top cotton exporters.

The sea disappeared in a matter of decades and, today, on the Uzbek side, Moynaq, a town which used to be an important center for the fishing industry, is hundreds of kilometers away from the actual shore where, by the way, the level of salinization is so high that only microorganisms can live.

In Moynaq there is the biggest ship graveyard, with more than 10 boats and much more accessible than in Kazakhstan.

You can camp there (that is what we did) and there is also a yurt camp nearby.

Quite an experience.

For more information, including how to get there and prices, read my guide to Moynaq and the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan .

Day 18, 19 – Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm and other places within the Republic of Karakalpakstan

From the ancient desert castles of Khorezm to the desert of Kyzylkum and staying with real Karapalk nomads, there are many other things to do in this province.

The only downside is that you need a car.

For more information, read this guide from Nicki: A guide to the Republic of Karakalpakstan

The rest of the days – It depends – What is your plan?

By the way, note that I visited all these places in 31 days. If you have more than 3 weeks for backpacking in Uzbekistan, instead of going to new places, just spend more days in each city, especially in the Fergana Valley. You won’t regret it. 

You want to go back to Tashkent – Take a Soviet train. It is a 30-hour journey but it is really worth it. I took it from Samarkand to Nukus.

You want to enter Kazakhstan from Nukus – Great. Read the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border crossing at Tejen .

You want to enter Tajikistan – You can enter from the border close to Samarkand but I used the border from the Fergana Valley at Konibodom .

More resources to help you plan your Uzbekistan travel itinerary

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Uzbekistan destination

• Travel Guide to Fergana Valley
• Travel Guide to Moynaq
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border crossing
• Travel Guide to Uzbekistan

Travel Itineraries to other countries in Central Asia

• Kyrgyzstan Itinerary
• Travel Guide to Tajikistan
• Kazakhstan Itinerary
• Pakistan Itinerary

30 comments

Hey! Did you use a guide to get out to the Aral Sea? I saw that Jopek Joli (sp?) offers guides, but there weren’t prices listed last time I looked. Thanks!

Hi Sarah, we went there by public transportation. Moynaq is a town and there are daily buses and local shared taxis going there. The ship graveyard is just there. The sea shore, however, is more than a 100km from Moynaq and you will need a 4WD. I didn’t go and I recall that Jipek Joli offers this tour but it was very expensive

Hi from Bamyan, great itinerary breakdown. Thanks for the mention on Karakalpakstan!

Most welcome 😀 !

Great itinerary indeed. I am always the kind of person who like to rush unlike yourself. I was thinking doing 10 days from Kashgar China, Osh Kyrgyzstan and then the 1 week itinerary. Is that reasonable? And how long will it take from Osh to Toshkent? Kashgar Osh was 3 hours, right? Thank you

I am not sure how long does it take from Osh to Tashkent but I know that there are direct marshrutkas and you can get there in less than a day. I guess that, if you plan well ahead it could be reasonable but the Fergana Valley is on the way to Tashkent, so it would be more feasible to replace Bukhara by the Fergana Valley

Hi Joan, Based on your experience, would the following be possible? 1 day – Tashkent, then fly to Urganch and then travel back overland through Xiva, Buchara & Samarkand for 2 days each.

Don’t really want to miss out on Xiva, but have only 8 days.

I think it would be feasible, if after landing in Urgench you go straight to Khiva!

Hello, great to read your post. Do you think it is necessary to book all accommodation upfront? So to plan the trip completely? I am a backpacker and usually think the day before where I want to go next. Is that also possible in Uzbekistan? I am going two weeks in September. It might be ‘high season’?

Hi Anne, yes, this is what I do as well, and you should be fine 🙂 Nowadays, Uzbekistan has a large offer of hotels and hostels. In September, and like it happens anywhere, the best deals may be booked but you can find plenty of other options

Hi Joan, thanks a lot for your reply. One more question if you don’t mind. When you were there, were the ATM’s working? Or should we bring cash money?

Hi Anne. I just returned from Uzbekistan and ATM’s were working in Tashkent for me. Though I also brought USD just in case.

For me it was necessary though to book hostels at least 2 days in advance otherwise they were fully booked. Recommendations from Joan were great.

Hi. Very useful articles, thank you. We are a Norwegian couple in our late 60’s who would like to take our grandson (8) to Uzbekistan in May 2020. We think your itineary for 7 days are great. Our grandson and us alike areexperienced travellers . Do you some activities that children will enjoy? Friendly greetings from Jan and Anne in Norway

Hi Anne 🙂 Thanks for your email! I don’t know about specific-children activities to be honest but are a bunch of blogs about traveling with kids, and just looked Uzbekistan with kids, and there seems to be some stuff. I recommend you look for those blogs 🙂

Great article but I have a question – are the Uzbeks hostile? I’ve met several guys who have been to Uzbekistan either bicycle touring or backpacking and they all say that the locals aren’t particularly friendly towards foreigners. I wonder if this true indeed.

Most Uzbeks I met were pretty nice, like in most Central Asia

Hi Joan! Great article! I’m now in Khiva and decided to update you on the entrance to the Ichan Kala. The rates you posted are correct. They charge them from 8am to 8pm. After 8pm entrance is free from any gate. During the day there are still many ways to enter it without the ticket – just have a stroll along the wall. We live inside the old city and our hotel told us that we don’t have to pay for the entrance, but we haven’t tried it yet through the guards – we use other entrances. Anyway, if you want to see the museums, you still need to pay for at least the Standard ticket.

Hi, Joan. Great post and site! Very helpful indeed. I’d like to know a little bit more about the train transportation. How far in advance did you bought the tickets? How hard was the process? Greetings from Brazil!

Hi Elton, same day or one day before in the station itself. Easy

I was supposed to be traveling through Uzbekistan right now but had to cancel my plans. I can’t wait to visit it when this is all over, your itineraries and pictures look amazing!

Hi Joan We are a couple in our late 60’s . We want to travel and tour through Uzbekistan.. while we have travelled extensively in English speaking countries we have only ever taken tours in Middle Eastern/ South American/ Africa.. we are in good health & quite active . Do you think it would be advisable to take a tour ( thinking of G adventures ) or could we free lance trains/ accommodation ourselves? Love your extensive insights Thank you Joan

Hey Joan! Uzbekistan is super easy, with really good trains, easy-to-buy tickets, etc. While Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan might be more challenging, Uzbekistan is absolutely ready to accommodate thousands of tourists, and I strongly encourage independent travel there 🙂

Thanks for the great information! Would you recommend flying into Samarkand and out of Tashkent (or vice versa)? Or is it better to just fly into and out of Tashkent?

Hi Nicola, it really depends on your itinerary but if you land in Tashkent and travel all the way to west Uzbekistan, makes sense to fly back from Samarkanda to cut the way back short

Hi! The coordinares of the Nukus stadium take you to another one. The correct location is this one https://maps.app.goo.gl/JUFkYcLgqqk7yzsAA?g_st=ic

It would be nice if you could update the info 🙏🏼.

Thanks Alejandro! You mean station, not stadium, right?

Good morning Joan, Could you confirm me if the old Russian trains to Tashkent depart from Urgench? I could not access to the website until now.

Hi Joan, Thank you so much for your extensive explanations! I am planning on entering Uzbekistan coming from Aktau via train. How and when do you recommend booking the train ticket? I will be travelling around Kazakhstan beforehand so will be on the ground if that makes things easier. Thanks a lot!

1 or 2 days before should be all right!

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Wildlife Holidays in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country on the “Silk Road,” the ancient overland trading hub between west and east. These days many in Western Europe would struggle to find Uzbekistan on a world map (it lies to the east of the Caspian Sea), and even fewer travel there. But this landlocked country is cradle of culture stretching back two millennia, and its mountains and deserts hold some thrilling wildlife in jaw-dropping settings.

From a cultural point of view, the highlights are the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, where the mosaic-tiled wonders of Islamic architecture brood under the bright skies. The Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara, built in 1127 and standing 47m tall, is so lovely that even the conqueror Genghis (Chinggis) Khan couldn’t bring himself to destroy it. And this is just one of a treasure trove of architectural marvels in the city. Registan is the stunning Medieval commercial centre of Samarkand, made up of ornate, intricately decorated medrasses, while the beauty of nearby Gur-Emir Mausoleum is said to have inspired India’s Taj Mahal. Outside these centres, the stark desert and grand, chiselled mountains are equally stunning for the visitor.

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"Our spring birding watching tour to Uzbekistan combines birding in the mountains and desert in search of a number of local specialities with some time exploring the culture of the Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand."

Naturetrek Tours to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is indeed a west-east hub, combining a pleasing mix of species familiar from Europe with those of a more exotic provenance – so, for example, Greenfinches and Spotted Flycatchers live cheek-by-jowl with White-capped Buntings and Rufous-naped Tits. The mountains of Ugam Chatkal National Park boast gems such as Blue Whistling-Thrush, Turkestan Shrike, Lammergeier and Eastern Rock Nuthatch, while the biggest draw of the Kyzyl Kum Desert is the extraordinary, and very localised Pander’s Ground-Jay. There are a range of interesting reptiles (e.g. Agamas) and mammals (e.g. Ground-Squirrels) too.

Some highlights include

• Vultures and raptors, including Griffon Vulture, Eastern Imperial and Booted Eagle
• Variety of habitats from desert to reed beds and juniper forests
• Possibility of Goitered Gazelle and Kulan
• Explore the towns of the Silk Road

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