Uzbekistan is a land of vast deserts, lush mountain valleys, blue-domed mosques, and towering minarets. Occupied for decades by the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, it had a tumultuous entry into the new millennium but has since taken steps towards reform. It could just be the Central Asian destination you’ve been dreaming of.
Located at the very heart of the historic Silk Road (an ancient trade route connecting Asia to Europe) Uzbekistan is full of ancient tradition. Its blend of history, exquisite nature, and welcoming locals make for a fantastic holiday destination. Though, as summers tend to get very hot and winter can see snowfall – spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
But what can you do while you’re here? Below are nine incredible things to see and do in Uzbekistan. And, if you’re ready to book your next trip, you can browse the latest Central Asian travel deals using the button below.
1. Ride the metro in Tashkent
Tashkent is Uzbekistan’s modern capital and often the first stop for visitors. Perhaps unexpectedly, one of the city’s most popular sights is its metro system.
Often compared to an underground museum, the stations are beautifully designed, each with a unique theme. Hopping on a train here is so much more than your average commute! For example, at Kosmonavtlar station, celestial mosaics celebrate space exploration, while Uzbekistan station is decorated with traditional patterns that draw on the country’s rich history of folk art.
Above ground, Tashkent is equally fascinating. Independence Square is a lovely visit, with its statues, fountains, and the iconic Hotel Uzbekistan. A prime example of Soviet modernist architecture, the hotel still incorporates traditional Uzbek motifs. And there’s no better way to get there than the metro! Just jump off at Mustaqillik Maydoni station.
If you love train travel and can’t help pairing a holiday with some engineering magic, our guide to 10 of the best sleeper trains in the world is worth a read.
2. Try plov and other local dishes
Uzbekistan’s most iconic dish, plov, is made up of rice, chunks of lamb, onions, and carrots. Often cooked in huge cauldrons called kazans, plov is the ultimate social food, popular for bringing people together.
For an authentic experience, head to Tashkent’s famous Plov Centre, where locals and tourists alike share no-frills long tables, bumping elbows as they eat. It’s best to go before lunch, as vendors often sell out by the early afternoon!
Beyond plov, Uzbekistan’s cuisine offers a feast of other flavours. Bread baked in tandoor (a type of clay oven) is a staple, with each region showcasing unique styles and patterns. If you’re feeling adventurous, horse meat is a prized local delicacy with roots tracing back to nomadic traditions. It’s often served in soups or alongside noodles.
For a truly traditional experience, it’s worth visiting a chaikhana. These tea houses were popular when the Silk Road was active, from the 2nd century BC to the 16th century AD. Merchants would stop to rest on their journeys – sipping tea on traditional daybeds shaded by trees. While the Silk Road is no longer used, the outdoor dining tradition hasn’t changed much. You’ll usually find food served family-style – with more than enough shashlik (grilled meat skewers) to share around!
3. Explore the ancient city of Samarkand
Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and was another important stop-off on the ancient Silk Road. Once part of Alexander the Great’s empire, it’s long been known as a hub of trade, art, and learning. The city flourished in the 14th century under the Timurid Empire, leaving a legacy of extraordinary architecture.
Registan Square is the city’s showpiece, where a trio of Islamic schools (known as madrasas) circle the plaza. Their intricate mosaics, grand arches, and turquoise domes are beautifully lit up in the evenings.
It’s easy to get around Samarkand’s main attractions, too, as the city has a useful service of small tourist buses. A five-minute ride away, up the hill to the outskirts of the town, you’ll find the Shah-i-Zinda. This historic burial ground is peaceful to explore, with mausoleums boasting exquisite Islamic tilework.
4. Hike Gulkam Canyon
A short journey from Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, is Gulkam Canyon. Sat in the heart of the Chimgan Mountains, it’s a fantastic hiking and climbing destination.
The routes here are challenging, with a fair amount of rope-assisted climbing involved. However, the physical challenge is worth it for the striking views of cliffs, waterfalls, and rolling streams. Hidden pools reveal themselves en route, and at the top of the climb, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the valley.
Many guided tours offer day trips to Gulkam Canyon from Tashkent – sharing insights into the landscape and local wildlife. Tour guides are also great for helping you find the most picturesque picnic spot!
5. Catch a performance in Bukhara
In the south-central city of Bukhara lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site old town that’s well worth a visit. Boasting beautiful, centuries-old madrasas and caravanserais (merchant inns where traditional performances are popular), Bukhara’s old town is a fascinating reflection of the past.
Most famously, The Ark of Bukhara, which was the home of the rulers of Bukhara for over a thousand years, is today home to several museums.
After a day of exploring, it’s worth heading to one of the city’s lively evening spots to catch a traditional Uzbek performance. The Nadir Divan-Begi Madrassa hosts Uzbek folk performances – often taking place outside the Islamic School’s ornate facade. Traditional Uzbek dances, such as the lazgi, are known for their expressive hand and body movements, which symbolise life and joy.
The picturesque pond of Lyabi-Hauz, surrounded by tea houses and traditional daybeds, is another beautiful spot to catch skilled street performers alongside an evening meal.
6. Experience rural life at a Nuratau Nature Reserve homestay
Uzbekistan is famed for its hospitality, and this truly shines in the rural villages of the Nuratau Nature Reserve, where local families open their homes to travellers.
The reserve is a protected area and, set against the Nuratau Mountains, is home to unique wildlife – including wild mountain sheep and ibexes with long curved horns. Many homestays organise guided treks through the reserve, so you’ll have the chance to spot these beautiful creatures for yourself.
There’s also plenty to do in the villages, and welcoming hosts are more than happy to give you a flavour of local life. From bread baking in tandoor ovens and picking wild fruit and nuts to making clay pottery and riding on local donkeys, this is the place for a truly authentic Uzbekistani experience.
7. Discover the desert town of Khiva
Khiva is a historic city located in the centre of Uzbekistan’s Kyzylkum Desert. Renowned for its impeccably preserved medieval Islamic architecture, its walled inner town, Itchan Kala, was Central Asia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The labyrinth of narrow alleys and turquoise-domed mosques here are a joy to explore.
The blue-tiled Kalta Minor minaret is a particularly striking feature of the old skyline. And, in the Juma mosque, you’ll find 213 intricately carved wooden columns, each telling a story of the town’s past.
For spectacular views of Khiva, climb up the watchtower of the Kunya-Ark fortress, which is particularly beautiful at dusk. The tower’s dark past as a site of public executions is also fascinating. Prisoners would frequently be hurled off the top of the fortress between the 16th century to the late 19th centuries, when the Khiva was the capital of an independent feudal state – The Khivan Khanate.
8. Experience desert life in a yurt
Beyond the walls of Khiva city lies the vast Kyzylkum Desert, which has been the home of nomadic people for centuries.
Staying in a yurt camp is a unique and memorable way to experience this traditional and basic way of life. Take a camel trek along the ancient caravan Silk Road routes traders would have braved and explore the golden dunes, before cosying up in your yurt. Made from felt, canvas, and camel hair, the yurts are decorated inside with colourful rugs and bedding – particularly welcoming after a long day in the desert.
In the evenings, you can enjoy traditional Uzbek music and singing around a campfire, often accompanied by a toast of vodka or even fermented mare’s milk, known as kumis. Plus, the unpolluted desert sky is perfect for stargazing.
9. Shop for carpets
With its links to the Silk Road, Uzbekistan has a long history of carpet making. Traditionally made from wool and decorated with elaborate, bold patterns, these carpets showcase a wonderful blend of nomadic, Persian, and Central Asian influences.
Each region has its unique style of carpets, as well as various showrooms offering demonstrations of the making process. Just beware of tourist traps where unscrupulous vendors may attempt to pawn off inauthentically made products for an inflated price! Handwoven imperfections are the mark of an authentic product – and most locals will have recommendations for where to find genuine artisans, too.
The Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan’s far east is known for its crafts and local artistry – particularly ceramics. Many workshops open their doors to visitors, allowing guests to see artisans at work and even try their hand at some pottery. Beautiful tableware crafted from prized red clay and hand-painted with blue patterns of flowers, fruit, and fish makes a particularly special souvenir.
Final thoughts…
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that many more people are considering Uzbekistan as their next holiday destination. The country is big and diverse – offering everything from historic cities to vast deserts and inspiring wildlife.
Plus, with friendly locals and swathes of tasty food, you’ll likely leave Uzbekistan feeling happy and fulfilled.
For more inspiration, head over to the travel section of our website. Or, browse the latest Central Asian travel deals using the button below.
What things would you most like to see and do in Uzbekistan? Do you have any other tips that you’d like to add? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.