CraftnCulture Travel Guides

Uzbekistan

On the Silk Road

Turquoise domes, mosaic metro stations, desert lakes, and bazaars that have traded since the caravans first stopped here. A curated guide to the cities of the Silk Road — where to go, where to eat, and how to travel well.

Tashkent

The capital that never hurries

Tashkent is often the city travelers rush through, but it deserves far more than a quick stop. Uzbekistan’s modern capital is a fascinating mix of Soviet-era avenues, grand architecture, a metro where stations feel like underground palaces, and an old town where traditional life still unfolds at a slower rhythm. Beyond its history, Tashkent has a creative, contemporary side: beautifully designed boutiques, independent cafés, craft studios, concept stores, and hidden local spots scattered throughout the city. Give Tashkent two days before heading to the Silk Road cities, and you may find that the capital is one of the most surprising parts of the journey.

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Essential Information

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need for a smooth journey — visas, money, transport, and the small details that make the difference.

Entry & Visas

Citizens of 90+ countries (including EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, and most CIS states) receive visa-free entry for 30 days. No prior application required — just a valid passport with 6 months remaining validity. Citizens of countries not on the list can apply for an e-visa at e-visa.gov.uz (typically processed in 3–5 business days, $20 fee). All visitors must register their accommodation — hotels do this automatically; guesthouses and private hosts have 3 days to register you at the nearest OVIR office.

Currency & Money

The currency is the Uzbek Sum (UZS). As of 2026 the rate is approximately 12,700 UZS to 1 USD. ATMs (Uzcard and Humo networks) are widely available in cities; international Visa/Mastercard cards work at most banks but not at merchant terminals. Carry cash in USD or EUR for currency exchange — rates at airport exchange counters are fair. Tipping is not expected but appreciated: 10% in restaurants is a generous gesture that will be remembered. Markets and bazaars are cash-only; most restaurants accept card in tourist areas.

Getting Around

Between cities: The high-speed Afrosiyob train connects Tashkent–Samarkand in 2h10m and Samarkand–Bukhara in 1h40m. Book at uzrailpass.uz — foreigners can buy tickets online with a foreign card. The slower Sharq train also covers the route. For Khiva, fly from Tashkent (1h) or take the overnight train from Samarkand. In cities: Yandex Taxi and Uber work well in Tashkent. In Samarkand and Bukhara, agree a price in advance with local taxis or use the Yandex app. Tashkent metro is the cheapest city transport (1,500 UZS/journey).

Communication

Buy a local SIM card on arrival at the airport or from any Ucell/Beeline/UMS shop (passport required). A monthly data package with 30GB costs around 50,000 UZS. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram work without restriction. Google Maps has good coverage of Uzbek cities. Offline maps (Maps.me or OsmAnd) are useful for old city navigation where GPS signal can be patchy. Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer Wi-Fi; the connection quality in Tashkent is generally good and improving in the secondary cities.

Weather & When to Go

Best seasons: April–May and September–October. Spring brings clear skies, wildflowers in the mountains, and temperatures of 18–25°C. Autumn means the fruit harvest and warm afternoons. Summer (June–August) sees temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in Bukhara and Samarkand — possible but demanding; start all sightseeing by 8am and rest from noon to 5pm. Winter (December–February) is cold (0°C nights in Tashkent, colder in the mountains) but the cities are uncrowded and the monuments atmospheric in low winter light.

Health & Safety

Uzbekistan is one of the safest countries in Central Asia for visitors. Petty crime is low; solo travel is comfortable for all genders. The main health considerations are heat (carry water and wear sun protection in summer), traveller's diarrhoea (drink bottled water; avoid unpeeled fruit from street stalls), and altitude if trekking in the Chimgan or Fergana ranges. No compulsory vaccinations are required. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. State hospitals are limited; private clinics in Tashkent (Tashkent International Clinic, tel: +998 71 291 0042) meet international standards.

Cultural Notes

Uzbekistan is a Muslim-majority secular state. Religious sites require modest dress (covered shoulders and knees; women's headscarves at active mosques). Shoes are removed before entering mosque prayer halls. Photography inside mosques and at some government buildings requires permission or is prohibited — ask before shooting. Ramadan is observed but not strictly — restaurants remain open. The main religious holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) bring closure of government offices and celebratory gatherings in public spaces. A few words of Uzbek greeting (salom — hello; rahmat — thank you) are always warmly received.

Shopping & Crafts

Uzbekistan's craft traditions are among the most alive in the world. The best purchases: silk ikat (handwoven at Margilan in the Fergana Valley — day-trip from Tashkent); suzani embroidery (largest selection in Bukhara); ceramics from Rishtan (near Fergana) and Gidjuvan (near Bukhara); miniature painting on papier-mâché (Samarkand); copper engraving (Bukhara's Samarkand Gate area); and flat-woven kilim and knotted carpets from the Khorezm workshops. All craft items may be exported freely; antiques over 50 years old require a certificate from the Ministry of Culture.

Real experiences. Real Uzbekistan. · craftnculture.uz