Author

Akbar Tajiyev

Founder of Tour to Uzbekistan, Khiva, Uzbekistan.

Akbar Tajiyev founded Tour to Uzbekistan in Khiva, the walled city at the western end of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road route, and leads the team that plans every journey. Travel guides on this site are written or checked by him, drawing on more than twenty years in tourism.

More than 20 years in tourism
Speaks five languages
Founded Tour to Uzbekistan in Khiva on 7 October 2025

Contact: WhatsApp +998 91 920 94 20 or tours.uzbekistan@gmail.com.

Tilework in Khiva, home of Tour to Uzbekistan — **Akbar Tajiyev**Founder of Tour to Uzbekistan

Written or checked by Akbar

Guides and articles

Visas for Central Asia: country-by-country guideWhich Central Asian countries are visa-free, which need an e-visa, and what Turkmenistan’s letter of invitation involves.
Uzbekistan visa 2026: who needs one, the e-visa and registrationVisa-free entry, the official e-visa, hotel registration, customs and what to carry at the border, kept up to date from Khiva.
Best time to visit Uzbekistan: month by monthWeather, crowds, festivals and what each month is good for, from a team that lives through every season in Khiva.
The best time to visit Central AsiaSpring and autumn for the Silk Road cities, summer for the mountains: a month-by-month guide.
How many days do you need in Uzbekistan?What fits into 5, 7, 10 and 14 days, with the routes our planners actually use and the mistakes that cost time.
Money, cards and currency in Central AsiaFive currencies, how far cards will get you, ATMs and exchanging money.
Uzbekistan itinerary: 7 days from Tashkent to KhivaA realistic one-week route through Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, with transport times, where to sleep and what to skip.
SIM cards, eSIMs and internetStaying connected: local SIMs, eSIMs, Wi-Fi and where you will be offline.
Uzbekistan itinerary: 10 days with the desert castlesTen days that add the clay castles of Khorezm, a night in a yurt camp and Shakhrisabz to the classic Silk Road loop, at a pace that leaves room to breathe.
Uzbekistan trains: Afrosiyob, routes, classes and ticketsThe high-speed Afrosiyob, the trains to Khiva and the Fergana Valley, classes, booking and the mistakes to avoid.
Getting around Central AsiaFlights, trains, private drivers and 4×4s: how to cover the distances.
Land border crossings in Central AsiaThe main crossings travellers use between the five countries, and what to expect.
Urgench airport to Khiva: taxi, transfer and trainHow to get from Urgench airport (UGC) to Khiva, how long it takes, late-night arrivals and travelling on to Bukhara or Nukus.
Is Central Asia safe? A practical guideCrime, road travel, altitude, heat, food and water, and photography rules.
Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists? A local viewCrime, scams, roads, police, health, heat, solo and women travellers and LGBT+ travellers, from a team that lives and works in Uzbekistan.
Travel insurance for Central AsiaWhat your policy should cover, especially for mountains, trekking and remote areas.
What to eat in Central AsiaPlov, samsa, lagman, beshbarmak and the dishes worth travelling for.
Local etiquette and cultureHospitality, dress, bread and tea, mosques and photographing people.
Uzbek phrases for travellers: a pocket phrasebookFifty useful Uzbek words and phrases with an easy pronunciation guide and the Russian alternative, from greetings to the bazaar.
What to pack for Central AsiaClothing for mosques and mountains, layers for yurts, and the small things that help.
Photography tips for Central AsiaWhen to shoot the monuments, how to photograph people, and what not to photograph.
Abdi Darun, Samarkand: a quiet shrine with a pool and old treesA neighbourhood shrine around a Timurid mausoleum, with a pool, centuries-old plane trees and a mosque, where local life continues as it has for centuries.
Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, Bukhara: the unfinished masterpieceThe Abdulaziz Khan madrasah of 1652, the richest decorated madrasah in Bukhara, with its stalactite portal, painted interiors and unusual images, facing the Ulugbek madrasah.
Accessible travel in Uzbekistan: wheelchair users and reduced mobilityAn honest guide for wheelchair users and travellers with reduced mobility in Uzbekistan, covering the accessibility of monuments in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, trains, flights and cars, hotels, a suggested route and how to plan with a guide and driver.
Afrasiyab, Samarkand: the ancient city and its museumThe hill of ruins that was Samarkand for 2,000 years, and the museum with the famous 7th-century Sogdian wall paintings.
Ak Mosque and Anusha Khan baths, KhivaThe small White Mosque by the east gate of Khiva, with its carved doors and wooden porch, and the 17th-century bathhouse of Anusha Khan beside it.
Ak-Saray Mausoleum, Samarkand: the hidden Timurid tombA small 15th-century Timurid tomb behind Gur-Emir with one of the finest painted interiors in Samarkand.
Ak-Saray Palace, Shakhrisabz: the giant portal of Timur’s summer palaceThe ruins of Ak-Saray, Timur’s summer palace in his home town of Shakhrisabz, its colossal surviving portal, the famous inscription, the Spanish ambassador’s account and how to visit.
Al-Hakim at-Termizi Mausoleum, Termez: the shrine on the Amu DaryaThe mausoleum of al-Hakim at-Termizi, the 9th-century Sufi scholar who is the patron saint of Termez, its carved tombstone, the riverside setting and pilgrim customs.
Al-Khwarizmi: the father of algebra from Khorezm, and his statue in KhivaThe life and work of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, the 9th-century scholar from Khorezm whose book gave us the word algebra and whose name gave us the word algorithm, his work in Baghdad, his influence on Europe, and where to see his memory in Khiva and Urgench.
Alat – Farap border: Bukhara to Turkmenabat and MervHow to cross the Alat – Farap border between Bukhara and Turkmenabat in Turkmenistan, with getting there from Bukhara, Turkmen visa rules, the procedure, the Amu Darya crossing, onward travel to Merv and Ashgabat, and tips.
Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, TashkentThe Alisher Navoi Theatre, Tashkent’s grand opera house designed by the architect of Lenin’s mausoleum, its regional halls, its history and how to see a performance.
Allakuli Khan Madrasah, Khiva: the khan’s school by the east gateThe Allakuli Khan madrasah by the east gate of Khiva, its tiled portal, its place in the khan’s building programme with the caravanserai and covered market, and how to visit.
Amir Timur (Tamerlane): history, empire and where to see his legacy in UzbekistanThe life of Amir Timur, known in the West as Tamerlane, from his birth near Shakhrisabz to his conquests from Delhi to Ankara, his capital Samarkand and its monuments, his descendants the Timurids, and the places in Uzbekistan where his legacy can be seen today.
Amir Timur Museum, Tashkent: the story of Timur and his dynastyThe Amir Timur Museum in Tashkent, its blue-domed building and dazzling interior, the collection on Timur, Ulugbek and Babur, and how it fits a trip to Samarkand and Shakhrisabz.
Amir Timur Square, Tashkent: the heart of the modern cityAmir Timur Square, the central square of Tashkent with the equestrian statue of Timur, its changing history from tsarist park to Soviet square, and the landmarks around it.
Amirsoy mountain resort: skiing, gondola and summer hikes near TashkentAmirsoy, the modern mountain resort near Chimgan about 65 km from Tashkent, with ski slopes and a gondola in winter, hiking, biking and viewpoints in summer, how it compares with Chimgan and how to plan a visit.
Ark Fortress, Bukhara: the citadel of the emirsThe Ark of Bukhara, the fortified royal town where emirs ruled until 1920, what is inside, how long to allow and how it fits a walk through the old city.
Ayaz Kala: the hilltop fortress and yurt camp of ancient KhorezmAyaz Kala, the most spectacular of Khorezm’s desert fortresses, with three ruined forts on and below a ridge above the Kyzylkum and Lake Akchakul, its history, the climb, the yurt camp and how to visit from Khiva.
Babur Museum, Andijan: the birthplace of the founder of Mughal IndiaThe Babur museum in Andijan, in the old citadel where the founder of the Mughal empire spent his youth, and Babur Park on the hill outside the city, with his life story and how to visit.
Bahauddin Naqshband complex, Bukhara: the shrine of the Sufi masterThe memorial complex of Bahauddin Naqshband, founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order, outside Bukhara, its history, buildings, pilgrim customs, etiquette and how to visit.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand: Timur’s great mosqueThe colossal Friday mosque Timur built after his Indian campaign, its collapse, its restoration and its legends.
Big Chimgan hike: climbing the 3,309 m peak above TashkentBig Chimgan, the 3,309-metre peak of the western Tian Shan visible from Tashkent, with the route from Chimgan village, difficulty and timing, the best season, easier walks nearby and safety advice.
Big Guldursun: the largest fortress of the Khorezm desertBig Guldursun, one of the largest fortresses of ancient Khorezm, with massive walls and towers in the desert of Karakalpakstan, its long history, the legend of the princess Guldursun and how to visit.
Bolo-Hauz Mosque, Bukhara: the mosque of forty pillarsThe Bolo-Hauz mosque facing the Ark, the emir’s Friday mosque with its high porch of carved wooden columns reflected in a pool, its history and how to visit.
Bukhara airport: flights, arrival and getting to the old townA practical guide to Bukhara International Airport, close to the old town, with flights from Tashkent and abroad, arrival and departure tips, taxis and transfers, and how the airport compares with Bukhara’s railway station in Kagan.
Bukhara food: what to eat, from plov to sweets and spiced teaWhat to eat in Bukhara, from plov and tandir-baked samsa to Bukharan Jewish dishes, sweets and spiced tea, how meals work and where to eat in the old city.
Bukhara itinerary: how to spend 1, 2 or 3 daysHour-by-hour plans for one, two and three days in Bukhara, following the best light, short walking routes and the heat of the day, with options outside the city.
Bukhara to Khiva: train or car across the Kyzylkum desertHow to travel from Bukhara to Khiva across the Kyzylkum desert, by train in about 6–7 hours or by private car on the desert road beside the Amu Darya, with journey times, stops, comfort tips and how to plan the rest of the route.
Bukhara to Nukus: trains across the Kyzylkum and the road via KhivaHow to travel from Bukhara to Nukus, by train across the Kyzylkum desert or by car via Khiva and the desert fortresses, with distances, timings and why most travellers stop in Khiva on the way.
Bukhara trading domes: the covered bazaars of the Silk RoadBukhara’s 16th-century trading domes, Toki Sarrafon, Toki Telpak Furushon and Toki Zargaron, and the Tim of Abdullah Khan, how they worked and what to buy there today.
Bukhara weather by month: temperatures, rain and when to goAverage temperatures and rainfall in Bukhara month by month, what each season feels like in this desert city, what to pack and the best time to visit.
Buses in Uzbekistan: city buses, the Tashkent metro, intercity coaches and marshrutkasA guide to public transport in Uzbekistan, from city buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) to the Tashkent metro and intercity buses, how to pay, which routes are useful for visitors, and when a train, taxi or shared taxi is a better choice.
Charvak reservoir: a turquoise lake in the mountains near TashkentCharvak, the turquoise reservoir in the western Tian Shan about 80 km from Tashkent, with beaches, resorts and viewpoints, swimming in summer, nearby villages and walks, and how to visit as a day trip from the capital.
Chashma spring in Nurata: sacred fish, mosques and pilgrimsThe Chashma holy spring in Nurata, a pool full of sacred fish at the foot of Alexander’s fortress, with its domed mosques and legends, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites of central Uzbekistan, and how to visit.
Chashma-Ayub, Bukhara: the spring of Job and the water museumThe Chashma-Ayub shrine in Bukhara, built over a spring linked to the prophet Job, its unusual conical dome, the water museum inside and the legends around it.
Chilpik, the Zoroastrian tower of silence in KarakalpakstanChilpik, a ring-shaped Zoroastrian tower of silence on a hill above the Amu Darya between Nukus and Khiva, where the dead were once exposed to the elements, its history, the view and how to visit.
Chor Minor, Bukhara: the gatehouse with four minaretsChor Minor, the small 1807 gatehouse with four turquoise-domed towers hidden in the lanes of Bukhara, its builder, its symbolism, the view from the roof and how to find it.
Chor-Bakr necropolis, Bukhara: the city of the deadThe Chor-Bakr necropolis west of Bukhara, the family burial ground of the Juybari sheikhs, with lanes of tombs, a mosque, khanaka and madrasah, its history and how to visit.
Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent: the great blue-domed marketChorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s oldest and most famous market under a giant blue dome, what to see, taste and buy, how to bargain and the best time to go.
Dakhma-i-Shakhon, Kokand: tombs of the khans and the poet NodiraThe Dakhma-i-Shakhon necropolis of the Kokand khans, with Umar Khan’s carved portal, the Modari Khan mausoleum and the memory of the poet-queen Nodira, and how to visit.
Day trips from Bukhara: Gijduvan, Vobkent, Paykend, Nurata and moreThe best day trips from Bukhara, with distances, times and what to see, from the Seven Saints pilgrimage and the ceramics of Gijduvan to desert ruins and yurt camps.
Day trips from Khiva: desert castles, Nukus, Turkmenistan and moreEvery trip worth taking from Khiva, compared by drive time and effort, from the clay castles of Khorezm to the Aral Sea.
Day trips from Samarkand: Shakhrisabz, Urgut, Penjikent and moreThe best day trips from Samarkand, with distances, travel times and what to see, from Timur’s birthplace to mountain villages, markets and the Tajik border.
Day trips from Tashkent: Chimgan, Charvak, Samarkand and moreThe best day trips from Tashkent, with distances, times and what to see, from the Chimgan mountains and the Charvak reservoir to Samarkand by fast train and the Fergana Valley.
Dishan-Kala, Khiva: the outer town beyond the wallsDishan-Kala, the outer town of Khiva around Ichan-Kala, its 19th-century walls and gates, the Nurullaboy palace, the bazaar and everyday life beyond the museum city.
Domestic flights in Uzbekistan: routes, airlines, baggage and booking tipsA guide to domestic flights in Uzbekistan, with the main routes from Tashkent to Urgench, Nukus, Bukhara, Samarkand, Termez and the Fergana Valley, the airlines, flight times, baggage rules, booking tips and when flying beats the train.
Dorus-Saodat, Shakhrisabz: Jahangir’s tomb and Timur’s empty cryptThe Dorus-Saodat complex in Shakhrisabz, with the mausoleum of Timur’s eldest son Jahangir, the Hazrati Imam mosque, and the crypt Timur prepared for himself but never used.
Dorut-Tilavat, Shakhrisabz: Ulugbek’s Kok-Gumbaz mosque and family tombsThe Dorut-Tilavat complex in Shakhrisabz, with Ulugbek’s blue-domed Kok-Gumbaz mosque, the tomb of Timur’s father and spiritual teacher, and the Gumbazi Seyidon mausoleum.
Driving in Uzbekistan: rules, roads, fuel, police checkpoints and car hireWhat to know before driving in Uzbekistan, from licences and car hire to road rules, road quality, fuel and gas stations, police checkpoints, desert and mountain roads, and why many visitors prefer to hire a car with a local driver.
Dustlik border: Andijan to Osh and the road to the Pamir HighwayHow to cross the Dustlik – Dostuk border between Andijan in the Fergana Valley and Osh in Kyrgyzstan, with getting there, the procedure, visas, taxis to Osh, the start of the Pamir Highway, timing and tips.
Eternal City, Samarkand: the Silk Road complex explainedA modern recreation of an old Samarkand town with crafts, food and evening shows, inside the Silk Road Samarkand tourist complex.
Fayaz Tepa, Termez: a 2,000-year-old Buddhist monasteryFayaz Tepa near Termez, a Buddhist monastery of the Kushan era with a preserved stupa, courtyards and cells, the discoveries made there and how to visit.
Fayzulla Khodjaev House, Bukhara: a merchant’s mansionThe Fayzulla Khodjaev house in Bukhara, a rich merchant’s home of the 1890s with carved and painted rooms, the dramatic life of the revolutionary who grew up there and how to visit.
Fergana Valley food: plov, patyr, halva and the valley’s fruitWhat to eat in the Fergana Valley, from Fergana plov and rich patyr bread to Kokand halva, samsa and the valley’s famous fruit, plus how meals work and where to eat.
Fergana Valley itinerary: 2 or 3 days of silk, ceramics and khansDay-by-day plans for two and three days in the Fergana Valley, from Tashkent over the Kamchik pass to Kokand, Rishtan, Margilan, Fergana, Andijan and Namangan.
Fergana Valley weather by month: seasons in Uzbekistan’s green valleyAverage temperatures and rainfall in the Fergana Valley month by month, how the surrounding mountains shape its climate, the seasons of fruit and silk, the Kamchik pass in winter, what to pack and the best time to visit.
Gisht Kuprik border: crossing from Tashkent to Shymkent and KazakhstanHow to cross the Gisht Kuprik – Zhibek Zholy border between Tashkent and Shymkent, the main land crossing between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, with getting there, the procedure on foot or by car, visas, onward transport, timing and tips.
Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand: Timur’s tombThe ribbed blue dome where Timur, Ulugbek and their family lie, the jade tombstone and the story of the 1941 excavation.
Halal travel in Uzbekistan: a guide for Muslim travellersA guide to halal travel in Uzbekistan, with food, prayer and mosques, travelling during Ramadan, dress and etiquette, family-friendly accommodation, the great shrines and madrasahs, and practical tips for Muslim travellers.
Hazrat Khizr Mosque, Samarkand: carved columns and city viewsA 19th-century mosque on the edge of Afrasiyab with carved wooden columns, painted ceilings and a view over Samarkand.
Holy Assumption Cathedral, Tashkent: the Orthodox cathedralThe Holy Assumption Cathedral, Tashkent’s main Russian Orthodox church, with blue and white walls and golden domes, its history, services and visiting etiquette.
How to get to Bukhara: trains, flights, roads and bordersEvery way to reach Bukhara, the fast train from Tashkent and Samarkand, flights, the railway and desert road to Khiva, the Turkmen border, and getting from the station to the old city.
How to get to Khiva: flights, trains, roads and bordersEvery way to reach Khiva, via Urgench airport, the railway from Tashkent and Bukhara, the desert road, Nukus and the Turkmen border, with times and practical tips.
How to get to Nukus: flights, trains and the road from KhivaHow to reach Nukus, capital of Karakalpakstan, by plane or train from Tashkent, by road from Khiva and Urgench, how to continue to Muynak and the Aral Sea, and the nearby borders with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
How to get to Samarkand: trains, flights, roads and bordersEvery way to reach Samarkand, the high-speed train from Tashkent, flights, connections to Bukhara and Khiva, roads and the border with Tajikistan, with times and tips.
How to get to Termez: flights, trains and roadsHow to get to Termez in the far south of Uzbekistan, by flight or overnight train from Tashkent, by road from Samarkand through Shakhrisabz and Boysun, and the nearby borders.
Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Bukhara: the life of the great physician and philosopherThe life of Ibn Sina, known in Europe as Avicenna, born near Bukhara in 980, his education at the Samanid court, the Canon of Medicine and the Book of Healing, his travels and influence, and where to see his memory in Afshona and Bukhara.
Ichan-Kala, Khiva: monuments, tickets and the best routeEvery major monument inside Khiva’s walls, how the ticket works, the route our guides walk and when the light is best.
Imam al-Bukhari Complex near Samarkand: visiting guideThe tomb of the compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Asia, 25 km north of Samarkand.
Imam al-Maturidi Mausoleum, Samarkand: the theologian’s tombThe tomb of the 10th-century Samarkand theologian whose school of belief is followed by much of the Sunni Muslim world.
Independence Square, Tashkent: monuments, arch and memorialsIndependence Square in Tashkent, the country’s main ceremonial square, with the Independence Monument, the arch of the storks, the Mourning Mother memorial and fountains.
Ishratkhona Mausoleum, Samarkand: the ruined Timurid tombA haunting, unrestored 15th-century tomb for Timurid princesses, with traces of its painted interior still visible.
Islam Khoja Minaret, Khiva: the tallest tower and the best viewThe Islam Khoja minaret, Khiva’s tallest tower, built in 1910 by a reforming vizier, the climb to the top, the view, and the small madrasah with its museum of applied arts.
Islamic heritage of Uzbekistan: a ziyarat itinerary to shrines and scholarsA ziyarat itinerary through Uzbekistan to the shrines of Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, Bahauddin Naqshband, al-Hakim at-Termizi and other great scholars, with the madrasahs and mosques of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, a 9-day plan, etiquette and practical tips.
Japanese Garden, Tashkent: a quiet corner of Japan in UzbekistanThe Japanese garden in Tashkent, a small landscaped park with a pond, bridges and a tea house, its links with Japan, the best seasons for blossom and how to visit.
Jartepa border: Samarkand to Penjikent and the Fann mountainsHow to cross the Jartepa – Sarazm border between Samarkand and Penjikent in Tajikistan, about an hour from the Registan, with the procedure, visas, onward transport to Penjikent, the Seven Lakes and the Fann mountains, and tips.
Juma Mosque, Khiva: a forest of 200 wooden columnsThe Juma mosque of Khiva, a hypostyle hall of more than 200 carved wooden columns, some up to a thousand years old, its history, the minaret and tips for visiting.
Juma Mosque, Kokand: the porch of 98 red columnsThe Juma mosque of Kokand, built under Umar Khan in the early 19th century, with its long porch of carved wooden columns, painted ceiling and minaret, its history and how to visit.
Kalta Minor, Khiva: the unfinished turquoise minaretKalta Minor, the short, wide and completely tiled minaret by the west gate of Khiva, why it was never finished, its decoration and the best times to photograph it.
Kalyan Minaret, Bukhara: the tower Genghis Khan sparedThe Kalyan minaret, built in 1127 and the symbol of Bukhara, its brickwork, its legends, its role for caravans and the best places to see and photograph it.
Kara Tepa, Termez: cave monastery on the Afghan borderKara Tepa near Termez, a Buddhist monastery of caves and courtyards on three hills by the Amu Darya, its history, finds and the special arrangements needed to visit.
Khast Imam complex, Tashkent: the Uthman Quran and old-town mosquesThe Khast Imam complex, Tashkent’s religious heart, with the Uthman Quran, the Barak Khan madrasah, the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum and the Hazrati Imam mosque.
Khiva food guide: shivit oshi and the dishes of KhorezmThe dishes that make Khorezm cooking different from the rest of Uzbekistan, and how to find them in Khiva.
Khiva in 1 or 2 days: an itinerary from local guidesHour-by-hour plans for one day, two days and three days in Khiva, timed around the heat, the crowds and the light.
Khiva souvenirs: what to buy and whereWhat to buy in Khiva, from carved wood and big fur hats to silk carpets, suzani, ceramics and knives, where to find them in Ichan-Kala, how to bargain and take them home.
Khiva to Nukus: the road via the desert fortresses, trains and day tripsHow to travel from Khiva to Nukus, by car in about three hours with stops at the desert fortresses and Chilpik, by train or shared taxi from Urgench, and how to see Nukus as a long day trip from Khiva.
Khiva weather by month: temperatures, rain and when to goAverage temperatures and rainfall in Khiva month by month, what each season feels like in this oasis between two deserts, what to pack and the best time to visit.
Khoja Akhrar Complex, Samarkand: the Naqshbandi master’s shrineThe shrine of Khoja Ubaydullah Akhrar, the powerful 15th-century Sufi master, with a 17th-century madrasah and a summer mosque.
Khovrenko Winery, Samarkand: wine tasting and historySamarkand’s historic winery, founded in the 19th century, with a small museum and a tasting room for local wines and brandies.
Khudayar Khan Palace, Kokand: the last palace of the Kokand khansThe palace of Khudayar Khan in Kokand, built in the 1870s with a long tiled facade, its courtyards and museum, the story of the last khans of Kokand and how to visit.
Konigil Paper Mill, Samarkand: how Samarkand paper is madeA village workshop just outside Samarkand where silk paper is made from mulberry bark on a water-powered mill, as it was a thousand years ago.
Kukeldash Madrasah, Bukhara: the largest school of the old cityThe Kukeldash madrasah at Lyabi-Hauz, one of the largest madrasahs in Central Asia, built in the 1560s, its founder, its architecture and what you can see today.
Kukeldash Madrasah, Tashkent: the fortress-like school by ChorsuThe 16th-century Kukeldash madrasah on a hill above Chorsu bazaar, one of the largest surviving madrasahs in Tashkent, its turbulent history and how to visit.
Kumtepa bazaar, Margilan: the Fergana Valley’s traditional marketThe Kumtepa bazaar near Margilan, one of the most traditional markets in Uzbekistan, held on market days, with silk, hats, livestock, food and village life, and tips for visiting.
Kunya Ark, Khiva: the old fortress of the khansThe Kunya Ark, the walled residence of the khans of Khiva, with its tiled summer mosque, throne room, mint, and the watchtower with the best view over Ichan-Kala.
Kutlug Murad Inak Madrasah, Khiva: the school with a hidden cisternThe Kutlug Murad Inak madrasah by the east gate of Khiva, an early 19th-century school with an underground water cistern in its courtyard, its founder and its setting.
Kyrk Kyz, Termez: the fortress of the forty maidensKyrk Kyz near Termez, a square mud-brick building of the 9th–10th century with corner towers and vaulted rooms, the legend of the forty maidens, theories about its purpose and how to visit.
Kyzyl Kala: the red fortress of KarakalpakstanKyzyl Kala, a compact square fortress of ancient Khorezm with thick walls and towers, partly restored, near Toprak Kala in Karakalpakstan, its history, what to see and how to visit from Khiva.
Lazgi: the joyful dance of Khorezm, its history and where to see it in KhivaA guide to Lazgi, the energetic traditional dance of Khorezm, listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, with its origins and meaning, music and costume, the different forms of Lazgi, the international Lazgi festival in Khiva and where to see performances.
Lyabi-Hauz, Bukhara: the pool at the heart of the old cityLyabi-Hauz, the shaded pool square of Bukhara with its 17th-century madrasah and khanaka, old mulberry trees, the Nasreddin statue, teahouses and evening life.
Magoki-Attori Mosque, Bukhara: one of Central Asia’s oldestThe Magoki-Attori mosque, sunk below street level with a 12th-century carved facade, its layers of history from temples to the carpet museum, and how to visit.
Minor Mosque, Tashkent: the white mosque on the canalThe Minor mosque in Tashkent, a white marble mosque opened in 2014 on the bank of the Ankhor canal, its design, visiting etiquette and the best time for photos.
Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, Bukhara: the school that never closedThe Mir-i-Arab madrasah on Poi Kalyan square, its twin blue domes, its founder, its unusual history as a working school through the Soviet era, and what visitors can see.
Mizdakhan necropolis near Nukus: legends, mausoleums and Gyaur KalaThe Mizdakhan necropolis near Khodjeyli, a sacred hill used for burials for more than two thousand years, with the mausoleums of Mazlum Khan Sulu and Shamun Nabi, the legend of the world clock and the fortress of Gyaur Kala.
Modari Khan and Abdullah Khan madrasahs, BukharaThe paired Modari Khan and Abdullah Khan madrasahs in the south-west of Bukhara’s old city, built by Abdullah Khan II for his mother and himself, their history and architecture.
Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Khiva: the largest school of the khanateThe Muhammad Amin Khan madrasah by the west gate of Khiva, the largest madrasah in the city, built in the 1850s beside Kalta Minor, its history, architecture and use today.
Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah, Khiva: the poet-khan FeruzThe Muhammad Rahim Khan madrasah facing the Kunya Ark, built by the poet-khan Feruz, the museum of his reign, and the story of Khiva under the Russian protectorate.
Mullah Kyrgyz Madrasah, Namangan: brickwork lace of 1910The Mullah Kyrgyz madrasah in Namangan, an early 20th-century school famous for its intricate brick decoration, its founder, its history and what else to see in Namangan.
Museum of Applied Arts, Tashkent: a diplomat’s house of carved splendourThe Museum of Applied Arts in Tashkent, a 19th-century diplomat’s house decorated by master craftsmen, with suzani, ceramics, jewellery and woodcarving from all over Uzbekistan.
Museums of Samarkand: history, art and archaeologyWhich museums explain Samarkand’s 2,700-year history, from Sogdian murals to Timurid science and 19th-century merchant houses, and how to fit them in.
Muynak ship cemetery: rusting boats on the bed of the Aral SeaThe ship cemetery of Muynak, where fishing boats lie stranded on the dry bed of the Aral Sea far from the water, the story of the sea’s disappearance, the Aral Sea museum and memorial, and how to visit from Nukus.
Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, Bukhara: the portal of the simurghThe Nadir Divan-Begi madrasah at Lyabi-Hauz, its famous portal with birds, deer and a human-faced sun, the khanaka opposite, their history and the evening folk shows.
Namazgokh Mosque, Bukhara: the festival mosque of the 12th centuryThe Namazgokh, Bukhara’s 12th-century open-air festival mosque outside the old city, what a namazgokh was, its carved brick wall and how to combine it with other sights.
Narbutabey Madrasah, Kokand: the school that stayed openThe Narbutabey madrasah in Kokand, built around 1799 by the ruler Narbuta Bi, one of the few madrasahs that functioned in the Soviet era, its architecture and how to visit.
Nukus to Muynak: the road to the Aral Sea ship cemeteryHow to travel from Nukus to Muynak and its ship cemetery on the former shore of the Aral Sea, by private car in about 3–3.5 hours via Kungrad, by shared taxi or bus, and how to continue to the remaining Aral Sea by 4x4.
Nukus weather by month: desert extremes and the best time for the Aral SeaAverage temperatures and rainfall in Nukus month by month, how the shrinking Aral Sea has made the climate harsher, the best seasons for the Savitsky Museum, the desert fortresses and the Aral Sea, and what to pack.
Nurata fortress: the hill of Alexander the Great above a holy springThe ruined fortress of Nurata, traditionally linked to Alexander the Great, on a hill above the town’s holy spring and mosques, with views over the Nuratau mountains and the steppe, its history, legends and how to visit.
Nurullaboy Palace, Khiva: where East met the Russian EmpireThe Nurullaboy palace of the last khans of Khiva, built in the early 20th century outside Ichan-Kala, mixing Khivan craftsmanship with Russian and European style.
Oybek border crossing: Tashkent to Khujand and northern TajikistanHow to cross the Oybek – Fotehobod border between Tashkent and Khujand in northern Tajikistan, with getting there from Tashkent, the procedure, visas, onward transport to Khujand and Dushanbe, timing and tips.
Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, Khiva: the shrine of the poet-wrestlerThe mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud, poet, wrestler and patron saint of Khiva, its tiled interior, the tombs of the khans, the holy well and the customs of pilgrims.
Poi Kalyan, Bukhara: minaret, mosque and madrasahThe Poi Kalyan ensemble in Bukhara, with the Kalyan minaret, the Kalyan mosque and the Mir-i-Arab madrasah, their history, what to see and the best light.
Rabati Malik caravanserai and cistern on the road to BukharaRabati Malik, the surviving portal of an 11th-century royal caravanserai of the Karakhanid rulers on the Samarkand–Bukhara road near Navoi, and its domed water cistern, with their history and how to stop on the way.
Registan Square, Samarkand: history, tickets and the best time to visitThe three madrasahs of the Registan, how they were built, what the ticket covers and when the light is best.
Registration in Uzbekistan: how foreigner registration (former OVIR) worksHow the registration of foreign visitors works in Uzbekistan today, what used to be called OVIR registration, who is responsible, hotels and guesthouses, staying with friends, trains and yurt camps, registration slips, and what happens if you are not registered.
Rishtan ceramics: visiting the blue pottery workshopsThe ceramic workshops of Rishtan in the Fergana Valley, famous for blue and turquoise pottery with ishkor glaze, how it is made, how to visit a master’s workshop and what to buy.
Rukhabad Mausoleum, Samarkand: the abode of the spiritA plain 14th-century domed tomb of a Sufi sheikh between Gur-Emir and the Registan, wrapped in legend.
Samanid Mausoleum, Bukhara: a thousand-year-old masterpiece in brickThe 10th-century Samanid mausoleum in Bukhara, one of the oldest and finest buildings in Central Asia, its brickwork, symbolism, survival and the park around it.
Samarkand airport: international flights, arrival and getting to the RegistanA practical guide to Samarkand International Airport, with the airlines and routes that fly there, arrival and departure tips, money and SIM cards, taxis and transfers to the old city, and how flying into Samarkand changes your itinerary.
Samarkand food: what to eat, from layered plov to Samarkand breadThe dishes Samarkand is proud of, its plov, round bread, samsa and sweets, how meals work, and tips on where and when to eat.
Samarkand itinerary: how to spend 1, 2 or 3 daysHour-by-hour plans for one, two and three days in Samarkand, ordered for the best light, the least walking back and forth and the heat of the day.
Samarkand New Town: the 19th-century Russian quarterThe tree-lined boulevards, churches and colonial buildings laid out west of the old city after the Russian conquest of 1868.
Samarkand to Bukhara by train or car: times, stops and tipsHow to travel from Samarkand to Bukhara, by Afrosiyob or Sharq train in under two hours or by car with stops at Gijduvan’s ceramic workshops, Rabati Malik or the Chor-Bakr necropolis, with journey times, stations and booking tips.
Samarkand to Khiva: trains, the road via Bukhara and flightsHow to travel from Samarkand to Khiva, by direct train of about 9–11 hours, by car via Bukhara and the Kyzylkum desert, or by air via Tashkent, with tips on breaking the journey in Bukhara.
Samarkand to Shakhrisabz: how to get there by car, taxi and trainHow to get to Shakhrisabz from Samarkand over the Takhtakaracha pass or around it, by private car, shared taxi or train, and from Bukhara, Karshi and Termez, with times and tips.
Samarkand to Termez: the mountain road via Shakhrisabz and Boysun, and trainsHow to travel from Samarkand to Termez, by the scenic 370 km road via the Takhtakaracha pass, Shakhrisabz and the mountains near Boysun, or by train via Karshi, with stops, timings and tips for the south.
Samarkand weather by month: temperatures, rain and when to goAverage temperatures and rainfall in Samarkand month by month, what each season feels like, what to pack and the best time to visit.
Sarmishsay petroglyphs: thousands of rock carvings near NavoiThe Sarmishsay gorge near Navoi, with thousands of rock carvings from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages showing bulls, goats, hunters and mysterious figures, plus burial mounds, and how to visit from Navoi, Samarkand or Bukhara.
Savitsky Museum, Nukus: the Louvre of the desertThe Savitsky Museum in Nukus, one of the great art collections of Central Asia, with Russian and Uzbek avant-garde paintings saved from Soviet censorship, Karakalpak folk art and finds from ancient Khorezm, and how to visit.
Sayid Alauddin Mausoleum, Khiva: the oldest building in Ichan-KalaThe small 14th-century mausoleum of the Sufi sheikh Sayid Alauddin, one of the oldest buildings in Khiva, with its majolica tombstone, its link to Timur’s teacher and its pilgrims.
Sentob: a stone village and homestays in the Nuratau mountainsSentob, a traditional village of stone houses and walnut trees in the Nuratau mountains, with family guesthouses, walks to neighbouring villages and petroglyphs, and an easy link to the yurt camps of Lake Aydarkul.
Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand: the avenue of mausoleumsA street of blue-tiled tombs climbing the slope of Afrasiyab, from the shrine of Kusam ibn Abbas to the mausoleums of Timur’s family.
Shared taxis in Uzbekistan: how they work, routes, comfort and tipsHow shared taxis work in Uzbekistan, the fixed-route cars that leave when full, where to find them, typical routes such as Tashkent to the Fergana Valley or Bukhara to Khiva, buying extra seats, comfort, safety and when a private car is better.
Shavat border: Khiva to Dashoguz, Kunya-Urgench and TurkmenistanHow to cross the Shavat – Dashoguz border between Khiva and northern Turkmenistan, with getting there, Turkmen visa and invitation requirements, the crossing procedure, onward travel to Kunya-Urgench and the gas crater, and tips.
Sheikhantaur Mausoleum, Tashkent: three medieval tombs in the city centreThe Sheikhantaur ensemble, three medieval mausoleums in central Tashkent, the tombs of a Sufi sheikh, a Kazakh judge and a Mongol khan who was Babur’s grandfather.
Sher-Dor Madrasah, Samarkand: the tigers of the RegistanThe 17th-century madrasah with the famous portal of striped lions chasing deer under human-faced suns.
Shirgazi Khan Madrasah, Khiva: the school built by slavesThe Shirgazi Khan madrasah in Khiva, built in the 1720s by Persian captives, the dramatic legend of its founder’s death, the poet Makhtumkuli and how to visit.
Shopping in Bukhara: what to buy and whereWhat to buy in Bukhara, from gold embroidery, suzani and carpets to forged knives, stork scissors, puppets and ceramics, where to find them, how to bargain and take them home.
Shopping in Samarkand: what to buy and whereWhat to buy in Samarkand, from suzani and silk carpets to Samarkand paper, ceramics and halva, where to find it and how to bargain and take it home.
Shopping in Tashkent: bazaars, crafts and souvenirsWhere to shop in Tashkent, from Chorsu and Alay bazaars to craft workshops, the weekend flea market, museum shops and modern malls, what to buy and how to take it home.
Siab Bazaar, Samarkand: bread, sweets and dried fruitSamarkand’s main market beside Bibi-Khanym, famous for its round bread, halva, nuts and dried fruit.
Sitorai Mohi-Hosa, Bukhara: the last emir’s summer palaceSitorai Mohi-Hosa, the summer palace of the last emir of Bukhara north of the city, its mix of Bukharan and Russian styles, the White Hall, the harem pool and the museums.
Solo travel in Uzbekistan: safety, routes, costs and tipsA guide to travelling alone in Uzbekistan, with safety for solo travellers and solo women, getting around by train and shared taxi, meeting people in guesthouses, a solo-friendly route, money-saving tips and when to join a group or hire a guide.
State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan, Tashkent: guideThe State Museum of Arts in Tashkent, founded on a Romanov grand duke’s collection, with Russian and European painting, Uzbek art and ancient Buddhist and Sogdian pieces.
State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, Tashkent: guideThe State Museum of History of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, its highlights from Stone Age finds to the Buddhist sculpture of Termez and Sogdian art, and how to plan a visit.
Sudochie Lake: birds, reeds and an abandoned fishing village near the AralSudochie Lake, a system of lakes and reed beds in the old Amu Darya delta below the Ustyurt cliffs, an important stop for migrating birds, with the ruins of the fishing village of Urga, and how to visit on the way to the Aral Sea.
Sultan Saodat ensemble, Termez: the tombs of the Termez sayyidsThe Sultan Saodat ensemble in Termez, a row of domed mausoleums of the Termez sayyids built from the 10th to the 17th century, its architecture, history and how to visit.
Suzani embroidery: history, motifs, regions and how to buy one in UzbekistanA guide to suzani, the large embroidered textiles of Uzbekistan, with their history as dowry pieces, the meaning of their motifs, the regional styles of Bukhara, Samarkand, Nurata, Shakhrisabz and Urgut, the stitches and dyes, and how to recognise and buy a good suzani.
Tash-Hauli Palace, Khiva: the harem and courts of Allakuli KhanThe Tash-Hauli palace of Allakuli Khan in Khiva, its harem with tiled aivans, the reception court with the yurt platform, the court of justice, and how to visit.
Tashkent airport to city and how to get to TashkentHow to get from Tashkent airport to the city, arriving by train or road, the land borders near Tashkent, and onward connections to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and the Fergana Valley.
Tashkent Botanical Garden: plants of Central Asia and the worldThe Tashkent Botanical Garden, a large green park founded in 1950 with thousands of plant species from Central Asia and the world, its seasons, highlights and how to visit.
Tashkent food guide: plov, naryn, bazaars and where to eatWhat to eat in Tashkent, from wedding-style plov and naryn to samsa, Korean salads and bazaar snacks, how meals work, and where to find good food in the capital.
Tashkent International Airport: arrival, terminals, SIM cards and getting to the cityA practical guide to Tashkent International Airport, Uzbekistan’s main gateway, with the arrival process, international and domestic terminals, money and SIM cards, taxis and transfers to the city centre, and tips for connections and departures.
Tashkent itinerary: how to spend 1, 2 or 3 daysHour-by-hour plans for one, two and three days in Tashkent, combining the old town, the metro, museums, parks and a mountain day trip, with tips on getting around.
Tashkent Metro: the most beautiful stations and how to rideThe Tashkent metro, Central Asia’s first underground railway, its most beautiful stations from Kosmonavtlar to Alisher Navoi, and how to buy tickets and ride.
Tashkent nightlife: theatres, evening walks, bars and moreWhat to do in Tashkent in the evening, from opera, ballet and theatre to illuminated parks, Broadway, restaurants with live music, bars and clubs, with safety and etiquette tips.
Tashkent to Andijan by train: times, the Kamchik pass road and flightsHow to travel from Tashkent to Andijan at the eastern end of the Fergana Valley, by train through the Kamchik tunnel in about 5–6 hours, by car over the Kamchik pass, or by a one-hour flight, plus the onward border to Osh in Kyrgyzstan.
Tashkent to Bukhara by train: Afrosiyob, night trains, flights and roadHow to travel from Tashkent to Bukhara, by Afrosiyob high-speed train in about 4 hours, slower and overnight trains, flights of just over an hour, or the long road via Samarkand, with stations, booking tips and route advice.
Tashkent to Chimgan: getting to the mountains, Amirsoy and CharvakHow to travel from Tashkent to Chimgan, Amirsoy and the Charvak reservoir in the western Tian Shan, by private car or taxi in about 1.5 hours, by shared taxi, or on a tour, with a day-trip plan and seasonal tips.
Tashkent to Fergana by train: the Kamchik tunnel, road and flightsHow to travel from Tashkent to Fergana city and the Fergana Valley, by train through the Kamchik tunnel in about 5 hours, by car over the scenic Kamchik pass, or by a one-hour flight, with stations, checkpoints and tips.
Tashkent to Karshi: fast trains, flights and the road southHow to travel from Tashkent to Karshi, capital of Kashkadarya, by fast train via Samarkand, by a flight of just over an hour, or by road, and how to use Karshi as a gateway to Shakhrisabz, Termez and the south.
Tashkent to Khiva: flights to Urgench, sleeper trains and the long roadHow to travel from Tashkent to Khiva, by flight to Urgench in about 1.5 hours and a short drive, by overnight sleeper train of 14–16 hours, or overland via Samarkand and Bukhara, with tips on planning the classic route.
Tashkent to Namangan: trains, the Kamchik pass road and flightsHow to travel from Tashkent to Namangan in the northern Fergana Valley, by train through the Kamchik tunnel, by car over the Kamchik pass in about 4–5 hours, or by a one-hour flight, with tips for exploring the northern valley.
Tashkent to Nukus: flights, trains across the desert and combining with KhivaHow to travel from Tashkent to Nukus, capital of Karakalpakstan, by a flight of about two hours or by long-distance train across the Kyzylkum, why the road is rarely worth it, and how to combine Nukus with Khiva and the Aral Sea.
Tashkent to Samarkand by train: Afrosiyob, Sharq, car and flightsHow to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand, by the high-speed Afrosiyob train, slower Sharq and regular trains, by car on the M39 highway or by air, with journey times, booking tips, stations and which option suits whom.
Tashkent to Termez: flights, sleeper trains and the road southHow to travel from Tashkent to Termez in the far south of Uzbekistan, by a 1.5-hour flight, by overnight sleeper train of 14–16 hours, or by road via Samarkand and the mountains of Boysun, with tips on planning a southern route.
Tashkent to the Fergana Valley: trains, roads and flightsHow to travel from Tashkent to the Fergana Valley by train through the Kamchik tunnel, by road over the Kamchik pass or by air, how to get around the valley, and the nearby borders.
Tashkent to Urgench: flights, sleeper trains and the transfer to KhivaHow to travel from Tashkent to Urgench, the gateway to Khiva and Khorezm, by flights of about 1.5 hours or overnight sleeper trains, how to get from Urgench airport and station to Khiva, and how to fit the route into a trip.
Tashkent TV Tower: the observation deck over the cityThe Tashkent TV Tower, at 375 metres the tallest structure in Central Asia, its earthquake-proof design, the observation deck and restaurants, and how to visit.
Tashkent weather by month: temperatures, rain and when to goAverage temperatures and rainfall in Tashkent month by month, what each season feels like, what to pack and the best time to visit the capital and the nearby mountains.
Tashkent with kids: family-friendly things to doThings to do in Tashkent with children, from amusement parks, the zoo and the metro to puppet shows, the circus, gardens, the TV tower and mountain days, with practical family tips.
Taxis in Uzbekistan: ride-hailing apps, street taxis, fares and safetyHow to use taxis in Uzbekistan, from ride-hailing apps such as Yandex Go to street taxis and private drivers, how fares work, paying in cash or by card, airport and station taxis, safety tips and phrases for drivers.
Termez Archaeological Museum: Bactrian, Kushan and Buddhist treasuresThe Termez Archaeological Museum, the best introduction to the ancient south of Uzbekistan, with finds from Bactrian cities, Kushan Buddhist monasteries and medieval Termez.
Termez weather by month: Uzbekistan’s hottest city and when to goAverage temperatures and rainfall in Termez month by month, what each season feels like in Uzbekistan’s hottest city on the Afghan border, the dusty wind, what to pack and the best time to visit.
The gates and walls of Khiva: Ichan-Kala’s four gatesThe mud-brick walls of Ichan-Kala and its four gates, Ata, Bagcha, Palvan and Tash Darvaza, their history and stories, walking on the walls and the outer walls of Dishan-Kala.
The Jewish quarter of Bukhara: synagogues, houses and historyThe old Jewish quarter of Bukhara, the history of the Bukharan Jews, the synagogue that is still in use, merchants’ houses, the cemetery and how to visit respectfully.
The Silk Road in Uzbekistan: history, cities and where to see it todayA short history of the Silk Road in today’s Uzbekistan, from the Sogdian merchants of Samarkand and the caravans of Bukhara to Timur’s capital and the decline of the overland routes, with the goods, ideas and religions that travelled along it and the places where you can see this heritage today.
The Ustyurt Plateau in Uzbekistan: cliffs above the Aral SeaThe Ustyurt Plateau in western Karakalpakstan, a vast stony desert ending in white cliffs above the Aral Sea, its landscapes and wildlife, the 4x4 route to the sea and yurt camps, and how to plan a trip safely.
Things to do in Bukhara: 20 experiences in the holy cityThe best things to do in Bukhara, from Poi Kalyan at dusk and the Ark to the trading domes, Lyabi-Hauz, hidden lanes, crafts, food and trips just outside the city.
Things to do in Nukus: the Savitsky Museum, Mizdakhan and the road to the Aral SeaThe best things to do in Nukus, capital of Karakalpakstan, from the Savitsky Museum’s forbidden art to the Mizdakhan necropolis, Chilpik, the bazaar, Karakalpak culture and trips to the Aral Sea and the desert fortresses.
Things to do in Samarkand: 20 experiences beyond the RegistanThe best things to do in Samarkand, from the Registan at sunset to paper-making, bazaars, wine tasting and day trips, with how much time each needs.
Things to do in Tashkent: 20 experiences in Uzbekistan’s capitalThe best things to do in Tashkent, from the Uthman Quran and Chorsu bazaar to the metro stations, museums, theatre, parks and mountain trips, with how much time to allow.
Things to do in Termez: Buddhist ruins, shrines and the Amu DaryaThe best things to do in Termez, Uzbekistan’s southernmost city, from Kushan Buddhist monasteries and stupas to Islamic shrines, ancient fortresses, the museum and trips into the mountains.
Tilya-Kori Madrasah, Samarkand: the gilded mosque of the RegistanThe Registan’s third madrasah, which doubled as Samarkand’s Friday mosque and hides a gold-covered prayer hall.
Tomb of Daniel, Samarkand: the shrine of Khoja DoniyorA shrine revered by Muslims, Christians and Jews, with an 18-metre tomb on the banks of the Siab stream below Afrasiyab.
Toprak Kala: the royal palace-city of ancient KhorezmToprak Kala, a royal residence of ancient Khorezm with a palace on a high platform above a walled city, where archaeologists found wall paintings, statues and an archive of documents, its history and how to visit from Khiva.
Traditional Uzbek dishes: 20 foods to try in UzbekistanA guide to traditional Uzbek dishes, from plov, shashlik, lagman and manti to samsa, shurpa, dimlama and regional specialities of Khiva, Bukhara, Tashkent and the Fergana Valley, plus salads, dairy, sweets and drinks, with tips for vegetarians and where to eat.
Ugam-Chatkal National Park: mountains, rivers and wildlife near TashkentUgam-Chatkal National Park in the western Tian Shan, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with peaks, river valleys, walnut and juniper forests, snow leopards and marmots, the main valleys to visit, permits and the best season.
Ulugbek Madrasah, Bukhara: the astronomer-prince’s schoolThe Ulugbek madrasah of Bukhara, built in 1417 and the oldest surviving madrasah in Central Asia, its founder, its inscriptions and its pairing with the Abdulaziz Khan madrasah.
Ulugbek Madrasah, Samarkand: the astronomer’s universityThe oldest madrasah on the Registan, built by Ulugbek as a centre of science as well as religion.
Ulugbek Observatory, Samarkand: the giant sextant and museumThe remains of the 15th-century observatory where Ulugbek measured the stars, with its underground meridian arc and a museum.
Ulugbek: the astronomer-king of Samarkand, his observatory and madrasahsThe life of Ulugbek, Timur’s grandson, ruler of Samarkand and one of the great astronomers of the Middle Ages, with his observatory and star catalogue, his madrasahs in Samarkand, Bukhara and Gijduvan, his tragic death and where to see his legacy.
Uzbek bread (non): tandir baking, Samarkand bread and bread etiquetteA guide to non, the round bread at the heart of every Uzbek meal, with how it is baked in the clay tandir oven, the stamped patterns, regional varieties such as Samarkand non and patir, the customs and respect surrounding bread, and where to see it baked.
Uzbek ceramics: Rishtan blue, Gijduvan brown and the tiles of the Silk RoadA guide to Uzbek ceramics, from the turquoise and blue pottery of Rishtan and the warm brown and yellow wares of Gijduvan to the tilework of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, with techniques, regional schools, workshops to visit and tips for buying and carrying ceramics home.
Uzbek ikat silk: atlas, adras and the weavers of MargilanA guide to Uzbekistan’s ikat textiles, the shimmering atlas silk and adras silk-cotton of the Fergana Valley, how ikat is made by tying and dyeing the threads before weaving, its history and meaning, where to see it being made in Margilan, and how to buy it.
Uzbek plov: history, regional recipes and where to eat the best plovA guide to plov, Uzbekistan’s national dish, with its ingredients and cooking method, the role of the oshpaz master cook, regional styles from Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khorezm and the Fergana Valley, its UNESCO recognition, traditions and where to eat it.
Uzbek tea culture: the chaikhana, green tea rituals and etiquetteA guide to tea in Uzbekistan, from the green tea of the south and the black tea of Tashkent to the rituals of pouring, the half-full cup, the chaikhana teahouse with its raised platforms, what to eat with tea, etiquette for guests and where to experience tea culture.
Uzbek wedding traditions: engagement, morning plov, the bride’s greeting and the feastA guide to Uzbek wedding traditions, from matchmaking and the fotiha engagement to the dowry display, the morning plov for men, the nikah, the bride’s greeting and the great wedding feast, with what to expect and how to behave if you are invited.
Uzbekistan by train: a rail itinerary from Tashkent to KhivaA route through Uzbekistan almost entirely by train, from Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara on the Afrosiyob high-speed train, across the Kyzylkum to Khiva, and an optional trip to the Fergana Valley, with journey times, booking tips, a 9-day plan and practical advice.
Uzbekistan crafts tour: silk, ceramics, suzani, paper and carpetsA route through Uzbekistan’s living craft traditions, from silk weaving in Margilan and ceramics in Rishtan to paper-making in Samarkand, pottery in Gijduvan, suzani and metalwork in Bukhara and wood carving and carpets in Khiva, with a 10-day plan, workshop etiquette and buying tips.
Uzbekistan customs rules: cash, medicines, drones, carpets and souvenirsWhat travellers should know about Uzbek customs on arrival and departure, declaring cash, controlled medicines, drones and electronics, alcohol and tobacco, and exporting carpets, suzani, ceramics, antiques and other souvenirs.
Uzbekistan for Russian citizens: visa-free entry, passport and registrationWhat Russian citizens need to travel to Uzbekistan, visa-free entry with a foreign passport, registration for longer stays, customs, flights and trains from Russia, money and bank cards, and combining trips with neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan for seniors: a comfortable trip at a gentle paceHow older travellers can enjoy Uzbekistan comfortably, with the best seasons, a gentle route, how much walking to expect, comfortable transport, health and insurance, choosing hotels, and tips for a relaxed pace with a guide and driver.
Uzbekistan honeymoon: romantic Silk Road cities, desert nights and mountainsIdeas for a honeymoon or romantic trip in Uzbekistan, from sunset over the Registan and dinners on Bukhara’s rooftops to a night in a desert yurt camp, Khiva by lamplight and the mountains near Tashkent, with a 10-day route, the best seasons and practical tips.
Uzbekistan in 2 weeks: a 14-day itinerary from Tashkent to Khiva and beyondA two-week itinerary through Uzbekistan, combining Tashkent, the Fergana Valley crafts, Samarkand and Shakhrisabz, a night in a desert yurt camp, Bukhara, Khiva and the desert fortresses, with Nukus as an option, day-by-day plans, transport and tips.
Uzbekistan in 3 days: a short itinerary for Samarkand, Bukhara or TashkentHow to spend three days in Uzbekistan, with a recommended Samarkand and Bukhara route by high-speed train, alternatives for a stopover in Tashkent or a weekend in Khiva, day-by-day plans, transport and tips to make the most of a short trip.
Uzbekistan in 5 days: Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva itineraryA five-day itinerary through Uzbekistan’s three great Silk Road cities, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, with day-by-day plans, train and flight connections, where to stay, an alternative with Tashkent, and tips for a short but complete trip.
Uzbekistan in April: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in April: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in August: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in August: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in December: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in December: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in February: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in February: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in January: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in January: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in July: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in July: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in June: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in June: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in March: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in March: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in May: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in May: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in November: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in November: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in October: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in October: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan in September: weather, what to do and travel tipsWhat to expect in Uzbekistan in September: the weather in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, festivals and events, the best things to do, where to go, what to pack and tips on crowds and booking.
Uzbekistan visa for Australian citizens: 30 days visa-free and travel tipsWhat Australian travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and medicine rules, registration, flights from Australia, money, consular help and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Canadian citizens: 30 days visa-free and planning tipsWhat Canadian travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and medicine rules, registration, flights from Canada, money, consular help and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Chinese citizens: visa-free regime, documents and tipsWhat travellers from mainland China need to enter Uzbekistan, the mutual visa-free regime introduced in 2025, the e-visa for other cases, passport and registration rules, flights from China, payments and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Dutch citizens: 30 days visa-free and travel tipsWhat travellers from the Netherlands need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and medicine rules, registration, flights from Amsterdam, money, consular help and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for French citizens: 30 days visa-free and practical tipsWhat French travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, longer stays, passport, medicines and customs, registration, flights from France, money and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for German citizens: 30 days visa-free and entry tipsWhat German travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and customs rules, registration, flights from Germany, money and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Indian citizens: e-visa, documents and travel tipsWhat Indian travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, how to apply for the official e-visa, documents and processing time, air transit, registration, flights from India, money, the Babur connection and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Indonesian citizens: visa-free entry, ziarah sites and tipsWhat Indonesian travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and registration rules, flights from Jakarta, money, halal food, ziarah to the shrines of great scholars and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Israeli citizens: visa-free entry, flights and Jewish heritageWhat Israeli travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and registration rules, flights from Tel Aviv, money, the Bukharan Jewish heritage of Bukhara and Samarkand, and neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Italian citizens: 30 days visa-free and what to knowWhat Italian travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and medicine rules, registration, flights from Italy, money and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Japanese citizens: 30 days visa-free and travel tipsWhat Japanese travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and medicine rules, registration, flights from Japan, money, consular help and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Malaysian citizens: visa-free entry, halal food and tipsWhat Malaysian travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and registration rules, flights from Kuala Lumpur, money, halal food, Islamic heritage sites and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for South Korean citizens: visa-free entry and travel tipsWhat South Korean travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and medicine rules, registration, flights from Seoul, money, the Korean community in Uzbekistan and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Spanish citizens: 30 days visa-free and entry tipsWhat Spanish travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and medicine rules, registration, flights from Spain, money, consular help and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for Turkish citizens: visa-free entry and travel tipsWhat travellers from Türkiye need to enter Uzbekistan, the visa-free stay, longer stays, passport and registration rules, the many flights from Istanbul, money, shared Turkic heritage and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for UK citizens: 30 days visa-free, rules and tipsWhat British travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the 30-day visa-free stay, what to do for longer stays, passport and customs rules, registration, flights from the UK, money and visas for neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa for US citizens: visa-free entry, e-visa and registrationWhat American travellers need to enter Uzbekistan, the visa-free regime announced from January 2026, the official e-visa for longer or other stays, passport rules, registration, flights from the USA, money and combining neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan visa from the UAE: rules for Emiratis and UAE residents, and flightsWhat travellers based in the United Arab Emirates need to visit Uzbekistan, the rules for UAE citizens and for residents of other nationalities, the e-visa, flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, short-break ideas and practical tips.
Uzbekistan with kids: a family travel guideHow to plan a family trip to Uzbekistan, with the best places and activities for children, a family-friendly route, the best seasons, food, transport, health and safety, what to pack and tips for travelling with babies, children and teenagers.
Varakhsha, near Bukhara: the desert palace of the Bukhar KhudatsVarakhsha, the ruined residence of the pre-Islamic rulers of Bukhara on the edge of the desert, its famous wall paintings, what remains on site and how to visit.
Where to stay in Bukhara: the best areas for every travellerThe best areas to stay in Bukhara, from guesthouses by Lyabi-Hauz and Poi Kalyan to the Jewish quarter and modern hotels outside the old city, with pros and cons of each.
Where to stay in Khiva: inside or outside the wallsInside Ichan-Kala, just outside the gates or in the newer town? What each area is like, the types of hotel, and how to choose.
Where to stay in Samarkand: the best areas for every travellerThe best neighbourhoods to stay in Samarkand, from guesthouses near the Registan to the New Town and the Silk Road complex, with pros and cons of each.
Where to stay in Tashkent: the best areas for every travellerThe best areas to stay in Tashkent, from the centre around Amir Timur Square to Mirabad, Tashkent City, the old town and the airport, with the pros and cons of each.
Yodgorlik silk factory, Margilan: how ikat silk is madeThe Yodgorlik silk factory in Margilan, where visitors can watch every stage of traditional silk-making, from cocoons and spinning to tie-dyeing and weaving ikat, and buy from the source.
Zangiata Mausoleum near Tashkent: the shrine of a Sufi saintThe Zangiata complex outside Tashkent, the shrine of a 13th-century Sufi saint and his wife Anbar Bibi, traditionally linked to Timur, its buildings, pilgrims and how to get there.
Zindan, Bukhara: the emir’s prison and the bug pitThe Zindan, the prison of the emirs of Bukhara behind the Ark, its cells and the notorious bug pit, the story of Stoddart and Conolly, and what the small museum shows.
Zurmala Stupa, Termez: the oldest standing building in Uzbekistan?The Zurmala stupa near Termez, a Kushan-era Buddhist tower of mud brick from the 1st–2nd century AD, often called one of the oldest standing structures in Uzbekistan, and how to visit.

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