https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/ Seasonal tips, festival dates and news for travellers to Uzbekistan and Central Asia, from a tour operator in Khiva. en Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/desert-yurt-camp-night/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/desert-yurt-camp-night/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT What a night in a yurt camp in Uzbekistan’s Kyzylkum desert is really like, from camel rides and sunset to dinner by the fire, folk songs and the stars, with the main camps near Lake Aydarkul and Ayaz Kala, seasons, comfort, what to bring and how to get there. desert yurt-camp aydarkul ayaz-kala experiences https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/is-tashkent-worth-visiting/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/is-tashkent-worth-visiting/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT Many travellers rush through Tashkent on the way to Samarkand. Here is an honest look at what the capital offers, from the Khast Imam complex and Chorsu bazaar to the metro, museums and mountains, and how long to stay. tashkent Planning cities https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/ramadan-in-uzbekistan/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/ramadan-in-uzbekistan/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT What it is like to travel in Uzbekistan during Ramadan, how the month is observed in a secular, Muslim-majority country, what changes for visitors, iftar invitations, Eid celebrations, etiquette and practical tips, with expected dates for 2027. ramadan culture Planning islam https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/samarkand-or-bukhara/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/samarkand-or-bukhara/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT Samarkand dazzles with grand Timurid monuments; Bukhara charms with a living old town. An honest comparison of sights, atmosphere, food, getting there and who each city suits, to help you decide or plan both. Samarkand Bukhara Comparisons Planning https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/silk-road-cities-compared/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/silk-road-cities-compared/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT A side-by-side comparison of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Tashkent, Kokand and Termez, by atmosphere, highlights, time needed and access, to help you decide which to include in your trip and in what order. Comparisons Samarkand Bukhara Khiva shakhrisabz tashkent Planning https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/aral-sea-disaster-explained/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/aral-sea-disaster-explained/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT How one of the largest lakes in the world almost disappeared in a few decades, why it happened, what it means for the people of Karakalpakstan, what is being done now, and how travellers can visit Muynak and the remaining sea responsibly. aral-sea Karakalpakstan nature history https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/photography-spots-uzbekistan/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/photography-spots-uzbekistan/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT The most photogenic places in Uzbekistan, from the Registan at blue hour and the tiled lanes of Shah-i-Zinda to Bukhara’s Kalyan minaret, Khiva’s walls at sunset, the desert fortresses, the Aral Sea and the Tashkent metro, with the best times, angles and practical tips. photography Samarkand Bukhara Khiva Planning https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/best-souvenirs-from-uzbekistan/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/best-souvenirs-from-uzbekistan/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT From suzani and ikat silk to Rishtan ceramics, Bukhara knives, silk paper, spices and dried fruit, a guide to the best souvenirs from Uzbekistan, where to find them, what they cost to bargain over, and how to bring them home safely. shopping crafts souvenirs https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbek-bazaars-guide/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbek-bazaars-guide/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT A guide to the great bazaars of Uzbekistan, from Chorsu in Tashkent and Siab in Samarkand to Kumtepa in Margilan, Urgut and the markets of Bukhara and Khiva, with what to buy, how to bargain, what to taste, etiquette and the best times to go. bazaars food shopping culture https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbekistan-melon-season/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbekistan-melon-season/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT Why Uzbek melons are famous across Central Asia and beyond, the melon season from June to October, the main varieties from Khorezm, Bukhara and the Fergana Valley, how to choose a good one in the bazaar, dried melon, melon traditions and where to taste them. food Khiva Khorezm summer bazaars https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbekistan-public-holidays-2027/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbekistan-public-holidays-2027/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT The public holidays of Uzbekistan in 2027, from New Year and Navruz to Ramazon Hayit, Qurbon Hayit, Independence Day and Constitution Day, with expected dates, how each is celebrated, and what they mean for trains, hotels, sights and your travel plans. holidays Festivals Planning https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbekistan-wine/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbekistan-wine/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT An introduction to wine in Uzbekistan, from ancient vineyards and the Russian-era wineries of Samarkand to local grape varieties, sweet dessert wines and a new generation of producers, with where to taste, what to try and etiquette in a Muslim-majority country. wine food Samarkand experiences https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbekistan-hidden-gems/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/uzbekistan-hidden-gems/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT Twelve lesser-known places in Uzbekistan for travellers who want to go beyond the classic Silk Road cities, from the Savitsky Museum and the desert fortresses to Nuratau villages, Termez’s Buddhist ruins, the Fergana Valley, Boysun and the Ustyurt Plateau. off-the-beaten-track Planning nature history https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/what-to-wear-in-uzbekistan/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/what-to-wear-in-uzbekistan/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT What to wear in Uzbekistan, with dress norms in Tashkent, the Silk Road cities and the countryside, what to wear at mosques and shrines, advice for women and men, seasonal packing lists and shoes for cobbled old towns. Planning packing culture women-travellers https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/khiva-sunset-spots/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/khiva-sunset-spots/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT The best places to watch the sunset in Khiva, from the city walls and the Kunya-Ark watchtower to rooftop terraces, the Islam Khodja minaret and the desert fortresses outside the city, with timing, seasons and tips from our team in Khiva. Khiva photography sunset https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/first-trip-uzbekistan-mistakes/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/first-trip-uzbekistan-mistakes/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT Too many cities, too few days, midday sightseeing in July and last-minute train tickets. The planning mistakes we see every season, and the simple fixes. First trip Planning https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/khiva-in-winter/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/khiva-in-winter/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT Cold, bright days, almost no crowds and low prices. What Khiva is really like in winter, what is open, what to pack and who will enjoy it. Khiva Seasons https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/khiva-or-bukhara/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/khiva-or-bukhara/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT Two Silk Road cities, very different trips. An honest comparison of atmosphere, sights, food and getting there, from a team based in Khiva (we will try not to be biased). Khiva Bukhara Comparisons Planning https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/navruz-in-uzbekistan-2027/ https://tourtouzbekistan.com/blog/navruz-in-uzbekistan-2027/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT Navruz falls on Sunday 21 March 2027. What happens on the day, what you will eat, where to be, and how to plan a spring trip around the biggest holiday of the year. Festivals Seasons Planning