17 Crucial Things on your Packing list for Uzbekistan

Packing list for Uzbekistan is a must if you are planning to visit this beautiful yet unexplored destination. I believe that as a traveller, you must be well prepared when visiting lesser-known destinations. A packing list comes handy in this preparation.

When compared to many of its neighbours, Uzbekistan is a surprisingly and refreshingly liberal country. Therefore, there are not many restrictions on clothing. However, there are certain things that you must have in your travel bag to ensure an amazing and hassle-free visit. 

I spent a lot of time travelling through different parts of Uzbekistan. Therefore, through my blog, I intend to assist you in preparing a packing list for Uzbekistan.

17 Things you ought to pack for Uzbekistan

I travelled solo to Uzbekistan and it was one of my best travel experiences. Uzbekistan is a  heartwarming travel destination and I would love to see more and more passionate travellers visiting this place.

If you do plan to visit Uzbekistan soon, here’s a quick checklist of things to carry for Uzbekistan:

You can’t step out without your Travel Documents 

Travel documents are the most important component of your packing list for Uzbekistan. The travel documents that you need are

• A valid passport
• Uzbekistan Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Doctor’s prescription if you are carrying medicines

For safekeeping and emergency situations, keep a few photocopies of your documents in separate places. I would also suggest you keep digital copies of them in your email or phone.

Sun Protection is a must

Weather can be hot and dry in Uzbekistan, especially during summers, therefore, sun protection is a must. I would highly insist that you pack a good quality sunscreen, sun hat, scarf, etc. Make sure you are all prepared before you head out to explore the wondrous cities in the region.

Things you must have –

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Broad rimmed sunhat
• A cotton scarf
• UV protected sunglasses

Toiletries & Women Hygiene products

Packing list for Uzbekistan must also have all your essential toiletry items. Although all the major cities like Samarkand and Tashkent have stores where you can buy essential items, I would suggest that you carry your own products.

Here’s a quick toiletry checklist for Uzbekistan:

• Lip Balm as the weather is very dry
• Body Lotion for keeping your skin moisturized
• Menstrual Hygiene Products like Tampons (they may not be available in rural areas)
• Small Hand Towel
• Hand Sanitizer
• Basic Cosmetic products for Women
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Face & Body Wash

Camera to capture the exquisite architecture

Uzbekistan is a dream come true for photographers. You will find plenty of landscapes and architectural marvels that make for a perfect shot. Don’t forget to get a few pictures clicked with the lovely people of Uzbekistan.

If you are a passionate photographer, here’s all you need;

• Camera and lenses
• Tripod Stand
• Spare battery
• Camera Charger
• Extra Memory Cards
• A camera bag to hold all of the above

One of the many reasons to visit Uzbekistan is its architectural brilliance. The tombs, stone carvings, minarets and a hundred other elements just add to their rich grandeur.

Don’t forget the Voltage Adaptor

A voltage adaptor is a must for charging devices in Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, they use plug type C which has the plug with two round pins and plug type F with two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Uzbekistan operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Power Bank & Charger for your Mobile Phone

Trust me, you will be using your phone a lot on your trip to Uzbekistan. Not only for pictures but also for using maps, etc. Keep your power bank charged at all times and carry it in your daypack or backpack.

Basic Medicines including motion sickness medicines

Although there are plenty of pharmacies at all places, I would suggest you carry your basic medicines including motion sickness pills. Motion sickness pills can come in handy on long, rough and bumpy rides in Uzbekistan.

If you are taking prescription medicines, make sure you carry enough to last for the trip. Carry your doctor’s prescription as well as you might be asked to produce them at the customs office.

Clean/ unmarked/undamaged currency

Although in larger cities of Uzbekistan a range of currencies such as Euros, Pounds and Francs are acceptable, USD is the most acceptable currency in all parts of Uzbekistan. Carry enough cash as very few places accept credit cards. Take enough cash for your trip and some emergency fund as well. The best way to keep cash is to stash it in different places and not keep all of it together.

Comfortable Footwear

Your packing list for Uzbekistan must also consist of comfortable flat shoes. You can wear sneakers or any other sports/casual shoes of your choice. While travelling here you could be walking anything between 8-9 km every day! So, make sure that those feet of yours are comfortable enough. If you are travelling during the summers, carry a pair of sandals as well.

Long Dresses for the mosques

If you are a woman travelling in Uzbekistan, your packing list must have long dresses or trousers. Avoid short dresses or shorts as on most days you would enter a mosque and you need to have legs covered for that.

Uzbekistan is quite liberal when compared to other neighbouring countries. There is no dress code as such for travellers. However, I would suggest that you pack long dresses or skirts as you would enter a mosque and you need to have legs covered for that.

Warm clothing for winters 

While summers can be scorching hot, winters can get really cold in Uzbekistan, especially the northern part. You need to be well prepared if you wish to visit Uzbekistan during winter. The best way to stay warm during winters is to dress up in layers.

Here’s a quick checklist

• Warm jacket
• Winter boots
• Pullovers/ Sweaters
• Full sleeve shirts/ T-shirts
• Warm trousers/leggings
• Gloves
• Warm socks
• Warm Cap

Autumn wear has to be light and warm

Autumn and Spring are considered to be the best time to visit Uzbekistan. This is because, during these times, the weather conditions are not extreme.  In autumn, it gets quite cold in the evenings/nights so light woollens are essential.

Things you need to pack for autumn visit :

• Comfortable Full-length trousers/ leggings
• Long Skirts/ long dresses
• Light jacket/shawl/sweater
• Comfortable shoes

Light, casual and decent clothing for summers 

Although there is no dress code as such in Uzbekistan, visiting the mosques requires you to dress more modestly. Also, some rural areas are more conservative when compared to the main cities.

Your packing list for Uzbekistan summers must have the following –

• Comfortable Full-length trousers/ leggings
• Long Skirts/ long dresses
• Sleeved t-shirts (avoid tank tops and spaghetti tops)
• Shirts
• Comfortable Sandals

Small souvenirs from your home country for the locals

if you plan to visit Uzbek Households, carry a few small souvenirs for them from your home country. You can also give them to the local people you meet. Uzbeks really appreciate that kind of behaviour.

On your way back home, you can replace those souvenirs with the ones you buy here. There are some rare and extraordinary souvenirs that you can pick up from Uzbekistan.

Hiking Boots & gear for those beautiful treks

If you are a passionate trekker, you’ll definitely love Uzbekistan. There are plenty of hiking and trekking trails that can interest amateur and expert bloggers. I would recommend that if you are going to Uzbekistan with trekking in mind, carry as much hiking gear as possible, especially good hiking boots.

Backpack to carry everyday essentials

You also need a small backpack or bag to carry your everyday things when you go out. You need a bag to carry essential things such as a water bottle, sunscreen, wallet, travel documents, etc.

Swimwear for summers

If you are one of those people who love to swim, pack your swimwear as well. There are a few swimmable lakes and pools around Uzbekistan where you can enjoy a nice swim in the summers.

5 things that might get you in trouble at the Uzbekistan Customs Office

While I have discussed in detail, the things to carry for Uzbekistan, I would also like to point out a few things that you shouldn’t. The following things  will get you in trouble at the customs office in Uzbekistan:

I hope this packing list for Uzbekistan helps you have a perfect and trouble-free trip in Uzbekistan. If you have any questions, feel free to drop in the comment section below.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂