29 Fascinating Reasons to Visit Uzbekistan as a Traveller

Reasons to visit Uzbekistan are far too many. This central Asian country is so beautiful and inviting that no traveller will ever feel like a newbie here.

I was on a solo trip to Uzbekistan a while ago and have fallen in love with this amazing country. I have far too many reasons to visit Uzbekistan again in the near future. 

I would love to see more and more passionate travellers make a connect with the Uzbek people. Also, explore Uzbekistan as family trippers, backpackers, budget travellers and independent travellers.

29 Reasons to Visit Uzbekistan as a Passionate Traveller

There are some places that inspire awe in travellers and there are others that warm the heart. Uzbekistan as a travel destination fulfils both these desires in wanderlust lovers.

I would like to share all the reasons that will most certainly help you in putting Uzbekistan on your travel bucket list in the near future.

1. Uzbekistan is an uncharted travel destination

Uzbekistan is a lesser known travel destination for most people. In fact, many people don’t even see it as a potential region to visit. But the plus side of this is an uncluttered country whose locales are extremely beautiful and inviting.

You might enter Uzbekistan as a sceptic but will surely return back home as a person attached to this Central Asian country forever. This should be one of your top reasons to visit Uzbekistan as a traveller.

You might enter Uzbekistan as a sceptic but will surely return back home as a person attached to this Central Asian country forever.

2. No religious dress code for travellers

Uzbekistan doesn’t expect its travellers to dress a certain way. However, being comfortable in that weather is what you should prioritise as a traveller. I certainly prioritised my comfort during my Uzbekistan solo trip.

Despite having a bulk of Muslim population, Uzbekistan is one of the most liberal countries when it comes to religion. Reason being, most people don’t even practice Islam anymore. Therefore, you have absolutely nothing to worry as a traveller in Uzbekistan.

3. Uzbeks are the most heartwarming people

The people of Uzbekistan are warm, kind and so welcoming to travellers that you won’t miss your native place for a day in this lovely nation. People is what makes a place what it is. And Uzbeks are lovely people. For me, this is one of the convincing reasons to visit Uzbekistan.

On my trip, I fell in love with them and have written an entire blog dedicated to the love I feel for them. Sometimes, the smallest gestures by strangers touches you in a big way. This works more when you are in a far away land. As a traveller, I can recall so many such wonderful moments during my solo trip to Uzbekistan.

People is what makes a place what it is. And Uzbeks are a lovely people.

4. eVisa made available for more than 70 countries

Uzbekistan provides the facility of eVisa as well as Visa on Arrival (VOA) to travellers belonging from more than 70 countries. This makes it an attractive and easy to visit destination.

Just go the official website of the Government of Uzbekistan and see if your country is listed there. If yes, apply online for a visa.

5. Unveiling the Silk Road

Reading about the Silk Road has always been a matter of intrigue for travellers around the planet. This is exactly why taking a trip to the place lying at the heart of the ancient Silk Road is an absolute must.

Yes, Uzbekistan was at the heart of the Silk Road. For centuries, Silk Road was a major pathway for trade and commerce between kingdoms.

This is me dressed in native attire at the heart of the Silk Route. 

6. Uzbekistan is a lovely country for Independent Travel

Uzbekistan is a wonderful country with heartwarming people, delectable food, colourful markets and culturally rich places. I highly recommend this region to any solo traveller ready to take a plunge.

Travelling solo to Uzbekistan has proven to be one of my fondest life decisions. Exploring the glorified silk road region was on my mind since long.

7. Easy commute options available for internal transportation

All the major cities in Uzbekistan are well connected by a railway network. Hence, within Uzbekistan the most convenient and practical way to travel is by train. You need to choose carefully as all trains do not ply on all days.

As a solo traveller in Uzbekistan, you’ll have to carefully check the kind of connection you want. There are slow (Sharq) and fast trains (Afrosiyob), overnight trains and so on.

All the major cities in Uzbekistan are well connected by a railway network.

8.Flights easily available till Tashkent from anywhere in the world

Almost all parts of the world provide flights to the capital city of Tashkent in Uzbekistan. And so you don’t have to worry about connecting flights or no availability.

Just make sure to book early so as to avail attractive discounts. Don’t end up spending more on flights when you should be spending on exploration.

9.Budget Travellers can save money in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a budget travel destination for most people. So unless you are a luxury traveller, you will surely save money on your trip.

If you’re a hardcore backpacker and also a member of frequent flyer miles,  travelling solo to Uzbekistan for a week will cost you anywhere around $350 to $451.

Travelling solo to Uzbekistan for a week will cost you anywhere around $350 to $451 if you’re a backpacker.

10.Uzbekistan has some of the most gorgeous cities to explore

Uzbekistan was at the heart of the Silk Route. Hence, its cities are dripping with history, culture and heritage. As a traveller, you have got to explore the cities of Khiva, Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand.

All of these cities were a part of my itinerary for Uzbekistan. I’ve loved every moment spent there and have made a connect with the people here forever.

11.Sightseeing monuments have an architecture of brilliance

Every monument ever built in Uzbekistan is just brilliant when it comes to architecture. The tombs, stone carvings, minarets and a hundred other elements just add to their rich grandeur.

Every place I visited, I was charmed by the monuments. Some of the madrasas and mosques have now been converted to colourful markets as well.

Every monument ever built in Uzbekistan is just brilliant when it comes to architecture.

12.Food across Uzbekistan is lip smacking

As somebody travelling to Uzbekistan, you have got to savour 11 of the most delectable dishes in this wonderful country.

Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians can happily eat good food in Uzbekistan with out having to starve themselves. In fact, if there’s one nation that is an absolute foodie’s delight, it is Uzbekistan.

13.Observe sacred printed bread across Uzbek cities

Bread is sacred in Uzbekistan. And bread is sold in plenty. Best part is that unique prints are carved on them by means of bread stamps. These stamps can even be taken back home as souvenirs.

I don’t think people bake at home or in the restaurants. They seem to buy from the dozens of vendors selling oven-fresh breads every morning, evening and through the day. 

Bread is sacred in Uzbekistan. And bread is sold in plenty. Best part is that unique prints are carved on them by means of bread stamps.

14.Connect with the countryside through road trips

Taking a road trip is always a good idea in Uzbekistan. The roads between Khiva and Bukhara make for excellent options to pursue a trip on the road.

You get to travel 4-5 hrs through the Kizilkum Desert and experience how a caravan would have travelled through it centuries ago. On your way, you get to see Amu Darya, the river that separates Uzbekistan from Turkmenistan.

15. Get to stay in heritage Madrasa Hotels

Even though, this might sound as surprising but many of the ancient madrasas have now been converted to fancy hotels. My own places of stay at various cities were such accommodation options. I loved them.

The whole experience was different than staying at a regular hotel. Also, the staff was quite welcoming and warm in every aspect of the term.

Many of the ancient madrasas have now been converted to fancy hotels.

16. Uncover blue green ceramic tiled grandeur mosques

Most mosques in Uzbekistan have this very peculiar blue and green ceramic styled make and fittings. They appeal to the sense of the traveller who visits these places to learn more about them.

Personally, I’ve loved these monuments especially at Samarkhand, Bukhara and Khiva.

17. Shop the most unique caps known as Doppas

A Traditional Uzbek caps are known as Doppas. They are available across cities in Uzbekistan. In fact, they are one of the best items to take back home as souvenirs from Uzbekistan.

The Doppa is also known as Tubeteika. Many locals wear one and it’s available at every second shop ranging between USD 1-5 or more for some, depending from where you buy it. I got mine, a lovely colourful one, from a lady selling Doppas inside Chor Minor at Bukhara.

A Traditional Uzbek caps are known as Doppas. This is me trying one out.

18. Discover the modern and medieval combo of locales across Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan as a country is an amalgamation of the modern and medieval. A city like Samarkand is resplendent with richness of the past.

It speaks to you in a language of beauty and glory of the times gone by. Even the colours that adorn the dead, speak volumes about the beauty of the place.

19.Savour juicy Pomegranates of Uzbekistan as a traveller

Blood red coloured juicy pomegranates dominate Uzbekistan as a fruit. Locally, they are referred to as ‘Anors.‘ They are found everywhere – either as a whole fruit sold in the markets or in the form of juice in restaurants or as an embroidery on stoles or painted on ceramic pottery and papier machie.

The Anor qualifies as a national symbol for the country, if it already is not. I first saw big and crimson red pomegranates being sold in heaps in Chorsu Bazaar at Tashkent and thereafter in every city of Uzbekistan that I visited.

The Anor qualifies as a national symbol for the country, if it already is not.

20. Enjoy the walking tour of sites in Samarkand

While visiting the silk route city of Samarkand, you have got to go site hopping on foot. In fact, taking a walking tour isn’t just doable but also very exciting for travellers. If you want, you can avail audio self walking tours for as less as $5.

All the important sites of Samarkand can be easily done on foot. One full day is good enough to see these sites and you must explore them.

21.Take back memories from Uzbekistan in the form of pretty souvenirs

Do you love to shop from medieval looking Bazaars like I do? If yes, you will go gaga over the souvenirs that you can shop in Uzbekistan’s many colourful markets.

Every city here has at least one main Bazaar to buy beautiful and long lasting souvenirs. There are at least 19 rare souvenirs to buy in Uzbekistan that are extraordinary. They will keep reminding you of this lovely nation each time you adore them. 

Uzbekistan has at least 19 rare souvenirs to be taken back home as fond memories.

22. Be a part of Uzbek history at the standing relics of the infamous Amir Taimur

How can a traveller speak about Uzbekistan and not mention Amir Timur ?You can feel his presence everywhere – In the form of statues or squares or avenues named after him and so on. Especially, in Samarkand, which happened to be his erstwhile capital city.

Timur was born in Shahr-e-Sabz, about an hour from Samarkand but was buried in Samarkand. My hotel called Dilshoda, was located right next to Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of Timur.

23. Sip a massive variety of tea as a traveller

Uzbeks are lovers of tea as a race. And they love to serve it as well to travellers. Hence, you must try different varieties of tea as an explorer to this region.

The places I stayed in also would serve tea very often starting from the time I arrived and through the day. Tea in the morning used to be served with an assortment of nuts and fruits.

Uzbeks are lovers of tea as a race. And they love to serve it as well to travellers.

24. Find grapevines at every second house in Uzbekistan

Interesting to note that, almost every house has a grapevine in its front yard in Uzbekistan. Probably, to protect them from harsh sun rays and render a close-to-nature look to the house.

It makes for a good site to behold.

25. Taste delicious desserts native to Uzbekistan

Sweets are an integral part of Uzbek food. The most famous ones are Khalva and Navat.

Khalva is prepared from wheat flour, sugar and nuts. Navat is the boiled crystal grape sugar with spices.

This is Navat – The boiled crystal grape sugar with spices.

26. See the influence of the soviet legacy

Uzbekistan was under the Soviet rule for a long time. Hence, the soviet legacy is endured strongly here even till this day and age.

The remnants and influence are too obvious to ignore here as a traveller.

27.A trip to Uzbekistan can extend to the neighbouring nations of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

One of the very important reasons to visit Uzbekistan is to plan a trip to neighbouring countries of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan as well.

This trio i.e. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan will help you explore more and save money as well since you can travel from one country to another in trains.

This is a capture from the beautiful country of Kyrgyzstan.

28. Uzbekistan is one of the safest countries to travel

Uzbekistan is hands down one of the safest places to travel. I took a solo trip to this wonderful country and can tell you that not once did I face a safety issue.

In fact, I felt so loved and cared for as a woman traveller. I’ve been to a lot of European countries as a traveller in the past. But let me tell you that I found Uzbekistan safer than all of those countries.

29. Know Central Asia better through Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan in many ways is the pulse of Central Asia. And in order to understand and connect with this region at large, you have got to visit Uzbekistan.

In fact, making this connect should be high on your reasons to visit Uzbekistan as a traveller.

I hope that all the 29 reasons to visit Uzbekistan stated in my blog above convince you to travel there in the near future. Trust me, you’ll return back as a happy traveller.

Happy wayfaring.