TourEast Travel

The Journal

Guides, tips and stories from Uzbekistan and the Silk Road, written by the people who know it best.

Uzbek Shashlik and Kebabs: Cuts, Marinades and EtiquetteFood & Culture
November 4, 20268 min read

Uzbek Shashlik and Kebabs: Cuts, Marinades and Etiquette

A guide to shashlik and kebab in Uzbekistan: lamb, beef, liver and minced lyulya skewers, the famous Gijduvan kebab, how to order, what to eat alongside, typical prices in 2026 and how to spot a good grill.

Uzbek Cooking Classes: What Happens and What You LearnFood & Culture
November 4, 20268 min read

Uzbek Cooking Classes: What Happens and What You Learn

What to expect from an Uzbek cooking class or plov masterclass in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara: format, duration, typical 2026 prices, what you learn, and how to choose a family kitchen over a tourist show.

Chapan and Doppi: Uzbek Traditional Clothing ExplainedCulture & history
November 4, 20267 min read

Chapan and Doppi: Uzbek Traditional Clothing Explained

What Uzbek men and women wear on festive days: the quilted chapan robe, the embroidered doppi skullcap, regional styles from Bukhara to Chust, what the colours and patterns suggest, typical 2026 prices and where to buy or try them on.

Konigil: Samarkand's Mulberry Silk Paper WorkshopCulture & history
November 4, 20268 min read

Konigil: Samarkand's Mulberry Silk Paper Workshop

How medieval Samarkand paper is made from mulberry bark at the Meros workshop in Konigil: the revival, the Talas legend, what a visit includes, how to get there from Samarkand and what to buy.

Zardozi: Bukhara's Gold-Thread EmbroideryCulture & history
November 4, 20267 min read

Zardozi: Bukhara's Gold-Thread Embroidery

What zardozi is, how Bukhara became the centre of gold embroidery for the emirs, what the craft produced, how it differs from suzani, where visitors can see and buy it, and what to ask before paying for a piece.

Chust Knives: Uzbekistan's Knife-Making TownCulture & history
November 4, 20268 min read

Chust Knives: Uzbekistan's Knife-Making Town

The Fergana Valley town of Chust and its pichok: how the knives are forged, what the patterns and handles mean, how to buy one that is well made, and how to get a knife home on a flight without trouble.

Uzbek Miniature Painting: Where to See and Buy ItCulture & history
November 4, 20269 min read

Uzbek Miniature Painting: Where to See and Buy It

The history of Uzbek miniature painting from Behzod to today, where to see it in Tashkent and Bukhara, how to judge a hand-painted piece against a print, and what shapes the price.

Gijduvan Pottery: Visiting the Narzullaev Ceramic SchoolCulture & history
November 4, 20267 min read

Gijduvan Pottery: Visiting the Narzullaev Ceramic School

Gijduvan, about 45 km from Bukhara, makes the warmest pottery in Uzbekistan. How to visit the Narzullaev family workshop and museum, how Gijduvan ware differs from Rishtan, what to pay and how to fit it onto the Bukhara to Samarkand road.

Sumalak: The Sprouted-Wheat Dish of NavruzFood & Culture
November 4, 20267 min read

Sumalak: The Sprouted-Wheat Dish of Navruz

Sumalak is the dark, sweet pudding of sprouted wheat that Uzbek families stir through the night before Navruz. What it is, how it is made, why stones go in the cauldron, its UNESCO listing, and where a visitor can taste or watch it in March.

Uzbek Samsa: Tandoor Pastries, Fillings and Where to Eat ThemFood & Culture
November 4, 20267 min read

Uzbek Samsa: Tandoor Pastries, Fillings and Where to Eat Them

How Uzbek samsa (somsa) differs from Indian samosa, the fillings from lamb and tail fat to pumpkin and spring greens, regional types from Oltiarik to giant Jizzakh samsa, how the tandoor works, typical 2026 prices and where to eat the best.

Seven Plovs of Uzbekistan: Regional Styles ComparedFood & Culture
November 4, 20269 min read

Seven Plovs of Uzbekistan: Regional Styles Compared

Samarkand plov, Tashkent wedding plov, Fergana devzira, Bukhara with dried fruit, light Khorezm plov: a tasting guide to seven Uzbek plov styles, what sets them apart, why cooks argue, and how to taste several on one trip.

Uzbekistan With an Istanbul, Dubai or Doha StopoverItineraries
November 4, 20269 min read

Uzbekistan With an Istanbul, Dubai or Doha Stopover

How to pair Uzbekistan with a stop in Istanbul, Dubai or Doha on the way from Europe, Asia or Australia: routes, flight times, layover tours, ticket tips and seasons, with a reminder to check schedules and entry rules before booking.

11 Days in Uzbekistan: Cities, Fortresses and FerganaItineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

11 Days in Uzbekistan: Cities, Fortresses and Fergana

An 11-day Uzbekistan itinerary: Fergana Valley craft towns, Samarkand, a desert yurt night near Nuratau, Bukhara and Khiva, with a Khorezm fortress option, train and flight planning, and costs as of 2026.

9 Days in Uzbekistan: Full Classic Route Plus Nuratau or FerganaItineraries
November 4, 20269 min read

9 Days in Uzbekistan: Full Classic Route Plus Nuratau or Fergana

A 9-day Uzbekistan itinerary with two options: the classic cities plus a yurt night near Nuratau and Aydarkul, or Samarkand and Bukhara with the Fergana Valley. Trains, transfers, seasons and how to choose.

6 Days in Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara and KhivaItineraries
November 4, 20269 min read

6 Days in Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva

A 6-day Uzbekistan itinerary that adds Khiva to Samarkand and Bukhara by using the high-speed train and one domestic flight. Day-by-day plan, a Tashkent versus Khiva decision, what gets compressed and what it costs in 2026.

4 Days in Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara Fast TrackItineraries
November 4, 20269 min read

4 Days in Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara Fast Track

A 4-day Uzbekistan itinerary for short breaks and stopovers: the Afrosiyob train to Samarkand and Bukhara, realistic timings, what to skip, costs as of 2026 and how to stretch the plan to six days.

Books and Films to Prepare for UzbekistanCulture & history
November 4, 20269 min read

Books and Films to Prepare for Uzbekistan

A curated reading and watching list for Uzbekistan: Silk Road histories, Timur and Babur, Great Game travelogues, Soviet-era fiction and a documentary, each matched to the city it prepares you for.

Wellness in Uzbekistan: Hammams, Spas and SanatoriumsPlanning
November 4, 20269 min read

Wellness in Uzbekistan: Hammams, Spas and Sanatoriums

Traditional hammams, hotel spas and Soviet-style sanatoriums in Uzbekistan: Zaamin, Humson and Chartak, what we could confirm, and how to build rest days into a cultural trip, especially for older travellers.

Uzbekistan With Teenagers: Activities That Actually WorkPlanning
November 4, 20267 min read

Uzbekistan With Teenagers: Activities That Actually Work

How to keep 12 to 17 year olds engaged in Uzbekistan: hands-on workshops, a night in the desert with camels, mountain days near Tashkent, the Registan after dark, plus honest advice on phones, SIM cards, pace and what to skip.

Multi-Generational Trip to Uzbekistan: Three GenerationsPlanning
November 4, 20269 min read

Multi-Generational Trip to Uzbekistan: Three Generations

How to plan a trip to Uzbekistan for grandparents, parents and children: season, pace, trains, hotels with lifts, activities for all ages and rest days, with honest notes on steps and heat.

Evenings in Uzbekistan: Shows, Rooftops, Night WalksSights
November 4, 20267 min read

Evenings in Uzbekistan: Shows, Rooftops, Night Walks

What to do at night in Uzbekistan: the illuminated Registan, folklore dinner shows in Bukhara, rooftop terraces and bars in Tashkent, lamp-lit lanes after dark, how late things run and the safety basics, city by city as of 2026.

Uzbekistan or Turkey? Silk Road Cities vs Ottoman HighlightsPlanning
November 4, 20267 min read

Uzbekistan or Turkey? Silk Road Cities vs Ottoman Highlights

Choosing between Uzbekistan and Turkey for a first Muslim-world city trip: architecture, cost, crowds, food, flights and how to combine both through Istanbul. An honest comparison, including where Turkey is the better choice.

12 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in Uzbekistan (and Fixes)Practical
November 4, 20267 min read

12 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in Uzbekistan (and Fixes)

Too few nights in Bukhara, a July heatwave, late train bookings, cash shortages, a rushed Khiva: the twelve most common first-trip errors in Uzbekistan, ranked, with a practical fix for each as of November 2026.

Yandex Go, MyTaxi and Taxi Scams: Getting Around Cities SafelyGetting around
November 4, 20269 min read

Yandex Go, MyTaxi and Taxi Scams: Getting Around Cities Safely

How to use Yandex Go and MyTaxi in Uzbekistan, what city rides cost in 2026, how to order without a local SIM, and the small tourist scams at airports and stations, with calm, practical ways to avoid them.

Photography in Uzbekistan: Etiquette, Fees, Drone RulesCulture & history
November 4, 20268 min read

Photography in Uzbekistan: Etiquette, Fees, Drone Rules

What photographers need to know in Uzbekistan: where photos are free or ticketed, how to ask locals, what not to shoot, and what the official drone rules say as of 2026. Practical, with sources, and written for people who want pictures without awkwardness.

Buying Antiques, Carpets and Art: Uzbekistan Export RulesPractical
November 4, 20267 min read

Buying Antiques, Carpets and Art: Uzbekistan Export Rules

Which souvenirs can leave Uzbekistan freely, which need an expert certificate, and how to avoid trouble with antique suzani, old carpets, coins, ceramics and manuscripts. The 50-year rule, the permit process and a practical buying checklist.

Tipping in Uzbekistan: Restaurants, Guides, Drivers, HotelsPractical
November 4, 20267 min read

Tipping in Uzbekistan: Restaurants, Guides, Drivers, Hotels

How much to tip in Uzbekistan as of November 2026, in som and dollars: restaurants and the service-charge quirk, chaikhanas, taxis, guides, drivers, hotel staff and homestays, with simple rules so you neither over- nor under-tip.

Navoi Opera Theatre in Tashkent: Built by Japanese Prisoners of WarCulture & history
November 4, 20267 min read

Navoi Opera Theatre in Tashkent: Built by Japanese Prisoners of War

The story of Tashkent's Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, completed in 1947 with the forced labour of Japanese prisoners of war, and what remains of that history in Uzbekistan. How to visit and how to see a performance.

Fayaz Tepa, Kara Tepa and Zurmala: Buddhist Sites of TermezSights
November 4, 20269 min read

Fayaz Tepa, Kara Tepa and Zurmala: Buddhist Sites of Termez

A site-by-site guide to the Kushan-era Buddhist monuments around Termez: the Fayaz Tepa monastery, the Kara Tepa caves, the Zurmala stupa and the Archaeological Museum, with practical access notes and the link to Chinese and Japanese Buddhist history.

Uzbekistan for Korean Travellers: Visa, Flights, FoodPlanning
November 4, 20267 min read

Uzbekistan for Korean Travellers: Visa, Flights, Food

Planning Uzbekistan from South Korea: the visa-free rule to confirm, direct flights between Seoul and Tashkent, kuksi and Korean salads in Tashkent, a respectful visit to Koryo-saram heritage, and a route that fits eight to ten days.

Alipay and WeChat Pay in Uzbekistan: What Works in 2026Practical
November 4, 20267 min read

Alipay and WeChat Pay in Uzbekistan: What Works in 2026

Alipay+ has reached Uzbekistan through the national HUMO and UZQR system, WeChat Pay is still unconfirmed, and UnionPay works unevenly. What Chinese visitors can pay with, where, and what cash to carry, as of November 2026.

Flights to Tashkent from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and SingaporeGetting around
November 4, 20269 min read

Flights to Tashkent from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

How to fly from Southeast Asia to Uzbekistan in 2026: the non-stop from Kuala Lumpur, one-stop routes via Istanbul, the Gulf and Seoul for Jakarta and Singapore, real journey times, and how to build an open-jaw ticket.

Islamic Tashkent: Civilization Centre, Muyi Mubarak, Barak-KhanSights
November 4, 20268 min read

Islamic Tashkent: Civilization Centre, Muyi Mubarak, Barak-Khan

A half-day route through Islamic Tashkent: the Center of Islamic Civilization (opened March 2026) and the Uthman Quran, Muyi Muborak library, Barak-Khan Madrasah, Kaffal Shashi and Tilla Sheikh, with etiquette and timing.

Eid in Uzbekistan: Hayit Traditions, Closures and Travel TipsCulture & history
November 4, 20267 min read

Eid in Uzbekistan: Hayit Traditions, Closures and Travel Tips

How Uzbekistan celebrates Ruza Hayit (Eid al-Fitr) and Qurbon Hayit (Eid al-Adha): family visits, sweets and plov, what closes, how trains fill up, and expected 2027 dates with a check-the-calendar caveat.

Seeing Snow in Uzbekistan: A Guide for Tropical TravellersPlanning
November 4, 20269 min read

Seeing Snow in Uzbekistan: A Guide for Tropical Travellers

Where and when to see reliable snow near Tashkent, how cold Uzbekistan gets, what to wear and how to fit a gentle snow day at Amirsoy or Chimgan into a Silk Road trip, written for travellers from warm climates.

Uzbekistan from Singapore and Brunei: Planning a First TripPlanning
November 4, 20267 min read

Uzbekistan from Singapore and Brunei: Planning a First Trip

Planning a first trip to Uzbekistan from Singapore or Brunei: entry rules to check, flight routes via Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul or Dubai, climate shock, halal eating, prayer, money and a sensible 8 to 10 day route through Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

Bahauddin Naqshbandi Complex in Bukhara: Pilgrimage GuideSights
November 4, 20268 min read

Bahauddin Naqshbandi Complex in Bukhara: Pilgrimage Guide

A visitor's guide to the Bahauddin Naqshband complex at Kasri Orifon near Bukhara: who the master was, what the shrine looks like, pilgrimage customs, how to get there, etiquette and how to combine it with the Seven Pirs route.

Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand: Visitor GuideSights
November 4, 20268 min read

Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand: Visitor Guide

The tomb of Muhammad al-Bukhari, compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari, lies in the village of Hartang, about 25 km from Samarkand. History, the 2026 expansion, how to get there, etiquette and the best time to visit.

Mosques in Uzbekistan: Etiquette, Prayer Times, Prayer RoomsCulture & history
November 4, 20269 min read

Mosques in Uzbekistan: Etiquette, Prayer Times, Prayer Rooms

How to visit and pray in Uzbekistan's mosques: what to wear, shoes and scarves, women's access, Friday prayer, where to find prayer times and prayer rooms, and how to calibrate your prayer app for Hanafi timings.

Halal Food in Uzbekistan: Where to Eat in Each CityFood & Culture
November 4, 20269 min read

Halal Food in Uzbekistan: Where to Eat in Each City

Most Uzbek food is halal by default, but alcohol, pork and certification need a few questions. A city-by-city guide for Muslim travellers: what to order, where to be careful, how chaikhanas work and how to ask.

Where to Stay in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva & Tashkent: Partner HotelsPractical
November 4, 202613 min read

Where to Stay in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva & Tashkent: Partner Hotels

Where to stay in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent: our partner hotels by city, area and budget, from old-town boutique hotels to Silk Road Samarkand and Tashkent City five-stars, with honest pros and who each suits.

Genghis Khan in Uzbekistan: The Mongol Invasion of 1219–1221Culture & history
November 4, 202610 min read

Genghis Khan in Uzbekistan: The Mongol Invasion of 1219–1221

How Genghis Khan destroyed the Khwarazmian Empire in two years: the Otrar incident, the march across the Kyzylkum, the fall of Bukhara and Samarkand, the flooding of Gurganj, Jalal ad-Din's last stand, and what survives on the ground in Bukhara, Samarkand and Khorezm today.

Art in Uzbekistan: Museums, Galleries and the Bukhara BiennialCulture & history
November 4, 202611 min read

Art in Uzbekistan: Museums, Galleries and the Bukhara Biennial

A culture-first guide to art in Uzbekistan: the State Museum of Arts and the new Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tashkent, the Centre for Islamic Civilisation, Ilkhom Theatre, Samarkand's Afrasiyab murals, the Savitsky collection in Nukus and the Bukhara Biennial, with what is known of the 2026–2027 calendar.

Uzbek Food by Region: Khorezm, Fergana, Bukhara and the SouthFood & Culture
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbek Food by Region: Khorezm, Fergana, Bukhara and the South

Why plov is layered in Samarkand and mixed in Fergana, Bukhara's oshi sofi and Jewish-influenced bakhsh, Khorezm's green dill noodles and egg dumplings, Fergana samsa and Kokand sweets, Surkhandarya's tandir lamb, Tashkent's Korean and Russian layers and Karakalpak fish, with a regional tasting plan for a 10-day route.

Bukhara Hammam Guide: Bozori Kord, Kunjak and What to ExpectCulture & history
November 4, 20269 min read

Bukhara Hammam Guide: Bozori Kord, Kunjak and What to Expect

A living tradition the guidebooks skip: the 16th-century Bozori Kord men's bath, Hammom Kunjak for women, what happens step by step from the hot rooms to the ginger scrub and tea, typical 2026 prices and session times, modesty and hygiene, who should skip it, and the alternatives elsewhere.

Zoroastrian Uzbekistan: Chilpik, Fire Temples and Navruz RootsCulture & history
November 4, 202611 min read

Zoroastrian Uzbekistan: Chilpik, Fire Temples and Navruz Roots

The pre-Islamic faith of Khorezm and Sogdiana and where to find it today: the Chilpik tower of silence near Nukus, the circular temple of Koy-Krylgan-Kala, ossuaries in the Samarkand and Tashkent museums, the Bronze Age fire sanctuary at Jarkutan, Zoroastrian traces in Navruz, and what is evidence and what is myth.

Soviet Tashkent: The 1966 Earthquake and the City It RebuiltCulture & history
November 4, 202610 min read

Soviet Tashkent: The 1966 Earthquake and the City It Rebuilt

The earthquake of 26 April 1966 destroyed most of central Tashkent and the Soviet Union rebuilt it in four years. The story, the Monument of Courage, the Museum of Victims of Political Repression, the deportations and wartime evacuations behind the city's character, and a half-day walking route.

Fergana Valley Itinerary: 3 Days for Kokand, Rishtan and MargilanItineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Fergana Valley Itinerary: 3 Days for Kokand, Rishtan and Margilan

An hour-by-hour Fergana Valley itinerary: the train through the Kamchik tunnel to Kokand, the Khudayar Khan Palace and Jami Mosque, Rishtan's ceramic workshops, Margilan silk and the Kumtepa bazaar on a Thursday or Sunday, Andijan and Babur, then on to Osh or back to Tashkent. With 2-day and 4-day versions.

Karakalpakstan Itinerary: 4 Days for Nukus, Aral Sea and FortressesItineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Karakalpakstan Itinerary: 4 Days for Nukus, Aral Sea and Fortresses

A day-by-day Karakalpakstan itinerary that ties Nukus, the Savitsky Museum, Mizdakhan, Muynak, a night in a yurt at the Aral Sea, the Ustyurt cliffs, Sudochye and the Chilpik and Elliq-Qala fortresses into one four-day plan ending in Khiva, with vehicle, distances, seasons, costs and 2- and 6-day variants.

Uzbekistan by Train: A 9-Day Rail-Only Itinerary to KhivaItineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan by Train: A 9-Day Rail-Only Itinerary to Khiva

A flight-free Uzbekistan by train itinerary: Afrosiyob high-speed trains from Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara, the daytime train across the desert to Khiva, the overnight sleeper back, and a Fergana Valley extension through the Kamchik tunnel. Classes, carriages, booking windows, luggage and food on board.

5 Days in Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara Without RushingItineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

5 Days in Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara Without Rushing

A 5-day Uzbekistan itinerary that works: Tashkent, two nights in Samarkand and two in Bukhara, linked by the Afrosiyob train. Hour-by-hour plan, a Khiva variant, what to drop, when to book trains and what it costs in 2026.

Flights to Uzbekistan from Europe 2026: Direct Routes and PricesPlanning
November 4, 202610 min read

Flights to Uzbekistan from Europe 2026: Direct Routes and Prices

Direct flights to Uzbekistan from Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, London, Munich, Riga and Warsaw, the best one-stop options via Istanbul and the Gulf, typical 2026 fares by season, flight times, baggage rules, flying into Samarkand or Urgench, and when to book for spring and autumn.

Tashkent for Digital Nomads 2026: Wi-Fi, Coworking, Costs, VisaPractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Tashkent for Digital Nomads 2026: Wi-Fi, Coworking, Costs, Visa

A grounded guide to remote work from Tashkent in 2026: the visa situation (no nomad visa, 30 days visa-free for many, registration rules), real internet speeds and the SIM and fibre picture, coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafes, monthly budgets of about US$900 to US$2,000, neighbourhoods, cash versus card, and weekend Silk Road trips.

Cycling in Uzbekistan: Routes, Roads, Bike Hire and Best MonthsPlanning
November 4, 202611 min read

Cycling in Uzbekistan: Routes, Roads, Bike Hire and Best Months

A practical guide to cycling in Uzbekistan: the flat Bukhara–Samarkand corridor, the Nurata–Aydarkul loop, Fergana Valley lanes, Chimgan climbs and the Kyzylkum stretch to Khiva, with road conditions, heat windows, water and camping, bikes on trains, hire in Tashkent and supported rides, as of 2026.

Wildlife and Birdwatching in Uzbekistan: Jeyran, Sudochye, UstyurtDestinations
November 4, 202610 min read

Wildlife and Birdwatching in Uzbekistan: Jeyran, Sudochye, Ustyurt

For birders and nature travellers: the Jeyran Ecocentre near Bukhara with its gazelles, kulan and Przewalski's horses, flamingos on the Sudochye wetlands, Bukhara deer in the Zarafshan park, saiga on the Ustyurt, mountain birds of Chatkal and Zaamin, migration months, day-trip logistics and a nine-day wildlife route.

Zhang Qian and Xuanzang: Chinese Silk Road History in UzbekistanCulture & history
November 4, 202611 min read

Zhang Qian and Xuanzang: Chinese Silk Road History in Uzbekistan

Zhang Qian's reports on Fergana and its heavenly horses, Sogdian merchants in Chang'an, Xuanzang's passage through Tashkent, Samarkand and Termez, Tang envoys on the Afrasiyab murals, the Ming diplomat Chen Cheng and the Chinese legends of Samarkand, each mapped to a site you can visit.

Uzbekistan for Japanese Travellers: Termez, Navoi Theatre, YakkasarayPlanning
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan for Japanese Travellers: Termez, Navoi Theatre, Yakkasaray

The Japan–Uzbekistan thread as a trip theme: Kushan-era Buddhism at Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa, the Navoi Theatre built with Japanese internee labour in 1945–46, the Japanese cemetery at Yakkasaray, the Tashkent Japanese garden, plus visa-free entry, Tokyo–Tashkent flights and a nine-day route.

Accessible Travel in Uzbekistan: Wheelchairs, Mobility, Step-FreePractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Accessible Travel in Uzbekistan: Wheelchairs, Mobility, Step-Free

A candid guide to accessible travel in Uzbekistan for wheelchair users and slow walkers: what is step-free at the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Ichan-Kala and the Ark, the Afrosiyob train, Tashkent airport and metro, hotels, and what a private tour can and cannot change.

Samarkand Airport (SKD) Guide 2026: Flights, Arrival, Into the CityPractical
November 4, 20269 min read

Samarkand Airport (SKD) Guide 2026: Flights, Arrival, Into the City

Flying straight into Samarkand instead of Tashkent: the 2022 terminal, routes from Istanbul, Dubai, Moscow, Baku and Tel Aviv, domestic flights, passport control and e-visa checks, SIM cards and ATMs, the short taxi into the city with typical fares, and whether open-jaw Samarkand-in, Tashkent-out saves a day.

Car Rental and Driving in Uzbekistan 2026: IDP, Roads, Fuel, PolicePractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Car Rental and Driving in Uzbekistan 2026: IDP, Roads, Fuel, Police

An honest guide to renting a car and driving in Uzbekistan in 2026: who rents to foreigners, whether you need an International Driving Permit, deposits, road quality by route, fuel types and methane stations, speed limits, checkpoints, and why most visitors end up with a car and driver.

Uzbekistan Entrance Fees 2026: Registan, Ichan-Kala and Every TicketPractical
November 4, 20269 min read

Uzbekistan Entrance Fees 2026: Registan, Ichan-Kala and Every Ticket

One dated list of Uzbekistan entrance fees for 2026: foreigner tickets at the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Ark, Ichan-Kala, the Savitsky museum and Termez, camera fees, the hotel tourist tax per night, a realistic daily sightseeing budget and what our tours include.

Ramadan in Uzbekistan 2027: What Stays Open, Etiquette and EidPractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Ramadan in Uzbekistan 2027: What Stays Open, Etiquette and Eid

Visiting Uzbekistan during Ramadan 2027 (roughly 8 February to 9 March): what stays open, how evenings change, what is polite for non-Muslim visitors, where Muslim travellers find iftar and taraweeh, and what happens on Ramazon Hayit, the one-day Eid holiday.

Arslanbob Walnut Forest from the Fergana Valley: A Kyrgyz Side TripItineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

Arslanbob Walnut Forest from the Fergana Valley: A Kyrgyz Side Trip

How to add Arslanbob, the largest walnut forest on earth, to a Fergana Valley trip: the Dostuk border from Andijan, Osh and Jalal-Abad transport, CBT homestays, the waterfalls and horse treks, the September walnut harvest, who the detour suits, and the Uzbek-side transfers we arrange.

Almaty to Tashkent in 3 Weeks: Three Stans Overland ItineraryItineraries
November 4, 202612 min read

Almaty to Tashkent in 3 Weeks: Three Stans Overland Itinerary

A 21-day overland line through three Stans: Almaty, Charyn and the Kolsai lakes, the Korday border to Bishkek, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, Son-Kul, Osh, the Dostuk crossing into the Fergana Valley, then Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Border-by-border logistics, where to fly instead, visas and timing.

Nukus to Aktau and Mangystau: The Western Route into KazakhstanPractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Nukus to Aktau and Mangystau: The Western Route into Kazakhstan

How to continue west from Karakalpakstan into Kazakhstan: the Nukus to Beyneu train, the Karakalpakiya rail border, the change at Beyneu for Mangystau and Aktau, Bozjyra canyon and the Caspian coast, the Baku ferry question and what can be arranged on the Uzbek side. Honest about comfort and changing timetables.

Termez and Denau to Dushanbe: Into Tajikistan from Southern UzbekistanPractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Termez and Denau to Dushanbe: Into Tajikistan from Southern Uzbekistan

How to continue from Termez to Dushanbe through Denau and the Sariosiyo–Bratstvo (Tursunzoda) border, the least-known Uzbek–Tajik crossing: shared taxis, the 24-hour post, what lies on the Tajik side, how it compares with Jartepa and Oybek, and a 3-day Termez to Dushanbe plan.

Bukhara to Turkmenistan via Farap–Alat: Merv, Mary and AshgabatPractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Bukhara to Turkmenistan via Farap–Alat: Merv, Mary and Ashgabat

How to cross from Bukhara into Turkmenistan at the Alat–Farap border in 2026: the transfer to Alat, the crossing step by step, visa and letter of invitation, fees in dollars, onward travel to Turkmenabat, Merv, Mary and Ashgabat, and the mirror route from Iran.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Itinerary: 10–14 Days via the Fann MountainsItineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Itinerary: 10–14 Days via the Fann Mountains

A complete Uzbekistan and Tajikistan itinerary for 10 to 14 days: Tashkent, Samarkand, the Jartepa border, Panjakent, the Seven Lakes or Iskanderkul, Dushanbe, then back into Uzbekistan by air or via the southern border for Bukhara and Khiva. Which crossing to use, the Tajik e-visa and days needed.

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Two Weeks: Silk Road Cities to Song-KulItineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Two Weeks: Silk Road Cities to Song-Kul

A day-by-day 14-day Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan itinerary: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and the Fergana Valley, the Dostuk crossing to Osh, Bishkek, a yurt night at Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul. Which direction to run it, altitude pacing, visas and the Bishkek to Tashkent return.

Uzbek Soups and Dumplings: Shurpa, Mastava, Chuchvara and MoreFood & Culture
November 4, 20267 min read

Uzbek Soups and Dumplings: Shurpa, Mastava, Chuchvara and More

The soup course of Uzbek cooking: shurpa and its variants, mastava and moshkhurda, chuchvara dumplings, Khorezm's shivit oshi and lagman. What is in each, when to eat it, where to order it in the main cities and what suits vegetarians.

Koryo-saram: Uzbekistan's Koreans, Kuksi and Where to Taste ItCulture & history
November 4, 20267 min read

Koryo-saram: Uzbekistan's Koreans, Kuksi and Where to Taste It

The story of Uzbekistan's Koryo-saram: the 1937 deportation from the Soviet Far East, the community today, and the Korean dishes that became Uzbek, from kuksi to the Korean carrot salad. Where to eat them in Tashkent and why it matters to Korean visitors.

Samarkand or Bukhara or Khiva: Which to Choose with Limited TimePlanning
November 4, 202611 min read

Samarkand or Bukhara or Khiva: Which to Choose with Limited Time

Samarkand or Bukhara? Bukhara or Khiva? A local comparison of grandeur, lived-in old town and museum city: how many days each deserves, distances and trains, how each feels at night, who should skip which, and sample 3-, 5- and 7-day combinations.

Uzbekistan in 3 Days: Long-Weekend Plans from Dubai, Istanbul, DelhiItineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan in 3 Days: Long-Weekend Plans from Dubai, Istanbul, Delhi

Three days in Uzbekistan is enough for Samarkand, or Tashkent plus Samarkand, or Bukhara. Flight times from Dubai, Istanbul, Delhi, Almaty and Baku, visa-free status by passport, Friday-to-Monday timing and what a long weekend honestly cannot include, as of November 2026.

Uzbekistan Food Tour: Cooking Classes, Markets and a 7-Day RouteFood & Culture
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan Food Tour: Cooking Classes, Markets and a 7-Day Route

A 7-day Uzbekistan food tour built on experiences rather than a list of dishes: Chorsu at dawn, plov with a master, Samarkand bread ovens, a Khovrenko tasting, a Bukhara home cooking class and a chaikhana evening, plus what a class costs in 2026 and how to handle dietary needs.

Emergencies in Uzbekistan: Tourist Police, Lost Passport, ClinicsPractical
November 4, 20267 min read

Emergencies in Uzbekistan: Tourist Police, Lost Passport, Clinics

What to do when something goes wrong in Uzbekistan: emergency numbers, the Safe Tourism hotline and tourist police, a lost passport and exit permission, private clinics, insurance claims and the common small scams, as of November 2026.

Uzbekistan Practicalities: Plugs, Laundry, Pharmacies, AlcoholPractical
November 4, 20267 min read

Uzbekistan Practicalities: Plugs, Laundry, Pharmacies, Alcohol

The small questions travellers ask before Uzbekistan: power plugs and voltage, laundry in each city, pharmacies and prescriptions, public toilets, water on trains, alcohol rules, the 2026 vape ban, smoking areas and tipping porters. As of November 2026.

Khiva to Nukus: Train, Taxi and Fortress Route (2026)Getting around
November 4, 20267 min read

Khiva to Nukus: Train, Taxi and Fortress Route (2026)

How to get from Khiva to Nukus and Urgench: the Khiva to Urgench link, the Urgench to Nukus train, shared and private taxis, the planned high-speed line, a fortress-stop day, and flying back to Tashkent from Nukus airport. As of November 2026.

Uzbekistan Public Holidays 2027: Dates, Closures and Travel ImpactPractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan Public Holidays 2027: Dates, Closures and Travel Impact

Every public holiday in Uzbekistan in 2027 with the day of the week: New Year, 8 March, Navruz, Ramazon Hayit, Memorial Day, Qurbon Hayit, Independence Day, Teachers' Day and Constitution Day. Which dates are set by decree, what actually closes, and when to go or avoid.

Uzbekistan with Georgia and Azerbaijan: Silk Road Meets CaucasusPlanning
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan with Georgia and Azerbaijan: Silk Road Meets Caucasus

How to combine Uzbekistan with Georgia and Azerbaijan in one trip: Baku–Tashkent and Tbilisi–Tashkent flights, the Caspian ferry for overlanders, a three-week Tbilisi–Baku–Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara–Khiva outline, visa notes for all three countries and which order suits each season, as of November 2026.

Issyk-Kul from Tashkent: Flights, Transfers and a 4-Day Lake TripItineraries
November 4, 20267 min read

Issyk-Kul from Tashkent: Flights, Transfers and a 4-Day Lake Trip

How to reach Issyk-Kul from Tashkent: the roughly one-hour flight to Bishkek, the drive to Cholpon-Ata, and a four-day lake add-on with Burana Tower, Skazka canyon, Jeti-Oguz and Karakol. Best months, costs and how it fits around an Uzbekistan tour.

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Itinerary: 10–12 Days Through BothItineraries
November 4, 20268 min read

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Itinerary: 10–12 Days Through Both

A 12-day Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan itinerary built as a loop: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, across the border to Merv, Ashgabat and Darvaza, then Kunya-Urgench, Khiva and a flight home. Timings, visa lead times and who runs which leg.

Ziyarat Tour to Uzbekistan: How to Plan It, Day by DayPlanning
November 4, 202611 min read

Ziyarat Tour to Uzbekistan: How to Plan It, Day by Day

How to plan a ziyarat tour to Uzbekistan: how many days you need, an 8-day route from Tashkent to Bukhara, halal food, prayer and Jumu'ah, typical 2026 costs, group or private, and what to expect at the shrines.

Uzbek Desserts and Sweets: Halva, Navat, Chak-Chak and Where to BuyFood & Culture
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbek Desserts and Sweets: Halva, Navat, Chak-Chak and Where to Buy

A local guide to Uzbek desserts and sweets: Kokand and Samarkand halva, navat sugar crystals, parvarda, chak-chak, nishalda, sumalak, honey, jams, dried fruit and nuts, how they are eaten with tea and the best bazaars to buy them as gifts.

Christian Heritage of Uzbekistan: From the Nestorians to TodayCulture & history
November 4, 202612 min read

Christian Heritage of Uzbekistan: From the Nestorians to Today

From the Church of the East in Samarkand and the cave inscriptions of Urgut to the Polish Catholic cathedral, the Armenian church and the Lutheran Kirche: a guide to Christian heritage in Uzbekistan and how to visit it.

Vegetarian and Vegan in Uzbekistan: What to Eat and Where (2026)Food & Culture
November 4, 202611 min read

Vegetarian and Vegan in Uzbekistan: What to Eat and Where (2026)

How to eat well in Uzbekistan without meat: the realistic challenges, vegetarian Uzbek dishes to order, phrases in Uzbek and Russian, restaurants in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the bazaars, and tips for vegans.

Solo Female Travel in Uzbekistan: Safety, Dress and Practical TipsPractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Solo Female Travel in Uzbekistan: Safety, Dress and Practical Tips

Is Uzbekistan safe for women travelling alone? A local guide to safety, what to wear, handling attention, taxis, where to stay, whether trains have women-only compartments, mosques and evenings out, with a practical checklist. Updated November 2026.

Uzbekistan in Winter: Snow, Empty Sights and New Year (Dec–Feb)Planning
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan in Winter: Snow, Empty Sights and New Year (Dec–Feb)

Uzbekistan in winter means crisp blue days, snow on the domes of Samarkand now and then, and the Registan almost to yourself. Our local guide to weather by city, what stays open, heating, New Year, what to wear and whether a December to February trip is worth it.

History of Uzbekistan: A Timeline for TravellersCulture & history
November 4, 202611 min read

History of Uzbekistan: A Timeline for Travellers

From Alexander the Great in Sogdiana to independence in 1991: a clear timeline of Uzbekistan's history, era by era, with the monuments and museums where you can still see each period today.

Uzbekistan for Young Travellers: Photo Spots, Citywalks, BudgetPlanning
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan for Young Travellers: Photo Spots, Citywalks, Budget

Uzbekistan for young travellers, by locals: the most photogenic check-in spots, atlas-dress photo shoots, citywalks in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, a yurt night under the stars, nightlife and what it costs in 2026.

Darvaza Gas Crater and Turkmenistan from Uzbekistan: 2026 GuideDestinations
November 4, 202612 min read

Darvaza Gas Crater and Turkmenistan from Uzbekistan: 2026 Guide

Is the Door to Hell still burning, and how do you get there from Khiva? Our 2026 guide to Turkmenistan from the Uzbek side: the letter of invitation, transit visas, guide rules, the Shavat and Konye-Urgench borders, Konye-Urgench, Ashgabat and the crater today.

Tashkent Itinerary: 2 Days Hour by Hour, Plus a Layover PlanItineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Tashkent Itinerary: 2 Days Hour by Hour, Plus a Layover Plan

Tashkent in two days, hour by hour: Chorsu Bazaar and Khast-Imam, the decorated metro, the best museums, the UNESCO-listed modernist buildings, evenings at the Minor Mosque and Tashkent City, and a plan for a layover of a few hours.

Suzani Embroidery Guide: Regional Styles, Age, Prices and ExportCulture & history
November 4, 202612 min read

Suzani Embroidery Guide: Regional Styles, Age, Prices and Export

How to read an Uzbek suzani: the Bukhara, Nurata, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz and Urgut styles, how to judge age and hand work, realistic 2026 prices from bazaar cushion covers to antiques, and the export rules for anything old.

Seven Pirs of Bukhara: The Saints, the Route and the EtiquetteCulture & history
November 4, 202610 min read

Seven Pirs of Bukhara: The Saints, the Route and the Etiquette

The Seven Pirs of Bukhara are the masters of the Khwajagan, buried in villages around the city. Who each saint was, where the shrines are, how long the route takes, and how to visit with respect.

Samanid Mausoleum, Bukhara: Chashma-Ayub, Bolo-Hauz and the WallsSights
November 4, 202611 min read

Samanid Mausoleum, Bukhara: Chashma-Ayub, Bolo-Hauz and the Walls

Bukhara's oldest building is a small brick cube in a park west of the Ark. Our guide to the Samanid Mausoleum and its neighbours: the Chashma-Ayub spring, the old city walls and the Bolo-Hauz Mosque, with 2026 entrance fees, hours and a walking route.

Registration in Uzbekistan for Tourists (Propiska): 2026 RulesPractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Registration in Uzbekistan for Tourists (Propiska): 2026 Rules

Every visitor must be registered within three days of arrival. How hotels do it for you, what changes in guesthouses and Airbnb flats, emehmon.uz self-registration, the fines, which slips to keep and the 2026 tourist levy.

Orthodox Churches of Uzbekistan: A Guide for PilgrimsCulture & history
November 4, 202612 min read

Orthodox Churches of Uzbekistan: A Guide for Pilgrims

Russian Orthodox cathedrals in Tashkent and Samarkand, a monastery with Athonite icons, the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel and Job's spring in Bukhara: a guide to Orthodox Uzbekistan, with feast days and tips for attending the Liturgy.

Khiva to Turkmenistan via the Shavat–Dashoguz Border: 2026 GuidePractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Khiva to Turkmenistan via the Shavat–Dashoguz Border: 2026 Guide

How to cross from Khiva to Turkmenistan at Shavat and Dashoguz in 2026: the Turkmen visa and LOI, border fees in dollars, the crossing step by step, Konye-Urgench, Darvaza and the best routes.

Khiva's Juma Mosque, Kalta Minor and Tash-Hauli: A Closer LookSights
November 4, 202610 min read

Khiva's Juma Mosque, Kalta Minor and Tash-Hauli: A Closer Look

A forest of 212 carved columns, an unfinished tiled minaret, a harem lined with blue majolica, the khans' fortress and Khiva's tallest tower. A detailed guide to the five sights that define Ichan-Kala, with what to look for and 2026 tips.

Jewish Heritage of Bukhara and Samarkand: Synagogues and QuartersCulture & history
November 4, 202610 min read

Jewish Heritage of Bukhara and Samarkand: Synagogues and Quarters

The Bukharan Jews lived on the Silk Road for centuries. A guide to the active synagogues of Bukhara and Samarkand, the old Jewish quarters and cemeteries, Bukharan Jewish culture, and how to visit respectfully.

Islamic Architecture in Uzbekistan Explained: A Visual GlossaryCulture & history
November 4, 202613 min read

Islamic Architecture in Uzbekistan Explained: A Visual Glossary

Madrasa, iwan, pishtaq, minaret, khanaka, muqarnas, girih, majolica: the words your guide uses in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, explained simply, with the tilework techniques behind the blue domes and the best places to see each one.

Central Asia Visa Guide 2026: Rules for All Five StansPractical
November 4, 202612 min read

Central Asia Visa Guide 2026: Rules for All Five Stans

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in one place: who is visa-free, official e-visa sites, registration rules and the truth about the Silk Visa, as of November 2026, with sources and the date we checked them.

Uzbekistan SIM Card and eSIM Guide 2026: Prices, IMEI and CoveragePractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan SIM Card and eSIM Guide 2026: Prices, IMEI and Coverage

How to buy a SIM card in Uzbekistan with your passport, Beeline vs Ucell vs Mobiuz vs Uzmobile, tourist tariffs and 2026 prices, airport kiosks, eSIM apps, the IMEI rule, coverage on trains and in the desert, Wi-Fi and VPNs.

Uzbekistan Packing List: What to Wear and What Not to BringPractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan Packing List: What to Wear and What Not to Bring

What to pack for Uzbekistan in every season, what to wear in mosques and mausoleums, which shoes and plugs you need, and the medicines that can cause trouble at customs, including codeine. A practical checklist from our guides, updated November 2026.

Uzbekistan in Autumn: Weather, Harvest and Festivals (Sep–Nov)Planning
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan in Autumn: Weather, Harvest and Festivals (Sep–Nov)

Uzbekistan in autumn brings clear, mild days, golden light and bazaars full of grapes, melons and pomegranates. Our local guide to September, October and November: weather by city, the harvest and cotton season, festivals, crowds and what to pack.

Uzbekistan for Senior Travellers: Slow Travel, Walking and PacePlanning
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbekistan for Senior Travellers: Slow Travel, Walking and Pace

Is Uzbekistan good for older travellers? Yes, with the right plan. How much walking each city involves, which sites have steps, heat and the best season, trains versus flights, medicines, hotels with lifts and a gentle 12-day route.

Uzbekistan Festivals 2026–2027: Events Calendar by MonthCulture & history
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan Festivals 2026–2027: Events Calendar by Month

From Navruz in March to the Khiva melon festival in August and the Bukhara Biennial in 2027, our month-by-month calendar of Uzbekistan's festivals and holidays, with confirmed dates where they exist and honest notes where organisers announce them later.

Uzbekistan Culture and Etiquette: Customs Every Visitor Should KnowCulture & history
November 4, 20269 min read

Uzbekistan Culture and Etiquette: Customs Every Visitor Should Know

Greetings, tea and bread, visiting a home, mosques, photography, tipping, alcohol, Ramadan and the law on same-sex relations. Our practical guide to Uzbek customs and etiquette, with the phrases that open doors.

Uzbekistan Border Crossings 2026: A Traveller's GuidePractical
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbekistan Border Crossings 2026: A Traveller's Guide

Every Uzbekistan land border that matters to travellers, as of November 2026: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Which posts are open, typical hours, how to get there, customs and cash rules, and what to expect.

Turkestan and Shymkent from Tashkent: Side Trip Guide 2026Itineraries
November 4, 202612 min read

Turkestan and Shymkent from Tashkent: Side Trip Guide 2026

Turkestan's Yasawi Mausoleum is one of the great Timurid buildings and lies only a few hours from Tashkent. How to plan a one- or two-day side trip with Shymkent, Arystan Bab and Sauran: the border status, trains, Kazakhstan visa rules and a sample plan.

Things to Know Before You Travel to Uzbekistan: 2026 First-Timer TipsPractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Things to Know Before You Travel to Uzbekistan: 2026 First-Timer Tips

Registration, cash or card, SIM cards and Yandex Go, what to wear, bargaining, photography, tipping, alcohol, Friday prayers, toilets, plugs and the time zone: the practical things to know before your first trip to Uzbekistan, checked in November 2026.

Tashkent to Almaty, Bishkek and Dushanbe: Trains, Flights, BusesPractical
November 4, 202612 min read

Tashkent to Almaty, Bishkek and Dushanbe: Trains, Flights, Buses

How to get from Tashkent to Almaty, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Shymkent and Turkestan: flights, the daily Talgo sleeper to Almaty, buses, shared taxis and border tips, with journey times and price ranges as of November 2026.

Tashkent Airport (TAS) Arrival Guide 2026: Step by StepPractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Tashkent Airport (TAS) Arrival Guide 2026: Step by Step

Landing at Tashkent airport? Our step-by-step guide to Terminal 2, passport control, customs and declarations, ATMs and money exchange, SIM cards, Yandex Go and the official taxi desk, fair fares to the city, the new airport and departure tips.

Samarkand to Bukhara: Train, Road and Stops on the WayGetting around
November 4, 202610 min read

Samarkand to Bukhara: Train, Road and Stops on the Way

Samarkand to Bukhara by Afrosiyob or Sharq train, or by road with stops at the Rabati Malik caravanserai, the Malik sardoba, Nurata's Chashma spring and the potters of Gijduvan. Times, fares and which option to choose, as of November 2026.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Combining Kyrgyzstan with UzbekistanDestinations
November 4, 202612 min read

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Combining Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan

Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Song-Kul yurts, Karakol and Osh: our guide to adding Kyrgyzstan to an Uzbekistan trip, with the Dostuk border, Tashkent to Bishkek flights, the new 30-day visa-free rule, the best season and sample routes as of November 2026.

Khiva Travel Guide: How to Get There, How Many Days and What to DoDestinations
November 4, 202611 min read

Khiva Travel Guide: How to Get There, How Many Days and What to Do

Khiva (Xiva) beyond the walls: the new train and Urgench airport, how many days you need, a one-day plan, Dishan-Kala and the Nurullabay Palace, sunset spots, Khorezm food and a day trip to the desert fortresses of Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala.

Uzbekistan Visa Rules 2026: Visa-Free Entry, E-Visa, RegistrationPractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan Visa Rules 2026: Visa-Free Entry, E-Visa, Registration

Who can visit Uzbekistan without a visa, how the official e-visa works, the 5-day transit rule, registration of foreigners, customs and cash declaration, and what to expect at land borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Checked November 2026.

Gur-e-Amir and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand: Guide 2026Sights
November 4, 202612 min read

Gur-e-Amir and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand: Guide 2026

Timur's jade-covered tomb and his colossal Friday mosque: the history, the 1941 curse story, why Bibi-Khanym collapsed, 2026 tickets and hours, the evening lights and how long to spend at each.

Central Asia Itinerary: 2-Week and 3-Week Routes Through the StansItineraries
November 4, 202612 min read

Central Asia Itinerary: 2-Week and 3-Week Routes Through the Stans

How to plan a Central Asia itinerary that combines Uzbekistan with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan: two tested routes, the best order of countries, flights, trains and land borders, season, visas and costs as of November 2026.

Bukhara to Khiva and Urgench: Train, Desert Road or FlightGetting around
November 4, 202610 min read

Bukhara to Khiva and Urgench: Train, Desert Road or Flight

Bukhara to Khiva in 2026: the new high-speed train across the Kyzylkum, slower and overnight trains, the desert road along the Amu Darya, flights via Urgench, and which option suits which traveller.

10-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary: Day-by-Day Route with Trains and FlightsItineraries
November 4, 202612 min read

10-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary: Day-by-Day Route with Trains and Flights

Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Uzbekistan. Our day-by-day route covers Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Shakhrisabz, with a desert yurt option, travel times for every leg as of November 2026 and versions for each season.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Trip: How to Combine Both in One JourneyItineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Trip: How to Combine Both in One Journey

How to combine Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in one trip: visas, Almaty or Tashkent first, the Talgo sleeper and flights, 10-day and two-week itineraries, the best season and what it costs in 2026.

Running in Uzbekistan: Best Routes in Tashkent, Samarkand and BukharaPlanning
November 4, 202612 min read

Running in Uzbekistan: Best Routes in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara

Where to run in Uzbekistan: sunrise loops past the Registan, laps of the Khiva walls, Bukhara before the shops open, canal paths in Tashkent and mountain trails at Chimgan, with the best months, safety and recovery tips.

Marathons in Uzbekistan 2026–2027: Tashkent, Samarkand and Trail RacesPlanning
November 4, 202611 min read

Marathons in Uzbekistan 2026–2027: Tashkent, Samarkand and Trail Races

The Uzbekistan race calendar for 2026–2027: the Tashkent Marathon in April, the Samarkand Marathon from the Registan in November, the Bukhara Night Race, mountain ultras at Zaamin and Amirsoy, and how foreign runners register.

Uzbek Carpets Guide: Khiva and Samarkand Workshops, Prices, ExportCulture & history
November 4, 202613 min read

Uzbek Carpets Guide: Khiva and Samarkand Workshops, Prices, Export

Buying a carpet in Uzbekistan: the Khiva Silk Carpet Workshop and the Samarkand silk carpet factory, regional rugs from Karakalpak to Kashkadarya, knot counts explained, 2026 prices, export paperwork and how to avoid fakes.

Tashkent Modernism: The Soviet Architecture Now on UNESCO's ListSights
November 4, 202611 min read

Tashkent Modernism: The Soviet Architecture Now on UNESCO's List

In July 2026 UNESCO inscribed ten modernist landmarks of Tashkent, from Chorsu Bazaar to Kosmonavtlar metro. What they are, which you can enter, and a half-day walking route through Soviet Tashkent.

Rishtan Ceramics: Workshops, Masters, Prices and ShippingCulture & history
November 4, 202611 min read

Rishtan Ceramics: Workshops, Masters, Prices and Shipping

Rishtan ceramics are Uzbekistan's famous blue pottery. Here is how the ishkor glaze works, which masters' workshops you can visit, how Rishtan differs from Gijduvan, what to pay and how to get a fragile plate home in one piece.

Margilan Silk and Uzbek Ikat: Yodgorlik, Adras vs Atlas, Real vs FakeCulture & history
November 4, 202612 min read

Margilan Silk and Uzbek Ikat: Yodgorlik, Adras vs Atlas, Real vs Fake

Margilan is the silk capital of Uzbekistan. How ikat (abrband) is made from cocoon to cloth, what you see at the Yodgorlik factory, the difference between adras and atlas, and how to tell hand-woven ikat from printed copies.

Uzbek Fruit and Melons: Seasons, Varieties and Taking Them HomeFood & Culture
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbek Fruit and Melons: Seasons, Varieties and Taking Them Home

Uzbekistan's fruit calendar month by month, from June apricots to winter melons: Mirzachul torpedo melons and the famous melons of Khorezm, grapes, pomegranates, the best dried-fruit markets, how to choose a melon and what customs at home allow.

Uzbek Wine and Drinks: Wineries, Beer, Tea, Kompot and AyranFood & Culture
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbek Wine and Drinks: Wineries, Beer, Tea, Kompot and Ayran

Uzbek wine and drinks explained by locals: the Khovrenko winery and Bagizagan near Samarkand, what Uzbek wine tastes like, beer and vodka culture, alcohol etiquette in a Muslim-majority country, and the many non-alcoholic choices from kompot to ayran.

How to Book Train Tickets in Uzbekistan (railway.uz Guide 2026)Getting around
November 4, 202611 min read

How to Book Train Tickets in Uzbekistan (railway.uz Guide 2026)

A step-by-step guide to booking Uzbekistan train tickets on railway.uz and the official app: passport details, foreign cards, when sales open, ticket classes, e-tickets and boarding, refunds, and what to expect on the overnight trains.

Uzbek Street Food: Samsa, Shashlik, Lagman and What to Eat in 2026Food & Culture
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbek Street Food: Samsa, Shashlik, Lagman and What to Eat in 2026

Uzbek street food explained by locals: tandir samsa and the giant Jizzakh samsa, shashlik, lagman, manti, chuchvara, hasip and norin, what they cost in 2026, where to find them at the bazaar and how to eat well without an upset stomach.

Hazrati Imam Complex, Tashkent: Khast-Imam and the Uthman QuranSights
November 4, 202611 min read

Hazrati Imam Complex, Tashkent: Khast-Imam and the Uthman Quran

Tashkent's spiritual heart: the 16th-century Barakhan Madrasah, the shrine of Kaffal Shashi, the Muyi Muborak library and the new Center for Islamic Civilization, where the Uthman Quran is now kept. History, etiquette, tickets and tips for 2026.

Uzbekistan Customs Rules 2026: What You Can Bring In and OutPractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan Customs Rules 2026: What You Can Bring In and Out

Cash limits and declarations, controlled medicines, drones and the new vape ban, alcohol and tobacco allowances, electronics, and the certificates you need to take carpets and antiques home. Checked against official sources in November 2026.

Sitorai Mohi-Hosa: The Last Emir's Summer Palace in BukharaSights
November 4, 202610 min read

Sitorai Mohi-Hosa: The Last Emir's Summer Palace in Bukhara

A Russian-style façade, a mirrored White Hall, a harem by a pool and peacocks in the garden: Sitorai Mohi-Hosa was the summer palace of Bukhara's last emir. History, what is inside, how to get there and 2026 tickets.

Bukhara Itinerary: 2 Days Hour by Hour, Plus a Third DayItineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Bukhara Itinerary: 2 Days Hour by Hour, Plus a Third Day

Bukhara in two days, hour by hour: the Ark and Samanid Mausoleum in morning light, Po-i-Kalyan at sunset, Lyabi-Hauz and the trading domes, a one-day version and a third day at Sitorai Mohi-Hosa, Bahauddin Naqshband, Chor-Bakr and Gijduvan.

Khiva Itinerary: One Day in Ichan-Kala Hour by Hour (or Two)Itineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Khiva Itinerary: One Day in Ichan-Kala Hour by Hour (or Two)

One day in Khiva, hour by hour inside Ichan-Kala: empty streets at dawn, the Kunya-Ark, Juma Mosque and Tash-Hauli in the right light, how the combined ticket works, where to be at sunset and what to add with a second day.

Samarkand Itinerary: 2 Days Hour by Hour (Plus 1 or 3 Days)Itineraries
November 4, 202611 min read

Samarkand Itinerary: 2 Days Hour by Hour (Plus 1 or 3 Days)

A Samarkand itinerary hour by hour: the best order for the Registan, Gur-e-Amir, Bibi-Khanym and Shah-i-Zinda, when the light is right and the groups have gone, the Registan light show, a one-day version and ideas for a third day.

Panjakent and Khujand from Samarkand: A Side Trip into TajikistanItineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

Panjakent and Khujand from Samarkand: A Side Trip into Tajikistan

How to visit Panjakent, the Seven Lakes and Khujand from Samarkand: the Jartepa border crossing, Tajik visa and e-visa rules, ancient Sogdian Panjakent, Sarazm, a loop back to Tashkent and how many days you need.

Osh from the Fergana Valley: Crossing into Kyrgyzstan at DostukItineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

Osh from the Fergana Valley: Crossing into Kyrgyzstan at Dostuk

How to visit Osh in Kyrgyzstan from Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley: the Dostuk border crossing from Andijan, Sulaiman-Too, the Osh bazaar, Uzgen and Arslanbob, and onward routes to the Pamirs, China and Bishkek.

Travel to Uzbekistan from China: Flights, Visa-Free Entry, PaymentsPlanning
November 4, 202610 min read

Travel to Uzbekistan from China: Flights, Visa-Free Entry, Payments

Travelling to Uzbekistan from China in 2026: direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Urumqi, Guangzhou and more, 30-day visa-free entry, UnionPay and Alipay, the overland route from Kashgar via Osh, and Chinese-speaking guides.

Ibn Sina, al-Khwarizmi, al-Biruni, Ulugh Beg: Scholars of UzbekistanCulture & history
November 4, 202612 min read

Ibn Sina, al-Khwarizmi, al-Biruni, Ulugh Beg: Scholars of Uzbekistan

Algebra, the algorithm, the Canon of Medicine, a star catalogue measured in Samarkand: some of the great minds of the medieval world came from what is now Uzbekistan. Their lives, their discoveries and the museums and monuments you can visit today.

Travel to Uzbekistan from Indonesia and Malaysia: 2026 GuidePlanning
November 4, 202610 min read

Travel to Uzbekistan from Indonesia and Malaysia: 2026 Guide

Planning a trip to Uzbekistan from Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta? Flights and connections, 30-day visa-free entry, costs, halal food, ziyarat sites, the best season and a sample route, explained by a local team in Tashkent.

Hiking in Uzbekistan: Mountains, Trails and When to GoDestinations
November 4, 202613 min read

Hiking in Uzbekistan: Mountains, Trails and When to Go

Hiking in Uzbekistan goes far beyond the Silk Road cities. Where to walk in the Ugam-Chatkal mountains, Big Chimgan, Pskem, the Nuratau villages, Zaamin and the Baysun range, plus seasons, permits, guides, safety and gear for 2026.

Luxury Travel in Uzbekistan: What High-End Really Looks LikePlanning
November 4, 202612 min read

Luxury Travel in Uzbekistan: What High-End Really Looks Like

Luxury travel in Uzbekistan is about access and people, not marble lobbies: private guides, Afrosiyob VIP class, boutique stays, courtyard dinners, master artisans and even helicopters. Plus an honest note on the limits.

Uzbek Music and Dance: Shashmaqom, Lazgi and Where to Hear ItCulture & history
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbek Music and Dance: Shashmaqom, Lazgi and Where to Hear It

A local guide to Uzbek music and dance: UNESCO-listed shashmaqom and Khorezm lazgi, the doira, dutar and other instruments, regional dance styles, the Bukhara folklore show and the best places to hear live traditional music.

Best Photo Spots in Uzbekistan: Where, When and the Drone RulesSights
November 4, 202612 min read

Best Photo Spots in Uzbekistan: Where, When and the Drone Rules

The best photo spots in Uzbekistan, from the Registan at sunrise and Khiva's walls at sunset to Bukhara's rooftops, the Tashkent Metro and the ships of Muynak. Where to stand, the best hours of light, and the rules on drones, mosques and people.

Zaamin National Park: Juniper Forests of the Turkestan RangeDestinations
November 4, 202611 min read

Zaamin National Park: Juniper Forests of the Turkestan Range

Zaamin (Zomin) National Park is Uzbekistan's mountain escape between Tashkent and Samarkand: old juniper forests, a cable car, waterfalls and cool summer air. How to get there, what to do, hikes, the season and how many days to spend, as of 2026.

Group Tour or Private Tour in Uzbekistan? An Honest ComparisonPlanning
November 4, 202611 min read

Group Tour or Private Tour in Uzbekistan? An Honest Comparison

Group tour or private tour in Uzbekistan? We run both, so here is a neutral comparison of cost, flexibility and company, what suits solo travellers, couples and families, the hybrid options, and what to check before booking any tour.

Uzbek Traditions: Weddings, Mahalla and Family LifeCulture & history
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbek Traditions: Weddings, Mahalla and Family Life

Uzbek traditions explained by locals: the mahalla neighbourhood, family life and hospitality, the stages of an Uzbek wedding, the beshik cradle ceremony, and how travellers can respectfully share them, from a home-hosted dinner to a mahalla walk.

Uzbek Plov: History, Regional Styles and Where to Try ItFood & Culture
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbek Plov: History, Regional Styles and Where to Try It

Uzbek plov explained by locals: the UNESCO-listed tradition, how an oshpaz builds it in a kazan, why it is eaten at lunch, morning wedding plov, the styles of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Fergana, and where to taste them.

Uzbekistan in Summer: Heat, Fruit and How to Travel (June–August)Planning
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan in Summer: Heat, Fruit and How to Travel (June–August)

Uzbekistan in summer is hot, often above 40°C in Bukhara and Khiva. Our honest local guide to June, July and August: heat by city, how to sightsee with early starts and evenings, the mountains, fruit season, prices, and whether summer is worth it.

Uzbekistan in Spring: Weather, Navruz, Blossom and Tulips (Mar–May)Planning
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbekistan in Spring: Weather, Navruz, Blossom and Tulips (Mar–May)

Uzbekistan in spring means blossom over Samarkand, wild tulips in the mountains and comfortable days for the Silk Road cities. Our local guide to March, April and May: weather by city, Navruz, festivals, crowds and prices, and what to pack.

Uzbekistan Honeymoon: Romantic Trips, Best Season and 10-Day RoutePlanning
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbekistan Honeymoon: Romantic Trips, Best Season and 10-Day Route

An Uzbekistan honeymoon means the Registan lit up at night, sunset on Khiva's walls, a desert yurt camp and rooftop dinners in Bukhara. Our local guide to the best season, a 10-day route, where couples stay and what it costs in 2026.

Uzbek Bread, Tea and Chaikhana Culture: A Local's GuideFood & Culture
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbek Bread, Tea and Chaikhana Culture: A Local's Guide

Uzbek bread and tea, explained by locals: obi non, patir and famous Samarkand bread, how the tandir oven works, green tea rituals, what happens in a chaikhana teahouse, where to find the best ones and where to bake bread yourself.

Tashkent to Samarkand: Train, Car or Flight (2026 Guide)Getting around
November 4, 202610 min read

Tashkent to Samarkand: Train, Car or Flight (2026 Guide)

How to get from Tashkent to Samarkand in 2026: Afrosiyob, Sharq and Nasaf trains, times and fares, booking on railway.uz, the road by car, shared taxi or bus, flights, the stops on the way and whether a day trip works.

Uzbekistan Travel Cost 2026: How Much Does a Trip Really Cost?Planning
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbekistan Travel Cost 2026: How Much Does a Trip Really Cost?

How much does a trip to Uzbekistan cost in 2026? Real prices as of November 2026 for hotels, food, trains, flights, entrance fees, guides and SIM cards, with daily budgets from backpacker to premium and an honest look at independent travel versus a tour.

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan: Which to Visit First?Planning
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan: Which to Visit First?

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan? An honest comparison for a first trip to Central Asia: Silk Road architecture or mountains and lakes, costs, visas, the best season for each, and how to combine two or all three in one journey.

Pamir Highway from Uzbekistan: Route, Permit and ItineraryItineraries
November 4, 202612 min read

Pamir Highway from Uzbekistan: Route, Permit and Itinerary

The Pamir Highway from Dushanbe via Khorog and Murghab to Osh is one of the world's great road journeys. How to combine it with Uzbekistan: the route, the GBAO permit, the season, border links via Termez and the Fergana Valley, costs, safety and a three-week itinerary.

Chimgan and Charvak: A Mountain Day Trip from TashkentItineraries
November 4, 202612 min read

Chimgan and Charvak: A Mountain Day Trip from Tashkent

Chimgan and the Charvak reservoir are Tashkent's mountains and lake, under two hours from the city. How to plan the day trip: Amirsoy cable cars, Big Chimgan hikes, Beldersay, Gulkam canyon, the Ugam-Chatkal National Park, seasons, transport and costs in 2026.

Uzbek and Russian Phrases for Travellers to UzbekistanPractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Uzbek and Russian Phrases for Travellers to Uzbekistan

Which language to use where, how much English is spoken, and the Uzbek and Russian phrases you will actually need: greetings, numbers, bazaar and taxi phrases, food words, a pronunciation guide, Latin vs Cyrillic script and the best translation apps.

Amir Timur (Tamerlane): History and Where to See His LegacyCulture & history
November 4, 202612 min read

Amir Timur (Tamerlane): History and Where to See His Legacy

Who was Amir Timur, the conqueror Europe called Tamerlane? His life, empire and capital Samarkand, the Gur-e-Amir and the 1941 'curse', Ak-Saray in Shakhrisabz, the Tashkent museum, Ulugh Beg, Timurid architecture, and myth versus history.

Halal Travel in Uzbekistan: A Guide for Muslim TravellersPractical
November 4, 202611 min read

Halal Travel in Uzbekistan: A Guide for Muslim Travellers

Is Uzbekistan Muslim-friendly? Halal food, alcohol-free options, prayer times and Friday prayer, prayer rooms, modest dress, women in mosques, Ramadan travel and flights from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, explained by locals.

Ziyarat in Uzbekistan: Holy Sites of Samarkand, Bukhara and TashkentCulture & history
November 4, 202612 min read

Ziyarat in Uzbekistan: Holy Sites of Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent

A practical ziyarat guide to Uzbekistan: the rebuilt Imam al-Bukhari complex, Shah-i-Zinda, al-Maturidi, Bahauddin Naqshband and the Seven Pirs, Hast Imam and the Uthman Quran, Termez, shrine etiquette and a 7-day route.

Termez Travel Guide: Buddhist Sites, Shrines and SurkhandaryaDestinations
November 4, 202612 min read

Termez Travel Guide: Buddhist Sites, Shrines and Surkhandarya

Uzbekistan's far south: the Buddhist monasteries of Kara Tepa and Fayaz Tepa, the Zurmala stupa, the shrines of Al-Hakim at-Termizi and Sultan Saodat, the Archaeological Museum, Boysun, and how to get to Termez in 2026.

Uzbekistan with Kids: Family Travel Guide, Tips and ActivitiesPlanning
November 4, 202612 min read

Uzbekistan with Kids: Family Travel Guide, Tips and Activities

Is Uzbekistan good for families? Very, if you plan for heat, distances and food. Our local guide to travelling in Uzbekistan with kids: best ages and seasons, trains, what children eat, pottery, yurts, camels and Magic City, safety, baby supplies and family hotels.

Khorezm Desert Fortresses: Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala from KhivaSights
November 4, 202612 min read

Khorezm Desert Fortresses: Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala from Khiva

Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, Kyzyl-Kala and Janbas-Kala: the 2,000-year-old desert fortresses of Elliq-Qala. History, how to get there from Khiva or Urgench, 2026 costs, the Ayaz-Kala yurt camp and the best time to go.

Skiing in Uzbekistan: Amirsoy, Chimgan and Beldersay Guide 2026Destinations
November 4, 202611 min read

Skiing in Uzbekistan: Amirsoy, Chimgan and Beldersay Guide 2026

Yes, you can ski in Uzbekistan, little more than an hour from Tashkent. Our guide to Amirsoy, Chimgan and Beldersay: lifts and slopes, season dates, ski pass and rental prices, getting there, where to stay and which resort suits you.

Chorsu Bazaar and the Best Bazaars in Uzbekistan: 2026 GuideCulture & history
November 4, 202612 min read

Chorsu Bazaar and the Best Bazaars in Uzbekistan: 2026 Guide

Chorsu Bazaar's UNESCO-listed dome, Siab in Samarkand, Bukhara's trading domes, Urgut's Sunday suzani market, Kumtepa near Margilan and the Yangiabad flea market. Hours, what to buy, how to bargain and photo etiquette.

Tashkent Metro Guide 2026: Best Stations, Fares and Photo RulesGetting around
November 4, 202611 min read

Tashkent Metro Guide 2026: Best Stations, Fares and Photo Rules

Marble halls, chandeliers and a UNESCO-listed cosmonaut station a few metres underground. The 2026 fare, QR tickets and the ATTO card, hours, the four lines, photo rules and a two-hour station-hopping route.

Uzbekistan Health Tips: Tap Water, Vaccines, Heat and Travel InsurancePractical
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan Health Tips: Tap Water, Vaccines, Heat and Travel Insurance

Can you drink the tap water in Uzbekistan? Which vaccines are recommended? How to avoid stomach trouble and summer heat, where to find pharmacies and private clinics in Tashkent, travel insurance, altitude in the mountains and the ambulance number 103.

Lyabi-Hauz and the Trading Domes of Bukhara: A Local GuideSights
November 4, 202611 min read

Lyabi-Hauz and the Trading Domes of Bukhara: A Local Guide

Bukhara's favourite square and the 16th-century domed bazaars beyond it: Nadir Divan-Begi, Kukeldash, Magoki-Attori, Toki Zargaron, the Tim of Abdullakhan and Chor-Minor, with what to buy, what is free and how to spend an evening by the pool.

Samarkand Beyond Registan: 8 Sights Worth a Third DaySights
November 4, 202612 min read

Samarkand Beyond Registan: 8 Sights Worth a Third Day

Things to do in Samarkand beyond the Registan: the Ulugh Beg Observatory, Afrosiyob murals, the tomb of Daniel, Siab Bazaar, Hazrat Khizr, the silk-carpet workshop, Konigil paper mill and the Eternal City, with 2026 tickets, transport and timings.

Tajikistan Travel Guide: Penjikent, Seven Lakes and Fann MountainsDestinations
November 4, 202612 min read

Tajikistan Travel Guide: Penjikent, Seven Lakes and Fann Mountains

How to add Tajikistan to an Uzbekistan trip: ancient Penjikent and Sarazm across the border from Samarkand, the Seven Lakes and Fann Mountains, Dushanbe, an overview of the Pamir Highway and its GBAO permit, and visa and e-visa rules as of November 2026.

Almaty and Kazakhstan Travel Guide: Combining It with UzbekistanDestinations
November 4, 202612 min read

Almaty and Kazakhstan Travel Guide: Combining It with Uzbekistan

Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, the Kolsai lakes and Turkestan's great Yasawi mausoleum: how to add southern Kazakhstan to an Uzbekistan trip, with Tashkent to Almaty flights and trains, border crossings and visa rules as of November 2026.

Shakhrisabz Day Trip from Samarkand: Route, Cost and Is It Worth ItItineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

Shakhrisabz Day Trip from Samarkand: Route, Cost and Is It Worth It

Amir Timur's hometown is 80 to 90 km from Samarkand over the Takhtakaracha Pass. How to get there, what it costs, how long to allow, what to see at Ak-Saray, Dorut Tilavat and Dorus Saodat, and our honest answer on whether it is worth the day.

Things to Do in Tashkent: A Local's Guide with a 1 to 2 Day PlanDestinations
November 4, 202612 min read

Things to Do in Tashkent: A Local's Guide with a 1 to 2 Day Plan

Our home city, honestly explained: Khast-Imam and where the Uthman Quran is now, Chorsu Bazaar, the metro, the Minor Mosque, the best museums, new Tashkent City, what to eat, a one or two day plan and how to get from the airport to the centre.

Bukhara Travel Guide 2026: What to See, How Many Days, Where to StayDestinations
November 4, 202612 min read

Bukhara Travel Guide 2026: What to See, How Many Days, Where to Stay

Our local guide to Bukhara (Buxoro): the sights worth your time beyond the Ark, how many days to plan, which part of town to sleep in, trains and flights, entrance fees as of November 2026, evenings and a day trip to the potters of Gijduvan.

Silk Road History in Uzbekistan: What to See from Each EraCulture & history
November 4, 20269 min read

Silk Road History in Uzbekistan: What to See from Each Era

Sogdian merchants, Alexander, the Arab conquest, the Samanids, Genghis Khan, Amir Timur and Ulugbek, the khanates and the Russian empire. The Great Silk Road through Uzbekistan in plain language, and where each era survives today.

What to Buy in Uzbekistan: Crafts, Souvenirs, Prices and CustomsCulture & history
November 4, 20269 min read

What to Buy in Uzbekistan: Crafts, Souvenirs, Prices and Customs

Suzani, ikat silk, Rishtan and Gijduvan ceramics, Bukhara knives, carpets, Samarkand paper and skullcaps. Our local guide to what to buy in Uzbekistan, where to find the real thing, realistic prices and the customs rules for carpets and antiques.

Navruz in Uzbekistan: Traditions, Sumalak and 2027 Holiday DatesCulture & history
November 4, 20269 min read

Navruz in Uzbekistan: Traditions, Sumalak and 2027 Holiday Dates

Navruz, the Persian New Year on 21 March, is the warmest holiday of the Uzbek year. Our local guide to its traditions and food, the 2027 days off, where travellers can join in, and how the holiday affects trains, hotels and sightseeing.

Aydarkul Yurt Camp and Nurata: Desert Nights Off the Silk RoadItineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

Aydarkul Yurt Camp and Nurata: Desert Nights Off the Silk Road

A night in a felt yurt in the Kyzylkum, a camel ride to a desert lake and a homestay in a mountain village. Our guide to Nurata, Aydarkul and the Nuratau mountains between Samarkand and Bukhara: what to expect, the best season and how to fit it into your route.

Aral Sea and Muynak Ship Cemetery: How to Visit in 2026Itineraries
November 4, 202610 min read

Aral Sea and Muynak Ship Cemetery: How to Visit in 2026

Rusting trawlers in the sand, a sea that retreated well over a hundred kilometres and a night in a yurt above the new shoreline. Our guide to an Aral Sea trip from Nukus: what happened, how the route works, how long it takes, the best season and realistic costs for 2026.

Savitsky Museum, Nukus: Visiting the Louvre of the DesertSights
November 4, 202610 min read

Savitsky Museum, Nukus: Visiting the Louvre of the Desert

A Soviet-era collector, a remote desert capital and one of the world's great hoards of Russian avant-garde art. Our guide to the Savitsky Museum in Nukus: the collection, tickets and hours for 2026, how to get there and how to combine it with Khiva.

Fergana Valley Travel Guide: Margilan Silk, Rishtan and KokandDestinations
November 4, 202611 min read

Fergana Valley Travel Guide: Margilan Silk, Rishtan and Kokand

Silk weavers in Margilan, blue-glazed pottery in Rishtan and the khans' palace in Kokand. Our local guide to the Fergana Valley: how to get there over the Kamchik Pass, how many days you need, the best season and the market days worth planning around.

Two-Week Uzbekistan Itinerary: Fergana Valley, Aral Sea and Silk RoadItineraries
November 4, 202612 min read

Two-Week Uzbekistan Itinerary: Fergana Valley, Aral Sea and Silk Road

With 14 days you can see the whole of Uzbekistan, not just the highlights: the craft towns of the Fergana Valley, the Savitsky Museum and the Aral Sea, then Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. Our day-by-day route, with transport times as of November 2026.

Uzbek Food Guide: Plov, Samsa, Lagman and How to Eat Like a LocalFood & Culture
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbek Food Guide: Plov, Samsa, Lagman and How to Eat Like a Local

What to eat in Uzbekistan and where: regional plov and Tashkent's famous plov centre, samsa from the tandoor, hand-pulled lagman, shashlik, dairy, sweets, tea rituals, vegetarian options and the table manners that matter.

Money in Uzbekistan: Som, ATMs, Cards, Tipping and PricesPractical
November 4, 20269 min read

Money in Uzbekistan: Som, ATMs, Cards, Tipping and Prices

How the Uzbek som works, where to change money, which cards work in ATMs and shops, how much to tip, and what a meal, a taxi or a museum ticket really costs. A practical money guide from our team in Tashkent, updated November 2026.

Uzbekistan Weather by Month: When to Go and What to PackPlanning
November 4, 202610 min read

Uzbekistan Weather by Month: When to Go and What to Pack

Month-by-month temperatures for Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, when it rains, which festivals fall when, and what to pack for each season. Our local guide to choosing the right time for your Silk Road trip.

Getting Around Uzbek Cities: Tashkent Metro, Taxis, Buses (2026)Getting around
November 4, 202610 min read

Getting Around Uzbek Cities: Tashkent Metro, Taxis, Buses (2026)

How to get around Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva like a local: Tashkent metro fares and its palace-like stations, Yandex Go taxis, city buses, shared taxis between cities, walking the old towns, and what things cost in 2026.

Domestic Flights in Uzbekistan: Airlines, Routes and Prices (2026)Getting around
November 4, 20269 min read

Domestic Flights in Uzbekistan: Airlines, Routes and Prices (2026)

Which airlines fly inside Uzbekistan in 2026, the main routes to Urgench, Nukus, Bukhara and Termez, what tickets and baggage cost, how Tashkent's domestic terminal works, and when a flight beats the train.

Afrosiyob Train in Uzbekistan: Routes, Prices, Tickets (2026 Guide)Getting around
November 4, 202611 min read

Afrosiyob Train in Uzbekistan: Routes, Prices, Tickets (2026 Guide)

Everything you need to ride Uzbekistan's high-speed trains: Afrosiyob routes and journey times, economy, business and VIP fares, when tickets go on sale, the new Khiva line, backup trains and what to expect at the station.

Ark Fortress and Po-i-Kalyan, Bukhara: History, Tickets, TipsSights
November 4, 20267 min read

Ark Fortress and Po-i-Kalyan, Bukhara: History, Tickets, Tips

The emirs' citadel and the great minaret that even Genghis Khan spared stand five minutes apart at the heart of old Bukhara. Our guide to the Ark Fortress, the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, with tickets as of November 2026 and how to find your way around.

Ichan-Kala, Khiva: Walled City Guide, Ticket and Top SightsSights
November 4, 20268 min read

Ichan-Kala, Khiva: Walled City Guide, Ticket and Top Sights

Khiva's walled inner town is the most complete old city in Central Asia, small enough to cross in fifteen minutes and rich enough to fill two days. What the single ticket covers, the monuments not to miss, where to watch sunset from the walls and how long to stay.

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Samarkand: Legend, Tilework and TipsSights
November 4, 20267 min read

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Samarkand: Legend, Tilework and Tips

A narrow street of blue-tiled mausoleums climbing a hill, built over eight centuries around the shrine of the Prophet's cousin. How to read the tilework, how to behave at a pilgrimage site, and practical details for visiting Shah-i-Zinda as of November 2026.

Registan Square, Samarkand: History, Tickets and Visiting TipsSights
November 4, 20268 min read

Registan Square, Samarkand: History, Tickets and Visiting Tips

Three madrasahs, six centuries and one of the great public squares of the Islamic world. Our local guide to the Registan: what each building is, what to look for inside, tickets and hours as of November 2026, the evening light show and the best light for photos.

The Best Time to Visit UzbekistanPlanning
March 12, 20266 min read

The Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan

Spring and autumn are the sweet spots — but every season on the Silk Road has its own character. Here is how to choose your dates.

The Perfect 7-Day Uzbekistan ItineraryItineraries
January 28, 20268 min read

The Perfect 7-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary

One week, four legendary cities. A day-by-day blueprint for the classic Silk Road journey across Uzbekistan.

Samarkand Travel GuideDestinations
January 15, 20267 min read

Samarkand Travel Guide

Everything you need to know to make the most of the jewel of the Silk Road — what to see, when to go and where to pause.

Is Uzbekistan Safe for Travellers?Practical
December 10, 20255 min read

Is Uzbekistan Safe for Travellers?

In a word: yes. Uzbekistan is one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the region. Here is what to expect on the ground.

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