- Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva make a classic one- to two-week loop
- Afrosiyob high-speed trains link the main cities
- British visitors can stay visa-free for up to 30 days
- Spring and autumn are ideal, as summer often tops 40 °C
- Airports
- Tashkent International (TAS); Samarkand International (SKD); Bukhara (BHK); Urgench (UGC)
- Flight time
- about 6-7h from London to Tashkent direct, or 8-10h with one stop
- Best time to go
- April-May and September-October; summer is very hot
- Currency
- Uzbekistani som (UZS)
Uzbekistan is the heart of the old Silk Road, and its turquoise domes, tiled madrassas and caravan towns are some of the most beautiful architecture in Asia. Samarkand's Registan square is the star, but Bukhara's living old town and the walled city of Khiva are just as memorable. Since the country opened up in the late 2010s, travel has become far easier, with visa-free entry for Britons, good fast trains and plenty of characterful guesthouses.
Uzbekistan is 5 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 4 hours ahead during British Summer Time. Plugs are the two-pin European types C and F, traffic drives on the right and costs are low. It is often combined with Tajikistan or Turkmenistan. This Asia guide covers where to go, when, and how to get around.
Where to go in Uzbekistan
Samarkand
The Registan, framed by three monumental madrassas, is breathtaking at any time of day, and especially when lit up at night. Don't miss the Shah-i-Zinda avenue of mausoleums, the Gur-e-Amir tomb of Timur, the vast Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar. The Ulugh Beg observatory and the Afrosiyab museum explore the city's ancient past.
Bukhara
Bukhara feels lived-in rather than restored. Wander from the Lyabi-Hauz pool through covered trading domes to the Kalon Minaret and Mosque, the Ark fortress and the tiny Chor Minor. Summer evenings in the old town are magical.
Khiva
The inner walled town of Itchan Kala is a UNESCO-listed open-air museum of mosques, minarets and palaces, compact enough to explore in a day. Stay overnight to see it quiet at sunrise. Fly to Urgench or take the train; desert fortresses of ancient Khorezm lie nearby.
Tashkent
The capital is a modern city of parks, Soviet architecture and grand metro stations decorated like palaces. Chorsu Bazaar, the Hazrati Imam complex and the Museum of Applied Arts are highlights, and it has the country's best restaurants and nightlife.
The Fergana Valley and Nukus
The fertile Fergana Valley is the centre of silk weaving at Margilan and ceramics at Rishtan. In the far west, Nukus has the remarkable Savitsky Museum of Soviet avant-garde art, and Moynaq shows the ship graveyard left by the shrinking Aral Sea.
Best time to visit Uzbekistan
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Warm and green, around 20-28 °C; Navruz celebrations in March |
| Summer (June-August) | Very hot, often 40 °C+; sightsee early and late |
| Autumn (September-October) | Pleasant, harvest season with melons and grapes; very popular |
| Winter (November-March) | Cold, occasional snow, very quiet and cheap |
Getting to Uzbekistan from the UK
Uzbekistan Airways has operated direct flights between London and Tashkent, taking about 6-7 hours, though schedules vary. Otherwise, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the most popular one-stop option, and flydubai, Wizz Air and others offer connections via the Gulf or Europe. Some routes fly straight into Samarkand or Urgench, which can save time.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your stay, though six months is safer. Foreign visitors must be registered with the authorities, which hotels and guesthouses do automatically; keep the registration slips or confirmations in case you are asked when leaving. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
Afrosiyob high-speed trains link Tashkent with Samarkand in about two hours and continue to Bukhara, with slower trains on to Khiva. Book on the Uzbekistan Railways website or app, as trains sell out in peak season. Domestic flights help for Khiva and Nukus. Yandex Go works well for taxis in cities, and shared taxis link towns cheaply.
Book train tickets as soon as they go on sale, usually around 45 days ahead. Afrosiyob seats between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara go fast in spring and autumn.
Money and costs
Uzbekistan is very good value. A comfortable trip with boutique guesthouses, meals and trains costs about UZS 800,000-1,500,000 (roughly £50-90) per person per day. Plov, shashlik and fresh bread are cheap and filling. Cards are increasingly accepted in cities, and ATMs are common, but carry cash for bazaars and smaller towns. Tipping of around 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Uzbekistan?
A week covers Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Ten days to two weeks lets you add Khiva and the Fergana Valley at a relaxed pace.
Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists?
Yes. Uzbekistan is generally safe and welcoming, with low crime against visitors. Take normal care with belongings in busy bazaars.
Can you drink alcohol in Uzbekistan?
Yes. Although it is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol is widely available in restaurants and shops, and local wine is improving.
What should I wear in Uzbekistan?
Light, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is best, especially when visiting mosques and mausoleums. Women may want a scarf for active religious sites.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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