
Uzbekistan Travel Itinerary
This undiscovered gem of Central Asia has a rich history due to its location on the legendary Silk Road. The great blend of the old and the new is a pleasant touch to the country. “But why has Uzbekistan been so under the radar?” The new president heavily invested in tourism by building a high-speed railway system and by making the visas much cheaper or free. One to two weeks is enough time to travel around Uzbekistan.
Day 1: Tashkent
Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia. This modern capital is the starting point of your Uzbekistan travel itinerary because of its well-connected international airport.

Tashkent is very different from others and doesn’t have much to offer apart from visiting the Bazaar and the picturesque Metro stations.
Tip: Download the Verum QR app since mid-2019 all sites have QR codes that provide information about the object. (Like a free tour guide)
Day 2 – 4: Samarkand – Uzbekistan Travel Favorite
Step into the wonderful city of colorful mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and the traditional market – Samarkand is the must-see city of Uzbekistan. Spend three days visiting all its sites and having a chat with the welcoming locals.
All about: The Things To Do in Samarkand
Tashkent to Samarkand
The high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand only takes two hours and is very convenient.
Day 5 – 7: Bukhara
The walkable city of Bukhara might be the most picturesque city of Uzbekistan. The labyrinth of narrow quiet streets and green parks make it a rather pleasant place to spend a couple of days. Visit the Ark and Po-i Kalyan Complex, two architectural masterpieces.
Samarkand to Bukhara
Jump on the high-speed train in Samarkand and arrive in Bukhara under 2 hours.
Day 7 – 9: Khiva
Khiva, the open-air museum in the desert, was the first place in Uzbekistan to get a UNESCO heritage listing. Taste the delicious food of this region and wander around in this old, mud-brick-walled, village that feels like walking in an actual movie scene.
Costs of traveling in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a very affordable country to travel around and can easily be done on your own. Transportation and accommodation are the biggest expenses while traveling in Uzbekistan.
Expect to travel in Uzbekistan for 25 – 45 USD per person on a budget and 60 – 100 USD when choosing for a bit more comfort in tours and hotels.
- Hotel: 60 – 200 USD / night
- Hostel: 20 – 50 USD / night
- Food: 5 – 15 USD / day
- Entrance fee: 3 – 20 USD
- Transport: – 10 USD / day
- Simcard: 8 USD (9 GB – UCell)
- Flights: – 70 USD
Getting cash in Uzbekistan
Each city has a handful of good working ATM’s. Some dispense Uzbek Sum and other US Dollars. Maestro and Visa cards are widely accepted whereas Mastercard is limited.
Food in Uzbekistan
The large markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, and loaves of bread represent the tasty meals of the food in Uzbekistan. Expect delicious salads, soups, bread, plov, dumplings and so much more. Even for vegetarians, it isn’t too difficult to find great meat-less meals like pumpkin dumplings (Manti).
How to get around Uzbekistan
A commonly misunderstood fact is that you would have to see Uzbekistan with a tour company – wrong! Uzbekistan’s rail network is a super convenient, affordable and overall great way to get around the country. The fast-trains are from the same quality as Italy or another European country.
Right now, booking tickets online is still very difficult (2019) but fortunately, Advantour, the silk road tour operator, takes away the hassle by pre-booking everything for you.
Train tickets for the above giving Uzbekistan travel route costs between 5 and 20 USD per ride per person depending on the class.
Best time to travel in Uzbekistan
It is best to visit Uzbekistan in their spring (April to June) and autumn (September – October) when the weather comfortably warm and dry. In general, it is recommended skipping the summer months June to August however our visit late August was fine if we would stay out of the sun in the afternoon.
What to wear in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a modern country without strict rules on how women should dress. Although the majority of the country is Muslim, headscarves are not required at all, and you will see women wearing whatever they feel comfortable with, even ripped jeans or skirts. Expect quite a few selfie questions as western tourists are still new and exciting.
Dress in a way that is respectful to everyone. Of course, at some religious sites, you are required to cover yourself so always take an extra scarf with you while traveling in Uzbekistan.
Safety in Uzbekistan
Besides corruption happening a few years ago, the crime rate in Uzbekistan is very low making it a safe country to travel in. In contrast to a city trip to Europe, you don’t have to pay attention to pickpockets. The Uzbek people are respectful and couples nor solo travelers have to worry in this beautiful country.
Here’s how to: find the right travel insurance
Visa in Uzbekistan
Getting your visa for Uzbekistan has become a piece of cake for most nationalities due to changes in 2018. E-visas can now be acquired and to some countries the visa is free.
When you purchase something through our links we earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Cheap Flights via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.
We were looking for information about Uzbekistan. We are glad we reached you site. Your coverage of this wonderful land is detailed and ready to use.
Can you tell us if online booking has started for their train network?
Thanks for this wow blog and thanks in anticipation for your expected reply to our query on rail booking.
Thanks! As far as we’re aware that system is still not working for bookings as foreigners.