Samarkand is Uzbekistan‘s second largest city, and is famous for being one of the most important Silk Road cities. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world, founded around the 7th century BC.

If someone asked me about my favorite city in Uzbekistan that offers stunning architecture of mosques and mausoleums, has an amazing city vibe and also vibrant bazaars, it would be Samarkand. I loved my visit to Tashkent, Bukhara and Khiva, but Samarkand stole the show and how! 

No wonder, poets and historians have described Samarkand as “The Pearl of the Eastern Muslim World”.

HISTORY OF SAMARKAND

Samarkand served as the capital of both the ancient Sogdian empire and the Timurid empire under Timur the Great (Tamerlane). Timur ascended to power in the late 14th century, and his empire extended from present-day Turkey and Iran to India. Despite Timur’s reputation as a formidable military leader, he displayed a profound interest in art, culture, and architecture.

Under Timur’s influence, Samarkand evolved into a hub of arts and Islamic education. He generously supported scholars, artists, and architects, giving rise to the distinctive Timurid architectural style.

Samarkand earned a reputation as one of the most enchanting cities in Central Asia. However, its golden era came to an end in 1500 when Uzbek nomadic warriors seized control, relocating the capital to Bukhara.

As a consequence, Samarkand experienced a decline, leading to the deterioration of its mausoleums, mosques, and madrassas. The city’s revival only occurred with the intervention of the Soviets, who linked Samarkand to the Trans Caspian railway and undertook the restoration of numerous Timurid monuments.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PLACES TO VISIT IN SAMARKAND

Getting to Samarkand

Samarkand is very well connected to Tashkent which is generally the first destination by international travelers in Uzbekistan. It is also very well connected to Bukhara. There are several trains each day from Tashkent and Bukhara to Samarkand. They are fast, comfortable, and generally run-on schedule. The trip from Tashkent to Samarkand takes less than three hours in Afrosiyob (bullet train) and less than two hours from Bukhara to Samarkand in Afrosiyob (bullet train).

The Samarkand International Airport also services many foreign destinations such as Moscow, Kuwait, Warsaw, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, etc. The distance from the airport to the center of Samarkand is 8 km and one can get to any point of the city both by taxi and by city buses.

Getting around Samarkand

Tourists can use local taxis or app-based taxis – YandexGo. Similar to Uber, it is widely used in Uzbekistan. This is really useful as you don’t have to haggle with the taxi drivers regarding the fares and confusion regarding the destination – the accent makes it difficult to understand. An average taxi ride from anywhere in Samarkand is approximately 12,000 – 20,000 UZS ($1 – 1.6)

Samarkand also has yellow taxis operating on a shared taxi system meaning they will continue to pick up additional people as long as there are extra seats. There is a flat rate of 4,000 UZS ($0.32) for most trips around downtown and Registan.

Where to stay in Samarkand

Registan Hostel

Located very close to the Registan Square, Registan Hostel has air conditioned dorms and private rooms. It also features complimentary WiFi access and a common lounge, shared kitchen and airport transfers.

The property can be booked here.

Muborak Hostel/Homestay

A family-run hostel, it has the feel of a guest house or AirBnB. It is 1 km from Bibi Khanum Mosque and can be easily reached by a short walk.

The rooms are clean and comfortable at Muborak Hostel. And the food buffet at breakfast and dinner is incredible too. The owner has a convenience store that sells baked goods (including Uzbek bread), snacks, water, cold drinks, etc.

Muborak Hostel can be booked here.

Orient Star Hotel

The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and poolside terrace that is located in the old part of the city. Orient Star Samarkand’s rooms include a minibar, TV and wi-fi. Breakfast is provided in the hotel’s restaurant, which serves both European and regional Uzbek cuisine.

Orient Star Hotel can be booked here.

Where to eat in Samarkand

Being a vegetarian, I was quite worried about getting vegetarian food in Uzbekistan. Thankfully, Samarkand has vegetarian food options across the city.

These are some of the vegetarian restaurants in Samarkand that I tried and liked.

Mone Cafe & Bakery

Mone Cafe is a modern resto-café with a menu that contains multiple vegetarian and vegan items. Items include salads, sides, breads, and fruit platters for dessert.

Address: 32A Bobur Mirzo Str, Samarkand

Samarkand Art House Cafe

Located right next to Bibi-Khanum Mosque, I stumbled across a large sign outside advertising a vegetarian menu. The restaurant also houses an arts & crafts shop that supports disadvantaged children when you purchase something. 

The restaurant has set up tables on a veranda and a few in the garden with a view of the mosque. It offers a good variety of vegetarian items that are vegan or can be made vegan. The tea collection is also nice and the quantity of drinks and food is good.

Address: MX5J+W4W, Samarkand

3 DAYS SAMARKAND ITINERARY

I took the 9:45 am Afrosiyob from Tashkent and reached Samarkand at 11:15am. I checked-in to my homestay and had lunch. I was ready to move out by 2pm but it was extremely hot. So, I ventured out at 4pm.

I walked through inner-city roads from my homestay and reached a big wooden door. One side of the door was open, and on peeping on the other side, it was such a contrast. Known as Tashkent Road or Islom Karimov Street, this road was pedestrian-friendly with a fancy boulevard and cafes & shops lined on both sides and an amazing vibe. I’m giving this information because everything is within walking distance from here.

Day 1 (second half):

• Explore Tashkent Street
• Bibi Khanym Mosque
• Registan Night Show

 Day 2:

• Registan
• Gur-i-Amir
• Shah-i-Zinda

Day 3:

• Ulugbeg’s Observatory
• Konigil village and Meros Paper Mill
• Shopping at Siyob Bazaar
• Leave at 9 pm to Bukhara on Afrosiyob

THINGS TO DO IN SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN

Explore Registan

The first place to visit in Samarkand is the grand ‘Registan’.

Registan is a big square with 3 majestic and distinctive madrasas (Islamic schools) – adorned with azure mosaics, beautiful arches, open backyards and vast, well-proportioned spaces.

The Registan, which translates to ‘Sandy Place’ in Tajik, was a public square where people gathered to hear royal proclamations, heralded by blasts on enormous copper pipes called dzharchis, and a place of public executions. In the medieval period, it was Samarkand’s commercial centre.

The madrasas now stand there inviting tourists to glare at their beautiful designs. Each madrasa has something intriguing inside them to keep the tourist glued!

 Tilya-Kori is the central madrasa. The two other madrasas in Registan are the Sherdor Madrasa on the right and the Ulugbek Madrasa on the left. Both have beautiful courtyards in the back with small rooms, which are now turned into souvenir shops.

Tilya-Kori Madrasa

In Uzbek, Tilya-Kori means “gilded”. It is the newest of the three madrasas in Registan Square.

It has the most striking interior area with a small mosque. The walls of the mosque are covered in intricate gold details and the ceiling is spectacular. It also has a small exhibition area where photos of Registan before restoration are displayed.

Ulugbek Madrasa

The oldest madrasa in Registan Square, Ulugbek Madrasa was built during the 15th century and quickly became a hub for Islamic scholarship, attracting some of the brightest minds of its time. It served as an educational institution where students learned about subjects ranging from theology and mathematics to astronomy and philosophy.

The madrasa played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge in various fields, and Ulugbek himself was a celebrated astronomer whose astronomical observations led to significant discoveries.

Inside the madrasa, visitors can explore the Ulugbek Museum, which is dedicated to the life and contributions of Ulugbek, who was not only a ruler but also a pioneering scientist. The museum houses a fascinating collection of astronomical instruments, manuscripts, and exhibits that showcase Ulugbek’s revolutionary work in astronomy.

Sherdor Madrasa

In Uzbek, Sherdor means “with lions”. The madrasa was constructed during the 17th century, under the reign of Yalangtush Bahadur, a descendant of the famous conqueror Tamerlane. This madrasa has a design that combines elements of Islamic architecture with Central Asian aesthetics. Its most striking feature is the twin tiger mosaics that flank the main portal.

There is an option of dressing up as a local at the Sherdor Madrasa where tourists can rent a traditional Uzbek outfit for the small fee of 5,000 UZS per person.

Registan Square Entry Fees: 50,000 UZS ($4)

Registan Square Timings: Open daily from April to October from 8 am to 7 pm and from November to March from 9 am until 5 pm.

✦ Pro tip: Book this guided Samarkand: Private Sightseeing Day Tour for a hassle-free Samarkand trip.

Note: The entrance ticket is valid all day long, allowing you to come back at sunset and photograph the complex at various times of day depending on the sunlight direction. Tell the complex security guards if you’d like to reuse the ticket, otherwise they will tear your ticket and you won’t be able to reuse it.

Attend the Registan Square Light Show

After sunset, all three madrasas are lit up and look extremely beautiful. It is important to visit Registan square both in the day and night for this reason.

There is a Registan Square Light show at 9 pm daily where traditional music is played and lights dance on the madarasa. It is breathtaking. The Registan Light Show is free and there are steps where one can sit and enjoy the show.

Watching the night show from the inner court is also possible, but one needs to buy a ticket again. The cost is 60,000 UZS per person ($4.79).

I did not want to buy a ticket again and it was still amazing to watch it from the outer area.

Entrance Fees to Registan Square Light Show: Free

Registan Square Light Show Timings: 9pm – 10 pm

Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Named after the wife of Timur the Great, Bibi Khanym Mosque was built by Amir Timur himself and he wanted to make it into the most magnificent mosque of the Islamic world. However, Timur got a bit too ambitious and pushed the building techniques to their limit. Due to the push structural problems were encountered and the mosque slowly started to deteriorate until an earthquake in 1897 left the building in ruins.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of the looked forward attractions in Samarkand. Located on Tashkent Street in front of the Siyob Bazaar, the mosque has a beautiful courtyard. It was undergoing restoration when I visited so some of the areas were closed. Unfortunately, the dust due to the restoration was all over the place.

There were 2 workshops by local craftsmen inside – Copper plate making and wooden frames. Watching them craft beautiful items was the highlight of visiting the mosque.

Since I visited in the evening, we saw a beautiful sunset from the garden courtyard.

Bibi-Khanym Entrance Fees: 30,000 UZS ($2.40)

Timings of Bibi-Khanym Mosque: 9 am to 6 pm

Shop till you Drop at Siyob Bazaar

The Siyob Bazaar is a local food market like the one in Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent. It mainly sells bread, meat, fruits and dry fruits. The candy, fruit, and nut vendors will call out to you from their stalls, offering to taste their goods. Be sure to try the pistachio halva, it’s a sweet, chewy nougat that is absolutely delicious. But be sure to bargain.

The streets around Siyob Bazaar have been converted into souvenirs shops selling all sorts of memorabilia such ceramics, knives, purses, jewelry, ikkat shrugs, etc. as meant for locals, but there are a few things here to satisfy tourists as well. If you enjoy wandering through markets and enjoying the people watching, you’ll definitely get your fill of that here.

Entrance Fees to Siyob Bazaar: Free

Siyob Bazaar Timings: 9 am – 7 pm

✦ Recommended Read: Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan

Fall in love with the lanes of Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand

One of the best things to do in Samarkand is walking the lanes of Shah-i-Zinda.

Shah-i-Zinda is a mausoleum with stunning works of art. It is a necropolis that consists of rows of blue tombs and various mausoleums grouped along a narrow avenue. The vibrant blue tilework is prevalent throughout the complex, making it a photographer’s dream!

The name Shah-i-Zinda translates to “Tomb of the Living King” which refers to the holiest of the shrines, which is likely the grave of Qusam ibn-Abbas. He is famed for bringing Islam to this region in the 7th century. The mausoleums here were built over the periods of the 11th to the 19th centuries as Timur and Ulugbek buried their families and closest confidants here at later dates.

There exist multiple guidelines for visitors at the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum. These include dressing modestly as a sign of reverence for the deceased. Furthermore, it’s prohibited to take photos near the tombstones, sit on them, speak loudly, exhibit improper behaviour, place money on graves, or conduct animal sacrifices at the gravesites. 

Shah-i-Zinda entry fees: 50,000 UZS ($4)

Timings of Shah-I-Zinda: Open daily from 7 am until 7 pm

Get lost in the Gur-e-Amir Complex

The Gur-e-Amir Complex is a striking madrasah that houses the tombs of Amir Temur and his beloved descendants. Which is why visiting it is one of the most popular things to do in Samarkand.

The building was originally meant to be an Islamic school at the direction of Temur’s grandson, Muhammad Sultan. But after he died suddenly in 1403, Temur ordered that the complex be changed to a mausoleum. Temur was originally meant to be buried in his hometown of Shakhrisabz, but his body was laid to rest at the Gur-e Amir, as well as his other infamous grandson, Ulugbek. 

The outer embellishment of the mausoleum showcases a combination of blue, turquoise, and white tiles arranged in geometrical and epigraphic patterns, set against a backdrop of terracotta bricks.

The interior of the mausoleum is truly breathtaking! Geometric panels dazzle with star-shaped motifs, while niches adorned with papier-mâché stalactites painted in hues of blue and gold add to their splendour. 

Amir Temur’s jade stone grave is in the centre of the grandiose room that houses all of the tombs. Outside is a lovely courtyard and garden, with a spectacular arched gate at the entryway.

Gur-e-amir entrance Fees: 50,000 UZS ($4)

Timings of Gur-e-amir: The Gur-e-Amir mausoleum is open daily from April to October from 8.00 am until 7.00 pm and from November to March from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm.

Learn about astronomy at the Ulugh Beg Observatory

One of the most popular things to do in Samarkand is visiting the Ulugh Beg Observatory.

The observatory comprises a three-story cylindrical structure enclosing three massive astronomical instruments. Among these, the primary instrument is a towering meridian arc, reaching a monumental height of 40 meters, employed for measuring the elevation angles of celestial bodies. 

Initially erected in 1428-1429 by the renowned astronomer Ulugh Beg, the Ulugh Beg Observatory stood as one of the prominent observatories in the Islamic world at that time. Tragically, it fell victim to destruction in 1449 at the hands of religious extremists, remaining lost for many years until its rediscovery in 1908.

Within its walls, remarkable discoveries were made. Ulugh Beg’s calculations revealed that the duration of a stellar year approximated 365 days, 6 hours, 10 minutes, and 8 seconds, an accuracy only slightly deviating from modern calculations by less than a minute.

Today, the only remnants of the observatory consist of the sextant, an instrument utilized for determining midday, sheltered under a protective roof. Peering down into the sizable aperture, visitors can catch a glimpse of the substantial section below. 

Adjacent to it, stands a modest museum offering insights into Ulugh Beg’s legacy and the groundbreaking astronomical work conducted within the observatory during the 15th century.

Ulugh Beg Observatory Entrance fees: 50,000 UZS ($4)

Timings of Ulugh Beg Observatory: Open daily from 9 am until 7 pm.

Visit the President’s Tomb

The President’s Tomb provides a convenient stop on your return journey from the Ulugh Beg Observatory. Here, you can marvel at both the Hazrati Khizr Mosque and the final resting place of the former president.

Islam Karimov, the former president of Uzbekistan, governed the Uzbek SSR in 1990 before proclaiming Uzbekistan’s independence on September 1, 1991. Following this, he secured a landslide victory in the inaugural general election held in December of the same year. Karimov continued to win subsequent re-elections by a significant margin, often surpassing 90% of the vote, until his passing in 2016.

Similar to other historic and religious landmarks in Samarkand, the mosque and adjoining tomb showcase breathtaking architecture and rich historical significance. Visitors may have the opportunity to ascend the minaret upon payment of the entrance fee, affording panoramic views of the courtyard below. While photography is permitted in this area, capturing images of the actual president’s tomb is prohibited.

President’s Tomb entry fees: 20,000 ($1.60)

Timings of President’s Tomb, Samarkand: Open daily from 9 am until 7 pm

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR SAMARKAND

Shakhrisabz

Shakhrisabz is 85 km away from Samarkand and a perfect one day trip. Shakhrisabz is an important city in the history of Uzbekistan as Amir Temur was born in the neighboring village of Hodja-Ilgar and made Shakhrisabz his residence. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several interesting architectural sites to explore.

The drive from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz crosses the Aman-Kutan Gorge and Takhta-Karacha Mountain Pass. On the way, tourists can make a stop to take a view at Teshiktosh (Stone with hole). The film “Apachen” (1973) was shot on this location – an area that looks incredibly like the American Southwest. 

Drive to Shakhrisabz and exploring various places would take about 3 hours. The tour will cover the Mausoleum of Jakhongir in Dor-us Saodat Memorial Complex, the remains of Ak Saray Palace and Kok Gumbaz Mosque.

Entry fees for each of these places varies between 10,000 – 15,000 UZS ($0.8-1.2). The car rental would be extra depending upon the car you choose.

FAQs FOR THINGS TO DO IN SAMARKAND

Is a guide required for Samarkand sightseeing?

Samarkand is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and one can understand the history well if there is a guide with you. Although tourists can hire local guides at each tourist destination who offer services in many languages, I suggest that having a guide on the entire trip is beneficial as one can visit some offbeat spots. That being said, I hired a guide only for Registan Square and paid 1,00,000 UZS ($8) and it was worth it! You can book guided tours to Samarkand – Samarkand: Private Tour of Ancient City and Traditional Art.

Is Samarkand safe?

Yes! Samarkand is a very safe city, even if you’re traveling as a woman by yourself. I found women drivers in app based taxis late at night and that was cherry on the cake!

The Uzbeks are very friendly and have no bad intentions whatsoever. Be prepared to take loads of photos with locals. Being an Indian, they wanted to strike a conversation with me with the few Hindi words they knew. They are huge Bollywood fans and know many actors’ names.

Best time to visit Samarkand?

Samarkand can be visited all year round but I’d say that early autumn (September and October) and spring (April and May) would be the best time to visit the city. 

Summers (June till August) are usually very hot in Uzbekistan. I went in August end and the afternoons were too hot and I am someone who lives in India. It was too much for me as well and I did not venture out between 2-4pm.

Winters (December till February) are also a good time if you want to avoid the crowds. If you’re lucky, you might get to see the stunning architecture coated in snow.

How many days to spend in Samarkand?

2 full days are enough to cover the highlights and the offbeat places in Samarkand.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR THINGS TO DO IN SAMARKAND

• Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not trash the heritage site with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and the right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully, especially in mosques and mausoleums.
• Respect the ancient structures of mosques and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archaeological sites and monuments.

I hope this 3 days Samarkand guide helps you plan all the things to do in Samarkand. Do you have more questions? Write to me in the comments below and I will reply.

Looking for more Uzbekistan Inspiration? Read Here

• Things to do in Bukhara
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Tashkent Metro Stations
• Tashkent Attractions
• Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan
• Things to do in Khiva
• Travelling by train in Uzbekistan

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is probably the first city to start a tour in Uzbekistan after arriving on an international flight. While most people use Tashkent as a transit point to get to other cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the capital needs much more attention as it is the melting pot where ancient history meets modern vibrancy.

Tashkent has been an important city historically due to its presence on the Silk Road. And currently, it functions as a cultural and economic hub in Central Asia.

Tashkent is a mix of urban and traditional landscapes, with these best destinations that include the bustling bazaars, historical monuments as well as the vibrant and modern architecture scattered across the city. It is also a very modern city with many parks and fountains, beautiful statues, cafes, restaurants and great nightlife in Tashkent.

Its robust metro system which is efficient, convenient and extremely affordable which also makes for an offbeat tourist destination.

PRACTICAL TIPS ABOUT PLACES TO VISIT IN TASHKENT

Arriving in Tashkent

By Flight

Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport is located in Tashkent city and most visitors are likely to fly here from other countries. Uzbekistan Airways is probably the flight you will fly.

By Shared Taxis

Tashkent can be reached by train and taxi from neighbouring countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Marshrutka or marshrutnoe taksi or routed taxicab, are shared taxis that connect Shymkent in Kazakhstan, Osh in Kyrgyzstan and Khujand in Tajikistan to Tashkent. These shared taxis drop visitors at border where after passport verification, they change into another taxi of the destination country.

By Train

Uzbekistan is well connected by train network across the country. There are trains that run from major cities within Uzbekistan such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench. There is a train that connects Kazakhstan to Tashkent as well.

Best time to visit Tashkent

The best time to visit Tashkent is during fall months September- October or spring months April-May. Summer months (June to August) are extremely hot and uncomfortable. Walking around the historical sights becomes actually difficult and uncomfortable. And I am saying this even though I live in an Indian city that experiences 40 degrees summer for 3 months straight. The roads look deserted and everything kind of shuts down between 1-4pm.

Winter (December to February) months are extremely cold with chilly winds and it may snow.

How to get around in Tashkent | Tashkent Metro

Tashkent Metro is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. One way ticket costs 1400 UZS ($0.15). The metro network is spread across the city and one can easily navigate it if you have the map handy. The instructions are spoken in Uzbek, however it is easy to understand the next stop. 

How to get around Tashkent in Yandex (taxi)

Taxis are incredibly cheap in Tashkent. While one can hail a cab but making the driver understand your destination could be a challenge. App based taxi called Yandex is the best rescue for this. On an average, a taxi ride would cost 25000 – 30000 UZS ($2 – 2.4) anywhere to get to Tashkent tourist attractions. The cars are clean with boot (in case you have luggage) and the drivers are very polite.

This is also the best way to get from Tashkent airport to the city centre as the local taxis will charge 2-3 times the money than Yandex. In case you have less luggage, best is to use the Yandex app rather than requesting your hotel for pick-up.

Tip: Download the Yandex Go app and complete the registration and phone verification in your home country in case you are relying on wi-fi. 

Where to stay in Tashkent

Tashkent offers a wide choice of hostels for budget travellers to top-end hotels for those who want to indulge in luxury. There are also homestays and airbnb in Tashkent. 

Hostels in Tashkent

Art Hostel

I heard about this hostel from a lot of backpackers and they had great reviews about it. So I decided to stay here and it lived up to its promise. Tucked in a small alley in a residential area, it is a peaceful place. Metro station is 500 metres aways and there are a couple of banks and convenience stores near the hostel so it’s easy to get around. The hostel is clean and cosy.

They serve breakfast with a good variety of vegetarian options. Only disappointment was that they didn’t accept card payments. Cash is acceptable in SOM or USD.

Other options for Tashkent Hostels are

Mid-Range Hotel

Michelin Hotel

Located close to Art Hostel, I promised myself to stay here the next time. This 3-star hotel features a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bar. The premises also has an ATM. The accommodation features a concierge service, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests. 

Other options of Mid-range hotels in Tashkent are

Hotel Uzbekistan

One of the most luxurious properties in Tashkent, the hotel is a landmark in itself. Located at the posh Amir Temur square, the property has a pool, spa and indoor game options. There are 2 restaurants that cook up quite a storm with lip-smackingly delicious Uzbek and global cuisine.

Other options of Luxurious hotels in Tashkent are

TASHKENT ATTRACTIONS

As international flights can be taxing on the body, I feel it is best to relax in Tashkent for a day or even two and get oriented towards the Uzbek culture, the breads and blue tiled architecture. Sightseeing in Tashkent can be quite rewarding as the city is full of gems catering to all kinds of travellers.

While the places to visit in Tashkent mentioned in this blog need 2 days, the highlights can be completed in one day.  

Hazrat Imam Complex

Situated in the heart of Tashkent, the Hazrat Imam Complex, also known as the Hast-Imam Ensemble or Khast Imam, is a great introduction to Uzbek heritage and architecture.

The complex is home to many beautiful architectural monuments, such as the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi.

Each Madrasah has blue tiles arches at the entrance that opens into a square full of souvenir shops. While you may be tempted to buy the souvenirs here, being your first stop, I will suggest you to hold on.

The highlight of the Hazrat Imam Complex is the Muyi Muborak Library, which houses a library with oriental manuscripts and the Uthman Koran, which is claimed to be the world’s oldest Koran. The Hazrat Imam Complex is very peaceful throughout the day which makes it one of the best Tashkent attractions for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

Hazrat Imam Complex Timings: 9 am until 9 pm

Hazrat Imam Complex entrance fee: While the entrance to the complex is free, tourists have to pay 30,000 UZS (US$3) for entry to the library.

Amir Timur Square

One of the most popular places to visit in Tashkent amongst the tourists and locals, Amir Timur Square offers many things to do in Tashkent.

The square is actually a park that has a statue of Amir Timur on horseback. Timur or Tamerlane was a Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire in and around modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia, becoming the first ruler of the Timurid dynasty. He is Uzbekistan’s hero and there are a lot of places dedicated to him and his family around the entire country.

The square is surrounded by hotels, cafes, government buildings and monuments. The square especially comes alive with fountains in the gardens and people coming here for a walk and indulging in local increams.

The best part is that there is an underground Tashkent Metro which takes you directly to the square! Get out of Amir Temur metro station and walk to Amir Timur Square.  

Amir Timur Museum

Right across the Amir Timur Square is the Amir Timur Museum. Since I was walking aimlessly, I did not notice that there was a museum here but I got attracted to the beautiful exterior. 

I went in and was pleasantly surprised with the grandeur of the golden-domed ceiling. The museum has paintings and belongings of Amir Temur, a copy of the Quran and small-scale models of the important mosques around Uzbekistan.

Amir Timur Museum Timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am until 5 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Amir Timur entrance fee: 20000 UZS ($2). Another 10000 UZS if you want to take photos.

Chorsu Bazaar

Local’s favourite Bazaar is now one of the major Tashkent attractions for its beautiful circular blue dome and buying local products. The bazaar is an indoor shopping mall with two storeys.

The outside of the dome sells fresh fruits, vegetables, ceramics and clothes. The ground floor stores majorly sells raw meat, cheeses and spices. While the first floor store sells dried fruits of all kinds!

Around Chorsu Bazaar are many streets and alleys selling jewellery, clothes, breads and souvenirs which ultimately leads to the main dome. The bazaar starts from the Chorsu Metro station up until the actual Chorsu Bazaar dome.

Chorsu Bazaar is one of the most affordable places in the entire country to buy souvenirs such as ceramics, painting, scarfs, stoles, jewellery, refrigerator magnets etc. 

Kukeldash Madrasah & Dzuma Mosque

Kukeldash Madrasah and Dzuma Mosque are right outside the Chorsu Bazaar and the Chorsu Metro. Just walk between the outdoor stalls in the direction of Beruniy Street and you will see the largest madrasah and one of the most famous historical places in Tashkent.

Kukeldash is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture and worth a visit during Tashkent Sightseeing.

Like all madrasahs in Uzbekistan, Kukeldash was a school imparting Islamic education but over a period of time, got converted to caravanserai for merchants, later a fortress of the Kokand rulers and even as a place of execution.

The most interesting thing about Kukeldash Madrasah is that it has survived several earthquakes and has repeatedly been repaired and restored. 

The Dzuma Mosque is right next to the Kukeldash Madrasah and worth a quick stop to admire the architecture.

Kukeldash Madrasah Timings: 8 am until 6 pm

Hazrat Imam Complex entrance fee: Tourists are allowed to enter the courtyard of the madrasah with a small entrance fee of 10000 UZS ($0.82).

Minor Mosque

The newest mosque in Tashkent is a strikingly beautiful monument. Built in 2014 on the banks of the Ankhor Canal, it is also known as Snow Mosque as it is made of white marble.

Kukeldash Madrasah Timings: Always Open

Kukeldash Madrasah entrance fee: Free

Tashkent TV Tower

One of the most popular Tashkent attractions is the TV tower. At a height of 375 metres, Tashkent Tower is the 11th tallest tower in the world. It can be seen from most tall buildings around the city.

There is a garden around the tower and visitors are allowed to go till the 6th floor which is the observation deck of the tower to enjoy the panoramic views of Tashkent city. There is also a restaurant on the 7th floor where visitors can have a meal overlooking the city views.

Tashkent TV Tower Timings: Monday to Sunday from 10 am until 8 pm. 

Tashkent TV Tower entrance fee: 40000 UZS ($3.25)

Note: Visitors wanting to go to the observation deck need to show their passport.

Tashkent Metro Stations

One of the best Tashkent attractions as well as one of offbeat things to do in Tashkent is the hop-on and hop-off at Metro stations. Almost every station has its own unique architectural features and artistic elements.

Some stations look like ballrooms with huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling while others look like heritage sites.

There are 50 stations across 4 different lines. I took the Blue line and explored the following stations in an hour.

– Kosmonavtlar

– Uzbekistan

– Pakhtakor

– Gofur Gulom

– Tinchlik

I bought a ticket for 1400 UZS ($0.15) that is valid for one hour. I hopped on and off at each station to photograph it and got on the next upcoming train. I was in absolute awe of the beautiful stations and how nicely it was maintained.

Broadway Street

Broadway Street is a pedestrian street that unites the two most important squares of Tashkent: Amir Temur Square and Independence Square.

Originally known as Sailkogh street, the Broadway Boulevard is a very popular place for the locals as well as tourists to enjoy an evening walk or enjoy a cup of coffee.

The street also has many vendors selling street food, souvenirs, and art stalls.

State Museum of History

The State Museum of History of Uzbekistan gives a broad idea about Uzbekistan’s history. This museum has 2 floors with a range of exhibits showing the history of Uzbekistan spanning 2 millenia.

It’s built in the form of a cube,a modern take on blending a Soviet approach with oriental decorative patterns. 

State Museum of History timing : The museum is open daily, except on Mondays, from 10 am until 6 pm. 

State Museum of History Entrance fee: The entrance fee is 10000 UZS ($0.81) and another 15000 UZS ($1.2) for photography.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Monument

Being an Indian citizen, I had to visit and pay my respects to the former Prime Minister of India who died in Tashkent in 1966. A small statue, dedicated to him has been erected in central part of Tashkent.

The Government has named a road in his memory.

TASHKENT CITY TOURS | TASHKENT WALKING TOURS

There are several guided walking tours in Tashkent. There are several combinations to choose different routes and places that cover most of Tashkent attractions. The tours generally last for 2.5 – 3 hours and are conducted by an English speaking guide. Charges are $35 for a group of 3 people and $45 for 4-6 people.

I did not go on a walking tour and explored all the places by myself.

WHERE TO EAT IN TASHKENT | TASHKENT RESTAURANTS

Tashkent being the modern capital of Uzbekistan and a very important city in Central Asia, there are endless food options. From Uzbek cuisine to Korean, Mediterranean to Indian, Continental to Mexican there are options for everything. 

Uzbek cuisine as well as the restaurants serving food in Tashkent are meat heavy. If you are a vegetarian or vegan like me and wondering if there is vegetarian food in Uzbekistan, then read on!

I used an app called Happy Cow which helped me find a vegetarian or vegan restaurant in the area with directions, menu and phone numbers. It was a huge relief and I relied on that app heavily here.

Here are some of the restaurants I tried while in Tashkent.

Navaat Art Restaurant 

Navat was the first vegetarian option that popped up. It had great reviews and a diverse menu which is why I tried the food here. 

Navat offers a modern and vegetarian twist to many traditional Uzbek dishes. There are soups, salads, pizza and great options for a drink. It also has an outdoor bar and open club area which plays funky music at night.

Address: 9 Matbuotchilar Street, Tashkent 100012

Instagram: Navvat Art Restaurant

Caravan

Caravan is another vegetarian restaurant in Tashkent that offers delicious traditional food, rustic decor, and live music. They have great manti (Central Asian dumplings ), salads, and Uzbek wine. 

Address: 22 Abdulla Kahhar Street, Tashkent

Eco cafe Tashkent

Suggested by the hostel where I was staying, I ordered food through Yandex Food App and got it delivered within 30 minutes. They have great vegan and vegetarian bowl options that are wholesome and healthy.

Address:Olmachi 37, Тashkent

Instagram: Eco Cafe

Cafe 1991

If you are looking for an upscale dining space then head over to Cafe 1991. The cafe offers Uzbek and Lebanese cuisine and has top notch dining reviews. From the ambience, service, and quality of food and beverages everything is amazing. It even features a separate vegetarian menu where the majority of the dishes are also vegan.

The best part is most staff can speak English so you discuss your food preferences and allergies with them.

The cafe is open till 1 am in case you want to dine in till late.

Address: 7 Mustaqillik shoh ko’chasi, Тashkent

Instagram: Cafe 1991

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT UZBEKISTAN

Is Tashkent worth visiting?

Yes! While Tashkent is only used as a transit to visit other heritage cities in Uzbekistan, there are many Tashkent attractions such as historical monuments, incredible architecture, gardens and delicious food. The accommodation, local travel and food is extremely affordable. 

With a daily average travel budget of around $30-75 per day, travellers can enjoy all that the country has to offer without breaking their savings. 

Is travel to Tashkent safe?

Yes! Tashkent is considered a safe destination for tourists. Incidents of violence against tourists are rare. There are police in every tourist site and a helpline number specially for tourists which makes it very reassuring. I met many solo women travellers throughout my journey and everyone said they felt safe at all times.

I took a late night cab once or twice and did not ever feel unsafe.

I also found women taxi drivers in Tashkent making me feel absolutely safe.

How many days to spend in Tashkent?

While there are many things to do in Tashkent and places to visit in Tashkent, the city deserves atleast a 2 days’ visit. 

Do you need a guide in Tashkent?

There are guided walking tours in Tashkent that one may register to and join. There are English and Russian speaking guides available for singular monuments too around the ticketing area. 

Do you need Registration slips from hotels and hostels?

I read about this before going that there are random checks at immigration for registration slips. The registration slip is basically a paper given by the hostel/hotel claiming that you stayed with them. It has your name, date of stay and passport number.

I diligently collected it from all my accommodations but I was not asked to produce it at the immigration.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR VISITING TASHKENT ATTRACTIONS

• Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not trash the heritage site with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully especially in mosques and mausoleums.
• Respect the ancient structures of mosques and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archeological sites and monuments.

I hope this guide on Tashkent attractions helps you plan a trip to this beautiful and underrated city in Uzbekistan. Do you have more questions? Write to me in the comment below and I will reply.

Looking for more Uzbekistan Inspiration? Read Here

• Things to do in Samarkand
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Tashkent Metro Stations
• Things to do in Bukhara
• Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan
• Things to do in Khiva
• Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan
• Travelling by train in Uzbekistan

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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The post Tashkent Attractions | 10 Amazing Places to visit in Tashkent appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.

While Samarkand and Bukhara were non-negotiable during my trip to Uzbekistan, there was a lot of debate if the week-long trip should be extended by 2 more days to include Khiva. Being far from the tourist route, Khiva is often given a miss and it takes some extra effort to include it in the itinerary. 

Located 1000 km away from the capital city of Tashkent, on Uzbekistan’s border near Turkmenistan, I decided to include Khiva in the trip.

While everyone takes a Tashkent to Khiva flight on their second day of arrival in the country, I decided to keep it for the last. I booked myself a ride on a train in Uzbekistan and traveled from Bukhara to Khiva. This overnight train ride was quite exciting and comfortable.

History of Khiva

Khiva, also spelled as Xiva, is a historic town located in the western part of Uzbekistan, in the Khorezm region. 

Khiva’s origins can be traced back to the 6th century when it was founded as a small oasis settlement along the Silk Road. Its location made it an important trading hub for caravans traveling between Asia and the Middle East.

By the 10th century, Khiva had become a well-established town and was known for its advanced culture and scientific achievements.

By the 18th century, the once most important slave-trading town on the Silk Road fell to the raids from neighboring tribes and bands of criminals. 
Today, Khiva is recognized for its exceptionally well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ALL ABOUT ITCHAN KALA AND TIPS TO VISIT

Khiva is popular for its walled inner town known as Itchan Kala (Ichan-Qаl’а). Itchan Kala is famously also known as an open-air museum that houses over 50 historical sites and monuments. The monuments include a palace, mosques and minarets.

The inner town also houses over 350 residences and many restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and cafes. 

Itchan Kala Entrance 

Tourists are required to buy a ticket at the West Gate to enter the Itchan Kala. This ticket is essential to enter the monuments and visit the minarets. However, if you simply want to explore the old town monuments from the exterior, there are many free entrances. One can enter through the caravanserai as well.

Note that if you are a guest at any of the hotels/guesthouses in Itchan Qala, you don’t need to buy an entrance ticket for Itchan Kala. 

Itchan Kala Timing

Itchan Kala is open 24X7 as there are many locals living in the old town. However, the monuments and places to visit in Itchan Kala open at 8 am and close around 6 pm.

Itchan Kala Entrance Fees

The Itchan Kala entrance ticket costs 150,000 som ($12) and is valid for two days. Payment can be made in cash (ideally) or card. This ticket allows entry to all the main attractions in Itchan Kala such as the monuments, museums, the city walls and the watchtower. 

A ticket with QR code will be handed out and it will be scanned every time you want to enter any site. Hence, it is best to keep it handy.

The entrance to the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum and Islam Khoha Minaret is not included in this ticket. It needs to be bought separately from the entrance of both the sites. Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum entry fee is 25,000 som ($2) while for climbing the Islam Khoha Minaret is an additional 100,000 som ($8).

BEST THINGS TO DO IN KHIVA (IN ITCHAN KALA) 

Since all the things to do in Khiva are in Itchan Kala, here is the list of all the attractions in Khiva that are a must visit.

Photograph Kalta Minor Minaret

Standing tall at 95 feet, the Kalta Minor Minaret is also known as the “unfinished minaret” because it is only about a third of its intended height. It has quite a large diameter which was supposed to be only the base of the minaret. The minaret is covered with vibrant turquoise tilework with beautiful designs. 

There are many legends as to why the minaret was left unfinished. The ruler of Khiva, Muhammad Amin Khan, hired an architect to build the tallest minaret in the area. But the architect had an agreement with the khan of Bukhara that once finished, he would build an even taller one for him. Muhammad Amin Khan found out and planned to kill the architect once he was finished, but the architect escaped before construction was completed. While another legend says that Muhammad Amin Khan died before the construction due to which the work stopped.

No matter what the legend is, the minaret looks beautiful at all times of the day.

Visit Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah

Right next to the Kalta Minor Minaret is the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah. It was known as one of the largest madrasahs in Central Asia. This two-storied Islamic school has 125 rooms for 260 students which are now converted into hotel rooms.

This Madrasa has now been converted into a hotel known as the Orient Star Hotel. In spite of being a private hotel, tourists are allowed to enter the hotel and visit the central courtyard. I was jealous of the guests staying there who were happily sipping coffee inside a historical place.

Explore Kuhna Ark and the watchtower

The Kuhna Ark is a palace in Khiva, Uzbekistan. The yesteryear ruler, a Khan had his private harem, stables, barracks, mosque, and jail here. The Summer Mosque is open-air and covered in beautiful blue and white tiles. The walls around the mosque also have beautifully painted ceilings.

The large room that is directly ahead of the entrance is the throne room which is also worth checking out. 

The steps to the watchtower are behind this throne room. The watchtower is popular to get the best view of the entire Itchan Kala. 

I did not go to the watchtower, because I got a fantastic view from my hotel itself!

Pay respect at Juma Mosque

The Juma Mosque is the oldest mosque in Khiva and is also known as the “Friday Mosque”. The stunning woodwork makes this mosque a crowd puller in Khiva, Uzbekistan.

The Juma mosque has 218 wooden columns that support its low-ceiling wooden roof – a traditional Iranian concept. The pillars have simple yet beautiful carvings and each pillar is different from each other.

In the center of the mosque is an area open to the sky to let natural light come in which makes the mosque airy and well lit.

I was intrigued to notice a few holes in the walls. Those were purposely made to amplify the voice of the “Imam” during prayer.

Spend time at Islam Khoja Madrasah and Minaret

The Islam Khoja Minaret is the jewel of Khiva, Uzbekistan. It was the first site in Uzbekistan to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in the early 19th century, the minaret helped travelers find their way to the city as it could be seen from a distance.

It is located in front of the madrasa that bears the same name. An interesting fact about this architectural complex is that the madrasah was intentionally designed to be smaller than average while the minaret was intended to be the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan.

It is also one of the few minarets in Uzbekistan that allows visitors to climb to the top. It was closed for restoration and opened in early 2023 for tourists but when I visited in August 2023, it was closed. There was no guard to tell me why and till when.

Visit Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum

The Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum is not included in any of the entrance tickets, and tourists need to pay an additional 25,000 UZS to enter.

The mausoleum is dedicated to Pahlavon Mahmud, who was a revered 14th-century Iranian poet, writer and wrestler. This is a holy site where many professional Iranian wrestlers still pray to Pahlavon Mahmud before matches and many believers drink the holy water. It is believed that Pahlavon rescued locals from slavery. 

The mausoleum and Pahlavon’s tomb dates back to the 14th century. Every inch of the interior of the mausoleum is covered in deep blue, turquoise and white tilework with intricate decorations and stunning chandeliers that hang from the ceiling.

Get mesmerized at Tash Khauli Palace

The Tosh-Hovli Palace (also called Stone Palace or Tash Khauli) is another palace in Khiva, Uzbekistan. 

There are over 150 rooms and 9 courtyards inside this palace. The Khan had 5 wives and over 40 concubines. The wives lived on the left-hand side of the courtyard, and the concubines shared the rooms on the right-hand side.

The interior of the palace is full of blue tile work from wall to ceiling. Because of its size, it has many small entrances that lead to stunning courtyards.

Chase the Silk Road Statues

There are many statues in Itchan Kala that portray medieval social life in the region. The statues reflect historical events, ancient traditions, ​​and the social life of the people of Khiva and surrounding regions during the Silk Road times. 

Go looking for them as they are spread out over the entire area!

Explore Itchan Kala, Khiva at night

I honestly feel Khiva, Uzbekistan is more beautiful at night than the day. Of course the interior of the palaces and mosques look beautiful during the day, but the way the monuments around Itchan Kala are lit up after sunsets makes it look so stunning.

Compare yourself and tell me if I am wrong.

There are many cafes offering rooftop seating with the views of Itchan Kala. This is also one of the things to do in Khiva.

Shopping in Khiva Bazaars

There is no dearth of souvenirs in Uzbekistan and tourists will find most streets in Itchan Kala lined with shops. Anything and everything you want from the various crafts of Uzbekistan are available here. The ceramics, silk textiles, woodcarvings, jewelry, ceramics, carpets, bread stamps, keychains everything is available on street side shops. 

DAY TRIPS FROM KHIVA, UZBEKISTAN

It is ideal to spend 2 days in Khiva – one day in Itchan Kala during the day and night and one day to explore the deserts of Uzbekistan and the gems it holds.

After all, more than half of Uzbekistan’s territory is covered by deserts named Kyzylkum and Aralkum and Ustyurt desert plateau.

Muynak Ship Cemetery and Aral Sea Ship Graveyard

Once upon a time, the Aral Sea was once the 4th largest inland salt sea in the world. However, the two river systems- the Amudarya and the Syrdarya that the Aral Sea depends on, were extensively irrigated to support cotton farming in the mid 20th century. The water flow began to decrease in the 1960s and by the year 2000, the sea lost 3/4 of its volume. This caused the water that was left to be too salty for fish or fauna to inhabit. Many fishermen lost their livelihoods.

The nearby town of Muynak which was once a major fishing port, was now over 100 miles from the water. Some of fishermen’s boats still remain which can now become the tourist’s spot. 

Tourists can see the Muynak History Museum which has pictures on the thriving boats and happy life of fishermen as compared to the dry lake bed. 

Muynak Ship Cemetery is 370 km away (one way) and takes about 6.5 hours to reach. It is best to leave very early in the morning, explore the area for 2 hours and come back late at night. 

Khorezm Fortresses

A collection of 50 fortresses in the middle of Karakalpak Desert, the Khorezm Fortresses, are also called Ellik Kala. With some of these fortresses being a couple of thousand years old, they are listed as the Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

While only 20 of these fortresses remain, some of the must visit ones are Toprak Kala, Kizil Kala, Ayaz Kala and Jonobs Kala.

The fortresses are 100 km away from Khiva and tourists can visit a couple of them.

Note: Day trips can be organized by the hotel with a private car and driver. 

WHERE TO STAY IN KHIVA, UZBEKISTAN

I would highly recommend tourists to choose an option in Itchan Kala rather than staying in the outer city or near the railway station. There are 2 advantages of choosing a hotel in Itchan Kala: everything is walking distance and another being you don’t need to pay an entrance ticket to enter Itchan Kala. 

There are luxurious hotels, homestays and guesthouses to pick from. Here are my recommendations:

Luxurious Hotels in Khiva

New Star Hotel

Another madrasah that is converted into a luxurious hotel is New Star Hotel. However, this one is not inside the Itchan Kala but a mere couple of minutes walking distance. The Muhammad Mahram Madrasah converted into the hotel is a lovely property with all modern amenities.  

It can be booked here

Polvonnazir Guest House 

Polvonnazir Guest House is in the middle of Itchan Kala, practically a few steps away from the main sights of Khiva and many restaurants. The view from the balcony, where you will have your breakfast, is amazing. The rooms are also comfortable and cozy.

It can be booked here. 

Mid-range Hotels in Khiva

Nazira Boutique Hotel

I stayed here and I absolutely recommend it for the comfort as well as the view. The restaurant (where breakfast is served) is on the second floor with a view of the Kalta Minor minaret. There is another level with a terrace and if it is not cold and breezy, one can simply spend the evening here looking at the sky changing colours from blue to orange. The breakfast option is really good!

It can be booked here. 

Anor Qal’a

This family owner guesthouse is a great option for a stay in Itchan Kala.

It can be booked here. 

Budget hotels/guesthouse in Khiva

Khiva Mirza Bobur Guest House

It is a family-owned guest house in the center of the old city. Getting a budget guest house right in front of Kunha ark is a great option so I’d suggest going for it. 

It can be booked here.

Guest House Orzu

Another budget-friendly guesthouse, located in Itchan Kala near the East Gate. It’s conveniently located near the main attractions. The hosts speak in Spanish, English and Russian which is great!

It can be booked here.

WHERE TO EAT IN KHIVA

Being a vegetarian I was worried about the options of food since Khiva is a small town. But I was pleasantly surprised that most restaurants had a few options. 

Recommended Read: Vegetarian Food in Uzbekistan

Street Food

Khiva being a small historical town there are no street food joints as compared to other cities. However, in the Kunha Ark courtyard, you may see locals making ‘non’ or the uzbek bread and manti (pumpkin dumplings). The tandoor is right on the side of the courtyard in front of Terrasa cafe. I tried the spiced Uzbek bread which was so much better than the normal bread I ate everywhere in Uzbekistan so it was a welcome change. 

Seeing them make it and having it piping hot was an amazing experience. If you see them baking, go and buy them. They keep some for trying and you can buy them once you like it!

Tapas Restaurant

A rooftop restaurant with a view of Itchan Kala, this restaurant has many vegetarian options. I ordered the Shivit Oshi again and tried the lentil soup and since it was so soothing, I ordered a bowl of plain rice to go with it.

Terresa Cafe

Located in front of the Kunha Ark courtyard, this cafe is hard to miss. It gives a fantastic view of Kalta Minor minaret and a few other monuments from their terrace. 

It is popular for drinks and food at sunset. While the food was not that great they have an entire page of vegetarian dishes. I tried their pumpkin soup, shivit oshi noodles and a veg platter.

Shivit oshi noodles are a Khiva specialty. It consists of green noodles which are infused with dill and served with a hearty stew of potatoes and carrots. It also comes with a side of tangy yogurt.

HOW TO REACH KHIVA

By Train

There is an overnight sleeper train that runs from Tashkent to Khiva. It stops at Bukhara and other cities and towns. I boarded this train from Bukhara at 9pm and reached Khiva the next day at 6am. It crosses through the desert and one can feel the desert dust in the train coach. The trains are extremely comfortable with beddings and space to store the luggage.

Train bookings open 2 months in advance and can be booked on the official train website.

By Flight

There are 2 flights everyday between Khiva (Urgench Airport) and Bukhara. This same flight hops to Tashkent. Run by Uzbekistan Airways, it is a 2 hours flight with a wait time of 30-45 minutes between the hopping. Snacks are not served or sold on this flight. So pick up something at the airport kiosk.

How to get around Khiva

The best way to get around the town is by foot. Choose a hotel in Itchan Kala or the inner wall city and everything is walking distance. 

From the railway station, Itchan Kala is 7-8 minutes away which is a walking distance too. But to figure out which entrance to take can be tricky. Best is to hire a taxi. Although a bit expensive it makes sense to hire it if you have a lot of luggage (trolley bags). 

Yandex app doesn’t operate in Khiva and one has to rely on these local taxis to get by.

You will also have to book a cab to Urgench airport as it is 45 km away from Khiva. Request your hotel/guesthouse and they will be happy to do it. We were charged UZS 1,50,000 ($12) for the one-way taxi to the airport.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR A TRIP TO KHIVA, UZBEKISTAN

Best time to visit Khiva

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during fall months September- October or spring months April-May. Being a desert area, Khiva’s tourist season is between September – October. I visited in August end wherein the tourists were still less but the heat was still extreme in the afternoon. The Evenings were pleasant and one of the two evenings I spent there was actually cold and breezy.

Money in Khiva

I had read about this before going which is why I carried cash to be safe. However there were some unexpected expenses due to which I ran out of cash. Since there are few ATMs in Khiva, I relied on USD. hotels accepts both som and USD as ongoing rate. The entrance ticket is best bought with cash in som. While the restaurants and cafes accept credit cards (mostly visa and not mastercard, for some reason).

What to pack for Khiva, Uzbekistan

There are many mosques and mausoleums in Itchan Kala which are the must visit places in Khiva Uzbekistan. Visiting these religious sites, tourists are required to cover their shoulders and knees as a respect. The afternoons are also hot while mornings and evenings are cool.

It is best to wear long and flowy dresses and keep a shawl/stole with you at all times to use as a cover for shoulder in case of a sleeveless dress or to cover the head when too hot or a warmer if it’s too cold. Cotton t-shirts and pants work the best for women and men.

Language in Khiva

Compared to Tashkent, most hotels and taxi drivers could speak English in Khiva. The souvenir store owners could get by with little English and Russian.

FAQs FOR THINGS TO DO IN KHIVA

Is Khiva worth visiting?

Yes! Khiva, Uzbekistan is a great destination for tourists especially because of its inner old town – Itchan Kala. With historical monuments and the desert it is an interesting UNESCO Heritage Site to visit . The accommodation, local travel and food is extremely affordable. 

This is always a debate among travelers and when most of them decide to go, they don’t get the tickets. Since locals also use these trains and flights as mode of transport, it is difficult to keep track, as foreigners on booking train tickets. If sold out, one has to rely on the high cost of flight tickets.

How many days in Khiva?

Ideally 2 days! As most of the main tourist points can be easily covered in one day, the second day can be spent doing a day trip from Khiva. 

Is Khiva safe for tourists?

Yes, Khiva, like the other cities in Uzbekistan, is very safe for solo travelers and women.

Getting a local guide in Khiva?

It is always better to get a guide as they can explain the history in depth and take you to hidden courtyards behind closed doors in Itchan Kala. A guide can be hired at the east gate where you buy the tickets. An English-speaking guide costs around $30 in total for 2 people, for a 3-hour tour. 

While I did not encounter a guide inside Itchan Kala, you may be approached by locals posing as guides near Islam Khoja Madrasah who offer to show you around for $10 per person for a 3 hour tour. 

Note: I did not get a guide and explore Itchan Kala on my own.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO KHIVA UZBEKISTAN

• Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary. Most restaurants and hotels have drinking water containers.
• Do not trash the heritage site with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully especially in mosques and mausoleums.
• Respect the ancient structures of mosques and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archeological sites and monuments.

I hope this blog on things to do in Khiva Uzbekistan helps you plan a trip to this beautiful and underrated town. Do you have more questions? Write to me in the comment below and I will reply.

Looking for more Uzbekistan Inspiration? Read Here

• Things to do in Samarkand
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Tashkent Metro Stations
• Things to do in Bukhara
• Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan
• Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan
• Travelling by train in Uzbekistan

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

PIN THIS POST!

The post Best Things to do in Khiva Uzbekistan appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.

A lot of people asked me why travel to Uzbekistan and I counter asked them why not? This blogs answers all such questions asked to me and why it should be on your travel list. This Uzbeskistan guide is the perfect list you don’t have to make!

The underrated gem of Central Asia – Uzbekistan is rich in history, architecture and heritage due to its location on the legendary Silk Road. The cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are some of the most popular silk road cities in the country.

With the country opening its doors to tourism thanks to the flexible visa laws and great transportation across the country as well as the neighboring countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan), Uzbekistan is a wonderful travel destination. It is also the perfect introduction to Central Asia!

Come delve into the details of this wonderful country with this Uzbekistan Travel Guide.

TRAVEL IN UZBEKISTAN : THE COMPLETE GUIDE

UZBEKISTAN VISA

The citizens of 76 countries including the United States, China, and India have been granted the right to receive an electronic entry visa for a period of 30 days.

The citizens of the European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and many more countries can travel to Uzbekistan visa-free for a period of 30 days.

If your country of citizenship isn’t on any list, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the Uzbek Embassy.

Costs for Uzbekistan E-Visa 

Uzbekistan e-visa cost is 20 USD and has to be paid with a valid Visa credit card. Double entry costs 35 USD and multiple entry costs 50 USD.

After filling basic information, one has to upload the soft copy of passport and photograph. You also have to fill in dates of travel to Uzbekistan. And then make a payment.

The visa usually comes in 3-4 working days. The visa is valid for 30 days. 

Apply for a visa at least a month in advance and check for entry dates (as per your flight details) as the visa will carry the date you applied on and is valid for 3 months.

For example, if you are traveling on 15th September and applied for a visa 2 months prior, then your visa date validity will be 15 July to 15 October. You can travel anytime during these 3 months and your visa will be valid for 30 dates from your date of arrival. 

In many cases there are issues with dates so check thoroughly. For any issues you may write to mail@e-visa.gov.uz and you will get a response soon.

FLIGHTS TO UZBEKISTAN

Flights to Uzbekistan are quite affordable from India, with round-way flights from Delhi to Tashkent starting at around $400 – $550 (INR 32,000 – 45000) offered by Uzbekistan Airways, Indigo Airlines and Air India. 

There are some great transit options from other Indian cities to Samarkand via UAE. Look for the best flight options here – Flights to Tashkent

Visitors will likely fly into Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport. There are many carriers that fly from many countries to Tashkent. Their national airlines – Uzbekistan Airlines has direct flights to Delhi in India as well other neighboring countries including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, etc.

How to get from Tashkent Airport to the city?

The airport is about 5 kilometers from the center of the capital and it’s best to take a taxi to your hotel. The time duration is approximately 10-15 minutes depending upon the location of your hotel.

More affordable and quickest option is to hail an app-based taxi called YandexGo. They are extremely affordable and generally do not crib about big bags in luggage. It costs approximately 25,000-35000 SOM ($3-5) to get from the airport to the city center.

GETTING AROUND IN UZBEKISTAN

There are many ways to get around Uzbekistan – train, private taxi or flight. How to travel in Uzbekistan out of these options depends on your budget, where you want to go, and how much time you have. Trains are amazing in Uzbekistan with the option of a bullet train called Afrosiyob or an overnight sleeper train called Sharq.

Trains

Uzbekistan has an excellent transportation infrastructure, including trains that connect the far east to west. All the major cities and towns are well connected. These trains are comfortable, mostly on time, and are a great way to explore the country. Trains are the primary mode of transportation between cities in Uzbekistan.

Railway tickets in Uzbekistan can be booked via the official website here. Make sure you book train tickets 2 months in advance, especially during tourist season as the seats get filled quickly. There is enough storage space in both the trains and they are extremely clean and comfortable.

Flights

The country is well serviced with domestic airlines – Uzbekistan Airways. All the major 4 cities – Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva (Urgench airport) have domestic airports with good connectivity. The distance between most cities is 30-45 minutes.

Taxis

Within cities, tourists can use local taxis or app based taxis – YandexGo. Similar to Uber, it is widely used in Uzbekistan. This is really useful as you don’t have to haggle with the taxi drivers regarding the fares and confusion regarding the destination – the accent makes it difficult to understand. I used it in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara without any issues. However, in Khiva the app service is not available. 

In Tashkent, payment is possible through card. Even food delivery is possible through the YandexGo app in Tashkent.

Metro

While metro exists only in the city of Tashkent, it is one of the best and oldest systems. The metro stations are a landmark in themselves and thankfully it is now allowed to photograph. The metro connectivity is amazing within the city and is very affordable.

UZBEKISTAN ITINERARY

If you’re wondering how many days you need to visit Uzbekistan, then it can be done within a few days or few weeks. It is possible to visit the main tourist attractions in Uzbekistan within one week. However, to cover the silk road highlights I suggest 10 days in Uzbekistan.

10 days Uzbekistan itinerary

Day 1-2:  Explore Tashkent

Day 3-5: Trip to Samarkand

Day 6-7: Trip to Bukhara

Day 8-9: Trip to Khiva

Day 10: Fly back to Tashkent and back to your country

WHERE TO STAY IN UZBEKISTAN

Thanks to the boom in tourism in the last few years, there is no dearth of accommodation options in Uzbekistan. There are hostels and AirBnBs also easily available.

Average price per night for stay:

Hostels: $10-20

Guest Houses: $20-30

Hotels: $30 – 50

Tashkent

Art Hostel

I heard about this hostel from a lot of backpackers and they had great reviews about it. So I decided to stay here and it lived up to its promise. Tucked in a small alley in a residential area, it is a peaceful place. Metro station is 500 meters and there are a couple of banks and convenience stores near the hostel so it’s easy to get around. The hostel is clean and cozy.

They serve breakfast with a good variety of vegetarian options. Only disappointment was that they didn’t accept card payments. Cash is acceptable in SOM or USD.

Art Hostel can be booked here.

Michelin Hotel

Located close to Art Hostel, I promised myself to stay here the next time. This 3-star hotel features a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bar. The premises also has an ATM. The accommodation features a concierge service, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests. 

Michelin Hotel can be booked here. 

Hotel Uzbekistan

One of the most luxurious properties in Tashkent, the hotel is a landmark in itself. Located at the posh Amir Temur square, the property has a pool, spa and indoor game options. There are 2 restaurants that cook up quite a storm with lip-smackingly delicious Uzbek and global cuisine. 

Hotel Uzbekistan can be booked here. 

Samarkand

Registan Hostel

Located very close to the Registan Square, Registan Hostel has air conditioned dorms and private rooms. It also features complimentary WiFi access and a common lounge, shared kitchen and airport transfers. 

The property can be booked here.

Muborak Hostel

A family run hostel, it has the feel of a guest house or AirBnB. It is 1 km from Bibi Khanum mosque and can be easily reached by a short walk.

The rooms are clean and comfortable at Muborak Hostel. And the food buffet at breakfast and dinner is incredible too. The owner has a convenience store that sells baked goods (including Uzbek bread), snacks, water, cold drinks, etc.
Muborak Hostel can be booked here.

Orient Star Hotel

The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and poolside terrace that is located in the old part of the city. Orient Star Samarkand’s rooms include a minibar, TV and wi-fi. Breakfast is provided in the hotel’s restaurant, which serves both European and regional Uzbek cuisine.

Orient Star Hotel can be booked here.

Bukhara

Diyor Hostel

Located in Bukhara, there is a garden, shared lounge, terrace and free WiFi. They also offer continental breakfast. The property can be booked here.

Grand Ark Hotel

I stayed here for 2 nights exploring the Bukhara. It is an idyllic property with very comfortable rooms. Grand Ark Bukhara features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, and free WiFi throughout the property. 

At the hotel, the rooms come with a wardrobe. Each room comes with air conditioning, a desk and a flat-screen TV, and certain rooms at Grand Ark Bukhara have a balcony. 

The property can be booked here.

Lyabi House Hotel

I went to their in-house restaurant and promised myself to stay the next time! I highly recommend one meal at the Avyan Restaurant – the aesthetics are so well done!

Located in the historic centre of Bukhara, Lyabi House Hotel is set in a 19th-century building decorated with antique furnishings. With free Wi-Fi access, the air-conditioned rooms all come with a refrigerator, a work desk and a TV. Each has a private bathroom equipped with a bathtub, free toiletries and a hairdryer.

The restaurant offers Uzbek cuisine, which is served on the terrace in warm months. Breakfast is available daily.

Lyabi House Hotel can be booked here.

Khiva

Islam Khodja 

The property provides air-conditioned accommodation in Khiva. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and slippers, rooms at Islam Khodja also feature free WiFi. 

It can be booked here.

Nazira Boutique Hotel

Nazira Boutique Hotel features family rooms and is located right in front of Ichan Kala. This property also provides guests with a picnic area and has free WiFi.

The guest house provides guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bath. All units include a wardrobe. Breakfast is available daily, and includes Asian, vegetarian and halal options.

It can be booked here.

BUDGET FOR UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL

The amount of money you spend in a country completely depends on how soon you book your flight tickets, number of days you plan to do, the kind of hotels you stay in, the type of restaurants you visit, and the amount of shopping you do. However, Uzbekistan is an extremely affordable country in general.

You can find nice luxury hotels for less than $50 per night. Hostels can be hit or miss, so if you’re on a budget I suggest opting for AirBnB or guest houses in Bukhara and Khiva.

Food options are great everywhere and very affordable. There are vegetarian options in most places. You can get delicious street food for $1-$3. Sit down meals at nice restaurants cost approximately $5 – 10 per head.

Renting a car with a driver costs approximately $15-20 for 1 day. You can negotiate the cost of excursions with tour agents or guides. Rates are competitive and affordable. 

However, I suggest keeping some money aside for the souvenirs in Uzbekistan because there are so charming and unique you would want to buy a lot!

On an average, per day budget would be around $30-75 excluding the flights, internal train transport and visa.

UZBEKISTAN FOOD GUIDE

Being a vegetarian, I was quite worried about getting vegetarian food in Uzbekistan. Most of the food is meat heavy. Although less, there are vegetarian options in Uzbekistan – even in Khiva. I cannot say so for the countryside or smaller towns, but I got decent veg options in all 4 cities I traveled in.

If you are wondering what to eat in Uzbekistan or best Uzbekistan food to try then check out this list. I am sticking to the most popular vegetarian options, since I am a vegetarian but there are many meat options too.

Uzbek Bread

Traditional Uzbek bread (locally known as ‘non’) is particularly sacred in Uzbek culture. Flat and round, this bread is torn by hand before eating. The flour is mixed with water, salt and yeast and made to rest. Once it rises, the dough is weighed, rolled into round shapes, added with sesame seeds and baked in a tandoor till the crust is crispy.

The delicious fragrance reverberates through small streets of each city and you can be sure there is a small bread making factory tucked behind some closed doors.

This bread is served with each meal and acts like a side dish.

Manti

Similar to momos, Manti is another traditional Uzbek dish. They are small, steamed dumplings filled with meat (usually lamb or beef) and onions. They are also made in potato and pumpkin fillings for vegetarians. Manti is served with a yogurt that is garnished with dill. 

Gumma 

Gumma is the most delicious meat pies. Most often there are fried, but at home they are baked.  They are usually served with tomato sauce, lightly peppered. The vegetarian version has potatoes or pumpkin in them.

Plov

Plov is very symbolic to Uzbek cuisine. Plov, just like Pulav in India, consists of traditional rice with meat and carrots. There are many variations of this recipe, depending on the region, however, the Samarkand Plov is the most peculiar one.

Plov incorporates quail eggs, chickpeas, raisins, garlic and a rich combination of spices such as saffron, coriander or Berberis seeds. For its preparation sheep’s fat and cottonseed oil are used, which is what gives it its characteristic flavour. In many areas, horse meat is used in Plov, making it a rare speciality.

Plov is not available in vegetarian version (unfortunately).

Shivit Oshi

Shivit oshi is a unique Uzbekistani dish of bright, green noodles and can be found almost exclusively in the city of Khiva. The noodles for shivit oshi are colored with dill infusion and, when cooked, covered with a hearty stew of potatoes and carrots. It is served with tangy yoghurt.

Fruits

Uzbekistan is home to a diverse array of fruits that are both delicious and nutritious. Some of the most popular fruits grown in the country include melon, watermelon, apricots, peaches, pomegranate, apples, grapes and figs. Fruits and dry fruits are generally offered in breakfast. 

I had the sweetest and juiciest melons and peaches here everyday for breakfast and they should not be missed.

Tea

Every meal is incomplete without Uzbek tea. Uzbek tea, also known as Chay, is a traditional drink that is offered to guests and is part of the traditional culture. It is typically made from black tea leaves, which are grown in the mountains of the country. Green tea with honey is also amazing and should be tried while traveling in Uzbekistan.

Somsa

A puff pastry very similar to Samosa in India, the filling is also of potato and onion. Sometimes, it has meat filling too. Somsa like Samosa is shaped in a triangularl shape and can be either baked or fried. It is a popular street food in Uzbekistan and can be found at most local markets and street vendors.

BEST TIME TO VISIT UZBEKISTAN

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during fall months September- October or spring months April-May. Summer months (June to August) are extremely hot and uncomfortable. Walking around the historical sights becomes actually difficult and uncomfortable. And I am saying this even though I live in an Indian city that experiences 40 degrees summer for 3 months straight. The roads look deserted and everything kind of shuts down between 1-4pm.

Winter (December to February) months are extremely cold with chilly winds and it may snow.

WHAT TO PACK FOR UZBEKISTAN

When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, it’s important to consider the customs and climate of the country. As it is a relatively conservative country, it is best to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites such as mosques and mausoleums.

When visiting religious sites, you need to cover your shoulders and knees. Outside of the religious sites, you can dress as per your comfort. Unlike some countries, it is not compulsory to wear a headscarf in Uzbekistan.

Summers in Uzbekistan are extremely hot, so it’s essential to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Pack light, cotton and airy clothing that can help you to stay cool during the daytime. Carry a stole/shawl which can be wrapped around the waist or shoulder if need be. Most religious places have a scarf or shrug and request you to wear one.

Always carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. Banks, convenience stores, hotels and hotels have water dispensers with hot and cold water so fill the bottle before heading out.

LANGUAGE IN UZBEKISTAN

The main language spoken in Uzbekistan is Uzbek language. It is spoken by the majority of the population and is used in official government and educational settings. However, Russian is also widely spoken and understood, particularly in urban areas. 

Most locals in tourist areas can speak English but it is always handy to keep Google translate with you. I found youngsters in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to be better versed in English than in Tashkent.

Key Phrases in Uzbek to get you by

Salom (sa-lom) – Hello

Rahmat (rah-mat) – Thank you

Do svidaniya (das-vee-da-ni-ya) – Goodbye

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT UZBEKISTAN

Is Uzbekistan worth visiting?

Yes! Uzbekistan is a great destination for tourists for many reasons – from historical monuments, incredible architecture, interesting culture, friendly locals and delicious cuisine. The accommodation, local travel and food is extremely affordable. 

With a daily average travel budget of around $30-75 per day, travelers can enjoy all that the country has to offer without breaking their savings. All of these factors combined make travel to Uzbekistan an excellent destination for tourists.

The country also has an easy e-visa process available making it a hassle free destination to visit. This makes it easy for travelers to plan their trip and obtain the necessary documents within a short period of time.

Is travel to Uzbekistan safe?

Yes! Uzbekistan is considered a safe destination for tourists. Incidents of violence against tourists are rare. There are police in every tourist site and a helpline number specially for tourists which makes it very reassuring. I met many solo women travelers throughout my journey and everyone said they felt safe at all times. Read in detail here – Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists?

In any case and any country it is important that tourists should always be aware of their surroundings, and keep an eye on their personal belongings, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. I walked alone in alleys of cities and even took cabs at 11 pm and I did not feel unsafe. 

How many days do you need to travel in Uzbekistan?

As mentioned in this Uzbekistan travel guide, when planning a trip to Uzbekistan, it’s important to consider how much time you have available and what you want to see and do. A typical itinerary for a first-time visitor should be 7-10 days in Uzbekistan, allowing you to see the main highlights of the country.

Buying a SIM card in Uzbekistan?

Although most hostels/hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi if you want to be connected on the go, it is best to buy a prepaid SIM card with data. It will also be useful to make/receive calls from taxi drivers to coordinate the exact location.

Ucell, Mobiuz and Beeline are the companies that operate in the country and most of them offer the same prices. They have 4G connectivity throughout the country. I bought a Ucell data card from the Tashkent International Airport arrival as I needed to call my driver for pick-up and it was the best decision ever. Getting into the city and then trying to find a store can get cumbersome. Plus the airport accepts USD so you don’t need to exchange money immediately.

There are 3 data packs for tourists:

5 GB ~ 30 days ~ 25,000 SOM ($2.19)

20 GB ~ 30 days ~ 50,000 SOM ($4.38)

50 GB ~ 30 days ~ 1,00,000 SOM ($.8.24)

Do you need a guide in Uzbekistan?

The silk road is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and one can understand the history well if there is a guide with you. Although tourists can hire local guides at each tourist destination who offer services in many languages, I suggest that having a guide on the entire trip is beneficial as one can visit some offbeat spots. The guides also know good places to eat and stay.

Is travel to Uzbekistan cheap?

Yes. Owing to the currency conversions (12000 Uzbek Som  ~ 1 USD ~ 83 INR) and lower cost of living, it is affordable to travel in Uzbekistan. 

What should you avoid in Uzbekistan?

Do not drink tap water. Always ask the hotel staff for filtered drinking water and in most hostels and hotels there are filtered water dispensers. In restaurants you have to buy bottled water as they do not serve water like in India.

Is a Covid-19 test needed to enter Uzbekistan?

As of May 2023, you don’t need a Covid test. But it’s always better to check the embassy website in your country to get the latest information.

Do you need Registration slips from hotels and hostels?

I read about this before going that there are random checks at immigration for registration slips. The registration slip is basically a paper given by the hostel/hotel claiming that you stayed with them. It has your name, date of stay and passport number.

I diligently collected it from all my accommodations but I was not asked to produce it at the immigration.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL GUIDE

In conclusion, Uzbekistan is a wonderful destination and great introduction to Central Asia. With many heritage sites to explore and adventure options, there is something for every kind of traveler. Being budget-friendly and very close to India (2.5 hour direct flight from Delhi), it can be easily added to bucket-list destinations.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO UZBEKISTAN

• Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not trash the heritage site with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
• Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully especially in mosques and mausoleums.
• Respect the ancient structures of mosques and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archeological sites and monuments.

I hope this Uzbekistan travel guide helps you plan a trip to this beautiful and underrated country. Do you have more questions? Write to me in the comment below and I will reply.

Looking for more Uzbekistan Inspiration? Read Here

• Things to do in Samarkand
• Tashkent Metro Stations
• Things to do in Bukhara
• Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan
• Things to do in Khiva
• Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan
• Travelling by train in Uzbekistan

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