21 Awesome Places To Visit In Uzbekistan | How To Reach | Best Time To Visit

Uzbekistan is famous for its historical culture and stunning architecture. Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia and the ancient Silk Road passes through the country, as well as its ancient cities and the warm hospitality of its people.

The ancient sites of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and millions of tourists visit Uzbekistan every year to see the magnificent mosques, madrasas, minarets and the grandeur of Islamic art and architecture. The modern city of Tashkent is worth visiting, along with its Soviet era architecture and bazaars.

When it comes to natural beauty, the picturesque Fergana Valley and the vast Kyzylkum Desert add to the natural beauty of the country and attract adventurous tourists. Uzbekistan is famous for its traditional handicrafts, delicious cuisine and colorful festivals.

Uzbekistan is currently focusing on tourism, which is why it has granted visa free access to many countries. Uzbekistan is currently emerging as an important tourist destination in Asia, offering travelers an unforgettable experience of its traditions and breathtaking historical sites.

Here are the top tourist places to visit in Uzbekistan and details on how to reach them:

1. Tashkent : Capital City

Main Attractions :

Hazrat Imam Complex

Chorsu Bazaar

Tashkent Tower

How to Reach : Tashkand International Airport is well connected to other countries from Asia Middle East and Europe. From nearby countries like Kazakhstan and Tajikistan you can reach by train also.

2. Samarkand

Main Attractions :

The Registan Square

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

How to Reach : Samarkand has International Airport and you can reach by flight from Tashkent. From Tashkent high speed Afrosiyob trains are also available to Samarkand. Private cars and Taxis are easily available from Tashkent to Samarkand.

3. Bukhara

Main Attractions :

Ark Fortress

Kalon Minaret

Lyab-i Hauz Complex

How to Reach : Bukhara has International Airport. Flights and Trains are available from Tashkent to Bukhara which take 1 hour flight or 4 hour train ride. Bye Road you can travel by private car from Tashkent to Bukhara.

4. Khiva

Main Attractions :

Inner Khiva City

Itchan Kala UNESCO World Heritage Site

How to Reach : Nearest city Urgench has domestic airport which is 30 km from khiva and flights from Tashkent to Urgench are available. From there you can travel by taxi or bus to Khiva.

5. Shahrisabz

Main Attractions :

Amir Timur (Tamerlane)

Ak Saray Palace

Dorut Tilovat Complex

How to Reach : It is about 90 kilometre from samarkand and can be reached by car or bus in around 2 hours.

6. Fergana Valley

Main Attractions :

Fergana Valley View

Margilan

Kokand

Rishtan

How to Reach : Take a domestic flight or train from Tashkent to Fergana City or by road you can drive through scenic mountain passes which take 5 to 6 hour to reach.

7. Nukus

Main Attractions :

Nukus City

Savitsky Museum

How to Reach : Nukus has domestic airport and flights are available from Tashkent to Nukus. If you want to take long distance train journey then by train from tashkand to Nukus take about 15 to 18 hours to reach.

8. Kyzylkum Desert

Main Attractions :

Ancient Khorezm Fortress Ruins

How to Reach : To reach Kyzylkum Desert, take flight from Tashkent to Bukhara International Airport and from there train and buses are easily available to Desert.

Best Time To Visit

April To November

This is the best time for exploring and sightseeing Uzbekistan's historical cities like SamarKhand, Bukhara and Khiva because during these months the weather is pleasant and mild.

April To June (Spring) : During this time the temperature ranges in between 20°C to 30°C. The landscapes are lush and green which is perfect for outdoor activities and photography.

September To November (Autumn) : During this time the temperature is ranges in between 15°C to 25°C which makes comfortable to explore many places. This is harvest season in Uzbekistan so fresh fruits and local cuisine are at their best. Skies are clear and this make ideal time for exploring ancient Silk Road monuments.

Main Festivals

1. Navruz (Nowruz) :

Significance : This festival is celebrated on 21st March and this is Persian new year and the most important festival in Uzbekistan. This festival is celebrated with traditional music, dance, feast and special dishes like Sumalak. This festival marks the arrival of spring and renewal of nature.

2. Independence Day :

Significance : This festival is celebrated on the 1st September and this is Uzbekistan's Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. In this festival Grand parade are arranged and concerts, firework and culture events are held across the country.

3. Eid al-Fitr (Ramazon Hayit) :

Significance : This festival is celebrated at the end of Ramzan month with prayers, feast and giving Charity to poor. The date of festival is not fixed and it changes based on Islamic lunar calendar.