Embarking on a journey from India to Uzbekistan promises a delightful blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Nestled in Central Asia, Uzbekistan boasts a rich tapestry of architectural wonders, bustling bazaars, and warm hospitality. It is located on the ancient silk road, the singular rite of passage of ancient travellers and tradesmen. This guide aims to guide travellers on a well-rounded itinerary, highlighting 2 days in Tashkent, 2 days in Samarkand, and 3-4 days exploring the rest of the country, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Important tips for preparing for your trip to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan was closed to tourists for a long time and has re-opened recently. Due to this, you might come across minor hiccups while travelling in the country. However locals are really friendly and with our tips, your holiday will be seamless. We suggest doing the following before leaving for Uzbekistan

• If you have an Indian passport, you will need to apply for an e-visa. This costs INR 1800 and takes 3-4 working days to arrive. Carry a print out of your e-visa to the airport
• Download the Yandex Go App on your phone. Uber doesn’t work in Uzbekistan. However local cabs are extremely cheap and plentiful. This is why you should download an app called Yandex before leaving for Uzbekistan. Use it to request taxis, no matter where you are.
• Download Google Translate or any other translation app of your choice as English is not very widely spoken or understood
• Upon reaching Tashkent, we recommend buying a SIM card from the airport so your apps work seamlessly. There are 2 options at the airport – Beeline and Youcell. Youcell is slightly cheaper but Beeline has better coverage, so we went with the latter. One sim with 30 GB data costs INR 600 ($7). Best to pick it up from the airport itself.
• Pack well – both the heat and cold can be extreme in Uzbekistan. Make sure you check temperatures before packing your suitcase. In addition to this, women should pack a few dresses, tops, and trousers that cover elbows and knees. Unlike other Islamic countries, there are no strict rules for covering up at monuments in Uzbekistan. In fact, everything from short skirts and sleeveless tops is allowed. However in the smaller towns away from Tashkent, covered knees and elbows, especially at historical monuments and places of worship, seems to be the norm
• The best time to visit the country is in spring (March and April) before peak summer temperatures hit and autumn (September-November) before it gets very cold
• Uzbekistan’s bullet trains (Afrosiyob) are ideal to travel from one city to the other. However make sure you book train tickets in advance as they run out! In case you can’t find train tickets, there are 2 other options. You can take private intercity cabs (sample cost from Samarkhand to Tashkent INR 5000 for a the whole car) or take a short domestic flight (sample cost from business class seats from Tashkent to Samarkand INR 4000 per person) depending on what suits you more.
• Finally, be prepared to click a lot of selfies with the locals – everywhere we went, the locals would take a selfie. They love Indians and to be honest are the friendliest people we have met on our travels

Budgeting for your trip to Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is an extremely affordable country. In fact we would go so far as to say it is one of the cheapest countries in the world. This makes it easy and affordable to plan a trip here. The local currency is SOM. 1 INR = 140 SOM (June 23)

In terms of expenditure on a 7-8 day trip to Uzbekistan, a rough estimate would be around INR 85000 ($ 1000). This budget includes flights from India, mid-range accommodations, and moderate dining options. Here are some sample costs that will help you estimate the exact expenditure

• Flights from Delhi to Tashkent: INR 30-50K. We flew on Uzbekairways and booked directly from their website. It’s a 3 hour direct flight from Delhi to Tashkent
• Evisa: INR 1800
• Tashkent Metro Tickets: INR 10
• Tashkent cab ride: INR 100
• Sit-down meal for 2:  INR 700 – INR 1000
• Accommodation: INR 3K-20K per night (depending on your budget and choice – see below)
• Approximate daily expenditure on cabs, food, and attractions: INR 2000

Where to stay in Uzbekistan

Of course your budget will determine your choice of hotel. However the good news is that Uzbekistan has some amazing hotels, ranging from hostels and homestays to luxury hotels and scenic inns. Here are some that we recommend in the country

Tashkent has some amazing options. Try to opt for something central and upscale if possible. If you enjoy standard luxury hotels then Hyatt Regency Tashkent and Wyndham Tashkent are great options – conveniently located and luxurious. For something bursting with local character, also consider Ichan Q’ala Hotel, a unique base to explore Tashkent

While choosing a hotel in Samarkhand, we highly recommend picking something that is close to Registan. Shohjahon Palace or L’Argamak Hotel make for great choices. Expect comfortable rooms, local foods for breakfast, and Samarkhand’s cultural sites at close proximity. If you’re not big on luxuries, or booking your trip last minute, but would like to have great views of historical buildings from your hotel, then consider Kamila Boutique

The choice of hotels and the level of amenities does considerably decrease as you visit the smaller places in Uzbekistan. However you can still find some gems and uniquely memorable stays. We recommend checking out these 4 hotels – Mercure Bukhara Old Town, Wyndham Bukhara, Arkanchi Hotel in Khiva, and Orient Star Khiva Hotel – when you are booking your trip.

What to eat in Uzbekistan

Food in Uzbekistan is to die for – the flavours, ingredients, and presentation styles are very close to Indian food. The national dish of Uzbekistan is “Plov”, which is very similar to Pulao in India. While the locals usually top it with meat, you can always request for vegetarian versions. Other than Plov, make sure you try Manti (dumplings), Obi Non (the Uzbek flat bread akin to Naan), Samsas (similar to Samosas except the Samsa is traditionally baked), and a variety of Kebabs including Kazan Kabob and Shashlik. Uzbek food is one of the tastiest and most flavourful that we have tasted. And finally, make sure you pick some spices or dried fruit – Uzbekistan is known for these!!

Things to see and do in Uzbekistan

Day 1-2: Exploring Tashkent’s Hidden Gems

Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent serves as a gateway to the country’s wonders. Start your adventure by immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant ambience, architectural marvels, and fascinating museums. Begin with a visit to the Old Town (Eski Shahar) and explore Chorsu Bazaar, a bustling market offering a plethora of local delights. If you’re fond of offbeat finds, then consider Oloy Bazaar instead of Chorsu Bazaar.Make sure you visit a traditional Pilaf Centre – Beshqozon is a favourite with locals and tourists alike – you can savour some delicious food, take in the flavours of local dishes, and also see how they are made right in front on you.

Stroll through Independence Square, where monumental structures like the Senate and the Cabinet of Ministers stand tall. Delve into the past at the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, housing artefacts dating back centuries. To witness the city’s cultural side, attend a performance at the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, known for its grandeur and artistic brilliance.

Tashkent is also home to some of the most stunning metro stations in the world. These underground marvels are not just transportation hubs but also architectural gems that captivate visitors with their intricate designs and artistic brilliance. They are like art galleries which simply cannot be missed. A few that you must visit include

•  Kosmonavtlar, which takes inspiration from celestial bodies and space exploration. Expect artwork featuring planets, stars, and galaxies
• Alisher Navoi station is opulent and majestic. Marble columns, grand chandeliers, and ornate arches give it a regal touch. Colourful murals and intricate tile work depicting scenes from the works of Alisher Navoi, the renowned Uzbek poet, add artistic beauty to this station
• If you’re a football fan, visit Pakhtakor station which pays tribute to the national football team
• Amir Temur Hiyoboni station is dedicated to the iconic ruler Amir Temur. Here elaborate mosaic panels depicting scenes from his life and conquests, along with elements of traditional Uzbek architecture, exude grandeur and offer a glimpse into the country’s history.
• Mustakilik Maydoni – our favourite

Day 3-5

Make your way to Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture and significant historical importance. Spend two to three days exploring this magnificent city, which served as the capital of the powerful Timurid Empire.

Begin your Samarkand adventure at Registan Square, the heart of the city, adorned with three grand madrasas (Islamic schools). No matter how many photographs you see of Registan, you will not be prepared for the sheer scale of the monument. We recommend heading there just around sunset as most of the tourist groups and buses have departed and the place is relatively quiet. Plus, it’s absolutely gorgeous at dusk when the lights come on. We’d suggest visiting Registan at least twice during your trip – once early morning and once around sunset. Top tip: Ask one of the locals or shop owners how you can access the cafe on the first floor: it’s a beautiful vantage point

Marvel at the intricate mosaic work and towering minarets, immersing yourself in the glorious past. Visit the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur, and witness its awe-inspiring turquoise dome. Try going early as it tends to get really crowded as the day progresses. We were told that this mausoleum was a big inspiration for the design of Taj Mahal in India.

Continue your journey to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, an architectural masterpiece. Go on to explore our personal favourite, the Shah-i-Zinda complex, a street of mausoleums adorned with stunning turquoise and blue tilework. Get here by 7 a.m. and request the guard to let you in (you might have to tip them a little :-)). To gain deeper insights into the city’s history, try to visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory and the Afrosiab Museum, which showcases artefacts from ancient settlements. If you have just 4-5 days (total for Uzbekistan), you can take a cab back to Tashkent or book the superfast train and board your flight back home after this leg of the trip. However if you have a few more days, here are a couple of options.

Day 5-8

With Tashkent and Samarkand checked off your list, venture into the lesser-explored regions of Uzbekistan for a diverse experience. You can start by visiting Bukhara, another UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved historical sites. Lose yourself in the maze-like streets of the Old Town (Shahristan) and admire the beauty of the Kalon Minaret and the Ark of Bukhara. Ismanil Samani Mausoleum is another place you must visit in Bukhara.

Next, head to Khiva, a true gem of Uzbekistan. Step into the open-air museum of Itchan Kala, a perfectly preserved old town surrounded by ancient walls. Explore the intricate tilework, stunning palaces, and bustling bazaars within its walls. Make sure you make time to enjoy sunset at Kuhna Ark Fortress

If you enjoy nature, head to the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a chance to experience the nomadic lifestyle. Engage in activities like hiking, bird-watching, and stargazing, all while staying in traditional yurts.

There you have it. Everything you need to plan an affordable and special trip to Uzbekistan. Planning a trip here presents a gateway to a world steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Tashkent to the architectural marvels of Samarkand and the hidden treasures across the rest of the country, Uzbekistan offers an unforgettable experience, one that you should put on your bucket list soon.