Location: Uzbekistan is located in the very heart of Central Asia, between the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. Roughly two-thirds of the country are steppes and deserts, the remaining third are mountains, valleys, and oases.
Area: 447,900 sq. km. The Republic of Karakalpakstan is a part of Uzbekistan, which occupies about 37% of the territory of Uzbekistan. The length of the country’s area from north to south is 930 km, from west to east – 1425 km.
Population: 33.5 million people.
Capital: Tashkent city with a population of over 2.4 million people.
State language: Uzbek. About 80% of the population speaks Russian.
Monetary unit: Uzbek sum. There are exchange offices in the Republic where you can exchange currency at the current rate.
Religions: Sunni Islam is professed by about 88% of the population, Christianity – 9%, other religions – 3%.
Why is it worth going to Uzbekistan?
In the 21st century, when the whole world is available for travelers, why do many choose Uzbekistan? What does this small country in Central Asia have to offer?
Uzbekistan possesses a unique collection of archaeological and architectural monuments of various eras, from the time of Alexander the Great to Nicholas II. Along with historical sites, Uzbekistan has many modern sights and natural beauties that are millions of years old.
Traveling to Uzbekistan is a great option for a small budget, as all-inclusive guided tours are much cheaper than trips to Europe or America. Inexpensive transportation, cheap food, a large selection of simple hotels and hostels have opened the way for independent travelers and backpackers.
Uzbekistan has become more open to the world: in recent years, the rules of entry have been simplified. Citizens of many countries can easily get an e-visa, and some have access to visa-free entry into the country for up to 30 days. Upon arrival in Uzbekistan, tourists can easily get to major tourist centers connected by railways and flights, and in cities, you are happy to provide a wide range of hotels.
At the same time, Uzbekistan can offer many more little-known, wild, and remote places that will appeal to fans of adventure and unusual destinations. Here you do not have to stand in a crowd of tourists, and you can enjoy the beauty of nature and ancient monuments in silence.
How many days does it take to travel to Uzbekistan?
Any trip to Uzbekistan can become unique, depending on the season and the route developed. A month is not enough to see all the tourist places of the country. However, if you want to roughly calculate the number of days required for a trip, we recommend navigating the following directions for a tour of the country.
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. It differs from other cities in the country in its special scope and wide streets. The city has many cozy parks, museums, and several historical attractions.
How many days does it take? 1-2 days
Main attractions: Tashkent metro, Chorsu bazaar, Amir Temur square
Where you can go: to the quarters of the Old City, to the Yangiabad market, or outside the city, to the Chimgan Mountains.
Samarkand is one of the main tourist centers of the country with the monumental architecture of the Tamerlane era.
How many days does it take? 2-3 days, taking into account the trip to Shakhrisabz, to the Motherland of Timur
Main attractions: Registan ensemble, Gur-Emir mausoleum, Shakhi-Zinda necropolis
Where you can go: to the Meros paper mill, to the Khazrat Daud cave, to Shakhrisabz.
Bukhara is an amazing tourist center with charming quarters of the Old City, unusual mosques, and madrasahs.
How many days does it take? 1.5-2 days
Main attractions: Ark fortress, Lyabi-Khauz ensemble, Poi-Kalyan ensemble
Where you can go: Chor-Bakr necropolis, Naqshbandi complex, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa palace.
Khiva is a city that is called an open-air museum. Staying in the Ichan-Kala fortress is an illusion of time travel.
How many days does it take? 1-2 days
Main attractions: Kunya-Ark fortress, Juma-mosque, Kalta-Minor minaret
Where you can go: to the summer residence of the khans Kibla-Tozabog, or take a day trip to the fortresses of Ancient Khorezm.
Nukus is the largest city in the west of Uzbekistan and the capital of Karakalpakstan.
How many days does it take? 1.5-2 days, including a trip to Muynak
Main attractions: the Savitsky Museum with a unique collection of paintings, the Mizdakhan necropolis, 15 km from the city.
Where to go: At the ship graveyard in Muynak, a former port city on the Aral Sea.
Fergana Valley is a densely populated region in the east of Uzbekistan, famous for its artisans.
How many days does it take? 2-3 days
Main attractions: ceramics workshop in Rishtan, silk factory in Margilan, Khudoyar Khan palace in Kokand.
Where you can go: to the ruins of an ancient fortress in the town of Kuva, or the blacksmiths in Chust.
Termez is the hottest city in Uzbekistan. In its vicinity, there are several Buddhist monuments and fortresses from the time of Alexander the Great.
How many days does it take? 1-2 days
Main attractions: Buddhist complexes Karatepa and Fayaz-Tepa, Kirk-Kiz fortress.
Where you can go: to the ruins of Kampyrtepa, to the Jarkurgan minaret, or the Sangardak waterfall.