Is Uzbekistan Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

Uzbekistan is the most visited of the Central Asian countries and it has embraced tourism a lot more than its neighbours.

There are many multi day tours that criss cross the country from Western tour groups but it is also becoming ever more popular with independent solo travellers.

So if you’re into travelling to off the beaten path destinations, should you visit Uzbekistan? Is Uzbekistan worth visiting?

In my opinion, it is an overwhelming yes! I spent about 10 days travelling around the country from Fergana Valley in the far east of the country, to Khiva in the desert in the west.

So why is Uzbekistan worth visiting?

Samarkand

Samarkand and the Registan Square is probably the most recognisable landmark in Central Asia. The blue domes and mosaics on the walls of the madrasahs are absolutely stunning.

But it isn’t just the one square that means you should visit Samarakand. There is an abundance of green space in Samarkand with a number of parks around the city. There are other mausoleums in the city including Gur-e-Amir and the Islam Karimov Mausoleum. There are great local style restaurants all over the city. Yes it is touristy, but it is still so worth visiting.

Khiva

Khiva is difficult to get to and a long way from a lot of other places in Uzbekistan, but it is worth the journey and was my favourite place I visited in Uzbekistan.

It has a dark history as one of the most brutal stops on the Silk Road, with salves being sold in the streets and prostitution rampant. But now, the walled city is a place with few other tourists, and the ones that do make it are treated to a place that feels more authentic than other places on the Silk Road.

It is also one of the most beautiful places I visited with picturesque mosques, minarets and madrahsahs all over the city. I have a guide for spending a day in Khiva.

The Silk Road

The Silk Road is an ancient trading route that passed through this region. Most of the cities built in the desert, such as Khiva, have their roots in the Silk Road.

Although one of the goods traded was silk, camels, knowledge, spices and more were all traded on this route that went from China to Istanbul and into the Roman Empire from the 2nd Century BC up to the 15th Century.

Clues to the history of the Silk Road are everywhere if you know where to look and silk is still produced in the region at the Yodgorlik Silk Factory. Another great way to learn about the Silk Road is book a tour that focuses on that aspect of Uzbekistan such as this one.

Easy to get around

Uzbekistan is a vast nation but it is still quite easy to get around the country. There are flights on Uzbekistan Airlines around the country but many of these are at unusual times and don’t have a regular schedule. Despite this, the train network is fantastic and you can get comfy trains that cover vast distances. I took a 20 hour sleeper train from Fergana to Khiva and it was comfier than I expected, and cheaper and more convenient than a flight.

Once you get into the cities, Yandex makes it easy to get around. Download the app before you travel to Uzbekistan, but you may have trouble authenticating it until you are in the country. I also have to mention at this point the spectacular Tashkent metro that is one of the most artistic anywhere in the world

Uzbekistan is safe

Before travelling to the country, many people ask is Uzbekistan safe? Whilst I consider the whole of Central Asia to be safe for travellers, I found Uzbekistan particularly safe. The country has a more tourist infrastructure than other countries in the region and a lot of the major cities have tourist police if there are any issues. I found the people to be extremely friendly and honest.

Summing up if Uzbekistan is worth visiting

I have to say that Uzbekistan is a place I would happily return to. Whilst each country in Central Asia has its own quirks and characteristics, Uzbekistan is somewhere that is definitely worth the time to see.

From fascinating history, Silk Road towns and a modern capital, Uzbekistan has a little bit for everyone no matter what you’re looking for.

Dan

Dan is an avid traveller from London. His first big adventure was in 2010 living in Malaysia for 3 months. He has been on the road almost constantly since 2015 travelling to destinations that aren’t on the mainstream tourist trail and working full time and travelling since 2021.