Question 1

Why Visit Uzbekistan?

Accepted Answer

Uzbekistan is like Iran on steroids. With its Persian roots and its significant location during the Silk Road era, cities like Samarkand and Bukhara have been able to preserve most of their wonderful structures and culture that has been thriving for the past two millennia.

With so much history, Uzbekistan is the place to be to learn about the Silk Road trade route that dominated much of Central Asia's history, explore the stunning desert landscape, and be immersed in its unique culture.

Question 2

When To Visit Uzbekistan?

Accepted Answer

Uzbekistan is best visited during either spring (April - May) or autumn (September - November) when the weather is mild and the colors of the seasons are in full swing. In the summer, it is possible if you can handle the desert heat.

If you want to go during the summer, keep in mind that most road transports are not equipped with air conditioning, and the marshrutka (minivan) can be cramped at times, so prepare accordingly.

Question 3

How to Get a Tourist Visa for Uzbekistan?

Accepted Answer

Getting into Uzbekistan is easier than ever with the introduction to the eVisa portal as well as a number of countries no longer requiring visas to visit the country. If you hold a European or the US passport, you should be able to enter the country without a visa. For other countries, you can check out the Uzbekistan Visa Requirement page on Caravanistan.

If your country are not eligible for free-visa or eVisa entry, you might also need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to obtain a tourist visa, so make sure to get it before embarking on the journey. To check if you need an LOI or not, please visit Caravanistan for the latest information.

You can also get your visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which is highly recommended if you plan to visit Kyrgyzstan as well. For more information on this, please see a quick guide by Lost With Purpose.

Question 4

How to Get to Uzbekistan?

Accepted Answer

You can fly to Tashkent if you already have your visa organized, but if you are already in Kyrgyzstan like I did, you can cross the border from Osh and take a taxi to Tashkent all in one day. If you are looking for a flight, be sure to browse through Skyscanner or Expedia before comparing prices so you can get the cheapest flight possible.

Question 5

How To Get Around Uzbekistan?

Accepted Answer

High-speed trains are the easiest, most comfortable, and cost-effective way to travel around Uzbekistan. You can also book the ticket online now from the Railway official website. You can also buy the ticket on the same day at the train station, but there is a high chance that it will be fully booked during the summer.

Another option is taking a bus. It is cheap and not as uncomfortable as a marshrutka (minivan), but it is slower, and you might have to change buses at times.

Some stretches of the itinerary I proposed might require you to get a shared taxi. From Bukhara to Khiva, it is best that you organize a shared taxi with your hostel since the train doesn't reach Khiva directly, only Urgench. The shared taxi might be a little expensive, but it's direct and much more comfortable. It will take you around 6 hours to travel from Bukhara to Khiva.

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